Is there anyone out there who hasn't been hit by this recession? If so, please keep that to yourself. For the rest of us, I propose a selection of 10 gratifying dinners out that cost under $50 for two, including tax, tip, and one alcoholic beverage per person.
Of course, any twosome can eat for well under the $50 mark. But I'm not talking about mere belly-filling. This is dining as entertainment - a night out at a place that offers enough by way of service and ambience (or at least a lively enough scene) to make us feel we've been somewhere. No ordering at the counter and no paper plates.
10 dinners for under $50
By W.E. Moranville, Datebook Diner
Special to MetromixJanuary 22, 2009
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Thai Flavors
757 N. Ankeny Blvd. - Ankeny515-964-7715
Once pretty much a lunch-only pick, the dining room has been spiffed up over the years to make it worthy of a casual night out. Drinks: Two Singha beers, $3.95 each: $7.90. Diner 1: Pad Thai, $ 8.95. Diner 2: Green Curry, $8.95. Tax: $1.55. Tip: $5.20. Total: $32.55.
Firkin & Fox - CLOSED
1451 22nd St. -
West Des Moines
515-225-1175
The inexpensive eats go well beyond sandwiches at this warmly upholstered, nook-and-crannied-up spot. Drinks: One Boddington's Ale and one Guinness Stout, $4.25 each: $8.50. Diner 1: Bangers and Mash, $9.45. Diner 2: Two-Piece Fish and Chips Dinner, $11. Tax: $1.74. Tip: $5.80. Total: $36.49.
Mi Mexico Restaurant
11407 Forest Ave. - Clive515-222-6933
The superior margaritas are served in a shaker with a little champagne coupe. One shaker easily lasts through dinner as you fill and refill the little glass. Drinks: Two Original Margaritas, $6.50 each: $13. Diner 1: Enchiladas Suizas, $8.95. Diner 2: Large Combination Platter, with Enchilada, Chile Rellenos and Taco, $8.95. Tax: $1.85. Tip: $6.20. Total: $38.95.
Alba
524 E. Sixth St. -
Des Moines
515-244-0261
Expert sandwiches and pastas let diners get a taste of the kitchen's passion on the cheap. Drinks: Two glasses of least-expensive wine, $6 each: $12. Diner 1: Panko-Encrusted Salmon Burger, $10.50. Diner 2: Chive-Potato Gnocchi, $16.50. Tax: $2.34. Tip: $8. Total: $49.34.
Skip's
4000 Fleur Drive - Des Moines515-287-1820
Come in from the cold! It's always warm and cozy inside this casual-but-committed south-side venue. Drinks: Two glasses house wine, $5 each: $10. Diner 1: 8-ounce Top Sirloin Steak Sandwich, $12. Diner 2: Blackened Cod Sandwich, $9. Tax: $1.86. Tip: $6.20. Total: $39.06.
Jethro's BBQ Your Drake Neighborhood Sports Bar
3102 Forest Ave. - Des Moines515-279-3300
Generous piles of expertly smoked meats, plus four sides and bread, make their platters-for-2 maybe even large enough for three. Drinks: Two Sam Adams Winter Lager, $4.50 each: $9. Diners 1 and 2: Half Slab and Two Meat Dinner for Two, $22.95. Tax: $1.92. Tip: $6.40. Total: $40.27.
Court Avenue Restaurant and Brewing Company
309 Court Ave. -
Des Moines
515-282-2739
This is one of the more reliable spots on Court Avenue, with one of the most chipper staffs around. Drinks: Two pints house-crafted beer, $4.50 each: $9. Diner 1: CabCo Sandy Sandwich (with shaved prime rib and sautéed onions), $11.99. Diner 2: Margherita Pizza, $10.99. Tax: $1.92. Tip: $6.40. Total: $40.30.
Star Bar
2811 Ingersoll Ave. - Des Moines515-244-0790
The energetic Ingersoll Avenue vibe and better-than-bar-food offerings make this a sure bet any night. Drinks: Two glasses of the least-expensive wine, $5 each: $10. Diner 1: Blackened Catfish Tacos, $11.99. Diner 2: Thai Fried Noodles, $13.95. Tax: $2.16. Tip: $7.20. Total: $45.30.
Le Jardin
841 42nd St. - Des Moines515-943-1926
In true French bistro fashion, you can go high or low at this place and still get great bang for your buck. Drinks: Two glasses of the least-expensive wine, $5 each: $10. Diner 1: Rib-Eye Steak Burger with Roasted Leeks, Cheese and Fig Mustard, $14. Diner 2: Smoked Trout Omelet, $12. Tax: $2.16. Tip: $7.20. Total: $45.36.
Miyabi 9
512 E. Grand Ave. - Des Moines515-288-8885
Choose wisely and $50 can bring a great meal at arguably the best sushi restaurant in town. Drinks: Carafe of hot saki, $7. Diner 1 and 2: Sushi-Sashimi Platter ($24.95) plus Steamed Japanese Dumplings ($4.95), $29.90. Tax: $2.21. Tip: $7.40. Total: $46.51.
