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Step 1
Check for happy hours. Almost every restaurant has a happy hour special that will not only provide a great discount on drinks but also on appetizers. So find that restaurant with a happy hour and go during that time period. Some restaurants even offer more than one happy hour, one during the afternoon and one at night.
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Step 2
Eat the lunch portions. Some times the lunch portions are only slightly smaller than the dinner portions, but are significantly cheaper.
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Step 3
When eating during happy hour or from the lunch menu, order an extra serving and put it in a to go box. You can get that extra meal and eat it later for dinner.
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Step 4
Water is free so drink a water instead of a fountain drink or alcoholic beverage.
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Step 5
Ask for extra rolls or peanuts. These often are free as well. Get an extra serving and add it to your to-go box.
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Step 6
Eat your dinner from the appetizer menu. Many restaurants offer large appetizers, so buy the appetizer instead of the entire meal.
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Step 7
Mix and match. Order smaller sides and mix and match them to get the dinner that you want. You will often find that doing this will come out cheaper than buying the complete meal.
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Step 8
Look for combo meals and dinning for two specials. If a restaurant offers a steak and shrimp dinner this can be split between two people. After splitting buy an extra side or appetizer to make the meal complete.
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Step 9
Tip the subtotal not the total. Most people don't know that the tip should be based on the subtotal, not the total. This will prevent you from overtipping.
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Step 10
Review your bill. You would be surprised how often the waitress gets something wrong on your bill.
Comments
jull14 said
on 6/15/2009 Wonderful article. I love to read article that can help me grow as a person. This article is very easy to follow and very informative, thanks
pamelaa75 said
on 4/16/2009 Great tips. I do a lot of the things you mentioned.
goodselfme said
on 3/22/2009 Great tips for eating out and saving. TX