7 Ways to Enjoy a Night Out on a Shoestring Budget
By David & Martha Cox 03/13/2010Alright, so it’s Saturday night. You’ve been cooking at home all week, trying to save money. You’re tired, and you wonder What’s the point of saving money by cooking on a shoestring budget if you don’t get to spend any of it?
Now, maybe you’re cooking on a shoestring because you’ve just lost some income. Maybe you’re doing it because you’re trying to pay down debt or afford your upcoming college tuition payment. If you’re money is very tight, you may have to resign yourself to eating another meal at home tonight, but if you can afford it, there are ways to enjoy a night out on a shoestring budget.
Now, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that two people eating in a restaurant can easily drop more money on food in one hour than they might spend buying an entire week’s worth of groceries at the store. Nevertheless, it’s good to get out and relax a little, and here are some simple tips to help you (and you’re significant other) do that without busting the budget.
1. Shop Around for Deals and Special
Many restaurants run specials on certain nights of the week–especially weeknights. Others have discount menus often marketed as “2 for $20″ or something similar. Know which places offer discounts, and and take advantage of those opportunities.
2. Clip Some Coupons
The first year that Martha and I were married, money was really tight. One time I actually hawked some of my CDs and DVDs so that we could go to McDonald’s. Then one day a local Mexican restaurant mass-mailed some coupons to everyone in our apartment complex: 2 fajita meals, 2 drinks, and chips for $19.99. We clipped the coupons, and went out to dinner (and did so again the next time the coupons came in the mail).
You can easily get coupons in the paper, online, or in the mail. Look them over for any discounts that sound reasonable, and go for it.
3. Forgo Drinks or Appetizers
These days, a lot of restaurants charge anywhere from $1.75 on up for soft drinks. With tax, 2 people could drop $4 on beverages. That’s the difference between a $19 meal and a $23 meal. It may not sound like much, but spending that much money at your local grocery store could buy you a whole gallon of milk or enough ice tea to last you 2 months. If you’re serious about saving money at the restaurant, consider ordering water.
The same goes for appetizers. Appetizers can run anywhere from $3-$10, depending on the restaurant and the appetizer in question. Now, I love appetizers, but again, if you’re looking to save money, pass up the appetizer, and use some of the money you save to order a better entree (you’d be surprised what menu options an extra 50-cents will open up).
4. Go on a Progressive Dinner Run
If you live in an area with several relatively inexpensive restaurants, consider going on a progressive dinner run.
What does that mean, you might ask? Well, the idea is to go to multiple restaurants around town, ordering a different course of your dinner at every stop.
So hit Wendy’s for a Caesar Salad appetizer. Head over to McDonald’s for a burger and maybe a few fries. Then stop by Braum’s for a little dessert.
You might have to put a little extra effort into saving money along the way, but you’ll definitely have fun doing it. This is also a great option for folks who live in small towns that may not have as many “sit-down” restaurants, as this lets you go out to eat without being stuck in the same boring fast food hangout all evening.
5. Eat Dinner at Home and Go Out for Dessert
If you just want to get out of the house for a little while, eat something light at home, then go out for dessert.
Chili’s, Applebee’s, Braum’s, and Sonic are some of our favorite places to go for dessert. Each one has a dessert menu with a lot of variety, and most of the items on it are fairly inexpensive.
Whether you split a wedge of cheesecake, or get a couple of milkshakes, it’s a cheap way to enjoy some time away from the house.
6. Share Large Meals
Some restaurants don’t allow it, but sharing a large meal can be an easy way to save money (provided you can both agree on a meal).
When eating at a restaurant, you’re prone to overeat because there’s so much food at your fingertips. Sharing an entree is an easy way to save money and watch your weight at the same time.
7. Picnic in the Park
If cash is very tight–or even if you just want a nice change from the restaurant scene–go for a picnic.
Whether you brown-bag some sandwiches or hit the drive-thru window on your way, going for a picnic in the park is a nice way to get out, enjoy a change of scenery, and kick back a little bit.
If the weather isn’t cooperating with your picnic plans, you can always turn on a sounds-of-nature CD, throw a blanket down on the floor, and have your picnic right there in the living room. Corny? Sure. Fun? Definitely.
What about you? What are your favorite ways to enjoy a night out on a shoestring budget?
Team up with friends to go out (more sharing of different dishes/cost, etc), or potluck it. That might not necessarily be “going out” if everyone comes to your place, but at least you’ll get a variety of dishes (provided your friends know how to cook).