10. Bring your own alcoholic beverages

If you enjoy an occasional alcoholic beverage with your meal, find out if the restaurant allows patrons to bring their own wine or beer.

Corkage fees are usually much lower than the markup on restaurant alcohol.

By checking the restaurant’s policy on BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle), you can not only enjoy your preferred wine or beer but also avoid the hefty markup that restaurants typically charge on alcoholic drinks.

Just remember to be mindful of the restaurant’s corkage fee, which is usually a fraction of the cost you’d pay for the same bottle on the menu, making it a savvy choice for those looking to enjoy a complete dining experience while keeping their budget in check.