How to eat out like a queen (on a tight budget)

I love eating out.

I’ve always been that way. Everything about it. I love slowing down, laughing over an appetizer with friends, not having to cook, not having to clean.

I like going out at night, getting dressed up, looking fine, seeing the night lights.

I love the music that plays, being away from my home (if you haven’t guessed I am not a homebody,) trying new places.

It lights me up.

So for me, I don’t compromise on eating out too much even when I am on a tight budget. It’s honestly a priority for me. And I never compromise on eating – that is one of my personal rules. I don’t try to save money by eating less. Nope, never. Don’t go there.

But eating out, that’s kind of a luxury. My friends tease me because they can always tell when the end of the month is coming – I suddenly spend very little money (because I maxed out my budget.) I guess maybe that’s how I find balance, splurge a lot, save a lot.

What’s great is my budget really hasn’t cramped my eating out style at all – here are some tips as to how.

Start looking at the cheapest options and work your way up – When I’m at a restaurant, I start with the cheapest options and work my way up until I find something I really, really like. I don’t care to buy food I don’t enjoy, so I’m not gonna get a cheap half salad and choke it down (maybe salads are your thing,) but I often find something I like before I hit the lobster section.

Save a buck here or there – There is a huge difference between a 6 dollar meal and a 12 dollar meal. I try to not trick myself into thinking “Well, there’s not really a difference between 12 and 14 dollars…” there is. Not a huge one, but there is a difference. Do that ten times every month, and that’s a 240 dollar difference a year. A cheap plane ticket, in my book!

Find the secret option – My friends and I go to a cute, classy wine joint every Thursday night and get tapas. It’s pretty hard to get out of there for less than 14 dollars if you tip good (I’m a server too so I don’t skimp on the tip) but one day I discovered that I could order a small bowl of soup for $3. It actually isn’t that small, is served with bread, different every time, and delicious! This is my go-to option when it’s nearing the end of the month. Find your favorite little thing that isn’t too expensive. It’s surprising what restaurants mark up sometimes and what items are actually extremely affordable but give a lot of bang for your buck! So it’s not actually a secret, but most people overlook it.

Eat out for the experience, not for the convenience – I try to cut down on the “oh shoot, I forgot to pack a sandwich so I’ll just run through Qdoba for lunch” times. Pack the sandwich for your workday lunch, and saving eating out for when it’s really fun and worth your money!

Do the specials – I am not a coupon shopper. Way too disorganized for that. If you are, please send me your tips. However, it’s pretty easy if you’re an avid restaurant hopper like me to get to know the local specials. Half off burgers on Wednesdays, mac n’cheese Mondays at the Crow, 5 dollar lunches at the Mexican joint down the road Monday through Friday. I plan my week around these.

Eat leftovers – Box it up, baby. This is less of a spend-less-eating-out tip and more of a how-to-get-through-life-without-cooking tip, but hey, if it helps. I box up all those little bits and it serves for a great lunch the next day or a little variety to my work sandwich.

Go out for just a drink – Sometimes, I eat ahead of time but still really want to go out, so I’ll go to a fancy place and order some chamomile tea. That way I’m not crazy hungry and last-second adding on the lobster.

…and skip the drink – I work at a restaurant, and let me tell you, people spend as much if not more money on soda and alcohol as food. Restaurants know that people will probably add a drink, and sometimes it is 50% of the price of your actual meal, or if we’re talking alcohol more. Drink water. Water water water. Plus it’s healthier.

There you go. Welcome to my secret sauce of eating out like a queen…

what are your tips?