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Don’t Miss These Cinco de Mayo Restaurant Specials

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cinco de mayo restaurant specials

Cinco de Mayo, which falls on a Sunday this year, is a Mexican celebration that recognizes Mexico’s win over France during the Battle of Puebla, which happened on May 5, 1862. While the holiday primarily takes off in Puebla in Mexico, it has gained a significant amount of traction in the United States as well. As a result, many restaurants offer deals and freebies to attract more patrons, and some even host parties and giveaways. Here is a look at some of the most exciting Cinco de Mayo restaurant specials for 2019.

Applebee’s

If you can’t get enough of Applebee’s Dollarita promotion, you’ll be happy to know that the chain extended the deal to cover Cinco de Mayo. Plus, you can get $2 Dos Equis from May 1 through May 5.

Abuelo’s

On May 5, take advantage of the margarita and beer specials at Abuelo’s. For $5, you can get a Grande Mexican draft beer. Plus, some locations are offering a special Flag Margarita – which is green, white, and red – for just $6.95 as part of the fiesta.

Bahama Breeze

During the weeklong “Fiesta Like There’s No Mañana” celebration, which also includes Cinco de Mayo, you can get a classic margarita for just $5. If you would rather take advantage of the create-your-own rum and tequila flights, that will cost you $10.

Just be aware that, if you head to an Ohio or Virginia location, the specials are only available until 9:00 pm. Everywhere else, you can usually score these deals until close.

Bar Louie

Many Bar Louie locations are hosting “Cabo de Mayo” parties filled with food and drink specials. In some locations, you can get a $5 Cinco Rita or two tacos for just five bucks. You may also find drink deals on Sammy Hagar’s Santo Mequila, a mix of tequila and mezcal.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

If you want to keep things simple on Cinco de Mayo and don’t mind dining in the bar or lounge area, make a trip your nearest Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Most locations are offering $4 Corona Extras and $1 tacos on May 5.

California Pizza Kitchen

Throughout all of May 5, California Pizza Kitchen’s that serve the Fresh Agave Lime margaritas are making the drink available for only $5.

Chevys Fresh Mex

On Cinco de Mayo, you can enjoy brunch at Chevys Fresh Mex from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, including bottomless mimosas. If you would rather eat later, many locations will have deals on beer, margaritas, and shots.

Chili’s

On May 5, Chili’s is offering $5 draft beets, Tequila Trifecta Ritas, and Presidente Margaritas to patrons who decide to dine at the chain.

El Torito

Head on over to El Torito between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm on May 5 and you can order the brunch special, which does come with bottomless champagne. There will also be $5 margaritas, micheladas, and bloody marys.

After 2:00 pm, there will be other drink specials too. Plus, you can score tacos for just $2.50.

Hungry Howie’s

If you want to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a pizza, you can get a large one-topping pizza at Hungry Howie’s for just $5.55. The deal actually runs from May 1 to May 5, so you don’t have to wait for Cinco de Mayo to take advantage of the special.

Joe’s Crab Shack

Joe’s Crab Shack is selling buckets of Modelo Especial for just $20 on May 5. Plus, there will be tacos on the menu.

Margaritas Mexican Restaurant

While the deals will vary from one location to the next, you can head over to the chain on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday for music, ten parties, raffles, drink specials, and all-you-can-eat specials. If you want additional details, look up your nearest Margaritas Mexican Restaurant to read more about its event.

Moe’s Southwest Grill

Select Moe’s Southwest Grill locations will be serving up $5 burritos all day on May 5. Plus, if you’re one of the first customers of the day on Cinco de Mayo, you might score a free t-shirt too.

Monterey’s Little Mexico

From May 1 through May 7, participating locations are selling all-you-can-eat enchiladas for $9.99.

On The Border

On The Border locations will have drink specials on Cinco de Mayo, and many will have live music. You can get a $5 Cinco ‘Rita or tequila shots for as little as $3.

Taco Cabana

From May 4 through May 6, you can get $3 margaritas, $9.99 dozen flauta boxes, and $4 frozen vodka raspberry lemonades at Taco Cabana. Other specials may be available too, though they could vary by location.

TGI Fridays

On Cinco de Mayo, you can get a Fridays ‘Rita, shot of Patron, or 23-ounce draft Dos Equis for $5 each.

Tijuana Flats

Starting on Friday, May 3, and running through Sunday, May 5, Tijuana Flats has a $5 deal. You can get two tacos, two beers, or one taco and one beer for just $5. Plus, many locations will have music, prizes, and games for patrons decide to dine in.

Überrito

If you don’t mind dining in, you can get $5 bowls, burritos, and salads on May 5 at Überrito.

Yard House

In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, Yard House is selling house margaritas, pomegranate margaritas, and salted watermelon margaritas for just $5 each.

Are you heading to a restaurant to celebrate Cinco de Mayo this year? Share your plans in the comments below.

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Here Are 10 Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving This Year

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What’s better to be thankful for than not cooking a massive meal or spending hours on Thanksgiving cleanup? If you’re looking to skip the work – and the stress – and still enjoy a delicious meal, hit up one of these restaurants open on Thanksgiving this year.

10 Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving 2018

These restaurants will be open this year for the holiday, and many serve traditional Thanksgiving meals you can enjoy in-restaurant. There are also options at some to carry out, if you prefer to eat at home. As always, make sure you call ahead to verify your location is open before heading out.

1) Bob Evans

Bob Evans
Photo: Dave Walker

Whether you’re looking to eat out or bring a delicious heat-and-serve meal home, Bob Evans can meet your needs, and will be open on Thanksgiving 2018. They’ll also be offering their carry-out heat-and-serve Thanksgiving Farmhouse Feast. It consists of roast turkey, smoked ham, celery and cornbread dressing, green beans with ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry relish, macaroni and cheese, rolls, pumpkin bread, double-crust apple pie, and pumpkin pie. You can feed eight to ten people for $114.99.

2) Boston Market

Boston Market
Photo: Mike Mozart

Boston Market is open for in-restaurant dining on Thanksgiving, and also offers both carry-out and home delivery on Thanksgiving meals. In-restaurant diners can enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal of roast turkey breast or half a chicken, two sides, a roll, and apple pie for $12.99.

You can also pick up Family Meals, hot sides, appetizers, and whole pies on Thanksgiving Day. If you’re feeding a large group, pick up the Holiday Heat & Serve Meal, which includes entrees, sides, and pies for four to 12 people, or the Whole Roasted Turkey Meal for 12, which includes a whole turkey and all the trimmings, for $119.99.

3) Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

Cracker Barrel
Photo: Mike Mozart

Another option for a traditional dine-in or carry-out restaurant meal on Thanksgiving is Cracker Barrel. The Homestyle Turkey n’ Dressing meals include turkey, sugar-cured ham, gravy, cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, your choice of a side, corn muffins or buttermilk biscuits, a beverage, and a slice of pumpkin pie, à la mode at no extra charge. Guests can dine-in from 11:00 a.m. Carry-out versions are also available to feed six or ten people, for $67.00 and $109.99.

4) Denny’s

Denny's
Photo Credit: Mike Mozart

Denny’s serves more traditional Thanksgiving meals, such as the Turkey & Dressing Dinner, as well as twists like the Cinnamon Roll and Pumpkin Spice Pancake Breakfasts. Denny’s also offers a Turkey & Dressing Dinner Pack, which feeds four, and can be ordered online through Denny’s on Demand.

5) Golden Corral

Golden Corral
Photo: Mr Blue MauMau

Golden Corral will be featuring a special Thanksgiving Buffet loaded with turkey, ham, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes with gravy, and all your Thanksgiving favorites, as well as other classic endless buffet dishes like smoked baby back ribs, fried shrimp, and a full salad bar. Don’t forget to hit up the chocolate fountain on the dessert bar while you’re there.

6) Ponderosa Steakhouse

Ponderosa Steakhouse
Photo: Random Retail

Ponderosa Steakhouse and Bonanza Steakhouse are also offering Thanksgiving buffets at some locations. Call the location nearest you for hours and pricing. A Thanksgiving buffet is a great option if you’re planning on seconds and thirds.

7) Sizzler

Sizzler
Photo: Dr. Bob Hall

Sizzler locations will also be serving a traditional Thanksgiving meal this year, but picky eaters will also be able to choose from any of their regular menu items or their salad bar. The traditional meal, which includes turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, baked sweet potato with maple butter, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie, is available for $12.99.

8) Chart House

Chart House
Photo: Wanda Wisdom

If you’d prefer a seafood dinner for Thanksgiving, Chart House will be open this year, but they encourage diners to make reservations for the holiday.

In addition to their regular menu, they’ll be serving a Thanksgiving menu of turkey, ham, or tri-tip served with cranberry relish, mashed potatoes or sweet potato, Parmesan creamed spinach, and roasted vegetables. You can order this as a plated dinner, or as a buffet at some locations. You can wash it down with pumpkin martinis and other pumpkin-themed cocktails. If you’d rather eat at home, Chart House offers turkey platters and candied pecan butter cake or pumpkin cheese pie for carry out.

9) TGI Friday’s

TGIFridays
Photo: Mike Mozart

Most TGI Friday’s locations will be open this Thanksgiving, but they probably won’t be serving any special meals. Call ahead to verify holiday hours before you leave.

10) Ruby Tuesday

Ruby Tuesday
Photo: Mike Mozart

No matter how good a cook you are, it’s hard to beat Ruby Tuesday’s salad bar. This chain restaurant won’t be serving a special Thanksgiving menu this year, but they should be open and serving their regular menu. Call your location to make sure they’re open first.

If you’re looking forward to eating Thanksgiving dinner more than you’re looking forward to cooking it and cleaning up afterward, think about going out this year. No matter where you live, you should be able to find a restaurant that’s open and serving a traditional meal or a regular menu, or both. Now, that’s something to be thankful for.

Do you plan on heading to a restaurant for Thanksgiving? Share with us in the comments below!

Read More

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12 Ways to Get a Free Thanksgiving Turkey
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(Photo: David Stewart)

Restaurant Gift Card Deals for the Grads and Dads in Your Life

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This year’s biggest Mother’s Day gifting trend appears to be spilling over into the next holiday, Father’s Day along with graduation season: Restaurant gift card deals have exploded in number.

Apparently this takes a cue from moms’ stated preference for gift cards over other types of presents in Mother’s Day surveys by the National Retail Federation.

The organization’s survey about spending for graduation presents in 2018 indicate that gift cards are among the top three choices of recipients. And it’s in the top five for Father’s Day presents.

Here’s a look at the amazing restaurant gift card deals available for purchase.

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is offering a 15 percent discount on gift cards over $75.

Applebee’s

Applebee’s is offering a $10 bonus gift card with every purchase of a $50 gift card through July 1.

Bahama Breeze

Buy a $50 gift card by June 30 and get two $10 bonus gift cards (they can only be redeemed for dine-in customers). Bonus cards will be able to be redeemed between May 29 and July 31 or July 1 through August 31.

Black Angus

Anyone who purchase $50 in gift cards will receive a $10 bonus through June 18.

Bonefish Grill

Now through June 17, buy a $50 gift card and get a $10 bonus card for free.

Brio Tuscan Grille

Brio Tuscan Grille is offering a $25 bonus card for every $100 gift card purchased through June 17.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Buy one $30 gift card, and get a $5 bonus card free through June 17.

Burger 21

Through June 18, get a coupon for a free fry or shake with a purchase of a $20 gift card.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill

Up until June 17, you’ll be able to get a free $10 bonus gift card with the purchase of every $50 Carrabba’s gift card.

Chili’s

Chili’s is offering a similar deal for individuals who purchase their gift cards online. Get a free $10 gift card for every $50 in gift cards purchased through June 17.

Del Frisco’s Grille

Del Frisco’s will be offering a restaurant gift card deal through June 19: Buy $100 in gift cards and get $20 in bonus cards free.

Fogo de Chao

Head to Fogo de Chao before June 17, buy $125 in gift cards and you’ll receive $25 in bonus cards.

Houlihan’s

Buy $50 in gift cards and get a free appetizer coupon, now through June 17.

IHOP

IHOP is known for having its free days, and it is offering more freebies with the current gift card offer: Buy a $25 gift card and get a $5 coupon through August 12.

Joe’s Crab Shack

Up until June 15, get a $10 bonus gift card for every $50 in gift cards spent at Joe’s Crab Shack.

Logan’s Roadhouse

For every $50 in gift cards, get a $10 bonus card free through June 17.

Metro Diner

Through June 17, Metro Diner is offering a $10 bonus card for every $50 in gift cards purchased.

Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub

Head to Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub between now and June 17 for a $25 gift card and get a $5 bonus card for free.

Noodles World Kitchen

Lovers of noodles can purchase a $25 gift card and get a $5 bonus card for free through June 30.

Outback Steakhouse

Buy $50 in gift cards and get a $10 bonus card free — now through June 17.

Panera Bread

Grab a $50 gift card for Panera before May 31 and get a $10 bonus card free.

P.F. Chang’s

P.F. Chang’s is offering a similar deal: Buy a $50 gift card before Jun 17 and receive a $10 bonus card free of charge.

Red Lobster

Red Lobster is offering two coupons for free appetizers or $10 off two adult entrees with the purchase of $75 in gift cards. This offer will only be available as long as supplies last.

Red Robin

Buy a $25 gift card before June 30 and get a $5 bonus card.

Ruby Tuesday

Ruby Tuesday is offering a $15 bonus gift card for every $50 in gift cards purchased now through June 17.

Steak ‘n Shake

Steak ‘n Shake is offering a free $5 gift certificate for every purchase of $20 in gift cards through August 21.

TGI Fridays

Buy $50 in TGI Fridays gifts cards, and get a bonus $10 card. This offer is only available for a limited time.

More Restaurant Gift Card Deals

Groupon

Groupon can be a great place to find restaurant gift deals and discounts on meals near you. This app is a great way to get money off smaller, locally-owned restaurants that might not necessarily offer gift card rebates or bonuses.

Living Social

Similar to Groupon, Living Social also offers restaurant gift card deals — and in some parts of the country, you might find there’s a wider variety of restaurants available. So, if you don’t see what you’re looking for on Groupon, this is a good place to check.

Readers, do you expect to include any restaurant outings or gift cards in your celebration of Father’s Day this year? Which of the above deals have you either partaken of or expect to avail yourself of? And are there any other such deals that we’ve missed including in this article. Let us know by posting in the comments section beneath this post.

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

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Restaurant gift card deals are listed here.

Mother’s Day Spending to Reach $23.6 Billion in 2018

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Mother's Day spending will be high in 2018
Mother’s Day spending is expected to reach $23.6 billion this year, including gifts and restaurant outings.

About 86% of consumers will observe the holiday in one form or another, up a full percentage point over last year, according to the National Retail Federation’s survey on 2018 Mother’s Day spending, conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics.

The average shopper will spend $180 for the holiday, down from last year’s $186.39, but still the second highest in the 15 years that the annual survey has been conducted.

Mother’s Day Spending

People between the ages of 35 and 44 will spend the most this year, an average of $224. Those likeliest to use smartphones for their shopping research are people from age 18 to 24 — almost two thirds of them will going this route.

As for where people will buy gifts, 35 percent will go to department stores, 31 percent will shop online, and 29 percent will shop at florists, jewelers, electronics stores or other specialty retailers. Another 23 percent will shop at local small businesses, 22 percent will go to discount stores and 10 percent will hit specialty clothing stores.

Readers, how much do you anticipate in Mother’s Day spending this year?

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If you liked this story, you just might enjoy some of our other articles about Mother’s Day spending, along with gifts for other holidays.

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

The Top 5 Grilled Cheese Restaurants on the Planet

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grilled cheese restaurants
Have you noticed the growing number of grilled cheese restaurants? Different variations on the classic sandwich dominate the list of entrees on the menus of these eateries.

A related trend: Gourmet versions of grilled cheese sandwiches are appearing on the menus of broader focused restaurants.

All of them are taking the classic comfort food and making it even more indulgent. They also offer a range of twists and high-quality ingredients to set themselves apart. If you’re looking for some of the best grilled cheese on the planet, check out the offerings at these five restaurants.

1. The Melt Room, London

If you find yourself in London, check out the Melt Room, which offers 10 different variations on grilled cheese — all of them overflowing with the main ingredient and with lots of butter on the bread.

The sandwiches include: pulled pork shoulder with cheddar; nutella and mascarpone; pastrami, mushroom, horseradish, red leicestershire cheese and cheddar; and a roast beets, hummus, broad beans and feta on pita.

 

2. La Maison du Croque Monsieur, Paris

The croque monsieur is a fancy version of the grilled cheese. It features ham and gruyere, with a béchamel sauce topping. The crust provides a nice crunch, and the cheese is suitably gooey. Overall, it’s an excellent international option.

If you want to take it to another level, try a croque madame. It features all of the goodness of a croque monsieur but also includes a fried egg.

3. Grilled Cheese Grill, Portland, OR

The Grilled Cheese Grill offers a range of gourmet variations of the classic sandwich. One tastes like jalapeño poppers while another uses brie and features roasted peppers. You can also get grilled cheeseburgers if you prefer something a bit more filling.

4. The Grilled Cheese Truck, Los Angeles

If the idea of a Cheesy Mac and Rib Sandwich sounds good, check out The Grilled Cheese Truck. They also provide variations on the classic grilled cheese, as well as version with brie cheese, smoked meats, and more.

5. Serendipity 3, New York City

If you’re looking for one of the best grilled cheeses on the planet with a side of indulgence, check out Serendipity 3.

Usually, a grilled cheese is a cheap meal, but this one definitely isn’t. The sandwich is the most expensive version on the globe, coming in at $214. It features real gold, bread made with Dom Perignon, and high-quality cheeses.

Now, you can’t have this one on a whim: The restaurant requires 48-hours’ notice, so make sure to call ahead.

Grilled Cheese Restaurants

Ultimately, the best grilled cheese on the planet can be found almost anywhere. Restaurants love tweaking this classic sandwich, creating new variants all the time.

If you want to explore some options, try the restaurants above. Or check out local sandwich shops, food trucks, and restaurants and see if that location can give these a run for their money.

Otherwise, don’t be afraid to try and top these yourself. Just keep in mind, finding gold to add to your sandwich may be challenging, so you might want to leave that to the pros.

Readers, what are your favorite grilled cheese dishes served at restaurants?

Read More About Food

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Get Free Birthday Meals for Kids

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free birthday meals for kids
Heading to a restaurant is a great way to celebrate a birthday. After all, you get a tasty meal without any of the cleanup. But did you know that there are restaurants that give out free birthday meals for kids?

That means you can enjoy dining out and get a discount, which certainly sounds like a win-win. Here are a few of these promotions to check out.

Bob Evans

By joining the Birthday Club, your child can eat free on his or her special day. As long as you’re a member, and you purchase an adult entrée, birthday meals for kids don’t cost you a dime.

Options for kids include spaghetti, chicken tenders, cheeseburgers, and mac and cheese — for lunch or dinner. Breakfasts can include pancakes and French toast.

Bonanza Steakhouse

If your child loves the Bonanza Steakhouse buffet, then make sure to sign up for the restaurant’s EClub. They give away free birthday meals for kids in the form of trips to the buffet. All you’ll need to do is purchase an adult meal, and you’re set.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

Sign up for Bubba Gump’s email club for the option to get a free birthday meal for your kid — it’ll save you about $6 off your bill. Your child can choose from a wide range of options, including ribs, grilled cheese, and popcorn shrimp.

California Pizza Kitchen

Members of the CPKids Birthday Club get a free CPKids meal during their birthday month. That means you have some flexibility as to when you go, so you don’t have to schedule the trip on your child’s birthday.

Captain D’s

Captain D’s gives out free birthday meals for kids as part of their Kid’s Birthday Club program. Plus, your child gets a special message straight from Captain D on the big day. Chicken, shrimp, and a few fish options are available on the children’s menu

Zaxby’s

Sign up for the Zaxby’s Kidz Club, and your child will get a free meal on his or her birthday. Chicken fingers, chicken sandwiches, and grilled cheese are all on the menu.

More Free Birthday Meals for Kids

If you plan your child’s birthday right, he or she might be able to eat for free at multiple places, creating an event they won’t forget. Speaking of which, it’s possible that restaurants not listed here might also provide free birthday meals for kids, so don’t be afraid to ask your favorites if they do it,

Free Birthday Meals for Adults

In some cases, you can also find free birthday meals for adults as your favorite establishments. Au Bon Pain, Black Angus Steakhouse, Jersey Mike’s, Red Robin, and a range of others have loyalty programs that let adults eat free on their special days, too.

Readers, do you have a favorite restaurant that lets kids eat free? If so, please tell us about it in the comments section beneath this post.

Read More About Family Finance

If you’d like to learn more about how to save money on parenting, please check out these family-focused articles in our archives: