KRMG's Consumer Warrior Clark Howard says restaurants have lots of tricks to "upsell" you on high-priced items.
Starting with the daily special.
"Those are the items that have the highest profit margin for the restaurant, and they may not be special in any way other than for the restaurant, not for your stomach."
Desserts and liquor are another place where restaurants make easy money.
Clark says a $7 drink or dessert may literally cost the restaurant as little as 25 cents.
Speaking of alcohol, Clark says don't be afraid to order the cheapest bottle of wine.
He says chances are that you'll be happy with the taste and much happier with the cost.
By the way, Clark says the coffee in coffee shops is often a loss-leader and that coffee shops rely on you to buy the tempting pastries to make their money.