Eating out

[jubrlu]

My husband and I love to eat out. Now that we have two kids we are always trying to save money and can't afford to go out as often as we used to. One thing we've noticed when we receive our bill is how much pop costs. We've started asking how much it costs before we order since it's usually not in the menu. Last night we went to Carraba's. The waiter told us that pop was $2.09 so we ordered water. I just think that restaurants need to know that this price is unacceptable and we don't have to pay it. If more people did this maybe they'd take notice and lower the prices.

[drobyn]

I do that too. I think they get the biggest markup on pop and liquor. It's a good way to save money - order water at the restaurant and have pop at home. You could get 2 tw0 liter bottles for the same price.

[bethany]

Supposedly that $2.09 serving of pop costs the restaurant about 12 cents, too. It's a crazy markup. We often find ourselves getting take-out from the restaurants we enjoy most, so we aren't pressured to buy drinks (and we save some tip $ too, though we still generally tip the person who brings us the takeout for curbside).

Taco John's has 25 cent senior drinks and Taco Bell gives their drinks to seniors free. So, sometimes I'll bring my parents along and have them order at those places, since they meet the criteria.

[drobyn]

Any mom who can find a way to cash in on a senior discount deserves special recognition. I nominate you for thriftiest shopper of the week!

[bethany]

I guess that sounded kind of bad. Basically, if my parents take me and my daughter out to lunch, they'll order two drinks and we end up sharing them. *shrug* I'm not trying to pull the wool over anyone's eyes. :o