Eating Out For Less
Eating Out Doesn't Have to Be Expensive
If I have one vice, it's that I love to eat out. Unfortunately, I don't care for fast food. I like quality and quality tends to cost. Over the years, I've learned some tips and tricks that allow my family and me to eat out at great restaurants without going broke. If you'd like to do the same, here's what I suggest...
Forget the Drinks
The cost of drinks when eating out can really add up. That's why I go for the water. When it's time to order drinks, simply ask for iced water. It can easily save you $5 to $10 or more if there's two of you who would normally order alcoholic beverages.
Split a Meal
When dining at a pricey restaurant, my husband and I split a meal and an appetizer. He orders the meal, I order the appetizer as a meal and we then split both dishes. We leave full and spend about 3/4 of what we would had we both ordered entrees.
Use Coupons
Many restaurants (even the upscale ones) offer coupons. Look in Entertainment Books, Val-Pak envelopes and other advertising venues and see what restaurants in your area are currently offering a discount. We frequently use buy one entree get one free coupons to eat for half price when eating out.
Just Say No
When eating out at nice restaurants, my family almost never orders dessert. Why spend $5 to $6 a dish (or more) for dessert when you can make it at home for a lot less? Remember, when the dessert try comes around, just say no.
By keeping these tips in mind, eating out can be fun and inexpensive. Great food, quality service and a nice atmosphere are wonderful, but getting them all for less makes it even sweeter.