I'm using three different promos at Chili's for a frugal option for going out to dinner. Using gift cards, restaurant specials and their rewards program, I'm effectively paying $3.57 per meal.
Gift Cards - About 2-3 times a year, Chili's offers two $10 bonus cards if you buy a $50 gift card. The bonus cards have a 3-4 month window before they expire but the gift card balance never expires. You can sign up to be notified automatically when the promo is being offered on popular deal tracking sites. (Not sure if rules prohibit posting specific websites, but if you want a suggestion, just contact me directly.)
Restaurant Specials - This one is easy. Chili's has combo meals that include an appetizer/dessert, entree and beverage, or some combination of the three at a reduced price. Personally, I opt for the "3 for $10" and select the Cajun Chicken pasta because not only is it my favorite, it's the most expensive entree from the list which makes it a better value. I usually select the Southwest Chicken soup as my appetizer, but you could always go for dessert.
Rewards Program - This is what really elevates this deal. I'm a member of the free Chili's rewards program and every Monday and Friday they text me either a free appetizer or a free drink. But about once a month they offer a free kids meal with the purchase of any entree. Most of the kids meals aren't very appetizing, but I get the chicken fingers and fries and it's essentially a half portion of the regular chicken fingers.
My Plan - To reduce my risk of COVID-19, I order my food to go via the Chili's app just after I finish grocery shopping and it's ready when I arrive 20 minutes later. I eat the chicken tenders and fries and sometimes the soup in my car while they're fresh while listening to a podcast. To make it easier to reheat, I order the chicken pasta entree with the Alfredo sauce on the side. Just toss the pasta and chicken in a pan with a spoonful of the Alfredo sauce to heat it up, then pour the rest of the sauce in at the end. I put the garlic toast into my toaster to reheat it and everything is honestly just as good as eating it at the restaurant.
Math - With the two bonus cards, I can order seven "3 for $10" deals with a free kids meal which is 14 large meals for $3.57 each. Sometimes I eat the soup a different day with a sandwich which would be an even better value.
Extras - One downside to this deal is that it includes an adult and child-size beverage. I don't even want one soda, let alone two, so I've started ordering orange juice or milk with the kids meal and use it with breakfast the next morning which is a nice bonus.
There are a lot of specifics here, but if you look through the different menu options, I'm confident everyone can find an entree/app/dessert/kids meal combo that suits them. Hopefully someone finds this helpful.
Do you know of any obscure promos for dinner or takeout on the cheap? Interested to hear if anyone has any other valuable tips.
February 13, 2021 at 11:40PM
