I used to live in the big city of Toronto for part of my young adult life.

While I didn’t believe in the clubbing scene every weekend, it doesn’t mean I didn’t eat out a lot. Coming from a small neighborhood with only a few restaurants, I intended to eat through as many cultures as possible. (YOLO, you know?)

But how did I balance my money goals with FOMO? By expensive trial and error – so you don’t have to!

If you want to find a way to keep your eating out budget in check – while still feasting like a king – here are a few things that will help.  

How I Maximize Highest Enjoyment Per Dollar

1. Never eat alone out and eat for Special Occasions Only.

I can’t believe how much I racked up with my lack of planning and impulse purchases.

I’d get coffee on my way to work every morning. I’d drop by Tim Hortons for a bagel in-between meetings, or a break between shifts. And all the take-out in the evenings because I didn’t want to cook.

They’re nothing special. I bought them because of my mood.

I don’t see takeout as a quality experience.

I pay a markup for the food for its delivery convenience. But the markup doesn’t include the ambience or the dining experience! Why am I ordering from Canoe when I am depriving myself of its beautiful views and ambience?

Now I prepare meals and stock frozen meals. A consistent habit I’m proud of. Even when I come home tired, I don’t have to spend another half hour cooking. (My “cooking” is now pressing “start” on the microwave.) Saves so much time!

My credit card only comes out for special occasions with friends.

One of the things that helped me get my meal planning in order was $5 Meal Plan and Flip coupons. If you don’t want to spend so much time meal-planning, $5 Meal Plan is something I strongly suggest. At just $5 a month, you get meals plans that average less than $2 per meal. Plus, they provide a 14-day trial at no cost or risk. Try it out here!

2. Eat A Snack Ahead of Time.

I’m quite proud of this cheeky one. You are going to the restaurant for the experience – not to binge.

I know you hear your parent going “Stop snacking! We’re having dinner soon!” But trust me, it saves! Sorry, mom!

I also know that sometimes at restaurants – the entree isn’t enough! That soon I will be eyeing those appetizers and desserts – and before you know it – I’m over budget. So to avoid spending regret and maximize my enjoyment out – I eat beforehand!

A bowl of oatmeal saves me from an additional $12 appetizer and $7 dessert. I don’t use this rule as much as I did in my younger adult years, but it saved me $ for my future self.

3. Discount Coupons

Who wants to pay full price if you can have what you want for less?

I see this as a game and a way to explore my city. Groupon and local food festivals bring new restaurants on my radar. I get to explore different cultures outside my usual bubble – all for less than full price.

Especially when I go with my dinner club and friends – no one gets a bigger financial strain than going by ourselves.

I even found VIP experiences that I would’ve never considered – a full experience without the full price.

4. Split an entree

Most restaurant portions are huge! And often twice the amount of grams and calories you are supposed to be eating.

Rule of thumb: your stomach is the size of your fist.

Second rule of thumb: eat 80% of the size of your fist.

Split the entree and take the leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.

You keep yourself and your wallet lean.

5. Coffee over Alcohol

Do you see the markup on alcohol versus coffee?

You’re going for the company and the ambiance – not just the food. Instead of the wine bar, swap with coffee. I don’t mean Starbucks (although you can get them for free here) – try an artisanal coffee shop.

But here’s a neat trick on how I got my coffee for free as a Starbucks-lover:

I signed up for Swagbucks and got my Starbucks for free! Just by answering surveys, surfing the web, and watching videos, you can earn your way to lattes. They also have other gift card options from Walmart, Amazon, Esso to redeem. Sometimes even Paypal Cash cards if you can’t decide. I redeem my Starbucks card at $50 which lasts me 2 weeks on my morning coffee run. =)

If you sign up for Swagbucks now, you can get started with a FREE WELCOME BONUS.

Make the case for malt scotch and the drinking culture any way you like – I still think alcohol is a waste of money.

I’ll ‘waste’ on coffee, thankyouverymuch.

6. Lunch Rather Than Dinner

Get to the restaurant before they close for dinner service prep. Because lunch is often a much better deal than dinner.

The average price per entree is about 25% lower in the afternoon.

The discounts are even better at fine dining establishments.

Better yet, choose happier hours and days with specials! Brunch specials and happy hour require a bit of planning. But for deals like $1 oysters, it’s worth it.

Especially if the place looks like that.

7. Ignore Apps, Drinks, and Dessert

I know desserts are tempting – I have a sweet tooth too.

Put blinders on! You see nothing!

Convince yourself they’re overrated and over-inflated with value and price. Choose what’s most important to you and ignore the rest! 

Final Thoughts

Culinary adventures are legit!

You can absolutely eat well for less. You absolutely deserve the experience without breaking the bank. It just takes a little strategy and planning.

Maximize the dollar for maximum enjoyment. You’ll find it’s more pleasant and conscious than the impulse coffee every day to work.

By building anticipation and awareness, you’ll enjoy each experience more. Nyum Nyum Nyum!