If you live in a heavily populated, metro area it’s safe to assume a few things; A walmart, target, meijer or some other “super store” is just around the corner, a Starbucks is situated on every block, and near wherever the movie theater or malls you will always be able to find something to eat! Most commonly, there will be an endless bounty of chain restaurants to pick from. While these dinning establishments are yummy, you may think the same thing I do, “They just are not worth the money.” Fear not, I have found you deals at almost every franchised restaurant you could imagine. I’ll break it down for you, place by place:
Chilis:
All the chains have to have a gimmick, and chilis is no exception. Based on the idea that chilis is “South of the Border” they offer a wide range of quesadillias and fajitas, but of course still have a huge selection of burgers, fries, and all those other all American must haves. So what is chilis doing to grab your attention and bring you in during this holiday season? Currently they have two specials worth mentioning; the first “3 courses for $20″. You and another person pick from an appetizer to share, two full sized entrees and a dessert to share. Not a bad deal considering normal eating that by yourself would cost more then $20 and really you’re only paying $10! However, drink is not included so unless you are drinking water, plan on spending a little more. The second offer is an easy, online offer where you sign up for the chilis email (which does include special coupons, etc) and receive a free chips and queso within 48 hours of signing up. More information on both these specials as well as a full menu is available here.
Applebee’s
Everyones favorite after movie bite is giving you more bang for your buck this holiday season. Similar to Chili’s “3 courses for $20″, they are offering “2 for $20″ where you pick one appetizer to share and an entree for yourself (a very large selection I might add). So while it may not be as good as the above offer, this is suitable for a lot more peoples tastebuds. Applebee’s offers one of my favorites during lunch hours (open to 3pm) pick and pair combos for just $5.99! Choose two (choices of soup, salad, or sandwhich) full sized items for so cheap! Finally, it wouldn’t be the holidays if there wasn’t a special on gift cards. Currently, if you spend $50 on cards form Applebee’s they will give you a $10 bonus card! For more information on applebee’s, click here.
T.G.I. Friday’s
Asking everyone to join the party, TGI Fridays is giving great incentive to do just that. Similar to happy hour, everyday they have “appy” hour from 4pm to close. All appetizers at the bar are 1/2 price! There appetizers are big enough to be an entire meal so that is quite the deal! Also, they are running the promotion, “give me more stripes”. The strip card is Fridays answer to the CVS card. The more you use it, the more perks you get. Sign up is easy and can be done here. Log on to their website, fill out a couple of forms ans when you are done you will be issued a card via mail, receive a coupon for a free appetizer or dessert and get a one time “cut to the front of the line” pass. You will also be automatically signed up for email promotions with lots of goodies! Finally, Friday’s one ups Applebee’s in the lunch special contest. For $6.99 you get soup, salad, breadsticks and a drink! Even after lunch the offer still stands, just add $2 which is still a great deal!
Max and Erma’s
Of all the chain resturants, Max and Erma’s may be the hardest to find, but definitely worth the search (it’s my personal favorite). They also offer the card most worthwhile, the good neighbors card. Based on your amount of visits to M&E in a calender year you are ranked on award tear and get that percentage off of your bill (up to 15%). Being a good neighbors member also entitles you to free stuff every month! Ranging from appetizers, drinks, to desserts you always get something! The best part, no need to print a coupon. Your rewards are automatically put on the card and you are alerted via email. As a holiday promotion, M&E is offering $5 gift cards for every $25 spent! For that information and a full menu, please click here.
Ruby Tuesday’s
Just like a lot of websites before them, Ruby Tuesday has the “so-connected” club. Being a member gets you email updates with specials, ranging from free appetizers to special prices on their wonderful selection of seafood. The best part about this offer? There’s no card to carry around and bulk up your wallet! You just get the emails, mention them when you go in and you are all set! Visit their website, here. It’s also worth mentioning, that when you sign up you will get an offer for a free burger and free dessert on your birthday!
Red Robin
Red Robin may be the least known out of all the chains (mostly because there haven’t been a lot in Oakland County until recently), but that doesn’t mean it isn’t great! Their homemade strawberry lemonade (with free refills) arguably my favorite non-alcoholic drink! When you join the red robin email club, you will instantly qualify for a free burger on your birthday, and just like Ruby Tuesday there is no card to carry around! Red Robin may not be offering all the competitive offers the other chains are, their food really speaks for itself. From generous portions and a wide selection red robin is a sure fire hit!
Outback Steakhouse
No rules, just right, right? RIGHT! Outback Steakhouse, while nothing like the Australia it tries to render itself after, is still worthwhile if only for the specials! Offering 15 entrees for under $15 (starting at $9.95), they have a huge range which can be viewed here. And it wouldn’t be the holidays if they did not have a gift card promotion going on, like so many others. At outback if you spend $100 in gift cards, you will get a $20 bonus card!
I may not have covered all the chains that are so prevelant throughout our urban meteropolis, but I have gauged enough of them for you so that you can enjoy a night out, on the cheap!
Your resident deal finder,
Cole