Eating in restaurants

Seriously, how y'all affording this?! I'm making pulled chicken tacos for supper tonight, with a side of slaw. Total cost for the meal: about 6$. Maya is charging $17 for 2 tacos ! That's $23 with taxes and a 20% tip. For 2 tacos. As tapas, so I'll need to get more food to make a meal. I get labour, overhead is expensive and I'm NOT bitching about the cost. I know restaurants operate on thin margins. I'm asking how do people afford to go out for dinner or even lunch? Last time I was out for a meal it was Father's Day at a pub. 2 people, burger, appy and 2 drinks. $120

Is the restaurant industry struggling? How do student parents afford to pay for their kids to go out for dinner? Even McD's is closing in on $20 for a meal. And yes, I'm tired of cooking.