How to Save Money While Eating Out at Restaurants

Restaurants can be really hard on your budget. Most of the time it’s better to skip going if you need to save money, but there are some nights that can be crazy and almost impossible to find the time to make a meal at home. Other times, you may be stir crazy and just need to get out of the house for awhile or an emergency may happen that makes you have to eat out. For those times, here is a simple guide to help you save money even when eating out.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• telephone
• coupons
• note pad
• pencil

1. Make a list of all your favorite restaurants. Leave lots of room between each name. If you have a certain menu item that you always order from that restaurant, then list it with the price by the restaurant. Also, write down the typical price range of the meals, the children’s meal price and the typical amount you spend there.

2. Next, call your favorite restaurants and ask them if they have any specials and what days they are on. Pay special note (if you are a parent) to days when the children’s menu is discounted or even free. List this information beside (or under) the name of the restaurant

3. Start keeping all coupons for your favorite restaurants. Put them in a place you will not loose them. Check flyers that come in the mail, Entertainment Books, some restaurants even have mailing lists they can put you on.

4. Now you have the information to make an informed decision. If you find yourself needing (or wanting) to go to a restaurant, then look at your information you have collected and decide based on normal cost, any specials that day and coupons that you have, what would be the best price.

5. Other ways you can save on restaurant bill is choose a lesser expensive entrée, skip the appetizer, skip the desert or drink water with your meal instead of a more expensive drink

Tips & Warnings

• Don't try to save money by stiffing on the tip. Waiters and waitresses work hard and rely on this extra money to get by. Plus, keep in mind if this is a restaurant you go to often, they may remember you and you DON'T want them getting revenge!!!

[temari]

on 4/10/2009 Good suggestions! Also, go for lunch instead of dinner and be on the lookout for kids selling discount cards as fundraisers. Local restaurants are invariably included on the cards. Great article. 5*

[eliptica]

on 2/16/2009 I will definitely be using your tips, thanks

[SarahRobinson]

on 2/4/2009 Good article! 5*

[MSmith]

on 1/12/2009 Great tips. I need to start being moneywise. Thanks. 5*

[maryellen1001]

on 1/10/2009 Great advice!