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David Winthrop
Everyone is hungry for bargains these days.
The good news is that great food doesn’t have to break the bank. To prove it, we set out to find the best meal deals available on the South Shore, so whether you choose to chow down on a thick, juicy burger, or practice your chopstick prowess by enjoying some sushi, you’re sure to find a menu that will fit the bill.
Meals Under $15
Great Food at Great Prices
The Snug
Once inside this cozy pub it’s easy to forget the outside world. Customers come to enjoy the company of friends, for traditional Irish music, and down-to-earth food. One of the star menu items is the award winning bourbon steak tips, marinated in a secret recipe, char grilled to your liking, and served with choice of two sides for just $13.99. 114 North Street, Hingham, (781) 749-9774, www.snugpub.com
The Fieldston Restaurant
Located in a renovated boathouse by Fieldston Beach, this seaside restaurant delivers fine dining in an intimate atmosphere. There are always affordable entrees on the menu but one of the best nights to find a bargain is on Sunday. Loyal regulars love the restaurant’s Sunday night “clean out the kitchen” deals. Because the restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, the entire menu that is served on Saturday night is marked down on Sunday night to $9.95. The key is to come early before the supplies run out. 882 Ocean Street (Rte. 139), Marshfield (781) 834-2909, www.thefieldston.com
Halfway Café
This cozy pub is always offering fabulous meal deals including a dynamite 7 for $7 deal. Each month the restaurant offers a selection of seven different entrees for just seven dollars each. The selections change monthly, and include items like a tilapia burger, served with cheddar cheese, red onion, and bacon on a toasted sourdough roll with fries, as well as a rich mushroom ravioli covered in creamy Alfredo sauce. 1840 Ocean Street, Route 139, Marshfield, (781) 834-3040 www.thehalfwaycafe.com
Orta Ristorante
The lines are often out the door at this traditional Italian restaurant that serves piattini (little plates), antipasti, Neapolitan brick-oven pizza, and an extensive range of entrees. When it comes to bargain meals, however, you can’t beat the handmade pasta dishes. You can get a plate filled with fettuchini and spinach for $14.95, or orechiette (an adorable pinched pasta), served with pine nuts, broccoli rabe, and sun dried tomatoes for $14.75 and you’re guaranteed to go home feeling pleasantly full and more than likely carrying a to-go box. 75 Washington Street, Pembroke, (781) 826-8883, www.ortarestaurant.com
Café Eleganza
The creative menu at this casual family-run restaurant is filled with hearty traditional Italian dishes. Guests come to enjoy the vibrant décor and the weekly café specials, such as baked haddock on Mondays, for $8.99, and chicken with broccoli on Tuesdays, for $8.99. You can even order a grilled swordfish steak topped with a lemon butter white wine sauce with capers and served with roasted potato and grilled asparagus for $11.99. 46 Columbia Road, Pembroke, (781)826-0700, www.pastaeleganza.com
Stars on Hingham Harbor
Situated across the street from scenic Hingham Harbor, this renovated 50s style diner is the ultimate American bar and grill. The vibe is contemporary but casual, and the menu offers a range of delicious meals that won’t break the bank. During the month of April, the restaurant is running a fantastic 7 days of Savings special. Monday-Thursday, from 4-6 p.m., all entrees on the menu are available for just $9.99. Bite into a Hingham Hearty Burger, piled high with grilled mushrooms, peppers, onions, and cheddar cheese, or enjoy a perfectly cooked 8 oz. filet mignon (normally $20.95) wrapped in apple smoked bacon, served with garlic mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus and topped with homemade steak sauce. In addition, items on the kids’ menu are available for 99 cents, all day. 2-4 Otis Street, Hingham (781) 749-3200, www.starshingham.com
Martha’s Stone Soup
Locavores appreciate the fact that this restaurant uses certified organic and locally grown ingredients to create its delicious, healthy meals. Located in the historic Wright Tavern, this restaurant offers a special Wednesday night menu that features the same skillfully prepared comfort food at reduced prices. Selections include veggie lasagna or country roasted chicken for $12 each. 517 Old Sandwich Road, Plymouth, (508)224-8900, www.marthasstonesoup.com
T-Bones Road House
There are no small portions at this “real honest” barbecue joint that serves up heaping plates of pulled pork, smoked chicken, and brisket. You can order a full slab of monster-sized meaty spareribs for $14.95, choose you BBQ sauce heat: mild, Texas inferno, or Tennessee Sweet and Sassy, and get all the “cowpoke fixin’s,” including French fries, Jack’s peach baked beans, sweet cream slaw, and a choice of another side. Meals also come with warm, homemade cornbread and cinnamon-honey butter. 22 Main Street, Plymouth, (508) 747-2667, www.tbonesroadhouse.com
Circe’s Grotto
There are several reasons why area construction workers come in on a daily basis to this charming deli. For starters, the sandwiches are enormous and made with wholesome ingredients. Thick-sliced baked turkey sandwiches area piled high with homemade stuffing and a delicately sweet-tart cranberry sauce on a baguette for $5.95. Guests craving a somewhat lighter option, enjoy the beautiful fresh mozzarella sandwiches made with fresh greens, homemade pesto, and fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers on a baguette for $6.95. The other reason folks love this quaint lunch spot is that the staff is reliably friendly and cheerful. Customers can eat-in and admire the local artwork on the walls, or take their sandwiches to-go, making sure to pick up a few soft-baked homemade cookies and brownies before they head out the door. 344 Gannett Road, Scituate, (781) 544-6007
Cancun Mexican Restaurant
Cancun Mexican restaurant takes pride in serving authentic dishes created from old Mexican recipes, all for under $15. With over 50 Mexican inspired meals, including vegetarian and kids, to choose from, their best selling item is the traditional sizzling fajita combinations, including a choice of marinated chicken, steak or prawns sautéed with fresh bell peppers in onions. Open for lunch and dinner 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday thru Thursday, and until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Cancun is the perfect place for an affordable and satisfying dining-out experience. 145 Main Street, Kingston, (781) 585-0060, www.cancunkingston.com
Strawberry Fair
Strawberries inspire both the décor and the menu of this cheerful restaurant, located in a historic farmhouse. Famous for its extensive breakfast menu, the restaurant also features a great lunch and dinner menu. Guests can enjoy such items as the Strawberry Fair Duluxe Salad, which consists of an extra large plate filled with mixed greens, sliced fresh strawberries, spiced pecans, topped with grilled chicken and strawberry vinaigrette, for $14, or a rich meal of 3-cheese baked mac and cheese for $12. 14 Pond Street Norwell, (781) 878-7878, www.thestrawberryfair.com
Two For One Date Night on a Dime
British Beer Company
Most famous for its extensive beer selection, this local watering hole attracts a hungry crowd on Tuesday nights, when you can buy one 12” pizza and get a second pizza free. Favorites include the savory bacon and scallop pizza, made with crisp bacon, chopped scallops, red sauce, and mozzarella cheese, and the tangy BBQ chicken pizza. Pizza deal is available for dine-in customers only. 2294 State Road, Route 3A, Cedarville, (508) 888-9756 www.britishbeer.com
Haddad’s Ocean Café
Located in the heart of Brant Rock, this rustic seafood eatery is a popular destination for area fishermen and families looking for a great meal and a casual atmosphere.On Tuesday nights the restaurant serves up an extra special dinner for two deal where the cost of any two entrees is $25.95. Customers can choose from things like broiled or fried haddock, steak tips, grilled chicken, fried oysters, or calamari and each meal comes with two sides and dessert. 291 Ocean Street, Marshfield, (781) 837-2722
Ernie’s
This spacious, no-frills, family-friendly restaurant is a staple eatery in the area of North Plymouth. The restaurant’s menu features many affordable Italian entrees, but it’s the popular Tuesday two-for-one pizza night that really attracts crowds. Guests can order two pizzas with any combination of toppings and pay for only the higher priced item (not valid for takeout). 330 Court Street, Plymouth, (508) 746-3444 www.erniesrestaurantandbar.com
New Tokyo
Dining at this popular Japanese restaurant is as entertaining as it is delicious. Parties of happy, hungry customers come for the fiery hibachi show, where skilled chefs prepare meals in front of their audience (vegetable hibachi is $15), while sushi lovers can take advantage of half priced sushi on Monday and Tuesday nights and enjoy a vibrant green dragon roll for $4.25. 6 Home Depot Drive, Plymouth, (508) 830-3888, www.newtokyoplymouth.com
The Whole Package
Economical Elegance
East Bay Grille
The scenic views of Plymouth Harbor, elegant white tablecloths, and the dark wood décor of this fine dining establishment makes it a romantic spot for a quiet meal, while its modern bar vibe makes it a popular destination for young singles as well. Throughout the month of April, the restaurant is offering a great dinner-for-two package that includes a choice of two entrees off the specials list, as well as a bottle of wine from a list of unique selections, all for just $40. Popular entrees include a petit sirloin wrapped in bacon topped with crumbled blue cheese, served with asparagus, Parmesan risotto and drizzled with a smooth cabernet reduction sauce, as well as lobster, chicken, and fresh seafood options. The package is available Monday-Thursday (excluding holidays), from 4-10 p.m.. 173 Water Street, Plymouth, (508) 746-9751, www.eastbaygrille.com
The Winery 53 Restaurant and Tavern
An enormous fireplace and comfy leather booths make this sophisticated restaurant warm and welcoming. The contemporary American menu includes a wide range of affordable options and nightly specials, including $5 pizza on Mondays, and $1 Duxbury oysters on Tuesdays. As the name implies, the restaurant also has an extensive wine selection available by the glass. Currently the restaurant is offering a spectacular 3-course prefixe dinner for $14.95, Sunday-Thursday, from 4 p.m. until close. Guests can choose from four delicious entrees, a soup or salad, and a homemade dessert. Be sure to try the award-winning Indian pudding. 615 Washington Street, Pembroke, (781) 826-2532, www.thewinery53restaurantandtavern.com
Enoteca di vino
This elegant restaurant and wine bar, located in downtown Plymouth, is a culinary destination for foodies seeking high quality creative Italian cuisine as well as wine lovers, who come to sample the restaurant’s “library” of over 90 bottle of wine. The restaurant is currently offering a special 3-course prefixe meal for $25 per person. The meal includes a choice of a specialty salad, soup of the day, or appetizer, a choice of entrees, and a dessert. The offer is available Monday-Thursday from 5-10 p.m. 39 Court St. Plymouth (508)) 746-1118, www.enotecadivinowinebar.com
