by Athena Garner

Created on: October 16, 2009   Last Updated: October 21, 2009

Eating out is a joy that most Americans are reluctant to give up, even in these rough economic times. The price of food is rising along with the price of many other items. Not to despair; there are many ways to have a nice meal at your favorite restaurant without breaking your budget. Following these simples and painless tips can cut your dining bill by up to half.

-When choosing a beverage, opt for water. If you can't bear to drink water, choose a beverage that comes with free refills. Most restaurants offer refills on sodas and coffee and some even offer them on premium drinks like flavored lemonades and slushes. Don't be afraid to ask about the refill policy if it's not listed on the menu. Free refills are one of the best ways to trim your restaurant bill, but remember not to fill up on drinks when an all-you-can-eat buffet or bottomless salad and/or breadsticks are part of your meal. In such situations it's better to limit your sips in order to maximize your trips to the buffet. You'll get full either way, but solid food will keep you satisfied longer than the liquid alone will.

-Order an appetizer as your meal. They're usually cheaper than an entree and often just as filling. Many restaurants offer a platter with your choice of several of their appetizers. This is a good option if you don't want to be stuck eating nothing but a big plate of fried cheese sticks. If the appetizers don't appeal to you, check for combos that come with a soup and salad or maybe half a sandwich and another item. This is another inexpensive, yet satisfying option.

-If your birthday is coming up, see if your favorite restaurant offers a free meal or other promotion to help you celebrate. Some restaurants offer printable coupons for such treats on their website or will give you a free dessert if you simply tell them it's your big day. Don't be shy to ask them to skip the singing. You don't have to pay for your free food with public humiliation. Find an extensive list of birthday offers here.

-Split a dessert. Most restaurant portions are huge, especially when it comes to items such as cheesecake or anything involving ice cream. If you're out with your significant other or a close friend, ask if they'd like to share a dessert. Don't forget to tell the server you'll be splitting it so that they can divide it between the two bills, otherwise you'll have to wrangle with giving your friend money or vice versa and might end up getting stuck paying full price for half a dessert. Better yet; skip dessert and pick up something from the grocery store on the way home. You'll probably be too full from your meal to really enjoy dessert in the restaurant and you'll spend the same amount for multiple servings if you buy it at the store.

-Unless you have a special reason for eating out at dinner-time, celebrate that anniversary or meet your old college friend during lunch hours (and for lunch prices) instead of later in the day. You'll often get the same amount of food for several dollars less, with enough left over to box up and take with you for another restaurant-quality meal to enjoy in the comfort of your home.

The main lesson of frugal dining is to think with your brain rather than your stomach. Check the drink list before ordering blindly. You may think it's safe to order a root beer, expecting free refills. But when it arrives you may find out that the root beer is served in bottles and that you have to pay for each one separately. When the server offers to give you a few minutes to look at the menu, take it. Look at all the items and pick one that appeals to your appetite as well as your wallet.

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