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Seven Easy Ways to Save Money When Eating Out
By Charlie Peters

Everyone knows that its cheaper to cook at home rather than eat out. Sometimes you’re simply too busy or too tired. There are ways, however, that you can still eat out without busting your budget.

Skip the Drinks. The mark-ups on soda and juice at restaurants is incredible. The raw ingredients for a typical coke, for instance, cost less than 25 cents but you’ll be charged $1.50 or more – an incredible 600% mark-up. Instead, ask for water with your meal or, if you want a drink, ask that it be served with your meal. Restaurants serve your drink while you’re waiting knowing that you’ll constantly sip and have to order another drink when your meal arrives.

Take Advantage of the Freebies. Many restaurants offer free but delicious tasting bread, nachos, or salads. Take advantage and fill up on these instead of ordering the over-priced appetizers. If you’re interested in the appetizers consider splitting a few with your fellow diners.

Split an Entree. Restaurants frequently serve oversized portions. People can save money simply by splitting an entree. Many restaurants will actually split the entree onto two separate plates for a small additional charge.

Try an Ethnic Restaurant. Ethnic restaurants are hidden gems where you can get delicious meals at a great price. Ethnic eateries don’t have the advertising costs of major chain restaurants. In addition, their costs are also lower because they’re usually not located in ultra-high rent areas like many chain restaurants. To ensure that you’ll get a great dining experience, use rating sites like urbanspoon.com to help guide you to the best ethnic restaurants in your city.

Use the Take Out Option. This is a little known way that can save you big money. Many restaurants, including fine dining establishments, allow you to order take out. You usually place your order ahead of time over the phone and by the time you reach the restaurant your order is ready. Yes, you won’t get the same atmosphere but you’ll get great food and you save because you don’t pay for overpriced drinks, appetizers, desserts, or tips.

Look for Discounts. Some restaurants offer coupons that you can use for dining. These come in several forms from cash off your purchase to free drinks or appetizers with your purchase. Check the restaurant’s website for coupons or watch the mail for coupon offers.

Many restaurants feature birthday clubs that provide you with a free meal, drink, or appetizer on your birthday. Again the best place to find out about such birthday clubs is the restaurant’s website.

To help attract customers during rough economic times many restaurants are now offering mid-week discounts. This is a great way to eat on the cheap without having to deal with the weekend crowds.

Eat Dessert Some Place Else. Restaurant desserts can be expensive. Why pay $5 for an overpriced dessert? You can easily pick up dessert at your local supermarket for a fraction of the price or stop by the local McDonald’s drive through and purchase a hot fudge sundae for $1?

To learn more ways to save while eating out, check out our blog at www.paylessforfood.com.

Charlie Peters is a blogger at http://PayLessForFood.com where you can learn easy ways to dramatically cut your grocery bill.

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