How to Go Out to Dinner on Budget
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This current recession has hit everyone hard, from the average jane, to retailers and even restaurants. People have been frugal with their money and have been eating at home. In most cases it is easier to buy from the grocery store and make a meal yourself, rather than pay someone else to cook it and serve it to you. As a result of these difficult economic times, restaurants have had to find a way to adapt in this challenging market. This means one thing, costumers are now eating cheaper.
My husband and I signed up for T.G.IF’s meal club card. It is not a credit card, you know how we feel about those here at austerity. Instead, for every dollar that you spend in their restaurant, you earn points towards a free meal, and other good coupons. Now I know that this restaurant is not considered fine dinning, but if you are looking for eating out on a budget, I would not suggest the five star bistro in your area, that is guaranteed to be pricey.
Jon and I have had our club card for almost a year now, and we have received almost 5 free entrees with our club card. We usually go about twice a month. The best thing about this club card is that every dollar counts, you can order just drinks, or just appetizers… whatever you want, it all counts as points! I usually order an appetizer when we go out, it keeps our bill cheap and the portion size correct.
I highly suggest looking to see if your favorite restaurant has a club card, or coupons. You would be surprised how many restraunts offer deals, aside from senior hour….
Here are My Favorite Tips for Eating Cheap at a Restaurant:
Order an Appetizer for Dinner
They are usually the yummiest things on the menu, and the least expensive. Ordering an appitizer also allows you to have adequate portion control, which is sorely lacking in most restraunts. I find that even with this portion size, I still end up taking some food home.
Watch What you
Drinks can be the biggest expense on the bill after a meal. As a rule of thumb, I won’t pay anymore than three dollars for a soft drink or beer. In some cases if beer is cheaper than soda, and you like beer, go for it. If you are interested in an alcoholic beverage, ask your server what the specials are for the evening. As a rule, if I am going to have a drink, I order good liquor, don’t settle for something that tastes bad just because it was cheap, it’s not worth it. If you decide not to order an alcholic beverage, ask your server if the restaurant has free refills.
Order a Meal to Share
This is an awesome trick to keep you bill down. If you are going with someone who is not such a big eater, or you are going somewhere that has enormous portions, consider spliting a dish. My in-laws do this all of the time. They are good eaters too, no one is walking away from the table hungry. If you are not sure if a meal is large enough to split, consider ordering a salad or bowl of soup prior to your meal coming. Both soup and a side salad will cost much less than a whole meal. I usually find that this works well when I go to lunch with a girlfriend.
Choose Where You Go to Eat Wisely
Some restaurants are pretty much a given that they are going to be pricey. Usually seafood restaurants, steakhouses, and foreign food tends to be pricey. However, this does not mean to avoid these places entirely. Go on a special occasion or not very often. Try not to order the most expensive item on the menu, and watch what you drink as well. Sometimes, you need a good meal, and you are worth it. If you splurge on your favorite French bistro every now and then, don’t beat yourself up over it… enjoy it.
I hope that some of these tips will help keep your bill affordable when you eat out. Bon Appetite
