A lot of people like to eat out. Whether it is a diner, popular here in New Jersey, a chain restaurant like a TGI Friday’s or Applebee’s, or an upscale place where a dinner could cost you well over $200, there are plenty of ways you can save cash.

Choosing the time of day you eat is a big factor when it comes to the amount of money that you spend at your favorite dining establishment. For example, breakfast is always cheaper then any other meal of the day and lunch is cheaper than dinner. If you like to eat out switching which meal you eat could save you some money. Also instead of going for dinner, hit the brunch or late afternoon meal instead.

Although I like going out to eat I hate waiting for a table and more importantly eating in a noisy place. A lot of menu rates are more expensive on the weekends because that is their busiest time. To avoid both of these eat earlier in the week like on Monday or Tuesday. Those two days seem to have the most menu specials as well and great combined offers.

Eating is a time for just that to eat. So if you really want to save some money avoid drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. By switching to water a family of 4 can save well over $20 on their dining bill.

If you are going out to eat and your are very hungry consider am all you can eat buffet or a restaurant like Charlie Brown’s that offer an all you can eat salad bar with your entrée. You will save money and definitely get your fill.

My local paper always has coupons for local eating establishments. Keep an eye out in your paper and cut out those coupons. They are good for anything from 10% off to a buy one get one free deal. Also keep yours peeled for your mail. There are plenty of direct coupon mailers out there these days and invariably there are plenty of coupons for dining establishments.

If you are one to eat out at least once per week, cut back to once every two weeks, or instead of eating out every week, replace one of those meals with ordering pizza or some other kind of delivery, eat at home option. The cost for the food is usually less and so is the tip to a driver. The best part is you never have to leave your couch, except for when the doorbell rings and the food arrives, but you get the point.

Eating out can be an expensive experience so anything you can do to help cut those costs in these tough economic times will help out greatly toward your bottom line. Regardless of your eating habits if you want to save some money in this area it will take some adjustments. But just like with anything else you will get used to it and wonder why you weren’t doing it all along from the get go.