For busy couples nowadays, eating out can be a very attractive option rather than spend more time preparing, cooking and cleaning up. However, always eating out can be a tad too costly. Here are some tips that might help you save a buck or two when eating out.

The easy way is to opt for cheap food places. However, if you’re not a fan of fast food, choose a less expensive diner, cafe or restaurant. There are still plenty of mom and pop places that serve food that’s good as home-cooked.

Ask the waiter how large the servings are. If they’re too large for you, you may want to ask for it to be served for two. If you want to be discrete, just ask for another plate and share the food. Splitting the food not only saves you from the fattening effect of downing large helpings, it saves you more than a buck too.

Scout out places where there are time-bound discounted set meals. Say a chicken and pasta meal good for two is offered at a third of the price off but is only available until 5 PM. Some places do these as a way to boost some of their menu items’ popularity given that they might not be popular during those hours. An early dinner might just prove to be more economical.

Don’t skimp out on the tipping though. If the waiter deserves the tip, tip him. Chances are, if you saved a lot during the meal, that 15% will also be a very small amount.