Because my family enjoys eating out, we make sure to put a little extra in our budget each week for at least one dinner out. Even though we do budget for this, we still try to save money when we can. Here are 5 ways I like to stretch a buck while eating out:
1) Drink water! Alcohol and other beverages can really add to your total bill - especially if you have a large family.
2) When you can, choose breakfast or lunch out over dinner when prices are typically higher.
3) If you have kids, use a site such as Kids Meal Deals to find the best deal on kids meals at restaurants in your local area.
4) Split an entree. Order an extra side if need be...this will still be cheaper than ordering two entrees. Or (because we only have one toddler) my husband and I will often order entrees for ourselves and share with our daughter to save a few bucks.
5) Use coupons. In addition to coupons found in the Entertainment Book and Restaurant.com, I often find coupons to restaurants in my mail box, in the newspaper and online. Keep your eyes open, you never know where you might find a coupon.
There are lots of ways to save when eating out. What are your best tips for saving money while dining out?
Friday, January 30, 2009
5 Ways to Stretch a Buck: Eating Out
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6 comments:
My husband and I will go out to places that offer 1/2 price appetizers during Happy Hour. We each order 1 and share for a light dinner. We enjoy the aspect of going out with out spending very much at all.
Consider getting the food to-go instead of sitting down in the restaurant...you eliminate having to leave a tip of 15-20% (which can add up REAL fast!).
Most of the time when we eat out I order water, since it's dinner and caffeine is a no no. Convincing the rest of my familiy is another story.
I was just thinking. If they'll drink water when we eat out, maybe we'll put that "saved" money aside for something special, like a season pass to an amusement park or something...
we usually get carryout instead of dining in- it's cheaper and you can have your own drinks and dessert
Right now at Restaurant.com, you can get a $25 gift card for $3 with the code SUPER!
ITA with drinking water! We have 6 children, and soft drinks would add $10 or more to our bill. Also, when we eat in the food court at the mall, we take along our own cans/bottles of soda--totally acceptable in that setting.
Oh, one more thing: if a child is still drinking from a sippy cup, I'll fill it at home instead of purchasing milk or juice at the restaurant.
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