Eating Cheap at Ruby Tuesday's

We're all facing tough economic times right now. At the same time though, we all like to be able to pamper ourselves a little bit. Whether it be going out to dinner, to the movies or buying ourselves something we enjoy, we need to pamper ourselves once in awhile. I sure enjoy pampering myself, but I've taken to finding ways to do so without spending much money.

Now as far as going out to dinner is concerned, I've found that one of the best places to go out to eat, have a bountiful meal and still come out without having to pay much is the national chain Ruby Tuesday's. The chain recently went through modernization renovations and are now pretty nice places to eat. The staff is always friendly and if you have specific requirements about where you would like to be seated, they do not see it as a problem and will seat you wherever it is you wished to be seated. And unlike other national chains, Ruby Tuesday's doesn't blast loud music over their speakers so you can't hear yourself above the din of the restaurant and the music.

Now if you're like me, you probably enjoy a drink with dinner. As I'm not much for spirits or wines, I'm not sure how much it cost to have a mixed drink or a glass of Merlot, but I do know that this is a great place to get beer. First of all there are two different choices depending on the time of day you visit the restaurant. If you go before 6pm, then you can get their 2 for 1 special on draft beers. And if you're smart you can choose the "draft of the day" which is basically any beer they're peddling that day. Be careful if you're ordering the draft of the day though, because if you choose to get it as a large, they charge you the price of a regular draft instead of the discount price for choosing the draft of the day, and trust me, the "small" isn't small at all, so you don't need a large, since you'll have two anyways.

You can still get the draft of the day after 6pm, but if you double-up the offers, which I've never had any problems doing, then you're really saving. Basically 32 oz. of beer for around 4 dollars. Not bad in my opinion.

As far as a meal, Ruby Tuesday's salad bar is sufficient enough. It's only about $8.00 and has a wide selection of salad greens, toppings and prepared salads for you to choose from and it's all you can eat. You can have a typical chef salad on your first go around and a caesar salad next. And if you feel like you want more after all that they usually have a green bean salad, cucumber salad, potato salad, macaroni salad and a waldorf salad already prepared. All are great selections and I particularly like the waldorf salad because it serves as a great dessert. The salad bar also has cottage cheese and some fruit selections if you're a little more health conscience.

As I said, the service and decor are excellent. Sometimes there's a wait at this chain, but never a long wait. And if you follow my suggestions, you can end up having a meal for two with drinks and not pay more than $35.00 altogether, tip included in that figure. It's a great place to enjoy a low-cost meal and still think you're pampering yourself.

Now in my local area, my favorite Ruby Tuesday is located in Palm City, FL on Martin Downs Blvd. If you're coming from U.S.1, then travel west down Monterrey, which changes into Martin Downs and keeping going and the Ruby Tuesday's will be on your right. That particular location is hardly ever crowded, so you should be able to get in without a problem.