Dining out on the cheap in the South Loop

With the struggling economy taking its toll on discretionary income, two local restaurants have instituted some moderately priced menu items. So is it time to get out of the house and into the dining room of one of these local eateries?

Pub specials

Grace O'Malley's at 1416 S. Michigan Ave. and the WeatherMark
Tavern at 1503 S. Michigan Ave. have daily and monthly specials to appeal to budget-minded consumers. Besides their normal fare, O'Malley's features a monthly lunch special for only $5.00. This month, that $5.00 will get you a foot long hot dog and fries. The foot long is grilled, topped with Guinness barbecue sauce, grilled onions, and served with O'Malley's signature seasoned fries. Over at the WeatherMark, today's Monday special features a $6.00 burger with two toppings and a pint. Also included are WeatherMark's sweet potato or steak fries. If you haven't tried the sweet potato fries at the WeatherMark, you're missing one of life's simple pleasures.

Alfresco dining

Both O'Malley's and WeatherMark feature daily specials at their respective web sites and offer outdoor dining during the spring and summer months. For more information on Grace O'Malley's specials and regular menu items call 312-588-1800 or visit www.graceomalleyschicago.com. For information on the WeatherMark call 312-588-0230 or visit www. weathermark.com.