Dining out is something we all do. It’s fun to get a night out, and it frees you from having to cook another meal. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come without a cost and that cost has increased steadily over the past few years. However, there are ways to save when you eat out. In a recent online conversation, people shared their top tips to save money at a restaurant. Here are ten of their top recommendations.
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Eat At Non-Chain Restaurants
Instead of the traditional chain restaurants, try the locally owned restaurants and cafes near you.
One reader said, “Try non-chain restaurants. Sometimes they are more reasonably priced or have specials. For example, we have a Vietnamese bakery that specializes in Bahn Mi sandwiches….these run about $5 for a 12 inch baguette and the bread is made fresh on site. We have another local place that specializes in fried seafood….they always have daily specials that run about $5.”
Weekday Lunch Specials
Eating out for lunch instead of dinner is a great way to enjoy a meal while saving a little cash.
One commenter said, “Week day lunch specials. Most places offer some type of combo deal to help encourage people to eat out during the day. You can get two combos, usually they are mainstream items which would make a good choice of intro food for kids.”
Split a Meal With Your Partner
Are you going out with a fried or partner? Consider splitting a meal to keep costs in check. Many restaurants love to give big servings, so you may not even want or need an entire meal.
This instantly cuts down the per person cost, and you don’t have to leave too full.
Order an App For Your Entree
If you are trying to keep the costs of dining out down or perhaps just aren’t very hungry, order an appetizer as your entree.
One commenter said, “I order an appetizer as my main meal about half the time. I have one group of friends that typically do the same, so we end up sharing them. Otherwise I’ll either ask for a half portion (and most restaurants will do this), or I’ll order something that I know reheats well so I can get a couple meals from the cost.”
Go International
The prices at many international restaurants and grocery stores are considerably less than those of their American counterparts.
One reader said, “International restaurants and grocery stores (in my experience) typically have lower prices. If one of the goals is to treat your kids to different foods, I would totally recommend taking them to any local international grocers and buying things there.”
Try a Nacho Platter
If you are trying to feed a crowd on a budget, consider the nacho platter.
One commenter said, “At a Mexican Restaurant you will also get free chips and salsa(s). The chips in the nacho dish get soggy, so in addition to a free appetizer, you also get extra chips for the nacho dish. And since you are feeding everyone, you can go for the more expensive nacho platter: taco meat, chicken, and chorizo might cost $2 more.”
Menu Research and Coupons
Checking out the menu before you go allows you to compare menu items and prices to see what might best fit your budget. You may even find a coupon for your trouble.
One person said, “Know what you are ordering before you go and find the cheaper yet filling options. Obviously let the kids get what they want but you can cut 5$ off by just getting something cheaper for yourself that still has the same calories as more expensive options.”
Order a La Carte
You don’t have to order an entree if you aren’t finding exactly what you want on the menu. You can order several items off of the a la carte menu and create your own meal.
One commenter said, “I normally end up ordering a couple of things from the a la carte menu. Most of the listed combos are either too much food or not what I would put together.”
Use the Kid’s Menu
There’s nothing wrong with ordering from the kid’s meal if the portion sizes or prices are more appropriate for you. One commenter said, “I often get a kids meal but still tip as if it were an adult sized meal.”
If you can’t order from the kids’ menu, ask if you can get a half portion instead. Many restaurants will be happy to accommodate you.
Pre-Bus Your Table
If you are looking to alleviate any guilt from having a tab that’s on the smaller side, then pre-bus your table and make less work for your server.
One server said, “It’s always a nice gesture to the server to clean up after you eat. Stack plates, put silverware and napkins on top, wipe up spills with your napkins, etc. servers will always appreciate the extra effort. Also 20 percent is a perfectly reasonable and generous tip even if you ordered less.”
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This thread inspired this post.
I’m John Schmoll, a former stockbroker, MBA-grad, published finance writer, and founder of Frugal Rules.
As a veteran of the financial services industry, I’ve worked as a mutual fund administrator, banker, and stockbroker and was Series 7 and 63-licensed, but I left all that behind in 2012 to help people learn how to manage their money.
My goal is to help you gain the knowledge you need to become financially independent with personally-tested financial tools and money-saving solutions.
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