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DINING OUT -
Affordable Restaurants & Getting Discounts (continued)
5. Some people get free meals at restaurants by signing up to be mystery shoppers.
By taking 10-
6. If you live near a culinary school you may be able to enjoy gourmet meals at a fraction of the price available at fancy restaurants. These schools often invite the public to dinners cooked by students to give their students a real restaurant environment and feedback. Give them a call.
Another way to save money when going out to eat is to visit restaurants during hours when meals are generally less expensive. You can still enjoy the “dining out” experience, but feel a little bit better when you receive the check.
1. If you like to go out to eat often, consider going out to lunch, rather than
dinner. For essentially the same meal, lunch is often 25%-
2. While the food will be different than lunch or dinner, breakfast is a good time to go out to enjoy yourself at a restaurant. Prices are usually lower, and the fun is the same.
3. Try to go to dinner early; usually before 6:00 PM. Many restaurants have early bird specials or happy hours that are great and cost 20% or so less.
4. Often restaurants will offer better prices (or less expensive specials) on certain days of the week that are usually less crowded. Save money (and probably waiting time) by going out to eat when others are not.
5. Many restaurants offer special family days or special discount days. Make sure you take advantage of the lower prices on these days, and the freebies often offered the kids.
6. Some restaurants offer senior discounts, but only on certain days. Make sure you take advantage of those senior discount days.
Finding restaurant discounts, and timing your visit to the restaurant, are not the
only ways to reduce the cost of eating out. Watching what you order, or finding
ways to order less, can allow you to save and still enjoy the dining experience provided
by the restaurant. Or, if you are really hungry, consider an all-
1. Order and eat less while at the restaurant, in order to save money.
a. Eat something at home before you go out for dinner, and then just have a salad and/or an appetizer and some bread, or something else light to eat. You can still enjoy yourself and take your time.
b. If you have kids, consider having them split a meal. Most kids do not finish their meal in any case.
c. Even if you are adults, you can still split a meal. Ask the waiter if sharing a dish is allowed, and if you can have a second plate. Many restaurants, including very fancy restaurants will allow this, although there may be a modest fee.
d. Ask the waiter if they have half portions you can order. These are not always on the menu, but may be available at lower prices.
e. Try skipping dessert. You probably do not need it and desserts are usually priced fairly high for what you get.
f. Inquire about whether the restaurant offers kids or senior meals that provide smaller portions at a lower price.
g. If you do order too much, do not be embarrassed to ask for a “doggie bag” to take your meal home, so it can be enjoyed a second time.
2. Consider ordering the special of the day which is generally a good value. Make sure you ask if there are any specials not on the menu.
3. Unless you are planning on eating light, order set menus or combination meals instead of ordering a la carte. It is generally much less expensive. This is even true at fast food restaurants.
4. Watch what you have to drink. Drinks have the highest markup of any restaurant item.
a. Alcoholic beverages are very expensive at restaurants and bars. They can also cause problems when driving home. Try not having alcoholic beverages when out, and wait until you get home to have that drink. You will save considerably and be a lot safer.
b. Try having water with your meal instead of another beverage. Unless you insist on bottled water, it’s free. And skip that after dinner coffee. You can always have a great coffee when you get home.
c. If you have very small children, bring along their “sippie” cup and put some of your beverage in the cup. They really do not need their own soda or tea.
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