Celebrations

Date Night!

Money is tight and that means many couples are faced with having to think of creative ways to spend a nice evening out. Just because money is tight, there is no reason for you not to enjoy the experience of spending time at a nice restaurant and without busting your budget.

One great way to dine out on a budget is to limit your selections to appetizers and dessert. The good news is not only will you be able to trim your budget, but you will trim your waistline as well. Most appetizers are a nice portion size therefore you won’t have to worry about leaving the restaurant hungry. Prices at a mid level restaurant can range anywhere from $5.00 to 12.00 per person depending on your selection and the area of the country in which you live. Desserts will usually top out at around $9.00 which means you can have a wonderful evening out for not more than $20.00 per person before taxes and gratuity.

One thing to keep in mind too is that restaurants need to make money in order to stay in business so if you are planning to go the appetizer route, try to make your plans to visit in off hours. That way you will not be rushed by the wait staff as their job is to turn the tables as often as possible.

In order to follow this plan here are a few suggestions that might help:

  1. If at all possible view the menu on line of call to ask ahead what the selection of menu items for the evening. Once you know the selection, plan your selections prior to arriving at the restaurant and stick to your choices.
  2. Create your own tasting menu by ordering different items and split the dishes, in order to allow two selections from the menu.
  3. Order salads and a meat item from the appetizer menu to create your own dinner salad.
  4. Share a dessert rather than ordering two.
  5. Limit your drinks to water with lemon or to make it more festive consider having a night cap of a glass of wine upon your return home. You can also add a piece of dark chocolate if you want to make it even more special.
  6. Sign up discount offer websites like Groupon which can be as high as 60% off.