While dining out has become one of the few forms of entertainment left to us these days, most of us cannot afford a steak at Fleming’s, baked stuffed shrimp at Twin Oaks, or lobster at the Coast Guard House every night of the week.

Even ribs at Smoky Bones, lasagna at Carrabba’s, and fish and chips at Chelo’s can take a toll on our weekly food budget, along with rising prices at the supermarket.

While fine dining has always been one of our greatest pleasures, one we love to share with our readers, the reality is that we supplement those pleasures with low-cost, inexpensive, fast food dining experiences.

We comb newspapers, magazines, mail flyers and the internet for money-saving coupons. We take advantage of two-for-ones, half-off, and Groupon-type of savings.

Among McDonald’s, Wendy’s and Burger King, there are always special competing offers, so we hold no special allegiance to any one of them.

Dinner for two at $5 each a day

We remember the old travel books that started out “Europe on $5 a day,” increasing every few years in $5 increments.

We researched local eateries and created a schedule for “dinner at $5 a day,” or $10 a couple.

Monday: A two for $5 Whopper promotion at Burger King, $10

Tuesday: Two foot-long Subways (using your app to order), $10

Wednesday: A large, three-topping Domino’s pizza, $8

Thursday: Taco Bell $5 burrito specials, $10

Friday: Two fish and chips at Anchor Seafood, $16

Saturday: Iggy’s doughboys, $8

Sunday: Quart of chicken lo mein at Wai Wai House, $8

Total: $70

You can also save by eating at locally owned chain restaurants, like Gregg’s and Applebee’s, and popular local favorites like Marchetti’s and Governor Francis.

Many restaurants include soup or salad and bread with their meals, which can take the edge off your appetite.

Eating half of the meal and taking the other half home gives you two meals for the price of one. When Joyce gets a side order of pasta, she often has it wrapped to take home before it is even brought to the table.

Choosing water as your beverage and skipping appetizers or desert lowers your bottom line. You can have a scoop of store-bought ice cream when you get home.

The one area we do not skimp on is the tip. Waitpersons are making less these days and need and deserve at least a 20 percent tip.