How to Save Money Eating At Restaurants

If you like eating out in restaurants and want to save money, here are some tips to eat frugally.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Eat at all you can eat buffet restaurants. Go during breakfast or lunch. Dinner prices are usually expensive.

2. Skip ordering desserts. Buy it directly from the grocery store or bakery.
   Or split the dessert with the other person.

3. Eat lunch in local college cafeteries. The cafeterias are catered to college students on a budget, so it is cheap to eat there.

4. Order water instead of sodas and other beverages. Water is free. Or bring your own drinks.

5. Clip money saving coupons from the mail, online or newspapers.
   If you enjoy eating at a particular restaurant and they offer a dining club card, sign up for it to take advantage of the savings.

6. Eat a small snack before going to a restaurant, so you tend to order less food.

7. Order 1 meal and split it with the other person.

8. Take advantages of restaurants that offer free appetizers included with your meals. That way you will be already full from the appetizers, that you will end up taking the rest of your meals to go.

9. Some restaurants offer free meals for kids on certain days, so look around.

10. Avoid ordering coffee. You can make your own coffee at home.

11. Opt for take out foods, to avoid tipping.

12. Buy restaurant gift cards for cheap on eBay. You can save up to $10 per gift card.

13. Work at the restaurant. Usually the staff gets an employee discount or get to eat free.

[dsarokin]

on 7/31/2008 Thanks, coolchic. These are some great tips. And welcome to eHow!