With prices on the rise in pretty much every aspect of our lives, we’re all looking for ways to save a little cash. Eating out has become more expensive, and for a lot of us, that means cutting back the amount of times we hit a restaurant. Well, there are restaurants offering some delicious deals that are easy on your budget.
Rising food prices
If you’ve stepped into any restaurant over the past couple years, you’ve definitely seen an increase in prices. No it’s not your imagination, and unfortunately, it’s not getting better. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says that they’re expecting prices to increase 8.2% this year. According to their April 2023 forecasts, they say that restaurant and at-home food prices are expected to rise this year “at above historical-average rates. And last year, restaurant prices increased by 7.7%.
Tips for saving money at the grocery store
The good news is that there are lots of ways to save money. And Her Money has some tips on how to stretch your money.
- Set a budget – I know, I know, we’ve all heard it before. But we need to do it. Figure out how much you have to spend, and here’s the hard part, stick to it. You got this!
- Meal prep/plan (if you don’t already) – This goes hand in hand with budgeting. If you know what you’re going to be making, it’ll be easier to make a list and only get what you need.
- Don’t be loyal – We all have our favorites, but sometimes it doesn’t pay to be loyal. Your favorite grocery store might not have the best deal. If not, don’t feel bad for temporarily jumping ship.
- Cut down on impulse buys – Again, stick to the list. It’s SO hard, but if you’re trying to stick to a budget, don’t let temptation get the best of you.
- Buy in bulk – This is especially helpful for meat which can be more expensive. Take advantage of sales and freeze what you’re not going to use right away.
Finding delicious deals at restaurants
The same way you search for the best deals at grocery stores, you can find them at restaurants. We did the work for you, and here are some great delicious deals to try.
Half-Price wings at Scores
Scores at 166 Canal Street, Boston
Scores is wingin’ it with a new special just in time for the start of the Patriots season. Available anytime the Patriots hit the field, gather your wingmen and wingwomen for half-priced, full-portioned orders of the cluckin’ greatest app of all time. Get saucy by dressing your half-pound of wingettes and drumettes in a choice of three housemade marinades (BBQ, mango habanero, buffalo). Each order comes complete with a choice of dippers, blue cheese or ranch, for ultimate finger-lickin’ goodness on a budget.
$8 per order during Patriots games.
Scores also has deals for college students
Scores – 166 Canal Street, Boston; (857) 990-3711
Scores – formerly The Four’s Restaurant & Sports Bar – wants you to keep a handle on your wallet and offers their signature “Handhelds” for only $10 (a $4-5 savings per sammy) if you flash your college ID. Options – which each come with your pick of fries, sweet potato fries or a side salad – include the Bergeron Burger, a smash patty topped with glazed bacon, avocado, cherry peppers, crispy onions, cheddar cheese and roasted garlic mayo; The Godfather, a smash patty with LTO, American cheese and house mayo; the Big Papi BBQ, a smash patty with bacon, BBQ, cheddar, crispy onions, lettuce and pickled jalapeños; Title Town, a smash patty with bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, blue cheese and bourbon aioli; The White Mamba, a smash patty piled high with roasted portobellos, arugula, Swiss cheese and garlic aioli; The “Chick” from French Lick, a fried chicken handheld with mayo, lettuce, tomato and pickles; and The Chief, a sandwich grilled chicken thighs with Swiss, mayo, lettuce, tomatoes, onion and pickles.
$10, available daily. College ID required.
Free hot dogs - under one condition
Silhouette Lounge – 200 Brighton Avenue, Allston; (617) 206-4565
Student favorite “The Sil” serves up signature “Sil Dogs” – all-beef franks nestled in their buns served with packets of ketchup, mustard, and relish – daily for $3.50 and $2 after midnight. (Don’t forget to ask for free popcorn, which is surprisingly vegan! The hot dogs, not so much.) BONUS: If you get a (PG-13) Sil-inspired tattoo, you’ll get a free ‘dog-a-day for life.
$2-3.50 per hot dog, available daily.
$4 dollar pizzas at Telegraph Hill
Telegraph Hill – 289 Dorchester Street, Boston; (617) 315-7759
Telegraph Hill Kitchen & Bar invites friends and neighbors to be the architect of your pizza dreams every Monday because… sweet dreams are made of cheese. The popular Southie hangout features BYOF – short for “Build Your Own Flatbread” – where you become top chef in creating a masterpiece worthy of Padma. How it works: Pizza-faithfuls are presented with a menu card filled with toppings and the checkmark process begins. Start with a plain cheese canvas ($4) and then bring the pizzazz to the ‘za. “It’s All About the Base, ‘Bout the Base” gives four ways to get saucy: marinara, BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce or garlic oil. “We Ain’t Arby’s, But We Got the Meats” brings carnivores seven meat toppings ($1 each): pulled pork, pepperoni, short rib, grilled chicken, fried chicken, bacon, and chorizo. “Mama Always Said Eat Your Vegetables” presents you with caramelized onions, tomatoes, red peppers, jalapeños, mushrooms, and banana peppers ($0.50 each).
Starting at $4 per flatbread on Mondays.
Adult Happy Meals At Thirsty Scholar Pub
Thirsty Scholar Pub – 70 Beacon Street, Somerville; (617) 497-2294; www.thirstyscholarpub.com:
Every Monday, Thirsty Scholar doubles down on special offers. At 8pm, comic Garrett Finn hosts a free comedy night featuring local standups. And because college is to learn adulting, there also is an “Adult Happy Meal” that pairs a burger and fries with a Miller High Life and shot of Montenegro.
Complimentary comedy night admission. “Adult Happy Meal” available for $20.
College student deal at Thirsty Scholar Pub
Thirsty Scholar Pub – 70 Beacon Street, Somerville; (617) 497-2294; www.thirstyscholarpub.com:
If you’re attending schools like Harvard and MIT (no big deal, right?), this Camberville pub is just the spot to grab some brain food. Thirsty Scholar -– in part famous for making a special guest appearance in the 2011 blockbuster hit, “The Social Network,” inspired by the story behind Cambridge-founded Facebook – dishes out the “Meta Meal,” a signature Scholar burger with a Miller High Life for just $10, when you present your collegiate ID.
$10, available daily. College ID required.
"Starving Artist" special at Fields West
Fields West – 87 Glenville Avenue, Allston; (617) 208-8154; www.fieldswestallston.com:
Allston newcomer has settled into its new ‘hood, central to schools like BC and BU. Bring your student ID to cash in on the “Starving Artist” special, an order of mozzarella sticks paired with a PBR for only $6, while checking out the curated collection of works by rotating local artists.
$5, available daily. College ID required.
