How To Save Money at a Restaurant

TRICKS ON HOW TO REDUCE YOUR RESTAURANT TAB




Unless you've been hiding underneath a rock, you are aware of the current state of the American economy. It grows gloomier by the minute and shows no signs of improving in the near future. Nonetheless, the desire to treat one's self to a nice meal at a nice restaurant is always tempting. Most people enjoy dining out with friends and family at least once a week, some once a month. We enjoy the service, we over order, over eat, end up with left overs, a hefty tab and then there's the tip. You don't have to give up treating your self to a nice sit down meal, there are several cost effective tricks to reducing your tab, such as Lunch Specials and discounts.
Some people have grown accustomed to a certain style of living, like splurging on fancy restaurants and posh bars. These are the people that will most benefit from these simple steps, especially if there is a sudden change in their financial situation. Utilizing these simple tricks, you can still eat out with your friends and loved ones while still keeping some cash in your pocket.

Here are the Tricks!

Trust me, I Managed Restaurants For Years.

The Tricks...

Don't order while totally starving, grab a couple of almonds or an apple and drink plenty of water before you leave the house. People tend to over order when they are very hungry.

Take advantage of the bread or chips offered while you wait for your meal and order water.

Do you really need an appetizer? If you are with a friend share an appetizer or maybe a house salad. House salads tend to be less expensive and are the healthier choice. Ask for the house specials, sometimes they include a salad or side dish. Many restaurants offer very reasonable lunch specials, do your research.

Order an entree that will satisfy not only your cravings but your hunger. Most portions in restaurants now a days are over portioned, look for something wholesome and reasonably priced.

Stay a way from alcohol, specialty drinks and dessert. Nothing bulks up a tab like a couple martinis or a bottle of wine. Stick with your water, you are there for a nice meal not a booze fest.

Find coupons for your favorite restaurants online, in your local newspaper, school ads and even magazines. Look for new restaurants with Grand Openings, these always have specials that run for weeks to get the word out. Check with your local chamber of commerce for a list of Grand Openings. Sign up at your favorite Restaurants so they can send you newsletters and coupons.

Great online sites to check include but are not limited to valpak.com, wow-coupons.com, and restaurant.com.

Learn how to cook your favorite restaurant dishes, practice makes perfect! Ask the waiter, manager or one of the cooks and they typically will share some of their yummy food tricks.

Lastly, there is nothing wrong with sharing a plate and don't forget the left overs, make sure they don't rot away in the fridge. Enjoy your meal!

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Laura