Eating out no longer worth it

[Anonymous]

We still eat out regularly, like twice a week on weekends with kids and once or twice a week for myself and my husband. We have always lived in great cities for food and are involved in the restaurant business, so eating out with our kids has been a form of entertainment and a way to spend family time they were infants, as well as a way to spend time with friends. We still look forward to trying out new restaurants, especially when we travel. But it’s less fine dining than it used to be, and I think it’s mostly because it doesn’t fit my lifestyle anymore. Before kids and when the kids were very young, my husband and I would treat ourselves to a nice meal out. Now that the kids are middle school aged, we want to eat with them. So we go to mid range sushi or Indian instead of to a fancy French restaurant.

Yes, it’s more expensive than it used to be and the tipping is crazy, so I get why so many people choose not to eat out anymore.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Agree. The scamming for 40 percent tips is nuts.

I eat out literally all the time in NYC and have not seen this. I call bullshit.

I live in NYC - we don’t have that. I was in Philly recently, and almost every place was like “20% service charge and, no, it’s not tips”.

[Anonymous]

I’m with you OP. The three of us can’t even get out of our local Greek joint for less than 100 bucks anymore. Not worth it.

I’ve also sworn off coffee shops. I can’t justify 12 bucks on a crappy latte and a muffin.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was going over this year's expenses. We spent $4K going out to eat/takeout last year. That's absurd. The worst thing was there was only one memorable meal.

Our family gets takeout/eats out about once a week. This is going away in 2024. I'm going to start making dinners to pop in the freezer, or just stock up on Costco frozen stuff when I don't feel like cooking.

I got an instant pot on sale and find it handy and quick for weeknight meals.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Agree. The scamming for 40 percent tips is nuts.

I eat out literally all the time in NYC and have not seen this. I call bullshit.

its the 20 percent service fee for all the staff with a note that says, tips are given directly to your server.

No way. Where is that?

[Anonymous]

I find the hole in the wall places have been consistent - the good ones are still good. But I have a friend who likes to go to nice places. I end up paying a lot for food that is mediocre at best. It is still fun, but the food alone is not worth the price.

[Anonymous]

I’ve learned to be a better cook. Going out is so expensive, even though I haven’t seen the tipping problems in our area, and the food quality is rarely worth it.

[Anonymous]

Yes, definitely eating out less. Portions are small. Pricey, not great service. We eat at home. Made a rib roast for $50 for 10 people. So delish and we had leftovers too. Not going out anytime soon.

[Anonymous]

What I don’t understand is the lack of cleanliness at restaurants after the pandemic. It seems to have gotten worse. I took a friend to Lia’s for lunch last month and it was over $100. For all our food, the server had her fingers in our dishes while she served them. Yuck!

[Anonymous]

The asking for tips on takeout is not welcome. I don’t like the pressure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Agree. The scamming for 40 percent tips is nuts.

I eat out literally all the time in NYC and have not seen this. I call bullshit.

its the 20 percent service fee for all the staff with a note that says, tips are given directly to your server.

No way. Where is that?

You’re on a DC-based message board.

[Anonymous]

Here's a bit of a read from Vox on the subject: We dined out less this year — but it wasn’t just about the price

With severe food allergies in our household, eating out has always been a challenge, especially in the '00s (when it was just starting to surface). Thankfully, modern food service (generally) pays attention and it's less of an issue. For us, though, it's the prices. $100+ for a family of four......just not happenin' with any frequency. We'll be back to birthdays and special occasions only. And even then, I am humbled when our teens ask for a (special) Mom Meal for their special day. Maybe a little work on my part but definitely a labor of love....and I usually make enough (for a fraction of the cost)....for leftovers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What I don’t understand is the lack of cleanliness at restaurants after the pandemic. It seems to have gotten worse. I took a friend to Lia’s for lunch last month and it was over $100. For all our food, the server had her fingers in our dishes while she served them. Yuck!

How did you spend $100 on lunch for two at Lias, unless you included a bottle of wine??

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Agree. The scamming for 40 percent tips is nuts.

I eat out literally all the time in NYC and have not seen this. I call bullshit.

its the 20 percent service fee for all the staff with a note that says, tips are given directly to your server.

No way. Where is that?

What's worse is that high school students are brainwashed to give tips of 20% for bad service

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes we've cut back on eating out. The restaurants are not going to make it.

Every restaurant I’ve seen is packed.

“Every” restaurant? Doubt it.