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Step 1
Clip coupons from your local newspaper or city magazines.
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Step 2
Use discount coupon books such as the Entertainment Book and may allow two people to dine for the price of one.
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Step 3
Online options such as Web site coupons from restaurant.com can offer a discount off if you spend a certain amount. You’ll have to print out the gift certificate.
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Step 4
Frequent restaurants that offer dinner deals with a punch card system that offers discounts or freebies once you've frequented them a certain number of times. Ask proprietors at restaurants where you eat often if they offer such a system.
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Step 5
Join a chain's online diner’s club; they may email you specials from time to time, which can also help with the bill.
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Step 1
Split an entrée; this is an option at many restaurants. Some charge an additional fee for this option so you’ll want to ask. But even with the fee, it can often save you money and allow you to sample other flavors such as an appetizer or a dessert.
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Step 2
Cut back on drinks. Alcohol obviously is costly but soft drinks can add up, too. Some restaurants don’t offer free refills and if they do, they probably charge more than what you’d spend on a liter bottle at the grocery store. Just drink water at the restaurant and if you desire a cocktail, enjoy one at home first.
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Step 3
Order lunch instead of dinner. If you are dying to try a new expensive restaurant in your town, try going for lunch. Lunch meals are considerably less expensive and often are just smaller versions of the dinner menu.
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Step 4
Eat early. Many restaurants offer an early bird menu for those who are able to eat before prime dining hours. The menu is the same, just discounted.
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Step 1
Dine at buffet style restaurants that can offer a variety of options for a picky crew.
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Step 2
Eat at restaurants that offer family style meals. They can save you money because many of the offerings are bottomless bowls, while the entrée is usually limited.
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Step 3
Dine at places where children can eat free. Make note if this option is only offered on certain evenings.
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Step 4
Try eating appetizers for your meal; this is an option for smaller appetites. Appetizers are also generally shared food, so there will be no additional charge for splitting. Adding a soup or salad to this option can make a meal.
