You don’t have to give up dining out to stay within your budget. With the right tools and tactics, it’s possible to enjoy your favorite restaurants while keeping spending in check. From cashback apps to portion hacks, here’s everything the savvy budget diner needs to make eating out affordable—and still delicious.
- Use Cashback Gift Cards for Instant Savings
Paying with a gift card can do more than simplify your checkout—it can also save you money. Apps like Fluz offer instant cashback when you buy restaurant gift cards, letting you spend the same amount while earning rewards.
You can:
- Earn cashback with a Chipotle gift card
- Save money with a Panera Bread gift card
- Get cashback with a Chili’s gift card
- Get rewards with a Buffalo Wild Wings gift card
These cards work for in-store, online, and app-based orders, and can be purchased in exact amounts on demand.
- Join Restaurant Loyalty Programs
Many restaurants offer free loyalty programs that reward you with points, free items, or personalized deals.
Examples include:
These programs work seamlessly with gift card payments, letting you stack savings and rewards together.
- Look for Local Deals and Happy Hours
Timing matters. Dining during happy hour or off-peak times can unlock cheaper menu pricing and exclusive deals. Use platforms like Yelp and OpenTable to filter by restaurants with happy hour menus, weekday specials, or BOGO deals.
- Share Meals and Skip the Extras
At many casual dining spots, portion sizes are large enough for two. Consider sharing an entrée or ordering a few appetizers to split instead of full meals for everyone. Skip soft drinks and opt for water—those $3 sodas add up quickly, especially for families.
- Use Cashback and Coupon Apps Together
For online orders or delivery, stack your savings by combining Fluz gift cards with apps like Rakuten and Ibotta, which frequently offer cash back on food delivery services. Add promo codes from RetailMeNot or Slickdeals to increase your savings even more.
- Try Takeout Instead of Dining In
Ordering takeout can eliminate tipping expectations and reduce costs tied to table service. Many restaurants offer takeout-only discounts, and apps like Too Good To Go let you purchase surplus meals at steep discounts from local eateries and cafes.
- Stretch Leftovers for Extra Value
Plan your dining out experience with leftovers in mind. Choose meals that reheat well, and don’t hesitate to bring home what’s left. You’ll effectively turn one restaurant meal into two, which doubles the value of your dining budget.
Final Tip: Combine and Conquer
The best savings come from stacking multiple strategies. Pay with a cashback-enabled gift card, scan your loyalty ID, apply a promo code, and time your meal around happy hour or weekday deals. These small steps add up fast.
Want to simplify your savings from the start? Download Fluz and turn every restaurant trip into a smarter spend.
