Restaurant Check Etiquette: Which Money-Saving Moves Actually Work?

As dining costs continue to climb, with full-service restaurant meals rising 3.2% annually according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, diners are getting creative about stretching their budgets. From DIY lemonades to shared plates, the tactics vary widely—but so does the judgment from those around you. When it comes to splitting that restaurant check or employing other cost-cutting strategies, the line between “smart” and “stingy” can be surprisingly thin.

The Tactics Everyone Judges You For

Skimping on Tips

One of the quickest ways to earn disapproving glances while settling your restaurant check? Leaving a subpar tip. Servers in the U.S. rely heavily on gratuity since hourly wages are minimal, yet some diners order full meals knowing they can’t afford the standard 15-20% tip.

Etiquette experts are unanimous here: this is a non-starter. “Once a service has been completed, it deserves a gratuity. If you can’t afford to tip, don’t eat out,” said Lisa Mirza Grotts, a renowned etiquette consultant. Her sentiment is echoed by image consultant Tami Claytor, who notes that “restaurant servers work extremely hard and should not be penalized because of a patron’s budget.”

Ordering One Entree for Two People

Asking for an extra plate to split a single meal used to fly under the radar, but many restaurants are now actively discouraging the practice. While portion sizes at some establishments are generous enough to accommodate this, most establishments view it as a revenue threat.

Grotts’ advice is straightforward: order two entrees and take one home for another meal. Claytor offers a middle ground—this move is acceptable at restaurants famous for oversized portions if you’re genuinely just sampling rather than getting a full meal.

Packing Up Free Extras

Complimentary bread, chips and salsa, or other appetizers before your meal present a temptation: why not ask your server to wrap up the extras for later? Both experts firmly shut this down. It crosses from frugal into tacky territory.

The Moves That Might Actually Be Acceptable

Creating Your Own Beverage

Some diners order water with extra lemon slices, then use complimentary sugar packets to make homemade lemonade—sidestepping the beverage charge entirely. Grotts admits she’s done this, with one crucial caveat: “You should still tip as if you ordered a beverage.” Claytor labels it cheap but didn’t elaborate, suggesting some grudging acceptance if the restaurant doesn’t serve lemonade.

Ordering Appetizers as Main Courses

If you’re not particularly hungry, ordering appetizers instead of a full entree is increasingly normalized. Grotts notes this happens frequently, especially when two or more appetizers are ordered. Claytor agrees it’s acceptable for those wanting a light bite or when multiple apps are shared.

Bringing Cake for Celebrations

Want to celebrate a birthday with a favorite dessert? Bringing your own cake to a restaurant can work—assuming you accept that a cake fee will typically be charged. Grotts sees no issue with this approach. Claytor agrees, provided the restaurant either doesn’t serve dessert or the specific dessert you want isn’t on their menu.

The Red Flags

Requesting Half Portions at Full Prices

Asking to order and pay for only half a portion is where etiquette experts draw a hard line. Grotts considers it simply unacceptable—full stop. Claytor agrees it reads as budget-conscious taken too far.

Splitting a Meal in Formal Settings

Context matters here. Asking friends or family to split your restaurant check is one thing; doing it with colleagues or strangers at a formal dinner is another. If you’re going this route, ensure the portions are substantial enough that you’re not visibly short-changing yourself and that the restaurant permits it.

The bottom line: there’s an art to being budget-conscious without being disrespectful. When you settle your restaurant check, remember that servers depend on tips, portion-sharing rules exist for a reason, and some money-saving moves simply aren’t worth the awkward glances or reputation damage.