As I've been saying, I will be looking for a permanent home for a weekly specials list. You see, I'm a maverick, the last of the real cowboys, and I tend to go it alone. But, for something like this, a little planning and coordination is called for.
Two things worth mentioning: 1) the downside to a weekly dining special, especially a popular one, is that it tends to result in crowds and long waits 2) I think the tip should be based on the non-bargain price.
Here are my Top 10 area weekly dining offers, listed alphabetically by restaurant.
– Baltimore is only big enough for one or two lobster specials every decade. Remember the six-dollar Sunday lobster special at
. Didn't Keswick's have one, too? On Tuesday nights in Keswick, Alonso's promotes BYOB ("Bring your own Bib") -- for $17.99, you get a "fresh Maine lobster served with a baked potato and corn on the cob."
Clementine – This Tuesday Hamilton night special is unusual because only tacos are on the menu. Taco platters go for $10, and the selection changes weekly. It sounds like a good way to keep the place humming while giving some folks in the kitchen a night off. No reservations.
Corks -- I couldn't find too many weekly specials on the higher end, but Corks in Federal Hill runs a few. On Tuesdays nights, steaks and Cabernet are offered at half the usual price.
Geckos -- This Canton mainstay has been a steady and reliable promoter, and its patrons respond with loyalty. On Wednesdays, Geckos offers $10 entree specials and half-price wine by the glass or bottle
Jack's Bistro -- There aren't too many Sunday night specials, but on the other side of Canton, Jack's Bistro offers $15 entree specials for diners at tables ($12 for patrons on bar stools). That's sounds like a smart way to work through the week's provender.
Joe Squared –On Tuesday nights, from 4 to 7:30 p.m., customers at this Charles North favorite who buy two eight-ounce beers get a free 10-inch cheese pizza.
Koco's – The most famous crab cake in all of Lauraville is featured in this Thursday night special -- a crab cake platter for $19.95. This is a very popular one.
Kooper's Tavern – All day Tuesday is Burger Day in this Fells Point tavern, from the time. All burgers are discounted, with prices starting at $3.50.
Mick O'Shea's – I think this qualifies as the longest-running weekly special in town. Monday nights in this venerable downtown bar $8 Burger and Pint Night -- a half-pound burger, fries, and 16-ounce draft.
One-Eyed Mike's -- Over in Fells Point Wednesday is Pasta Night on Bond Street Night -- for $9.99, customers are invited to "Build your own" pasta dish, with side salad, and half-price wines.
Baltimore Sun photo/Amy Davis