Restaurants offer money-saving options

November 21, 2008 (WPVI) -- The tough economy is forcing many restaurant owners to offer special deals to attract diners. That means you can still eat out, and save money.

Scott Morrison owns Nectar in Berwyn, along with Maia in Villanova.

The restaurants are offering more "small plates" which allow people to sample different foods, without paying for entire entrees. They also cost less than entrees.

Diners at Nectar can enjoy half-price appetizers from 5 to 7 every night and all day Sunday.

Stella Blu in Conshohocken is offering half-off their "small plates" prices.

And Gypsy Saloon, also in Conshohocken, has a whole menu of $5 food and drink choices from five to 7.

To fill the tables at his Bistro St. Tropez in Center City and Patou in Old City, Mark Hoyt is offering free soup or salad to early bird diners, and three-course weeknight dinners for $30.

Plus, his restaurants are listed on restaurant.com, a website that offers discount gift certificates to many restaurants in our area and across the country.

The website sells gift certificates at significant discounts. For example, you can get a $25 gift certificate for $10.

The website also occasionally runs coupon deals with extra discounts on top of their low prices... Though there are restrictions on how many gift certificates you can get and how often you can use them.

Through Monday, November 24, 2008, you can get restaurant.com gift certificates for 80% off (that's just $2 for a $25 gift certificate, or $4 for a $50 gift certificate) when you use the code "SURPRISE" at checkout.

Here are the websites for the restaurants we mentioned. And if you know of other place offering great discount deals, go to the Saving with 6abc Message Board and share your finds!

Stella Blu

Nectar

Bistro St. Tropez

Patou

Gypsy Saloon

Also, J.L. Sullivan's Speakeasy at the Bellevue has a $5 plates menu from 5-7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Sullivan's Speakeasy

XIX at the Park Hyatt Philadelphia has a $19 three-course Express Lunch, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. XIX restaurant

Chima steakhouse if offering $25 dollar gift certificates, if you register online and join their preferred diner club. Chima Steakhouse website

Here's a great deal for people who work in Center City. The Chestnut Street Deli (1458 Chestnut Street) is offering a $4.99 deal. It includes your choice of a sandwich, a side, a dessert and a drink.

Tinto restaurant (114 South 20th Street) is now offering a prix-fixe Sunday brunch for $25. It includes first and second courses, along with a side dish and dessert. the brunch is served from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tinto restaurant's website.

Even chain restaurants are offering deals. Applebee's has a two-for-twenty-dollar promotion. Check out the menu at Applebee's website.

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saving with 6abc, amy buckman

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