Five Ways to Save Money While Dining Out

One of the easiest ways to save a little extra cash is to not have dinner out. At my house, we have decided that the occasional nice dinner is an extravagance that we will not sacrifice. Having a nice meal is great for our relationship and we talk about things that we would otherwise not discuss. These tips may help to cut the bill a bit so that you do not have to feel guilty about indulging yourself occasionally.

1) Drink water. In our area, iced tea or soft drinks typically cost between $1.50 and $3 at a mid-priced restaurant. That can total up to 20 or 25% of a decent meal. Drinking water is better for you anyway, so why not cut the soda at meals?

2) Train your children. Splitting an entree is a great way to save a few bucks if you are dining with kids, but be sure to check with the server to see if there is a fee for an extra plate. This may quickly negate the savings. Select 2-3 items off of the menu for the kids and offer them their choice. Children are not aware of cost, and will often want the same thing as their parents if given free opportunity. Narrowing the menu to items that you know that they will eat but that you can afford is a proven way to save money.

3) Be aware of what is included with your meal. Waitstaff are often taught to soft-sell and may simply ask " soup or salad?" giving the impression that soup or salad is included with your meal, rather than "would you like to add soup or salad to your meal?'. Being clear on this might save a surprise at the bottom of the bill.

4) Avoid appetizers. This is one of our biggest weaknesses, however appetizers can quickly add the cost of an additional meal to your final bill.

5) Check the specials on the way into the restaurant. There are often better deals on the chalkboard than the menu.

We can all tighten our belts a little, but saving a few extra bucks doesn't have to cost you one of your favorite experiences. So many people try to cut back by sacrificing things that they love. I would prefer to continue those things if possible, but in a more restrained way.