In tough economic times, we’re often looking for ways to cut back on unnecessary expenses, and regular dining at fine restaurants usually lands high on the list of sacrifices. There’s no doubt that you can make many meals more cheaply and healthfully at home, but if you’ve consumed hundreds of bowls of rice and beans, you could be forgiven for wanting to splurge. With a little detective work, though, it’s possible to let someone else cook dinner without paying dearly for the privilege.

The best way to find deals and receive coupons from your favorite dining establishments is to make all forms of electronic contact with them. That includes subscribing to a restaurant’s e-mail list, becoming a fan on Facebook and following the restaurant on Twitter. More and more, restaurants are using these platforms to release coupons and advertise specials to their loyal customers. Recently, a pal clued me into a great dining special that was only available by using a password that had been revealed on Twitter. So far, that’s the most compelling reason for Twitter’s existence that I can think of. If you’re technologically deficient, at least check out the online version of your local newspaper, as many papers now employ bargain hunter bloggers that do this down and dirty work for you.

Another way to find some great dining deals online is to search out Web sites that offer gift certificates at discounted prices. Purchasing a $50 gift certificate for a mere $25 will help stretch your dining dollar. The site Restaurant.com is perhaps the most famous example, though there are numerous local versions as well.

Of course, some specials you can find the old-fashioned way; restaurants that have kid’s night specials usually have a big banner proclaiming so. Keep a list of these establishments so that you don’t draw a blank on where to eat when there are children in tow. It’s also worth keeping a spreadsheet of the best happy hour deals in your town. If you’re willing to dine fashionably early (usually anywhere from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.), you can fill up on delectable dishes at a fraction of the price. You can also score some specials if you’re willing to eat out on off-peak nights, as well. Instead of insisting that date night take place on Saturday, check into the deals offered on Tuesday or Wednesday, slow nights when the restaurant might be working harder to entice customers.

If you absolutely can’t find any good discounts ahead of time, there are a few ways to keep the bill low once you arrive at a restaurant. Soda addicts, beware — you can save a few bucks just by ordering water (wine lovers, I won’t go into how much you’ll save). Go to places where you can split an entrée with your dining companion, or order something that will last for several left-over meals, thus lowering the per meal cost. You can also take a tip from dieters and eat a small snack before you head out; being just a little full in the stomach can leave your wallet a little full too, as you’ll be less likely to go hog-wild when you order.

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