How To Save Money When Eating Out In Southern California
68This hub will be about how to save money when eating out in Southern California, but you can also use these tips if you have some of the same restaurants in your area. Granted eating at home is the best way to save money, but if you do order a pizza or eat out for lunch and dinner there are ways to spend less. So the next time the cashier asks you about ordering the larger meal it is best to say no. If you are splitting the meal with a friend getting the larger size makes sense, but if you are eating the meal alone it is best to get the small size that is a more realistic portion and less money. Personally I do not eat at places like McDonald's or Burger King if Del Taco is near by, but keep in mind I am not much of a burger person. I absolutely love Del Taco because the prices are cheap and there are options on the menu for vegetarians and semi-vegetarians. Meat lovers will also be happy with Del Taco because you can order burgers and beef tacos, so there is a little bit of something for everyone. Also, when I order pizza I like to order it online from Papa John's because the quality is good, and the prices can be more affordable when you look on the website to figure out the best deals. So the next time your eat out or order pizza you might want to keep some of these money saving tips in mind.
Of Course It Is Cheaper To Make A Pizza At Home
|
John Grisham SIGNED Playing For Pizza 1st Ed *RARE*
Current Bid: $64.99
|
|
Playing for Pizza John Grisham(2007)Buy Now at 99 cents
Current Bid: $.99
|
|
JOHN GRISHAM -- PLAYING FOR PIZZA, HARDCOVER FIRST ED.
Current Bid: $4.00
|
|
2 JOHN GRISHAM BOOKS-Playing For Pizza & The Runaway...
Current Bid: $.89
|
Ordering Pizza
My sister likes to order pizza more than I do because to be quite frank I find it too expensive. However, since she is paying this is up to her, and in exchange I pay extra utilities once a month or so when we order pizza. Papa Johns is our favorite pizza place because they tend to deliver fresh and yummy pizza. However, you need to be careful when ordering pizza because sometimes you can end up paying more for less food.
One time my sister decided to order herself a pizza and a couple of snack treats, and this ended up being about forty dollars. I told her this seemed way too high. When I looked at the website and discovered you can buy an extra large pizza for around fifteen to seventeen dollars, and the second pizza is usually half price. This way you can get two extra larger pizzas and a soda for around thirty dollars, which is still on the expensive side, but this is a much better deal than when you buy just one pizza and some extras. So the next time you order pizza I suggest ordering online so you can see what you are paying for. Overall I think it is cheaper to buy a frozen pizza or to make one from scratch, but since my sister is paying I decided I will just help her find the better deal.
Del Taco Is Yummy!
Ever since I was young I remember going down the mountain with my mom and sisters on days when we went shopping or to doctor's appointments in the city. Our mom took us to Del Taco because they serve vegetarian friendly items, unlike some of the more popular burger places. If you have never been the the Southern California area to try Del Taco I must say they are the best fast food places in the area. Baker's is also another favorite fast food place that include vegetarian items, but I would recommend Del Taco over Baker's as my personal favorite. I always love to order the green burrito, and who can beat this because it is only ninety-nine cents! Right now Del Taco is having a meal deal where you can get either a meat burrito or veggie burrito with a taco and a drink for around three dollars. Today after work I stopped by Del Taco because it is cheaper than Starbucks, and I actually can fill up on this food. Beans are healthy and filling, but I also love the chicken soft taco.
Del Taco first started as a small restaurant in Yermo, California and eventually expanded to have chains in Barstow, and later in San Bernardino and the rest of the Inland Empire. Now Del Taco has many chains in Southern California, Arizon, Nevada, and a couple of other states. When I used to live in Barstow I frequently went to one one the original Del Taco restaurants that is known for making especially good green burritos and tacos. Nevertheless, each Del Taco does a good job all around, but some are just more nostalgic to me than others because I grew up going to certain chains. Back in college we used to have Del Taco runs, which means we would go there around midnight when we wanted a study break. Del Taco's ninety-nine cent menu is more appealing to me than the burger places, but as I said they actually have burgers and fries for those who prefer that type of thing. Oh do not get me started on their fries, which are large, wedged, and highly addicting. So the next time you want to save money when eating out I would suggest trying Del Taco. Those on the east coast have probably not heard of Del Taco, but I hear there is talk of expanding the chain. With the economy the way it is right now I am not sure that will happen, but in the future it is something to look forward too. If you are outside the US you probably will have no clue what I am talking about when I mention Del Taco, but I will say I think you might like it more than McDonald's. However, maybe I can say that because I like Del Taco so much.
Is it important to save money when eating out?
See results without votingHubMob Tips On How To Save More Money
- How to Invest during Global Recession ? Tips for Managing Your Investments
The year 2008 saw the onset of a drastic economic slowdown, which the experts define as the âsecond greatest depressionâ after the worst recession of the early 20th century. The world is facing... - 7 months ago
- Get Smart and Learn How To Attract More Money in 2009
Would you like to attract more money into your life? If you answered yes, then the first thing you will need to think about is getting beyond three common beliefs that tend to stop us from attracting money... - 10 months ago
- Money Management for Your Child and Teens-6 Tips
(Step by step Money plans for teenagers. Six (6) money management tips for parents. Kids money management advice). Money, the most powerful weapon in this modern world can do anything. It can make... - 4 months ago
- Gratitude in Money Attitude
I have always been uncomfortable with numbers, hated it even -- brushing it aside, pushing it away, running away from it -- especially when it comes in the form of money. I usually asked someone to deal with... - 10 months ago
- How To Save Money When Eating Out In Southern California
This hub will be about how to save money when eating out in Southern California, but you can also use these tips if you have some of the same restaurants in your area. Granted eating at home is the best way... - 10 months ago
- How To Teach Kids About Money
 Teaching children about money early on is something that can stay with them a lifetime. For children money is a huge responsibility and helping them to understand all about money is a great tool for... - 10 months ago
- Ways to Save Money: Simplify
There were two things I learned about money when I was eight years old. Saving money was hard esp. when all you had was a small amount of allowance and your parents were a thousand miles away. I... - 10 months ago
- Reducing your Tax Bill with Deductions
It is tax time again to figure out how to either pay the IRS the least amount of money possible, or get the most money back from the IRS. Frequently it all boils down to deductions. What is a deduction?... - 10 months ago
PrintShare it! — Rate it: up down flag this hub
Comments
See In and Out is a burger place and there is nothing I can eat there :(. However you are correct, most Southern Californians love it :).
they got good fries too, I think I'm hungry now.
Anything that saves money must be good. Nice hub SweetiePie :)
Interesting insight into the take-away franchises we don't have here. Good advice on the pizza deals though. Same rules apply here too.
goldentoad,
I agree they have really good fries, but I felt left out when everyone wanted to go there one time because fries do not fill me up. The kids love In and Out though when they were giving away free coupons for reading books at the library. Actually there was a big jump in kids coming to the library for that reason.
weblog,
Yes anything that save money is good. Thanks for stopping by weblog.
sixtyorso,
Well Del Taco is better than McDonald's in my opinion, but I suppose it will never be as popular. There is a large population in SoCal, so I thought this hub would have some good search engine traffic. Yes ordering pizza online can apply everywhere, especially since Papa Johns is in several countries as I noticed on the website.
Another way of saving money -and your figure- is to eat only a starter and a pudding. Usually after a starter I am too full up for a main course anyway and as I have a sweet tooth I much prefer to ask for a rich pudding than a main course!
When eating out with the children usually the children's menu is a very good deal as it includes starter-main course-drink and dessert for less than 10 euros, depending on the restaurant.
Can't comment -- gotta go make a sandwich, reading this made me so hungry. . .
It's not exactly dining "out" per se, but we love Papa Murphy's take 'n bake pizzas. They are freshly made and run about $10 vs. $20-$25 for the big pizzerias. I love that they offer a lite version with thinner crust and less cheese, too.
Another place that I feel offers great value (and this is Northern California -- but I assume they have in So Cal too?) is Fresh Choice. For a fixed price you can make your own salad, pick from a number of soups, pastas, breads, and desserts that include soft-serve ice cream, jello, pudding. Yum! They label everything, too, so you can see which are the "naughty" choices and which are really healthful.
Great hub idea, SweetiePie! Thanks for the ideas. And I do have to say I'm with GT on the In n Out Burger vote. Can't beat it!
Although I was born in CA, I havent been back since..lol This is good information to have should I decide to see it again.
Princessa,
When we go to Applebees from time to time I found their starter courses were best. At the Olive Garden I would be be happy just having a desert, especially since the pasta dishes can be expensive.
Hi Mighty Mom,
Those sound like really good pizzas. Maybe I will check those out one day.
newsworthy,
Thanks for dropping by to comment and read.
Great ideas to save money. I had never thought to check out the website for prices. I think that alone will save me a bundle. I love tacos, infact I just made some last night for dinner. Unless I go to the mall I make tacos at home because there is no place nearby that make them.
I guess I have been rather fortunate these past few years because my son worked at Papa Gina's pizza and my daughter worked at Wendy's fast food restaurant on the East Coast and we got employee discounts that were extended out to the employee's family. You just can't beat a 50% discount on anything these days. Nice hub, thanks!
Hi Dottie,
Tacos are a great dinner and who can beat the price for making these at home. I think having relatives working in the food industry is a great way to save on the cost of eating out, so there is nothing wrong with that. Thanks for stopping by :).
SP- Nice tip about Del Taco. About Pizza's I get coupons in the mail and sometimes I get a very good deal. I also like Canam Pizza for the variety in vegetarian pizzas. Btw I am not sure in this economy if people would complain about McDonalds or Burger King menu for their quantity/Price value proposition.
I agree CW - you can get some great coupons, including for Papa John's. I don't know if it's just San Diego or if there are others, but Mountain Mike's is my favorite pizza place (and they have coupons too). My favorite though is Souplantation - you can really fill up there and my kids love it. cheers!
Hi Countrywomen,
I love Del Taco and they have lots of great options for vegetarians, which is a good plus. I do not mind McDonald's occasionally, but I feel I get a more satisfying meal at Del Taco. I just have a love for Del Taco. Getting coupons for pizza is also another good way to go.
cindyschulson,
I just loved it down in the San Diego area when I spent a week there for a conference and I will try Mountain Mike's if I am in the area again. Thanks for the tip.
SP- Even when we were on a road trip we did buy french fries from McDonalds. I guess those who eat at those places more often should be aware of their high calorie food items even if they do provide more value for money but in the long run it can have adverse health impact. I will have to check out Del taco outlets near our place. But I do restrict pizza orders to those days when I am very tired or just for variety maybe once/twice a month as those are not very conducive for good health if consumed on a regular basis (totally my personal opinion)
countrywomen,
Most people I know love McDonald's fries, which are a good deal, but I just like the Del Taco ones better. When I do go to McDonal's I do not mind the chicken nuggets, apple pie, or salad, but I tend to be able to get more food at Del Taco for less. Today I got a three dollar meal that includes a drink, green burito, and a chicken soft taco. They also have other combinations where you can get two buritos, but I am just obsessed with Del Taco. I really love it :).
I just checked there locations: http://www.deltaco.com/page7.html and nothing within 20 miles of my place :-(
I did like Taco Bell when I was a student doing my MS and Beans Chellupa was one of my staple diet then. It seems like ages ago when I last had food there. I will have to go there one of these days now.
countrywomen,
Del Taco is a lot like Taco Bell, except the former has been more of a mom and pop chain until more recently. Now I hear Del Taco is talking about expanding, so if they do it would probably be to a western state such as Washington. I love the seven layer burrito at Taco Bell, which is similar to the veggie works burrito at Del Taco. I agree with you about the Chellupa, and it reminds me of the fond memories of the taco bell dog. Do you remember him. Once I was riding a bus and a man was singing to his Christmas you quiero Taco Bell dog in April, and then he proceeded to walk up to the bus driver and say it was her present. Keep in mind this was April and this was pretty hilarious.
I sure hope they do open here soon now that you wet my appetite for it. WOW!! I can imagine and it must have been really funny..LOL
countrywomen,
It was a very funny scene :).
Well you can write a hub about all the funny incidents that made you crack up so far:-)
Here is a request I made for you: http://hubpages.com/request/10018/best?new
Hi SweetiePie, tacos and pizza? Gee, they are my favorites. LOL It does pay to know the promo packages in order to save, share food and split up and I know of a bread store who gives discounted prices when the sun had gone down (great marketing strategy, bread will not go to waste and happy consumers get more for less.) :-)
del taco is good for the tacos al carbon. Jack in the box is great too with their options. If you can try Pickup Stix for chinese food about $5 to $7, similar to PF Changs but lower prices and really healthy food, brown rice instead of whte rice..cool !!! and a good size portion great for me, a hungry guy.. They make Panda Inn food very fast food like a lower quality. Pickup stix makes it when you order, it is not always pre-made like Panda Inn.
countrywomen,
I will definitely get started on that hub asap. Usually I crank hubs out fast, but I am working on taxes on my off hours, so it might be delayed. I hope to write this hub before tomorrow at least. What a great idea and thanks for thinking of me.
Ripplemaker,
Yes I love tacos, burritos, and pizzas, these are some of my favorites. I had a friend once who lived in the Philippines for a year and she said one of her favorite things was buying Portuguese bread at a local market. Have you ever tried this type of bread in the Philippines? I am just curious because I would have thought Spanish bread perhaps, but maybe she was mixed up I wonder? All I know is it is very good she said and she misses it dearly.
obill,
I like all of your suggestions and maybe these can help some people planning to eat at one of those take out places.
Hmm Portuguese bread huh? If you could give me the name probably I would know. :-) We have so many kinds of breads, I don't even know what kind they are. Hahaha I guess it's obvious I'm not a food expert. :-)
SweetiePie - Great article. Didn't know the history of Del Taco. Finding ways to make your money stretch is important nowadays. Dan
Ripplemaker,
That is what she called it, but I do not know the percise name :(. She was only nine at the time, so I think maybe she did not remember exactly. Maybe it was a Portuguese family that made the bread a market, not sure :(.
aikidk01,
Yes Del Taco is a local Southern California chain in many ways. Thanks for stopping by.
Ripplemaker,
That is what she called it, but I do not know the percise name :(. She was only nine at the time, so I think maybe she did not remember exactly. Maybe it was a Portuguese family that made the bread a market, not sure :(.
aikidk01,
Yes Del Taco is a local Southern California chain in many ways. Thanks for stopping by.
In the San Gabriel Valley - Monterery Park, Alhambra, San Gabriel - is a wealth of Asian choices. Because of the incredible amount of places, the food has been commoditized in price but not in taste! Vietnamese French bread sandwiches for around $2; large bowls of wonton noodle soup for the price of a Big Mac meal at McDonald's.
Hi Jycma,
I love those Vietnamese French bread sandwiches, that is a good deal. Hate McDonalds and rarely go there. Peope think their fries are really good, but I think other places have better fries.
goldentoad says:
10 months ago
Sweetiepie, how can you leave out In and Out? I think the price of the burger and the bomb taste is a great deal. I can't even get out of the parking lot with my hamburger still alive.