The To Go Box is a small side section of this blog where I talk through some of the ways I learned to dine on a budget during college. They aren’t the most extravagant methods, but they work. Here’s the first one:

On a budget? Love going out to eat? Willing to throw your pride away for a few minutes? Does your significant other embarass easily?

If you answered “yes” to the first 3 questions and “no” to the last one, you’re in the right spot! Here’s a quick and easy way to grocery shop at Red Robin for cheap:

1. Fries are your friends, and at Red Robin, they’re BOTTOMLESS! Eat these often, and eat these exclusively, while you are at the restaurant.

2. Don’t touch that burger! I know it looks appetizing, I know it’s huge, and I know it is what they’re known for, but I like to remind myself that two burgers are always better than one. Saving food on this visit, frees up meals for later in the week or month, depending on your budget.

3. There’s no place in your grocery bag for vegetables. They don’t keep well, and the goal here is to walk out with a full stomach AND food for 3-5 more full stomachs. When you’re ordering your sandwich, keep this in mind. I don’t like soggy vegetables, so I leave ’em off.

4. OPTIONAL – Fry refills: They’re not just for eating in the restaurant. If you’re full and that basket is empty, get a refill. If you’re full and your basket is full, have your significant other get a refill. You might get some awkward looks, but if you’re up for it, its worth it.

Recap: You and a partner walk in with empty stomachs and $20-25. You walk out with full and satisified bellies. You also happen to walk out with 2 burgers, and if you play your cards right, 4 orders of fries that you can stretch into 2-3 more meals each. That brings the cost from $10/person to $2.50/person for the night. Thats cheaper than a can of soup!