Seven Simple Ways to Eat Cheaply in Restaurants

Discover the Secrets of Saving Money When Eating Out

Apr 14, 2009 Kristie Leong

Eating out can put a strain on your budget. Fortunately, there are ways to enjoy the restaurant dining experience without overspending. Here's how.

Let’s face it. Restaurants can be expensive and they can take a significant chunk out of even the best planned budget. Although eating out cheaply can be a challenge, preparing a meal at home is too time consuming for many people. Fortunately, with a little foresight and planning, a satisfying restaurant experience is possible without breaking the bank. Here are some tips on how to eat cheaply at restaurants and not blow the budget.

How to Eat Cheaply at Restaurants: It Takes a Little Planning.

Most restaurants have menus available online these days. Scanning the menu beforehand allows orders to be prepared before arriving. This means impulse purchases are less likely to jack up the final bill. A little preparation before leaving the house can mean big savings when it comes to restaurant dining.

How to Eat Cheaply at Restaurants: The World of Coupons and Special Deals.

The Sunday paper is a good resource for restaurant coupons. Some offer special deals such as a free entrée with the purchase of a second one. Restaurant coupons are also available at online sites such as restaurant.com. Some larger cities offer diner’s clubs where a book of coupons can be purchased offering a free entrée when a similar one is ordered. It also helps to call before visiting a restaurant to see if they have any special promotions running or whether they plan to offer any in the future. Another way to save is to sign up for the birthday club. Many restaurants offer free birthday entrées or desserts.

How to Eat Cheaply at Restaurants: Look for Family Style and Buffet Restaurants.

Family owned restaurants that are off the beaten path usually offer exceptional value. These hidden gems are usually found through word-of-mouth, and are definitely worth seeking out. Some southern states have cafeterias where the food is inexpensive and no tip is required. This can save up to twenty percent off the final tab. Buffet restaurants are a good option for those with a big appetite.

How to Eat Cheaply at Restaurants: Look for Fast Casual Restaurants.

Fast casual restaurants are franchise restaurants where food is ordered at the counter and little service is provided. They’re usually a step up from fast food restaurants and have a wider selection of offerings. These restaurants, such as Chipotles and Boston Market, can cost significantly less than a sit down restaurant where full service is given and a tip is expected.

How to Eat Cheaply at Restaurants: Pass on Alcohol.

Adding a glass of wine or any type of alcohol can inflate the bill significantly. Resist the urge to indulge in alcohol and stick with water as your primary beverage. Add a few slices of lemon and a little sugar to create homemade lemonade.

How to Eat Cheaply at Restaurants: Say No to Dessert.

Desserts are always an enticement, but indulging in them can be costly. It’s better to buy an inexpensive container of ice cream and enjoy it at home.

How to Eat Cheaply at Restaurants: Don’t Over Order.

Most people order more than they can eat at a restaurant. It’s not always necessary to order a full entrée. Consider ordering a bowl of soup or an appetizer instead and take home any uneaten food. That extra food can serve as a second meal the next day.

Eating out doesn’t have to challenge the budget. With a little planning restaurant dining can be quite affordable.

The copyright of the article Seven Simple Ways to Eat Cheaply in Restaurants in Personal Budgeting/Finance is owned by Kristie Leong. Permission to republish Seven Simple Ways to Eat Cheaply in Restaurants in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.