The No. One Way You Can Save Money On Dining Out
Written by
Madeline Duley
Edited by
Angela Corry
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As unconventional as it may sound, one of the best savings hacks for dining out is ordering off the kid’s menu. While it might feel socially awkward — or borderline illegal — if you’re over the age of 12, most restaurants don’t mind. You can enjoy saving money without compromising quality while indulging your inner child with this life hack.
In today’s economy, affordable meals are hard to come by, but if you’re content with a simpler plate, kids’ meals are a great option. Plus, with fewer choices, you avoid being overwhelmed and the portions can be surprisingly generous. Kid’s meals can range from a satisfying snack to a full meal, depending on where you go. Best of all, there’s no cooking or dishes required.
Here are all the reasons why ordering kid’s meals is the secret to staying financially savvy and where you can find the best deals for mini-meals.
If you’re looking to stay home, here are some takeout meals that cost less than cooking them yourself.
Under $10 Meal
Taking advantage of every penny you can save on a meal is crucial, especially since dining out is a momentary investment. Opting for a kid’s meal is a great way to cut costs if you’re not super hungry.
“Let’s be real: restaurant portions are often huge, and most of the time, a kid-sized portion is plenty to fill you up,” said Debra Clark, Recipe Developer, & multi-cuisine cook for over 30 years at Bowl Me Over. “Plus, you’re getting the basics — protein, sides and a drink — all for under $10, sometimes even as low as $6 or $7. You just can’t beat that compared to the $15 to $20 you’d spend on a regular entrée.”
Smaller Portion Size
How often do you find yourself taking home leftovers from a restaurant? If it’s frequent, the smaller portion size of kids’ meals might be just right for you. You can cut down on waste without losing out on quality.
“What makes kids’ meals such a great deal is that you’re still getting a full meal — sometimes with more sides or a drink than the adult version,” Clark said. “Portion-wise, if you’re not starving, a kids’ meal is the perfect amount of food without any waste. And you’re not paying extra for sides or drinks like you often do with adult entrées.”
Free Drink and Side
A typical entrée at a restaurant can easily cost $20 to $30, with a drink and appetizer adding another $15 or more. One of the best things about kid’s meals is that they usually come with a free drink and side giving you more variety at a fraction of the cost.
“When deciding if a kids’ meal is a better option, think about how hungry you really are,” Clark said. “If a smaller portion will satisfy you, why pay more? Compare the prices between the kids’ and adult meals. If the adult portion is way bigger than what you need, why not save a few bucks?”
Best Kids Meals
If you’re going to take advantage of kids’ meals, it’s good to know where you can get the best deals. Check out these four chains for budget-friendly options, portion size and free extras.
Chipotle
If you’re looking for a lighter meal, Chipotle has you covered with a kid’s meal that offers a great sampler of the full experience.
“One of my favorites is from Chipotle,” Clark said. “Their kids’ meal lets you build two tacos with your choice of protein, rice, beans and toppings, and it even comes with a side of chips and a drink for about $6.”
If you’re still hungry, you can order two kids’ meals for about the same price as a regular bowl and still get two sides of chips and two drinks which is a pretty unbeatable deal.
CAVA
Quench your Mediterranean cravings without breaking the bank by opting for a kid’s meal at CAVA instead of a bowl or pita wrap.
“CAVA also has a great deal on their kids’ pita meal,” Clark said. “For just $7.25, you get a mini pita with your choice of fillings, a side of pita chips and a drink. It’s a smaller version of their adult meals but still super satisfying.”
With full-sized bowls costing around $12, you can enjoy some serious savings while also benefiting from the extras that don’t come with a regular bowl.
Outback Steakhouse
Outback Steakhouse might be known for its pricier steak options, with entrées in the $30 to $40 range, but their kid’s meals are far more affordable while delivering the same mouthwatering flavor.
“Outback Steakhouse’s kids’ menu is a steal, too,” Clark said. “The grilled chicken meal comes with a side (veggies or fries) and a drink for $8 to $10. It’s honestly just a more reasonably sized version of what you’d get as an adult entrée but at nearly half the price.”
Outback’s kid’s meals range from chicken fingers and mac and cheese to sirloin, all at unbeatable prices. Plus, their portions are generous, making it a great option if you’re craving a more fulfilling meal.
Chilis
Chili’s might be famous for its baby back ribs, but their kid’s menu gives adult meals a run for their money with unmatched prices and impressive options.
“Chili’s has some solid options like their kid’s burger or chicken tenders with fries and a drink for about $7,” Clark said. “Again, you’re basically getting everything you’d want from the adult menu but for way less.”
With choices like chicken burgers, quesadillas, cheesy chicken pasta, mac and cheese and mini chocolate molten cake, Chili’s kids’ menu is packed with American favorites. Every meal comes with a free drink and side, with additional sides available for just a dollar.
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