Tips or Saving When Dining Out

By

OliveOyl

I agree with not ordering beverages when eating out in restaurants. I am fine with a glass of water. I also skip appetizers if I'm ordering a main course. I am often so full from the appetizer I can't eat the entree. Is it your routine to end the meal with coffee? You might just be ordering out of habit. Do without it and see if you can eliminate it or have some when you get home.

We don't like to eat too late at night so we look for early bird specials.

By

kffrmw88

Eat at home. I'd rather fix a peanut butter sandwich than pay the high price to eat out, or fix a Slim Fast milk shake. We drink those to help with weight problems. Good luck.

By

redhatterb

I agree about coupon books. For the price there is a lot in them that a person won't use. The last two years the management company that has the apartment complex I live in has done a discount card for about 18 asstd. businesses. Two years ago there wasn't anything listed that I used. Last year there was one business listed that I would use. It will be interesting to see what is on the card this year, if management does it again.

By

PIKKA

Hey John, Portland is my home town and I'm currently in exile in Colorado and my dear brother is also named John. That aside, the best way to save money on eating out, is eat at home. Sorry.

But, many restaurants are offering deals right now if you eat with someone,like 2-fers or try eating out for lunch instead of dinner. This will often get you the same food, possibly in a smaller portion but for less money [most of us could do with smaller portions]. Making lunch your heaviest meal also tends to help control weight, and you can have a salad, some french bread and a small glass of wine or juice at home later in the evening.

Coupon books aren't really worth much in my opinion.

Having a few favorite restaurants where you really learn the ins and outs of the menu's is a help. Ask what days are the best specials from more than one waiter/waitress and you will get all the details of the place eventually, and figure out which way to combine what you like for the lowest bottom line.

All restaurant chains prompt their employees to up sell. I hated it when I worked in a restaurant. Say no as much as possible, drink water as your main beverage and save the coffee, juice, wine, etc for home, unless they sell your real favorite. Specify which category and size you want. I hadn't eaten a restaurant for a long time and stopped in recently, and forgot that little rule and ended up with the largest glass of milk they had, even though I'd only asked for a glass of milk. I've learned the hard way that I often am full before finishing the full size of anything, when the smaller size would have sufficed.

Try to have some of your favorite things at home waiting for you so you aren't tempted to buy them at the restaurant. Eat small and treat yourself to late night snack at home.

Tips or Saving When Dining Out. I was amazed to read the average American household spends more than $2,200 dining out, according to New Strategist Publications.