16 Strategies to Save Money Eating Out

As someone else stated, I have learned something new: I am always supposed to tip when I get a to-go order. Didn't know that. I thought that the host/hostess or a specific person who earned a "normal" wage was in charge of preparing those orders, therefore I did not have to tip if I didn't want to. I consider myself a decent tipper. Whenever I pick up a to-go order at a restaurant..I usually put $5 in the tip line. I thought this was just a little "bonus" for whoever bagged the order. In the interest of not offending anyone in the future; how much do you tip on a to-go order? Normal 20%? Also: in reference to everyone who's talking about tipping as being "optional" and "restaurants should pay better wages," I have a couple thoughts. Tipping is not optional. You should automatically build in 20% to the cost of your meal. Think about it: if restaurants started paying their servers more, they would just increase the price of the meal anyways. So pay the damn 20%. If service is exceptional: go higher. I think the best advice in these comments has been: if you can't afford to tip - DO NOT GO OUT TO EAT. All of you servers: I would like some realistic and honest feedback on my tipping practice. Like I said, I think I am a decent tipper and that I am pretty fair. Here is what I do: if the service is mediocre or even poor, I double the first number of the bill (if it's under $100). So if the check is $79 I give $14. That is 17.7%. If the service is fine, I give 20% (but round up to the highest dollar). So on the same $79 bill, I would give $16. If the server is pleasant, attentive, and good...I will give minimum 30%...but the sky is the limit. I once left a $100 bill for a lunch that cost $20 and change. One of the servers who posted on here said that if the service is bad you should speak to a manager and not just leave a low tip without an explanation. Is this really recommended? I'm not the type to get people in trouble. But I'd also never skimp on a tip (someone here said they once left a penny...I find that insulting and very juvenile). What's the best way to deal with poor service from a server? Another question for servers is splitting the check or asking for seperate checks. When I have my way, I like for one person to pay the whole bill and then we'll figure it out later. This is how my close friends and I handle restaurant checks. When I'm out with some other people, however, they want to get seperate checks. Is this REALLY annoying/complicated? What about putting down a couple credit cards on one check? I'd just like to hear how you feel about this from a server's perspective. Thanks to anyone who replies!

Posted November 20, 2010 by matty24

My Lord ! spend a year in a 110 degree Kitchen then talk !

Posted November 20, 2010 by Chef /owner 80 years

ok, this site obviously is seen by both customers and wait staff. So remember, waitresses, if you flirt and cater to the man I'm dining with, I am usually the one with the cash/payment. I have gleefully left a penny to the waitress that refilled my husband's coffee cup, asked him what he'd like to order, if he wanted dessert, and coyly ask "Is there anything else I can get you, sir?" while I have to remind them that I'm there, too. You think he's got the money, but guess what? I do.

Posted November 4, 2010 by bluejeannie

If you can't afford to leave a tip, you cannot afford to eat out! All you cheap people, it is FEDERAL LAW that restaurants can pay waitstaff less than Minimum Wage ( supposedly the least amt you can be paid and still support yourself - what a joke!) because it is CUSTOMARY (meaning, the the government takes it for the real thing!) for the server to receive a tip. And don't think that you can skip the tip just because you get the meal to go. The "carside pickup" people are considered servers too! They should be making sure you get everything you need to enjoy your meal, and they deserve a dollar or two as well. If you don't get what you asked for, call back and let the manager know. If the manager is worth their stuff, you'll get a discount or better on your next visit. To go business is great for the restaurant, because they are making $$ with out the table space being taken up by customers who may not be looking to add on to their tab with drinks or deserts. Tip, including the carryout server, or don't eat out, because you can't afford it. All the other ideas in this article are just fine

Posted October 21, 2010 by Candy

WOW, who in the world would ever work for 2.50 an hour. Are you kidding me I've never heard of such a low wage in my life. My 10 year old makes 5 times that weeding the neighbors yard. Wow there is seriously something wrong there. Not sure where you live, but I would do some serious RELOCATING!!!

Posted September 11, 2010 by DStew

I feel there should be a flat tax for service. By this I mean, if someone orders a prime rib dinner and someone else at the table orders meatloaf dinner, why should the tip be paid on the individual orders? Does the server do any extra work for carrying the prime rib dinner? I just don't understand why a tip is charged on the individual orders instead of the service of the meal. Just doesn't make sense to me.

Posted September 11, 2010 by Mary

Previously I've also read about substituting multiple appetizers for a main course. That doesn't make sense when a meal includes side dishes besides a main course (of which half can usually be taken home), while each small plate is a much smaller portion with no sides. IMHO it's more expensive to order a few appetizers than it is to order a main course, as long as everything on the main course isn't a la carte. Check out menus on-line or stop in and look at a restaurant's menu before being seated.

Posted September 8, 2010 by marlene

There are so many views about this subject...... I believe in the old fashion way of paying for what you get. I NEVER tip based on a percentage! Instead, I tip based on service. The tip is based on whether the service was great, good, so-so, poor, or just plain crappy. So if a waiter wants a great tip, then they better give me great service! Plain and simple as that. And yes, I have walked out without leaving a tip before. If I have to got find someone to refill my drink, bring silverware, etc, then why the heck should I tip someone for not doing their job! Ridiculous to even expect a tip under those circumstances. Thanks for the tips on eating out cheaper... I already use some not only for the cost, but just because I prefer to drink water instead of soda, etc. with my meal. I've worked as a waitress as well as a food preparer in a fancy restaurant before and do understand both sides, but they need to understand the customer's side also. I work very hard for my cash.... therefore, I'm not going to throw it away on bad service, etc. and I never tip for picking up my own food as take-out. If the restaurant doesn't want to provide this service, then they don't have to. I already have to pay a "take-out" fee for the packaging (in most places), so I'm not going to pay more on top of that. That's the company's responsibility, not mine.

Posted September 8, 2010 by smartshopper

I have two adult children in the food service industry. You do realize that tipping is not mandatory. I think the employers should pay a good salary and then the staff doesn't need to worry about tips.

Posted September 8, 2010 by Lisa

Great ideas, but not easy to do. The become a secret shopper tip really interests me, but how to find a legitimate secret shopper program or organization, and become a secret shopper, it doesn't say. I guess, that's another topic to be covered?

Posted September 7, 2010 by John

tip, to insure promptness . If you want seprate checks thats ok just dont complian when it takes a server longer every credit card has to be scanned then acepted this takes time even when you let your sever know ahead of time most restraunts only have a few credit card machines and odds are you are not the only person at lunch wanting to split be patient I have no problem with splitting your bill just allow me the time to do so, A split plate fee is ok only if you get added sides at a placed I worked only the meat or fish was split the sides were not so you got half of the entree but a full serving of sides for a total split fee of 2 dollars splitting a plate can and does remove some of the rythme out of the kitchen. As for wanting it differnt from how the menue states it takes time a well done steak takes time as long as you dont expect it to come in in and eat a fast food style meal so you can catch your movie in 20 min go to a fastfood restraunt (wow they even say it in the name fast food ) choose your restraunt with what your plans are, that way you are happy,dont tell me (I own a very upscale restraunt) that you have to be some where in 40 min and order 5 courses. my food does not come in a can. As far as paying a server 8 to 10 an hour I would be happy to but your 35$ dollar veal chop will rise to about 42$( Ive already done the math) I do somthing differnt at my restraunt its called a chefs menue tell your server your budget per preson what you like and dont like and the temp to cook it and let my chef be creative ( you will also get the freshest iventory) prices range min 12$ light apps on up to what ever your budget is I personally think tipping is stupid but not a single upscale eatery would survive if we had to charge the prices whould you pay 16$ for a app salad it takes a lot of people to run everything lets see for a salad it takes my buyer to purchase the best product ,a pantry chef to make it, a prep cook to wash the greens make the croutons an expediter to insure that it is as close to perfect as can be, a server to take the order and serve, then a dishwasher to clean the plate and silver. If a server is not insuring prompt service they dont last long at my place

Posted June 23, 2010 by dgm

To Maryam and others who don't feel comfortable using coupons. Consider the coupon a form of money that someone wants you to use. ITHe kids who get embarrassed aren't paying the bills and their comments should be squelched if they are eating on your dime. Give them each money to pay their bill with and what they order will start to be a important consideration to them. I think of coupons as receiving a "courtesy" from the restaurant because I am such a cheerful client to serve and because I tip well. I often leave a bigger tip for excellent service because of the coupon that was cheerfully and easily accepted by the server. They want you to be there enjoying your dining experiences. TIPS came from the English and means: "To Insure Prompt Service". Just smile all around and be a joy during dinner regardless of where you and your family are eating, including home. What you give out comes back to you over and over.

Posted June 23, 2010 by Betty Patnude

If I want to save a few bucks while eating out that's my business, and I refuse to be treated as a second class customer because of it. there are plenty of eating establishments I could choose to patronize. I drink water with lemon because it is a healthy alternative to the chemical and sugar laden soft drinks we have been conditioned to automatically order with every meal. I gave up sodas 15 years ago and not only have i saved a ton of money, but my teeth and waistline have thanked me. (Franklin) You accuse me of STEALING by making table-side lemonade? give me a break! If your restaurant is in such die shape that a slice of lemon and some tap water is going to put you out of business, i'll gladly pay the fifteen cents for the lemon wedge so that you can remain solvent. I'm not really a big eater so when I go out with my wife we often share an entree, lets face it portions are huge in most restaurants, by sharing an entree, we have room for dessert and coffee afterwards, or we'll just order a couple of appetizers instead of an entree altogether. charge me a plate fee? I understand it might be a hassle to split an entree, and you think you might make more money by discouraging the practice. but also understand we won't be coming back to your establishment and we definitely won't be having coffee and dessert. Plenty of places I have been will happily plate up an entree for two in the kitchen so we don't even have to divide up the food ourselves. that separates a good restaurant from a great one. and tips in those cases rise dramatically. all the whining and moaning i've been reading begs the question; whatever happened to "the customer is always right" if I spend 5 dollars or 50 dollars if I have a coupon of not, if my kids are eating free, if I am a senior or want my steak just so, I should expect he same level of service. regardless of your crappy salary. no one is putting a gun to my head when i make a decision on how much to leave as a tip. I generally tip well even for average service for exceptional service i tip very very well, and for poor service well, that is reflected in my tip as well. often times followed up by a talk with the manager, who unfortunately more and more seem to care less about customer satisfaction that making excuses for subpar waitstaff. the rant continues..... I do tip on to go orders though not as much, I'm sorry but putting food in a bag and ringing me up just is not at the same level and taking care of me throughout an entire meal. I do have one situation where I will not tip at all, I'm a firefighter/EMT and we will call ahead (letting the restaurant know its for a fire station) and ask what time the food will be ready for pick up. we generally patronize the same 5 or 6 places so they know us well. due to the fact that we may get a call at any moment we can't afford to hang around waiting for an order, (thats why we ask when will it be ready) we usually give an extra five or ten minutes just to be on the safe side. In one case we waited almost 30 minutes for an order we called in half an hour before we arrived. totally unacceptable. we got lucky that it was a slow night for us and no calls came in while we waited and waited.....manager couldn't care less, that place is now banned from doing business with our fire station and word gets around, so I'm sure other fire stations in the area refuse to patronize them as well. Finally, splitting the bill, while it is I think common courtesy to let your server know ahead of time that you will be splitting the check when you are with a group, nowadays people just don't carry cash as much as they used to. there isn't any need to. You can use a credit/debit card just about anywhere and carrying money is almost archaic. I can count on one hand the times i have actually needed cash in the last six months. It should not come as a surprise or make the customer think the server is being put upon when asked to split the check. and members of the group who oppose splitting the bill always seem to be the ones with the poorest math skills. I think it is perfectly reasonable to pay for what you ate (and drank). I have never been accused of being a cheapskate, but i'd rather not support someone else's three martini lunch habit. getting back to the original purpose of the article how to save money while eating out, I have one suggestion, when trying out a new restaurant, I'll typically go alone first, usually at lunch, try several things and bring half back home for the family to try. if I get a green light then we'll all go out together. I have found some great places that way, and avoided some really terrible and expensive ones as well. nothing worse than taking the whole family to a promising new eatery for dinner and finding out the food isn't fit for man nor beast.

Posted June 6, 2010 by mike

is is not the job a a server to serve the food why should they get a 20% tip just to bring food to a table , is it not th job of somebody to tkae your order why should they get a 20% tip just to take your order , give me a break halof of the time they come to the table with an attitude and i'm suposed to be grateful for that please

Posted May 20, 2010 by lisa

I think he meant any add'l tips.That wouldn't be unreasonable considering the amount of posts so far on employee's performance and tipping. #17 anyone? WedNext, Ideas?? Oh waiter......

Posted May 6, 2010 by Phil

>>Evan: "any tips on saving money while eating out??..BESIDES shaving the tip.I know,I know.. they didn't deserve all the money..yAwn...Sooo..any tips on saving money while eating out? Did you bother to read the article?

Posted May 5, 2010 by WedNext

any tips on saving money while eating out??..BESIDES shaving the tip.I know,I know.. they didn't deserve all the money..yAwn...Sooo..any tips on saving money while eating out?

Posted May 4, 2010 by evan

In response to Mark- not a good idea. Most restaurants pass their costs down to the customer. Tip as much as you see fit. Some restaurants charge $40.00 for a 12 ounce steak ala carte, plus $60.00 and up for a bottle of wine. I like to occasionally eat in those restaurants, but I don't have a corporate VISA to pay for it with. A 20 percent tip ($28.00) to serve two steaks ($80.00) and a bottle of wine ($60.00) is more than fair.

Posted May 3, 2010 by Phil

Way to go 'One Dude', 'Mark', 'Susan', etc.....Make the restaurant's pay their employees, not me! Next we'll have to tip the dishwasher and manager.

Posted April 29, 2010 by John

Sharing food turns me off espe when seeing someone taking one's own fork to do so! I eat alone frequently, being single and find this to be as economical, when making good choices (yes, that is what this article started out as), as buying all ingredients for a variety of foods/recipes, not to mention the portions leftover and not desired more than one more meal. My pet peeves are when the waiters/waitresses treat me differently when alone than when dining with others and not keeping my drink refilled. I often order water with lemon because makes it more palatable

Posted April 27, 2010 by Good tipper espe 4 good service

tmom, What you just described is capitalism versus socialism. I don't think the idea of a community tip jar is any better then the last place finisher of the Kentucky Derby getting the same purse as the winner. I, like you always give my server something extra for good service if I'm aware of a community tip pool.

Posted April 27, 2010 by Robert

In my state, a server does not have to be paid minimum wage unless he/she is working 40 hours. Many servers do not work full-time, and therefore often receive a base salary of around $3. Additionallly, there are a number of restaurants, small Mom and Pop shops in addition to nationallly known chains who practice tip-sharing. This means that when a server recieves a tip, no matter how large or small, it goes into a "container" with everyone else's tip. At the end of the shift or day, the total tips are distributed. Often there is a certain amount taken off the top for the kitfhen workers and the table bussers. The remainer is then divided evenly between the servers. A server who has collect heavy tips will get virtually the same total tips as a server who received minimal tips - this hardly seems fair. I have gotten to the point where I ask either the server or the manager how tips are handled. If they tip share and I have had exceptional service, I will personally give the server the tip and tell him/her that that is for him/her personally. What I leave on the table is to be added to the "community pool". No server or manager has ever said anything to me about this practice. In fact, one local restaurant has changed from the "community pool" methos to paying minimum wage and allowing servers to keep their individual tips. Good servers are hard to come by, and when they receive nice tips for their hard work, the money is split between other workers. This is sad, and certainly doesn't encourage servers to give exceptional service. Check how tips are distributed so that servers who earn good tips receive their good tips!

Posted April 27, 2010 by tmom

After reading all the comments about tipping (I used to waitress back in the 80's for yrs) I have decided to try to keep away from going out to eat. It sounds like the waitrers and waitress's are angry people who are fed up with the public. Maybe some of these waitress's are waiters need to change job or be paid more by there employers. I am sorry that the public treats them so poorly.

Posted April 27, 2010 by marsha

My husband and I go out to eat a couple of times a month- before the economy hit it was more often. If you do not have the money to leave a decent tip stay home. We went to a local place- the bill was $25 and we left an $8 tip. The waitress chased us down as we left to thank us.

Posted April 27, 2010 by Mare

Water with lemon is LEMONADE, a soft drink. As a former restaurant manager and a basically honest person anyway, this is STEALING A SOFT DRINK! The other suggestions, o.k. save if you can. but stealing is stealing.

Posted April 27, 2010 by Franklin

i think the problem here is that a lot of people do not realize that we pay the wait staff.they are not really employed by the resteraunt. i pay an hourly wage if they do a good job i leave them what i consider a fair hourly wage regardless of how much the bill is . if i stay for two hours i leave two tips one for each hour. if i eat a 5 dollar meal i still leave a five dollar tip. rember taxes are held out each night on20 percent of the bill even if they did not get that. the sad thing is why do we have to pay for the wait staff shouldn't that be the restaraunts problem.

Posted April 26, 2010 by denisek

It is not my responsibility to pay wages for someone elses business. I tip when service is above what they are being paid for. If you don't get paid enough get another job. That is exactly what I did. My husband gets embarrased if I don't tip. Tough! If you approach my table pouting like you just had a tiff. Chances are good you won't get a tip. I deal with grumpy people all day and will not accept that behavior at dinner. Sorry that's just the way it is.

Posted April 23, 2010 by Big Tipper

Grandma-If you value these friends that much,take it upon yourself to mentally know what you and your husband's total will be along with a tip on your own total.Offer this amount every time you're out to dinner with these friends when it's time to pay.If you are also the same valued friends in their minds,then they should respect you paying what you truly owe. If, like some friends I've known, you're being asked to just contribute your money to the one guy who's willing to use his credit card,and then submit it to a reimbursed expense account, I'd think twice about those type of dinning companions.We find that completely tacky as well.

Posted April 19, 2010 by Auntie M

IN FLORIDA.. EATING OUT..IS IT OK TO SAY TO WAITRESS..SEPARATE CKS PLES..EVEN IF WE ARE WITH THREE OTHER COUPLES..AND MOST OF THEM DRINK WAY TOO MUCH,WE HAVE ONE WINE..THE OTHERS HAVE THREE OR FOUR A PIECE THATS SIX DRINKS PER COUPLE..I DONT WANT TO HAVE TO PAY FOR THIER DRINKS AND THAT EVEN UPS THE TIP. MY HUSBAND SAID IT WAS WRONG. WE ARE ON A FIXED INCOME AND DONT GO OUT AS MUCH AS WE WANTO BECAUSE OF THS WAY TOO HIGH BILL..WHO IS RIGHT..THANKS

Posted April 17, 2010 by grandma

Listening to these comments about if you can't afford to eat out... don't and talking about the tips. Well if you deserve the tip then you should get it. But just because you bring the food doesn't mean you should get a tip. Just like others say if you can't afford to eat out... don't. If you can't afford to work there... don't. I personally don't think that servers should have tips as part of their pay. I think that they should all get paid a flat rate like everyone else then the amount of tips would be a moot point. Then when you got a tip you would know you earned it instead of someone leaving one because they feel bad for not leaving it. Just my opinion.

Posted April 17, 2010 by Jim

....and we're still on the tips topic.Any suggestions for saving money when eating out? (Like the original title states)

Posted April 12, 2010 by Mike

FYI, I'm not going to tip a restaurant for the use of their carryout. The restaurant should hire someone for that level job vice a waitress. So we should tip carryout at McDonald's? NUH! My husband and I tip at least 20% of the restaurant bill minus taxes. Some states/resorts have taxes up to 17%. This could go on and on. If you're not happy with the tips, maybe you should change careers. Remember the people you serve don't make much more than you. Get over it or change jobs!!!

Posted April 11, 2010 by Susan

If your going to complain about the food and service"Stay home"!! And on the other hand if you don't like the tips you get find some other kind of work, (thats about it)

Posted April 11, 2010 by Ray

Was this about saving money when going out,or proper tipping? Hellloooooo....enough already.

Posted April 6, 2010 by Mike

Good ideas....Yes, servers do pay income taxes at 10% of the tab...eventhough they share tips with dish washers etc. So please tip your servers, their minimum life style depends on it. Often, when I ask for a senior menu, many servers have suggested spliting a plate, as servings are usually too large for the metabolism of elder clients. This has never been a problem with servers at the restaurants I use more than once. Some do charge a modest "extra plate" fee. Some even add extra trimings to complement split entrees. A good business knows how to treat its customers and deserves repeat business. The others, oh well, often go out of business!

Posted April 5, 2010 by dennis

You earn your wage for being at work, you earn your tip for the service given. I am a retired wait person and i am sick of the service industries expectations of 20% every time I go out. Earn it, and I will give it.

Posted April 4, 2010 by jettola

I often over tip when I can, but listening to the servers bitch about tips could be one of the reasons fast food is so popular. I have had servers that should pay me to sit at their table but still I tip them. Perhaps you should look for another job. The problem you are having inside of yourself is never caused by what is happening outside. By the way I drink water with lemon at home.

Posted April 1, 2010 by Jim

I save by getting coupons from a place called restaurant.com. They offer great savings if you're on their email list. Well worth the visit, I've often gotten coupons for $6 that give me $25 off a $35 purchase. There may be other sites that are similar but I've not found any. If you know of some, let me know.

Posted March 31, 2010 by Fran Hal

Always ask for the senior discount, even if you are close to it they won't challenge you. It somtimes amounts to 10% so don't be bashfull. You would be suprised at how many eating establishments offer some type of this. Another thing is if you like fast food, use burger king, you can get a double cheese burger for a $1, whereas a bacon double cheese burger off of the regular menu is amost $3, also get one drink and share it, especially if you are like me and don't drink a full cup.

Posted March 31, 2010 by Joe

tip the server if they are good if you don't you are encoraging poor service if there service is good however tip -well you will be remembered I was a cook in a few good resteraunts people often looked for me and they tipped me . If they ordered some thing that need extra time I told the server to let them know and to offer an appetizer or a drink from the bar or the desseret this was on me this kind of service brings return customer and word of mouth brings in new comers. managment was happy and I alway got as good raises because of it if a srver was greedy and the orders came into the kitchen 3 tables at a time that server was sent home for the night and I split her order bewteen 3 other servers if it happed again you were fired. the whole resteraunt works together there is some-one cooking your food mixing your drink and bussing your table and some one else cleaning the rest rooms all of these thing are import to a nice eat expeience.. remember when you cook at home you do the cooking asnd cleaning up.

Posted March 31, 2010 by rosie

I love to dine out. I would do it every day if I could because I hate to cook. I will always tip the server, however the percentage varies greatly based on the level of service. I love to tip big (30-40%) when merited-but it's all on the server. Many servers think customers owe them just for bringing the food to the table. Not true-that's the barest minimum a customer expects. There are few GREAT servers, many AVERAGE servers, and too many, let's just say INDIFFERENT, servers out there. Customers should find the GREAT ones and keep them well-heeled with a great tip. For you average to below servers-figure it out or get out of the business. Don't blame the customer for being cheap because you wanted to sneak out for a smoke while my food sat on the counter waiting to be delivered and it got cold. Don't roll your eyes when I let you know my steak is undercooked-even though you didn't cook it (I know that). Don't challenge me on the way I ordered something-because I know I ordered it the way I like it-I am sorry you didn't understand what I said or take the time to send it to the kitchen correctly. Don't let my drink hit the bottom-ever. Just ask me and I'll let you know I want more-want to be GREAT, just bring it to me when I'm getting close. Pay attention to me. Yes, everything might be ok when you ask me 42 seconds after you delivered it, but why not ask me while I am eating the second or third bite. If I don't see you until the "moment of truth (the check)" you blew it. Congratulations on being "new" I hope you have a great career but you can't get everything wrong and expect me to be sympathetic. Yes, you have a learning curve, but nail the basics and make sure you are focusing on my needs. Save talking to your co-workers for your break-my time is important. When I am done, I want my check quickly and I want you to process it quickly. Need help, ask your manager to process it. I would appreciate not waiting 15 minutes to sign a credit card receipt. My order is screwed up ? Tell the boss, let him take the heat off you. I am not looking for something for nothing, I just want someone to accept responsibility and quickly remedy the situation. Lastly, it is ok to smile at me, I will not bite you. In fact, I may actually think you are happy I came in.

Posted March 31, 2010 by smitty

Yes, servers only make a small hourly wage however when they do not make an amount up to or above minimum wage their employer must make up the difference to min. wage. Be careful what you wish for when telling people to stay home if they cannot meet your tipping standards. You may end up not even having your minimum wage job.

Posted March 31, 2010 by d

Listen up One Dude. I've been working in the same restaurant for six years and I've never received a paycheck that didn't have the word VOID inserted where the dollar amount usually goes. The $2.13 an hour that we make here in SC is taxed so the only income we take home is from your tips. Also when you tip below a certain percentage we end up having to pay to wait on you because we servers have to tip out hostesses, bartenders, bussers, and other support staff from the tips we receive from you. We never forget a face associated with a bad tip. Just putting it out there.

Posted March 31, 2010 by Donkey Slayer

Here's how we save1)-Chinese Lunch menu to go(usually includes soup and fried rice) and we just bring along our own drinks.2)Steak and Hoagie shops(the better ones),we order the extra large sandwich and split it.Again,bringing our own drinks and maybe chips or a homemade salad.We use these first two ideas to head to a park and it makes for a very relaxing time. 3)Diners-EARLYBIRD DINNERS.They're all different but we have found some that are all inclusive and are extremely great deals.Greek Diners in particular in our area seem to really go all out with this.I'm not a fan of their breakfasts, but their dinners are usually good.

Posted March 30, 2010 by Evan

One Dude...did you know that most servers only make about $3 an hour and we dont even see it on a pay check...ask a server friend if you can see their paycheck for the last 2 weeks and im sure it will suprise you, more often than not it says "this is not a check" So yes people please do come out to eat, and please if there is a problem with the service and/or food let a manager know, who knows you may get something for free. But if its not the servers fault you still need to tip! EVEN TAKEOUT!!!

Posted March 28, 2010 by sara

I have worked as a server in a very busy restaurant where I was practically running in order to have good service for people. At the end of the day I averaged 10% in tips-and I was always the one that got the highest percentage. I NEVER complained about that 10%. When you work as a server (at a very busy place) you make really good money in tips(I averaged $100 in 4 hours-just in tips-and this was not at an expensive place). Anyone complaing about people not giving good tips is not working hard enough/at a busy enough place-GET A JOB SOMEWHERE ELSE! And yes, you need to kiss a little butt too.

Posted March 23, 2010 by a

I'm always getting on my wife for not tipping enough! I usually tip 20-35%, depending on the serivce, but here's a thought! Wouldn't it be nice if the Restaurant's would pay a decent hourly wage to their employees, and NOT make the Customers so responsible for making up the rest??? I personally feel that the Restaurant business has really taken advantage of this situation. IF YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY YOUR EMPLOYEES, GET OUT OF THE BUSINESS!

Posted March 23, 2010 by Mark

What servers have forgotten is that a tip is for good service. It is not an obligation of the diner. For those who say don't eat out if you can't afford to tip, I say don't work at a restaurant if you don't want to earn it.

Posted March 22, 2010 by Harriet

I am sorry to say I have never tipped the waitress when I get take out except for when I get home delivery. I have been enlightened and I will do so in the future. I always tip 20 per cent. of the bill when I eat in a restaurant. Servers work hard and most do an excellent job. I couldn't do it and applaud those that do.

Posted March 22, 2010 by dee

hey one dude waiters

Posted March 22, 2010 by tony

From first hand knowledge, sharing meals, only ordering water, using coupons and actually eating your leftovers offers huge savings. As for tipping, it depends on the state you are in. My sister made $2.13 per hour as a server, so she counted on the tips to make at least minimum wage. Servers in OR and WA, however make $8.40 and $8.55 per hour in addition to their tips. When we moved to OR, we certainly felt a difference in the quality of service as compared to where we moved from. When servers work their butt off and provide quality and genuine service, they certainly deserve more than 20%. On the other hand, those who are expectant, rude and complaisant should re-evaluate if service is the right industry for them. Compare it to a merit increase in any other job: If you have a great work ethic overall, you will see the results in the end.

Posted March 20, 2010 by Holly

I learned a new trick by reading this article!! Thank you for all the info. I currently use many of the ideas stated, also, you need to ask at what age they give a senior discount or ordering off senior menu. Most are 65 and over. Only one, IHOP, starts at age 55 ordering off the senior menu.

Posted March 20, 2010 by AriesK17

as far as tipping goes... you have a job that pays a wage. The tip is for service above and beyond taking my order and bringing my food. That is your job! You want a tip? earn it. If you don't want to put in the extra effort, get a different job...

Posted March 20, 2010 by one dude

This is just a thought for Maryam. I think using coupons is a mindset that you can teach your children. When they see they can get more food with coupons than without that might change their minds. Also, if they work by babysitting or some other job and earn their own money, and you cause them to use their own money in their purchases they'll learn to appreciate a coupon or two when they buy clothes or food, etc. As for a general thought about the article, being a saver is a mindset and I think these tips will help people become more conscious of saving a little here and a little there. You may not do all of them but if you can incorporate some of them it may help.

Posted March 16, 2010 by Greg

Carly Baker you should try waiting tables sometime. People that do not have the "warm and fuzzy" about tipping, are also the people that order one entree, no appetizer, no dessert, water, and multiple refills on bread. These people run you ragged as a server, and RARELY show their appreciation. We as aservers know money is tight. We appreciate the fact that you are dining in our restaraunt. However, we do not appreciate when we run our A$$es off, for people that are not appreciative. And for those that do not tip at all......guess what? IT COSTS US SERVERS MONEY!!! We have to claim 10% of our sales for taxes, whether someone tips or not. It is no wonder we have such crappy attitudes towards tight and stingy people. Please continue to eat out.....please continue using coupons and happy hour prices......but please remember, we servers are feeling the penny crunch just as much as anyone else. I think the author of this article used very poor judgement by suggesting not tipping a takeaway person. They also used poor judgement by not reminding people to take care of their servers. Lastly...if your server is clueless, then tell the manager. DO NOT just leave them a crappy tip with no explanation. Oh and by the way, Carly Baker, if there were more good people out there, that did the right thing and tipped appropriately, then this would not even have ever been brought up.

Posted March 16, 2010 by AJC

Wow, after reading comments, it seems to me that there is more concern about tipping than about the topic of the article-----doesn't make me feel warm and fuzzy about tipping when the greed shows it's ugly face. Good people will do what's right and tip appropriately; servers are not ever going to get tips by constantly reminding everyone when to tip and how much to tip----it's just a turn off.

Posted March 16, 2010 by Carly Baker

I use coupons all the time but my kids are embarressed by it and ask me not to do it!

Posted March 16, 2010 by Maryam

Bad advise to suggest you need not leave a tip if you order "to go". The person that takes your order usually has to put your order together, bag it and when they put your order in, it adds to their sales of the day, they pay taxes on the sales, so if you don't tip, it cost them to take your order. This is also true for servers at a table.

Posted March 16, 2010 by Carla

how about this...if you can't afford to eat out, DON'T!!!

Posted March 16, 2010 by nate

I've never had a problem sharing one meal with my cousin when we shop. Neither one of us can eat a whole portion

Posted March 16, 2010 by Phyllis

Here's a tip: When you dine out and are using a coupon or some kind of discount (kids eat free, etc.) please be sure to tip off the ORIGINAL bill, not the discounted bill. As a server, there's nothing worse than having a guest run up (for example) a $50 tab, get 3 free kids meals, bringing the tab down to, say, $35, and getting a $5 tip. That's 10 percent of the original tab, and not that great of a tip on a $35 tab.

Posted March 16, 2010 by elly

Don't cut your server short by eliminating the tip. Servers work harder to box and bag the take out order than they do to serve a meal that is all put together by the chef. There is a difference between thrifty and cheap. If you can't afford to tip you can't afford to eat out.

Posted March 16, 2010 by Lorrie

printer friendly site would be another too save a buck, I don't need to waste ten sheets of paper and ink for a few common sense tips. Really why save one way, Just to spend more on something else!

Posted March 16, 2010 by Gary

As a server at a restaurant, I have to say that these are great tips, as long as you are tipping the standard 18 - 20% (yes, that has been the standard for many years) on the total bill BEFORE the discounts or coupons.

Posted March 16, 2010 by Lynn

Many restaurants allow dinner patrons to order a 'lunch portion' of their entree. It's usually at least several dollars cheaper and not much smaller a portion than you would get for dinner.

Posted March 16, 2010 by Karen

I've been drinking tap water at restaurants for years. The bill is at least $2 less per person. I can wait 30-60 min before I have another cola or coffee. Also, if you eat only appetizers, watch the fat content, many appetizers are fried - may hesitate if you are watching cholesterol levels, etc. One ethnic restaurant near me charges $7 to split an entree.

Posted March 16, 2010 by TK

TGIF restaurant surprised me when they would not accept their own coupon i got off the internet. they claim it was redeemable in another state. they so were up my face to sign up for coupons. i eat there 4 times a week and drink expensive alcohol not beer and tip up to 30% because the service is great. The bartenders and staff know me and my partners on a first name basis for years. but that incident put a damper on my going there. if they were savy enough they could have said hey this is a great customer lets give him something off. actually the truth is i don't need the coupon. recognition of my patronage is enough. as much as i hate to leave i am now looking for another pub.

Posted March 16, 2010 by richport

I am a server and bartender at a nationwide steakhouse I do not go out to eat or for drinks if I am tight on cash because I do not want to deprive my server of a tip they deserve. If you are sharing a meal and drinking water you need to realize there are still 2 of you eating, drinking (even if it is water), and being waited on, and your server needs to be compensated for that. 20% on an $11 (2.20) tab for 2 people is unexceptable. I

Posted March 16, 2010 by Eva M De Jesus

I need to correct one thing in the paragraph above: You should always tip the person who bags up and gets your food ready for take-out. The person who does this is a waitress who uses her time where she could be getting tips from a table to pull together your food and bag it and get the bill ready. She deserves a tip too!!!!!Really if you can't afford to tip the waiters and waitresses you should really stay home. They do this work for a living and hate to see them get ripped off because someone is trying to save money.

Posted March 15, 2010 by cindy

As someone that works in the service industry, I agree with all of this! A lot of these points are great, as they get people out to the restaurants, when they may not have the money to dine out frequently if at all. I work at a local restaurant in NH that has multiple locations, and I have a few things to add to this. My restaurant offers multiple discount offers throughout the year. (free appetizer, dessert, or kids meal with 2 adult meals, kids eat free week, a reward system wih 10 dollars for every 100 you spend). As much as it may be "a pain in the butt" to deal with the numerous promotions/coupons we have going at any given time, i am thankful for the fact it keeps our restaurants in buisness. It is the reason why our restaurants promote this, and if you are someone that enjoys the food and atmosphere at a specific establishment, why not eat there again, or acquire a member card? You save money and are keeping buisnesses afloat!

Posted March 15, 2010 by kelly w.

Many local eateries in my area charge a fee for those who share a plate. This is regular sit down eating, not buffets etc. Kinda sad considering the unemployment rate in my local area is almost 25%. They should be glad I have any money to spend dining out.j

Posted January 29, 2010 by Jan Scholl