Whether you're a perpetually broke college student or just someone with the perfectly normal ambition to save money, you're always on the prowl for the latest deals when it comes to buying whatever you need.
In my case, at least, those things that I "need" are usually edible. For comfort, a casual coffee run with friends, a night out, or squeezing in that bite to eat before you pass out during work, food usually comes to mind for me.
With a busy schedule, it can be hard to cook at home or remember to pack a lunch, and plus, eating out is just plain fun. There are so many options to please your palette nowadays and I just want to try them ALL!!! For those of you newbie foodies like me, going out to eat can get pretty pricey, but not if you're smart about it. Luckily for you guys, I'm basically the dean of the school of food and you're about to get schooled on how to save some serious dough (pun intended) on your quest to eat a ton of it!
(P.S. These aren't, like, fancy restaurants. I'm not Beyonce. **cries and wishes she was Beyonce**)
1. Join Fuddruckers' email club. Like, NOW!
More often than not, the portion sizes at sit-down restaurants are pretty ridiculous and if nobody wants to share with you, it's pretty difficult to down a whole meal in one sitting. If you're not interested in leftovers, Lupe Tortilla is a delicious answer to your prayers. At just over $5 for an entree plus rice and beans, their kids meals are not only delicious, but the perfect size to satisfy your craving for Mexican food.
3. If you enjoy coffee, get a MyPanera card!
For real though, if you get a Panera card in-store and register it online, you'll rack up new discounts and freebies each time you use it and plus, oh did I mention that they give you FREE COFFEE EVERY DAY ON YOUR BIRTHDAY MONTH?! Yeah, I just blew your mind, and mine was blown too when I found out. You're welcome.
4. Speaking of loyalty cards, there's also Uberrito!
Ahh...yes, Chipotle's considerably less snobby cousin is actually pretty amazing and here's why: When you snag and register their loyalty card online, you immediately get a free cookie. Also, if you're anything like me, once you visit Uberrito, you'll be hooked. So might as well use your rewards card because with every 100 points you acquire, you get $8 toward any purchase there.
5. Panda Express Receipt Survey
For those of you who enjoy Chinese food and might have like, 10 minutes to spare, (so, everyone) listen up! Next time you go to Panda Express, save your receipt and take the survey on the back to score a free entree with a purchase of a plate. You'll save some money and, plus, you can just continue the cycle of saving with each receipt!!! MUAHAHAHAHAHA Panda Express, we're onto you!!
6. McDonald's also got your back receipt-survey-wise
I know, I know. Like most of the free world, I have been thoroughly informed of the dangers of consuming almost anything from McDonalds. However, a select few of their breakfast items are actually pretty palatable, especially on the go. Annnnd, if you're hella hungry and in a big rush one morning, you can score BOGO Egg McMuffins if you complete an online survey from a previous receipt.
7. $1.31 Scoops at Baskin-Robbins!? But, of course!
All my sweet tooths...teeth? Tooths? Anyway, whoever likes to put sweet things in their mouth pay attention, because when you sign up for Baskin-Robbins' email club you get all the things; and by things, I mean $1.31 scoops the last day of every month, discount scoops on new flavors, and FREE ICE CREAM on your birthday!!
8. DON'T EVER THROW AWAY CHICK-FIL-A COUPONS, YOU MONSTER!!
Have you ever saved a Chick-fil-a coupon for a day when you were extra broke, but ended up waiting past the expiration date? Never you fear, because in case you haven't already noticed, Chick-fil-a employees are (usually) super nice and will let you use your expired coupons no questions asked!
9. BJ's email club = FREE PIZOOKIES!!
I've had only two great loves in my life. My mother and this GODDAMN SKILLET COOKIE THAT IS PICTURED ABOVE. If you don't know what this is, it's a pizookie made by angels at a restaurant called BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse and my God, it's spectacular. I will now bless you by letting you know that if you join their loyalty program online they'll email you coupons for half-priced pizza, BOGO lunch entrees, and of course, free pizookies. #MajorKey
This has been Professor Garcia on How to Eat Out Like a Boss 101. You've completed the course! Now, students....
