Happy Healthy Families

Eating out at restaurants is bad for our budgets. We know.  And I am betting that almost everyone who reads this post has cut way back on the number of times they go out to eat, or has stopped going out to eat completely.

My husband and I have definitely changed our eating out habits, and cook much more at home these days. But I confess, I love going out to a restaurant once in a while, so I have zero plans to give up this guilty pleasure completely.

 I mean, even a money-pinching saving girl like me has to have fun sometimes. We may not go out to dinner much, but we still do go once in a while....kids and all.

So if you are like me and enjoy sitting in a restaurant and being served food instead of being the one doing the serving, and relaxing while someone else deals with those dirty dishes, check out these six websites which can help you save money and enjoy your meal out even more!

Find coupons for restaurants at EatDrinkDeals.com. They list the most recent coupons and deals available for over 100 major restaurants chains, such as Olive Garden, Chik-Fil-A, McDonalds, Sweet Tomatoes/Soup Plantation and more!

With DineOutCheap.com, you can have exclusive deals from local restaurants sent directly to your phone or email. You will also find coupons for independently-owned restaurants as well as the major chain restaurants on their site. You can search by a particular eateries' name or by entering your zip code.

iDine.com offers a cash back program where you will earn up to 15% back on your restaurant tabs. The program seems a bit complicated to me, plus you will need to register a credit or debit card to participate, but check it out and see if it might work for you (especially if you tend to eat out a lot.)

With OpenTable.com, you can earn 100 points for every restaurant reservation you make through their website. Making reservations is free, and you can redeem your points for gift cards you can use at participating restaurants. To learn more, scroll down to the bottom of their homepage to their 'About' section, and click on the link, 'dining rewards.'

You can compare restaurant prices for similar meals by going to AllMenus.com, where you can search hundreds of restaurant menus, including prices.

And if you are going out to eat with kids, find restaurants that have 'kids eat free' deals by going to KidsMealDeals.com.

Do you have any money-saving secrets you use when you go out to eat?