by Isabelle Esteves

Created on: June 10, 2009   Last Updated: July 30, 2009

Even when the economy is weak, we all love our little luxuries. Yes, dining out has become a luxury and if we want to continue to enjoy that luxury we need to find ways to do it for less. With a little creativity and a lot of patience, you can find many ways to save on dining out.

Early-bird special

Seniors have got the right idea. If you dine earlier than the majority of diners many restaurants will let you eat for less money. These dinner specials usually served between 4pm and 6pm are as much as 50% off the prices that restaurants charge for the busier, later dinner times. They have special menu's and yes sometimes the portions are smaller and they may not include a salad but just as often they are prix fix and include three courses. Ask your favorite restaurants if they offer "early bird specials" or they may call them "blue plate specials" no matter what they are called, they will save you money.

Clubs

Many restaurants offer email specials and discount clubs. You may pay a onetime fee to be registered but you then receive special offers all year. Some of the clubs are called 'Birthday Club" and they offer you a free diner for your birthday and/or anniversary. In addition there are other perks to be enjoyed.

Houlihans calls theirs the email club, Charlie Browns Steakhouse calls theirs the "handshake club" and Red Robin has an email club. All these will get you periodic specials and additional benefits. To find out other restaurants who offer birthday specials check out this website.EW56Bhttp://www.bargainchaser.com/birthday-g oodies/free-birthday-meals/WH6PDZ6EFP

Restaurants.com

This website offers the opportunity to purchase gift certificates for restaurants at a reduced rate. You can save as much as 75% off but be sure to read any offers carefully. Yes you may pay $3 for a $10 gift certificate but it may require that you spend a minimum of $30 in order to use it. This will still save you $7 but it is only a good deal if you planned to spend $30.

Entertainment Book

The Entertainment Book offers two for one dining coupons and also a dining card that gives two for one dining at certain more upscale restaurant. The entire book is filled with all kinds of discount offers, the majority of them relate to dining but there are other travel deals as well as stores, garages and theaters. The Book is not free but using it for a nice meal even one time is usually enough to pay for itself.

Mailings

Don't just throw out those fliers that come in the mail. Be on the lookout for local dining specials. It may be a coupon or it may just be an advertisement for a special at a local restaurant.

The Web

The web is your friend. When you are planning to dine out, do a search for coupons for restaurants that you might be interested in patronizing. A recent search came up with $3 off on a $6 order at Boston Market Restaurant and a buy one get one free entree at TGI Fridays. The offerings will vary but as long as you have a printer, you can save money.

These are just a few money saving tips for dining out. Use your imagination, you surely can think of others. Everyone wants to save money and dining out is not a luxury we want to give up.

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