It’s best not to eat out; eating in is always less expensive. But, if you have to eat out for your sanity or if you are traveling, here are 12 penny-pinching hints.
- Use coupons. The Entertainment Book has coupons for all kinds of restaurants in most major cities.
- Check out Restaurant.com. This site offers $25 gift certificates for $10. There are restrictions.
- Go to restaurant chain websites and check for specials.
- Use senior discounts. Some restaurants designate 50 as eligible for senior discounts, and then the age ranges up to 65.
- Go to the restaurant between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Usually restaurants have happy hour or early bird specials for less.
- In fact, eating lunch out is less expensive than eating dinner out.
- Make an appetizer your entrée, for less.
- Avoid alcoholic drinks and sodas. Go with water to save your pennies.
- Desserts are also expensive. Go have an ice cream locally or have dessert at home.
- Split an entrée with someone else for half the price for two meals.
- Buffets are less expensive.
- Box up leftovers so you can make a second meal out of the price you paid for one meal out.
Instead of going out to eat constantly at chain restaurants, which are both expensive and serve unhealthy foods, and provide disgustingly gargantuan portions, pick one or two nights a month to eat at a a locally owned and run restaurant, one that is not part of a chain. For example, this could be a small Italian restaurant down the street from you, run by Giovanni and his family. Or got a local deli and order some fresh, healthy sandwiches. Eating at a local restaurant or deli will save you time, money, and hassle, and will expose you to your neighbors and the community around you.