The holidays are here and if stretching your gift giving budget is a top priority, what you spend on eating out is certainly no exception to the rule. Thanks to Pei Wei Asian Diner, on December 6th and 7th you can put yourself on the "Nice List" by bringing a non-perishable food item. You will be rewarded with 25% off an entree of your choice! Here are a few other food and drink specials to help you save during this holiday season.
Monday
Did you know that in France, Happy Hour is called ... "Happy Hour"? You don't have to speak the language to enjoy the experience! Bistrot Mirabelle's brand new Happy Hour is from 3-6:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. It includes their "Bistrot Mirabelle" Burger for only $6, topped with gruyere and house made pickles then served with pomme frites. Salads and appetizers are $2 off the regular price, so try the traditional Nicoise Salad, the signature Mirabelle "Hacke" Salad, Duck Rillettes or Onion Soup Gratinee. House wines by the glass are priced at $5. If you want to upgrade your wine from the basic "house" option, take $1 off the glass and $5 off the bottle price. Their full bar menu is expected soon. Brunch is now on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and is highlighted by a signature champagne cocktail, “La Vie En Rose,” made with rosé Champagne and rose water. Je t'aime!
Tuesday
At PF Chang's, Happy Hour is 3-6 p.m. daily and offers drinks, dim sum, and street fare. The "3 to 6" theme applies not only to the time, but to the specials as well. Choose from a multitude of apps like $3 Spring rolls, $4 Crab Wontons and $6 Spare Ribs. Be sure to try favorites such as Korean Beef or Mahi-Mahi Street Tacos. Drinks are also priced in the $3-$6 range, with $3 import drafts, $4 import bottles and $5 select wines, sake and wells. Specialty cocktails are $6. That's already a great buy, but on Mondays and Tuesdays, they make the deal even sweeter with bottled wine at 1/3 off all day long.
Wednesday
Roaring Fork is the smart foodie's number one pick for happy hour, with discounts on favorites such as fresh Yucatan-Style Shrimp served with diced avocado, lime and tomato or Crab Cakes with green chile butter and remoulade. Other addictive choices are the Hickory Smoked Salmon with sliced baguette and the appropriately named "Big Ass Burger." If you're saving up calories for holiday parties, try the light Ahi Tuna Tartare with mango, avocado and pepita crackers. Is your mouth watering yet? It should be, especially when these amazing apps are $4 off on weekdays from 4-7 p.m. Beer, wine and drinks are $2 off. Hurry, your barstool is waiting!
Thursday
Fabi and Rosi’s Champagne Thursday literally offers champagne taste on a beer budget. It’s half-priced Champagne all night! If the weather’s nice, lounging on the patio with a $5 starter and a glass of bubbly sounds fabulous, dahling. Appetizers include garlicky, buttery Escargot and an Artisian Cheese board, specially priced from 5-6:30 p.m., along with $2 off beer and wine.
Friday
Eleven Plates is the place to mingle for happy hour, which occurs weekdays from 3-6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 3-5 p.m. This Westlake bistro presents $5 select small plates with a sharp, chef-driven edge. Enjoy visions of Chuck Sliders, Mac & Cheese with Pork Belly, or Truffle Fries dancing in your head. Libations included on the happy hour list are $2 off all beer and $3 off wine by the glass. If you socialize too long and need dinner for the family "on the fly", pick up their "Full Bird Walking". It's a whole roasted chicken to go with sides for 4 people priced at just $18. That's chicken feed, pun intended.
Saturday
Saturday shopping is full of hustle and bustle so if the crowds and the traffic are stressing you out, on your way home stop at Cipollina and "un-wined". Have one of their small plates such as P.E.I. Mussles, Charcuterie, or Pork Belly with cherry tomatoes, fennel and pickled onion for half price. Sip on an aperitif or glass of sparkling wine, also at half price. Happy Hour at Cipollina is daily from 5-6 p.m.
Sunday
Taverna is the perfect place to bring visiting friends and relatives for a joyful patio brunch. Their menu offers classic items like Eggs Benedict with choice of ham, bacon or crabmeat, Taverna Frittata, Omelets, French toast and life-altering New Orleans Style Beignets. "Eggs Al Forno all 'Olio Tartufato" features pan fried eggs and sausage served over garlic bread with a hint of delectable Truffle Oil. Mimosas and Bellinis, offered for just $1 with an entree purchase, are undoubtedly the biggest reasons for merriment. Brunch is flowing every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. with complimentary parking until 5 p.m. at City Hall.
Visit Austinontherocks.com to find even more great food and drink specials and to learn how you can get a FREE lettuce wrap at PF Changs and Pei Wei Asian Diner! Submit your restaurant's specials and events by contacting cathi@austinotherocks.com.