Frugal Friday: I’ll Have Water
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.
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POSTED IN: frugal friday, frugal living, money saving idea
18 opinions for Frugal Friday: I’ll Have Water
heather
Jan 25, 2008 at 9:21 am
Water–though if I am cold (which is often) then coffee–but cheap plain coffee, no fancy coffee desserts for me.
Maria
Jan 25, 2008 at 9:34 am
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!
kellys
Jan 25, 2008 at 10:07 am
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.
Char
Jan 25, 2008 at 10:22 am
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.
millie
Jan 25, 2008 at 11:08 am
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.
Nichole
Jan 25, 2008 at 11:23 am
WATER!!!!
My husband and I always have water please!
To much money for a coke or tea… its crazy I agreee…
Emily
Jan 25, 2008 at 11:32 am
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.
Kim
Jan 25, 2008 at 12:26 pm
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
Renee
Jan 25, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Water!!!
A frugal tip learned from my father. Always saves a good bit on the bill.
Weekend Thrifty Links
Jan 26, 2008 at 7:37 am
[…] Frugal Friday at Thrifty Mommy and Karen is discussing drinking water in restaurants rather than paying high […]
Anita
Jan 26, 2008 at 1:42 pm
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.
Carey
Jan 26, 2008 at 4:53 pm
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.
Melody from ~Pennies In My Pocket~
Jan 26, 2008 at 11:57 pm
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~
Revka
Jan 27, 2008 at 9:59 pm
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.
Elizabeth
Jan 27, 2008 at 10:56 pm
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!
Dave Storm
Jan 28, 2008 at 5:33 am
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 ;)
Bobby Indigo
Jan 28, 2008 at 5:42 am
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.
10 Ways to Save Money When Eating Out
Feb 1, 2008 at 10:50 am
[…] Order water. Sodas, tea, and alcohol can really spike your […]
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