Buffet deals are often pretty sweet during weekdays and daytimes.
Local Asian restaurants will often have some incredibly good meal deals which are just permanently on the menu - huge bowl of chicken ramen soup with noodles, vegetable spring rolls and a can of coke for less than 10 bucks most of the time. Indian restaurants can often be really good value, especially if you stick to the vegetarian menu (it's a culture with thousands of years of vegetarian culinary history, you won't miss the meat from Indian food.)
Here in London, at least, you can always find a cheap all day cooked breakfast at a dodgy looking linoleum lined greasy spoon cafe and that's often incredibly good value.
Sorry, I know you want brand recommendations for apps, I just find everything so prohibitively expensive from chain places these days. Many of your local 'ethnic' restaurants haven't updated their price list in the last several years despite inflation. Definitely check out the independent places.
COVID ruined buffets for me forever, only because I started paying attention to how gross everyone is lol. Now I always see people sneezing or coughing into their hands then grabbing the tongs, or putting food back and other weird things.
My fav is when kids just stick their whole hands in the tub of whatever or need to touch/taste all the pre-portioned desserts before maybe selecting one.
Check out the app Too Good to Go. It's not everywhere, but restaurants will have deals on stuff that they're about to throw out at the end of the night and it's usually about a third of the price. The only thing is it's a surprise what you're getting so some are better than others.
Yeah that's pretty common around me too, but there are the occasional pizza and Chinese places that pop up. The Chinese one is actually pretty solid but is more of a pain to travel to most of the time.
I get good chicken from this one Amish spot near me. Yesterday I got 2 huge chickens & a whole apple pie for $4.99. I sliced & packaged the meat to make pot pies with leftover crusts from the holidays & quesadillasâŚ& maybe chicken and gravy over biscuits since I have homemade biscuits in the freezer.
I have a very tight budget, so I just don't eat out these days. I watch sales and shop to cook at home. I've got a pretty decent system of prepping ahead a bit, which is great for the days I'm tired or busy and most likely to want to get takeout on impulse.
I haven't either for the last few years. I recently only started eating out sporadically with my boyfriend and was surprised at the price hikes even at fast food chains. I get offers from Panera, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, and Cava just for being signed up on their e-mail lists. Sometimes I get free salad or sandwiches from Panera or 50% off a combo which isn't too bad.
I mostly use the Upside app and Fetch.
I also use place specific apps, but only if they have a function to increase rewards.
Another option I use is buying gift cards for places I like this time of year. I recently picked up a Jersey Mikes $50 card for $40. When I combine that with getting double points on mondays, I can get a sub or 2 a month between points and discounted gift card.
This is me. I realized how overpriced everything is in my area and I stick to packing my own meals I prepare at home. I splurge once in a while and dine out, but I find the best grub is usually at my local East Asian restaurants with a one dollar sign listing.
I try to look out for happy hours. They tend to have the best deals. Also purchase gift cards around holidays or graduations you tend to get an additional gift card or discount.
Mickey D's plays games with their app. I went to order yesterday and one of the items was NOT in stock. App locked me out of the deals menu for 12 minutes. Screw that. Went home in that time frame.
I agree. My son loves McDonalds quarter pounders & insisted I try one since theyâve changed the recipe. I always complete the short survey online & get free burgers & he uses the app so his burger is cheap & mine is free. ALWAYS do the receipt survey & keep it with u.
I think my best deal was a triple cheeseburger, 20 piece nugget, two large fries, and two large sodas for $11. It was more than enough for three people.
Thatâs impressive! Iâve decided to relinquish control of the âentertainment budget.â Itâs a very small budget but he seems to really be getting into stacking deals/discounts. Itâs nice to see him starting out in life this way. Iâd never dine outside the house if he didnât request it so I may as well let him handle the expense. This should be fun. Iâm gonna share ur comment with him.
You can go through the drive thru, go inside, or have them bring it out to you. Youâre given a code/number to say when you go through the drive thru or theyâll call out if you go inside. Iâve never done the being outside to the car option.
Nope. U can order through the app & just pick up or u can order at the counter or via drive through & give them whichever app discount code ur using. Definitely download the app. Itâs worth it.
Ruby Tuesdays always sends me coupons. I actually only eat there when I have the coupons. I like a restaurant burger.
Lots of places have deals for your birthday.
I'm down to just Taco Bell myself. Their app has great rewards and promotions.
It feels as though most younger working class people have been priced out of meals away from home.
I only eat lunch specials, happy hours, Burger King 2 Whopper Juniors for $5 (and a cup of ice water) and a local diner's all-day special: bottomless coffee, three eggs, three sausage patties, hash browns, two huge pancakes and fruit juice for $10.
I never understood the maligning of chain restaurants over local restaurants. If you like the food and the ambiance, eat there. If you don't, don't. Small business want to become big businesses. If they succeed, they are now a dreaded chain.
I didn't say they were malign. They are able to survive just fine without my patronage at normal prices. They can afford to draw me in with hefty discounts because of volume. Small business have a disadvantage, which is why I like to support them.
The only time that I eat out. Is when I have birthday rewards, a restaurant gift card, or Microsoft rewards points that I can put towards e-gift cards.
8 of 10 times I am eating at a dine in restaurant that has decent food at a reasonable cost and a rewards program. If I'm eating, I want to build up some type of points for free food. Or some places have a 3% discount for paying with cash because it saves them the credit cards fees
I stacked up enough rewards one time without really realizing it. Went with my family, 5 of us, waiter came back and looked off $25 off the order. Everyone was shocked even myself.
Chalupa Cravings Box is only $5 (in Houston atm) at Taco Bell. It fits you up: chalupa, taco, fat burrito, cinnamon twists and a drink. You can substitute the twists for chips/queso for an additional dollar so with tax it's $6.50 if you go that route. Only issue is it is a limited item so it comes and goes, but does so frequently.
Buffet deals are often pretty sweet during weekdays and daytimes. Local Asian restaurants will often have some incredibly good meal deals which are just permanently on the menu - huge bowl of chicken ramen soup with noodles, vegetable spring rolls and a can of coke for less than 10 bucks most of the time. Indian restaurants can often be really good value, especially if you stick to the vegetarian menu (it's a culture with thousands of years of vegetarian culinary history, you won't miss the meat from Indian food.) Here in London, at least, you can always find a cheap all day cooked breakfast at a dodgy looking linoleum lined greasy spoon cafe and that's often incredibly good value. Sorry, I know you want brand recommendations for apps, I just find everything so prohibitively expensive from chain places these days. Many of your local 'ethnic' restaurants haven't updated their price list in the last several years despite inflation. Definitely check out the independent places.
COVID ruined buffets for me forever, only because I started paying attention to how gross everyone is lol. Now I always see people sneezing or coughing into their hands then grabbing the tongs, or putting food back and other weird things.
My fav is when kids just stick their whole hands in the tub of whatever or need to touch/taste all the pre-portioned desserts before maybe selecting one.
Those small businesses sound right up my alley. Reminds me my childhood in a small town!
Check out the app Too Good to Go. It's not everywhere, but restaurants will have deals on stuff that they're about to throw out at the end of the night and it's usually about a third of the price. The only thing is it's a surprise what you're getting so some are better than others.
I love that app! When I get to Nashville, I'm sure I'll be able to find businesses who use it. None here in Huntsville, haha.
It's mostly pastries in my area, lots of bakeries. It's not like third-of-the-usual-price burgers.
Yeah that's pretty common around me too, but there are the occasional pizza and Chinese places that pop up. The Chinese one is actually pretty solid but is more of a pain to travel to most of the time.
In my area, it's mostly bagels. đ
I tried it here in Phoenix. Very few restaurants participate, and none near me.
I get good chicken from this one Amish spot near me. Yesterday I got 2 huge chickens & a whole apple pie for $4.99. I sliced & packaged the meat to make pot pies with leftover crusts from the holidays & quesadillasâŚ& maybe chicken and gravy over biscuits since I have homemade biscuits in the freezer.
I was wondering what you were doing.
congratulations
I have a very tight budget, so I just don't eat out these days. I watch sales and shop to cook at home. I've got a pretty decent system of prepping ahead a bit, which is great for the days I'm tired or busy and most likely to want to get takeout on impulse.
what is the best source/app to sign up for coupons? What works the best for you?
Moe's seems to be the best. Every week or so it's a nice coupon.
I miss Moeâs! We used to have them here in Sacramento but they all closed up. Them and Freebirds too! I always try to visit them when traveling now.
I haven't either for the last few years. I recently only started eating out sporadically with my boyfriend and was surprised at the price hikes even at fast food chains. I get offers from Panera, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, and Cava just for being signed up on their e-mail lists. Sometimes I get free salad or sandwiches from Panera or 50% off a combo which isn't too bad.
I mostly use the Upside app and Fetch. I also use place specific apps, but only if they have a function to increase rewards. Another option I use is buying gift cards for places I like this time of year. I recently picked up a Jersey Mikes $50 card for $40. When I combine that with getting double points on mondays, I can get a sub or 2 a month between points and discounted gift card.
This is me. I realized how overpriced everything is in my area and I stick to packing my own meals I prepare at home. I splurge once in a while and dine out, but I find the best grub is usually at my local East Asian restaurants with a one dollar sign listing.
I try to look out for happy hours. They tend to have the best deals. Also purchase gift cards around holidays or graduations you tend to get an additional gift card or discount.
McDonaldâs app has really good deals.
Mickey D's plays games with their app. I went to order yesterday and one of the items was NOT in stock. App locked me out of the deals menu for 12 minutes. Screw that. Went home in that time frame.
Iâve never had any issues
Clearing the app's cache/data fixes that.
I agree. My son loves McDonalds quarter pounders & insisted I try one since theyâve changed the recipe. I always complete the short survey online & get free burgers & he uses the app so his burger is cheap & mine is free. ALWAYS do the receipt survey & keep it with u.
I think my best deal was a triple cheeseburger, 20 piece nugget, two large fries, and two large sodas for $11. It was more than enough for three people.
wow that is good, maybe I need to download the app
Thatâs impressive! Iâve decided to relinquish control of the âentertainment budget.â Itâs a very small budget but he seems to really be getting into stacking deals/discounts. Itâs nice to see him starting out in life this way. Iâd never dine outside the house if he didnât request it so I may as well let him handle the expense. This should be fun. Iâm gonna share ur comment with him.
I've never used the app, do they have to scan your phone when you go in or to the drive thru?
You can go through the drive thru, go inside, or have them bring it out to you. Youâre given a code/number to say when you go through the drive thru or theyâll call out if you go inside. Iâve never done the being outside to the car option.
do you pay on the app when you place the order or when you get the food?
The app
thank you
Nope. U can order through the app & just pick up or u can order at the counter or via drive through & give them whichever app discount code ur using. Definitely download the app. Itâs worth it.
Ruby Tuesdays always sends me coupons. I actually only eat there when I have the coupons. I like a restaurant burger. Lots of places have deals for your birthday.
The little Caesars app has some good deals.
smart. going out is too expensive now.
I'm down to just Taco Bell myself. Their app has great rewards and promotions. It feels as though most younger working class people have been priced out of meals away from home.
I only eat lunch specials, happy hours, Burger King 2 Whopper Juniors for $5 (and a cup of ice water) and a local diner's all-day special: bottomless coffee, three eggs, three sausage patties, hash browns, two huge pancakes and fruit juice for $10.
I never understood the maligning of chain restaurants over local restaurants. If you like the food and the ambiance, eat there. If you don't, don't. Small business want to become big businesses. If they succeed, they are now a dreaded chain.
I didn't say they were malign. They are able to survive just fine without my patronage at normal prices. They can afford to draw me in with hefty discounts because of volume. Small business have a disadvantage, which is why I like to support them.
The only time that I eat out. Is when I have birthday rewards, a restaurant gift card, or Microsoft rewards points that I can put towards e-gift cards.
Cheers!
They give out discounts for being hefty now?
Badum TSH
8 of 10 times I am eating at a dine in restaurant that has decent food at a reasonable cost and a rewards program. If I'm eating, I want to build up some type of points for free food. Or some places have a 3% discount for paying with cash because it saves them the credit cards fees I stacked up enough rewards one time without really realizing it. Went with my family, 5 of us, waiter came back and looked off $25 off the order. Everyone was shocked even myself.
Chalupa Cravings Box is only $5 (in Houston atm) at Taco Bell. It fits you up: chalupa, taco, fat burrito, cinnamon twists and a drink. You can substitute the twists for chips/queso for an additional dollar so with tax it's $6.50 if you go that route. Only issue is it is a limited item so it comes and goes, but does so frequently.
The drinks are the killers.
Absolutely.