Link: https://old.reddit.com/r/LifeProTips/comments/1vph3wt/lpt_save_money_by_dining_out_for_lunch_instead_of/

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The original was posted on /r/lifeprotips by /u/TSwiftIcedTea on 2026-08-15 23:18:12+00:00.

Disclaimer: Tip only applies at participating restaurants to people whose schedules allow.

Many restaurants have lower menu prices for lunch compared to dinner. In many cases you can get the exact same or nearly the same dishes for substantially less money just by dining during official lunch hours.

Examples near me:

Cheesecake Factory - Salmon

Dinner $30

Lunch $20

The lunch portion is slightly smaller but not 33% smaller, and you still get the bread. After tax and tip you save $13 by dining for lunch.

Olive Garden - Lasagna

Dinner $20

Lunch $12

While the lunch portion is smaller, you still get unlimited soup or salad and breadsticks, so you can make up the difference with extra of that if you are really hungry. After tax and tip you save $10 by dining for lunch.

Why do they do this? Because few dine for lunch and it’s a way to get customers in the door during slow periods.

Not every restaurant offers lunch pricing or offers everything on their lunch menu but it’s worth checking.

If you are planning to eat lunch at home and dinner out, switch to lunch out and dinner at home and save money while getting the exact same or nearly the exact same experience.