For starters, keep money in your pocket by drinking water instead of soda or tea. That could save more than $200 a year per person.

If you enjoy alcoholic beverages with lunch or dinner, look for a happy hour; half price specials always are good because the markup on alcohol, according to industry sources, is anywhere from 100 to 400 percent, partly to cover taxes and overhead.

Restaurants also make a lot of money on desserts. So, if you don't split it, think about skipping it. Leaving off dessert also helps you stay healthier.

Order lunch for dinner. Dinner menus usually include a salad or other extras that you might not want, and they cost more.

Hit the places where kids eat free.

Share an entrée; you won’t end up paying for large portion sizes that you shouldn’t eat at one meal anyway.

Also, since many restaurants serve big portions to bring customers back, save half of it and take it home for another meal.

Try out the specials. Down the street from KY3, we found free pie, an all you can eat special, and an everyday bargain of a meal at an Oriental restaurant for under $4.

Professional chefs also advise people never to be shy about discounts, such as buy one and get one free or get one at half price. Use coupons and don't be ashamed. Restaurants put them out for a reason.