You need to allow yourself to have fun once in awhile, and to experience the finer things in life. Finer dining does not need to cost every cent you have. You can still go out to eat and make your budget.The following options will help you have more of a peace of mind about eating out:
Cut down on cheap everyday fast foods and make your restaurant experience special. You will have more money for a sit-down meal in a more upscale restaurant if you cut out a few hamburger and fry orders. Not only that your dining experience will be more special and more rewarding.
In between dining experiences learn how to cook better foods for yourself at home. This could lead into a new hobby and can result in more money in your pocket in the long run.Â
You might want to consider eating out during lunch instead of dinner. Even at nicer restaurants you will fine high-quality meals on the menu that are fitting for midday cuisine. Perhaps a nice brunch on a Saturday afternoon would be ideal.  Â
There is no shame in ordering water with your meal. In fact, most restaurants automatically supply their visitors with water. This will free up more funds for you to purchase a fuller meal.
Gourmet sandwich shops and pizza places often cost less. That is one option to think about as well.
If you eat a light meal before you go out you will get away with ordering appetizers or other inexpensive items. Either that or you can just go out for a few drinks and work it off dancing.
Buffet places usually offer reasonable rates for different times of the day. Some will offer morning specials for breakfast, while others offer noon-day and evening specials.
Use coupons, and do not be ashamed about doing so. Remember all those buy-one-get-one half off deals? Take advantage of those. However, one warning is that it may work better if you have known the person for awhile than if you have just met that person for a first date.
Check your local listings for special events that offer inexpensive dining. Local non-profit picnics, county fairs, and other places offer a well-rounded solution for fairly inexpensive fun you can plan ahead for. You also can find local Internet ads of your favorite places as well.
Have meals delivered, a service which many pizza and gourmet shops offer for free. It beats paying high gas prices to drive there.
Choose a spot in your neighborhood. It will cost you less to drive there. If you have never been to places nearby you, it is always possible to ask to view the menu before being seated. You can also call ahead or ask around about the place before you go.
Read reviews of local restaurants. These are found in local entertainment guides online and offline. You would be surprise what is in your own backyard versus an hour drive to the other side of town (or out of town).
If you want to eat healthy meals on a budget try a soup and a salad and a light sandwich. You might also consider a vegetable tray.
As long as you can "get away with it" try more informal quality dining. Many bar and grills will not mind if you order a big basket of fries and chicken for more than one person. Even in some places where they have an extensive entrée list you might be able to ask for an extra plate. Most restaurant meals are enough for two people anyway.
