Knowing how to order appetizers at a restaurant can mean the difference between a small and a large bill. Here are some of my tips to help you make a decision about appetizers, and take advantage of restaurant deals for appetizers when you eat out.
Most of the time, it is advisable to skip appetizers when you eat out. If you are having a full meal, chances are pretty good that you won’t leave hungry after your meal. Appetizers can add to the cost of your meal and have you throwing out the rest of your dinner meal when you can’t finish it.
Another reason for not ordering appetizers is when the restaurant provides something for free before your meal. This may be a large salad, bread, breadstick, salsa and chips, etc. Ask if you can have free refills. Most restaurants will gladly offer extra bread or salad, while some change you after the first serving. Fill up on the freebies before the meal.
Appetizers can be very frugal under certain circumstances–very frugal. For example, visit a restaurant on a day when they have appetizer specials, such as $2.99 deals. Order a couple of these to share, and then make a meal out of them. Imagine getting filled up with a yummy variety of different appetizers and only spending $10 or $15 for your entire family. Other restaurant appetizer deals include buy one get one free appetizers.
Another reason to get an appetizer is if it will allow you to get an extra dinner out of your meal. If you order something that you can split in half, the appetizer might just be enough of an addition that you can get your fill and still have another entire meal to take home for the next day. This effectively cuts your meal cost in half. Choose items that will leave over well. Anything that has been fried, for example, will not leave over well.
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