Restaurant coupons are an option, but check the expiration dates and other possible exclusions to be sure they are valid when the bill arrives.

Another way to save money when eating out is to select a restaurant offering buy-one-get-one-free specials on certain nights. Or, plan a date during hours when items such as appetizers are half-priced. A third option is trying a less-expensive meal, such as breakfast, at a trendy restaurant.

"If you're willing to do something a little different, that's when you save a lot of money," says Lynnae McCoy, a wife and mother of two who blogs about frugal lifestyles at beingfrugal.net. To avoid the high cost of alcoholic beverages, go to a BYOB restaurant or forgo cocktails altogether.

If you're trying a romantic picnic, don't resort to the PB&J. Yeager says hit up a grocery store or gourmet shop that discounts its food bar after a certain time of day and fill up your basket.