Taking your family or friends out to eat can be stressful if your wallet isn't up to the challenge. It's a good thing we've hunted down the best deals and tips so you can treat your loved ones to great food at the best prices.

Who Has the Best Restaurant Deals?

If you're looking for restaurant promos that are easy to take advantage of, check out Pizza Hut. In addition to a deals section that compiles all the hottest coupons and specials, the restaurant has a loyalty program that rewards you with free pizza. Another incredible restaurant offer comes to you from Olive Garden: a few times a year, you can buy one entree to enjoy in the restaurant and get a second to take home at no cost! If you're a fan of fast food, check out the apps for popular places such as McDonald's, Burger King and Wendy's. You'll often find discounts that offer buy one, get one free burgers or free drinks with a purchase.

Where to Find Restaurant Coupons

Two popular places to find restaurant codes and deals are Groupon and Restaurant.com. Enter your zip code or city, and these places will present you with dozens of gift certificate options at significant savings. With Restaurant.com in particular, you can score gift certificates at up to 85% off, meaning you don't need a lot of money to eat at some of the most popular dining establishments in your area. If you're looking for restaurant coupons rather than gift certificates, try the websites or apps of your favorite places. Many have dedicated deals sections with all the most up-to-date offers.

What You Should Know About Restaurant Offers

Not all restaurant deals work the same way, which means you must pay attention to instructions on how you can redeem coupons and avail yourself of promos. For example, Panera Bread has several ways you can claim special offers. You can use discount codes to order online, get free products if you sign up to the company's email newsletter and take advantage of in-store rewards, all without the need to present physical restaurant coupons.

If you do have a coupon that has to be redeemed, take note of the validity period to ensure that the offer will still be active when you plan to head out. Coupons can offer great savings, but if you're not careful about expiration dates, you could end up paying more when your coupon is rejected. Finally, read up on the terms and conditions of how you can use your restaurant coupons. Some deals may require you to purchase something, while others may need a minimum purchase amount or require that you eat in.

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