How to save money at the area's pricier restaurants, just in time for Valentine's Day

Despite popular belief, enjoying a night out on the town doesn't have to cost a fortune.

Inflation has taken its toll on every industry, and the restaurant scene is no exception. Almost all places, from fast food spots to fine-dining establishments have raised their prices.

But don't be discouraged, you can still enjoy a nice meal with a friend or family member (or that special someone with Valentine's Day right around the corner) — even at the area's most expensive restaurants — for well under $100. Check out the blueprint below on how to do it.

This list isn't exhaustive, nor does the pricing take into account tax, tip or credit card fees.

Dean Martin’s Lanning’s

Dean Martin’s Lanning’s happy hour starters, martinis and house pours are the key to fine dining on a budget at this Akron establishment. Even when ordering the three most expensive appetizers to share with a partner, the total comes to $36. And no, those are not sharable soups or salads.

Highlights to the happy hour menu include bacon-wrapped scallops, sautéed blue crab cakes and bourbon maple pork belly. All martinis are $10 and house pours are $8 or $12. To take advantage of happy hour, visit between 4 and 8 p.m. Sunday or 4 and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Paying with a credit card at Lanning's will incur a 3% surcharge to the bill.

826 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Akron; 330-666-1159; https://www.lannings-restaurant.com/

Ken Stewart’s Tre Bell

If you were thinking “finally, a good Italian dinner that won’t break the bank,” you’ve come to the right place, er…section of this story. Order the calamari ($18), Tuscan white beans ($9) and any of Tre Belle’s pizzas (aside from that pesky Ken’s Chicken Parmesan Pizza) and the bill will be just under or over $50. Delizioso!

It's important to note that, when paying with a credit card, a 3% charge will be added to the bill.

1911 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Akron; 330-666-9990; https://www.kenstewartstrebelle.com/

Pitchfork

You and a friend can each get a house beer or wine ($5 each), plus jumbo confit chicken wings ($9), a mini charcuterie board ($15) and broiler brie topped with homemade berry jam, bacon, focaccia and burnt rosemary ($12) to share for under $50. These dishes and more are available during Pitchfork's happy hour from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Need to eat a little earlier or later? No problem. For either lunch or dinner, you and a partner can chow down on Pitchfork’s grilled romaine wedge salad topped with roasted corn, tomato, pickled red onion, toasted pepitas and a creamy cotija cilantro buttermilk ranch ($18). A half portion of this salad, devoid of meat, was more than enough for two people to share according to reporter Kerry Clawson when she visited. A full serving with chicken for an additional $9 would certainly fill most.

If chicken isn’t cutting it, order shakshuka – eggs baked into a sweet and savory tomato sauce with chorizo and served alongside warm peasant bread – for an additional $16. You will walk away having spent $43 for two at one of the area’s most-anticipated restaurants of 2023. Heck, you can even use the money you saved downstairs at Pav’s Creamery for dessert.

1070 Ghent Road, Bath Township; 330-754-2551; visitcornerprovisions.com/pitchfork

Downtown 140

Hudson’s Downtown 140 has some good eats, but at a cost. Luckily, you and a partner can still visit and take your fill for less than $50. First, order their assortment of breads and spreads ($6) and Yellowtail “Hamachi” ($23) before getting down to business and enjoying the menu’s confit pork belly ($20). Feel free to switch out the Yellowtail for some of their other appetizers, like the shrimp cocktail or deviled eggs, or salads to share.

140 N. Main St., Hudson; 330-655-2940; https://www.downtown140.com/

King Fish

Seafood fans can dine on all the wonderful creatures of the ocean without the high price tag when taking advantage of King Fish’s happy hour, appetizers and sharable sides. But be aware, happy hour is not offered on holidays and is only available in the bar room. Hours are 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday and 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

There are plenty of alcoholic drinks and food to mix and match on the happy hour menu. It features four chilled seafood options, including a dozen smoked mussels for $6. Some of their more filling hot dishes are steamed mussels served with a spicy tomato broth and grilled sourdough ($10) and Creole Risotto, which has shrimp and andouille sausage ($8). The two entrée options are a pimento cheeseburger ($13) and grilled salmon salad ($15). Cocktails are also available for $6 and wines cost $7 and $9.

For those that would like to eat cheaply after 6 p.m. Monday through Friday in other areas of the restaurant, consider ordering a couple of King Fish’s hot appetizers, such as the calamari and pork belly, with some lighter extras like lobster bisque, salads or sides.

115 Montrose W. Ave. Akron; 330-777-2005; https://www.kingfishakron.com/

Diamond Grille

Never underestimate the power of a good lunch, especially from Diamond Grille's happy hour which is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. The table starts off with complimentary bread. Even with two people getting a more expensive ($18) main, each person gets their own protein, side of choice and side salad. Plus each of you can choose an additional side ($6-$7) to enjoy alongside the meal. In the end, the whole event would cost about $50.

Date night at Diamond Grille: Akron's legendary Diamond Grille serves up steaks, seafood and memories | Local Flavor

Whether it's lunch or dinner, don't forget to bring cash or your checkbook and wear business casual attire.

77 W. Market St., Akron; 330-253-0041; https://www.diamondgrille.com/

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

With over nine shareable dishes to choose from alongside $9 hand-crafted cocktails, Fleming’s social hour is not one to be overlooked. Assemble your perfect dinner at the bar with bourbon and apricot glazed meatballs, filet wellington bites, whipped burrata crostini and more at a discounted rate. While at the bar, try out one of their handhelds, which comes with a side of fries. All in all, it’s not too hard to get a nice meal here for two for less than $50. Social Hour is 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.

4000 Medina Road, Akron; 330-670-5200; https://www.flemingssteakhouse.com/locations/oh/akron

Contact Beacon Journal reporter Tawney Beans at tbeans@gannett.com and on Twitter @TawneyBeans. And follow her food adventures on TikTok @akronbeaconjournal.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Meals for 2 under $50 at Akron area's most expensive restaurants