Some days it feels like it is too expensive to go anywhere and do anything. Even though the economy is bad, there are still some inexpensive ways to have dinner out. Try visiting some of these great places for deals and specials.

1. Chili’s- Chili’s offers a 3 course combo for $20; which includes a shared appetizer, two meals, and a shared desert. Chili’s has a good choice in menu items for this meal.

Chili’s also offers a “Bottomless Express Lunch” which includes chips and salsa, soup of your choice, and a house or Caesar salad, all with limitless refills.

Many locations offer BOGO margaritas and other great deals during happy hour. Visit your location details.

2. Sonny’s BBQ- Sonny’s offers a meal for two for $18.99; this meal includes ½ a chicken, Sweet and Smokey ribs, sliced or pulled meat of your choice, three sides, two drinks, and corn bread or garlic bread.

Sonny’s also offers a daily lunch deal for a reduced price.

Sign up for Sonny’s email list and get a coupon for $5 off $25.

3. Steak and Shake- Steak and Shake may serve fast food, but it is in a cute 1950’s dinner setting with snazzy dressed waiters and waitresses, which makes it feel more like a restaurant. Many meals cost $4.99 or less and during happy hour from 2-4 (both am and pm in 24 hour locations) drinks and shakes are half price.

On weekends kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal.

4. Red Lobster- Red Lobster offers a three-course meal for $29.99; this meal includes a salad, unlimited “Cheddar Bay Biscuits”, two menu items, and a choice of a desert or an appetizer.

5. Applebee’s- Applebee’s offers $5.99 lunch combos; which consist of a choice of two items from a menu of soups, salads, sandwiches, and pasta.

They also offer a two for $20 dollar meal, which includes an appetizer and two select menu items. This deal is not as good as others, but some prefer Applebee’s food.

6. Benihana- Benihana offers unlimited sushi for $26.95; this also includes either Benihana or miso soup. This is an amazing sushi deal, as most sushi costs between $5- 15 for an 8 piece roll.

7. TGI Friday’s- TGI Friday’s offers the one of best deals on a three-course meal. $12.99 for an appetizer, entrée, and desert of your choice. TGI Friday’s offers a wide choice in menu items available with this deal.

8. Logan’s Roadhouse- Logan’s Roadhouse offers two full meals for $13.99; these meals include an entrée, two sides, biscuits, and bottomless in-the-shell peanuts.

They also offer kid’s meals starting at $2.99.

9. Cheesecake Factory- Cheesecake Factory now offers a “Small Plates and Snacks “ menu, which has low prices, but small portions. Though the plates are small, the options are savory and offer a wide variety of culinary choices. Prices range from $4 to $7.

10. Outback Steakhouse- Outback offers dinners from $9.99, and if you are an AAA member, at many locations you can get a free blooming onion (Its not listed on some menus, you have to ask).

Other tips and tricks:

1. Sign up for email deals. You can get free appetizers, BOGO meals, and money off coupons.

2. Visit during happy hours. ½ price appetizers, BOGO drinks, and est.

3. Watch websites for limited time deals.

4. Fill out surveys. If you keep your receipts and fill out online surveys you can sometimes get free food and help improve service in your location.

5. Remember if you get bad service, to let someone know. Sometimes restaurants will reimburse you, or else will help fix the problem.

6. Check your local coupon books such as Valpak for coupons.

7. Go to restaurant.com to find exclusive discounts to your local restaurants. There are times when you can purchase $25.00 gift certificates for as low as $2.00!

8. Lookout for restaurant gift card sales, often you can receive additional 25% in gift cards when you purchase a certain amount.

These restaurants are chains and are located in many states, but for the best deals visit local and family owned restaurants in your area.