We are self-proclaimed “cheapskates” and contrary to common belief, the cheapskate’s life does not mean we live miserably, spending our time hoarding our piles of pinched pennies. Truth is, with today’s hard times, who doesn’t want to have a few extra bucks on hand? So in the end, isn’t it the supposed “cheapskates” who are living life to the fullest?
Dining out is always a source of confusion: When to munch? Where to go? What about tip? And then there’s the issue of buffets…
Smart saving is a virtue, but we’re here to help.
1. To Dine or Not to Dine? That is the question. First off, ask are you hungry? There is no shame in not paying for something you simply do not have the appetite for. But not eating doesn’t mean you can’t tag along with your friends. There ain’t no shame in your moochin’ game!
2. If you are hungry, however, take the next step to the table. We all know bushels of bucks can be saved from simply eating at home instead of dining out, but sometimes the usual cup-of-noodles simply won’t do. So, this leads us to the next question, where to go? What are you in the mood for?
Sandwiches:
Subway: Where else can five bucks go long? Five dollars can get you meatball marinera, B.L.T., oven roasted chicken, veggie delite, spicy Italian, cold cut combo,or blackforest ham foot long.
Check out more juicy Subway details here.
Indian/Pakistani:
House of Curries. What more can we say? If you haven’t tried it yet, do it. You won’t be disappointed. A typical meal of curry ranges from $5.99- 9.99. Plus complimentary (a fancy term for free!) tea and water. Their weekday lunch deal is amazing. Self service means unlimited napkins, straws, and take-out boxes…MUAHAHHAA.
Check out House of Curries delectable menu here.
Mexican:
Gordos: Offers a pleasantly plump super burrito for about five bucks. Other options are tacos, quesadillas, to name a few.
Check out Gordo’s menu here.
Rubios: Free salsa bar anyone? Fast and cheap tacos, especially be sure to check out deals such as their “world famous” fish taco deal on Tuesday ⎯ $1.25.
Learn more about Rubios here.
Japanese:
Kyoto. Located in North Berkeley, this little gem sells your favorite sushi and other Japanese delights for a reasonable price.
Check out Kyoto’s Yelp! Review here.
After choosing a location- consider the following pointers to minimize your spendings:
3. Sharing is Caring- When ordering, consider splitting a larger meal. Though this may be more expensive, a little math can show you the money you’d be saving. Preferably find a light eater to share with…more for you ☺
4. Coupons ⎯Trust me Dearies, there are coupons out there, you just gotta find them. Try Restaurant.com for printable discounts and check your mail for clip-able offers.
…and when you are done…
5. 15%? ⎯ What to do about the dreaded three letter word “tip”? It has been automated on most cell phone tip calculators and widely believed by the masses that 15% is standard tipping etiquette. While a cheapskate should never seek tip as an area to skimp, every smart consumer knows that the waiter’s tip should be based on the waiter’s performance. So if your waiter is performing only 10%? Punch in 10% to your easy tip calc …you are the boss of your own tip.
Now at a buffet…
6. Buffets ⎯ Ahhhhh…the king of all restaurants! When in a buffet it’s a whole different game.
- This is when being short takes you far! Half price for 12-year olds and under and full price for 13-year old? Hell nah! Little white lies could save you a few bucks…when in doubt, you are 11.
- “All you can eat”? More like “all you can stuff.” Twenty buckaroos is a lot these days. What would bringing Tupperware to save for later do? If the situation seems too risky, though, grab a snack (like a cookie or ice cream) on your way out.
Hopefully with these new tips, you are on your very own way to pinching a few pennies for later.
