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When money trouble rears its ugly head, dining out is one of the first luxuries we cut out of our lives in an attempt to save money. Fortunately, there are many ways which you and your family can enjoy a restaurant-prepared meal while sticking to a budget.

The first step is to know when to go to the restaurant. Lunch menus at most restaurants are priced significantly lower than dinner menus, even though many of the same dishes appear on both menus. Many restaurants offer lunch menus right up until mid to late afternoon, so if you don't mind eating a few hours earlier than you normally would, you'll be on your way to big savings.

Coupons are another way to save money while dining out. During these tough economic times, most restaurants are experiencing decreased business. When the economy is slow, restaurants often go to great lengths to attract customers. After all, most food is perishable; if they do not use it, the food is thrown away and the business takes a financial hit. Look for restaurant coupons in your local newspaper, or browse the Internet for special online offers.

Another way to save money is to share appetizers or skip them altogether. If you've ever done the math, you've noticed that appetizers are where restaurants make the real money. The portions are small, the ingredients are simple, and they don't take long to prepare. If you feel as though you need something to nibble on before your meal, ask the waiter to bring you some bread and some dipping oil or sauce.

Drinks present another opportunity to save money in restaurants. Skip wine, beer, and other alcoholic beverages; in most restaurants they are way overpriced. Even soft drinks are overpriced in most restaurants. For what you pay for an eight-ounce glass of Pepsi in a restaurant, you can purchase an entire bottle in a grocery store. Water, on the other hand, is free and often comes with a slice of lemon. Unlike soda, water also cleanses the palate of the mouth, which will allow you to better enjoy your meal.

Finally, there is dessert. Just because you ordered a meal in a restaurant does not mean that you have to eat dessert at the restaurant. Chances are, there's a Dairy Queen or a Baskin-Robbins not very far from the restaurant. If you need to satisfy your sweet tooth after a meal, skip the restaurant's dessert menu and head for a lower-priced dessert somewhere else.

Learn more about this author, Marlin Bressi.
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