As a frugal mom, I try to make my meals at home to save money.  However, there are some times when I allow our family to go out to eat.  We like to go out on special occasions and even date nights.  I like my children to know how to eat and behave in a restaurant.  I usually do not go anywhere expensive.  With a family of 6, a family meal out can really add up.  Here are a few things I like to do to save money when eating out.

Set a Budget

Before going out, know how much you want to spend.  For my family of 6, I usually try to spend $30-$50.  I try never to go over $50.  We don’t go out much, so when we do it is a treat.

Eat Out on Off Hours

Eating out on hours that the restaurant usually does not have a lot of people, can really save you money. Many restaurants have happy hours.  You can usually get an appetizer for half price.  I can sometimes eat an appetizer as a meal so this really cuts down on money.  Many restaurants also offer lunch time specials.  Also, ask if you can order off the lunch menu during dinner time.  Many restaurants will let you do this or charge you an extra dollar, but it still comes out saving money and you get a portion size you are more likely to eat at the restaurant. My family enjoys a Chinese all-you-can eat bar.  When we go, we try to go on a Saturday during the lunch hours.  My whole family can eat for around $32 because of the lunch time prices and my kids are the age that they eat cheaper.  So, check out off hours specials as a way to save money at your favorite restaurants.

Rethink or Skip the Drink

Restaurants really add up when you add soft drinks to the meal.  Soft drinks are usually around $2.00 a piece but when you add in the tax and tip that can really add up for a large family. Consider drinking water and asking for a slice of lemon.  Another thing I like to do with my water is have a mix in packet in my purse and then I can just add that to my water and make lemonade or whatever flavor I have on hand.  My family also likes to eat out at Pizza Hut.  My waitress suggested one day that to save money we might want to rethink how we bought our drinks.  We bought the 2 liters and got three different kinds for less than we would have paid for everyone to have a fountain drink.  We all got refills and even took some home.  I thought this was a great idea.

Check Out Family Meal Deals

Many restaurants have family meal deals to help larger families save money.  Sometimes they are not on the menu, so you should ask your server.  I learned this the hard way when my family ate out at Pizza Hut.  They have a separate card with the meal deals.  We can get two pizzas, breadsticks and a one trip salad bar for every family member, and several 2 liters of pop for around $35.  For a family of six, I really think that’s a great deal.  So, don’t forget to ask about family meal deals at your favorite restaurant.

Eat an Appetizer and Skip the Dessert

Many times appetizers are like a meal but cheaper than a regular meal off the menu, so consider ordering off the appetizer menu to save money.  Desserts are another place you can save money.  The portion size is often small for the price you pay.  Consider skipping the dessert and maybe buy a gallon of ice cream on the way home and serve that when you get home.  You will have plenty of dessert for a whole lot less.

Look for Coupons and Discounts

Many restaurants are now using coupons to get people in the restaurants to eat.  You can find coupons at Groupons.com.  I also like to look for Entertainment books that come out and are filled with great restaurant coupons.   So look around there are some great deals to be found when looking to save at restaurants.

Eat a Snack Before Eating Out

Don’t go to a restaurant overly hungry. Eat a small snack and then you will not be tempted to buy the most expensive meal when eating out.  I usually can just eat off of the appetizer menu if I do this and appetizers are always cheaper.

Kids Eat Free

Many restaurants offer a Kids Eat Free day.  Find out when that is and take advantage of it.  I also like some of the all you can eat buffet type restaurants because you can get kids meals for cheaper or sometimes even free depending on their age.

Consider Fast Food Restaurants

My family is perfectly happy going to a fast food restaurant for a family meal.  This brings the cost into my budget.  My kids love Subway.  I love that they offer healthier meals for my family.  My kids always choose the yogurt over the cookie in the kid’s meal packs.  We also like Burger King because it has a play land.  McDonald’s also have play lands but the one close to us does not. This makes eating out a more of an entertainment time for the family for just the cost of a meal. So, consider fast food as a way to save money.