How to Eat Out on a Budget
Life is expensive and money can be tight. Sometimes, it feels like you’re simply surviving from paycheck to paycheck. However, if there’s one thing that seems to be even tighter than money, it’s time. When you’re rushing from one thing to the next, it’s almost impossible to find the time to cook something at home. Plus, eating out is one of the joys of life that you don’t want to miss out on just because you’re pinching your pennies. Here are some creative ways to eat out on a budget.
Share an Entrée
If you’re eating out with a friend or family member, consider saving money by sharing an entrée. Restaurants tend to pile on the food anyway, which means that there is usually plenty of food for two. If it isn’t quite enough, add an additional side to stretch it out and fill you both up. Sharing an entrée can cut your bill down by as much as 50%.
Go Out for Lunch
Often, lunch menus offer specials that aren’t available at dinner time. By moving your big meal of the day to lunch, you get more bang for your buck. Plus, when you eat out for lunch, you aren’t likely to be very hungry when dinner comes around, which means you might be satisfied with something small later on—potentially saving you even more. Do your research and find the food joints in your area that offer great lunch specials. Then, take full advantage of them by eating out at lunchtime.
Just Get Drinks or Dessert
If you’re planning a date or outing with friends and can’t afford a full meal, meet for drinks or dessert instead. You get all the fun at a fraction of the cost. Plus, dinner dates can begin to feel a bit cliché. Drink or dessert dates offer you and your friends something a little different from the norm. And really, who can resist a decadent piece of chocolate cake or a mouth-watering slice of cheesecake?
You can still eat out on a budget; you may just have to get a little creative. And remember, the more delicious the food is, the more fulfilled you will feel. Nothing beats gourmet street food at a local food truck. Have some fun with it! Saving money doesn’t have to feel like a chore.
When you find a food joint you really love, why not let people know about it? Click here to learn how to write a good food truck review. Not only will the owner of the food truck appreciate it, but people in your community will as well!