Utilize Kids Eat Free programs. You probably frequent the "family friendly" restaurants anyway, so find out what their offers are. To see a complete list of places where kids eat free, check out my post here.
Use 2-for-1 coupons.You'll find them in the newspaper or in direct mail offers like ValPak. You can also purchase the 2009 Entertainment Book (which you can get now for only $15 and free shipping) to get a slew of BOGO restaurant coupons. Use them as a way to discover new restaurants you haven't tried yet or just to save money when you feel like eating out.
Sign up for restaurant emails and offers. By joining the email lists of your favorite restaurants, you can get coupons through email or regular mail. For example, I joined the Mimi's Cafe' email club and I have gotten all sorts of BOGO offers. Go to the websites of your favorite restaurants to join their E-clubs. You can also join Birthday Clubs for free meals on your (and each family member's) birthday.
Discover the Happy Hour Menu. Most restaurants that have a full-service bar are now offering Happy Hour menus. If you want to eat between 3pm-6pm, there are some really great deals out there. Try a 1/4-pound cheeseburger and fries for anywhere from $1.95 to $2.95, soups and salads, nachos, tacos, chicken strips, ribs and much, much more. Of course, this is only for adults; no children are allowed. Another thing, most bars will require a minimum drink purchase, but the good thing is that even the booze is usually discounted during Happy Hour.
Split dinners.This works best in Italian or Chinese restaurants, but it can be used anywhere. At restaurants known for exceptionally large servings, order only one entree and split it. For a family of four, order only two or three entrees and divvy them up among yourselves.
Buffet meals for family fare. When taking the family out to dinner, consider buffets. Living in Las Vegas offers us ample opportunities as all of the casinos, including the local ones, offer a buffet. In most cases, a parent can share with a small child and there is something for everyone (even the pickiest of eaters). Sometimes I balk at the price ("I don't want to spend $16 on a meal") but if I take into consideration that both my young children will eat free, it is usually cheaper than going to any other sit-down restaurant. Many times the local casinos will also offer 2-1 discounts, making dinner for my family of 4 under $20.
Try out appetizers. Better restaurants usually have a long list of appetizers that are reasonably priced. If you're not outrageously hungry, perhaps there's a yummy item on the appetizer menu that will satisfy your hunger. Also, don't be afraid to ask for fresh bread to accompany your meal.
Watch what you drink. Many times the cost of your drinks can total more than the cost of your meal. How about a cocktail or a glass of wine at home before you leave for the restaurant. This could save you a fortune if you eat out frequently. Limit yourself to water with a squeeze of lemon or lime with your meal. Also, get your after-dinner cup of coffee at home, too. Drinks, including sodas, have some of the highest mark-ups.
Ask for a doggie bag. It really isn't necessary to clean your plate off. Eat what you feel comfortable with and take the rest home for another meal. This in itself is a 2-for-1 deal.
Try lunch instead of dinner. Many of the expensive restaurants are also open for lunch, but the lunch menu can be as much as half the cost of their dinner menu. If you're dying to try a pricey new eatery, why not go for lunch and keep the cost down.
Order takeout. Yes, you'll have to clean up after yourselves, but you'll save money by serving your own drinks and keeping the tip. At home, you can also serve extra veggies for the kids to add more nutrition.
Take advantage of gift card and gift certificate deals. During the holiday season many restaurants are offering an extra incentives when purchasing a gift card. Also, Restaurant.com hass been offering some fantastic deals ($25 certificate for 80% off!) which can make your meal practically free.
Older is better. Some places it's 50, others it's 55, 60, 62 or 65, but seniors can luck out at many restaurants that offer them a discount. Sometimes senior discounts are offered on specific nights of the week. Call your favorite restaurants and ask if they offer senior discounts. Also, places like Denny's and IHOP have senior menus offering smaller quantities and lower prices, and many times you don't have to be a senior to enjoy the savings.
Thanks to Mommy Saving Money and 101 Ways to Save Money for the great ideas!
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