Websites
We always check the restaurant websites before heading out. Typically there is a free app or a couple of bucks off.
Frontera's has free cheese dip Q's and they also have extras that come in the mail.
Red Lobster, Macaroni Grill, Longhorn's sometimes have Qs in the newspaper.
If we don't particularly like a restaurant (like Longhorns), sometimes we will call a competitor (Like Outback) and ask to use the Longhorn's coupon. We usually do this on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Be sure to ask a manager and pick a kind of "off" time like either 5:30 or 7:30.
We also split an entree for two people. It's better for calorie intake. If we think we will be hungry, we get a small salad to start. Usually the waitor/ess will let us purchase two salads for the "add on" price instead of the "alone" price. For example, a house salad may be $3.99 but only $1.49 when you order an entree. We can usually get both for $1.49 even if only ordering one entree.
Never order desserts. OR get only dessert, eat at home, then hit a "fancy" restaurant for dessert and coffee. We do this on "date" nights to save money. Eat mac'n'cheese with the kids, drop them off at Grandma's and go to the Cheesecake Factory for a slice of cheesecake and two coffees. It still feels like a splurge, and is fun, but for far less than a whole meal there.
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