No matter how much you save, restaurant meals aren’t as easy on your budget as home-cooked meals. So if you’re trying to live a frugal lifestyle, you don’t want to be eating out all the time. But a delicious meal, complete with service, can definitely be a worthwhile splurge for a special occasion. And the more you manage to save on the cost of dining, the more often you can afford to treat yourself.
- Research Menus Online Before Eating Out
Most restaurants have their menus on their websites, so you can choose a place with inexpensive dishes you like.
- Join Mailing Lists
If you like a restaurant, and it has a club or mailing list, sign up! You’ll get emails with special offers and maybe a free appetizer once in a while. We receive both regularly from several restaurants.
- Order the Daily Special
Often the daily special at a restaurant is much cheaper than the other meals on the menu.
- Take Home Leftovers
If you have trouble disciplining yourself to stop eating while there’s still food on your plate, ask for the container at the start of the meal. Then you can put the to-go portion in the box right away, before you even start eating. Taking home leftovers is better than letting that extra food go to waste.
- Look for Discounts
The total at the bottom of your restaurant bill doesn’t necessarily have to be the actual price that you pay. There are many ways to lower costs. These include looking out for group deals and vouchers/offers/discounts.
- Split a Meal
At many restaurants, the amount of food you get on a plate is far more than what you actually need. One way around this problem is to split with a friend. At some restaurants, you can simply ask for one main course and an extra plate and divide the meal when it arrives. Another option is for one of you to order something small – a salad, soup, or appetizer – while the other orders an entrée, and then you can share both dishes.
- Go During Happy Hour
Try eating at restaurants during happy hour. You’ll save on drinks, and find half-priced appetizers at many places.
- Make wise menu choices
Look for more affordable dishes (try ones with fruits and veggies that are in season) or opt for a smaller portion size if it’s available. As for drinks, water is usually free, whereas soft drinks and alcoholic beverages can quickly add up.
Key takeaways
Dining out is a major expense for many people, but there are ways to trim the bill without sacrificing the experience.
Timing is everything for spending less at restaurants. Shifting when you go out to eat by just a little bit could cook up savings.
Don’t forget to consider the total expense of going out, not just the check at the restaurant, as you try ways to save on dining.