What’s too much for dinner out?
From
| September 20, 2011
In Coffee and Convo, Frugal Food & Facts
With the economy in the shape that it is in these days, I'm wondering what you all think is too much to spend on a nice dinner out?
I recently snagged a deal on a "1/2 price dinner" at one of the nicest and most romantic (in my opinion) restaurants in Raleigh, Second Empire. I paid $125 for the four course dinner with wine pairings. Tip is, of course, based on the full price of the dinner, which at 20% is $50. So our dinner cost in total $175, but would normally cost $300. It had to be the 1/2 price special part that grabbed me. I do not think I would have bought a voucher for a $175 all inclusive dinner at all. Yet that is essentially what I bought.
Without a doubt, after the remarkable food, the prompt and professional service and the amazing wine, we both thought is was worth every penny. Of course, it was a celebration and we wanted to do something wonderful and romantic. And I probably wouldn't have bought it if there wasn't something to celebrate. But looking back on it, I wonder if it was really worth it?
Since live by myself, my grocery bill is pretty low. In fact, if I'm not testing recipes, having friends over and not needing dog food, I can make it for under $75 a week. And the only reason it is that high is because of organic veggies and wine, both of which I could cut out if I needed to.
So here's what I want to know: In your opinion, what is too much for a regular dinner out?
What's too much for a special dinner out?
Do you even go out to dinner in this poor economy?
Let me know in the comments section below.
Comments
From Alicia Ross - September 21, 2011
From Facebook: Rita: I spend no more than $50, special dinner or not for two. Pam: Depending on how bog the celebration is, I don't think your meal was too much. But then I love to go out for dinner. Tom: I never spend this much unless the company is paying for it. I eat out so much for work, I prefer to dine in even for a special celebration.
From Web design Bucuresti - September 22, 2011
Depends in which country. In Romania a dinner for two is something like $50 in a good restaurant, not in top restaurants... Wine not included in price. And no, unfortunately I don't go out for a dinner, too expensive for my budget. On special events I HAVE to go, even if my pocket laughs at me.
From Alicia Ross - September 22, 2011
From Facebook: Jodi: $25 a head. not including alcohol. Dale: My budget limit is closer to $20 per person and we don't drink. As an aside, since all of our kids are not home on a regular basis any more, we've done away with dinner - at least for a while. Neither one of us want to cook when we get home and we both usually have a pretty good lunch. So with no eating dinner and very little grocery shopping, we probably can afford a little more per person a little more often and still save money.
From Sheri - September 22, 2011
Wow, you really had some expensive dinner. But, it should be worth the price, right? I can imagine the meals served were really yummy. Besides, the cost won't matter that much if you are going to have a great time with both food and a company.
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From Lori - September 20, 2011
Regular dinner out for four adults, I try to keep it at $50. Yes, that can be difficult, but it can be done. A special dinner, the price can vary and I do not have a set budget. Last year, the four of us did spend approximately $200 on a celebration dinner sans alcohol. Yes, we do eat out and sometimes it not the best choice for the wallet or the waistline.