About Town: Early Dinner Specials You Just Can’t Miss

In this economy, where we’re all counting pennies and buying Groupons, what better way to go out to eat at a fine restaurant than to find a place that offers early dinner specials? 

We’re not talking your grandparents 4 o’clock Florida buffet at which piles of steaming food sit cafeteria-style in deep pans until everyone eats themselves into a discounted stupor. We’re talking sit-down dinners in beautiful settings with a glass of wine included (in most cases).

Here are some area restaurants that offer early dinners at great prices, so if you haven’t already tried them, you should. And if you’ve eaten at any of these restaurants but have never taken advantage of their early specials, what are you waiting for?

1. : The Sunset Dinner Special is offered every Monday through Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m.

$19.95 per person includes your choice of a Sunset 3-course dinner, complete with a choice of wine, beer or soda, freshly prepared garlic bread and dessert. And they have a beautiful patio you can dine on and watch the sunset.

In Napoli is located at 116 Main Street, Fort Lee; 201-947-2500

 2. : The Sunset Menu is offered every Monday through Thursday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday Brunch is from noon to 2 p.m. 

$16.95 per person includes a 3-course dinner with your choice of wine, beer or soda. 

Franco’s Metro is located at 1475 Bergen Boulevard, Fort Lee; 201- 461-6651

3. : The Early Bird Special is offered every Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. and Sundays noon to 4:30 p.m.

$18.50 per person includes your choice of appetizer and entree. 

Armando’s is located at 144 Main Street, Fort Lee; 201-461-4220

4. Cafe Italiano: The Price Fix menu is available Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. 

The 3-course meal ranges from $13.95 to $19.95 per person depending on your choice of entree. Cafe Italiano has a lovely patio for outdoor dining. It’s very mediterranean. All that’s missing is the sea.

Cafe Italiano is located right over the northern border of Fort Lee at 14 Sylvan Avenue in Englewood Cliffs; 201-461-5041.

5. Don Quijote: Their early dinner menu is legendary, so if you haven’t experienced Don Quijote, what are you waiting for? Especially at these prices. Early dinner is offered Monday through Friday from 4:30 to 7 p.m. 

The 3-course meal is (ready for this?) $10.95 per person. It includes a glass of wine, sangria or soda. 

Don Quijote is located at 344 Bergen Boulevard in Fairview; 201- 943-3133.

Take advantage of these dinner specials while the weather is still beautiful. And at these prices, why not go with a group of friends?