The cost of eating out!

C

CarolfromTX

Senior Member
Location
Central Texas
We don’t eat out much anymore, and when we do, it’s at lunchtime, so usually a little cheaper. But last night we took the grandkids, both teens, out to eat. We had no appetizers, no desserts, the kids had sodas, and Poppops and Nana had water. It was not a fine dining place. Total bill? An eye-popping $87!!!! Eighty-seven dollars! Having said that, the place was packed, so it’s not keeping people away. Entrees have gone up at least five bucks this last year or so. On a fun note, as a joke, because the kids aren’t allowed to use phones at the dinner table, we asked the waiter for the coloring page things they give the little ones. We all had a laugh and the granddaughter had fun coloring, with the boy child questioning her color choices. LOL!
 
My wife and I eat out about once a week. Our favorite restaurant is a bit above mid price, but not a Four Seasons type restaurant. Our bill with tip averages around $40-50. I have noticed in restaurants that sodas cost about $3 or so. If a family of four eats out and to just buy soda for each person, the tab would start at $12+. I have been told by people in the restaurant business that they make a lot of money off of their fountain sodas.
 
Up until last year my estranged hubs and I went out regularly but almost always at lunchtime.. we'd go to the pub mainly, or mid-price restaurants, so really we only noticed price rises of a couple of pounds... However I haven't been out to a restaurant since he left, so I suspect the prices have risen significantly..
 
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I think I've been out to eat three times since I got back in early Feb., all for breakfast. Runs 20-25$ for one with tip. Seems not that long ago, I could get the early bird special, two eggs, hash browns, ham, and toast at Johnny be Goods Diner for $1.99. I suppose in reality that was 25yrs ago, but prices are definitely through the ceiling for food in general, and as I'm alone right now, it's not really any fun to go out to eat on your own.
 
We don't eat out much unless we're on holiday. When our daughters were here over Easter, we went a great little restaurant that serves all locally produced food. Four adults + drink cost £32 - about $38. Quite reasonable considering the size and quality.

Now that the Covid restrictions have been lifted, we hope to get out more often.
 
I usually just get water when I eat out, but some dishes just call out for a soda or iced tea (water with pizza? No way!)

While I can stomach paying $2-$3 for a Coke, I have to draw the line at $3 for a glass of lousy ice tea. Does no one know how to make good iced tea in the restaurant industry? It's not like it's a complicated recipe, is it? The tea in restaurant is either slightly-tea-flavored-water or it's "burned", having an "old" taste to it or, heaven-forbid, it's made from a mix.
 
We ate out yesterday at a nice restaurant near the national forest.
Hubby ordered the prime rib.. mashed potatoes, gravy,, coleslaw.

I had their manicotti, coleslaw.
Both of us ordered water,, their soft drinks were $3.00.

Think I heard hubby grumbling about first time he's paid $50. for a meal.

For those who are curious about where we ate type in Cousin Basil's.

We've eaten there several times this year and have been very happy with our meals.
 
helenbacque said:
Coffee and tea have always been huge profit makers in the restaurant business.
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And alcohol. And appetizers. Many younger people wouldn’t consider it a meal without these and then they can’t eat all their entree (main meal).

In a restaurant I now expect to pay over $30 for 2 with no drinks. Often we share a main and order a second soup. I hate seeing food go to waste.
 
restaurants-menus-early_bird_specials-make_up_your_mind-deciding-marriage-relationships-WJ500567_low.jpg
 
CarolfromTX said:
We don’t eat out much anymore, and when we do, it’s at lunchtime, so usually a little cheaper. But last night we took the grandkids, both teens, out to eat. We had no appetizers, no desserts, the kids had sodas, and Poppops and Nana had water. It was not a fine dining place. Total bill? An eye-popping $87!!!! Eighty-seven dollars! Having said that, the place was packed, so it’s not keeping people away. Entrees have gone up at least five bucks this last year or so. On a fun note, as a joke, because the kids aren’t allowed to use phones at the dinner table, we asked the waiter for the coloring page things they give the little ones. We all had a laugh and the granddaughter had fun coloring, with the boy child questioning her color choices. LOL!
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Sure the place was packed; why not, credit is cheap and most of them are probably maxed out on their credit cards. There is a lot of fat to be cut in these sort of places. When the interest rates go up, the inflation goes up and so will the price of fuel then maybe some of these "high rollers" will stay at home and cook their own meals.

Like I said, there is a lot of fat to be cut and the time to cut the fat is just over the hill. For the record, I keep away from them "greasy spoons" but then my balance on all my credit cards is absolutely zero. So, let the interest rates fly high; it's high time!
 
Mr. Robinson and I went out last night. $98.00 including the $16.00 tip for our meal. Pasta Primavera. Each had a $5 side salad. 1 cocktail each. No dessert. Wouldn`t have minded the price at all,IF it was good-but it wasn`t.We had the same dish two weeks ago and had them hold the tomatoes (we forgot last night) It was to die for two weeks ago-not so last night.Their idea of vegetables last night were the tomatoes and arugula. Oh,and onions,garlic and shallots,none of which could be tasted. But yes,it is difficult nowadays for us to have dinner out for less than $100.00.
 
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I don't eat out anymore as I have it delivered. When we did eat out it was usually for breakfast and we always got one of the "specials" at I Hop. We had a favorite server and we always tipped her very well as she knew our habits and always made sure we were pleased with every thing. I don't know if I will ever go out to eat again as I am liking making my own food or as a treat having it delivered.
 
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