We don’t eat out very often. But when we do, we want to enjoy it. So here’s our formula for fun meals out without feeling guilty about the costs.
- Plan ahead for the additional expense. Stockpile extra money over a few of weeks so that you can head out to a restaurant with no worries.
- Show your kids from a young age that part of the cost of eating out is a tip for the wait staff, if you have a server. Plan an extra 20% into your “Night Out” fund to cover the tip.
- Leave drinks off the bill by ordering tap water, or water with lemon. Remember that all soda fountains have a “water” option and restaurants will give you a free cup if you ask. Most kid’s meals include drinks in the price, but watch out for the ones that don’t! A couple of drinks on the bill can easily add $5 or more to your costs.
- As much as we TR adults love beer and wine, we try not to order any when eating out. A single beer from most restaurants costs as much as a six pack that you can grab on your way home to enjoy later.
- Since kid’s meals usually include drinks, or even dessert, steer your kiddoes towards these choices when you can. If your older child resists, they usually cave in when they hear about the free dessert!
- See if you favorite restaurant has a “Kids Eat Free” day that works well for your schedule.
- Split an order with someone at your table. We do this with our Bluey sometimes, knowing that he won’t eat his full portion on his own. Or we TR parents will split a meal with each other.
- Look for coupons in advance of your travel to a restaurant. Even locally owned places tend to have coupons in the paper, or on their website.
- Store your coupons in the car, so you have them in the event of an unplanned stop out.
- Keep track of fast-food options that have healthier fare. We often go to Subway for this reason. And did you know that Culver’s offers a veggie burger at most locations even though they don’t advertise it?
- Many chains, like Noodles & Co, have smaller ‘kid’ sized portions available, but not always on their main menu. Remember to ask! Our local coffee shop has a kid’s smoothie for under $2. Even Starbucks has an unadvertised “short” size for their drinks.