Dining out doesn't have to break the bank
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SEATTLE -- Americans spend about $1.7 billion in restaurants every day, but dining out doesn't have to break the bank.
Consumer Reports have a few ways to save, beginning with a quick online search for your favorite eateries.
Take Chili's, for example. It has a $20 steak dinner special for two. Sign up for e-mail alerts and join an e-club to learn about even more deals.
By joining California Pizza Kitchen's e-Club, you get $5 toward your next visit. And on Facebook, liking Outback Steakhouse and other restaurants can also lead to dining deals.
Consumer Reports found you do need to choose carefully where you eat. A survey of nearly 48,000 subscribers gave some popular chains low marks for value -- such as Hard Rock Cafe, Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar, and Hooters.
"Now, another sure fire way to save is to eat when others don't," said Tod Marks with Consumer Reports. "There's a lot more out there than just an early-bird special."
At Applebee's, late-night diners enjoy half-price appetizers. And at Red Lobster, you get a discount on some shrimp entrées on Mondays and Tuesdays.
"If it's your birthday, eat at a restaurant that offers free dessert," Marks said.
Among the lowest-rated restaurants overall were Friendly's and Waffle House. Both got low marks for atmosphere and cleanliness.
They're found on the East Coast and in the South, so if you're traveling this summer, keep that in mind.
Consumer Reports have a few ways to save, beginning with a quick online search for your favorite eateries.
Take Chili's, for example. It has a $20 steak dinner special for two. Sign up for e-mail alerts and join an e-club to learn about even more deals.
By joining California Pizza Kitchen's e-Club, you get $5 toward your next visit. And on Facebook, liking Outback Steakhouse and other restaurants can also lead to dining deals.
Consumer Reports found you do need to choose carefully where you eat. A survey of nearly 48,000 subscribers gave some popular chains low marks for value -- such as Hard Rock Cafe, Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar, and Hooters.
"Now, another sure fire way to save is to eat when others don't," said Tod Marks with Consumer Reports. "There's a lot more out there than just an early-bird special."
At Applebee's, late-night diners enjoy half-price appetizers. And at Red Lobster, you get a discount on some shrimp entrées on Mondays and Tuesdays.
"If it's your birthday, eat at a restaurant that offers free dessert," Marks said.
Among the lowest-rated restaurants overall were Friendly's and Waffle House. Both got low marks for atmosphere and cleanliness.
They're found on the East Coast and in the South, so if you're traveling this summer, keep that in mind.
