It’s evident that several strategies are at your disposal to save money while dining out. The most apparent ones include avoiding high-end eateries and leveraging coupons. Nonetheless, there are other, less obvious tactics to save extra cash while still indulging your culinary desires.
1. CONSIDER LUNCHTIME DINING:
Opting for a mid-day meal at a restaurant is typically cheaper than dinner. Lunch menus frequently offer attractive deals, enabling you to relish the dining experience without burning a hole in your pocket. Additionally, a hefty lunch reduces the desire for an elaborate dinner, letting you settle for a simple homemade meal, so you save more!
2. TRY OUT APPETIZERS:
Going out isn’t just about the food; it’s also about breaking the routine and avoiding household chores like cooking or washing dishes. In my experience, there are often leftovers due to the generous portion sizes common in U.S. Therefore, you might want to consider ordering an appetizer instead of a main course. A bowl of soup or a variety of finger foods can be just as satisfying without the bulk.
3. SHARE YOUR MEAL:
Despite being a fairly popular money-saving option, sharing a dish isn’t always straightforward, especially if your partner and you have different food preferences. However, coming to a mutual agreement on a shared dish can significantly help in cutting costs and, as a bonus, it strengthens the bond in a marriage 😉
4. CHOOSE MEXICAN CUISINE:
While this seems particular, Mexican cuisine often offers excellent value. The complimentary chips and salsa provide an immediate satisfaction and curb hunger pangs, leaving just enough room for a small main course, such as a quesadilla or a couple of tacos. Surprisingly, an enjoyable Mexican dinner for two might set you back less than $20!
Aside from these suggestions, there are other conventional practices like choosing water over alcoholic beverages, picking cheaper dishes from the menu, and sharing meals; these can also contribute significantly to shrinking your dining-out bill. Which tricks do you use to economize while eating out?
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