Save Money When Dining Out, But Don't Go Home Without DessertA frugal lifestyle involves eating more meals at home since dining out is usually an expensive adventure. Whenever you do decide to splurge on a restaurant meal, you can do so more frugally by choosing to drink water...
Have It Your Way PizzaThe other evening, after a long and very unsuccessful garage sale, my husband and I were craving a quick and easy meal, pizza. However, because we had taken in so little cash, we were loathe to spend the $22.00 our local pizzeria charges for our favourite "loaded" veggie pizza.
Free Food and Coupons on Your ReceiptsBe sure to check your receipts - particularly from regular restaurants and fast-food places. A lot of times there is a free food item on your next visit. For example, Arby's will have a free regular roast beef sandwich in exchange for a simple survey you can do.
Request Take Out Drinks Without IceWhen you go to the take out, ask for no ice in your drinks. This way, your drinks won't get diluted, and they will taste just as good if you don't drink it all right away.
Save Condiment PacketsWe have college students who meet here several times a week. They often stop by and pick up their dinner at some fast-food restaurant. Their bags often contain packets of ketchup, salt and pepper, Parmesan cheese, sweet and sour, etc.
Dining Out For Recipes IdeasWhen we eat in new restaurants and try different kinds of food, we take a photo of particularly delicious dishes (and the menu entry for it if it is something we never had before) with our camera phone. Then I try to find a recipe for it so we can enjoy it at home.
Bring Baggies for Taking Home LeftoversAs I live alone and am on a restricted budget, I have to be frugal. Now when eating out I carry three different sized baggies to bring leftovers home in. I bring the bread, individual butters, honey, jellies, etc and any veggies or meat.
Fast Food Happy HoursWe save money and have fun during the summer by taking advantage of happy hours at the local restaurants (DQ and Steak 'n Shake, etc.) Between 2:00 and 4:00pm you can order any milk shake or beverage for half price.
Take Tupperware for Leftovers When Dining OutIt is common knowledge that styrofoam equals sustainability's nemesis. When I am forced to take home an entirely too large take-home box after a meal out, I cringe. To solve this, I take a tough, non leaking, Tupperware with me when I eat out now.
Stretch Fast Food Iced Tea With IceWhen you get iced tea from a fast food place, it is often too strong. If you are at the take out window, ask for an extra cup of ice water or just a cup of ice - then you can use it to dilute the iced tea to make it more tasty.
Tips For Eating Out LessWe also were finding ourselves eating out, and not happy about the quality of the food we were eating. My solution for the days when I don't want to cook are:
Get A Free Burger At Carl's Jr. With Your Gift CardFirst I'll admit to stopping by fast food, not that you aren't going to know in a minute anyway! When at Carl's Jr. I noticed if you purchase a $20.00 gift card, you receive a coupon for a $6.00 burger at no charge.
Pack a Thermos for Family OutingsTake a thermos with you on family outings to avoid eating in expensive restaurants. You can fill them with hot dogs, sloppy Joe, BBQ beef, tuna salad, etc. You can serve it on fancy rolls or pita bread when you're ready to eat.
Save Extra Fast Food NapkinsWhen eating out at fast food restaurants, we are usually given too many napkins that end up in the trash. Now we fold them up and take them with us.
No Mess Doggie Bag!Since I have difficulty finishing a meal at a restaurant, I often take food home in a doggie bag. But doggie bags can get messy. So in order to get my leftovers home in tact, I carry one-gallon freezer bags in the car to secure the doggie bag and to prevent leakage.
Bring a Cooler to Keep Restaurant Leftovers CoolWhenever I travel, I take along an ice chest with 16 oz. bottles of frozen water, so I can save any left-over restaurant food. Many times I can make a meal out of them. Sometimes, I get to refreeze these bottles, when a hotel has a freezer in the room or at someone's house, that we may be visiting.
Restaurant Coupons by Email In the age of email we have the ability to get coupons straight from the restaurant we want to visit. Sign up for email clubs and birthday clubs that restaurants in your area offer. Red Lobster sends out a birthday coupon and other $ off meal coupons throughout the year. Budgets are tight so enjoy dinning out and saving.
Frugal Food Tips While On VacationOur family has been fortunate to be able to travel to some pretty exciting places over the years. My travel philosophy has always been that the budget should be spent on the sights and sounds that could not otherwise be experienced at home and not so much on the food portion of the budget.
Add Your Own Nuts to Fast Food SundaesIf you or your kids love nuts on your sundaes from Dairy Queen or other drive-up ice cream places, bring a baggie of nuts from home. The ice cream shops usually charge 50 cents or more for nuts and a family of 4 could save $2.00 on one visit.
Adding Less Dressing to Your SaladWhile dining, be careful not to slather on too much dressing on top of your salad. We like the taste of the dressing, but not all those calories they pack onto our waistlines. Ask for your dressing on the side.
McDonald's Dollar MenuHere is a cheap lunch tip: McDonald's has a $1 menu. Order a side salad, which is small, and the 4 piece chicken nuggets. Cut the nuggets into small pieces. All for only $2!
Asian Chicken Salad From The Dollar MenuWhen eating at a fast food place, I order a side salad off the Value (i.e. dollar menu) Menu and a 5-pc chicken nuggets.
Restaurant Bill DiscrepanciesI am learning that restaurant-bill discrepancies are not uncommon, but they are rarely caught. Many patrons now pay with debit or credit cards. The check arrives at the table, and they give it a cursory glance at best. Provided the final amount falls somewhere in the acceptable range, they sign and go. And that could be a big mistake...
Eat Half Your EntreeYou have probably noticed that the serving sizes at most restaurants is either more than a person can eat or more than a person should eat.
Avoiding Overeating at RestaurantsHere's a tip to keep you from overeating at restaurants or even at home. About 30 minutes before the meal, eat an apple. Apples are very rich in pectin, a soluble fiber that slows digestion so you feel fuller longer. "An apple a day, keeps the pounds away!"
Keeping from Eating Too MuchWhenever you go out to eat, box up half of your meal. That way, you don't eat as much, and you have another meal for the next day!
Meals on the GoSince we live in a rural area about 15 miles from the town we go to shop, we combine our trips for medical needs, appointments, etc. with our shopping. Often it means we are there at mealtime...
Use Straws at RestaurantsTo try to save yourself from getting cold sores, when eating in a restaurant with reusable glasses, always ask for a straw for each of your drinking glasses.
Tuesday Subway SavingsI buy the cheapest Subway combos on Tuesdays, when double stamps are given. Once a book is full, I go to the mall, watch a "dollar" movie, go to the food court, order a small soda (or have a water bottle with me) and get the most expensive sandwich on Subway's menu for free!
Take Out Menus - Inspiration for MealsI get take out menus (when available) from restaurants and store them in a folder. When I run out of meal ideas, I occasionally look to these menus for inspiration. They are divided by type of cuisine.
Split Your Fries And Drink At Fast Food RestaurantsWhen ordering food for 2 at a fast food restaurant, order one of the combo meals which includes a drink and a "Side". French fries or whatever, and one main entree by itself. (Burger, tacos, etc.) Then share the drink and fries with your guest. Good for the waistline also!
