How to eat out for less, birthday freebies!

I have an envelope system that helps me organize my dining coupons and restaurant weekly specials, it is so simple.

First, I take a legal size envelope (nothing fancy). On the outside of the envelope I keep a running  list of the restaurant coupons I’ve placed inside and the expiration date. On the back,  I write Monday, Tues, Wed,etc.  I jot down weekly specials and promos that I find from local restaurants. To find kids meal deals go to www.kidsmealdeals.com… .  Then I put it in my Mary Poppins carpet bag jk…. I put it in my purse. I’m going to start making one for my husband to keep in his glove box, I know he’ll appreciate the savings.

Here are the ways I gain coupons and info for restaurant deals, if you know any other ways, please share.

• Sunday paper:  I go through the whole thing to see if there are any restaurant coupons or other deals I might be interested in. Several restaurants have coupons in Red Plum & Smart Source.
• Sign up on local sites:  Town Money Saver , neighborhood newsletter from loyal-email.
• Become a fan of a restaurants on facebook and join their e-clubs on line, you’ll receive special promos, coupons and freebies..  I would reccomend using a different email address for all your sign ups.
• Many of them send you coupons for free items on your birthday, I received a coupon for a free cookie slice from Great American cookie Co.for my birthday this year….yum!!!.  Red Robin has an e-club and sends you a free burger coupon on your birthday, several others do birthday deals. Many restaurants offer a free meal for your birthday, all you have to do is show them your drivers license and go the exact day. More on birthday deals below.
• Sign up for rewards programs. Max & Erma’s has a good neighbor card that you earn discounts from…don’t forget to sign up with Biggby  and Barry’s bagel, & Chili’s. PF Chang’s has a warrior card that currently give’s you 10% off.
• Here is a list of Restaurant’s to sign up with for Birthday deals, special promos and eclubs.
• Arby’s
• Spaghetti Warehouse
• The Melting Pot
• Wendy’s
• Longhorn Steakhouse
• Chick-fil-a
• Sonic
• Maggie Moo’s
• PF Chang’s
• Buffalo Wild Wings
• TGI Friday’s
• Boston Market
• Schlotzsky’s
• Auntie Annie’s
• Baskin Robbin’s
• Bob Evans
• Great American Cookie
• Friendly’s Ice Cream
• Red Robin
• Chili’s
• Max & Erma’s
• Biggby
• Barry’s Bagel

Check Toledo-on-sale for all kinds of deals and info, if you live in Toledo that is….
Sign up for a Do Toledo card and check out the restaurant deals and winter fest 2010 coupons (thanks LueAnn;)
www.restaurant.com this is a great way to save. Purchase gift certs at a discount, be sure to check the minimum purchase amount.
 

Example of local weekly restaurant Specials in Northwest Ohio:

Monday-  Chili’s has 2 for 1 fajitas,

Chowder’s  & Moor has .50 taco night

Tuesday Sonic has 1/2 price burgers 5:00 till close,

Tea Tree Asian Bistro-1/2 off Sushi night

Wednesday Spaghetti Warehouse has a Spaghetti and Lasagna $5.99 special, Includes Salad, bread & drink.

Thursday- .60 boneless wing night at B-dubs

Sat and Sunday until 1:30  Frish’s Breakfast fruit bar $7.50 ,kids 10 and under $4.89,  kids 3 and under free with each adult breakfast bar purchase.

Please comment to add aditional info to share.