There’s something satisfying about scoring a deal. With this guide, you can sate both your hunger for savings and your cravings for tasty eats. Before sliding up to a table at your favorite joint, check out these insider fast-food and restaurant hacks for 2017.
Keep in mind, prices and availability may vary by location, and offers may be up to the manager’s discretion. Contact your restaurant to verify participation.
[Read: 7 Restaurant Apps That Save You Money Every Time You Dine Out.]
McDonald’s
— Upgrade to a steamed bun for free. While burgers are typically served on a toasted sesame seed bun, the McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish sandwich is nestled between a light, fluffy steamed bun. You can upgrade any burger by requesting a steamed bun.
— Go for the 20-piece McNuggets. Prices vary by region, but the 20-piece Chicken McNuggets order is a better value than the four-piece or 10-piece order at virtually any McDonald’s. At an average of $5 per order, a 20-piece McNuggets order could set you back as little as 25 cents per nugget. By comparison, a four-pack costs around $1.99, putting each nugget at about 50 cents. A 10-piece McNugget is only a slightly better deal at an average of $4.49, or 45 cents per nugget.
— Score a senior discount on coffee. As a customer aged 55 or older, you may be able to get a dine-in senior discount on coffee and other beverages at many McDonald’s. To redeem the deal, inquire about participation with your server.
— Download the mobile app. McDonald’s offers weekly deals on food and drinks on its official app. Past deals have included buy five, get one free McCafe beverages or a free drink with any purchase.
[See: 10 Money Leaks to Shut Down Now.]
Chipotle
— Give the gift of Chipotle. During the holidays, Chipotle generally offers a special deal to gift card purchasers. In the past, the Mexican-inspired eatery has given away a free burrito, bowl or tacos with a $30 gift card purchase.
— Subscribe to the email or mobile list. Chipotle occasionally sends special offers via email and text. Sign up on Chipotle.com to stay abreast of the latest deals.
Krispy Kreme
— Get free doughnuts on holidays. Participating Krispy Kreme locations give out free original glazed doughnuts on select holidays. Traditionally, the classic doughnut joint hands out freebies on National Doughnut Day (first Friday of June), International Talk Like a Pirate Day (Sept. 19), National Coffee Day (Sept. 29), Election Day (varies) and on other holidays. Inquire with your local Krispy Kreme to find out the next holiday it will celebrate.
— Join the Friends of Krispy Kreme e-club. Subscribe to the Krispy Kreme e-club to receive special email offers in your mailbox. Past offers have included a free doughnut upon sign up and a free doughnut on your birthday.
— Download the Krispy Kreme Rewards app. When you use the Krispy Kreme Rewards app, you can earn points to use toward free doughnuts and drinks. You’ll also receive a free original glazed doughnut upon download and a surprise on your birthday. Throughout the year, you’ll be treated to user-only deals and perks.
[See: 11 Expenses Destroying Your Budget.]
Starbucks
— Do-it-yourself iced latte. Instead of ordering an iced latte, go for a shot of espresso over ice. Then, fill up the rest of your cup with milk at the milk bar and give it a stir to whip up a cheaper, DIY iced latte. Prices vary by region, but you can generally get a shot of espresso over ice for around $1.95, versus about $4.15 for an iced latte.
— Order a tall-sized drink in a grande-sized cup. If you’ve ordered a brewed coffee before, you may have experienced the frustration of having to dump out a bit of coffee in order to make room for your milk at the milk bar. Solve this problem by ordering a tall-sized coffee in a larger grande-sized cup, or order a grande coffee in a larger venti cup. The free upgrade will leave you with plenty of space.
— Register for Starbucks Rewards. With a Starbucks Rewards membership, you earn “Stars” that you can use toward future free beverages and treats. With the current point system, you earn two stars per $1 spent, with a freebie given for every 125 stars earned. You’ll also receive free refills year-round and a gift on your birthday.
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Know These Insider Fast-Food and Restaurant Hacks originally appeared on usnews.com
