by Susan Mcdaniel

Created on: October 19, 2009   Last Updated: June 16, 2011

Dining out used to be a luxury reserved for special celebrations. Today it's almost a necessity, if not an ordinary event. The dilemma is how to make a luxury into a routine without breaking the budget? Restaurant dining is an expensive proposition, but here are five ways to make it more affordable.

Use Discounts

Many restaurants use discounts to lure and keep customers during these tough economic times.

In South Florida, Duffy's Sports Grill employs an MVP frequent diner card to retain its loyal customer base and save you money. Duffy's Director of Marketing, Sandy Nelson, reports that over 70% of their 300,000 customers use the card in their 20 area restaurants. Members enjoy $9.95 Monday specials, 40% discounts from 2-4PM weekdays, and accrued points for each dollar spent. Spend $100 and get a $10 credit on your card. Other restaurants have similar programs. It pays to sign up.

Major metropolitan areas run dining out discounts during their slow tourist seasons in an attempt to boost sales. In Miami, for instance, Miami Spice offered incredible summer savings on both dinner and lunch. Look for it again in 2010. Similar discounts were available at Flavor Palm Beach- participating restaurants where lunches cost $19.09 and three-course dinners sold for $30 in September. Now those savings have moved to Fort Lauderdale where the program runs through November. Check on-line for your area and reap the rewards

Combine offers where you can. For example, register your credit card, which offers cash back, with an airline which offers miles for dining, like American Airlines, and double up on the rewards.

Use Coupons

Check your local newspaper for coupons. On-line coupons are also readily available. Check the site for the restaurant you want to visit, your local Chamber of Commerce, and others. Jan Norris, well-known former newspaper food editor suggests, "Go to Taylor Morgan's site at South Florida Dines and sign up to buy half-price dining certificates." These certificates give you 50% off at participating restaurants. Other areas have similar programs. In Fort Lauderdale, for instance, 10 Best supplies coupons for area dining outlets.

Entertainment Books for various regions of the country offer a tremendous opportunity to eat at a variety of locations with deep discounts. The cost of the coupon book is usually offset by the savings in one or two meals.

The old adage, "Never pay retail" applies to restaurants, too. And never, ever pay more than retail! Read on.

Don't

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