Eating at restaurants can be one of life’s simple pleasures, but frequent dining out can quickly become expensive. The good news is that you don’t have to give up restaurants completely to save money.
With a little planning, you can enjoy good meals, try new places, and still stay within your budget.
1. Set a Dining-Out Budget
Decide how much you can afford to spend on restaurants each month.
For example, you might set aside a specific amount for:
- Lunches
- Dinners
- Coffee
- Takeout
- Special occasions
Once you’ve reached your limit, switch to home-cooked meals until the next budget period.
2. Check the Menu Before You Go
Look at the restaurant’s menu and prices before visiting.
This helps you decide whether the restaurant fits your budget.
You can also decide what you want before arriving, which reduces the chance of making an expensive impulse choice.
3. Choose Restaurants Carefully
You don’t always need to visit the most expensive restaurant.
Look for places that offer good food at reasonable prices.
Check reviews, menus, portion sizes, and overall value before choosing where to eat.
4. Go Out for Lunch Instead of Dinner
Some restaurants offer cheaper lunch menus or lunch specials.
If you have flexibility, eating out during lunch can sometimes provide similar food for less money.
5. Look for Specials and Promotions
Restaurants may offer legitimate discounts during certain days or times.
Look for:
- Lunch specials
- Early dining deals
- Set menus
- Family offers
- Student discounts
- Seasonal promotions
Make sure the promotion actually saves you money rather than encouraging you to order more.
6. Share Large Portions
Some restaurant portions are large enough for two people.
If sharing is allowed and practical, splitting an entrée can reduce the total cost.
You can also take leftovers home if the restaurant allows it and you can safely store the food.
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7. Skip Expensive Drinks
Drinks can add a surprising amount to a restaurant bill.
Consider ordering:
- Water
- Regular tea
- A less expensive beverage
If you already enjoy the food, you don’t necessarily need an expensive drink to make the meal enjoyable.
8. Be Careful With Appetizers
Appetizers can turn a reasonably priced meal into an expensive one.
Before ordering one, ask yourself whether you’re actually hungry enough to need it.
If the main course is large, you may not need an appetizer at all.
9. Don’t Automatically Order Dessert
Dessert can be enjoyable, especially for special occasions.
But you don’t need to order it every time you eat out.
You could enjoy your main meal and have a less expensive dessert at home later.
10. Avoid Ordering More Than You Need
Restaurants make it easy to over-order.
Before adding another dish, consider how much food is already on the table.
Buying more food than you can eat is not a saving.
11. Use Takeout Strategically
Takeout can sometimes be cheaper than dining inside if you avoid additional charges and extras.
However, delivery fees and service charges can make food delivery significantly more expensive.
If possible, compare the cost of:
Dine-in vs. Pickup vs. Delivery
Pickup may offer the convenience of restaurant food without some delivery costs.
12. Watch Delivery Fees
A meal advertised at $15 might become $25 or more after:
- Delivery fees
- Service charges
- Minimum-order requirements
- Other costs
Always check the final total before placing the order.
13. Use Discounts Responsibly
If you have a legitimate restaurant discount, use it when you were already planning to eat out.
Don’t order an unnecessary meal simply because you have a coupon.