Eating out is fun, but it certainly adds up fast. Dining out can cost upwards of $100 for a family, and even if you’re dining alone you can easily rack up a big bill on your entree alone.
If you’re looking to enjoy a meal out on a budget, the following popular restaurants offer great deals, specials and discounts. Take advantage of these deals, and score some savings on your next restaurant visit.
Chilis: 3-Course Meal for $10
The Deal: Order a three-course meal from Chili’s 3 for $10 menu, and you’ll get an appetizer (or starter), entree, and dessert for that affordable price.
The Details: Customers must order from the specific 3 for $10 menu. The deal does include a fountain drink or iced tea, but any speciality drinks or drinks from the bar (alcohol) will cost you extra. There’s no limit to how many people can take advantage of this deal – you, a friend, a loved one, or an entire party of people can all order from the 3 for $10 menu to take advantage of this deal.
Outback Steakhouse: 10% Off for AARP Members
The Deal: Anyone who’s an AARP member can show their AARP membership card and save 10 percent off the total cost of their check.
The Details: If you’re a card-carrying AARP member, make sure you have your card with you when you dine at any Outback Steakhouse location. The 10 percent off deal is valid on lunch or dinner, no coupon required. It cannot be used for online orders. Anyone who’s age 50 or older can qualify for AARP membership and take advantage of this discount.
Red Lobster: Weekly $15 Meal Deals
The Deal: Enjoy a special entree, which changes each day, for just $15 Monday through Friday. Each day of the week, there’s a specific entree customers can enjoy – and from Garlic Shrimp Scampi to Lobster Rolls to Fish and Chips, some of your favorite Red Lobster dishes can be had for no more than $15.
The Details: In order to enjoy these daily $15 entrees, you need to make sure you schedule your dinner before 6PM. The $15 price is only valid until 6PM Monday through Friday, so later diners or those who visit on the weekends won’t find this deal on the menu.
Applebee’s: 2 for $22 Menu
The Deal: Once known as Applebee’s 2 for $20, the latest offering from this popular restaurant chain is now 2 for $22. You and a guest can enjoy two entrees from the 2 for $22 menu, as well as one appetizer for a total of $22. Try out anything from Applebee’s soup and sandwich lunch combos to buffalo wings to Bourbon Street Steak without breaking the bank, and you’ll enjoy two sides for each entree. And don’t forget to pick an appetizer to share.
The Details: The 2 for $22 menu can vary at different Applebee’s locations, and the price can change based on location as well. You have to choose only from the 2 for $22 menu – any substitutions may cost you extra.
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse: ½ Off Pizza Mondays
The Deal: Get half off the price of any pizza on the BJ’s menu every Monday. From deep-dish to tavern-cut, you can enjoy any one of this chain’s delicious pizzas for 50 percent off. If pizza isn’t your favorite dish, you can also check out BJ’s other daily deals and specials. Most days of the week, this chain offers something from its menu at a steal of a price.
The Details: You don’t need any coupons to take advantage of this deal. It’s available at all participating BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse locations, and you can pair your half-off pizza with a $5 BJ’s Brewhouse Margarita, the discounted specialty drink of every Monday.
Olive Garden: Free Appetizer or Dessert for E-Club Subscribers
The Deal: Olive Garden is home to plenty of awesome and affordable meal deals – after all, who doesn’t love the restaurant chain’s limited-time unlimited breadsticks and salad, or promotions like unlimited pasta? And right now, any customers who sign up for the Olive Garden E-Club can get a free appetizer or free dessert with their meal. Just sign up for the E-Club on the Olive Garden website, and you’ll get to choose your freebie when you purchase two entrees during your next visit.
The Details: In order to qualify for the free appetizer or dessert offer, you’ll have to agree to receive emails from Olive Garden. You can opt out of those emails at any time. You’ll also need to make sure to order two entrees when using this discount.
El Torito: $2.99 Taco Tuesdays
The Deal: Every Tuesday, enjoy a variety of tacos at El Torito for just $2.99. You can choose from a made-to-order selection of tacos that includes chicken, carnitas, steak, and fish – and every taco is made with fresh, handmade tortillas. You can also dine on a selection of sides that includes roasted potatoes, beans, sweet corn cake, and a salsa bar. If you want a real treat, you can also try out elote (Mexican street corn) for $2.99.
The Details: $2.99 Taco Tuesdays start at 3PM every week at participating El Torito locations.