You've probably had a harder time getting restaurant reservations lately or showed up at a restaurant only to have a very long wait. Caleb Silver, the editor-in-chief at Investopedia, says that's because restaurant reservations are way up right now.

“We've seen a steady rebound in restaurant reservations in the state of New Jersey all through the spring and going into the summer,” says Silver. “Now, we're actually about 3.3% above 2019 levels and business is actually a little bit better if we look at restaurant reservations in the state of New Jersey.”

So now that you're eating out more, you may need some "inflation specials" to keep you from suffering too much of a financial consequence, since some restaurants have no choice but to pass on spiking food costs to customers. 

Theodore "Teddy" Kappas, the owner of The Greek on Main in downtown Metuchen, understands why some customers want tasty deals right now.

"I raised my prices a couple of times, but I can't do it anymore because you can't just go crazy. People are not gonna come in,” says Kappas.

Metuchen Restaurant Week is one of the ways his restaurant, and hundreds of others in towns all across New Jersey, get customers to come in while saving them money, too.

"You're getting more food for your dollar,” says Moshe Atzbi, with Hailey's Harp & Pub.

You'll find dinner for two for only $40 at Hailey's Harp & Pub during the money saving week.

"Here at Fire and Flavor, they're doing a family combo for four for less than $60, so you can feed your whole family,” says Isaas Kremer.

Kremer is the executive director of Downtown Metuchen Alliance.

"There needs to be a perception of value,” says Kremer. "Part of it is people are under a lot of pressure right now and to be able to get out. In a beautiful downtown like this it's a great way to kind of reset."

Restaurant week pre-fixe deals around the state this summer aren't the only way to save money while eating out.

Websites such as RetailMeNow.com offer hundreds of deals that can save you as much as 50% off franchise meals. EatDrinkDeals.com also has great offers.

It also pays to be a loyal customer. There are so many free offers when you sign up for reward programs.

Some other ways to save include eating out on national days, taking advantage of "kids eat free" offers, or skipping the appetizers.

Metuchen's summer restaurant week is next Monday through Sunday.

For more ways to save, click HERE and HERE.

For more restaurant weeks around the state, click HERE and HERE.