Dining Out Deals at Restaurant Chains

Consumer Reports' Tod Marks shares some of the best places to dine this summer.

ByABC News via logo
June 1, 2009, 1:57 PM

June 2, 2009 — -- For millions of Americans, going out to eat was one of the first casualties of the recession.

To lure consumers back, many restaurants began offering great deals that can let you go out, without leaving your wallet empty.

To find out where the best deals, food and service were, 70,403 Consumer Reports' readers rated 101 different restaurant chains.

Consumer Reports senior editor, Tod Marks, dropped by "Good Morning America" to navigate the mouth-watering world of thrifty eating.

The Consumer Reports survey rated restaurants from family-friendly establishments like the International House of Pancakes to prime white-tablecloth affairs where one would expect to pay at least $40 per person.

Check out these strategies for stretching your dollar while eating out.

Don't forget to show your age because it can save you a lot of money. Lots of family chains, like Bob Evans, Perkins and Eat 'N Park, have reduced menus for kids (usually under 10 or 12).

But they also have them for seniors (usually 55 and up). There are even dinner chains that offer free meals for kids on Tuesday, like Black-Eyed Pea, Chevy's Fresh Mex and Beef 'O' Brady's.

Plus, if you sign up ahead of time and let the restaurant know it's your birthday, then you can celebrate your special day by saving big bucks.

Don't forget to look for bargains, because if you seek the bargains, you'll find them.

In the Consumer Reports study, they scoured the menus of almost all of the 101 restaurant chains and found plenty of bargains.

There was everything from all-you-can-eat specials to buy-one-get-one-free appetizers and entrees and even off-peak dining specials. Some eateries also had low-cost upgrades, like adding chicken to a salad for $1. And some had lower prices for smaller portions.

Sometimes you can even find free food. Chili's Grill & Bar offers a deal for 10 meals for less than $7. Outback Steakhouse has 15 meals for less than $15.

Fine dining has been hit especially hard by the recession and that's why outlets like Ruth's Chris Steakhouse and Morton's offer bargains, like a $99 filet mignon for two with two appetizers.