How to Eat Cheaply When Eating Out

Treat yourself by saving money.

When you're just too tired to cook, you may still save money when eating out. As long as you're not going out every night, eating at a restaurant doesn't have to be a strain on the budget. Be strategic when it comes to ordering your dinner and cut out the unnecessary extras that accompany the main course.

Instructions

1. Don't order alcoholic drinks or desserts. Save the drinks and desserts for home and have your favorite brews or a tub of ice cream waiting for you. Plus, you don't have to worry about who's going to be the designated driver if you save the imbibing for home.

2. Eat a small snack before you go out. This staves off the hunger and keeps you from ordering something you wouldn't necessarily eat. Eating some cheese or a piece of fruit before dinner also helps you avoid ordering unnecessary appetizers that sometimes cost as much as the entrees. Share an appetizer or make the appetizer your dinner and supplement with a bowl of soup or a side salad.

3. Share a meal. Restaurant portions are generally larger than the average person can eat on his own. If you split the large pasta dishes or salads with someone else, you split the cost of the meal. Large portions are also great for a next day meal, so bring home a doggy bag.

4. Look for coupons and other deals. Your local Sunday paper is a good source for restaurant coupons such as two for the price of one deals. Also find out which restaurants have happy hour specials. Certain menu items may be half off just like the drinks. Some restaurants also have designated days when kids eat for free.

References

• CBS Moneywatch.com; Restaurants on the Cheap: 5 Ways to Get Deals on Dining Out; Kathy Kristof; March 2010
• Wisebread; Tips for Eating Out Cheaply; Xin Lu; June 2008