Thanks for stopping by, for more great DIY tips and tricks check out my new site FrugallyBlonde.com.
I love going out to eat. It seems like such a treat to not have to cook dinner and clean up. Unfortunately, dining out can get really expensive. I have learned a few tricks over the years to save money while eating out.
1. Order water for your drinks. I know it’s the oldest trick in the book, but it saves so much money. Anymore even a soft drink can be $2.50-$3 when you go out to eat. If you have a family of four you can save $10-$12 dollars by ordering water at dinner instead of soda. If your kids aren’t crazy about the taste of water they can ask for a lemon slice in the water. My sister taught me years ago to ask for a lemon slice for the water. I squeeze it in the water to make a “lemonade”.
2. Eat at family owned restaurants. I have found that small, family owned restaurants are often cheaper than the larger chains. We have a BBQ place that we love to go for dinner. It cost under $14 plus tip for three adult meals. Everything is made on site and it is delicious. If we go to a BBQ chain and get a similar meal it is $30 for almost the same meal.
3. Bring a coupon or groupon. I love using Groupons. They save us money, plus usually it has us try a new place that we didn’t know about. Groupons often save you 50% or more on your bill. Just make sure you don’t buy more than you can use and keep an eye on the expiration date. With all restaurant coupons or groupons I recommend mentioning the coupons when you are seated. That way you don’t run into any problems. Plus, remember to tip your wait staff on the pre-coupon/groupon amount.
4. Split a meal. I am sometimes shocked at how large the portions are at some restaurants. My husband and I often split a meal if we know the portions are going to be large. You can also get an appetizer and meal to split. Appetizers tend to be cheaper and smaller. The combination of meal and appetizer can be just the right amount. If we split the meal then we don’t have leftovers that will be left in the car or never eaten.
5. Eat Fast Casual Food. Fast Casual is a great way to go if you are trying to save money. It’s a step up from the fast food restaurants, however it can be cheaper than a sit down. Plus, you will save because usually there isn’t a wait staff to tip. Panera and Fazoli’s are two of our family favorites.
How do you save money eating out? I would love to hear your ideas. Just add them in the comments below.
Thanks for stopping by, for more great DIY tips and tricks check out my new site FrugallyBlonde.com.