Feeding a family at a restaurant doesn’t have to mean overspending. Whether it’s a weekend outing, a birthday celebration, or a midweek break from cooking, there are plenty of smart ways to keep costs down while still enjoying a good meal together.
Here are practical tips to cut your family’s dining bill in half—without sacrificing flavor or fun.
- Take Advantage of Kids-Eat-Free Deals
Many national chains offer kids eat free nights or ongoing promotions for children under a certain age. These deals usually require the purchase of an adult entrée, but the savings can add up quickly.
Restaurants that frequently offer kids-eat-free promotions include:
- Denny’s
- Perkins
- Ruby Tuesday
- Applebee’s
- Use Loyalty Programs to Earn Free Food Faster
Family-friendly chains often reward frequent visits. Signing up for restaurant loyalty programs can lead to free items, birthday perks, and custom offers.
Top programs to join:
- MyPanera: Personalized rewards and free bakery items
- Blazin’ Rewards by Buffalo Wild Wings: Points for every order, including kids’ meals
- Denny’s Rewards: Birthday and referral perks
Always scan your loyalty account or enter it online—even when ordering takeout or delivery.
- Pay with Cashback-Eligible Gift Cards
You can get rewards with a Buffalo Wild Wings gift card or save money with a Panera Bread gift card using platforms like Fluz. Instead of paying with your debit or credit card, buy a gift card through Fluz to earn cashback instantly. This works for both in-person and online orders, making it one of the easiest ways to cut your bill without coupons or complicated codes.
Other family-friendly options include:
Gift cards through Fluz can be purchased on demand—so you only buy what you need.
- Share Meals or Order Combos
Portion sizes at many casual dining spots are large enough to split. Ordering fewer entrées and sharing sides or combo platters can significantly reduce your total. Look for family bundles or limited-time combo deals designed for groups.
Pro tip: Order water instead of drinks for the whole table—it’s a small change that saves big, especially with multiple guests.
- Schedule Outings Around Deals
Many restaurants run weekday promotions like:
- Half-price appetizers
- Two-for-one entrée nights
- Family bundles
- Kids-eat-free Tuesdays or Wednesdays
Use resources like Yelp to search for local restaurants offering happy hour or early-bird specials.
- Maximize Leftovers
If your family can’t finish a meal, box it up and save it for lunch the next day. Ordering slightly more with the intention of getting two meals out of one dinner can help reduce future spending.
Final Thought
Dining out as a family doesn’t have to be expensive. From stacking loyalty programs and cashback tools to planning around free kids’ meals, you can enjoy quality time around the table while sticking to your budget.
Start with Fluz to make your next family meal more affordable—and more rewarding.
