7 Easy Steps to Saving Money at a Restaurant

The best way to save money while eating out is not to do it, plain and simple. It costs less for you to go to the store, buy the ingredients and fix it yourself.

Of course, you may not have that choice. So, here are 7 simple ways to save money at restaurants:

Step #1 to Saving Money at a Restaurant - When?

You need to determine when you want to eat. Breakfast and lunch are typically cheaper than dinner, but of course, it's hard to talk your wife or girlfriend into have a romantic lunch.

Step #2 to Saving Money at a Restaurant - Where?

Where you're going to eat at will be mainly determined by what you're in the mood for and what's in your wallet. Keep in mind that local, no-frill restaurants give you more bang for your buck, providing better food at lower prices.

Many local eateries will also special family days (Kids Eat Free) or discounts to different organizations (AARP, AAA, local schools, etc.). Also, restaurants that are just opening will often post special prices and coupons to bring in new customers. Once again, check your local newspapers and the flyers that come in your mailbox for these specials.

Make sure to check your local newspaper and flyers for money-saving coupons and take these into account. Of course, you can always find Buy-One-Get-One-Free coupons in your Entertainment Guide (available online and through local non-profit organizations). You'll also want to check restaurant.com, who offer reduced-rate gift certificates to local restaurants.

Step #3 to Saving Money at a Restaurant - Drinks

Skip the sodas, juice and tea - order water instead. Most non-alcoholic drinks are priced at or above $2 a glass these days, a price that's comparable to a 2-liter bottle of soda from the local 7-11.

Stay away from the bottle waters. These are typically big profit hogs for restaurants and are marked up very high. Order tap water.

Oh, and wait until you get home to have the alcohol. You'll save lots of money, considering that wine, beer and mixed drinks are usually marked up at least $5 a glass.

Step #4 to Saving Money at a Restaurant - Specials and Add-ons

Beware the waiter that touts specials. Many times, specials are not really specials, but rather a menu item the owner wants to push. Prices are typically not mentioned nor written down anywhere, so you're ordering blind. If you are interest in a special, don't feel embarrassed about asking for the price. It is your money!

Also, if your waiter or waitress asks if you would like something with your meal, for example, "Would you like mushrooms and onions with your steak?" ask if it costs anything extra. Often, these extras are not free and are a great moneymaker for the eatery.

Step #5 to Saving Money at a Restaurant - Appetizer

Skip appetizers and just order dinner, plain and simple.

Step #6 to Saving Money at a Restaurant - Entree

Order an appetizer and a small salad. Portions are usually a decent and the appetizer section can include a wide variety of foods.

Share an entree with your diner partner.

Order a meal but only eat half, taking the other half home for tomorrow's meal. Restaurant portions can be pretty large, especially considering that many start you off with a salad or soup and bread. Anyway, how can you beat two meals for the price of one!

Step #7 to Saving Money at a Restaurant - Dessert

Desserts can be overpriced and way too many calories for someone who just ate a full meal. I suggest either splitting a dessert or skipping it and grabbing some ice cream on the way home.