How to Reduce Restaurant Food Costs
- 1). Reduce your portion size. One of the easiest ways to reduce your restaurant food costs is to have smaller meals. Ask for a half size portion, or entree size, meal. Often meal sizes in restaurants are too large anyway, so asking for a smaller portion is good for both your weight and your wallet. If the restaurant doesn't serve half size meals ask about taking the left overs home and then you have a ready made meal for later. Alternatively, if you are out with friends see if anyone would be interested in splitting a meal and then your meal will only be a fraction of the price.
- 2). Use coupons. Coupon books are quite easy to come by as most communities sell them at some point during the year and they really are a good investment. Often you'll get a percentage off your total price by presenting the coupon, or sometimes you can even receive free meals up to the price of a similar one.
- 3). Look out for special nights at restaurants. See if anywhere has a night where kids can eat for free, or where meals are heavily discounted. Also look out for happy hour specials as they aren't always restricted to drinks, allowing you to get appetizers for a fraction of what you'd normally pay.
- 4). Switch to lunch instead of dinner. If you have a choice opt for eating lunch out because the meals are normally a lot cheaper than evening ones. The portions are a bit smaller but the price differences are often significant.
- 5). Eat before you leave the house. This may sound a bit odd since you are going out to eat, but if you eat something small an hour before you leave, such as a piece of fruit or a small sandwich, you will be less tempted to order appetizers and desserts. You will also be less tempted to eat a whole meal so it will be much easier for you to request a half size meal or simply eat half of your meal.
- 6). Skip the extras. Often restaurant costs are high because of the drinks ordered, the desserts and the appetizers. Stick to main meals and eat dessert when you get home. Choose water over alcohol, or soda with free refills. You could even ask whether the restaurant allows you to bring your own wine and beer and save money that way.
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