Going out to eat can be a way to break up the monotony of the week, celebrate a special occasion, or allow you or your family to experience cuisine that they might not have tried before. Fortunately, that doesn’t mean that you want to break the bank on a meal.
Here are ten hacks that you can use to eat out and not look like a tightwad, according to commenters in an online forum.
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.”
Buffets
Buffets are a great way to be able to try a lot of different food for a single price. One reader said, “Try buffets. They are usually reasonably priced, and you can try a variety of dishes.”
Even picky eaters should be able to find a few items that they enjoy.
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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