Never Order French Fries With Salt, Here’s Why And Other Clever Tips To Save Money While Eating Out
Dining out can be an enjoyable experience, but it often comes with a hefty price tag. However, seasoned restaurant employees have an insider scoop on ways to save money without skimping on quality or pleasure.
Whether it's making smart menu choices or leveraging small tricks, these money-saving strategies can elevate your dining experience while keeping your wallet happy. Here, we delve into some practical and insightful tips from those who know the industry best.
Avoiding Specials for Better Value
The allure of the specials board can be hard to resist, promising unique and tantalizing dishes. However, savvy diners should approach them with caution. Specials are sometimes crafted from leftover ingredients, repurposed to minimize waste.
While this is an efficient practice for restaurants, it doesn't always guarantee the best value for your money. To ensure a worthwhile dining experience, stick to the regular menu items that reflect the chef's true specialty and expertise.
Choosing Wines Wisely in Restaurants
Wine lists can be a minefield for diners, especially when trying to balance taste and cost. Restaurants are aware that many patrons opt for the second least expensive wine, assuming it to be a safe yet affordable choice.
However, this selection is often marked up significantly. Instead, consider venturing a bit outside your comfort zone by choosing a wine that doesn't fall into predictable pricing traps, allowing for both quality and value.
When to Skip Pasta on the Menu
Pasta dishes can be deceptively simple and are often a go-to for diners seeking comfort food. However, unless a restaurant specializes in pasta, these dishes might not be prepared with the same finesse and care as other menu items.
Non-specialty restaurants may treat pasta as a filler, resulting in a dish that falls short of expectations. To ensure a satisfying meal, order pasta only from establishments known for their Italian cuisine prowess.
Testing a Sushi Bar with Sashimi
Sashimi is the ultimate test of a sushi bar's quality. By ordering this simple, unadorned dish, you can gauge the freshness and skill with which the establishment handles its seafood.
A delicious and well-prepared sashimi reflects a sushi bar's commitment to quality, suggesting that the rest of their offerings are likely to be equally impressive. Don't hesitate to let sashimi guide your decision when exploring new sushi spots.
Utilizing Table Stabilizers for Dining Comfort
A wobbly table can be a nuisance during a meal, detracting from the overall dining experience. Table stabilizers, often found in the form of coasters or napkins, can be a quick fix to enhance comfort.
By ensuring your dining surface remains steady, you can focus on enjoying your meal and company without distraction. This small adjustment can make a significant difference in the enjoyment of your outing.
Importance of Cleanliness in Restaurant Bathrooms
The state of a restaurant's bathroom often mirrors the cleanliness of its kitchen. A spotless bathroom suggests attention to detail and high hygiene standards, extending to the food preparation areas.
Before settling in for a meal, a quick check of the restroom can provide peace of mind about the establishment's overall cleanliness. A clean bathroom is a reassuring sign that you'll be dining in a place that values cleanliness and customer satisfaction.
Leveraging Attitude for Better Service
A positive attitude can work wonders in a restaurant setting, often translating into better service and memorable experiences. By engaging with staff, asking questions about the menu, and showing genuine interest in the restaurant's offerings, you might be perceived as a potential reviewer.
This perception could lead to enhanced service, as staff often go the extra mile to ensure a good impression, benefiting both the establishment and your dining experience.
Enjoying Leisurely Meals at a Bar Setting
Bars offer a unique dining experience, allowing patrons to savor their meals at a relaxed pace. Unlike traditional restaurant settings, bars often encourage a slower dining tempo, letting you linger over your meal without feeling rushed.
This leisurely atmosphere makes bars an ideal choice for those who wish to enjoy their food and drinks without the pressure of a quick turnaround. Embrace the relaxed vibe and savor every bite and sip.
Customizing Burritos for More Meat
Burrito lovers can maximize their meat portions without extra cost by customizing their orders. By opting out of rice or beans, you create space for more meat, as the restaurant must fill the burrito with something substantial.
This hack is particularly effective at places like Taco Bell, where customization is encouraged. This strategy not only satisfies your cravings but also enhances your dining value, giving you more bang for your buck.
Consulting Waitstaff for Meal Recommendations
When in doubt about what to order, never underestimate the insights of the waitstaff. They are well-acquainted with the menu and can guide you toward the best dishes the restaurant has to offer.
Engaging with waitstaff can lead to discovering hidden gems on the menu that you might have otherwise overlooked. Their recommendations often reflect the chef's specialties and seasonal favorites, ensuring a delightful dining experience.
Managing Ice in Non-Refill Drink Establishments
In establishments where drink refills aren't complimentary, it's wise to manage your ice intake. By requesting light or no ice, you ensure that you're getting more of the actual beverage you paid for, rather than a cup filled predominantly with ice.
This approach not only maximizes the value of your drink but also prevents dilution, allowing you to enjoy the full flavor of your chosen refreshment.
Pre-Dining Snack Strategy for Calorie Control
To avoid overeating at a restaurant, consider having a light, low-calorie snack before you leave home. This strategy curbs excessive hunger, helping you make more mindful and healthy choices once at the dining table.
By taking the edge off your appetite, you can enjoy your restaurant meal without the guilt of overindulgence, maintaining a balanced approach to both health and satisfaction.
Using Soup to Reduce Main Course Intake
Starting your meal with a bowl of soup is a strategic way to consume fewer calories overall. Soups, often low in calories yet satisfying, can fill you up, reducing the inclination to overeat during the main course.
This approach is both economical and health-conscious, allowing you to enjoy a full dining experience while maintaining control over your calorie intake. It's a simple, yet effective strategy for mindful eating.
Navigating Buffets for Maximum Value
Buffet lines are cleverly arranged to tempt you with low-cost, filler foods at the start. To truly get your money's worth, it's wise to survey the entire spread before filling your plate.
By prioritizing higher-quality, more expensive items, you can enjoy a varied and satisfying meal without falling into the trap of loading up on cheaper options. This tactic ensures you make the most of your buffet experience, indulging in quality over quantity.
Ordering Fresh Fries by Requesting No Salt
Craving a hot and fresh batch of fries? A simple trick is to order them unsalted. This request ensures that the fries are made fresh, as those prepared in advance are typically salted. You can always add your own salt afterward, guaranteeing a fresher and tastier snack.
This approach not only enhances your dining experience but also gives you control over your salt intake, adding a personalized touch to your meal.
