Dining out is one of the best parts of traveling, allowing you to savor the flavors of a new destination while experiencing its culture. However, eating out for every meal can quickly add up, especially when traveling across the United States. The good news? You can enjoy delicious food and local experiences without emptying your wallet.
In this guide, we’ll share practical tips and strategies to help you save on dining out while exploring the U.S. Whether you’re on a road trip, visiting a foodie city, or just trying to stay within a budget, these tips will ensure you don’t sacrifice taste or quality.
1. Research Affordable Local Favorites
One of the best ways to enjoy delicious food without overspending is by seeking out local favorites that are both tasty and affordable. Many cities in the U.S. have hidden gems, family-owned diners, and hole-in-the-wall eateries that offer excellent food at reasonable prices.
Tips:
- Use apps like Yelp, Tripadvisor, and Google Maps to find highly-rated but budget-friendly restaurants near you. Filter reviews by “cheap” or “affordable.”
- Ask locals for recommendations. Hotel staff, rideshare drivers, or Airbnb hosts often know where to find the best value for money.
- Look for “mom-and-pop” restaurants or local food trucks—these often serve authentic dishes at wallet-friendly prices.
High-Volume Keywords: “cheap restaurants in [city],” “affordable local food near me,” “best budget eats U.S.”
2. Take Advantage of Lunch Specials
Many restaurants offer lunch specials that are significantly cheaper than their dinner menus. This is a great way to enjoy a restaurant’s signature dishes without paying the higher dinner prices.
Tips:
- Plan your day around having your largest meal at lunch. Many restaurants offer prix-fixe menus or discounts for lunchtime diners.
- Opt for a late lunch, which can double as an early dinner, reducing the need for another meal later in the day.
High-Volume Keywords: “lunch specials near me,” “cheap lunch deals in the U.S.,” “affordable dining out tips”
3. Explore Food Trucks and Street Food
Food trucks and street food vendors are a staple in many U.S. cities and are often more affordable than traditional sit-down restaurants. From tacos in Austin to lobster rolls in Portland, food trucks offer a variety of cuisines at budget-friendly prices.
Tips:
- Check out apps like Roaming Hunger to locate food trucks near you.
- Look for food truck parks, often found in cities like Portland, Los Angeles, and Miami, where you can sample a variety of cuisines in one spot.
- Many food trucks serve generous portions, so consider sharing with a travel companion to save even more.
High-Volume Keywords: “best food trucks in [city],” “cheap street food USA,” “affordable food truck meals”
4. Use Coupons, Discounts, and Dining Apps
Dining apps and coupon sites can be lifesavers for travelers looking to save on meals. Platforms like Groupon, Restaurant.com, and OpenTable offer deals, discounts, and even free appetizers or drinks at participating restaurants.
Tips:
- Download apps like Groupon, Yelp Deals, and Seated to find discounts and offers at local restaurants.
- Use apps like Hopper to score last-minute deals on hotel restaurants offering discounted dining packages.
- Subscribe to restaurant email newsletters or loyalty programs before your trip to receive exclusive discounts and promotions.
High-Volume Keywords: “Groupon dining deals USA,” “restaurant discounts near me,” “save money eating out”
5. Dine at Casual and Chain Restaurants
While exploring local cuisine is part of the travel experience, dining at casual eateries or well-known chain restaurants can help you stick to your budget. Many chains offer affordable meal deals, combo options, and rewards programs.
Tips:
- Look for chain restaurants offering “kids eat free” nights or daily specials. For example, places like Denny’s, Applebee’s, and IHOP frequently offer meal deals.
- Check online for coupons or promotional codes before dining at a chain restaurant.
- Sign up for loyalty programs, such as Starbucks Rewards or Chipotle Rewards, to earn points toward free food or drinks.
High-Volume Keywords: “affordable chain restaurants,” “family-friendly dining deals,” “cheap eats USA chains”
6. Split Meals or Order Appetizers
Portion sizes in the U.S. are often larger than what you might be used to, making it easy to save money by splitting meals or opting for appetizers instead of entrees.
Tips:
- Share a main course with your travel companion and order an extra side or appetizer to round out the meal.
- Look for restaurants with small plate or tapas-style menus, allowing you to sample multiple dishes without overspending.
- Consider ordering an appetizer and soup or salad instead of a full entrée for a lighter and more affordable meal.
High-Volume Keywords: “split meals at restaurants,” “budget-friendly portion tips,” “how to save on dining”
7. Visit Farmer’s Markets
Farmer’s markets are excellent for grabbing fresh, local food at reasonable prices. Many markets also have food stalls offering delicious, ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and drinks.
Tips:
- Research farmer’s market schedules in the cities you’re visiting. Many markets operate weekly or bi-weekly.
- Bring cash, as some vendors may not accept cards. Cash purchases can also help you stick to your budget.
- Try regional specialties at the market’s food stalls for a taste of local culture without overspending.
High-Volume Keywords: “farmers market food deals USA,” “cheap local eats,” “affordable fresh food markets”
8. Opt for Buffet or All-You-Can-Eat Restaurants
Buffet and all-you-can-eat restaurants can offer excellent value for money, especially if you’re traveling with a group or have a big appetite. Many buffets provide a wide selection of dishes, allowing you to try various cuisines without breaking the bank.
Tips:
- Look for buffets with early-bird specials or discounts for kids.
- Use websites like Yelp or TripAdvisor to find highly-rated, affordable buffets near your location.
- Check for buffet options at local casinos, which often offer discounted dining rates.
High-Volume Keywords: “affordable buffets USA,” “all-you-can-eat deals,” “cheap dining options for families”
9. Avoid Tourist Traps
Restaurants in tourist-heavy areas tend to charge higher prices. Instead, venture a few blocks away from the main attractions to find more affordable options.
Tips:
- Use apps like Google Maps to identify restaurants outside tourist zones. The farther you go, the cheaper (and often better) the food becomes.
- Avoid restaurants with overly aggressive marketing or ones that display photos of their dishes—these are often signs of tourist traps.
- Check menus and prices online before deciding where to eat.
High-Volume Keywords: “avoid tourist traps dining USA,” “cheap restaurants near attractions,” “best local food off the beaten path”
10. Cook Your Own Meals
If you’re staying in accommodations with a kitchen or kitchenette, cooking your own meals can significantly cut dining expenses. Even preparing just one meal a day can make a big difference in your travel budget.
Tips:
- Visit local grocery stores or supermarkets to stock up on essentials like bread, eggs, and fresh produce.
- Choose accommodations with complimentary breakfast options to save on at least one meal each day.
- Pack snacks for the road to avoid expensive impulse purchases while sightseeing.
High-Volume Keywords: “how to cook while traveling,” “grocery shopping on a budget USA,” “affordable meals for travelers”
11. Take Advantage of Happy Hours
Many restaurants and bars offer discounted food and drinks during happy hour, usually in the late afternoon or early evening. This is a great way to enjoy a meal or snack at a lower cost.
Tips:
- Look for restaurants with extended happy hour times or additional deals like “Taco Tuesday” or “Wing Wednesday.”
- Pair happy hour deals with small appetizers to create a full, budget-friendly meal.
- Use apps like Happy Hour Finder to locate deals near you.
High-Volume Keywords: “happy hour food deals USA,” “cheap eats during happy hour,” “affordable dining tips for travelers”
12. Stay Hydrated Without Spending Extra
Drinks can quickly add to your bill when dining out. To save money, skip the soda, cocktails, or specialty beverages and stick to water.
Tips:
- Ask for tap water instead of bottled water at restaurants, as it’s free in most places in the U.S.
- Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day and avoid buying overpriced drinks.
High-Volume Keywords: “save money on drinks dining out,” “free water at restaurants USA,” “budget-friendly beverage tips”
