saving at restaurant tips?

**Sara Noel** · 08-31-2007, 10:14 PM

It's difficult for some to avoid eating out, so let's put together a list of ways to at least cut down on the expense of eating out.

Example: Drinking water vs. soda

**i.m.cheap** · 08-31-2007, 10:33 PM

Share an entree. We always drink water instead of soda, too.

**HisDaisy** · 08-31-2007, 11:03 PM

Order from the lunch or breakfast menu instead of the dinner menu.
If you do order from the dinner menu, save half for lunch the next day.

**McD** · 08-31-2007, 11:08 PM

If you have childrens look for family friendly places that have kids eat free nights.

Also, skip the appetizers. No desserts.

**cab54** · 09-01-2007, 08:21 AM

I often get an appetizer, a small salad, and drink water. My dinner is usually about $8. dh's is more.

But we hardly ever eat out. And when we get take out, it is usually pizza with coupons.

**Domestic Gal** · 09-01-2007, 09:32 AM

We never go out to eat unless we have a coupon. We always drink water and never get an appetizer or dessert. We do tip 20% before coupon though.

**carolynski** · 09-02-2007, 10:57 PM

since i am a single mom, my son and i usually share one dinner when we go out. i drink water always. he gets soda and sometimes i just "share" it with him. i am trying to find the local "kids eat free" nights. i have found tues, weds, and sat. now i only have to find the other 4 nights and i may never have to cook dinner again (LOL, yeah right!)

**cdmom** · 09-03-2007, 06:43 AM

Don't go to the restaurant famished (unless you're going to a buffet). You will typically fill your eyes before your stomach if you are starving.

Also, ask for an extra plate and let little ones eat off your plate instead of buying them their own separate kids meal that they half eat anyway.

Or if you have 2 little ones they could split one kids meal.

**pip** · 09-03-2007, 05:52 PM

Somtimes dh and I will order an entree and salad and ask for an extra plate to share. Sometimes I will just order an appetizer for my dinner. If we must have a dessert, we will share one. Drink water instead of soda, etc. We have also found a mexican restaurant that is quite reasonable in price. We do fill up on the complimentary chips and dips and then bring home all leftovers, which are actually a large amount of food!

**staceyy** · 09-04-2007, 09:39 AM

Many restaurants offer entrees with a small additional amount to add on the all you can eat soup and salad bar (maybe $1.95 extra for the soup and salad bar). You can fill up on the soup and salad bar and take the entree home for another meal.

Many restaurants offer senior discounts for those 55 and older.

I also drink water, no appetizers or desserts and use coupons.

Eat at home and go out for coffee and dessert.

**Jaded** · 09-04-2007, 10:43 AM

We have a great Chinese buffet here, that has crab legs and fried and boiled shrimp. It's 9.95, but when I go there, all I eat is the crab legs and shrimp, so I get my money's worth. I do that at all buffets, pick out the more expensive items and fill up on them, since I don't eat as much as most people.

**sdrjeolsen** · 09-04-2007, 10:54 AM

Dh & I usually share an entree. There is always way too much food for one person.

Also, We usually frequest restaurants that we can buy a restaurants.com gift certificate from. They are always discounted and there is usually a code on top of that, so when a $25 gift certificate goes to 4.00 I buy one. Usually you have to spend a minimum of 35.00, but still a 35.00 meal for 14.00 is a steal. Last time we had family in town, we got one for the local pizza place and we fed 7 people 2 XL pizzas, pop, tip, etc for 18.00

**Holly** · 09-04-2007, 12:31 PM

thank you all you just helped me with a couple things we were struggling with.
On Wed nights kids under 10 will eat free off the buffet. ( that will help a very slow night around here.. none of the others do this.)
We will also have a senior citizen discount.( already planned that )
We talked today about butting an appetizer coupon in the local penny saver every couple months...

**Judi Dial** · 09-04-2007, 01:06 PM

I usually order an appetizer. I don't end up with food to take home, but it's enough and I don't really need more. And, we drink water too.

Judi

**Jenna** · 09-04-2007, 01:11 PM

I've ordered appetizers in the bar during happy hour. I can usually get it for 1/2 the menu price, and rarely order an alcoholic beverage. My tab w/soda would be around $7.