Dining 0ut on a budget
We all love dining out—good food, great company, what’s not to like? But enjoying it on a budget takes some skill. Get our top tips to dine out without breaking the bank.
Dining right so you can dine more
We’re not sure about your neck of the woods, but here in Denver, new restaurants are popping up faster than you can say, “Extra guac, please.” From our foodie adventures, the boom seems largely thanks to a surge of budget-friendly spots like Chipotle, Sweetgreen, and Garbanzo. These places make dining out without blowing the budget easier—but they’re not your only option!
According to the latest from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American household spends $2,854 (2022) a year dining out, which adds up to about 40% of their total food budget. Yup, 40%! While we all know food prepared outside the home is more expensive than home-cooked meals, our love for convenience and not having to do dishes wins. But don’t worry; we have some clever ways to stretch those dollars when you eat out.
5 tips to reduce your dining out costs:
1. Tap, save, eat
Grab those Entertainment Books, Groupon, and Living Social deals to score 50% or more off your meal. But before you get too excited, keep two things in mind. First, those deals are designed to lure you in—so don’t fall into the trap of adding on extras like dessert, drinks, or that “just one more” cocktail that magically doubles your bill. Second, always tip your server based on the total amount, not the discounted price. They didn’t give you half the service, after all.
Let the restaurant take the hit, not the hardworking staff who kept your water glass full and brought you that extra side of guac.
2. Go from fancy to frugal
Switching from fancy sit-down restaurants to quick-casual joints is an easy way to save your meal and that obligatory tip. Why pay for upscale burgers and fries when you can get the same thing for half the price at a fast-casual spot? Sure, the plates might be paper and the ambiance less “white tablecloth,” but your wallet won’t know the difference.
Plus, do you need to pay extra to be asked if you still want sparkling water? Just grab a seat, order your food, and enjoy the savings—no tipsy guilt required.
3. Bite size bliss
Are you one of those people who always end up with a take-home bag after dining out? You might have a classic case of “eyes bigger than your stomach” syndrome. No worries, it’s a common condition! Instead of loading up on appetizers and a main course, why not skip the starter altogether? Or better yet, share one appetizer with the whole table—it’s like a mini-trust exercise in portion control. The same strategy goes for desserts.
A pro tip? One of our favorite budget-friendly moves is hitting up Chipotle, grabbing a fully loaded burrito bowl, and adding chips with guac. For around $15, you get a meal that’s usually big enough for two people—because, let’s be honest, those bowls are often more significant than a small pet.
Split it and save, and trust me, no one will be leaving hungry.
4. Less chow, more wow
Cutting out just one or two monthly dining-out trips can seriously pad your wallet—without sacrificing your sanity. All it takes is a little planning ahead. Spend an hour or two whipping up some quick meals, and future-you will thank you when you resist the urge to swing by a drive-thru. Our go-to? Make a big pot of chili or soup and toss some in the freezer. That way, on those nights when you’re feeling more like a couch potato, less Iron Chef, you’ll have a hearty meal ready to go, no last-minute takeout required.
Dining out on a budget doesn’t have to feel like a punishment. By following the four tips above, you could save 10%, 20%, or even 50% off your dining budget—leaving you with extra cash to tackle debt or invest in your financial future. Who knew a little meal prep could help you hit your money goals faster (and tastier)?
5. Become a master of leftover alchemy
Here’s a secret to saving money while dining out: leftovers are your new best friend. But don’t just store them—repurpose them! Turn that half-eaten pasta into a gourmet stir-fry the next day, or transform last night’s steak into a salad that would make even a five-star chef jealous. If you’re feeling extra creative, you can always make an epic breakfast burrito with whatever’s lingering in your take-home container.
Why pay for two meals when you can Frankenstein one into something even more delicious? It’s like turning water into wine, only tastier and much more practical. The key is seeing every restaurant meal as a two-for-one deal in disguise. Get creative, save money, and impress your friends with your leftover sorcery.
6. BYOW – Bring Your Own Water
Who knew one of the easiest ways to save money dining out is by sticking to the basics—water! But here’s the kicker: restaurants often charge you for fancy water. Sparkling? Tap? Imported from the pristine springs of some far-off land? No thanks. Save the $5 and ask for good ol’ tap water—because, let’s face it, H2O is H2O. If you want to get fancy, bring your own reusable water bottle filled with your own top-tier hydration. Just imagine the look on the server’s face when you whip out your favorite bottle like the hydration connoisseur you are.
Sparkling personality, free water—what’s not to love?
7. Time it like a pro – the power of happy hour
Ever noticed that some restaurants are way more fun during Happy Hour? Well, that’s not just the $5 margaritas talking. Dining out during Happy Hour is like having your cake and eating it too—but for half the price! Many places offer crazy discounts on both food and drinks during these magical hours. So why pay full price for that gourmet burger at 7 PM when you can get it for less at 5 PM? Get there early, snag a table, and enjoy premium food at budget-friendly prices. It’s like being a dining-out ninja—stealthy, savvy, and totally satisfied.
Dining out on a budget like a pro
So there you have it—seven brilliant, borderline-genius tips to help you dine out without crying over your bank account. Whether you’re mastering the art of leftovers, timing your meals like a Happy Hour ninja, or wielding the power of tap water with a reusable bottle flourish, you’ve got this whole budget-dining thing down to a science.
Remember, saving money doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or fun. In fact, it can turn dining out into an epic adventure—one where you walk away full, happy, and with enough cash left to keep your financial goals on track. So go forth, dine smart, and may your wallets be as full as your stomachs.
More tips for saving more and living large:
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