Balancing school work and extracurriculars is stressful enough, let alone having to maintain a social life and getting hit with those winter tuition payment reminders. But every once in a while, you deserve a nice dinner with your squad. So, we rounded up 8 student-approved ways to save money when you’re dining out without sacrificing your bougie AF taste, so you can savour more and worry less.
1. Research, research, research
Before you step foot in the restaurant, do some research! Take a look at the menus, prices and reviews on Google and Yelp to see where you can get the best bang for your buck. Besides, this will give you a better idea of what to expect and whether the prices are worth it to you.
2. Sharing is Caring
Consider finding a couple of several appetizers that you and your friend can share and make it your meal. This way, you get to try different meals as well! If you and your squad have very different tastes in food, you can always take the leftovers home so you can make another meal out of it the next day!
3. No ~fancy~ drinks
The drink menu can be very tempting especially with all those bougie sounding names. I mean, how can I turn down the "Elderflower Infused Tonic"? We get it, but paying $15 is NOT worth it. If your squad really wants a nice boozy drink to brunch to, share a pitcher of sangria, margaritas or mimosas.
4. Keep It simple
Do you really need that bacon wrapped blueberry rubbed elk loin topped with wild Canadian pepper, creamed spelt and smoked marrow truffle jus? Probably not. Besides, a lot of these fancy places have really small servings for a steep price tag. You're better off going for something simpler like steak frites or a butternut squash ravioli!
5. Let's 🥖get 🥖this 🥖bread
This is not the best advice from a nutritional perspective but hey, if you don't eat out too often, make it a cheat day and treat yourself to those carbs! Besides, exceeding your recommended carb intake on just one night can't do too much harm. Having an extra round of those delicious cheddar scones will fill you up so you won't need to order that appetizer. It helps to not order your meal until you've had your bread as you won't be as HANGRY. And if you're worried about your health, swap the butter for olive oil and pick the heartiest slice in the basket!
6. Do I hear a pre with food?
You heard me right! Have a snack before you leave. You've probably had a pre before heading out to the club but same concept here! Instead of avoiding the costly drinks at the club, eating something small or having a big glass of water before you leave keeps your temptation low.
7. Another Day, Another Deal
Monday dollar margaritas? Wednesday wings night? Many chain restaurants and bars have weekly and nightly specials for food and drinks that come in big servings. If you're okay with opting for a less class dining experience, your squad can hit up one of these places to grab a dollar beer, watch the game, and share a bucket of wings for as low as $10!
8. Listen To The Daily Special Spiel
We're all guilty of almost always just pretending to listen to the waiters daily special spiel. A tip for the next time is to actually listen to what the waiter has to say because the specials often offer a healthy portion of food for less than the normal cost.
That wasn't so hard was it? Dining out on a budget can actually be fun and easier than it seems. Now use these tips and get your gang together for a guaranteed good dinner without buyers remorse.
This is great - but you guys should post coupon codes for food delivery services like Skipthedishes and Doordash too!