Eating Out Responsibly: How You Can Enjoy A Restaurant On A Tight Budget
Eating out can be a great way for a family or groups of friends to relax after a long work week. But if you're on a strict budget, the relaxation stops when you get the bill. If you're hoping to spend an evening out without blowing your budget, follow these money-saving tips:
1. Just order water.
Most people know this tip, but it can be hard to stick to it when your friends are ordering cocktails and sodas. Some alcoholic beverages can cost almost as much as a large appetizer, so just make sure you know the price of your drink before you commit.
2. Dine on deals.
Before choosing any menu item, ask your server if there are any specials. Things like taco Tuesday or seafood Friday can really help knock a few bucks off the final bill. Once you know where the good deals are, you can plan your dining out around those days and places.
3. Go for lunch.
Lunch dates can be harder to set, but even pricier restaurants with finer food have more reasonable prices for lunch entrees. You pay a premium for the popular dinner hour, so if you can wrangle it, convince your friends that lunch will be more fun (and less expensive) for everyone at the table.
4. Go family-style.
Some excellent restaurants, especially those that offer Indian, Italian, or Mexican food, offer family style dishes. Dishes that are great for sharing include noodles, stir-fry, rice, and beans. These are easy to split and cost less per person than individual entrees. On a similar note, if you are getting separate dishes, ask for a to-go box and put half your meal away for later. You get two meals for the price of one.
5. Just go out for starters.
Even though appetizers may not have the same variety as the main dish menu, they often are just as hefty in calories if you choose right. For example, a larch platter of loaded nachos or potato skins will be just as filling as a hamburger and fries. Plus, many appetizers are designed to be shared, so you can really enjoy your company without worrying about cost.
6. Don't pay for kids.
If you're going out as a family, avoid kids' meals that offer lower quality food for a hefty price. Instead, ask for extra bread or an additional side that will keep you child happy. Pasta with extra meat costs less and tastes better. Kids often don't finish their meals, so sharing yours is an easy compromise.
For more information, contact local professionals like Melting Pot Pizza.
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