Tips And Tricks For Saving Money At Restaurants

It's always the worst part of a restaurant meal: the moment when the bill arrives. "I didn't realize that drinks would be that expensive!" you might exclaim. Or, "Those appetizers really added up!" Wouldn't it be nice to be pleasantly surprised by the bill the next time you dine out? Here's how.

Tips and Tricks for Saving Money at Restaurants (Gallery)

Restaurants are, obviously, a business, and they can't be faulted for trying to turn as much of a profit as possible. But there are certainly ways in which you can easily be coaxed into paying more money at a restaurant than you intend to; it's happened to all of us. It's pretty easy to casually say "yes" when asked if we'd like another beer or soda, or to not ask what the price of that tasty-sounding special is before ordering it. And when the dessert menu is handed to us, there's always something that sounds too good to pass up.

But with a little planning and a little bit of willpower, it's possible to enjoy a meal out without breaking the bank, even at a fancy restaurant. There are plenty of things you can do that will help you save money when dining out, and several of them can happen even before you leave the house.

So read on for some handy tips and tricks to keep in mind when planning your next meal out. We all deserve an occasional blowout, but those should be worked into a budget and the bill shoudl never take you by surprise. Follow these tips, and you'll never have to dread getting the check again.