Money Saving Tips: How to Save Money Dining Out

One of my personal philosophies is that you need to treat yourself to something every now and then. Otherwise, you'll start to feel like you work for nothing. Treating yourself doesn't have to be expensive or extravagant; it can be something as simple as going to a movie, buying a cheap trinket, or dining out. Personally, I dine out at least once a week- usually on the weekends. It's a nice way to treat myself and spend quality time with my family. A lot of my friends assume that this is an expensive treat. Let me tell you a secret- it's not. Especially if you just practice a few tips for getting the most from your money.

One of the things I've noticed is that many restaurants do not offer a lunch menu on Sundays. As I'm sure you know, the dinner menu typically consists of larger portions and higher prices for each dish. There are several ways to combat the higher costs. For starters, if you have access to a Sunday paper, check the coupon section for restaurant coupons. Many local restaurants will insert coupons for a free appetizer, a discount on one or two entrees, or a free dessert. Next, you may opt to share an entrée with someone. We'll talk more about this one in a moment. Finally, you can always ask your server if they will give you a lunch portion of your desired entrée. It never hurts to ask: a lot of restaurants are willing to compromise in the spirit of customer service.

As I mentioned earlier, sharing an entrée with someone else is a great way to save a little money. It's also a great way to exercise portion control and consume fewer calories. My spouse and I will often share a dish when we're dining out; in a way, it makes us feel closer at times. An added bonus to sharing an entrée is that you're more likely to have room in your stomach for some dessert! Sometimes an entrée can be split amongst several people. A local BBQ restaurant features a platter that serves 3-4 people for only $40. Use your best judgment to determine which menu options will provide you with a good meal and an even better bargain.

My last suggestion pertains to those of you who have children. My spouse and I have a four year old daughter. One of the best things about her age is that she still eats for free at many restaurants; if not for free, then her meals are generally very cheap. Sometimes they even include the drink and a dessert! Some restaurants even feature a "Kids Eat Free" special. Typically, this occurs on a weeknight. Our local IHOP, for example, runs this special every Tuesday night. Take advantage of these things while your kids are young; once they're older, the check will inevitably get larger.

Dining out can be a great way to treat yourself after working all week. It's also a great opportunity to sit down with friends, family, or both and just catch up on everyone's life. I really enjoy the opportunity to indulge in good food without having to cook or clean up afterwards. It's also nice to sit down with my family and/or friends, just to catch up on all of the details I've missed. This doesn't have to be an expensive activity, contrary to what many people would believe. Nor will you need to sacrifice quality for the sake of cost. Just familiarize yourself with your local restaurants and plan your meals accordingly. You might be surprised at what you're able to accomplish, even on a tight budget. Bon appétit!