How to Eat Out for Less $

Yes it's true, you are going to go out to dinner, lunch, coffee, drinks etc. You will go out with your friends, a crush, a girlfriend/boyfriend, a business contact, a co-worker etc. It is important to accept that you will go out a certain number of times a month and budget accordingly.

However, there are ways to save money while still going out to enjoy yourself.

Here are some tips:

1. Avoid going out for dinner.

Dinner is the most expensive meal to eat out, the portions are not that much larger then the lunch portions but they often cost twice as much. You are more likely to get alchool at dinner then at another time. So whenever possible suggest another time or activity.

2. Go out for happy hour instead!

Suggest going out to happy hour instead of dinner with your friends or crush. Drinks and food will be cheaper but you will still be able to enjoy the ambiance of eating out. Oftentimes there is also a late night happy hour (from 9pm to close), meet up for drinks and a bite to eat before you hit the town. Keep in mind that sometimes happy hour is restricted to the bar area only so be sure you grab a seat early.

3. Don't drink booze.

It sadness me to say this but alcohol is marked up drastically (around 200%) at restaurants. You can drastically trim down your bill by drinking water or even soda instead of a glass of wine. If you are having a big night out don't forgo alcohol, but try to drink at home or find a cheap happy hour before you have dinner.

4. Avoid getting drinks altogether.

It can be hard to forgo an iced tea with your salad or a coke with your burger but drinks can account for around 25% of your total bill. They are also surprisingly expensive, it's not uncommon (at least in LA) to pay $2 for a drink even at take out restaurants. Is it really worth $2 to have 12 ounces of iced tea or coke with your meal? Waiters often ask you as soon as you sit down (and before you check the prices) if you would like something to drink, making it easy for you to give an order without thinking about it. Have water instead and if you are craving caffeine after lunch, take one out of the fridge at work or at home.

5. Get it to go!

Not only is food more expensive at restaurants but you have to pay for services as well, which adds 20% to your total bill. If you have a favorite restaurant (Italian etc) but aren't going for the restaurant's ambiance get your meal to go. Not only will you save on tipping but you will also save money by providing your own drinks at home.

See, you don't have to break the bank to go out and have a good time! I hope you take the time to implement a couple of these tips and use the money you save for something fun... like a trip to Hawaii... or to pay off some student loans.