Ever peeked at your bank app after grabbing a quick bite out and thought, “Wait… where did my money go?” Eating out is fun, sure, but it’s so easy for the costs to pile up without even realizing it. Those little extras, the drinks, the add-ons… before you know it, your wallet’s taking a hit.
But what if eating out didn’t have to be that painful for your budget? What if there were ways to enjoy your favorite meals, sneak in deals, and even score freebies—all without stressing over your bank balance? That’s where these cheap eating out hacks come in. I’ve been down this road, juggling grocery bills and cravings, and trust me, these tricks will change how you dine out—making going out cheaper, easier, and more fun.
App Magic
Okay, first things first: apps. I know, your phone’s probably already stuffed with way too many apps, but honestly, the ones from fast food chains and restaurants can be pure gold. Have you noticed how they ping you with coupons and free stuff? That’s not just marketing—it’s your golden ticket to cheap eats.
Why Use Restaurant Apps?
These apps often give you access to exclusive deals, loyalty points that add up to free food, and special coupons you won’t find anywhere else. Signing up usually gets you a welcome freebie—think fries or a drink on the house.
Try These App Tricks
| Restaurant | Hack | Estimated Savings |
|---|---|---|
| McDonald’s | Order a McDouble without ketchup & mustard, add Big Mac sauce & lettuce (basically a cheaper Big Mac) | About $2 per order |
| Chipotle | Ask for half chicken, half beef with extra rice & beans to stretch one meal into two | Up to 30% savings on meals |
| Sonic | Order online/app for half-price drinks any day, plus half-price cheeseburgers on Tuesdays after 5 p.m. | Varies, up to 50% off drinks |
Pro tip? Download these apps before your next outing and keep an eye on daily specials. Apps often have time-limited offers that fly under the radar. Plus, don’t forget to snap your receipts with savings apps that give points back on your fast food runs—it’s free money just waiting to be claimed. If you want to know the Cheapest place to eat fast food, these apps will help you find that too.
One time, I signed up for every app on a road trip. The next day? Free coffees, discounted burgers—felt like winning a mini lottery. Who said eating out had to be pricey?
Menu Secrets
Menus are sneaky little things. Ever find your eyes drifting to the right side? That’s no accident—restaurants know the priciest dishes live there. But if you know where to look (and order), you can dodge those wallet-busting specials.
Can I Eat Off the Kids’ Menu?
Yes, and it’s more common than you think! Kids’ meals often cost half (or less) of adult entrees but come with sides and drinks that fill you up just fine—especially if you’re “average hunger.” Places like Chick-fil-A and Qdoba have kid’s portions that don’t leave you hanging.
When to Go Kid-Size… and When to Pass
- Pro Tip: At CAVA or McDonald’s, ordering a kids’ meal can often be enough for one, especially if you enjoy adding a side salad or chips (sometimes free!).
- Family Dining: Pair a kids’ meal with kids-eat-free nights or lunch specials to feed more for less.
- Avoid if you’re really hungry or sharing. It’s great for solo meals or light eaters.
I remember splitting a kid’s quesadilla with a friend at Qdoba once—and topping it off with some free chips and queso—resulted in the perfect cheap dinner and leftover queso for snacking. Win-win!
Happy Hour Or Lunch Specials?
Why pay dinner prices if you don’t have to? Happy hour and lunch specials are where the real deals hide.
Best Times for Deals
- Lunch menus often slash prices 20-50% compared to dinner—same great meal, smaller price tag.
- Weekday wins—especially Mondays and Tuesdays—restaurants offer better prices to fill seats.
- Hit Taco Bell’s $1 drink deals during Happy Hour (2-5 p.m.) for a cheap refreshment.
This is one of those hacks that felt almost too good to be true when I started trying it—but trust me, it works. And for families looking for Cheap ways to eat out as a family, scheduling dinners around specials can save a bundle.
Family Meal Wins
Feeding the whole crew without breaking the bank sounds impossible? Not with a few shared strategies.
How to Feed Four for Less?
Taking food home is your friend. Ordering takeout or “to-go” dishes means you tip less and avoid the impulse buys like drinks or desserts. Plus, many takeout portions are surprisingly generous—sometimes better than dining in.
Family Feast Ideas
- DIY Pizza Nights: Grab a large plain pizza from places like Costco or Sam’s Club, add toppings at home. Feeds a family for under $10 total.
- Chinese Buffet Hacks: Grab the meat portion from buffets in a to-go box, then stretch with rice made at home for several meals.
- Sharing Family Packs: Many fast food spots offer family meal deals that save more per person than individual orders.
One family night, we scored a $10 family meal pack at a local fast-food spot and literally had leftovers for the next day. Made me realize the joy of ordering smart, not just more. If you want to explore the Cheapest place to eat out that suits families, these hacks will guide you there.
Side Hustles for Your Meal
Don’t sleep on the sides. They’re often charged differently and sometimes you can get creative to bulk out your meal without bulking up your bill.
Freebies and Smart Sides?
Water over soda shaved $3+ off my last order automatically. And simple requests like adding extra free veggies or asking for a side of bread can fill you up and cost little to nothing extra.
Bonus Hacks
| Hack | Example | Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Buy discounted gift cards | Get restaurant gift cards at Sam’s Club or Costco for 10-20% off | Varies but often 10-20% |
| Order to-go entree only | Skip drinks at restaurants and make your own sides at home | Save $3-$6 per meal |
| Use restaurant reward accounts | Signup for Panera’s MyPanera for free pastries and delivery deals | Freebies and discounts |
Another time, bulk-buying gift cards cut our pizza night cost from $30 to closer to $24—extra lunch a bonus. If you want to learn more How to make eating out less expensive at home strategies, these small changes add up big-time.
Wrapping It Up
So yeah, eating out doesn’t have to drain your wallet or feel like a budget buster. With these cheap eating out hacks, you can still enjoy those tasty, convenient meals and keep your savings growing. From using apps to score deals, ordering kid’s meals when you can, hitting up happy hours and lunch specials, to sharing family meal packs and upgrading your sides game, there’s tons of ways to keep costs low.
Next time you’re eyeing that restaurant menu, think about these hacks instead. Try downloading a new app, ordering to-go, or simply swapping a soda for water. The small changes really do add up.
Your bank account will thank you… and heck, maybe even your waistline will—because sometimes, smaller portions can be just right.
Got a favorite cheap eating out trick yourself? Drop it in your head or in the comments somewhere. Sharing is caring, after all.
For more inspiration on Cheap ways to eat out as a family or where to find the Cheapest place to eat fast food, check out those links. Trust me, these little gems of advice make dining out a joy without the stress.
