The Best Nights to Eat Out for Deals and Discounts

Eating out doesn’t have to mean overspending—especially if you know the best times to go. Many restaurants offer weekly promotions that can make your meal significantly cheaper, whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or enjoying a full sit-down dinner. From kids-eat-free nights to weekday specials, timing your visit right can unlock big savings.

1. Kids Eat Free Nights
   Family dinners get more affordable when the little ones eat for free. Several national chains and local spots run weekly offers for kids with the purchase of an adult entrée. These deals are often available on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.

Popular options include:

• Denny’s – Kids eat free on Tuesdays from 4 to 10 PM at participating locations

• IHOP – Free kids’ meals daily from 4 to 10 PM at select restaurants

• Applebee’s – Local franchises often run kids-eat-free promotions one night a week

2. Taco Tuesdays
   This has become a food tradition in itself. Many restaurants use Tuesday to offer discounted tacos, combo meals, or even drink specials.

Look for:

• Taco Bell specials on tacos and bundles

• Local taco trucks or Mexican restaurants with $1-$2 taco nights

• Bonus savings when you pay with a Taco Bell gift card through Fluz to earn cashback on top

3. Wine Wednesdays and Half-Price Bottles
   Midweek can be a great time for date nights. Upscale and casual restaurants alike often promote discounts on wine bottles or pairings on Wednesdays.

• Check places like Olive Garden or local Italian restaurants

• Look for prix fixe menus that include drinks

• Pair with cashback rewards from Fluz by purchasing a gift card for the restaurant you’re visiting

4. Burger Mondays and Meal Deals
   The start of the week is prime time for burger specials. Fast-casual chains and bars often offer combo deals on Mondays to draw in early-week diners.

• Shake Shack and similar spots sometimes have app-exclusive Monday discounts

• Get cashback with a Shake Shack gift card to boost your savings further

5. Early Bird Specials and Happy Hour Deals
   Many restaurants run discounts for early diners, typically between 3 and 6 PM. These often include smaller portioned entrées, reduced-price drinks, or appetizer bundles.

• Check your favorite local restaurants for happy hour menus

• Buffalo Wild Wings offers happy hour deals that vary by region

• Save more when you buy a Buffalo Wild Wings gift card via Fluz before paying

6. Friday Freebies or App Loyalty Surprises
   Some apps offer random Friday rewards to loyal users. Domino’s, Panera Bread, and Chili’s often push exclusive Friday discounts through their rewards programs.

• Join MyPanera or Chili’s Rewards for weekly offers

• Combine with a Panera Bread gift card or Chili’s gift card from Fluz for additional cashback

7. Sunday Brunch Savings
   Brunch doesn’t always have to come with bottomless prices. Many restaurants offer Sunday-only brunch menus that bundle items at lower rates than à la carte pricing.

Look for:

• Local diners or bistros with prix fixe brunch menus

• Cheesecake Factory‘s brunch options

• Earn savings by paying with a Cheesecake Factory gift card

Conclusion
The day you choose to eat out can be just as important as where you go. From kids-eat-free nights to happy hour combos, strategic timing helps stretch your dining dollars. Pair these deals with restaurant loyalty apps or gift card cashback through Fluz to maximize your savings every time you eat out.