Your post-holiday guide for eating good in West Ashley on a budget in the New Year
by Christine England | Contributing Writer
I started in the restaurant industry at 15 and at 18 I became a bartender. Fast-forward a multitude of years, being married to a chef and having worked for liquor brands I have seen the restaurant economy ebb and flow several times over from various perspectives.
Recently, while reading an article in a national publication, I saw a term which economists are calling “doom spending” The brass tax of it is that apparently 96 percent of consumers are concerned. It goes on to say that in the final quarter of 2023 people were so anxious about the economy in 2024 that they’re spending more than saving to ease their emotions. Which, on a personal level, I completely get. I hate to admit this, but give me anxiety and give me Amazon.
Now, the one thing I can say about bartending and working in the liquor industry is when the post-holiday, post-vacation season, or the economy tanks, people still drink. They may drink cheaper options or go out less, but basically, misery loves company (and booze). Thus your local watering hole seems to tread water during tough seas. However, the food side of the restaurant seems to feel the pain more. This means those spots that tend to have higher food sales really feel the wrath.
This got me thinking—as I sat planning my financial (and caloric) budget for 2024— how can I live a non-hermit life, support local business owners and dine-out within my new budget? Let’s just call this course-correcting my “doom spending.”
We could not possibly include them all in this article, but moving forward we want to periodically keep you updated on daily deals and great budget finds to help you support local more regularly while not breaking the bank. Sometimes these are places with great options for an affordable price, sometimes they will be happy hours or a daily deal. So, in January check out some of these spots notorious for giving great value for your dollar.
Bear E Patch — This local spot is famous for its large breakfast portions. Omelets start at $11, and when paired with a side of grits and toast, it’s easily two meals.
Bella Roma — Like all good Italians, they tend to give you large portions. Meals at this Citadel Mall food court gem can be found under $15 and many can make two meals out of an order.
Bessinger’s BBQ — This one I am passionate about! Doesn’t matter if you are single or a family. Hear me out … the Family 4-Pack for $47 includes two pounds of smoked meat and three pints of sides. This means if I want to be low-carb in January, I can order two pounds of pulled chicken (or pork), collards, green beans, and coleslaw, and my house now has four days of food for $47. I can’t even buy the groceries to pull that off in my own house, not to mention the time it takes to smoke the meat. There is also a Family 6-pack and both come with a gallon of unsweet or sweet tea.
Biscuit Bros. — It’s hard to find something more satisfying than a big ol’ made-from-scratch biscuit. Biscuit Bros. on Sam Rittenberg Boulevard offers giant biscuits stuffed with loads of stuff, ranging from the traditional to the outrageous. And they’re all under $10. A great deal for breakfast or lunch.
Cedar Creek Tavern — Check out the renovated space and new concept that has moved intot he old Traycee’s Too spot on Ashley River Road. Look at Cedar Creek Tavern’s social media for up-to-date daily specials. In the meantime, you can flip back a few pages in this paper to their ad on page 9 and find a coupon for one FREE appetizer or sandwich, signature sushi roll, or any 2 classic sushi rolls (no purchase necessary) Sunday through-Thursday, between 4-9 p.m. This is a great way to check out the place and explore the new menu
Euro Foods — Start with the sampler platter known as Sierzega. Then maybe add the Chebureki, think like polish meat hand pies or the Kachupuri, cheese boat bread. Either way, you will leave stuffed for around $25-$32.
Gene’s Haufbrau — For those in the know, Gene’s Blue Plate Specials are among the best deals in town. Maybe not the healthiest option for those still honoring their New Year’s resolutions, but Gene’s Blue Plates are huge servings of home-cooked meals for just $9.95. Monday is fried pork chop, Tuesday is fried chicken, Wednesday is pot roast, Thursday is country-fried steak, and Friday is fried flounder.
Hunley’s — Now this is apparently the best kept secret in town. Go for lunch Wednesday through Friday to find their $11 specials. Wednesday is a fried chicken plate, Thursday is fried pork, and Friday is fried or grilled seafood plate.
Hachiya Hibachi + Sushi (Sushi Bar) — Happy Hour deals inlcude steamed buns in the sushi bar starting at $3.95. The chicken karaage, aka the best fried chicken, is $6.95. Three types of ramen and if you get the special it will include the karaage, a ramen, and a roll.
Ireland’s Own — For some of the best home-cooked meals around, check out the daily deals at Ireland’s Own/Jägerhäus Pub (most are also available at their sister stores: Whiskey Jack’s and Southside17). Rotating specials offered daily (until they sell-out) include hamburger steak, served with corn, and mashed potatoes; locally-caught shrimp & grits, chicken/pork schnitzel with fried egg, gravy, and a side of spaetzl; prime rib, served with potatoes and veg; meatloaf, served with green beans and mashed potatoes, baked spaghetti served with a side of garlic bread.
Los Reyes — If you’re counting calories this month, maybe skip this one. But if you’re pinching pennies, this one is a no-brainer. $12.75 lunch buffet is one of the best bangs for your buck you’ll find anywhere. Unlimited chips and salsa, of course.
Ms. Rose’s Fine Foods — How does three pulled pork sliders for $8 sound? Pretty good right? Ms. Rose’s serves them up hot on Hawaiian rolls, with BBQ sauce, and pickle slice Monday through Saturday between 4-7 p.m.
Paisano’s — Maybe one of the more popular spots for daily deals including Tuesdays for the $9 Calzones or Wednesday for the one-topping Fatboy pizza for $15. Lunch specials (weekdays 11 a.m.-2 p.m., including a drink) can’t be beat for $9.49. They include a choice of any salad with homemade dressing, a sandwich with chips, or one topping 10” pizza or a calzone.
Pizza a Modo Mio — One of the best lunch specials you’ll find anywhere, Pizza a Modo Mio offers two regular slices and a 20-ounce drink for $7.95 or two specialty slices and a 20-ounce drink for $9.95. Also, on Tuesdays you can get two regular pies (they’re giant NY-style) for $28.95.
Swig & Swine — From the everyday happy hour of pulled pork sandwiches for $5 to the constant daily deals, Swig & Swine is a staple in giving some great specials for guests. A couple highlights are Meat-and-Three Mondays for $12, Tuesday brisket smash-burgers starting at $5, Wing-day Wednesday with half-off chicken wings (dine in only), and Whole Hog plates for $12 every Thursday.
Taco Bartina — This West Ashley favorite has good prices all the time, but it also has one of the best Happy Hours around. Every weekday, from 3-7 p.m. you can get $6 house margaritas (fresh-squeezed and in a pint glass!), $5 queso or guacamole, and $5 tequila shots.
Triangle Char & Bar — This Avondale spot is legendary for their award-winning brunch, which includes “Sunday Funday” deals like $2.50 mimosas ($10 carafes) and BYOB bloodies, but it also has a pretty sweet Taco Tuesday deal with $4 tacos, $4 margaritas, and $4 mojitos, starting at 5 p.m.
Verde — The salads are often a double meal for me, especially when chopped and I leave the dressing on the side. However, the cool part is in January, they host the Strive for 5. Purchase five in the month of January and get a free bowl.
