By Emily Erskine Ah yes, the great dichotomy of whether to eat out or stay in. Grocery shopping can be a pain, but eating out can be expensive. We’ve all gone out with friends and sat down only to discover a burger without fries is $12. What’s up with that? Well, if you’re like me, then you love finding tasty and cheap places to go because let’s face it, eating out is way more fun than staying in. Among the many restaurants and cafes in town, here are some of the places where my wallet and I find refuge. AB Crepes 1311 Railroad Ave. Open Thursday-Saturday 9 a.m. - 2 a.m. and Sunday-Wednesday 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. If you know, you know. AB Crepes has a well-rounded, great selection. From sweet, to mega sweet to savory crepes, this is a nice spot for any meal of the day. This creperie acts as a late night hub for locals and always has a fast-paced energy about it. Situated inside are long wooden tables to gather around with friends, and a large window to look at onto Bellingham. Most crepes range from about $6-$8, and will leave you full and content. Trust me on this one. Schweinhaus Biergarten 1330 N State St. Open Saturday and Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday 4:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. and Friday 4:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. Ever wondered about the outdoor pub with the tent and lights downtown? Well this is it! This place is a real gem for good times, good food and good people. The deals and the vibes are great here. A fun place to hang out with friends without breaking the bank. On top of the food and games is also karaoke every Tuesday night. Enjoy some delicious German sausages, sides and beer at Schweinhaus. Hana Teriyaki 701 W Holly St. Open 10:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. Teriyaki doesn’t have to be so far out of reach anymore. For $9, you can indulge in a huge plate of delicious teriyaki food and leave the place feeling guilt-free. With options ranging from chicken, beef, pork or tofu, any member of the friend group can enjoy this place. Majority of the plates include rice, veggies and your choice of meat, with the option of sides like egg rolls and potstickers. Mi Mexico 241 Telegraph Rd. Open 11:00 a.m - 10:30 p.m. If you’re looking for a place that’s not directly downtown, this Mexican restaurant on Meridian Street is a great option. Authentic, lively and affordable, Mi Mexico also offers a daily lunch special, with large and satisfying portions! A family friendly atmosphere and class Mexican flare with a very full menu. If you love chips and salsa and great deals, this is the place for you.
