Eating out is nice - How to do so frugally - 8 tips

June 27th, 2008 | Posted in Frugal entertainment, Lists, Saving Money

Welcome back!

We all deserve a meal out from time to time, but it sure can be expensive, and nothing ruins the experience for me like getting a big bill at the end! Here are some tips to enjoy a dish out the frugal way.

No alcohol, opt for water - A couple of alcoholic drinks can cost as much as an entire entree, and cloud your frugal mind. While not quite the same amount of cost-impact, colas and juice will add a few dollars to your bill as well.

It’s more romantic to share - The portion sizes at many restaurants are at least twice of what we should be eating. Pick out an item to share with your honey, and ask for two plates, or try to be the lady and the tramp…

Say no to dessert - Save money and fit into your pants! It’s a win-win situation. Skip the empty dessert calories and go for an after-dinner evening walk instead.

Look at only the five cheapest items on the menu - Narrow down the menu to the five least expensive items, and then choose the one that is most appetizing. Still a great selection if you are not a picky eater.

Lunch is best - In an effort to bring in customers during this less busy time of day, many restaurants offer lunch specials. This often means great deals on some delicious meals.

Order Pasta - This one is easy if you, like me, are a pasta lover. Pasta dishes usually aren’t very expensive (unless you mix in some lobster), and are exceptionally filling - leaving lots of take home for tomorrow.

Try a vegetarian dish - Okay, for some of you this is an automatic no, but if you are not set on having a meat dish, vegetarian options are less expensive.

Bring home your leftovers - Enjoy your meal, but don’t forget to ask for a takeout container for anything leftover. If ordering meat, even small amount can spice up rice or pasta the next day.

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1
Bill // June 28th, 2008 at 1:30 am

Great Tips Fergie!

I would also like to add that eating at places like Subway, which offer an assortment of tasty sandwiches for breakfast, lunch, and dinner is another frugal way to eat well.

PS- I don’t work for Subway
2
Kathy // June 28th, 2008 at 5:19 am

All great tips. I always order water. I’m don’t drink alcohol, but even sodas or tea is expensive. Also, when my meal is served, I try to ask for a take-out container immediately and put half in it right away. Keeps me from downing the whole thing in one sitting and I can enjoy it later on at home.
3
Howard Bishop // June 29th, 2008 at 4:23 am

Hi Fergie,

Yum Yum Yum, you serve up delicious information. Way to go Fergie! I will go out and eat as you recommend.
4
Kathleen Milazzo // June 30th, 2008 at 4:30 am

Nice work! Good tips! I’m pretty frugal myself, and anything that can stretch my dollar is important to me and my family. Thanks!
5
Karen Zemek, author of "My Funny Dad, Harry" // June 30th, 2008 at 10:15 am

Good advice! I like to eat out, but it can be expensive. They usually always give more that I need so my husband and I do split stuff, for instance when we go to Olive Garden or Denny’s.
6
Reena // July 1st, 2008 at 3:41 am

I like to eat outside, but it is always hard to find what we prefer. Nothing can be like home cooked. Me and my family will have dinner out once in a week and don’t limit our-self to select any dishes. It is just once in a week, so it is still acceptable for a strict diet person like me (hehehe) and my hubby.
7
Haute in LA // July 2nd, 2008 at 12:08 pm

Very helpful tips as, I am often eating out several days out of the week. Now if I can just find someone to do that romantic sharing with.

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8
admin // July 10th, 2008 at 1:10 pm

@Kathy - I’m going to try putting half away in a takeout container right away, too. Good thinking.

@Reena - Once a week is fair. I find eating at home is better for my waistline, too.

@Haute in LA - Hehe. Best of luck finding that special someone.