eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Save Money at Restaurants

Contributor
By Katie O'Connor
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

In a tough economy, you have to do everything you can to scrimp and save. However, without a little indulgence every once in awhile, life is a bore. Eating at restaurants is one way to find a bit of joy for a modest price--if you do it right. Shaving just a little off your average meal ticket and doing a little research may mean you can eat out twice as much as you think you can.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Wine Appetizers Cash
  1. Step 1

    Search for coupons for any restaurant you'd like to try. This may mean looking through the local paper or doing a search on sites such as Valpak or Coupon Cabin, among others. Rarely, a restaurant's own website will feature a coupon to draw in potential new customers. If you can find a coupon, you'll knock money right off the top of your bill.

  2. Step 2

    Buy a certificate for your meal from Restaurant.com. This site offers actual gift certificates at a steep discount off the retail price.

  3. Step 3

    Start your evening at home. Have your first glass of wine with your dining partner before going to the restaurant (but make sure you still have a designated driver!). Enjoy a homemade salad instead of eating one with a 100 percent markup. You can even make tasty appetizers at home to save even more money.

  4. Step 4

    Call ahead for reservations. If you sit too long in the lobby, you're apt to venture to the bar for a cocktail or overindulge in food because you get too hungry.

  5. Step 5

    Sign up for any frequent diner card they have when at the restaurant. It can mean big savings over time.

  6. Step 6

    Eat whatever bread or appetizers they offer as complimentary. Though it may make you eat less of your meal, that only means one thing in this case: leftovers.

  7. Step 7

    Order soft drinks only if they have free refills, and if you are indulging in a cocktail, limit yourself to one. You'll not only be safer, you'll appreciate each taste.

  8. Step 8

    Skip dessert and go out for ice cream or a similar snack. Dessert is often overpriced at sit-down establishments, but quite reasonable elsewhere.

Tips & Warnings
  • You will certainly save money using these methods, but going out every night is still an extravagence that is tough to afford. Enjoy all luxuries in moderation.

Post a Comment

Post a Comment
  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This

Related Ads

Personal Finance
Mark P Cussen, CFP, CMFC,

Meet Mark P Cussen, CFP, CMFC eHow's Personal Finance Expert.

Get Free Personal Finance Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

eHow Personal Finance
eHow_eHow Business and Finance