Bargain Bites

The Great Recession is tightening everyone's purse strings—so we've tracked down tasty bargains for each and every day of the week. Who says you can't afford to eat out? With these amazing deals, you can't afford not to.

THURSDAY

Start your evening with Fuel Café's specials on drinks and bargain small plates. The menu changes each month, but expect nibbles such as socca crêpes with Swiss chard, raisins, and pine nuts. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Thursday and Friday, 3455 Ringsby Court, Suite 105, 303-296-4642

Meet your lunch date at Parallel Seventeen for the "4 Pho $10" deal, which includes a slider, small bowl of pho, field-green salad, and soda. 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, 1600 E. 17th Ave., 303-399-0988

Check out Olivéa from 5 to 7 p.m. (patio and bar seating only) when the Mediterranean spot serves the left side of the menu (charcuterie, flatbreads, apps, and salads) for $5, and all wines by the glass for $5. Sunday through Friday, 719 E. 17th Ave., 303-861-5050

Come hungry to Le Central's early happy hour (3 to 5 p.m.). Small plates—smoked salmon, duck confit, carpaccio—go for $2 or less. Thursday through Sunday, 112 E. Eighth Ave., 303-863-8094