Appetizers-Do not order them! Or if you are so inclined, share with a friend and split the cost. OR have an appetizer as your whole meal-yes, it can be done!
Carryout vs. staying in?-If your restaurant of choice is nearby, then by all means order your food to go and carryout to avoid the extra money spent on tipping.
Drinks anyone?-When eating out, restrain yourself from ordering a $9 cocktail. Have one later at a bar or club or even at home rather then adding the additional expense to your bill. Quench your thirst with a nice ice cold glass of water, and if you want to get fancy, ask the waiter to add lemon to it.
To refill or not to refill-Before you hand over your glass for another drink, be sure to check the menu or ask your server if refills are indeed free. Restaurants will sometimes be sneaky about offering a refill and then charging the full price of the drink.
Soda pop? Why not?-I’ll tell you why not, if you don’t see the price of soda on the menu, then the price is prob. around $3-$5, which is far too much to pay for a soda. Wait until dinner is over to grab a can instead or just get something alcoholic, the price will be close to a beer and some mixed drinks.
Half-and-half-After your meal is served, cut it in two parts and eat one half. If you’re full take the other half home with you, and have it for another meal. If not, become a member of the clean plate club, but you’ll probably be surprised by how often half of your meal will suffice!
Lunch or dinner date?-If there’s a restaurant you’re just dying to try, consider taking a whack at the lunch menu. Even the fanciest restaurants in NYC have lunchtime specials!
Work the Magic of the Web-Have a favorite restaurant? Harness the power of the Internet and follow your favorite restaurant on Twitter, sign up for their email list (Cheap Chick Cheap Tip: the restaurant Big Daddy’s sends great deals via email and on your birthday when you join their email list!), and “friend” them on Facebook, you never know what kind of deals you’ll find in the virtual world.
Reap Restaurant Rewards-Many restaurants, esp. casual chains like Panera Bread, Subway, and Chipotle offer rewards clubs where you get a card punched every time you stuff some of their food down your throat. Once the card is filled you get free food!
Cut straight to the Certificate-At restaurant.com you can purchase a $25 certificate from a local restaurant for just $10! A savings of $15 for all of you math-challenged readers out there! My sources tell me that other deals may also be had through this site as well…
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