Forget McDonald's $5 value meal. If you really want to save money, bring your own wine to a diner.

By Charles Passy

Follow these tips the next time you visit your favorite restaurant and reap the financial rewards

The good news for inflation-weary diners is that some restaurants are offering deals to ease the financial sting. McDonald's (MCD) just announced it was bringing back its $5 value meal, albeit for just a month. Jack in the Box (JACK) is rolling out a "Munchies under $4" deal.

Still, there's no ignoring the economic pain that restaurant customers are facing. As a recent Wall Street Journal report noted, fast-food prices last month were up 33% over 2019 levels. And let's not forget how grocery prices continue to climb as well - up 1.1% versus last year, according to the latest government figures.

As someone who relishes a good meal and has spent a large part of his journalistic career writing about food, I've been feeling the pain as well. But as someone who's also an inveterate cheapskate, I've found ways over the years to save some dough when dining out. My methods aren't unique - indeed, I'm happy to follow the crowd if it means a lower check price - but they definitely work. And they can apply to a variety of restaurants, from fast-food joints to fine-dining establishments.

Here are 10 of my favorite ways to save.

Order through the app

If we're talking fast food in particular, you should use the restaurant's app. Not only is it more convenient - you can place your order before you arrive and be super specific bout how you want an item prepared - but the apps inevitably offer all sorts of deals. When I make a purchase from Subway using its app, I usually take advantage of a buy-one-sub-get-another-at-a-discount offer. Similarly, I almost always score a deal through the McDonald's app - say, any size drink for a dollar or a free sandwich - provided I make a purchase of some kind.

Buy your discounts

Sometimes the best way to save is to pay upfront. By that, I mean buying gift cards or vouchers that ultimately give you more bang for your buck. You can find restaurant gift cards at a discount through different sources - Costco (COST) is a great one, though its selection can be limited. But don't forget Groupon (GRPN), which sells restaurant vouchers at solid savings (just remember to use them before they expire!).

Supersize your meal (without supersizing your tab)

Speaking of Subway subs, have you ever considered all the free veggies you can pile on at no extra expense? And those veggies have an added benefit - namely, they're good for you! The same holds true at other restaurants, though fair warning: Some will charge for extras (such as lettuce and/or tomatoes), so check before you pile on.

Always ask for tap

Ah, the curse of paying $3 for a bottle of water. I don't know about you, but I never fall into that trap. Instead, I simply ask for tap - and most restaurants willingly oblige. Granted, sometimes they'll give you a small cup without ice, though I find if you ask politely, you can often get a standard cup.

The soda fountain is your friend

If you're thirsty for soda (or other fountain beverages), seek out restaurants that offer self-serve stations that allow for free refills. (McDonald's is apparently doing away with this, however.) But here are a couple of ways to further maximize the savings: First, don't make the rookie mistake of ordering a large drink - get the small and then refill at will; and second, if you're dining with a companion, consider buying one drink that you can share (presuming you can agree on the choice of beverage).

Think BYOB

Who needs to pay $15 for a glass of so-so wine with their meal? Not me. I love to frequent restaurants that don't serve alcohol but offer a bring-your-own-bottle (or BYOB) option. For that matter, even a restaurant that does offer wine may let you bring a bottle and pay what's called a "corkage fee." Various corkage rules apply - typically, the bottle can't be one on the restaurant's wine list - and the fee can sometimes add up at fancier establishments. Also, if the restaurant doesn't have an established corkage policy, don't be afraid to ask: I did at my local diner and the owner agreed to a very reasonable $8 fee, so now I enjoy my cheeseburger deluxe with some quality vino.

Save a meal from going into the garbage (and save money in the process)

It's no secret that a lot of leftover food goes into the garbage at restaurants. But now there are a number of platforms that aim to resolve that issue by selling destined-for-the-trash bin items from eateries, cafes, bakeries and grocery stores at a steep discount to diners. I'm a particular fan of the Too Good To Go platform, which operates in a number of cities, including New York (where I live). It works thusly: I buy a deal for a set amount - say, $5 - and I'm guaranteed to get at least triple that price in food items. Granted, I can't specify what I want, but more often than not I'm pleased with the offerings. In fact, part of the fun is actually the surprise.

Wish yourself a happy birthday

You can reap a bonanza's worth of freebies from many restaurants on your birthday, from doughnuts to pizza slices to entire meals. All you need to do is show proof of your birthday, and in some cases sign up for the restaurant's app. And by "birthday," I don't necessarily mean the actual day. Some restaurants will extend the offer for the week or even the month surrounding your birthday. The last time I put this to the test I scored $63 worth of free food.

Play the credit-card game

I always charge my restaurant meals to a credit card that has a cash-back deal on dining expenses. The individual rewards aren't huge - the best cards offer up to a 5% rebate in my experience - but they add up over time. Just make sure the restaurant isn't one that applies a credit-card surcharge, since that can negate the value of the rebate.

Be a generous tipper

I say everyone should tip generously because it's the right thing to do. Restaurant wait staff work hard for their money and they depend heavily on tips to make a decent living. But there's also a hidden benefit to tipping on the high side: It can win you brownie points with the waiter if it's an establishment you patronize frequently. And by brownie points, I mean, well, actual brownies, or at least freebies of one kind or another. I've known waiters who have given me larger portions or thrown in an extra treat in my bag of leftovers. And, yes, on occasion, I've gotten a free dessert, too.

-Charles Passy

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05-18-24 1433ET

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