What do you do when you are taken by surprise at the prices on a menu?

Question

I was invited out to Sunday brunch with a group of people. When I looked at the menu I noticed that the cinnamon rolls were $2 and the brunch was $32. In my mind I decided to have a cinnamon roll!! Fortunately, someone else told us that we were all going to have brunch and he was going to pick up the check. I have another brunch coming up in next week that will also be expensive but am preparing for it. What if you are invited to go with friends and you just can't afford it? What do you do???

Answer 1

I hate to go out to eat anymore, no matter who is paying! I hate getting ripped off.In the Summer this town is full of tourists, and the Chinese Buffet is now $19.95! What a bunch of Bullsh!t ! By the time you add a non-alcoholic drink and a tip it is Almost $30.00.Not in this life, for a Buffet!

   In the "Trendy Downtown Riverfront" these places are all $30.00 and up for entrees.I know all the "Traps" around here, but I would simply say"I can't afford to pay 1/2 my weekly food budget on one meal." Everything is a Rip-Off today! 8/23

Answer 2

I usually try to find out where we are going and call ahead to ask the menu price range. If I know I can't afford it, I may not be able to go or I will eat a snack ahead of time and maybe just order something from the appetizer menu.  

Answer 3

      With todays prices and, social security, everyone knows what the score is, if they don't then they've been sleeping.

       I went to a restaurant the other day where I didn't see one item less then $21.00 and that was simple chicken. I don't like eating something out, that I can get at home cheaper. So I asked for "sides" and, they had them so, I got a bowl of home fries and gravy with a side of sausage, it was early yet.

       It all worked out and several others said they wished they had done that, the chicken was "stringy"

Answer 4

um, well u could suggest another place then! say something like "oh, that sounds great, but actually i heard of this one place, which is called (u say the name!) and i heard it has great food, and is pretty low on the prices. what do u say about going there instead or something?" that might work, because it's not rude, but at the same time, ur paying less! hope u have fun!

Answer 5

Just tell them you can't afford. If they are any kind of friends or any kind of people worth hanging around, they won't snub you for it. Suggest something cheaper. Or, invite them over for a 'homemade' brunch. If you do it every Sunday, you can alternate houses. Make a regular event out of it.  

Answer 6

There are probably others in your party that feel the same way, but are shy about speaking up.  Maybe you could suggest a less expensive place, or announce that you are ordering al la carte, so won't be getting the (expensive) brunch.

Answer 7

Just get the cheapest thing on the menu and say you dont have much of an appetite. Or make an excuse saying you cant make it to the brunch.

Answer 8

I learned my lesson a long time ago, and now I check out the prices before I go.  If I truly can't afford it, I just don't go.  Then I arrange a brunch with the same group and choose a restaurant that I can afford.

Answer 9

Tell them that due to your social, educational and cultural background, there is something about the word 'brunch' and its associations which brings on an outbreak of severe nausea and vomitting.  Explain that if you did attend the meal, you would be completely unable to eat anything, and might do something which would spoil the eating experience for the others.

Answer 10

I agree with Jackie Blue and pea_nut!!!!

Answer 11

Alot of places offer a senior discount if youre not too proud to request one, otherwise you can either explain that youre just not hungry enough to make more then one trip to the breakfast bar, you're really there for the good company anyhow.

Answer 12

I enjoy entertaining at home.  For the price of brunch in a restaurant, I can provide homemade muffins, waffles, omlettes and lots more for a group of friends.  My sisters often pitch in and help, so entertaining is easy and fun.

Answer 13

Tell them the truth. If they're really your friends they'll pick a more modestly priced restaurant. It is inconsiderate of them to assume you can afford that. Most elderly people I know are not made of money.

Answer 14

I simply sat "I can not afford that. But thanks". I don't feel compelled to spend money in a wasteful manner for the sake of others. Not in this economy. $32.00 is a lot of food in this house.

Answer 15

Hey There!

I now after many years of learning when younger that it is wise to live in my income range. I would do what Roxy suggests and if that is not comfortable for you then I would eat before I go and say I an not that hungry which would be true. Then I would get something small off the menu like large water with lemon(healthy for you), and a piece of cheese cake (decadent shows you are treating yourself!) I would enjoy it while I gaze at the beautiful orchids on the table!! I  believe that the friendship is more important than what I have to eat! xoxo Go & Enjoy!!

Answer 16

What you do is simple. Eat before you go, then tell your friends you aren't hungry and order a coffee. Enjoy your friends, pay for your coffee, and leave. I would also suggest a less expensive restaurant for your next luncheon. You might be surprised at the number of people who object to the high prices, but are too embarrassed to speak up.

Answer 17

I am honest.. I tell friends if I cannot afford to go to expensive meals.. I always enjoy myself just as much at less expensive places!

Answer 18

i always ask the person making the invitation the price ,if it's to much i simply say i ca't afford it ,come over for coffee and chat later.

most of my friends are in the same boat, and we often meet at each others homes for a shared meal ,it's relaxed ,bright and chatty ,and cheap !! for special occasions we still go out ,but choose the restaurant carefully .

Answer 19

I check out the menu on-line beforehand so there's no surprises. If I really cant afford to go, I'd find an excuse why I'm unavailable to go out with them that day. Next time, ask if you can choose the place to eat.

Answer 20

We were in Las Vegas for the first time.  We were unaware that every casino has a coffee shop and a buffet, and most of them are reasonable.  We looked and looked for a restaurant on that part of the 'Strip'.   Found one, waited our turn to be seated.  Place was packed.

There was a menu posted on the wall.  It said spaghetti was $17.  (This was in 1998)  $17 for PASTA?????  We walked out of there. I don't remember where we ate that night, but we soon learned to do the casino buffets.

If friends invite me, and it's too expensive, I say so.  Usually, I get the least expensive thing on the menu.

Answer 21

$32 for brunch?  Is that brunch for the entire week?  That is a ridiculous price unless you are having champagne and caviar.

Answer 22

I live in a resort town and that happens to me a LOT.  Sometimes I eat at home first and then just order something small at the restaurant and just tell my friends I'm not very hungry.  That way I can save my money, not be starving and enjoy a meal with my friends.

Answer 23

Granny - you said that you were "invited" out to Sunday  brunch!  If this is the case then you are not expected to pick up the tab.   The invitee should pay.   But if you are asked to "join" a group for brunch then yes you have to pay for your own meal.   Personally, I always just have a salad - usually inexpensive and really all I need.  And, if I am still hungry - - - - well there is always food at home!

Hope this helps!    Good Q.    Have a star!                CJ

Answer 24

If it were me, I would be honest about it and say that it is beyond my budget. Surely others must think this is too expensive. If they are your friends, they will understand. I would not feel bad about it either. 32.00 is too pricey for me.

Answer 25

Split the plate with a friend and split the cost in half.  Unfortunately if it's a buffet you might not get away with this.  Perhaps you could find out in advance where you will be eating and check the menu first.  

Answer 26

If it friends that are inviting you out to places you can't afford, just tell them that the menu is to costly for you.  I have invited people out that have told me that, and I either pick a less expensive place, or tell them I will pick up the tab.  Friends do understand if you don't have money. It is a fact of life from time to time for most everyone.

Answer 27

Make up an excuse not to go? I'm only a teenager, and thankfully parents not letting me go, homework, chores, and my job are good enough excuses, but I really don't know what to make up in the adult world. You can say you're visiting grandkids or you're seein' the doc or something.

Answer 28

You just have to speak up.

If nobody warned you about the high prices first, nobody should be uncomfortable with your decision.

Answer 29

I usually eat before and order something small when I get there or just get a coffee and say I'm not very hungry. I think prices are outrageous and some restaurants especially when I know I can make the same thing at home for a quarter of the price.

Answer 30

I wonder if there was a citizen discount where you went?

If I couldn't afford it, I would decline graciously and take a rain check. Or go and just order something light. (fruit compote? orange juice?) Then scarf when I got home. nah. :)

love ya

{{{hugs}}}

Answer 31

I would find out where they were going and check the prices out first.  If they were too high I would politely bow out.