If the high cost of restaurant meals is eating up your cash, here are some great ways to keep your tab lean!

DISCOUNTS. Many restaurants offer a reduced-price menu for seniors and children. If you or someone in your party qualifies, inquire with the server, for these may not appear on the regular menu. These discounted menus typically offer smaller portions at significantly reduced prices.

SKIP THE SODAS. Skip the pricey drinks with dubious free refills altogether and you'll save at least $2 per person. Lisa B. rewards herself whenever she opts for water by stuffing two bucks into her savings account.

SHARE. These days, splitting a meal is socially acceptable and economically savvy. While some restaurants charge for splitting, most are very accommodating. Paying a buck or two to split is still better than paying for two meals you can't finish. If you're embarrassed about sharing, don't be. If you must explain, say that you are a light eater or you're doing your duty to the Earth by not overconsuming. Some restaurants are so accommodating they'll split the meal in the kitchen rather than handing you an extra plate.

SPECIALS. Many restaurants have low-priced daily specials that are not on the menu. So before you get your heart set on a regular menu item, ask about any unadvertised specials.

EARLY BIRDS. In an effort to build business during less busy hours, many restaurants offer some dishes half-off or with some other enticing price — if you're there before the regular dinner crowd. This is typically from 4:00 to 5:30 pm. Look in your local newspaper and your mailbox for advertisements and other information.

APPETIZERS. Before you opt for a full meal, check the appetizer menu. You'll find generous portions minus the add-ons like salad or soup. And the price is right. Just request that your selection be served as an entree, and you'll fit right in.

COUPONS. Call your local high schools to find out who is selling local Entertainment restaurant-discount books. Or go to the Entertainment website to find one for your area.

PLAY TOURIST. It's not unusual for restaurants to direct special offers at tourists. You can take advantage of them, as well. Stop in the lobby of a local hotel and peruse the local attraction brochures. You'll find all kinds of offers. Your local tourism board will also have this kind of information.

LUNCH MENU. In many restaurants, the lunch menu is slightly different from the dinner menu, the difference being the portion size and price. Ask the server whether you can order from the lunch menu. If you can, you'll save a lot.

RESTAURANT.COM. You can buy gift certificates for selected restaurants in all parts of the country for half of face value at www.restaurant.com. For example, a $25 gift certificate typically costs $12.50; and one with a $10 face value costs just $5. You can purchase the quantity you desire. This is a site worth checking out!

GROUPON AND LIVING SOCIAL. Both Groupon and LivingSocial offer great values for restaurants in your area that are looking to bring in new customers. You can often find coupons for 30 to 60 percent off. Take advantage.

Mary invites questions, comments and tips at mary@everydaycheapskate.com, or c/o Everyday Cheapskate, 12340 Seal Beach Blvd., Suite B-416, Seal Beach, CA 90740. This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of www.DebtProofLiving.com, a personal finance member website and the author of "Debt-Proof Living," released in 2014. To find out more about Mary and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com.