Eating on a budget
We all love eating out – good food, great company, what’s not to like? But enjoying it on a budget requires some skill. Get our top tips for eating out without breaking the bank.
Eat right so you can eat more
We’re not sure what area you live in, but here in Denver, new restaurants are popping up faster than you can say, “Extra guacamole, please.” From our foodie adventures, it appears that the boom is largely due to a flood of affordable eateries like Thanks to Chipotle, Sweetgreen and Garbanzo. These places make it easier to eat out without breaking the bank – but they’re not your only option!
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American household spends $2,854 (2022) per year eating out, accounting for about 40% of their total food budget. Yes, 40%! Although we all know that food prepared outside the home is more expensive than home-cooked meals, our love for convenience and not having to do the dishes wins. But don’t worry; We have some clever ways to save your money when you eat out.
5 Tips to Reduce Your Restaurant Costs:
1. Tap, save, eat
Grab the Entertainment Books, Groupon and Living Social deals and get 50% or more off your meal. But before you get too excited, keep two things in mind. First, these deals are designed to entice you – so don’t fall into the trap of adding extras like dessert, drinks, or “just one more” cocktail that magically doubles your bill. Second, always tip your server based on the total amount and not the discounted price. After all, they didn’t offer you half the service.
Leave it to the restaurant and not the hard-working staff who kept your water glass full and served you the extra helping of guacamole.
2. Go from fancy to frugal
Switching from fancy sit-down restaurants to fast-casual spots is an easy way to save yourself the meal and the obligatory tip. Why pay for upscale burgers and fries when you can get the same thing for half the price at a fast-casual joint? Sure, the plates might be paper and the ambience might be less “white tablecloth,” but your wallet won’t notice the difference.
And do you have to pay extra to be asked if you want more sparkling water? Just sit down, order your food and enjoy the savings – no guilt.
3. Bite-sized bliss
Are you one of those people who always have a bag to take home after a meal? You may have a classic case of “eyes bigger than your stomach” syndrome. Don’t worry, this is a common condition! Instead of stuffing yourself with appetizers and a main course, why not skip the appetizer altogether? Or better yet, share an appetizer with the whole table—it’s like a little trust exercise in portion control. The same strategy applies to desserts.
A pro tip? One of our favorite budget-friendly moves is to try Chipotle, grab a fully loaded burrito bowl and add chips with guacamole. For about $15, you can get a meal that’s usually big enough for two people—because let’s face it, those bowls are often more important than a small pet.
Split it up and save, and trust me, no one will leave hungry.
4. Less chow, more wow
Avoiding just one or two eating out trips a month can significantly increase your wallet – without compromising your mental health. All you need is a little advance planning. Spend an hour or two making a few quick meals and you’ll thank yourself in the future when you resist the urge to stop by a drive-thru. Our contact point? Make a large pot of chili or soup and put some in the freezer. This way, on those nights when you’re feeling more like a homebody and less like an Iron Chef, you’ll have a hearty meal ready to go without having to grab it at the last minute.
Eating out on a budget doesn’t have to feel like a punishment. By following the four tips above, you can save 10%, 20%, or even 50% of your food budget – leaving you with extra money to pay off debt or invest in your financial future. Who knew a little meal prep could help you reach your money goals faster (and tastier)?
5. Become a master of leftover alchemy
Here’s a secret to saving money when eating out: Leftovers are your new best friend. But don’t just keep them, use them for other purposes! Transform that half-eaten pasta into a gourmet stir-fry the next day, or turn last night’s steak into a salad that would make even a five-star chef jealous. If you’re feeling particularly creative, you can always make an epic breakfast burrito using the rest of your take-home container.
Why pay for two meals when you can use one to make something even more delicious from Frankenstein? It’s like turning water into wine, only tastier and much more convenient. The key is to view every restaurant meal as a two-for-one deal in disguise. Get creative, save money, and impress your friends with your leftover magic.
6. BYOW – Bring your own water
Who would have thought that one of the easiest ways to save money when eating out is to limit yourself to the essentials: water! But here’s the kicker: Restaurants often charge money for fancy water. Sparkling? Knock? Imported from the pristine sources of a distant land? No thanks. Save the $5 and ask for good old tap water – because let’s face it: H2O is H2O. If you’re up for more, bring your own reusable water bottle filled with your own premium hydration. Just imagine the look on the waiter’s face when you pull out your favorite bottle as if you were a drinking connoisseur.
Sparkling personality, free water – what’s not to love?
7. Time like a pro – the power of happy hour
Have you ever noticed that some restaurants have a lot more fun during happy hour? Well, it’s not just about the $5 margaritas. Eating out during happy hour is like having your cake and eating it too – but for half the price! Many places offer incredible discounts on food and drinks during these magical hours. So why pay full price for a gourmet burger at 7pm when you can get it cheaper at 5pm? Get there early, grab a table and enjoy top-notch food at affordable prices. It’s like being a restaurant ninja – stealthy, smart and completely content.
Eating out like a pro on a budget
So there you have it – seven brilliant, downright genius tips to help you eat out without worrying about your bank account. Whether you’ve mastered the art of eating leftovers, planning your meals like a happy hour ninja, or harnessing the power of tap water with a reusable bottle, you’ve got the whole budget eating thing down pat.
Remember: saving money doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice taste or fun. In fact, dining out can become an epic adventure—one that leaves you full, happy, and with enough money left over to keep your financial goals in mind. So go ahead, dine elegantly and may your wallets be as full as your stomachs.
More tips to save more and live large: