One of the easiest ways to save on dining out is by taking advantage of daily meal deals—those limited-time specials restaurants offer to draw in weekday traffic. Whether it’s “Taco Tuesday,” “Burger Monday,” or “Kids Eat Free” night, these recurring promotions are a goldmine for budget-conscious diners. The trick is knowing when and where to find them.
This guide highlights popular chains with consistent weekday deals and how to discover lesser-known local offers in your area.
National chains with reliable weekday specials
Many restaurants offer weekly deals that repeat every month. These are a few of the most consistent and wallet-friendly:
- Buffalo Wild Wings – BOGO Wings Tuesdays and Boneless Thursdays offer great value for wing lovers.
- TGI Fridays – Look for $10 lunch deals and endless apps promos, especially mid-week.
- Denny’s – Offers include $5.99 Super Slam and daily breakfast value menus at select locations.
- Chili’s – Their 3 for Me deal includes a drink, appetizer, and entrée starting at $10.99, available all week.
- Applebee’s – Frequent weekday deals like $1 margaritas and half-price apps after 9 p.m.
Looking to stretch your savings? You can get rewards with a Buffalo Wild Wings gift card or earn cashback with a Chili’s gift card when paying through Fluz.
Kids Eat Free and Family Night deals
If you’re dining with children, “Kids Eat Free” promos are especially valuable. Common restaurant chains offering this include:
- IHOP – Kids eat free with adult entrée after 4 p.m. (days vary by location)
- Dickey’s Barbecue Pit – Kids eat free on Sundays with purchase of an adult meal
- Perkins – Many locations offer kids eat free days weekly
Always check the specific location’s rules, as deals can vary by franchise.
How to find local restaurant deals near you
Beyond national chains, many local spots offer weekday specials that aren’t widely advertised. Here’s how to find them:
- Yelp – Use search filters like “Specials” or keywords like “Tuesday deals” or “happy hour.”
- Google Maps – Search terms like “daily restaurant specials near me” or “cheap eats [your city].”
- Follow restaurants on Instagram or Facebook – Many post daily promos and last-minute deals in Stories or on their feed.
You can also subscribe to local food blogs or neighborhood apps like Nextdoor for community-sourced recommendations.
Bonus: Combine with rewards and cashback apps
Once you’ve found a deal, stack your savings with cashback from apps like Fluz. For example, if your Tuesday dinner is at Buffalo Wild Wings or your Friday lunch is from Chili’s, paying with a digital gift card can score you extra cashback instantly.
Pair that with restaurant rewards programs such as:
Eat smart all week long
With the right timing and a little planning, you can enjoy restaurant meals multiple times a week without overspending. Keep a running list of your favorite spots and their daily deals, and check back often—menus and specials change seasonally.
