Eat Twice for the Price of One

Fast food is fast, usually, but it is not always the best buy. Health concerns aside you can easily get just as much food for the same price in many medium and upscale restaurants. How you ask? Easy, most restaurants offer very large food portions, more than most of us can or should eat at one setting. Eat half of what is on your plate and take the rest home.

Or bring a friend. It is a common practice for many restaurants to offer an extra plate for a small fee, usually between one and five dollars. If you split the cost of the meal and tip you will both save. Or you could take advantage of “Buy One Get One Free” specials. An added bonus is you get to spend a relaxing evening with a friend. Living cheaply while living well is best shared with others.

If you are eating by yourself consider making a meal out of Appetizers. For under $10 in most restaurants you can satisfy your appetite while saving the money you would have spent on an entire dinner. Very often a bread and salad are more than enough.

Timing is everything
Restaurants are busiest over the lunch hour and in the evening from around 6pm until 9pm. If you don’t mind eating a little early or a bit late you can take advantage of Early Bird specials and late night menus. I have found late night offers to be especially attractive. Most restaurants do not like to throw food away so at the end of the evening the portions get a little larger. It is possible to divide a late night meal into threes, after eating at the restaurant take the leftovers home to divide into two more meals.

Have a glass of water.
If you think free refills on soft drinks are a good deal I have news for you, they aren’t. A human being cannot drink enough for the restaurant to lose money. Alcoholic drinks are even worse, no one offers free refills on booze and they are more expensive to begin with. Water is the best bet to quench your thirst, if you must have coffee wait until you get home.

Being Old isn’t all that Bad
Especially when it comes to eating out at a reasonable price.  Most restaurants have discounts for seniors, often 10% or more. Also, check with the restaurant to see if they offer AARP discounts. Many times you will find eating establishments have “senior nights” which can offer you even greater savings.

Check the newspaper and the web
I believe every national restaurant chain has a website. And more and more local restaurants are getting a web presence as well. Usually they will have the menu on line along with featured items and specials.  Several have newsletters you can subscribe to which often contain promotions and coupons. For local diners and some chains as well an area newspaper will often have the best deals for eating out.  I recommend you check before you go out.

Eating out every night is not a way to live cheaply, but with planning and some common sense you can enjoy an evening without cooking or doing the dishes. And not spend a lot of money.