PSA: Freelance food writers, should you take free meals for reviews?

I run a small food blog and get offers for free meals in exchange for posts. Some folks say it's a good way to save money and build connections with restaurants. But others argue that paying for your own meals keeps reviews honest and avoids bias. For example, if a place gives you free food, you might feel pressured to write a nice review even if the meal was just okay. On the flip side, paying out of pocket every time can get expensive fast, especially when starting out. Where do you stand on this? Is taking free stuff worth the risk to your credibility?