14 tips to save money at Restaurants - eating out with kids

I may be highly budget conscious, but I do enjoy eating out with my family every so often. That does not mean we pick out any Zagat rated fine dining we feel like on a Saturday evening and splurge. With a little flexibility, and creativity, you can spend a lot less when eating out. For me the bottom line is being together with the family, not having to cook, serve, or do the dishes!

Find restaurants that offer kids eat free days / nights. Since the economy started its downturn, a lot more restaurants have started to offer this.
If you're visiting the Orlando area, buy a $19.99 Kids Eat Free Card. You get one free kids meal with every adult entree purchase in 50 plus restaurants in the Orlando area. It's a really great bargain!
If and when you go to fast foods order from the value or dollar menu. It's budget friendly, and you don't pig out on as much Trans fat.
Unless you're trying to collect the toys for future travel use, it's not worth spending money on the kids meal. Usually for about $2, Seth has a full meal, a cheeseburger or nuggets, some fruits, and I always carry juice box along. He doesn't even miss the toy or ask for it.
As long as the restaurant allows, we always ask for an extra plate for Seth, and we share. If you do this, make sure you somehow involve your child in the decision making of what food you're ordering. I also believe this is a great opportunity for the kids to learn about different food, and cusine. We want Seth appreciating, and enjoying more food, than just the regulars from the kids menu.
Some restaurants offer smaller portions for about half the price; definitely take advantage of it. It's a great way to try out different or new items from the menu.
Lunches are almost always cheaper than dinner. What this means is, if you want to go with us to Benihana, meet us there for lunch!
In this economy; franchise restaurants are definitely in! Especially when places like Applebee's offer 2 meals and an appetizer for $20, you can't beat that!
If you are a Sushi fan, go to places like Ru San's (a sushi joint in Atlanta), where they offer $1 per piece Sushi or $1 for 3 pieces of a roll. Believe me when I say, my husband, and I are pretty full, by the time we hit $15, and I have a fairly big Sushi appetite. Ordering something similar off the regular menu would be wasteful, and cost almost twice as much.
A nice neighborhood pizza joint is the most economical family outing, and your kids will actually enjoy the food. They usually send coupons in mailers.
Don't get fooled or tempted by buffets. No one can eat that much. If you add a few more dollars, you can have a decent meal, at a much nicer place.
IKEA. Oh we love the IKEA cafeteria. I have no idea how they serve good quality food for such a reasonable price! I don't know about their furniture but they do have some good swedish meatballs!
Of course I don't consider this eating out, but if you do have to go to Costco, go on a Saturday when they have 20 different food and drink samples out on the stand for you to taste. It's food tasting for free!
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Tell us how you save money eating out with your kids?

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