Checking your bank account after a night out can be scary.
Sure, it’s fun and technically a part of the food budget you need to survive and thrive, but who can even afford to go out to eat anymore?
It turns out you can by following these six tips!
Review the Menu
You’ve been invited out to eat and can afford to go, but still want to be budget-conscious about your selection.
It’s simple — do your homework before you set foot in the restaurant. This prevents you from being blindsided by an $18 salad that “sounds good” and prevents any decision fatigue that could lead to you panic ordering the most expensive thing on the menu.
Choose the Right Restaurant
If it’s your turn to pick the place, then choose something with value in mind.
This is your reminder that you don’t have to go to the trendiest, most expensive places to have a good time (or good food, for that matter). Look for spots with solid reputations for value, or those that offer meal specials and combos. Sometimes, the local diner or hole-in-the-wall sushi joint is just as tasty, but half the price.
Drink Water
Water is fine. Beverages add to the tab without adding much to your stomach, especially if they’re alcoholic.
It’s fun to indulge now and then, when you can afford it. But when you can’t? Water’s always there for you, often freeing up more of your going out funds to dine on something more substantial. Even if you don’t stick with water, opt for a cheaper beverage option as often as possible.
Hit Up Happy Hours
Let’s say celebration is in order, and drinks are most definitely on the menu for the evening. That’s still doable when you go out for happy hour!
Many places have deals on both food and drinks during happy hour. Timing your visit can always lead to some incredible discounts, even choosing certain days over others, like going out for tacos on a Tuesday.
Go For Lunch
Lunches are usually cheaper than dinners at many restaurants (and it’ll help you stick to that water rule, too), but often with similar portions and offerings. Lunch crowds are also usually smaller, meaning it’s more likely that you’ll find a deal when you go.
This isn’t just lip service, either; the general ethos for going out for lunch is that restaurants want to offer something more affordable, whether its to help move inventory or get people in their seats. Either way, you benefit!
Limit Your Splurges
Eating out is inherently an indulgence, so it makes sense that you’re more inclined to enjoy an appetizer, overpriced cocktail, or tempting dessert.
Go ahead and lean into that — but promise yourself you’ll only pick one per meal. Saying no to these is the obvious choice, but it’s rarely the easiest or most enjoyable. You can still follow the “treat yourself” creed by putting “responsibly” at the end of that sentence.
