Have you cut back on eating out due to the rising cost?

[Anonymous]

I think we may be reaching that point.

I just placed an order for Chinese food and the total was $97. This is from our usual local joint and to compare, this same meal back in April 2022 came in at $69.32 (the website saves past orders).

Each meal on the old paper menu we have is listed in the $11-$13 range. Each meal is now listed on their site in the $14-$18 range. Oof.

[Anonymous]

Yes. Not only have prices gone up, I feel like service and food quality is poorer.

[Anonymous]

We have. We ate out the other night. It was the first time in weeks.

[Anonymous]

I feel sorry for restaurant owners, but they just aren’t essential. I can often cook better at home too. I do enjoy sitting back and enjoying a nice meal/glass of wine, but I will be more selective. No more fast casual. That’s where I notice the biggest price increases.

[Anonymous]

Nope. Totally worth the cost, IMO.

[Anonymous]

Yes.

[Anonymous]

Yes. I used to grab a late lunch a few times a week for under $20 with tip, and pick up dinner for $30-40. Now dinner would be $50 or more. At that point, I’d rather get groceries and include a few splurge items like smoked salmon. Also, during COVID I discovered several quick meal options at Trader Joe’s — and $20 will get me a week of lunches.

[Anonymous]

Yes! I’ve gotten into making salads (I love the Cosi signature salad dup). I also never thought I’d do this, but I nuke those little bags of Indian food and serve them over rice - pretty good and cheap - better than frozen. Lots of rice cakes or apples and peanut butter, eggs, etc. I don’t like fast casual food because it doesn’t even taste good any longer. We still go out for date night about once a month.

[Anonymous]

We don't eat out. Since my husband retired he does all the cooking. I don't trust strangers with my food. I question cleanliness. Spreading salmonella, listeria, e coli from contaminated gloves. No thank you. Filthy kitchens. Filthy floors. Filthy counters. Questionable freshness.
Blame Gordon Ramsey. That mobile kitchen show did it for me. Never again. Not even a hamburger.
I do miss Mexican food. I found a recipe so my husband makes homemade chimichangas. But yes, the costs are out of control. I get menus from local places in the mail. Oh My.

[Anonymous]

I have not, but I live in one of the southern historic cities where locals are often given discounts and tourists carry the cost of inflation. I did notice price a lot more when traveling around Thanksgiving, but we were also eating out for most meals, versus lunch or dinner a couple days a week.

[Anonymous]

Yes. I’m DCUM “poor” (MC) and I ordered a cup of soup for takeout that had no meat in it. There wasn’t a price on the menu. Ended up being $10.38 and it was a basic soup with no meat in it.

Guess I’m back to eating at home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We don't eat out. Since my husband retired he does all the cooking. I don't trust strangers with my food. I question cleanliness. Spreading salmonella, listeria, e coli from contaminated gloves. No thank you. Filthy kitchens. Filthy floors. Filthy counters. Questionable freshness.
Blame Gordon Ramsey. That mobile kitchen show did it for me. Never again. Not even a hamburger.
I do miss Mexican food. I found a recipe so my husband makes homemade chimichangas. But yes, the costs are out of control. I get menus from local places in the mail. Oh My.

I have a child in culinary school. The amount of classes in cleanliness would surprise you.

Also, you sound a little OCD.

[Anonymous]

Yes I have cut back.
Restaurants have raised their prices because they can. Because people continue to pay. If people weren’t willing to pay you would see a lot of restaurants closing.

[Anonymous]

Ordering out is expensive with the delivery fees.

[Anonymous]

No because we were already doing it pretty rarely, but I do tend to choose cheaper options and only order if it's food I really want (vs easier not to cook). We spent $40 on breakfast this week at a "pop-up" since we can't usually get fresh bagels. .whew. Crazy but still better value than dinner.