Don't forget to ask for the specials when you eat out!
Filed under: Food
Some people would argue that if money's tight, people shouldn't be eating out at all but the fact is that many Americans, including myself, still indulge. In fact, there are plenty of ways to pay McDonald's prices but get a sit-down meal. Many restaurants have been running specials since people first started cutting back last year, and are taking further steps to reward hungry customers that do come by offering unadvertised specials.Up until a few months ago, if there was one thing you could count at when you visited a chain restaurant, it was the same items and prices you saw the last time you were there. Now many of these chains are joining family-owned restaurants in offering unadvertised specials. Max & Erma's, for example has recently been offering a $4.99 cheeseburger meal, as well as a rotating special on various cuts of steak, none of which are advertised or on the menu.
Other venues are bringing back the daily specials or offering off-menu specials that lets you eat well without breaking the bank. Many of the local restaurants that have done this are ditching expensive out-of-season food in favor of meals made from items grown closer to home.
My favorite tactic to trim expense is to ask for a lunch portion. With large portion sizes, including salad and bread, you shouldn't go home hungry.
If you don't feel like trying your luck on Saturday night, you can uncover many of these deals just by asking your "in the know" coworker. I've also had good luck searching for specials in online deal forums such as slickdeals.net where frugalistas, who make me look like Thurston Howell, meet up to share their secrets! Remember, saving money on your next meal out is as simple as asking!
Share your favorite specials and off menu deals in the comments.
Also read "How buffets trick you into eating less expensive foods"
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-01-2009 @ 9:55PM
randy said...
In addition to slickdeals, you might also check a deal aggregator site like deallinker.com; which pulls together and rates deals from slickdeals, fat wallet and a number of other bargain sites.
Yesterday, they featured a free cheesecake special from the Cheesecake Factory; and I've seen other restaurant specials pop there as well.
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2-01-2009 @ 9:55PM
Travis said...
Being frugal is one thing, but don't take your money woes out on your server! If you used a coupon remember, the tip is calculated based on the ORIGINAL bill total, not the total after your discount. Also, 15% is the minimum tip for good service. If you can't afford to tip 15% at a sit down restuarant, you can't afford to eat there!
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2-01-2009 @ 9:56PM
Dadu said...
Screw the tip! If everyone stopped tipping, the owners would have to start paying the wait staff a decent wage. Don't supplement the owners payroll.
The waiters have to realize that the tip is for great service. Today waiters give lousy service and have their hand out for a tip. Wake up people !!!!!
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