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7 Tips for Eating Out on a Budget


 

Budget-friendly advice typically suggests packing lunches and having meals at home. You do not, however, have to accept a world of mushy peanut butter and jelly.

Here are some tips for cutting costs while still enjoying your favorite restaurants.

1. Request for discounts

Depending on who you are, you might be qualified for a less expensive dinner. Children, retirees, students, and people in the armed forces are some of the groups who apply for discounts the most frequently. Before your waitress comes the check, look for the discounts offered by the restaurant online or call. Asking doesn't cost anything.

 2. Purchase gift cards below their face value

When you purchase restaurant gift cards below face value, you'll receive more bang for your dollars. For instance, the website Restaurant.com offers gift cards for a small portion of their actual value. A $25 gift certificate to your preferred Chinese restaurant can be available for for $10. (minimum purchases could apply). Costco, a warehouse retailer, also offers gift card packages for less than they are worth.

 3. Select dishes carefully.

Keep in mind when choosing from the menu and figuring out your total bill that you'll be expected to tip the server in a sit-down restaurant in addition to settling your tab. If available, choose a lesser portion size or look for dishes that are more reasonably priced (try ones that use seasonal fruits and vegetables).

 Water is typically free, but soft drinks and alcoholic beverages can add up quickly. Call the restaurant ahead of time and inquire about corkage prices if you would like a glass of wine with your meal. Even with this tax, purchasing a bottle locally may still be more expensive for you than bringing your own.

 4. Subscribe to mailing lists.

These days, people who desire your email address include more than just bothersome marketers. Many restaurants use mailing lists to inform consumers about news and promotions. To stay up to date, register. Normal offers include one just for creating an account and another during the month of your birthday. However, click "unsubscribe" if you discover that the emails are encouraging you to eat out more.

5. Keep an eye out for National days

For just about any dish you can think of, there is a day of celebration, from National Chicken Wing Day to National Ice Cream Day. To take advantage of complimentary appetizers, entrees, or desserts, schedule your meals around these specials. For specifics on promotions, keep an eye on social media.

 6. Complete a poll

If a restaurant asks you to participate in a survey, take them up on the offer since they are interested in learning about your experience there. Sometimes, doing so will earn you free gifts or coupons. Similar to this, the free app SurveyMini allows you to access discounts by answering questions about eateries.

 7. Bring Your Own Booze (BYOB)

If a restaurant doesn't have a complete liquor license, you may also be able to bring your own alcohol with you. Watch for BYOB signs, or just phone and ask if you're unsure.

Corkage costs should be avoided, nevertheless. Although each location has its own set of laws and costs, picking bottles of beer over a bottle of wine for the table may result in you being charged per unit, which means you'll have to spend much more money on the lager.

Additionally, some eateries only let you bring wine and beer, while others are fine with you bringing a bottle of spirits and simply charging you for the mixers.

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