If you’re on a tight budget, you may try to save money by avoiding certain activities like eating out. While eating out is generally more expensive than dining at home, there are ways to spend less while enjoying a nice meal at a restaurant. If you’d like to save a little money while dining out, consider making these money-saving changes.
1. Go for lunch.
Many restaurants have separate menus for lunch and dinner. While the portion sizes are generally reduced at lunchtime, so are the prices. By choosing to go out for lunch instead of dinner, you can save money.
2. Stick to water.
Beverages can add a substantial cost to your overall bill, especially if your beverage of choice contains alcohol. You can save quite a bit of money while dining out by forgoing pricier drinks and sticking to water.
3. Skip dessert.
A round of desserts won’t be cheap when eating out, so keep down your costs by skipping dessert. If you really can’t go without dessert, then stop by the grocery store on the way home. You’ll likely find several dessert options at a fraction of the cost.
4. Utilize coupons and discounts.
Keep an eye out for restaurant coupons when going through your mail. Also, inquire with your server about if the restaurant offers discounts to seniors, veterans, or other groups you qualify for. By utilizing coupons and discounts, you can further reduce your bill.
