Going out for a meal is an enjoyable experience and a great way to reconnect with family and friends. But if we’re not careful, we can spend as much on a single meal as an entire week's worth of groceries. Here are some tips to help save when dining out.

Read the Fine Print

The best values at many restaurants are in small print at the bottom of the menu. The meals shown with big pictures at the top come with equally large prices. This is especially true of breakfast menus. Look around for less-prominently featured items to find the best values.

Split a Meal

Another way to save on dining out is to split a meal. Our waistlines bear witness to the fact that restaurants have increased their portion sizes over the years. If you and your guest can agree on a dish to share, consider splitting it to conserve cash.

Limit Alcohol Consumption

When it comes to dining out, the drinks are how they get you. Drink prices are astronomical at most restaurants, and one drink tends to lead to another. With each outrageously-priced drink, your wallet takes another blow. Limit yourself to one drink when dining out and you will see your entertainment costs decline.

Water is your Friend

Soft drinks are another ridiculously-overpriced item at most restaurants. You can buy a 2-liter bottle of your favorite carbonated beverage for what a single glass of soda costs. Drink water instead, it's better for you anyway.

Skip the Pre- and Post-Game Activities

Forgoing appetizers and desserts is another great way to conserve cash when dining out. The entrées at most restaurants are more than enough to make a meal. Ask yourself if you really need an appetizer and a dessert.

Make a Meal of an Appetizer

Rather than skip the appetizer, go ahead and order one and forego the main course instead. Most appetizers are large enough to constitute a meal, and they’re usually priced considerably less than the entrées.

Go Out for Brunch or Linner (between lunch and dinner)

Another way to conserve is to combine two meals into one. When you visit a restaurant outside traditional mealtimes, you economize in two ways. You save by eliminating a meal, and you get better service by avoiding the crowds.

Check the Bill

Are you guilty of handing over your credit card without checking the bill? It’s always a good idea to briefly examine the check to ensure no mistakes were made. Plus, you avoid double-tipping if the restaurant has already included a gratuity.

Look for Discounts

Restaurants are always running specials to bring in new diners. Check coupon mailers and other discount opportunities for deals. Put the coupon in your wallet beside your credit card so you don’t forget to use it.

The Bottom Line

The best way to save on dining out is not to go out in the first place. You can make delicious meals at home at a fraction of the cost, and it’s better for your health. Restaurants are in business to make money, and they do it by serving great-tasting meals. Your health is not the primary concern for most restaurants. They load up their dishes with grease and salt because that’s what keeps customers coming back for more.

If it’s togetherness you seek, you can achieve that at home by implementing a few simple rules. No television or devices at mealtime. If you have shy family members, encourage them to engage in conversation by having a few topics in mind before you sit down to eat.

Dining out is meant to be a pleasurable experience. Don’t ruin it for everyone by being overly cost-conscious. These are options, not a laundry list of everything you should do every time you go out. Pick one that suits you and give it a try.

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