Eat Like a King for the Price of a Pauper

Eating out is one of those little luxuries that almost everyone enjoys. A break from the kitchen while someone literally waits on you--what's not to like? But with so many feeling the pinch of a down economy, eating out is fast becoming less affordable for the average American. Fear not, for there are ways to reduce that restaurant bill without feeling cheated...

Skip the Appetizer

This is easier said than done when you've been waiting 45 minutes for a table and your stomach is growling. But keep in mind that when your entrée finally arrives, it will be big enough to feed a family of four (restaurant portions being what they are). In the meantime curb those hunger pangs with the free bread basket or crackers, or order a dish that comes with a starter salad whenever possible.

Split an Entrée

If you and your significant other can decide on one dish, sharing one of those aforementioned huge restaurant portions is not going to leave anybody hungry (Just be sure there's no sneaky extra plate fee). If you can't settle on one dish to split, box up half of your entrée to take home--thus getting two dinners for the price of one. Serious penny pinchers have been known to request a take-out box when ordering or to ask the kitchen to box up half before the dinner is even brought to the table. All done in order to ensure that gluttony doesn't lay waste to their money saving plans.

Skip the Fancy Drinks

Heck, skip all the drinks, except for plain old tap water. It goes without saying that splurging on a sweet frozen concoction served in a margarita glass the size of your head is going to inflate your restaurant bill. But even $2 sodas and iced teas add up when you're dining with the whole family and you work tax and tip into the equation. Is the taste of your pasta dish really going to suffer if it's not accompanied by a fizzy, overpriced glass of sugar? Probably not. For the vino lovers out there who can't imagine a nice dinner without the perfectly matched glass of wine, be sure to...

Check Corkage Fees

Restaurant wine list prices are typically two to three times the regular retail price of your favorite bottle. Many restaurants allow you to bring your own wine, as long as you pay what's called a corkage fee. You can save some major money by taking advantage of this service. Call ahead to your favorite restaurant and see what their corkage fee is--many places even waive the fee altogether on less popular dining-out nights like Sundays and Mondays. A quick Google search for your city is sure to yield some results about the corkage fees in your area. For example, TheDelicousLife.com has got a great updated list of many popular eateries in the Los Angeles area.

Take Advantage of Recession Specials

Big chain restaurants do not want to lose your business during these hard economic times, and many of them are offering big savings to lure you back to their padded booths. T.G.I . Friday's recently unrolled a series of "Right Portion, Right Price" entrees for $6.99 to $9.99 each. Applebees has a 2 for $20 deal which scores you one appetizer and two entrées for just $20. Check out the website for your favorite chain; chances are, they've got something similar going on. And speaking of chain restaurants...

Sign Up for Email Lists

Just about every big chain restaurant, and even some of your favorite local, non-chain haunts, has got an email newsletter of some sort. Some, like Chili's, immediately send you a printable coupon for a discount or a free appetizer or dessert. Others, like Red Lobster, ask for a little info and then send you coupons throughout the year on special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. Spend a few minutes joining the mailing lists for your favorite restaurants and watch the special offers roll in!

Online Coupons

You didn't think you were getting out of here without a plug for Savings.com and some of our fab merchants, did you? To save big bucks, check out our Restaurant.com page for savings on thousands of restaurants with offers like "Save 60% or More With Dinner of the Month Club" and "Get a $25 Gift Certificate for $2."

The absolute easiest way to save money on eating out? Well, don't go out. Whether your local market is Vons, Peapod, Genuardi's or Safeway, we've got a ton of grocery coupons to help you save at the store.

Light some candles, put on your favorite cd and get cooking! I guarantee you won't miss the noise, the snooty maitre d' or the bill at the end of the meal. Bon appétit!

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