Quick Tips- How To Save Money...

When Eating Out

We all know how expensive eating out at nice restaurants can be. If you do this on a regular basis, the expenses can really add up. But who can resist the temptation to let someone else do the cooking and the dishes? Here are some easy ways to save money and still eat out at your favorite restaurants.

Give these restaurant savings suggestions a try:

Drink water with your meal.
With many soft drinks and alcoholic beverages being overpriced in restaurants, this can result in significant restaurant savings. If you aren’t going to be content with water, order iced tea since refills are complimentary.

Split an entrée with your dinner companion.
Since restaurants are serving such large portions these days, you may be able to split an entrée with a companion and still be comfortably full. Make sure the restaurant doesn’t charge a split plate charge before doing this.

Look for online restaurant discounts.
Check the websites of your favorite restaurants and see if they offer an email club. Restaurants will often send discount coupons and savings to you periodically through email. You can also find online restaurant savings at restaurant.com. For a small fee, you can purchase a restaurant discount coupon that can result in significant savings.

Save what you don’t eat for the next day.
If you can't eat all of your entree, take the remainder home in a doggy bag to eat for lunch on the following day.

Avoid ordering dessert.
At some restaurants, the desserts can cost almost as much as your entrée. If you can't resist an after dinner treat, why not stop for an ice cream cone on the way home?

Check your local paper regularly for restaurant coupons.
Chain restaurants regularly publish restaurant discount coupons in local newspapers, particularly on Sunday. Be sure to check your paper regularly for new offerings.

Join a diner’s club.
Many of the larger cities offer two for one dining coupons for participating restaurants through a company called International Diner's Club. You pay a fee to join and receive a packet of coupons good for a free entrée when one is purchased. This can be an excellent deal and a great way to try new restaurants and cuisines.

Try a buffet
Buffets can be a great deal. If you want to save even more, go to a lunch buffet. The buffet price is usually cheaper at lunch. Plus, you’ll be so full all of the food, you won’t need to purchase diner. Just don’t do this too often! It’s hard on the figure.

As you can see, eating out at restaurants doesn’t have to be expensive. Give some of these restaurant savings tips a try.
by Kristie Leong

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