Dining out and keeping the cost low is getting more difficult, but there are ways to cut costs.

News 12’s Kristie Reeter has The Real Deal on how to make it happen.

Investopedia’s Caleb Silver says dining experiences are not exempt from inflation.

"Food inflation has been one of the stickiest parts of inflation, and food away from home, dining out in bars and restaurants, that's up 6.5% year-over-year in the state of New York," says Silver.

That in turn has been impacting restaurant reservations.

"Restaurant reservations in New York have actually picked up a little bit throughout the summer. They are still down compared to last year, they were down 3% in June, but just down 1% in July compared to last summer,” says Silver.

Experts say you may have a free option that you don’t even know about.

Check different cards you use to see if any offer cashback or points to cash in on dining out.

Some of the options have 15% added value, meaning you get $50 gift card for just $42.50.