It’s good to go out for grub every now and again. It gives us a chance to socialize, get out of the house, and enjoy a delicious meal that took us zero effort to prepare. However, it also costs money, and making a habit out of dining at restaurants can quickly take its toll our your wallet if you’re not careful. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy yourself, it just means you might have to cut some corners in the process.
Here are a few ways you can save money when going out to eat.
High-Quality H20
While getting fancy drinks when you go out to eat can be fun, water is both better for you and cheaper—free, to be exact. You might want nothing more than to get a Moscow mule or a fancy lemonade mixture, but if you really want to watch your budget, you’ll opt for water. It will cost you nothing and keep you hydrated. Will the occasional fun drink kill your wallet? No, but if you want to save as much as possible, stick with water.
Skip the Appetizers
Would you like to start out with some appetizers? No, you would not; at least, not if you’re trying to save money. Appetizers can be fun if you’re with a group or are wanting to try something fun, but are they necessary? Not particularly. Plus, they can cost as much as a full meal. If you’re trying to cut corners and save a few bucks, just stick to the free bread or fill up on water until your meal comes out.
Check the Price
If you’re trying to save a bit of green on your dinner, you shouldn’t just get whatever sounds the best. Sure, the steak looks amazing, but rather than spending $35 on a steak, try opting for the next best thing on the menu. This will save you money in the long run and allow you to explore more options. It’s all about finding a balance between the price and what you enjoy.
Desert at Home
You couldn’t eat another bite. Desert? Well, maybe you could do just one more bit, but don’t buy it, eat some at home! It’s much cheaper to grab a pint of ice cream or a package of cookies from the store than it is to get an immaculate desert from the restaurant—plus you’ll get more bang for your buck. Does this mean you can’t ever get a caramel brownie sundae? Of course not, but limiting the frequency of your deserts can certainly cut those costs, which quickly add up.
Check, Please
By utilizing these tips the next time you go out to eat, you’ll find that your bill ends up being significantly cheaper than you’re used to. You might even be able to cut the cost by up to half! You can put all the money you’ll be saving towards anything and everything: saving up for a new car, paying off the bill of a recent surgery like the kind at thebunioncure.com, buying a new pair of shoes, or using it to go out again!