8 Thrifty Tips for Seniors to Save Money When Eating Out
Eating out is a wonderful way to spend time with friends and family. Not to mention, you get to sit back, relax, and let somebody else cook your meal! But did you know the average American household spends over $3,000 eating out every year? That’s nearly $300 per month! Eating out is pricey! Fortunately, there are things you can do to make it a little less extravagant.
1. Use coupons.
Coupons. Far too many people underestimate these little guys. Or, more specifically, all the money they could be saving you. Studies show that couponing could save your household up to $1,000 per year. So, next time you have a coupon for your favorite restaurant, don’t just throw it away or tuck it in a drawer. Use it! Saving 5 bucks on a salad or steak might not seem like much, but you’ll be glad for those coupons at the end of the year.
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2. Split meals.
Most restaurants give their customers a lot of food. So, the next time you order a big meal, split it with your dining companion! Not only will you save money, but you won’t run the risk of feeling bloated afterward. It’s a win-win for both you and your wallet!
3. Don’t order appetizers.
Appetizers are a delicious segue into a meal. Sadly, the average price of appetizers in restaurants in the US is $7.10. And while that might not seem like too much, $7.10 can add up quickly if you order appetizers with every meal. Whenever you’re tempted to order some egg rolls or that delicious spinach artichoke dip, resist the urge. Your stomach might not be too happy with you, but your bank account certainly will be!
4. Use gift cards.
Gift cards are the proverbial gift that keeps on giving. Most of us receive a gift card or two from relatives around the holidays. While it can be easy to leave them in a gift bag and forget all about them, don’t let them sit around and collect dust! Instead, bring them with you next time you go to your favorite restaurant or coffee shop and enjoy the savings.
5. Order specials.
Most restaurants offer daily specials, but there’s also another kind: early bird specials. According to SocialTables, these discounts typically offer 10-25% off the standard pricing. Sure, this means that you’ll have to eat a little earlier than normal, but we happen to think the savings are worth it!
6. Try buffets.
Who doesn’t enjoy a good all-you-can-eat buffet? You get to create your own custom salad and finish off your meal with a swirl of soft-serve, complete with sprinkles. What could be better than that? Another plus of buffets? They’re often affordable! You can get a drink, a nice entrée, a salad, and a dessert. Make sure that you’re not getting too much of one thing, so you can really get your money’s worth!
7. Only eat out on special occasions.
Most of us eat out at least once a week. This could mean grabbing a coffee from our local Starbucks or swinging by McDonald’s to get a burger for lunch. And while it’s okay to indulge occasionally, eating out can really start to add up fast. If you’re a senior living on a fixed income, you need to be careful. Rather than eating out once or even several times a week, make it a point to eat out only on special occasions. Yes, this will be a sacrifice and a huge adjustment, but when you balance your checkbook at the end of the month, you’ll be happy with yourself!
8. Eat out for lunch instead of dinner.
Did you know that lunch portions are often slightly cheaper than their dinner counterparts? That’s right—you can get the same meal for less. Make sure that you check the menus before you visit the restaurant to make sure they offer lunch specials. And if they do, take advantage of it!
Looking for more Thrifty Tips?
If you’re looking for more thrifty tips, then check out these articles:
- 10 Thrifty Travel Hacks for Retirees
- 10 Thrifty Tips for Living Alone After 60
- 9 Thrifty Gardening Hacks for Retirees Who Love to Play in the Dirt (that will save you HUNDREDS!)
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Originally published June 19, 2025
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