Love to dine out, but short on ends? I’ve compiled some of our knowledge about making a dollar stretch without sacrificing your dining out experience. Enjoy!
Restaurant.com
$2 for $25 worth of food? Yes. Many restaurants use this tool to build business. They offer discounted dining certificates online – it’s a great way to try new dining destinations. For example, for about $10, you can purchase a $25 certificate. Certificates are available in limited quantities for set amounts, usually around $10, $25, $50, $100. Be sure to check out the fine print as some aren’t good on weekends or require a minimum amount spent. The certificates can be printed and used within a year. Plus – If you follow @CouponSpy on twitter, they occasionally publish discount codes to get 80% off – basically – you spend $2 and get $25 worth of food. Want to find a code fast? Search twitter for ‘restaurant.com code’. Bet.
Network, Baby!
Follow your local restaurants on Twitter and Facebook. Many offer online specials and giveaways. I’ve gotten gift certificates just for retweeting a restaurant’s posting as part of a giveaway. Check out my list of Milwaukee restaurants on Twitter.
Be A Regular!
Sign up for Rewards Programs, get free food! For example, upon signing up for AJ Bombers’ email list, you’re sent a certificate for a free side or drink. Bring two or more friends on your next visit, get a free burger. Save those frequent diner cards – Bartolotta has a great rewards program, Stack’d gives a free burger for every 10 purchased… need I go on? When going out with friends, use those cards and earn credits fast!
Entertainment Book
Not only are the coupons in the book a great way to save and try new spots, Entertainment Book now also offers online coupons for use year-round. Use the additional online coupons for 2-for-1 meals and discounts. Venues usually offer about 2 additional coupons to use each month. Order a book here.
Groupon
Albeit not exclusively a source for dining discounts, you can sign up for a daily special offer in your area. These include offers for 30-90% off dining, entertainment and services. The catch: You have to purchase the deal that day. Check out the Milwaukee Groupon deals.
Drop Your Card
Keep business cards on hand to enter for the ‘free lunch’ drawings every time you dine out. Intentionally seek out those fishbowls and drawing boxes – You’d be surprised at the results. Many restaurants now offer more than a free lunch. Noodles & Co awards a free ‘Tasting Experience’ of their full menu for you and 3 friends, and Chipotle’s drawing is for lunch for 16! I’ve won both just by simply dropping in my card. Offer to keep friends and co-workers cards on hand to enter on their behalf. One note – Plan on possibly receiving occasional emails after entering; be sure to have cards with your personal email to minimize the amount of email at work.
Check In!
How could I have forgotten about Foursquare?! Add this ap to your mobile, and use it to check in at your favorite spots. Many restaurants offer free drinks for first timers, or special discounts for the ‘Mayor’. Upon check in, you’ll see a note if there is a ‘special here’ or ‘special nearby’. Check it out here.
If you know of any other cost-saving techniques, please do share! Happy dining!
Restaurant.com
$2 for $25 worth of food? Yes. Many restaurants use this tool to build business. They offer discounted dining certificates online – it’s a great way to try new dining destinations. For example, for about $10, you can purchase a $25 certificate. Certificates are available in limited quantities for set amounts, usually around $10, $25, $50, $100. Be sure to check out the fine print as some aren’t good on weekends or require a minimum amount spent. The certificates can be printed and used within a year. Plus – If you follow @CouponSpy on twitter, they occasionally publish discount codes to get 80% off – basically – you spend $2 and get $25 worth of food. Want to find a code fast? Search twitter for ‘restaurant.com code’. Bet.
Network, Baby!
Follow your local restaurants on Twitter and Facebook. Many offer online specials and giveaways. I’ve gotten gift certificates just for retweeting a restaurant’s posting as part of a giveaway. Check out my list of Milwaukee restaurants on Twitter.
Be A Regular!
Sign up for Rewards Programs, get free food! For example, upon signing up for AJ Bombers’ email list, you’re sent a certificate for a free side or drink. Bring two or more friends on your next visit, get a free burger. Save those frequent diner cards – Bartolotta has a great rewards program, Stack’d gives a free burger for every 10 purchased… need I go on? When going out with friends, use those cards and earn credits fast!
Entertainment Book
Not only are the coupons in the book a great way to save and try new spots, Entertainment Book now also offers online coupons for use year-round. Use the additional online coupons for 2-for-1 meals and discounts. Venues usually offer about 2 additional coupons to use each month. Order a book here.
Groupon
Albeit not exclusively a source for dining discounts, you can sign up for a daily special offer in your area. These include offers for 30-90% off dining, entertainment and services. The catch: You have to purchase the deal that day. Check out the Milwaukee Groupon deals.
Drop Your Card
Keep business cards on hand to enter for the ‘free lunch’ drawings every time you dine out. Intentionally seek out those fishbowls and drawing boxes – You’d be surprised at the results. Many restaurants now offer more than a free lunch. Noodles & Co awards a free ‘Tasting Experience’ of their full menu for you and 3 friends, and Chipotle’s drawing is for lunch for 16! I’ve won both just by simply dropping in my card. Offer to keep friends and co-workers cards on hand to enter on their behalf. One note – Plan on possibly receiving occasional emails after entering; be sure to have cards with your personal email to minimize the amount of email at work.
Check In!
How could I have forgotten about Foursquare?! Add this ap to your mobile, and use it to check in at your favorite spots. Many restaurants offer free drinks for first timers, or special discounts for the ‘Mayor’. Upon check in, you’ll see a note if there is a ‘special here’ or ‘special nearby’. Check it out here.
If you know of any other cost-saving techniques, please do share! Happy dining!
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