By now, you’ve been told not to watch the news or participate in the woes of the tanked economy, and rightfully so. As Americans, it’s tough to make adjustments on a tight budget and who wants to stop enjoying going out to eat? Not me and I’m sure not you either! There are plenty of deals happening to feed your whole family for less than it would take to make a meal at home.

During the week (the time where I know I’d like a break from dinner duty), many establishments across the Iron Range have created food steals. I’m talking less than a few bucks to get a burger and fries, or less than 2 bucks for a half dozen wings—you get the point. Keep in mind, cheap does not infer low quality. And please, if I’ve missed something or you know of any other great food deals, please share!

Burger Nights

Feed a family of four for ten bucks with no clean up or preparation? Yup. Here are the following places who offer burger and fries for a few bucks. I believe all of these specials are dine-in only.

1. Snicker’s Pizza in Eveleth—Wednesdays after 4pm. $1.75 includes fries and you can add on bacon, onion rights or whatever for a few quarters more. Try to arrive before 5:30pm because the place fills up quick.
2. Thirsty Moose-Serving up $1.50 burgers every Tuesday
3. Vermilion Club-Buck Burgers: $1 every Tuesday from 3-9pm.
4. Mac’s Bar—Belly up for a Burger and Fries for only $1.50
5. Brick Yard—Thank You Thursdays with $1.00 sliders, 4-8pm. Plus happy hour drink specials.
6. Jim’s Sports Club—1/4 lb. Burgers on Tuesdays for $1
7. Wandering Pines—Tuesdays for a $1.50-includes fries. After 4pm.

Wing Nights

Chow down on crispy chicken wings for $0.50 or less:

1. Goodfella’s offers a variety of flavors for a $0.25 each on Thursdays all day. Again, get there early because the place is packed after 5pm.
2. Wing Wednesday at the Brick Yard: $.50 each as well as specials on beer and rails from 4-8pm.
3. Billy’s in Buhl—Thursdays get $0.50 wings from 4-6pm with $2.50 happy hour beer specials.
4. Vermilion Club—Wednesdays for $.40
5. Jim’s Sports Club—Thursday wings for a quarter
6. Thirsty Moose has $2 off an order of wings on Thursdays.

Tacos

Grab a taste of Mexico for only a few bucks on these special nights:

1. Tacos on Mondays at Brick Yard with drink specials: A buck a taco.
2. Timber’s Edge—Mexican night—tacos for only a couple of bucks
3. Wastin’ Away Wednesdays at Goodfella’s: For only a few bucks get nachos, 2 tacos, and quesadillas: add a buck for chicken or beef in your quesadillas. Plus, enjoy margaritas, shots of tequila, mojitos and other Mexican drink specials for only $3.
4. Thirsty Moose has $1.25 tacos starting at 5pm on Wednesdays.

Other great deals:

Goodfella’s has all you can eat Spaghetti on Mondays for only $7.95; Vermilion club has $4.00 off pizzas on Mondays. Get a T-Bone steak on Tuesdays at the Wooden Table for only $9.95 including fries and slaw. Fish Fry on Fridays at North Gate Café, AYCE, $6.95; Mary’s Morsels until 5pm for only $7.25, Billy’s and Jim’s Sports Club for $8.95 and a 3-piece Fish Dinner at the Wooden Table for $6.95. On Thursdays, get $2 off a pizza. Dollar appetizers on Tuesdays at Brick Yard (some restrictions apply).

Do NOT forget about Coupons! Save money any day of the week!

Going out to eat doesn’t have to break your wallet. You just need to know where the deals are!

Before I started RangeBuzz.com, there were some restaurants I just hadn’t tried. Fortunately, I’ve broadened my horizons and have had experienced some of the best food around at North Gate Café & Catering. My only disappointment is that I wish I had eaten there years ago!

When I first looked at the menu, I was impressed at the original recipes for breakfast (my favorite meal of the day.) With omelets like Papa’s Secret-wild rice, green pepper, onion, mushrooms and American cheese, Brother’s Belly Buster-ham and bacon with 3 cheeses and sour cream, the Cully Looper-stuffed with corned beef hash, and Grandpa’s Grub-wild rice, bacon, mushrooms and cheddar cheese, you can see how the decision was not easy. I decided on Grandpa’s Grub and my husband ordered the Cully Looper. The portions were plentiful and the omelets tasted great! Our omelets were packed with fresh ingredients. I couldn’t even finish my meal because I was so full. The next time I’m in for breakfast at North Gate Café, I am tempted to try the Stuffed Hashed Browns. I’ve heard they are a customer favorite.

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As many know, I’ve lived on the Iron Range my entire life (except the couple years I lived in Duluth while I attended college). However, from time to time I travel outside the area, and I’ve eaten at many, MANY restaurants. But there’s one thing that I sometimes take for granted, and that’s really good, authentic Iron Range cuisine. What’s so special about Iron Range cuisine, you ask? If you’re a true Ranger, you know exactly what I’m talking about. But if you exist elsewhere, then let me fill you in on some great tasting meals  that you cannot enjoy anywhere but HERE.

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