Eating Out?

[ltrain823]

Hello everyone, I know this is the one thing that is meant to cut down but My gf and I seriously enjoy this more than anything else. We would rather have dinner together and just talk than actually go out and catch a movie or something. We are real young and have old fashioned families so going over eachothers house and spending time together there is not an option.

Anyone have any good deal biters for going out to eat? I've been using restaurants.com and it has been great!!! I can buy a $25 coupon for only $5 and it has some of our fav restaurants on it. You can also buy a $10 coupon for only $1.50!!!

We love spending time with eachother and she goes to school full time and I'm a work-a-holic so we try to value what ever time we can find to spend with eachother.

Hoping to hear positive suggestions vs. "stop eating out" speach, althought I appreciate and understand that it's important to stop eating out, but we would like to keep our relationship as healthy as we can with the little time we get to spend with eachother. We have already agreed that we will not get married until she is finished with school.

[ltrain823]

I've also read that some mystery shop companies are legit and some have you go out for dinner...anyone had any exp. with this?

[One Half Full]

I've also read that some mystery shop companies are legit and some have you go out for dinner...anyone had any exp. with this?

The way I understand those is that you need to jump hoops to be chosen to go to a restaurant for them. Hey, why not become a food critic for the newspaper and go out to eat for free?

[stephanie4686]

I know it's not quite the same, but going out to lunch is MUCH cheaper and that way you can get the "out" experience.

[ltrain823]

thanks but cant do lunch because of my work and her school

[sandhall]

we choose the resturants that are offering coupons on their websites. like the other night we went to olive garden we spent 16 dollars for two that included dessert also. the website last month had a buy one meal get another free coupon.

[CindyLou]

buy one of those Entertainment Guide books....they have GREAT coupons! You can get one at a bookstore like barnes and noble or order it online.... We bought one last year and visited almost ever restaurant on in it!

[ssdsco]

Catch the happy hour 2 for 1, reduced price, or free appetizer specials. They often can substitute for a meal. Bring a flask if alcohol is desired.

[CATCHMEIFYOUCAN]

Here's a great freebie. Some financial companies give giveaways to try and sell you their services. They invite you and up to 12 guest for a free lunch (your choice in your area), just before lunch they present you with their sales pitch (selling their financial services), the only catch is you have to fill out their paperwork with your name and contact number (and anyone you invited). You order lunch, when lunch is served they leave you alone and the tab is covered!

Good Luck, Catchmeifyoucan

[krielly]

What about going out just for coffee and dessert or maybe just appetizers, instead of a full meal? Still get the experience, and time together, just at a reduced price...........

[luvHm]

agree, just do dessert! or the weather is getting nicer (well it is here in Okla) , go to the park!

[One Half Full]

Many local diners and so on have fairer prices than big mall type chains (chilis, olive garden, etc). They may lack in ambiance, but often their food is better. Also, try "bar food." Some bars serve great sandwiches. If you have casinos in the area they generally have great "all you can eat" meals and inexpensive restaurant style meals. Its one way they draw in the local crowd.

[yoyoma51]

My wife and I LOVE to eat out and try new restaurants.

Since our BK, we made a firm rule that we only go to places where we get the second meal free or at least 1/2 off. This even includes fast food.

We never cared before. I figured we save about $80-$100/month with the new rule.

I realize the best would be to stop going out to eat...but please... BABY STEPS!