Okay, I need to vent a little. My favorite fast-food combo that used to be around $10 is now almost $17, and last weekend a totally ordinary dinner for two at a mid-range place came to $65 before tip. And then the waiter hovered over the tablet while I picked the tip percentage, so I felt awkward pressing anything under 20%. We've just started cooking at home way more, and honestly the grocery bill still hurts, but at least it's half of what we'd spend eating out. Anyone else doing the same? Curious what your tricks are — do you keep a 'going out' budget, or have you just quit restaurants entirely?
Same here. Lunch specials and takeout instead of sit-down dinners helps a lot, and skipping delivery apps saves a surprising amount in fees and tips.
Same vibe. We switched to cooking big batches on Sundays and only going out for something special. The delivery apps were the real budget leak — fees and tips add up faster than the food itself.
Same here — we've basically stopped doing sit-down restaurants unless it's someone's birthday. A $75 bill for two with tip just isn't worth it anymore when I can make something decent at home. Do you guys have any go-to cheap meals that actually feel like a treat? We're in a pasta rut over here and I need new ideas.
For cheap meals that don't feel like a rut: sheet-pan chicken with whatever veggies are on sale, bean chili, and fried rice from leftover rice. Stir-fry with frozen veggies is also solid and faster than delivery.