There is absolutely no reason for you to have to pay exorbitant amounts just to have a nice meal outside your home. If you like to eat out often, you may find this habit to burn a huge hole in your pocket at the end of every month. This doesn't have to be the case. There are more than enough restaurants where you can enjoy a filling, well cooked and highly nutritious meal at an affordable price. But there are a few things which you need to watch out for in such places like hygiene, freshness of the food, nutrition, etc. If you can find a restaurant that serves large portions at a good price, you could say you've hit the jackpot. So what type of restaurants are you looking for? Here's the list: 

1. One of the best types of restaurants when it comes to good, cheap food is a small family run restaurant. You should be on the lookout for small, cozy restaurants where you can get a cheap no-frills meal. You never know where you will find the perfect place so never give up looking. These restaurants aren't usually located in busy markets or thoroughfares. You will have to tread off the beaten path if you want to find such a place. 

2. Another great option, although it isn't viable all year around, is to look for any season specials or food festivals in your area. There are a large number of restaurants which have promotional offers during certain periods of the year. If you can find such restaurants or festivals you will be able to enjoy a good meal while not spending too much money. 

3. Never throw out something before going through it carefully. Even pamphlets that you receive from your credit card company or bank may contain some great offers and discounts for eating out. You can basically get coupons anywhere, be it, churches, bands, charities, etc. You never know what you're going to get. Take the Olive Garden for example. It has a great selection of Italian food which revolves mostly around pasta. Whether it's their decor or their budget friendly menu, you will not be disappointed at the Olive Garden. And if you can get a hold of some Olive Garden printable coupons, you won’t have to spend too much money either. 

4. Another important point for you to remember is to go for budget restaurants instead of visiting gourmet ones. Isn't it obvious, the more fancy a restaurant, the more expensive the food will be? 

5. There are a lot of restaurants that run frequent eater programs for regular customers. If you are a regular visitor to a certain restaurant, you can consider signing up for this program. It will entitle you to a large number of freebies and discounts. What's more, you may even get access to some special offers like "kids evenings" where all children under the age of 12 can eat for free. 

Remember, eating out isn't about spending all your money. It's about having a good time on a budget. You don't have to stuff yourself to a point where you regret it later. You too can be an intelligent eater!