Comments on: Sixteen Ways to Go Out on the Town on the Cheap http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:46:00 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: james275 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/comment-page-1/#comment-706688 james275 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 04:42:18 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/#comment-706688 I have to agree with most of the comments here on disagreeing with starting a tab for drinks. Bar etiquette dictates that you tip $1 per drink when ordered individually. If you and your party plan on having more than one drink, it is almost always less expensive to start a tab & tip 20% at the end of the night. Unless you're the type of person who doesn't tip - in which case I think you've taken your frugality a bit too far. I have to agree with most of the comments here on disagreeing with starting a tab for drinks. Bar etiquette dictates that you tip $1 per drink when ordered individually. If you and your party plan on having more than one drink, it is almost always less expensive to start a tab & tip 20% at the end of the night. Unless you’re the type of person who doesn’t tip – in which case I think you’ve taken your frugality a bit too far.

]]> By: Lisa http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/comment-page-1/#comment-696533 Lisa Sun, 14 Jun 2009 03:15:48 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/#comment-696533 It's really important to bring cash in smaller denominations - so that you can legitimately pay for a (generous) estimate of your portion of the bill and no more. If you just have a card, you're more likely to be asked to split the bill evenly, which might not be in your favor if you chose a cheaper selection than others. It’s really important to bring cash in smaller denominations – so that you can legitimately pay for a (generous) estimate of your portion of the bill and no more. If you just have a card, you’re more likely to be asked to split the bill evenly, which might not be in your favor if you chose a cheaper selection than others.

]]> By: Donna http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/comment-page-1/#comment-304336 Donna Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:17:09 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/#comment-304336 For lunch in the big city, my friends and I have a rule when go out: $10 and under. That way, anyone can join us and not feel broke. Unless everyone orders pretty much the same priced item, we don't split the check. That way, people with bigger incomes can eat the more expensive things on the menu without putting the poorer people in more financial straits. For dinner, we make sure the restaurant is affordable, too, or we go out with another group of friends for whom the cost is not hardship. For lunch in the big city, my friends and I have a rule when go out: $10 and under. That way, anyone can join us and not feel broke. Unless everyone orders pretty much the same priced item, we don’t split the check. That way, people with bigger incomes can eat the more expensive things on the menu without putting the poorer people in more financial straits.

For dinner, we make sure the restaurant is affordable, too, or we go out with another group of friends for whom the cost is not hardship.

]]> By: plonkee http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/comment-page-1/#comment-302797 plonkee Fri, 13 Jun 2008 20:55:02 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/#comment-302797 Things are somewhat different in the UK. No one tips bar staff, and it's illegal to add your own alcohol to drinks - also rounds are ubiquitous. But, drinking before hand is a good tactic, as is liking a variety of alcohol so that you can drink the specials. I particularly enjoy researching the happy hours, but also save money by walking or catching the bus in to town rather than taking a cab, and getting in to bars/clubs just before they start charging a fee. Things are somewhat different in the UK. No one tips bar staff, and it’s illegal to add your own alcohol to drinks – also rounds are ubiquitous. But, drinking before hand is a good tactic, as is liking a variety of alcohol so that you can drink the specials.

I particularly enjoy researching the happy hours, but also save money by walking or catching the bus in to town rather than taking a cab, and getting in to bars/clubs just before they start charging a fee.

]]> By: AaronO http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/comment-page-1/#comment-302567 AaronO Fri, 13 Jun 2008 12:44:34 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/#comment-302567 I have to agree with clint. I find my bills can get pretty steep when ordering drinks - especially alcoholic drinks. Even buying soda can add to your bill. Make sure refills are free! It's pretty easy to keep getting refills on your soda and see that you had 3 or 4 sodas on your bill. It's nice to have a beer with your meal but is it really worth $4.50+? I try to stick with water. I have to agree with clint. I find my bills can get pretty steep when ordering drinks – especially alcoholic drinks. Even buying soda can add to your bill. Make sure refills are free! It’s pretty easy to keep getting refills on your soda and see that you had 3 or 4 sodas on your bill.

It’s nice to have a beer with your meal but is it really worth $4.50+? I try to stick with water.

]]> By: clint http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/comment-page-1/#comment-302350 clint Fri, 13 Jun 2008 03:57:18 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/#comment-302350 I am one of those crazy people...I just don't drink anything with alcohol in it. This saves me a ton of money and I am the one that drives home. my friends that do drink always buy my sodas and give me the keys. I have seen some guys leave the bar with tabs over $100.00 in one night, and they do this several times in a week. Do you know how easy it would be to get out of debt on a couple of hundred extra dollars a week? Crazy easy. So do yourself a favor do the driving and save some cash. Besides think of what you will save on a kidney or liver transplant a few years down the road! Clint Lawton www.a-debt-free-life.com I am one of those crazy people…I just don’t drink anything with alcohol in it. This saves me a ton of money and I am the one that drives home. my friends that do drink always buy my sodas and give me the keys. I have seen some guys leave the bar with tabs over $100.00 in one night, and they do this several times in a week. Do you know how easy it would be to get out of debt on a couple of hundred extra dollars a week? Crazy easy. So do yourself a favor do the driving and save some cash. Besides think of what you will save on a kidney or liver transplant a few years down the road!

Clint Lawton

http://www.a-debt-free-life.com

]]> By: Mac http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/comment-page-1/#comment-302318 Mac Fri, 13 Jun 2008 01:57:34 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/#comment-302318 Luke - It seems that whether the entertainment book is worthwhile depends on its particulars where you live, as well as your lifestyle. In the Baltimore area we find that we definitely get our money's worth, and even more so if we buy it a little into the year at a discount. We use it about once a week for a restaurant and quite rarely for anything else. It includes coupons for a supermarket, one for each quarter of the year, that we use. Luke – It seems that whether the entertainment book is worthwhile depends on its particulars where you live, as well as your lifestyle. In the Baltimore area we find that we definitely get our money’s worth, and even more so if we buy it a little into the year at a discount. We use it about once a week for a restaurant and quite rarely for anything else. It includes coupons for a supermarket, one for each quarter of the year, that we use.

]]> By: Andy @ bloginyourface http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/comment-page-1/#comment-302286 Andy @ bloginyourface Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:56:48 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/#comment-302286 I always start a tab for the reasons above which have to do with tipping less by not tipping every single time you buy a drink. Warning: My parents had their identity stolen and it was traced back to a bartender who wrote down their credit card number and the security card on the back and used it online to make purchases somehow. Sometimes when I am going to a bar I stop at the liquor store and load my pockets with those mini 2 oz. Captain Morgan bottles and just order cokes and make my own drink when nobody is looking. Saves TONS and TONS of money. I always start a tab for the reasons above which have to do with tipping less by not tipping every single time you buy a drink.

Warning: My parents had their identity stolen and it was traced back to a bartender who wrote down their credit card number and the security card on the back and used it online to make purchases somehow.

Sometimes when I am going to a bar I stop at the liquor store and load my pockets with those mini 2 oz. Captain Morgan bottles and just order cokes and make my own drink when nobody is looking. Saves TONS and TONS of money.

]]> By: TJP http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/comment-page-1/#comment-302268 TJP Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:22:01 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/#comment-302268 My husband is a server. PLEASE don't be frugal on the tips. The current economy is scary for us, we expect people will dine out less, eat less and tip less (we live in a resort area). Also, his restaurant offers a half portion (it's not on the menu). I find the protein is smaller but more than half and the sides are full size. After the free crackers, cheese and bread I still have left overs. For movies, they often have free popcorn refills on the large. I bring paper lunch bags, fill one up for each person and send someone right out for the refill before the movie starts. Same for drinks, I bring extra cups with lids (if you have kids you probably have these from Olive Garden/Red Lobster, etc). We don't go to the movies often as you can rent a movie for $1 4 months after it's in the theater anyhow. My husband is a server. PLEASE don’t be frugal on the tips. The current economy is scary for us, we expect people will dine out less, eat less and tip less (we live in a resort area). Also, his restaurant offers a half portion (it’s not on the menu). I find the protein is smaller but more than half and the sides are full size. After the free crackers, cheese and bread I still have left overs.

For movies, they often have free popcorn refills on the large. I bring paper lunch bags, fill one up for each person and send someone right out for the refill before the movie starts. Same for drinks, I bring extra cups with lids (if you have kids you probably have these from Olive Garden/Red Lobster, etc).

We don’t go to the movies often as you can rent a movie for $1 4 months after it’s in the theater anyhow.

]]> By: Christine http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/comment-page-1/#comment-302123 Christine Thu, 12 Jun 2008 20:02:41 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/#comment-302123 I heartily agree with all of these tips, but it's so hard to do with a fiance who has eyes bigger than his stomach! Normally, I'd get his leftovers to go in a doggy bag, but it doesn't help when I'm a vegetarian and he's a carnivore! I heartily agree with all of these tips, but it’s so hard to do with a fiance who has eyes bigger than his stomach! Normally, I’d get his leftovers to go in a doggy bag, but it doesn’t help when I’m a vegetarian and he’s a carnivore!

]]> By: Allison http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/comment-page-1/#comment-302056 Allison Thu, 12 Jun 2008 18:25:06 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/#comment-302056 @luvleftovers: hairy eyeball...sort of a cross between the evil eye and a wary sidewards glance/"oh please" roll of the eyes... @luvleftovers: hairy eyeball…sort of a cross between the evil eye and a wary sidewards glance/”oh please” roll of the eyes…

]]> By: Kris http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/comment-page-1/#comment-302032 Kris Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:42:58 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/#comment-302032 I agree with deRuiter. Many times, I've been the DD and kept track of my husband's drinks, only to find at the end of the night up to 3 extra drinks were attributed to him. So now I always pay per drink. What I normally do for tips is to tip very generously on the first drink and if I get good service for the rest of the night, give another good tip at the end as well. This way, we still get the server's attention and avoid having to tip on every drink. Saves me cash every time. I agree with deRuiter. Many times, I’ve been the DD and kept track of my husband’s drinks, only to find at the end of the night up to 3 extra drinks were attributed to him. So now I always pay per drink. What I normally do for tips is to tip very generously on the first drink and if I get good service for the rest of the night, give another good tip at the end as well. This way, we still get the server’s attention and avoid having to tip on every drink. Saves me cash every time.

]]> By: kim http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/comment-page-1/#comment-302024 kim Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:30:05 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/#comment-302024 I know this doesn't quite fit the bill for a grown up outing, but since there was a discussion of movies... Regal Cinemas has free children's movies on week day mornings in the summer. They usually show two films one for preschoolers and one for older kids. We really enjoy them even though they tend to be older things you can already rent. Going to the movies is fun and the AC is nice. Not all Regals offer it but we have two within an hour's drive. I always try to pair it with something else to justify the extra gas. Usually at the end they hand out freebies like a new cereal or snack as a promotion. I know this doesn’t quite fit the bill for a grown up outing, but since there was a discussion of movies…
Regal Cinemas has free children’s movies on week day mornings in the summer. They usually show two films one for preschoolers and one for older kids. We really enjoy them even though they tend to be older things you can already rent. Going to the movies is fun and the AC is nice. Not all Regals offer it but we have two within an hour’s drive. I always try to pair it with something else to justify the extra gas.
Usually at the end they hand out freebies like a new cereal or snack as a promotion.

]]> By: luvleftovers http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/comment-page-1/#comment-302004 luvleftovers Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:50:48 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/#comment-302004 DrFunZ @ 6:38 am June 12th, 2008 (comment #23) Ummmm, what's a hairy eyeball??? DrFunZ @ 6:38 am June 12th, 2008 (comment #23)

Ummmm, what’s a hairy eyeball???

]]> By: guinness416 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/comment-page-1/#comment-301948 guinness416 Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:38:14 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/#comment-301948 We bought one of those entertainment books last year and it was a disaster. I hadn't been to most of the restaurants and bars listed (which didn't surprise me, I live in a big city) and the few we tried were terrible, low class, bad food places. I'm happy we didn't drag friends there too! Not sure if you can check the listed companies prior to buying. We did use some coupons for bowling etc but overall it was a big waste of money and (more importantly) time. We bought one of those entertainment books last year and it was a disaster. I hadn’t been to most of the restaurants and bars listed (which didn’t surprise me, I live in a big city) and the few we tried were terrible, low class, bad food places. I’m happy we didn’t drag friends there too! Not sure if you can check the listed companies prior to buying. We did use some coupons for bowling etc but overall it was a big waste of money and (more importantly) time.

]]> By: Dawn http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/comment-page-1/#comment-301946 Dawn Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:32:40 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/#comment-301946 The value of the entertainment book or similar books depends on where you live. My brother just got one, and every coupon in it is at least an hours' drive from their house. Where we live, we have a local alternative that is much better than the Entertainment book. The best bet with these is to see if you can take a look at someone else's first, and then buy. The value of the entertainment book or similar books depends on where you live. My brother just got one, and every coupon in it is at least an hours’ drive from their house. Where we live, we have a local alternative that is much better than the Entertainment book. The best bet with these is to see if you can take a look at someone else’s first, and then buy.

]]> By: Kelsey http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/comment-page-1/#comment-301917 Kelsey Thu, 12 Jun 2008 14:38:54 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/#comment-301917 being a college student, it can be hard not to spend a lot of money going out on the weekends. one thing we do is we buy our own alcohol/drinks and "pre-game" at someone's house and then go to the bars. i find that i don't spend as much money then because i only get one drink at the bar then. being a college student, it can be hard not to spend a lot of money going out on the weekends. one thing we do is we buy our own alcohol/drinks and “pre-game” at someone’s house and then go to the bars. i find that i don’t spend as much money then because i only get one drink at the bar then.

]]> By: Mister E http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/comment-page-1/#comment-301892 Mister E Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:55:18 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/#comment-301892 If you are paying per drink but not tipping per drink you may find your server is too busy to make it to your table as frequently as you might like. If you are paying per drink but not tipping per drink you may find your server is too busy to make it to your table as frequently as you might like.

]]> By: Tony http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/comment-page-1/#comment-301891 Tony Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:51:04 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/#comment-301891 deRuiter, I've been to very few bars that pad tabs. And if they attempt it, I notice and never go back. Most cash conscious consumers would do the same. And if you don't tip till the end without an open tab, the bartender will assume you are being cheap and you will receive little notice each time you go to the bar for service. deRuiter,

I’ve been to very few bars that pad tabs. And if they attempt it, I notice and never go back. Most cash conscious consumers would do the same.

And if you don’t tip till the end without an open tab, the bartender will assume you are being cheap and you will receive little notice each time you go to the bar for service.

]]> By: deRuiter http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/comment-page-1/#comment-301879 deRuiter Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:26:16 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/06/11/sixteen-ways-to-go-out-on-the-town-on-the-cheap/#comment-301879 Dear Friends, When drinking at a bar, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER run a tab! The unfortunate desire of management or bartender to maximize income by padding the tab occurs more often then you would think. It's not necessary to tip each drink, wait until you're ready to leave to tip. If you're unable to recall how many drinks you've consumed when it's time to go, in order to calculate a fair tip, YOU'VE HAD AT LEAST ONE TOO MANY! Dear Friends, When drinking at a bar, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER run a tab! The unfortunate desire of management or bartender to maximize income by padding the tab occurs more often then you would think. It’s not necessary to tip each drink, wait until you’re ready to leave to tip. If you’re unable to recall how many drinks you’ve consumed when it’s time to go, in order to calculate a fair tip, YOU’VE HAD AT LEAST ONE TOO MANY!

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