Most restaurants serve way more than I can (or need to) eat in one sitting. I always found it best (and frugal) to let the little one eat off my plate (toddler/preschool age). This saved me from eating too much and from purchasing a kid’s meal that’s usually more than a toddler can eat also! Since we always traveled with our own drink in a sippy cup, not ordering a kid’s meal was a doable option.
You can also split a meal with your hubby/date if you can find something to agree on. :) Combo platters, fajitas, and things like that are easy to share. You could also get an appetizer plus the meal to show. Most appetizers are less than an entree so you’d be spending less than you would if you purchased two entrees.
I like to order water when we go out too because it cuts calories and you don’t get charged $2-3 for a fountain drink/tea.
At fast food restaurants, ordering combos for everyone is wasteful too. We get one combo for every two people (share fries and a drink – especially since all fast food places have free refills anyway) and then an extra entree (hamburger, chicken nuggets, whatever) for the second person. This saves a ton!
If we’re going through the drive thru to take the food home we skip the drinks and get our drinks at home. Sometimes we skip sides too and opt for healthier options at home also.
How do you save money when you eat out?
Be sure to catch up on all the previous Let’s Save Some Money posts.
I’m all for sharing meals. My 3 young kids all share a kids meal and STILL don’t eat it all. If I was to share a drink with them at a fast food restaurant, I wouldn’t get a refill…I personally feel that’s a bit dishonest just on principle.
My husband usually brings some of his restaurant meals home to eat for lunch the next day. I’ve yet to come across a restaurant with a plate sharing fee but we do try to tip extra well when, as a party of 5, we don’t rack up a typical “party of 5” tab to tip on.
In fast food restaurants I always ask for a cup for water and bypass the soda. This way I am not charged for a bottle of water, and they sometimes have lemons on the side and I add that in my water.
Some nicer restaurants my husband and I will each order a soup, and share an entree or lunch sandwich, which is usually too big for me anyway. Some places will even serve the sandwich on separate plates with a little side salad.
I agree with Jackie, I think it is ok when kids share with parents, but find it rude when adults do it. I am a part time server and a stay at home mom. It’s not worth it if I have a table of 2 adults who just order water and share. Most restaurants give their servers sections based on how many people they wait on to keep numbers even. If I wait on a table of 2 adults and 2 kids it is still counted as 4 people even if they only get an appetizer and 1 entree to split. It is actually money out of my pocket since I won’t get sat again until the other servers have equal guest counts. Just my 2 cents :)
Ya I was wondering if this is considered rude. I don’t know and it is a great idea but I can’t imagine servers and such would be pleased. Ive felt guilty doing this and either tip to reflect the number of people in party and not total bill or even just order something small like a side for the extra person. Does anyone have thoughts on this? I rarely eat out anyways… :)
Many restaurants in our area now charge a plate sharing fee. I still share with my little one when there is no fee and we order waters. Usually we can take home the left overs and have enough for a lunch the next day or another dinner.
We are a family of four, hubby, me and two girls 4 and 7. When we go to a side down resturant I usually get a vegetable plate. Most of the time this comes with four side items. For one of the sides I order a salad which is a good size. I will share my plate with the girls. Then hubby will usually get chicken and fries. He will also share his plate with the girls. If they give free rolls we will ask to get another helping after we finish the first. If we all get water we can all have a nice meal and tip for $20.
I don’t even remember the last time we ate inside a fast food resturant. We always get it to go. We drink our own drinks at home and usually get one small french fries and just share them with our hamburger,sandwich ect.
Some places have kids eat free this night or this time of day. If you have kids this helps save. Just remember they eat free not drink free so order water.
I never order a kids meal for my 2-year-old. She eats off my plate and I make sure I’m getting something she’ll eat (helps that she’s not a picky eater and no allergies so I can pretty much order what I want except for super spicy). We usually bring her a cup from home already filled and have never had a problem with that. I just can’t see paying $5 for a grilled cheese sandwich when she can get something healthier off my plate for nothing! And I usually still bring leftovers home!