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Early Bird Gets Their Choice
Great deals on good food aren't always easy to find, but we've uncovered some early bird dining specials at top-rated restaurants in every state by scouring reviews on TripAdvisor and Yelp. Bon appétit!
Related: 50 Ways to Spend Less When Eating Out
Alabama: Silvertron Café
Birmingham
Every Monday is pasta night at Silvertron Café, a Birmingham neighborhood favorite for more than 25 years. Enjoy $8 comfort food (regular prices range from $9.50 to $14), $1 off glasses of wine, and $4 off bottles.
Alaska: Simon & Seafort's Saloon & Grill
Anchorage
The three-course "first seating" menu at Simon & Seafort's Saloon & Grillfeatures soup or salad, one of five entrees, and homemade dessert for $30 daily. A dish of pasta, seafood, or meat alone from the regular dinner menu at this classic American grill costs between $22 and $68. Early bird hours change seasonally, so check for the current schedule.
Arizona: Roma Garden
Phoenix
Roma Gardenis known for Northern Italian fare, and its large early bird dinner menu (4 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday) includes antipasto, salads, house specials, and pastaplates for $10.25 or less, about half off regular dinner menu items.
Arkansas: Village Inn
Bentonville
Village Innserves up a free slice of piealongside early bird options that include stir-fried chicken, grilled chicken, tilapia, and more for just $8. Head in from 3 to 6 p.m. daily for "great-tasting food and extra-friendly service."
California: Billingsley's Restaurant
Los Angeles
A purveyor of prime rib and steakhouse dining for more than 65 years, Billingsley's Restaurantoffers an entree, soup or salad, a potatoor rice, a vegetable, garlic cheese toast, a beverage, and dessert for $23 from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Those who arrive later pay $20 to $36 without the drink and dessert.
Colorado: Carlos' Bistro
Colorado Springs
Early bird menu options (smaller portions of standard menu items that regularly cost $25 to $80) are available for a half-hour starting daily at 5 p.m. at husband-and-wife-owned Carlos' Bistro, most for half off. Don't come with a large crowd, though; the specials are for parties of no more than four people. And mark the calendar -- no early bird dinners in December.
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Connecticut: Riverview Bistro
Stratford
Enjoy views overlooking the Housatonic River while dining at Riverview Bistro, a charming Stratford restaurant. From 4 to 6 p.m. daily, guests can order from a $16 early bird menu that includes soup or salad, a choice of entree served with a starch and vegetable, dessert, and coffee or tea. At other times, it costs $17 and up just for an entree and side salad.
District of Columbia: Las Canteras Peruvian Restaurant & Bar
Patrons of Las Canteras Peruvian Restaurant & Barget a three-course meal of certain appetizers or salads, entrees, and desserts for $24 from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Ordering from the standard menu costs at least twice as much. Look for ceviche, fresh and marinated fish plates, and traditional dishes such as lomo saltado (beef with onions, tomatoes, and fries) and arroz con pollo (chicken and rice).
Delaware: JD Shuckers Seafood Grill & Raw Bar
Lewes
Early bird specials are served from 4 to 6 p.m. daily at the family-friendly eatery JD Shuckers Seafood Grill & Raw Bar, with 11 meals such as fish and chips ($15, regularly $17), fried oysters ($15, regularly $19) and homemade meatloaf ($10, regularly $14) offered with a choice of two sides.
Florida: Saltwater Grill
Panama City Beach
The Saltwater Grillearly bird menu is served daily from 4 to 5:30 p.m. with an array of appetizers ($5), entrees ($15), and desserts ($3.50). Crispy fried calamari, beef tenderloin, shrimp and grits, honey-glazed salmon, creme brûlée, and Key lime pie are all options at this eatery.
Georgia: The Colonnade Restaurant
Atlanta
Atlanta staple The Colonnade Restaurantopened its doors in 1927 and has been serving Southern fried chicken, fresh fish, and country vegetables ever since. Early bird patrons can choose one of 13 entrees, two sides or one side and a salad, a non-alcoholic beverage, and dessert for $13 Monday through Thursday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. Diners shell out up to $30 a plate for dishes on the regular menu.
Hawaii: Atlantis Seafood & Steak
Honolulu
Atlantis Seafood & Steak,offers daily early bird specials from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Plates of steak and pasta range in price from $12 to $15, while regular menu items at this Waikiki establishment are priced between $20 and $50. Enjoy a discounted meal with a view of Kalakaua Avenue and the lively Waikiki strip.
Idaho: Texas Roadhouse
Meridian
Early bird deals vary by city at this chain, but head into the Meridian Texas RoadhouseMonday through Thursday until 6 p.m. to take advantage of 11 hearty entrees such as country-fried sirloin and pulled pork, each $9 -- basically a 10 percent discount.
Illinois: Lino's
Rockford
Lino'shas been serving Italian food to the Rockford area for more than 40 years. Nightly dine-in specials are on the menu from 4:30 to 6 p.m. and include baked lasagna (just over $11, regularly $12.50), fried cod (just over $12, regularly just over $15), chicken Parmigiana ($13, regularly $15), and much more. Meals come with some combination of pasta or potato, salad, bread, a non-alcoholic drink, and ice cream.
Indiana: Stone Creek Dining Co.
Greenwood
Stone Creek Dining Co.offers a small but appealing early dining menu every weekday from 4 to 6 p.m. Entrees such as steak and fries, chicken piccata, fish and chips, sirloin steak, and beer-battered shrimp are $11 to $13 served with a house or Caesar salad. The special menu at this traditional American steak and seafood house shaves about $4 to $8 off normal prices.
Iowa: Prime N' Wine
Mason City
Place an early bird order between 4:30 and 6:15 p.m. daily (excluding New Year's Eve and Valentine's Day) at Prime N' Wine, a retro-style steakhouse. There's salmon with dill sauce ($12, regularly $17), prime rib ($17), spaghetti and meatballs ($12, regularly $16), and Greek-style chicken ($11, regularly $15) served with sides such as fries, baked potato, and salad or soup.
Kansas: Johnny Cascone's Italian Restaurant
Overland Park
Four generations of the Cascone family have owned and operated Johnny Cascone's Italian Restaurantsince 1954. Customers at this Italian gem can enjoy classic dishes such as homemade gnocchi, veal Parmesan, rigatoni, and baked lasagna. Choose from one of nine entrees and soup or salad for just $13 from noon to 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and 3 to 6 p.m. the rest of the week. A scoop of ice cream is included. Entrees on the regular menu run between $16 and $32.
Kentucky: Colby's Fine Food & Spirits
Owensboro
Located in downtown Owensboro in a charming 20th-century building, Colby's Fine Food & Spiritshas an early evening menu served from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday with eight entrees including slow-roasted prime rib, pork chops, and grilled salmon, tuna, or tilapia. A beverage, dessert, and even tax are included in the $15 price. Early birds save at least $4 off regular menu items.
Louisiana: Maison Lacour
Baton Rouge
Tucked away in a park-like setting in Baton Rouge, traditional French restaurant Maison Lacourserves up a four-course meal for $32 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. daily (except for Valentine's Day, Christmas Eve, and New Year's Eve). There are six appetizers to choose from, such as gazpacho and duck pâté, as well as 10 entrees including pork tenderloin and shrimp with basil cream sauce. Salad and dessert are included. An equivalent meal off the regular menu would be at least $44.
Maine: West Street Cafe
Bar Harbor
Discounts are available from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the West Street Cafe, a casual surf-and-turf eatery in Bar Harbor, and include lobster ($20, regularly $22), broiled salmon, fried clams, sirloin tips (all $15, regularly $17), and more.
Maryland: Coins Pub & Restaurant
Ocean City
Get an entree and two sides for $10 to $14 from 4 to 6 p.m. daily at Coins Pub & Restaurant, about $3 to $8 off regularly priced dishes. There's a little of everything on the menu, including chicken teriyaki, fettuccine Alfredo, prime rib, and seafood marinara.
Massachusetts: La Famiglia Giorgio's
Boston
La Famiglia Giorgio's, a family-style Italian joint, specializes in large portions. An early evening menu is served Monday through Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. and offers meals with a salad, entree, glass of wine, and dessert for just $20 a person. Regular dinner menu entrees range in price from $12 to $23.
Michigan: The Manitou
Honor
Fresh fish, steak, and lobster are favorites at The Manitou, a new American restaurant near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. An extensive early bird menu is served daily from 4:30 to 6 p.m. and includes $12 to $16 smaller portions of house favorites served with a choice of potato or veggie and a cup of soup, coleslaw, or garden salad. Regular-priced, full-size entrees are $18 to $30.
Minnesota: Jax Café
Minneapolis
Family-owned Jax Caféwas born in 1933, when Prohibition ended and liquor licenses started flowing again. On Sunday and Tuesday through Friday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., the Kozlak family serves favorites including smothered chicken breast ($18), a full Polish dinner ($17), and chicken pot pie ($17) with soup or salad and a bread platter.
Mississippi: Amerigo Italian Restaurant
Ridgeland
Small plates and salads ($3 to $7), main courses ($10 to $13), tiramisu ($5), house wine ($5), and children's items ($5 with beverage) are available until 6 p.m. at the kid-friendly Amerigo Italian Restaurant. Regular dinner menu appetizers and entrees range from $5 to $29.
Missouri: Beer Kitchen
Kansas City
Gastropub Beer Kitchenoffers a small but affordable early snacking menu every day from 4 to 6 p.m. Sliders and fries are just $2, deviled eggs $3, hummus $4, and flatbread pizzas are $5. Diners pay $5 to $18 for regular-priced appetizers and entrees.
Montana: Uptown Cafe
Butte
Early dining options at Butte's highly rated Uptown Cafeare offered Sunday through Saturday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and change seasonally. A choice between two main courses, such as green chili pot pie and Mexican halibut, comes with soup or salad for $14.50. Regular-priced dishes range from $13 to just over $40.
Nebraska: Salt 88
Omaha
Offering new American cuisine, Salt 88offers a discounted menu Monday through Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m. with appetizers for $4 to $8, pizzas for $9 to $13, and spaghetti and meatballs for $11. There are also deep discounts on boozy drinks. On the regular menu, starters and main courses are $5 to $34.
Nevada: Mykonos Greek Cuisine
Las Vegas
The early bird menu at Mykonos Greek Cuisinein Las Vegas' Sun City is served daily from 3 to 7 p.m. It includes authentic Greek dishes such as gyros, moussaka (baked eggplant and ground beef casserole), and keftedakia (Greek-style meatballs) for $9.50. All come with rice and a small salad or soup and regularly cost between $15 and $24. Diners must buy a beverage to get the discounted price.
New Hampshire: Old Salt Restaurant
Hampton
The family-run Old Salt Restaurantspecializes in fresh seafood and prime-cut steaks. Stop by between 3 and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to take advantage of the three-course early dining deal for $14. Choose salad or soup and an entree, such as grilled salmon, broiled chop sirloin, and fish and chips, and save room for a choice of desserts. Appetizers and entrees are between $7 and $23 on the regular menu.
New Jersey: Little Italy
Wildwood Crest
Visit Little Italywith an empty stomach. Sunday through Friday from 4 to 5 p.m., the restaurant serves a hearty three-course menu for $14.50. Entrees such as rigatoni, manicotti, and chicken marsala come with soup or salad, dessert, and a bread basket. Pasta, meat, and seafood entrees normally cost between $14.50 and $30.50.
New Mexico: Trading Post Cafe & Gallery
Ranchos De Taos
Trading Post Cafe & GalleryItalian restaurant serves $12 three-course dinners from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday that include entrees of pasta Bolognese (regularly $17.50), seafood pasta ($23), rosemary chicken ($17.50), and farfalle primavera ($16.50) among other tempting dishes.
New York: Lincoln Square Steak
New York City
TripAdvisorranks Lincoln Square Steakthe fifth-best restaurant in all of New York City. While the three-course menu (which includes a side) served from 5 to 6:30 p.m. daily is a bit steeper than most, at $42 per person, consider that main dishes alone range from $22 to $54 at this Upper West Side steakhouse.
North Carolina: Miller's Seafood & Steakhouse
Kill Devil Hills
Miller's Seafood & Steakhousetakes 20 percent off the bill if everyone is seated before 5 p.m. The deal excludes salads, sandwiches, and the children's menu. Entrees range from $16 to $34 and include dishes such as a fried seafood trio ($24), surf and turf ($27), and scallops ($28).
North Dakota: Granite City Food & Brewery
Fargo
Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Granite City Food & Brewery, customers get $2 off a variety of savory foods, including certain flatbreads, nachos, quesadillas, and tacos starting at $5.
Ohio: 1812 Food & Spirits
Port Clinton
For a classic American fine-dining experience for less, head to 1812 Food & Spiritsfrom 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Entrees served with salad or soup, fresh-baked bread, and a non-alcoholic beverage range in price from $12 to $17 and include dishes such as barbecue ribs, salmon, and eggplant Parmesan. Diners pay $16 to $39 for regular-priced main courses.
Oklahoma: Pelican's Restaurant
Midwest City
Pelican's Restauranthas a little something for everyone on the early bird menu available 2 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. Aside from the $15 petite top sirloin, everything is $12, including catfish (regularly $14), shrimp scampi (regularly $17), and grilled chicken (regularly $16). Diners get salad, fresh bread, and one side included in the price.
Oregon: Fathoms Restaurant & Bar
Lincoln City
Located at the Inn at Spanish Head Resort Hotel in the oceanside town of Lincoln City, Fathoms Restaurant & Bartreats diners to views of the Pacific as well as early dining specials from 4 to 5:30 p.m. daily. Dishes including crabcakes, fettuccine Alfredo, Parmesan chicken, and grilled salmon can be had for $10.50 to $17.50. Dining from the standard menu costs $19 to $36 per entree.
Pennsylvania: Square One Pub
New Hope
A three-course meal is $15 to $19 at Square One Pubfrom 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday with choice of potato or rice and a vegetable. Settle in for comfort food such as meatloaf, roasted chicken, and filet mignon, and follow it with apple crisp, vanilla ice cream, or lemon sorbet. Plates range from $13 to $26 on the regular menu.
Rhode Island: Bella Pasta
Pawtucket
Pasta lovers in Rhode Island need look no further than Bella Pasta. The daily early bird menu (4 to 6 p.m.) is $13 and comes with soup or salad, pasta or veggies, and coffee, tea, or ice cream. By comparison, it's $16 for veal Parmigiana alone from the regular menu.
South Carolina: Martin's Restaurant at Longbay Resort
Myrtle Beach
Diners at Martin's Restaurant at Longbay Resortcan get great deals on dinner before 6:30 p.m. daily. Entree prices range from $11 to $17 and include soup, salad, and bread. Diners pay at least $10 more per entree from the regular menu.
South Dakota: Pheasant Restaurant & Lounge
Brookings
The early bird menu at the Pheasant Restaurant & Loungemay be small, but it's mighty. Monday through Thursday from 5 to 6:30 p.m., choose from taco salad, cod fillet, pork chops, and liver and onions, each just $8 and served with coleslaw, dinner roll, and baked potato or French fries.
Tennessee: Antonio's of Nashville
Nashville
Old World Italian meets Southern hospitality at Antonio's of Nashville. Early bird menu items are available from 4 to 6 p.m. daily, ranging in price from $10.95 to $17.95. Tempting dishes such as chicken marsala ($15, regularly $22), fettuccine ($11, regularly $19), and salmon with capers and lemon ($15, regularly $23) are served with a house salad.
Texas: Louie's Backyard
South Padre Island
A South Padre Island favorite, steak and seafood restaurant Louie's Backyardoffers entrees such as prime rib and grilled fish and shrimp during its early bird hour from 5 to 6 p.m. daily. All are $14 and come with a choice of potato or riceand all-you-can-eat salad bar.
Utah: Ruth's Diner
Salt Lake City
Early bird plates are piled high with one meal only at Ruth's Diner: meatloaf and macaroni and cheese, a side of sautéed vegetables, and choice of soup or salad for $10.50 from 4 to 5 p.m. daily.
Vermont: Ye Olde Tavern
Manchester
Get ready for a four-course Colonial dining experience at Ye Olde Tavernfrom 5 to 5:59 p.m. (as the owners put it) Sunday through Friday for just $19, including coffee or tea. Entrees include stuffed shrimp (regularly $23), Yankee pot roast (regularly $19), and chicken pot pie (regularly $19).
Virginia: Rockafeller's
Virginia Beach
Rockafeller'sserves three-course early bird dinners for $8 to $15 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. daily, including mains such as a fried fish of the day or bistro steak and a chef's choice of salad and dessert.
Washington: Arnie's
Edmonds
Diners at Arnie'scan take in views of the Puget Sound and snow-capped Olympic mountains while enjoying a three-course meal for $23 from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday through Friday. Featured entrees such as roasted salmon (regularly $29), seafood fettuccine (regularly $28), and miso-grilled flank steak (regularly $26) are served alongside a starter and dessert.
West Virginia: Pies & Pints Pizzeria
Fayetteville
Pies & Pints Pizzeriaoffers $2 off all starters (regularly $4 to $10) every weekday from 3 to 6 p.m., along with glasses of house wine and certain beersfor $1 off the regular price.
Wisconsin: CHOP
Sister Bay
A three-course, $22 early evening menu at the family-owned CHOPsteakhouse is offered only between 5 and 5:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. But with choice of soup or salad, meaty entrees such as lamb chops (regular $25) and beef burgundy tips (regular $20), and three dessert options, few leave hungry.
Wyoming: Blue Lion
Jackson
Get seated before 6 p.m. at the charming Blue Lionand enjoy a 20 percent discount on the entire bill, including drinks. Dig into entrees such as roasted rack of lamb (regularly $43), buffalo ravioli (regularly $29), and sautéed salmon (regularly $37) while enjoying a live acoustic musical performance most nights of the week.
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