A Look at Locals Deals Down at Fisherman's Wharf

Sometimes feeling like a million bucks only takes about $10.

It can happen at Abalonetti’s, with a house margarita or glass of house wine for $3 and a plate of catch-of-the-day sand dabs with rice and fresh vegetables for $8.95. Throw in a peek at an otter as the sun drops behind the Defense Language Institute and life is good.

Nevertheless, legions of locals let fear of tourists and chowder barkers keep them from seizing a little of the classic on-the-water escape Fisherman’s Wharf furnishes.

But fear is no way to make decisions, particularly dinner decisions. Besides, for every lady like the one who barged into one wharf eatery last week blurting, “Do you serve anything besides seafood?! My mother doesn’t like seafood!” there’s a cool conversation awaiting with a visitor at the bar ecstatic to try his first oyster, lobster and crab ever—and remind you of the fun of a little adventure along the way.

And new rules keep the barkers from being too aggressive anyway.

Also: Free locals parking happens in the lot by the harbor Monday through Thursday, and the brand new Wharf Marketplace, which had its soft opening Friday, helps round out the experience too.

Here’s a peek at some of the deals:

Abalonetti (373-1851) • The locals menu ($8.95 daily) consists of six entrees such as parmesan crusted chicken, flame-broiled pork loin and grilled calamari steak. A 3-course meal of chowder or salad and the chef’s dessert is $4 more. Specials such as $.99 oysters change depending on what’s in season.

Cafe Fina (372-5200) • The locals’ “sunset special”s ($14.95) covers a pick of six entrees such as calamari steak or grilled snapper and comes with clam chowder or mixed green salad and chef’s choice dessert.

Domenico’s on the Wharf (372-3655) • Twilight specials for locals ($14.95) translate to a three course menu. First course includes house salad, clam chowder or tomato ginger soup. Main course includes items such as sockeye salmon and grilled sandabs. Dessert is the chef’s choice which changes daily. Bonus: Happy hour offers margaritas, beer and wine for $3 until 6pm.

Crab Louie’s Bistro (373-6969) • Clam chowder or mixed green salad is served with the local’s dinner specials which include cioppino ($24.95), stuffed sea bass ($18.95) and whole dungeness crab ($28.95).

Crabby Jim’s (372-2064) • The early crab special ($13) serves soup or salad with a pick from eight items like coconut crusted tilapia and fish, shrimp and chicken skewers. A skewers combo is available for $15.

Gilbert’s (375-3113) • Every entree order comes with a free appetizer. Specials change daily.

Isabella’s (375-3956) • Beer battered fish and chips served with a cup of clam chowder is $14.95. Until the end of September, desserts are free with every entree order.

Liberty Fish Company (375-5468) • The everyday special ($10.95) is for a cup of clam chowder and half a crab or shrimp sandwich.

Old Fisherman’s Grotto ( 375-4604) • For less than $15, the locals three-course menu (Mon-Thu) includes a wide range of new and classic items such as stuffed pork chops, herb crusted tilapia and gluten-free spaghetti neapolitan along with clam chowder or salad and the dessert of the day. Bonus: 25 percent off the wine list and two hours of free parking every day.

Paluca Trattoria (373-5559) • Locals get a deal ($16.95) on the fish of the day.

Rappa’s Seafood Restaurant (372-7562) • The three course locals menu ($13.95 daily) includes a pick of eight entrees such as the chicken marsala or Baja white prawns, and includes a cup of clam chowder or mixed green salad and a chef’s choice dessert.