Don't Dine Out at Restaurants on These Dates — When To Go Instead
Restaurant prices are increasing at a slower rate than consumer prices in general, according to the National Restaurant Association, citing Bureau of Labor Statistics data. But dining out can still cost a lot of money — especially if you go on premium dates, when you're less likely to find good values in terms of price and the overall experience.
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GOBankingRates talked to restaurant experts to find out what dates to avoid dining out in 2025 and the best times to go instead.
Also see restaurant promos that can save you hundreds a month.
The experts agreed that these are the worst dates to dine out.
Feb. 14: Valentine's Day
May 11: Mother's Day
June 15: Father's Day
Nov. 26: Day before Thanksgiving
Dec. 24: Christmas Eve
Dec. 31: New Year's Eve
Those dates center around national celebrations, but local events can also be bad dates for dining out. Milos Eric, co-founder and general manager of OysterLink, a restaurant and hospitality job platform, recommended also avoiding graduation weekends, especially in college towns, as well as music festivals and conventions that might create unpredictable surges in demand.
'A city like Miami during Art Basel or Las Vegas during CES sees service drop as staff struggles to keep up,' Eric said.
For restaurants, high sales days are an essential opportunity, said Katie Fairchild, chief marketing officer for Restaurant365, a software platform for restaurant management. 'They are significant revenue contributors and a chance to create relationships with new guests and cement existing regulars,' she said.
But they also challenge diners' patience with long wait times and the potential for chaotic service and limited menus. Although the pared-down offerings help restaurants ensure quality while controlling costs, they might disappoint diners hoping to order their favorite dishes or dine on a budget.
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Eric recommended holding off until after the big date to dine out. 'Many restaurants overstaff on the main day and may have extra inventory the next day, leading to better service and sometimes even discounts,' he said.
Joshua Wood, founder and CEO of CJ Digital, a hospitality marketing agency, had a different take. 'I would recommend going before. If you go after, the staff may be tired and the food quality may be lacking with less care being put in. It also means that you can celebrate twice because you can celebrate the actual date at home the next day,' he said.
Of course, there's no rule that says you have to have your celebratory restaurant meal within a day of the actual event. You can time your dinner out to take advantage of the normal fluctuations in business that restaurants experience throughout the week.
Best nights for discounts: Monday and Tuesday
Best nights for new menu items: Wednesday and Thursday
Best nights for food prepared by the head chef: Tuesday through Saturday
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Here's the Minimum Salary Required To Be Considered Upper-Middle Class in 2025
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21 Affordable Small Cities To Retire on the East CoastThis article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Don't Dine Out at Restaurants on These Dates — When To Go Instead
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All data was collected on and is up to date as of June 3, 2025. More From GOBankingRates Mark Cuban Warns of 'Red Rural Recession' -- 4 States That Could Get Hit Hard The 5 Car Brands Named the Least Reliable of 2025 5 Types of Cars Retirees Should Stay Away From Buying This article originally appeared on Savings Needed To Be Rich in America's Most Popular Retirement Destinations Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Forbes
3 hours ago
- Forbes
Top 5 Most Popular College Degrees In 2025, Ranked By ROI
College degrees with the highest ROI set graduates up for financial success. With the total cost of a four-year college education in the U.S. now topping $153,080, according to choosing the right major is more important than ever. While passion and personal interests should shape your decision, understanding which college degrees offer the strongest return on investment (ROI) can help you balance financial security with career satisfaction. Recent analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data reveals significant variations in earning potential across different college degrees in the U.S. After examining median wages for graduates five years into their careers, a new report from Student Choice highlights five college degree programs that offer the best return on your investment. 1. Engineering: The ROI Leader If you choose engineering, you'll be entering a field that dominates high-return educational investments. Your combination of technical expertise, problem-solving skills and practical application makes you highly valued across industries. 2. Computer Science and IT: Technology's Premium Every industry now relies on technology systems, creating a widespread demand for skilled professionals who can design, implement and maintain digital infrastructure. 3. Nursing: Healthcare's High-Return Investment The nursing profession combines strong financial returns with meaningful work that directly impacts patient care and community health. 4. Accounting: Business Foundation with Strong Returns Every organization requires accounting services for financial management, tax preparation and regulatory compliance, creating stable employment across all industries. 5. Biochemistry: Science Meets High Returns Biochemistry combines scientific knowledge with practical applications in the healthcare, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology industries. Factors You Should Consider Beyond ROI While ROI is a critical consideration, it shouldn't be the only factor guiding your choice. Personal interests, strengths and long-term career goals also play a key role in academic and career success. Making the Right College Degree Choice for You If you're considering these high-ROI college degrees, remember to weigh your interests, strengths and long-term goals alongside financial factors. The most rewarding careers often combine personal passion with practical opportunity. When your abilities and interests align with your major, you're more likely to excel, advance and increase your earnings over time. Given the significant investment that higher education requires, choosing your college major has never been more critical. These five degrees offer proven paths to financial success, helping you recover your investment quickly while laying the groundwork for long-term career growth and security.
