I'm Done With Dining Out in 2026

[sdawson]

I'm done with dining out for every single family 'event' in our extended family. We can get together, do pot-luck, or backyard BBQ. The cost of eating out for the two of us at a budget restaurants is $50-$60 now ($20+ per plate plus tip). I don't enjoy the food really, I can make nicer and better quality meals at home for far less.

But paying over $20 for two tacos and rice and beans at the local Mexican restaurant, or $20 for a hamburger and fries at Red Robin, or $25 for fish-n-chips is ridiculous.

I did not blow our budget like this while saving for retirement, and see no reason to do so in retirement. I packed my lunches every day, made coffee myself, and we had to stretch our dollars by eating at home. But it seems like once a month now there is some 'event', a birthday, a job interview, mothers day, memorial day, any holiday really, or just 'it's Sunday so let's take out someone after church'

If the food were better, or less expensive, or something I could not make myself at home, I'd be more inclined, but that is not the case.

So I'm all in on pot luck or byo barbeque, but done with dining out.

Except -- on vacation or other travel.

 

[hopefullyoneday]

I feel the same way but when we do eat out we split something. I budget for $30 a day for food total for the both of us. Some days we go over but make it up on other days. I found that you really don't need much food to survive. I have been around 245-255lb for the past year so what little food i am taking in is enough.

 

[Mr. Tightwad]

I eat out nearly every day. It's definitely BTD. Most other categories I'm a miser but food is where I blow my cash.

Why die with the $. My kids are going to inherit plenty whether my food bill is large or small.

 

[floss187]

Go to better restaurants. everything you listed sounds like chains serving reheated factory food.

 

[Texas Proud]

As long as you do not care that you are not part of the family events...

But I kinda feel the same with some things.. I just bought some things at the store that are near the end of their best buy date so 50% off... my DD will spend MY money on stuff that I would not buy myself... really pisses me off... but DW does it all the time..

 

[jazz4cash]

I don't mind spending the money but if I don't enjoy it I'm not gonna do it even if I can afford it. Around here $20 won't even get you a burger and a beer.

 

[Al18]

I enjoy eating at restaurants. It’s more expensive eating on a Caribbean island. I just got back from vacation and cocktails, appetizer and dinner for two costs $155. Worth every cent.

 

[audreyh1]

I'm done with dining out for every single family 'event' in our extended family. We can get together, do pot-luck, or backyard BBQ. The cost of eating out for the two of us at a budget restaurants is $50-$60 now ($20+ per plate plus tip). I don't enjoy the food really, I can make nicer and better quality meals at home for far less.

But paying over $20 for two tacos and rice and beans at the local Mexican restaurant, or $20 for a hamburger and fries at Red Robin, or $25 for fish-n-chips is ridiculous.

I did not blow our budget like this while saving for retirement, and see no reason to do so in retirement. I packed my lunches every day, made coffee myself, and we had to stretch our dollars by eating at home. But it seems like once a month now there is some 'event', a birthday, a job interview, mothers day, memorial day, any holiday really, or just 'it's Sunday so let's take out someone after church'

If the food were better, or less expensive, or something I could not make myself at home, I'd be more inclined, but that is not the case.

So I'm all in on pot luck or byo barbeque, but done with dining out.

Except -- on vacation or other travel.

I think the key is that you don’t enjoy most restaurant food and can make better at home. We’re in the same position when at home and almost never eat out unless we’re traveling. And it has nothing to do with budget in our case, it’s just about enjoying the food. However we almost never entertain or have meal get togethers.

 

[sdawson]

Go to better restaurants. everything you listed sounds like chains serving reheated factory food.

Actually the Mexican and the Fish-N-Chips are family owned and run places. But yes, Red Robin is a chain.

 

[YellowSubmarine]

For 37 years, on business trips, I was compelled to eat in restaurants about 3 - 10 meals per week. I had enough of that food sort...just as I had enough of over night stays/hotels. I avoid the grease pit, sodium and sugar as well. I cook healthier and higher quality foods than most outside services. I do eat out maybe once per month. Even when I drive the FL - OH itinerary, I pack and relax at a park or rest area and enjoy wholesome food...no traveler's belly distress when I pack my meals (and no surprises).

 

[YellowSubmarine]

I don't mind spending the money but if I don't enjoy it I'm not gonna do it even if I can afford it. Around here $20 won't even get you a burger and a beer.

At the local American Legion, a small pitcher of beer (32 oz) and a 12" philly cheese steak is $14.00 -less tip. I enjoy a couple times per year...not the healthiest food especially the included fries...but tasty.

 

[COcheesehead]

Traveling now and every meal breakfast to dinner has not been lower than $50. Still ususally under $75. Every place we’ve been has commented that tourism is down. With gas where it is and food costs, I am not surprised.

 

[audreyh1]

Restaurant prices have indeed gone through the roof.

In general I think a lot of Americans have decided not to travel or stay close to home due to the Middle East conflict and gas prices and airline fuel uncertainty especially overseas. You’d never know it from super crowded Edinburgh, but our Highlands guide said tourism was down this year.

 

[Al18]

The local pub sells a huge cheesesteak and fries for $17 - large enough for two adults!

 

[jazz4cash]

At the local American Legion, a small pitcher of beer (32 oz) and a 12" philly cheese steak is $14.00 -less tip. I enjoy a couple times per year...not the healthiest food especially the included fries...but tasty.

Isn't that like a member's only non profit? I saw an episode of Bar Rescue that featured an AL chapter. I think some staff were volunteers.

 

[floss187]

when min wage was $5, gas was $1 and you could get a meal at a diner for ~ $10.
hotels were 50-100

min wage is $15+ (in most places besides the deep south), gas is $4 and a diner entree is $30.
hotels are 150-300.

seems to be pretty consistent at 3-4x

 

[flyoverstate]

We realized a few weeks ago that brunch at a local farm to table restaurant with absolutely delicious food and impeccable service costs about the same as going to the local hash slingin' diner. The food is 100x better and they have actual coffee, not Sysco-branded Fauxlgers.

 

[disneysteve]

We eat out a lot. In most cases, portions are stupidly large so one meal gives us 2 servings which makes the cost a little more acceptable. Where that doesn’t work is when we’re traveling and can’t use the leftovers. When possible DW and I try to share a meal to reduce both cost and waste.

 

[disneysteve]

We also generally go out for lunch more than dinner. Many places have lower prices or specials for lunch. Then there’s our favorite Mexican place that has really good food and does Taco Tuesday with $2 tacos. We can have lunch for $15 total.

 

[marko]

Mom didn't cook. So as kids, we ate out every single night. We still eat out 3 or 4 nights a week but we avoid the budget places. BTD

For some people though, its best if they stay home.

 

[GenXguy]

No way that I would pay most of the prices mentioned in this thread. I look for deals, like this one, where the the water is free, and there's no tipping.

 

[GenXguy]

Except -- on vacation or other travel.

Well cut out the vacation/travel, and save even more!

 

[RetiredHappy]

We have lunch out every single day and it usually ends up between $60 to $90. We don't worry about the cost. When we were working we ate out 3 meals a day on the weekdays. Our dining out expenses have dropped significantly after we retired.

 

[Koolau]

It gets more complicated in my situation. As the Patriarch, when the family (and extended family) go out to eat, guess who gets the bill? So, even though, in general I'd prefer to meet at one of the kids homes for a pot luck, it w*rks more easily to go out - and that includes my paying the bill.

Our small apartment isn't suitable to host a pot luck - in case anyone is wondering.

BUT I always enjoy a time with the kids so if I get the bill, I'm okay with it. So eat out at Red Robin or eat at #1 daughter's house with a carry in, I'm okay with it. I can afford it.

 

[Dtail]

We eat out or pickup or delivery around 4 days a week. The price range varies, but probably around 75 to 100 dollars for two when we eat out. It is one of more enjoyable experiences overall, as we don't like cooking.