Eating Out for Less

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By Heather Reese

Summary

Consumer Reports surveyed subscribers about more than 150,000 visits to 101 restaurants.

Story Published: Jun 3, 2009 at 4:49 PM PST

With the economic downturn, people have really cut back on eating out. So plenty of restaurant chains are offering exceptional values these days, in an effort to keep customers coming in. But it doesn't matter how good the deals are if the food isn't good.

Consumer Reports surveyed subscribers about more than 150,000 visits to 101 restaurants. Twenty-one chains received the highest marks for food, with steakhouses generally the priciest category.

In a steak taste-off, Consumer Reports found that Morton's has an excellent strip steak for $53 that bested the rest. But consider Outback, which has a very good strip steak for $22. The strip steaks at Applebee's, for $18, and Friday's, for $17, were OK, too.

But be careful how much lower you go. None of the $9.99 "value" sirloins tested at Applebee's, Outback, and Friday's were anywhere near as flavorful and tender as their pricier counterparts.

Consumer Reports says there are plenty of other ways to save money, starting with going online. You can sign up for e-mail alerts from favorite restaurants, and find freebees. For example, Legal Seafood recently offered a free pound of shrimp cocktail. You can also join frequent dining programs at places such as Friday's and get a free appetizer or dessert. Or consider eating at the bar, where food can be cheaper. Getting food to go, rather than sitting down in a restaurant, can also be a way to stretch your dollars. For one, you don't have the cost of a tip.