Eating Out . . . for less!

We all want to save money but that’s hard to do when eating out is so much fun. I am a huge believer in eating in during the week and then allowing myself to go out to eat on weekends. No one should have to sacrifice time with friends or family because going out to eat is too expensive. It doesn’t have to be like that!

An article I ran across in Forbes addressed the issue of eating out for lunch during the week. Americans are typically going out for lunch on an average of twice weekly and spend $10 each time. If you think about that on a yearly basis that means they’re spending $936 annually. I’d say brown bagging your lunch isn’t too bad of an idea knowing that you could save over $900. Think of how much you could do with that money. The options are endless. (Touryalai)

Now when it comes to dinnertime $10 is pretty cheap for a meal. You’re lucky if you can find anything on the menu under $10 (please note I’m a broke college student and money doesn’t grow on trees). I’ve formulated my own money saving ideas for all those sick of forking over well-earned cash for your favorite dish or drink of choice.

 
My Money Saving Deals For Eating Out: 

• Choose places that offer deals online - such as Groupon, Yelp, or Restaurant.com. That way you don’t have to sit in the car and continuously ask, “Where do you want go?” 
• Time your meals over Happy Hour - The drink prices are a steal! 
• Like, Follow and check in on your favorite restaurants via social media - You’ll be surprised how many times restaurants will announce special deals. 
• Split a meal - Many restaurants pile on the food where it seems to be two portion sizes. Why not split it and then maybe treat yourself to dessert with the money you saved from the two entrees? 
• Don’t order food that doesn’t reheat well - Maybe start thinking about what you want for lunch tomorrow and order that. 
• Say NOOOOO to dessert - That’s hard being a dessert enthusiast to say but you can still have it, just not at the restaurant. It’s usually over priced and not that amazing. Hit up your favorite ice cream shop or another favorite dessert shop where you know the dessert will be on point for what you pay. 
• Dine on appetizers - If menus only had appetizers I’d still be happy, maybe happier. I’ve learned that appetizers are the instigators of fullness. Some places serve huge portions. 
• BYOB – Some restaurants let you bring in your own wine and all you have to pay for is the corkage fee. It’s usually cheaper than buying a bottle at the restaurant. It never hurts to call the restaurant and check on their BYOB policy. 

 Saving money is always a good thing, but still having just as good of a time while saving money is what The Good Life is all about. All it takes is a little strategy and a hungry tummy and you’re set.

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References:
Touryalai, Halah. "Lunchtime: Americans Spend Nearly $1K Annually Eating Out For Lunch." Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 25 Sept. 2013. Web. 20 Apr. 2015. <http://www.forbes.com/sites/halahtouryalai/2013/09/25/lunchtime-americans-spend-nearly-1k-annually-eating-out-for-lunch/>.