Kids, students, parents will eat up these discounts

Did you know there are a variety of local businesses in the Grand Valley that offer free and discounted meals for kids and students?

Not only is this helpful financially, but also gives people a break from the seemingly never-ending task of cooking for a family.

I think it is great to teach kids how to be in a restaurant setting and these can be terrific opportunities.

For my family, we always had a “restaurant bag” packed with small toys, books, crayons, etc. that could only be used when we were at a restaurant. In that way, it was made extra special and my three kids learned that going to a restaurant was a treat, and they needed to be well-behaved. (Friendly reminder: If you are bringing an electronic device, make sure the volume is off or there is a headset so you don’t disturb other diners.)

Here is an alphabetically- ordered list of some businesses that offer these specials.

Typically, “kids” refers to children 12 and younger, but not always. And, in general, each free kid’s meal happens with the purchase of an adult entrée.

Depending on the restaurant, “student” means anyone from elementary through college. (Note: restaurants often change their menus and specials, so be sure to call or look online before you go for the most updated information.)

The Ale House — Kids eat free on Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult entée. Located at 2531 N. 12th St.

Bravo’s Pizza — Bravo’s is located next to Colorado Mesa University at 936 North Ave. It offers 15% off with a student ID.

Cattlemen’s Bar & Grill — On Mondays, purchase an adult entrée and kids get a free item from the kid’s menu. Located at 1369 12½ Road in Loma.

El Mezcal Family Mexican Restaurant & Bar — Both locations, 2210 U.S. Highway 6&50 in Grand Junction and 439 U.S. Highway 6 in Fruita, have a special on Mondays where you buy one entrée and get one free kid’s plate.

Enzo’s Ristorante Italiano — Enzo’s has an offer on Tuesdays in which kids 10 and younger eat free spaghetti and meatballs with every adult who purchases an entrée. Enzo’s is located at 707 Horizon Drive.

Jimmy’z Hamburgers — On Wednesdays, when you purchase an adult meal, children under 12 get a free kid’s meal. It is located at 1840 N. 12th St.

McAlister’s Deli — Every day of the week, children’s meals are 99 cents with the purchase of an adult entrée if you dine in. McAlister’s is located at 480 W. Park Drive.

Pablo’s Pizza — Pablo’s has a daily special where students can get a slice of pizza, beverage and a cookie for $6.25. It is in downtown at 319 Main St.

Ristorante Pantuso —

Kids eat for 99 cents with each full-priced adult on Wednesdays. Pantuso is at 421 Branch Drive on the Redlands.

The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill — Wednesdays have a special that one child eats free with the purchase of any adult meal. The Great Greek is located at 2566 Patterson Road.

Email Christine Gallagher at allthingsfoodchristine@ gmail.com.

The restaurant experience is special and one children can learn from while also receiving some helpful discounts from local restaurants. Pictured here is Paul Murphy savoring the joys of spaghetti.

ANNIE MURPHY/Special to the Sentinel

Pablo’s Pizza, 319 Main St., offers a special student combo featuring a slice of pizza, beverage and cookie.

CHRISTINE GALLAGHER/Special to the Sentinel

The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, 2566 Patterson Road, offers a special for children on Wednesdays.

CHRISTINE GALLAGHER/Special to the Sentinel

ALLAGHER