Dining Out on a Budget: Deals, Loyalty Programs, and Survey Discounts
Who doesn’t love a good meal out? But dining out too often can eat up your budget fast. The good news? You can still enjoy your favorite restaurants without overspending! From loyalty programs to cashback apps, there are lots of easy ways to score discounts and freebies. Here’s how you can save while dining out, without cutting out the fun.
1. Join Restaurant Loyalty Programs for Special Deals
Restaurant loyalty programs are a goldmine for anyone looking to save. They’re free to join and can mean big discounts, freebies, and exclusive deals.
- Longhorn Steakhouse: New members get a free dessert or appetizer just for signing up, plus you’ll receive birthday freebies and exclusive discounts.
- Bojangles: Members score exclusive coupons and seasonal deals, and just for signing up, you’ll get a free biscuit—who could say no to that?
Pro Tip: Sign up for loyalty programs at any restaurant you visit often. Those little perks add up fast!
2. Take Quick Guest Surveys for Discounts and Freebies
If you’ve ever noticed a survey link on your restaurant receipt, don’t ignore it! Guest surveys are a super simple way to score extra discounts or even free menu items.
- Longhorn Steakhouse: Complete their Longhorn Steakhouse Survey at longhornsurvey.com, and you could get a discount on your next meal. It’s a quick and easy way to save on your next steak night! Check out the survey here.
- Bojangles: Take the Bojangles Guest Satisfaction Survey at talktobo.com, and you’ll score a buy-one-get-one-free Sausage Biscuit. Breakfast on a budget? Yes, please! Check out the survey here.
Pro Tip: Always check your receipt after dining out—you never know what kind of reward you might find just for giving a little feedback.
3. Use Cashback Apps to Earn Money While You Dine
Cashback apps like Rakuten, Dosh, and Ibotta aren’t just for online shopping; they work with restaurants too! Simply link your credit or debit card to the app, and you’ll earn cashback at participating spots.
- How It Works: Many apps offer a percentage back when you dine at partnered restaurants. For example, Dosh often has cashback offers for places like Wendy’s and Applebee’s. Just pay with your linked card, and you’ll get cash back right to your account.
Pro Tip: Stack these cashback offers with your loyalty program points and survey rewards for triple the savings!
4. Keep an Eye Out for Special Deals and Holiday Promotions
Restaurants love to offer limited-time deals, especially around holidays. Following your favorite spots on social media or signing up for email alerts can help you stay in the loop for these deals.
- Example: Chains like Olive Garden and Chili’s often offer “2-for-1” deals, family meals, or holiday specials. These are great options for treating yourself or having a night out with friends or family without overspending.
Pro Tip: Set up an email folder for restaurant deals. When you’re ready to dine out, take a quick look—you might find a discount waiting!
Wrapping Up: Budget-Friendly Dining
Dining out on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing good food or fun nights out. By joining loyalty programs, filling out quick surveys, using cashback apps, and snagging special offers, you can make the most of every dollar while enjoying your favorite restaurants. Try these tips next time you’re craving a meal out, and watch the savings roll in!
Bonus Tip: Always ask about military, student, or senior discounts—many restaurants offer these for even more savings!
