Be honest: You spend more money eating at restaurants than you do on rent, shoes and maxi dresses combined. Try these seven tricks to make every dining experience in NYC a fantastic one.
7 Restaurant Hacks You Have to Try in NYC
Dining out just got better (and cheaper)
Don't Eat Out On Saturdays Or Holidays
Think about it: When a restaurant is packed, the wait staff is likely trying to get guests in and out the door as quickly as possible. For a more relaxed experience, cook at home on the weekends and reserve a special date night for next Tuesday, when your favorite spot will be way less crowded.
Find Out What The Chef Eats
Instead of asking the server what he recommends (he’s likely to say the most popular dish on the menu), ask which meal the chef makes for himself on his break. If he likes it, we’re willing to bet it’s pretty tasty.
Check Out The Bathroom
Listen up, people: This one is key, especially in New York City. Before you even look at the menu, check out the bathroom. If it’s dirty, go somewhere else. (You don’t want to imagine what the kitchen looks like.)
Try A Mid-range Tasting Menu
Per Se is incredible, but dropping $1,000 on dinner isn’t always in the cards. Luckily, in NYC, there are a few restaurants like Contra, Wallflower NYC, The Eddy and Battersby, that offer amazing tasting menus for under $100.
Split The Tab On An App
Oops, you’re out for girls’ night and you all forgot to bring cash. Instead of asking the server to split the bill on eight credit cards, try the free Tab app. Just snap a photo of the receipt and tap your items to claim them. Tip and tax are included, too.
Swap Dinner For Lunch
If your heart is set on that Michelin-starred meal, go for lunch, when the prices are usually cheaper, instead of dinner. Jean-Georges offers a $38 prix fixe lunch, while a dinner tasting will cost you upwards of $98. Use the rest of the cash for a cute new dress.