Dining On A Budget
I have a bit of an advice article for you today, instead of my regular product review. I enjoy eating out, but that can often be a bit difficult to do if you’re living on a budget, and I survive on a pretty tight one. Fast food is usually cheap, but the type of ‘eating out’ I’m talking about is ’sit down, be waited on’ kind of dining. I’m going to offer you some of the tips I’ve discovered on how to eat cheap.
Stay far, far away from large chains. Their owners have to jack up the cost of the meals to pay for licensing fees on top of all of the usual costs associated with running a restaurant. He or she doesn’t pay for those extra expenses out of their own pockets; you do. Not a law, but in general, I find the prices at ‘Ma and Pa’ establishments to be (at least) ten to fifteen percent cheaper than most chain restaurants (Pizza Hut, Red Lobster, Outback, ect).
I also find the quality of food at independent eateries to be of a higher quality as well. I eat at a local pizza place all the time, and I know they use fresh ingredients. ‘How does he know,’ you ask? Well, the kitchen is open and I can see what’s going on my pizza, and where it came from. I can see the dough being kneaded by hand. The prices are really amazing; for around six bucks I can leave that particular place having eaten way too much food.
Being a regular customer at a small establishment can also have other advantages. If they cater, and you’re ever in need of that service, they’re more likely to work with you on prices. Sometimes, to show that they appreciate your loyalty as a customer, they’ll throw you a freebie now and then. Other little things are nice as well, even if they don’t save you much money; at family owned establishments, it’s almost always the same people working all the time, so you get to know them, and vice versa. It’s really nice to get on a first name basis with folks, rather than being just another customer.
Some more general tips:
* Unless you’re going out specifically to have drinks, don’t order alcohol. Especially beer. You’re paying around a 400% markup on a twelve ounce long neck. Just wait it out and grab a six pack on the way home.
* Order water, not soda. It’s (almost always) free, and it’s good for you. Sodas or tea can run you up to $2.50 in some places; not a huge hit if it’s just a party of one, but it adds up fairly quickly for a family or group.
* Check your local coupon books; they’ll often save a you a couple of dollars. All that’s required is that you swallow your pride, and clip them out. Free money.
* Ask your waiter/waitress if there are any daily specials. I don’t do this enough myself (I’m one of those guys that will always order exactly the same thing). The meal itself may not be much cheaper, but you might get an extra side or free drink. Depends on the restaurant.
* Order lunch portions! This one is probably the biggest money saver of them all. The portion should be plenty to fill you up, and cost you around 35% less. I’ve never once had an eatery give me a hard time about it, and I would not return to a place that did.
Take these tips, use them often, and see if it saves you some dime. Don’t forget to tip well, especially if you plan on coming back. They don’t forget that stuff!
–Jeremy Hobbs
food, eating out, dining, saving money
