7 Tips to Save Money When Eating Out

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Last Updated on August 24, 2022

Restaurants are so popular that some foodies spend more money eating out than they do shopping for groceries. The convenience and taste of the food keeps customers coming back rather than preparing food at home.

Restaurants are so popular that some foodies spend more money eating out than they do shopping for groceries. The convenience and taste of the food keeps customers coming back rather than preparing food at home.

However, the bills add up when visiting too many places a week, or ordering online. That does not mean you have to sacrifice your beloved takeout hamburgers or sushi, however. Keep reading for seven tips to save cash when you eat out.

1) Promo Codes

If you love to eat from restaurants and get food delivered to your house, you know how expensive it can be on a weekly basis. That’s why Uber promo codes are worthwhile – you save on delivery fees, which quickly add up and make your order much more expensive.

Check out https://www.ondemandly.com/uber-eats-promo-codes-existing-users-guide/ for more Uber Eats promo codes. However, with a little research, you can also find sweet deals for Grubhub, Postmates, Doordash, etc.

2) Go to Happy Hour

By eating out during happy hour, you save yourself some money with specials and smaller portions. Take advantage of this window while you can, since these are the hours you get the most bang for your buck. Plus, you’ll have a less crowded atmosphere to enjoy.

3) Order Water Only

Upcharges for drinks sneak up on you. By asking for a cup of water instead of a Sprite, you can avoid extra fees that run up your check. Or, if you really want that soda, you can probably bring a drink from home in your bag.

4) Split Meals

Some restaurants simply have portions that are too large to handle. If you’re expecting that to happen next time you eat out, consider sharing your dish with a friend or significant other. That way, your dish will cost half the price and you will still feel full afterwards.

5) Order Food To-Go

By ordering food to-go and picking it up inside the restaurant, you eliminate the need to pay for extra food, drinks, or condiments throughout your dinner. Extra forks, sauces, and napkins will also work to your benefit after you finish the meal.

You can also skip the upcharges for drinks since you have them at home. So next time you eat out, grab your food to-go and save a few bucks.

6) Skip Appetizers

On the menu, appetizers can be some of the priciest items. That’s why instead of ordering one, wait until the main course to start chowing down. Then, you will also have an extra eight dollars to put toward your next night out.

If you love appetizers, try visiting a restaurant with endless chips and salsa or bread to curb your hunger.

7) Save Lunch Money

By eating out for lunch at work, you take away from the money you can be spending on a nice dinner out with your spouse or family. That’s why you should have dinner leftovers for lunch instead and use your extra cash to plan a special dinner with the ones you love.

Also, you will not have to spend ten dollars for an overpriced lunch from a fast food restaurant anymore. And while you’re at it, you’ll ditch the plastic takeout bags during the day.

Keep Your Extra Cash

By wasting money on menu items like drinks or appetizers, you have less money to contribute to your actual meal. That’s why you should consider ordering to-go or even abandon the appetizer altogether to invest in your main course.

Dining out should not break the bank, so be sure to split meals on a Monday or Tuesday, when restaurants are running their best specials.

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