T
urn-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 Specials—less expensive meals
served exclusively at earlier times—enticed them back through the
door and to the tables.
It’s a restaurant tradition that’s getting attention in this slow economy with some
favorite lunch and dinner spots playing right along. Who’s 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 Wrightsville’s
Azalea Coast and the banks of the Cape Fear River in historic downtown Wilmington.
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Islands Fresh Mex Grill
the deal $1 tacos
What you get At the top of our dinner
list is Islands Fresh Mex Grill. It’s not
just that the food is deliciously
fresh and healthy, it’s because
it has a special deal that can’t
be beat. Let’s run down the
checklist, to see if it qualifies.
First, you have to like amazing
chicken or beef tacos. Check.
Second, you’re willing to pay $1 for them
(with the purchase of a drink). Doublecheck.
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
62
WBM april 2011
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,
or a Nathan’s 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
won’t be disappointed.”
where 317 South College Road
910-791-9393
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pepperoni pizza, chicken tenders,
penne pasta, mac and cheese
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YoSake
» a m e r i c a n «
Carolina Ale House
the deal Downtown Wilmington’s 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. “It’s delicious.”
when 5 to 7 p.m., Sunday through Friday
where 33 South Front Street, 2nd floor, 910-763-3172