Easy Ways to Stretch Your Budget When Eating Out

Everyone loves a good restaurant. No dirty dishes, a night out of the house, time together, and great food is recipe for a lot of fun. The only downer comes when you glance at your bill and do a double take at the price tag. Although eating out can be enjoyable, it can also be expensive. There are ways to save, but still enjoy the luxury. Try some of these tips on your next restaurant visit.

Split an entrée.
Admit it. You don't need as much food as you eat when you're at a restaurant. Since portions are large and calories are high, try splitting an entrée rather than ordering one each. This could slice an easy $15-20 off your bill.

Try an appetizer.
If the appetizers look good, order an appetizer and forego the entrée. Often, a restaurant's appetizer menu is cheaper, but provides meal-sized portions.

Enjoy the starters.
If you are at a restaurant that serves starter food, eat up! Whether it's a Mexican restaurant with chips and dips, a steakhouse with dinner rolls, an Italian restaurant with breadsticks, they are there for your enjoyment. Filling up on the delicious starts may allow you to go light on the meal—splitting an entrée or feasting on an appetizer. The result is a cheaper bill.

Fill out the survey.
Most restaurants will have an opportunity for you to tell review the service, food, and atmosphere. The survey is either provided by your attendant, or available at the cash register. If you fill out the survey, as long as you give them your mailing or e-mail address, you may be surprised with restaurant gift cards or coupons for your next visit.

Go early.
Early bird specials are a money-saving motivation to get you in the restaurant before the evening crowds. Try these specials. They are not only delicious; they are significantly cheaper.

Give and receive restaurant gift cards.
What do you want for Christmas? Try putting "restaurant gift cards" on your Christmas list. If you tell family and friends that you're in the mood for restaurant gift cards, this gives them an easy way to gift you with something you will be sure to enjoy. Oh, and if you give restaurant gift cards, people are more likely to give you restaurant gift cards, too.

Find a coupon.
Newspapers, money mailers, and some Internet sites are great ways to find big savings at your favorite restaurant. Often, the Entertainment Book, or a site like Restaurants.com will give amazing discounts for popular restaurants.

Ask for the special.
Restaurants usually offer daily specials, which may include a non-menu item or a budget-savvy choice. Ask about this, and see what the cost comparison is with the listed menu items.

Try lunch.
Most restaurants are less expensive at lunch than they are at dinner. If you can find time for a leisurely lunch, try your favorite restaurant during the noon hour. You'll be surprised by the savings, and may even have different menu selections.

Go for the meal, not the extras.
When you're asked what you want to drink, tell them "water." Restaurants make big money off drinks, even soft drinks. Usually, however, the biggest cash cow is cocktails and wines. If you pass up the alcohol, the desert, or the sides, your bill will be leaner, and you'll be healthier.