What to expect when you're expecting... A big crowd!

When going out to eat with a large party there are a few things to consider. The biggest aspect to plan for is the day and time. Restaurants have black outs for reservations usually on weekends and holidays... don't fret though if you have a party for then. One solution to ensure your party has a table in time is to designate a person to show up early and claim a table. Its defiantly allowed and your party won't have to wait as long or even at all! Another thing to consider is payment. Know who is paying for whom ahead of time. Its incredibly frustrating and time consuming for the waiter when you tell them one thing and then divvy the check up differently. Also, be sure to check to see if gratuity is included in the tab. Many restaurants add a gratuity, usually 10-20%, to the tab on parties of 8 or more. Most times that ruling is listed in the menu or even online. I hope this helps you in your dining experiences! Please leave a comment for any other suggestions!

Ways to Save At A Restaurant

- Split items
- If you're paying for the tab, have the other person tip at least... and ask them to tip accordingly (if your server deserves 20%, make that clear.)
- coupon and/or specials
- eat at lunch time
- sign up for frequent diners lists
- eat an appetizer instead (filling and a bit less than an entree)
- wash dishes for the establishment
- have a rich person adopt you
- give the managers a back massage (note: not likely to work and has a risk for arrest)
- grab the take out patrons food and run! (note: most likely to result in arrest)

DISCLAIMER: Last 4 items are totally bogus and are not advised as real solutions for saving while dining out. Also if you go to an establishment that has table service, please be sure to tip accordingly. Thanks!

Holes In The Wall: Suspicous or Awesome?

Restaurants that are not commonly known can appear to be dubious or scary to venture into, but on many cases I have found that they are actually amazingly reasonable in their food and their pricing. I might even venture to say that they are much better than their national chain counter parts! I find that these restaurants are a bit more personable and more reasonable. They don't have the same politics that coporate restaurants do. So when you venture about town try out that independantly owned restaurant! You never know how they are and you might even be impressed!