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.