Americans love eating out. According to the USDA's food expenditure data, millennials spend more than 44 percent of their food budget on this meal option. In addition, other data proves that Americans spend a lot more on restaurants and bars ($54.86 billion) than they do on their groceries ($52.5 billion).
We Americans really like our restaurants! Who can say no to delicious food that's served and prepared for you by someone else? And best of all, there are no dishes waiting for you to scrub at the end of the meal.
Dining out with family and friends is a wonderful experience, but it can take a huge bite out of your budget. No worries-we're not going to try convincing you to give up your favorite fast food joint or Thai restaurant. Instead, use our hacks to bring your bill down and continue enjoying meals at your favorite eateries.
When looking at a menu, most people's eyes naturally drift to the right. Restaurants know this and they purposely put their most expensive items on the right side of the menu. Outsmart this marketing ploy by checking out the left side of the menu for cheaper options you'll still love before looking right. You may find that the restaurant has listed their appetizers in that left area. For many, an appetizer can make an entire, and lower cost, meal option.
Prefer eating out for the ambiance? Create your own at home. Dim the lights, put out some scented candles and set the table with your best stemware and china dishes. If you've got little kids at home, wait until they're asleep to enjoy your romantic meal with only your partner for company.