Smart Shopping: Dine Out For Less

WSVN -- There's nothing better than a night off of cooking or celebrating with friends at a fancy restaurant, but these days dining out can get expensive.

Rolando: "Typically, you're looking at a per-person check average of $70 to $80."

But smart diners know there are ways to save over 50 percent. Phyllis Hains of Miami says we have one of the best super supper savers around: Miami Spice month.

Phyllis Hains: "I take advantage of it every year, and I go to at least two to three restaurants each year."

The event runs through the end of September and features some of the best spots in town.

Rolando Aedo: "Each restaurant will be offering an entree, an appetizer and a dessert, $36 for dinner and $23 for lunch."

Maggie Rosas-Guyon has her own money-saving secret, she gets coupons from a website called Restaurant.com

Maggie Rosas-Guyon: "The coupon will be for about $25 off your meal, but you paid $10 for it, so in reality, you've saved about $15."

Another good way to save, make your reservation on-line. Sites like Opentable.com or dinnerbroker.com will give you special savings and rewards.

Reed Cowan: "Also, save more by paying with plastic. Some credit cards will offer bonus rewards, and if eating out with the youngsters, take advantage of kids-eat-free nights.

Lizzete Balladares: "Being a single mother of four children, I think you could understand. It's a big big benefit. It's a big help."

Restaurants like Denny's are helping families save money.

Isabel Matuz: "It started in 1999, and we already waited on 20 million kids. We have 44 stores, and we do the program Wednesdays and Sundays 4 p.m. to 10 p.m."

And the kids love it at any price.

Jordan: "My favorite is probably be one of the sandwiches."

Jadlin: "I'm going to have to say the season fries with the mac 'n' cheese."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

www.ilovemiamispice.com
www.restaurant.com
www.opentable.com
www.dinnerbroker.com
www.mykidseatfree.com
www.dennys.com