Editor's Note: This story originally appeared on Living on the Cheap.
After the kids moved out and I had to cook for one, I quickly grew tired of it. At home, I get caught in a routine of chicken soup, pasta and sauce, or fish and potatoes.
But when I dine out, I am a global traveler — spicy ethnic food, or juicy burgers and fries. I don’t have to shop, and I don’t have to wash dishes. I feel like a queen. Unfortunately, the prices are fit for a royal budget.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American household spent about $250 per month on restaurant meals in 2021 (the most recent figure available).
You could stay at home and pretend that tuna casserole is pecan-crusted salmon. Or you could take advantage of deals and discounts to cut your spending on dining out.
An important note: Pay attention to the age requirements, as they vary according to the establishment. Always check with your local restaurant about senior discounts.
Applebee’s
10% to 15% off at participating locations for customers 60 and older.
A&W
10% discount at participating locations. Ask your local restaurant about age requirements.
Ben & Jerry’s
10% off for seniors 60+.
Boston Market
Most Boston Markets have a senior discount available. Ask your local restaurant about age requirements on any discounts.
Burger King
Seniors can receive a 10% discount on their purchase.
Captain D’s Seafood
Those 62 and older get special discounts on Sundays and Wednesdays, usually one of 10 meals with a drink for $4.49. But the deal varies by restaurant, so ask before ordering.
Carrows Restaurant
Offers a Golden 55 menu where seniors 55+ can get value-priced meals. No coupons accepted for the Golden 55 menu.
Chick-fil-A
Offers vary by location, but seniors can usually get a free small drink or a 10% discount.
Chili’s
Seniors who are at least 55 years old can get 10% off at participating locations.
Dairy Queen
Participating locations offer free drinks or 10% off purchase to customers who are 55 years of age or more.
El Pollo Loco
You must be 60 years of age or older to receive the 10% discount (maximum value $1).
Fazoli’s
Join their Club 62 for deals, including a $4 pasta with side salad every Wednesday.
Fuddrucker’s
Fuddrucker’s has a senior platter (hamburger and side dish) for 10% off. Call to be sure it’s offered at that location.
Hardee’s
Seniors over 55 years of age receive up to 10% off any order, and there is a special price for beverages. Be sure to ask at your local Hardee’s before ordering.
IHOP
The 55+ Menu offers lower prices for smaller portions of dinner entrees such as pot roast and lemon chicken and breakfast favorites such as French toast.
And most locations have a 10% discount for seniors, although the age requirement may vary.
Jack in the Box
Seniors age 55 or older can get up to 20% off their entire order. Check before ordering, though.
KFC
Seniors who are 55 or older can get a free small drink with meal purchase. But we found the franchises may offer a discount of up to 10%, excluding any coupons or sales. Ask before ordering.
McDonald’s
Customers who are 55+ can receive discounts on coffee.
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille
A three-course menu specially designed for guests age 65+ who dine in the restaurant before 6 p.m. is available daily.
This special menu, available upon request only, consists of six choices per course, costs only $39, and can be enjoyed at all Perry’s Steakhouse locations.
Perry’s Senior Menu is not available on promotional holidays, to-go or for private dining events.
Sizzler
The “Honored Guest” menu offers discounts to diners age 60 and older.
Taco Bell
Get 5% off and a free drink at participating locations if you’re 65 or older.
TCBY
Enjoy your frozen yogurt for 10% less if you are over 55.
Village Inn
Receive 10% off if you are 60+.
Whataburger
Guests over 55 years of age receive a free drink with meal purchase (may vary by location).
Restaurants with AARP discounts
At the following eateries, you can get a discount if you are an AARP member. As always, participation may vary and can change without notice. See details for the discount offered at each restaurant on the AARP site.
- Auntie Anne’s
- Bonefish Grill
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Company
- Carrabba’s Italian Grill
- Chart House
- Cinnabon
- Corner Bakery Café
- Denny’s. If you are feeling spunky, ask your server for something off the secret menu. It’s so secret that some locations don’t even know about it. French Toast Grilled Cheese Sandwich. You are welcome.
- Jamba
- Joe’s Crab Shack
- Landry’s Seafood
- McAlister’s Deli
- McCormick & Schmick’s
- Moe’s Southwest Grill
- Outback Steakhouse
- Rainforest Café
- Saltgrass Steak House
- Schlotzky’s
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