Frugal Friday: I’ll Have Water
January 25, 2008 by Karen Weideman
Filed under frugal friday, frugal living, money saving idea
As I mentioned before, we were at winter camp last weekend. While we were eating out, I asked the waiter how much drinks were. I nearly croaked when he said $2.19. $2.19??!!!??? I actually laughed out loud. The waiter offered to give us free drinks since we had a large group eating (and tipping, lol). Another place we ate at wanted $1.95 for drinks.
It seems as though there has been a steady and fast increase in the prices of drinks in the past few years. I know it was just a few years ago that I was paying $1.00 for a glass of tea at the Mexican restaurant. Now they’re charging $1.50 or more.
I usually get water anyway when eating out. I just know that it’s better for me and it helps me to drink more water. Sometimes it is nice for a treat, but gosh, I don’t know about paying $2.
If you’re looking to save money when eating out, try ordering water. For a family of 4 it could save you $8, which is the price of a meal.
Do you order water when eating out? Please vote in our poll to the right.
LRN
Water–though if I am cold (which is often) then coffee–but cheap plain coffee, no fancy coffee desserts for me.
I have decided to give up pop pretty much all together. It is about to become a really special treat, so I will be saving and drinking more water! Hopefully that means the fam will too!
Girl, I have been paying $2.19 for a while if I get a drink. Right now, we are just eating at places where the kids can eat for free.
I stopped drinking soda altogether in November. Not only has it saved me money when eating out, it has saved a lot on my weekly grocery bill.
I like to have something sweet to drink sometimes so instead of ordering a drink I order water and put in a packet of sweetner. Even my kids have started doing this.
WATER!!!!
My husband and I always have water please!
To much money for a coke or tea… its crazy I agreee…
I agree that soda at restaurants is overpriced, but then again, SO IS THE FOOD! When we go out, we’re already spending more than we normally would.
Tell me about it! I always order water as I don’t drink pop. DS always wants pop because we don’t let him drink it at home so he considers it a treat - a pricy treat! And I keep trying to convince DH not to order a beer - it can cost up to $7! He can go buy a 6-pack for almost that! Again he considers it a treat while eating out - good thing we don’t eat out often. Sheesh
Water!!!
A frugal tip learned from my father. Always saves a good bit on the bill.
I usually order water, but if I do order a soft drink I always ask for a to go cup at the end of the meal. Almost all the restaurants are doing them for free. Then I take it home and put it in the fridge. I sip on it the rest of the evening, and feel like I got a little more for my money. Even the next day the ice hasn’t melted and I can use it for lunch. I do this at fast food places too.
We always get water when we eat out. Its crazy, some places charge almost 3.00 for a glass of soda! If we need soda that badly, we will stop and get it afterwards as a treat. We usually only eat out when the kids are free, otherwise for a family of 6, its way to expensive.
Im enjoying your site.
I’m a water with a side dish of limes kinda girl. I haven’t drank a soda in years and years so I had no clue about the price of it in restaurants. It’s ridiculous! You could also ask for lemons or limes on the side and throw in a Splenda and have free fresh lemonade!
My parents have been doing this for years.
~melody~
I’m with Melody - we nearly always get water, and I ask for a slice of lemon and throw in some sweetener. Ha! Free lemonade!
I just think it’s ridiculous to pay even $1 for drinks; it adds up way too quickly with a family of 5, soon to be 6.
I just did that this evening as a matter of fact, when I noticed the menu didn’t have soda prices even listed on there!
WATER!!!!
Buying soda for the wife and kids certainly does add up. I always order a large jug of water for the family when we go out. That way I don’t feel so bad for ordering a couple of beers.
To save further money, I go out with friends instead of the family. That way we can split the bill at the end of the evening. lol
I normally have a pint of water before I leave the house so that the beer that I do have lasts that little bit longer. Really loving the site and what a great tip about using sweeteners. Its a lot less messy than bringing sugar cubes in your pockets.