Like most of us, I aim to save money where I can. One issue that always trips up my savings plans is going out with friends. Of course I have trouble saying no, since they are my friends, but sometimes I really need to get under my weekly budget. What’s a girl to do?
One trick that works for me: Lunch! Lunch is fabulous. Not only do you get to go out with your friends, but you can save money at the same time. Plus, who wants a PB&J from a ziplock bag? Lunch is an affordable alternative to a dinner out, and a great way to catch up with your friend and your budget. What’s so great about lunch? Today we’ll throw out a few reasons why it’s the best way to dine out on a dime while having a great time.
Lunch Menus
Lunch menu prices are cheaper than dinner menu prices at many restaurants. For example, an order of Kung Pao Chicken from PF Changs from their lunch menu costs $9.75. Yet, the same order of the restaurant’s famous Kung Pao Chicken during dinner hours will cost you around $14.
Many restaurants have lunch specials that are significantly cheaper than their dinnertime prices. These specials are worth taking advantage of if you can convince your crew to do lunch instead of dinner. $4-$5 here or there can make a huge difference in your budget in the long run.
Lunch Buffets
Some of my favorite establishments have brunch buffets. Now, I know what you’re thinking–buffets are often where taste buds go to die, or at least where busy parents take their hungry children. However, if you score the right buffet, it’s a golden opportunity.
Some of the best buffet-style foods are those that feature foods that are supposed to just sit around all day, stewing in their juices. That is to say, stews are some of the best options! Many South Asian restaurants have lunchtime buffets that really capitalize on the fabulous tastes and smells that come from slow-cooked sauces, and the prices can’t be beat–the same dishes often come packaged with dinner meals for a much higher price later. Tacos featuring stewed meats are another excellent choice–particularly if you live in an area with great food trucks, where the tacos are not only cheap and delicious but they drive right up to your work, school, and other daytime lunching locales.
Soup and Salad
Much like stews, soups are obviously made to sit around all day, making soup-and-salad places an easy and cheap meal. As the weather turns colder soups get even more attractive. And there’s a reason that soup and salad is such a classic lunch option: not only are soups easy to ladle one bowl at a time, but salads are easy to put together on the spot from bulk ingredients. Ease of cooking is an important consideration for lunch–not because you’re doing the cooking, but because you want to be sure the restaurant isn’t skimping on the quality just because they are charging lunchtime prices.
However, sometimes a simple soup and salad isn’t all you want. It’s lunch out with your friends after all! In that case, where should you turn?
Happy Hour!
Many restaurants feature all-day happy hours in addition to the classic after-work lunch. This bid to attract customers is, well, attractive if you’re looking to have a great time with friends, take an easy Friday with coworkers, or just treat yourself.
Not sure where to look for a lunchtime happy hour? Fortunately there are literally whole websites devoted to helping you answer that question. Next time you need a little pizzazz with your PB&J, give one a try.
What are your favorite tips for saving money on lunch?
Let us know in the comments!
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