WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – It seems like every day, you look around and something else has gone up in price. Whether it be gasoline, or even dinner at your favorite restaurant, things are just simply more expensive. As you try to stick to your budget, remember you don’t have to sacrifice a good meal or a dinner date to stay within your limits.
There are plenty of restaurants around the area that have specials to entice customers to stop by, however one tiny strip of Greenfield Street may beat out the rest. South Front sits just south of downtown Wilmington, and boasts a handful of restaurants that offer a wide range of food and specials that can meet nearly any taste or budget. Chances are you have heard or even been to some of these locations, but let’s take a quick tour to get you acquainted.
Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria offers $10 Margherita pizzas and $7 house made margaritas on Mondays.(WECT)
Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria
Any food conversation that involves South Front, typically starts with Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria. It’s one of the most popular restaurants in town, with wood fired Neapolitan-style pizzas, homemade pastas and a smattering of tantalizing appetizers and salads. However, on Mondays, Benny’s offers $10 Margherita pizzas and $7 house margaritas. It’s a great way to try one of Wilmington’s staple restaurants and not break the bank. The special runs Monday, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
South Front Tavern may have the best special in Wilmington. $5 smashburger and fries is a steal.(WECT)
South Front Tavern
This special might be the best in the city, seriously. For $5, you get South Front Tavern’s “Signature Smashburger” with white cheddar, ancho jam, fried onions and arugula on a brioche bun. Plus, the burger also comes with a helping of their tasty fries. This isn’t an afterthought burger either, it’s legitimately delicious. And for that price, it’s cheaper than a fast food burger combo. You could even throw in a cocktail or a couple beers or a glass of wine, and come in under $20. What’s not to like? The special runs Thursday, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
True Blue Butcher and Barrel has specials throughout the week, though the best may be half-priced cocktails and $5 bar snacks on Friday.(WECT)
True Blue Butcher and Barrel
True Blue’s South Front location offers a number of specials to whet your appetite throughout the week. On Wednesdays, from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m, you can get a $7 smashburger. On Thursdays, you can get half-priced wine and $1 oysters (4 p.m. – close). However, my favorite specials land on Friday (I’m in love…) with a range of half-priced cocktails (all day) and a pile of $5 bar snacks (Friday & Saturday, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.). The bar snacks offer a tasting from True Blue’s various properties around town, like chicken spiedini from Farfalla, Italian Beef or French Dip sandwiches from Sunny Day, or Beef and Brussels and Bacon Cheddy Mac from True Blue. I usually order three small plates and a couple of Old Fashioneds and the bill comes in under $35. In any economy, that would be hard to beat. NOTE: Bar snacks special only available at the bar/patio.
Farfalla’s arancini al ragu is a real treat at $5.(WECT)
Farfalla
Just up Greenfield Street sits True Blue’s sibling restaurant, Farfalla. This locale delivers a gamut of mouthwatering Italian eats. You can always splurge on the full menu, but Farfalla’s happy hour is well worth a visit. Like True Blue, there are a number of $5 bar snacks available (along with a list of drink specials). I recently went with a group of friends, and we tried everything. You can choose from meatballs, mini chicken spiedini, caprese, or my favorites: stuffed peppers and arancini al ragu. I bought a couple of plates, with a flight of spritzes, and my bill was well south of $30. The special runs Wednesday – Saturday, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. (bar/patio only).
Satellite Bar & Lounge is one of Wilmington’s most popular watering holes.(WECT)
Satellite Bar and Lounge
I wouldn’t live to see tomorrow if I didn’t mention Satellite. Possibly Wilmington’s favorite bar (the list of awards on the wall says as much), Satellite may not offer much in the way of drink specials, but there is always something special going on here. From movie nights and dance parties, to vendor markets and Bluegrass Sundays, this legendary watering hole has something for just about everyone. And since you’re already saving so much money dining in South Front, it’s worth treating yourself to a splash at Satellite.
If You Go:
Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria is located at 206 Greenfield St, Wilmington, NC 28401
South Front Tavern is located at 1540 S 2nd St #110, Wilmington, NC 28401
True Blue Butcher and Barrel is located at 110 Greenfield St Ste 114, Wilmington, NC 28401
Farfalla is located at 1502 S 3rd St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Satellite Bar & Lounge is located at 120 Greenfield St #6123, Wilmington, NC 28401
Do you have a favorite restaurant special I should know about? Shoot me an email at corey.preece@gray.tv and I would love to feature your selection. Cheers!
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Dining and Cooking