How to Dine Smart: 15 Common Ways People Waste Money at Restaurants
Dining out is a great way to enjoy good food and a break from cooking, but it can quickly become a financial drain if you’re not careful.
Many people waste money at restaurants without even realizing it, through small but frequent habits that add up over time.
From overspending on drinks to falling for menu tricks, restaurant visits can cost more than they should if you don’t pay attention.
To help you dine smarter, here are 15 ways people waste their money at restaurants and how to avoid them.
1. Ordering Drinks You Don’t Need
Restaurant drinks, especially cocktails, wine, and sodas, are notoriously marked up. What may cost a few cents at home can be several dollars at a restaurant.
Instead of spending $10 on a cocktail, consider skipping the drink or opting for water. Over time, these drink savings can add up to significant amounts.
2. Falling for Upselling Tricks
Servers are trained to upsell items like appetizers, side dishes, or dessert. While they might sound tempting, these extras can quickly increase your bill.
Stick to what you planned to order, and don’t feel pressured to add more just because it’s offered. A focused approach can prevent unnecessary spending.
3. Ordering Appetizers You Don’t Really Need
Appetizers are often tempting, but they can inflate your restaurant bill, especially if you’re already ordering a main course.
Restaurants know how to make these small plates appealing, but they are rarely necessary. If you’re trying to cut down on spending, skip the appetizer or share one with the table.
4. Overlooking Specials or Discounts
Many restaurants offer daily specials, happy hour deals, or promotions that can help you save. However, some people ignore these offers and pay full price instead.
Always ask your server about any specials or discounts, and take advantage of them to get more value for your money.
5. Not Sharing Meals
Portions at restaurants can often be large enough for two people. Rather than ordering individual meals, consider sharing dishes, especially if you’re dining with someone who has similar tastes.
This not only reduces food waste but can also cut your bill in half, making your dining experience more cost-effective.
6. Choosing Premium Menu Items
Restaurants often have a few high-ticket items like steaks, seafood platters, or premium cuts of meat. These dishes are usually the most expensive and may not provide much more value in terms of quality or portion size.
Opting for mid-range items can save money without compromising on the dining experience.
7. Ignoring Portion Sizes
Ordering more food than you can eat is a common way people waste money at restaurants. Many diners are tempted to order multiple courses or large entrees, only to leave with half the food untouched.
To save money, be mindful of portion sizes and order appropriately. You can always request to take leftovers home if needed.
8. Buying Bottled Water
Paying for bottled water at a restaurant is often unnecessary, especially when tap water or filtered water is available for free. Bottled water can come with a hefty markup, and it’s one of the easiest expenses to avoid.
Stick to free water and put those extra dollars towards something else.
9. Ordering Sides Separately
Many restaurants charge extra for sides that could be included in a different meal option or are already large enough to share.
Instead of ordering separate side dishes, look for meals that come with sides included or split a side between diners. This can save a few extra dollars on your bill.
10. Forgetting About Leftovers
If you know you can’t finish your meal, ask for a to-go container and take the leftovers home. Many people waste money by leaving unfinished food at the table, effectively paying for a meal they didn’t fully enjoy.
Repurposing leftovers for another meal is an easy way to get more value from your restaurant visit.
11. Getting Too Many Add-Ons
Add-ons like extra toppings, cheese, or sauces may seem minor, but they can add up. Some restaurants charge high premiums for these extras, which can significantly increase your bill.
Before adding extra items, ask if they’re really necessary or if they’ll improve the meal enough to justify the cost.
12. Ignoring Fixed-Price Menus
Many restaurants offer fixed-price or prix-fixe menus, which provide multiple courses for a set price. These can be excellent deals, offering you more food for less money.
If you’re planning on ordering multiple courses anyway, check if a fixed-price option is available—it could end up saving you money.
13. Dining During Peak Times
Eating out during peak dining hours can cost more, especially if restaurants have different prices for lunch, happy hour, and dinner.
Opting for off-peak dining times, such as during lunch hours or happy hours, can help you take advantage of lower prices. This simple change in timing can lead to significant savings.
14. Paying for Premium Coffee or Dessert
After a big meal, many people indulge in overpriced desserts or specialty coffees that can easily add $10-$20 to the bill. Instead, consider skipping dessert at the restaurant and enjoying something at home.
This cuts down the overall cost of the meal while still satisfying your sweet tooth later.
15. Not Joining Loyalty Programs
If you frequently dine at certain restaurants, joining their loyalty programs can lead to significant savings. Many programs offer discounts, free items, or exclusive deals for members.
By signing up for these free programs, you can enjoy perks and savings without changing your dining habits.
