Delicious Deals

Who doesnt enjoy the occasional Early Bird or Blue Plate special a buy-one-get-one-free appetizer or entree a half-price coupon discount or any delicious deal at one of our areas excellent eateries?

Turn-of-the-century restaurateurs figured out fast that feeding more customers meant bigger bottom lines. The famed Early Bird Special was minted in1950s Florida when retirees agitated by long waiting lines opted to stay home in droves. Early Bird Specialsless expensive meals served exclusively at earlier timesenticed them back through the door and to the tables.

Its a restaurant tradition thats getting attention in this slow economy with some favorite lunch and dinner spots playing right along. Whos offering delicious deals? Try this sampler of causal and fine dining establishments dishing up an eclectic menu from American to Asian Italian to Mexican all sandwiched between the banks of Wrightsvilles Azalea Coast and the banks of the Cape Fear River in historic downtown Wilmington.

The Deal $1 tacos

What you get At the top of our dinner list is Islands Fresh Mex Grill. Its not just that the food is deliciously fresh and healthy its because it has a special deal that cant be beat. Lets run down the checklist to see if it qualifies. First you have to like amazing chicken or beef tacos. Check. Second youre willing to pay $1 for them (with the purchase of a drink). Double-check. Want a little something more than a typical taco? No problem. During that same time period you can eat bodacious Baja fish or steak tacos for $1.99 (with the purchase of a drink).

When 5-10 p.m.

Where 260 Racine Drive 910-799-2109

Carolina Ale House

The Deal Kids Night all kids meals are only 99 cents. (You read that right.)

When Every Tuesday from 5-9 p.m.

What you get If your child is
12 years old or younger he or she can choose a grilled cheese sandwich pepperoni pizza chicken tenders penne pasta mac and cheese or a Nathans pint-sized hotdog. All kids meals are served with fries Jell-O veggies or applesauce. The deal includes a beverage. Manager Bryan Archibald says “We serve a great portion for a low price; you wont be disappointed.”

Where 317 South College Road 910-791-9393

YoSake

The Deal Downtown Wilmingtons swankiest sushi lounge and restaurant is host to a half-price menu (dine-in only).

What you get The menu offers a sashimi appetizer sampler for $5 that includes tuna salmon white fish crab stick masago and scallions. Try a spicy tuna roll California roll cucumber avocado roll or a V3 roll for $3 each. For $4 diners can choose from a Philadelphia roll Alaskan roll shrimp tempura roll spicy crunchy tuna roll tuna asparagus roll and the salmon asparagus roll. Also included on the half-price menu is a selection of soups for $2 and salads for $3. “Get the firecracker shrimp our most popular item ” says manager Mick White. “Its delicious.”

When 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday through Friday

Where 33 South Front Street 2^nd floor 910-763-3172

The Bridge Tender Restaurant

The Deal An Azalea Coast fixture for generations legions of Bridge Tender loyalists enjoy the Sunset Special for $15.99.

What you get Start with a choice of clam chowder or a mixed green salad. Follow that with entrees that include beer-battered fish and chips crunchy coconut shrimp horseradish encrusted tuna crab cake or shrimp and grits. End the Early Bird feast with a choice of either Key lime pie or fudge brownie Napoleon. General Manager Christopher McCray exclaims “Its a wonderful offering. Its the same great Bridge Tender food and service just earlier and for less money.”

When Perfect if youre hungry from 4 to 6 p.m.

Where 1414 Airlie Road 910-256-4519

Front Street Brewery

The Deal Owner Tom Harris has brewed up a $5.99 lunch special

When Served daily from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

What you get “My intent is for everyone to enjoy themselves at an affordable price ” Harris says. Choose from a variety of options including pulled chicken nachos gorgonzola walnut salad pulled BBQ chicken plate pulled BBQ pork plate pulled chicken garden salad and a pita wrap with either chicken or portabella mushroom. Sandwiches on the lunch special (all served with fries) include pulled pork pulled BBQ chicken a half-pound cheeseburger or a plate of the brewerys cheeseburger sliders.

Theres more Be sure to check out the $7.99 dinner bargains and half-priced appetizers too.

Where 9 North Front Street 910-251-1935

Slice of Life Pizzeria & Pub

Its lunchtime and someone says “Hey how about pizza?” Okay so where to? The fabulous Slice of Life has a lunch special that tastes even better than it sounds.

The Deal $7.75 buys two slices of fantastic pizza with two toppings a salad and a drink. Craig Funk general manager of all three locations emphasizes his pizza is made from scratch.

What Else? Heading back for seconds and hungry for something other than pizza? Choose from either a chicken steak or veggie quesadilla with a drink for the same price.

When 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where Three locations:

122 Market Street 910-251-9444

1437 Military Cutoff Road 910-256-2229

Corner of 17^th and College Road 910-799-1399