Saving $$ Eating Out
>20 December 2008
Being frugal doesn’t mean you can’t still splurge, and have fun.
You just do it wisely!!
Here are some ways my family saves money while eating out:
- Share an entrée. My husband and I always ask for an extra plate, and split a meal. It saves tons, plus they usually give enough on one plate to satisfy two people anyway! If one meal alone isn’t enough, order an extra side to go with it.
- If you can’t split a plate with someone, order an appetizer instead of a full entrée.
- Order water instead of more expensive drinks. It’s good for you!
- When ordering a drink to go, ask for no ice. The drink will still be cold, and you will get twice as much drink for your money!
- Keep restaurant coupons in the car. That way if you are out, and tempted to swing by fast food, at least you will have some money savers handy.
- Go to restaurants where kids eat free. Go here to find the restaurants in your area who offer this.
- If you aren’t eating somewhere where the kids eat free, pack some food to take along for them. This is really more practical for smaller children. Bring a sippy cup or juice box, and some finger foods for them to munch on. In my experience, buying a kid’s plate is NEVER worth it! My kids don’t eat a third of what’s on their plate when we’re out!
- Save money at Restaraunts.com . Order a $25 gift certificate for only $10.
- Eat out for lunch instead of dinner. It’s cheaper.
- When ordering pizza, if you really like one place more than the other, but the other has a better deal, call your preferred pizza place and ask them if they will match their competitors deal. They usually will.
- Pick up your food instead of having it delivered (if you don’t live too far), and save yourself that tip $$.
- If you are not satisfied with your food, don’t let it go to waste, tell them! Even if you’ve eaten some of it, most places will take it back and not charge you for it.
- Plan ahead. Know where you will be going to eat, then visit their website and see if they offer printable coupons online. Often if you join their mailing list they will immediately send you an email with a coupon for a free appetizer or something.
- Thoroughly check your bill for mistakes. Waiters admit to often adding extra charges to your bill to increase their gratuity. And sometimes they forget to give you the discount from your coupon. Pay attention, don’t pay extra!
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Check local informational, “to do” sites and newspaper websites as well. Sometimes their advertisers will offer coupons that you can print.
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