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Eat -- and drink -- on the cheap

By Zoe Tobin | Special to amNewYork

8:04 PM EDT, July 23, 2008

At Maloney & Porcelli the $75 special includes a three-course meal plus a bottomless glass of wine. (handout)

Even with the recession, the notion of "eat, drink and be merry" doesn't have to be a thing of the past. Just head to one of these restaurants that offers complimentary booze with dinner. Now, that's what we call economic relief.

savorNY If you're with a group, this Lower East Side restaurant is the perfect spot for a toast. Chow down on flavorful small plates from Sunday to Thursday before 7:30 p.m., and a second bottle of wine is on the house. Diners can choose from among more than 25 selections, including Tilia Chardonnay from Argentina, Fairvalley Pinotage from South Africa, Surly Chenin Blanc from California and Jubileo Meritage from California. Food items run the cultural gamut, from blood orange chicken with snow-pea salad and sesame seeds ($9) to citrus tuna with salsa roja and yogurt-lime sauce ($12). (63 Clinton St. near Stanton Street; 212-358-7125)

Columbia Cottage A long-time staple for Columbia University students looking to eat on the cheap, this Chinese eatery offers extensive menu options and complimentary carafes of wine. It may not be the type of place that will impress your date, but it won't leave much of an impression on your wallet either. (1034 Amsterdam Ave. at 111th Street; 212-662-1800)

Pearls Slightly more upscale than Cottage, this all-you-can-drink Chinese-food joint on the Upper West Side serves complimentary wine when you order any main course. (796 Amsterdam Ave. at 99th Street; 212-749-0300)

Maloney & Porcelli When west-side eatery Cité lost its lease, it didn't let its weekend wine dinner go. Instead, management moved the tradition east to this warmly lit, wood-paneled steakhouse. From Friday to Sunday, the $75 special includes a bottomless glass of wine (four choices), plus an appetizer, entree and dessert from the regular menu. Steak, lobster and some other menu items come with an additional $10 fee. The special starts at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and at 5 p.m. on Sundays. (37 E. 50th St., between Madison and Park avenues; 212-750-2233)

Basilica For $27.95 between 3 and 6:30 p.m. daily, dining couples gets two entrees, two appetizers, two desserts and a bottle of wine. At this Theater District Italian bistro, the early bird may get the drinks, but moderate prices and satisfying portions keep this small but inviting restaurant busy long after the theater crowds leave. (676 Ninth Ave., between 46th and 47th streets; 212-489-0051)

Azuki This dimly lit Japanese gem on Park Avenue South offers unlimited free wine or sake with dinner if you spend at least $15 per person. That said, servers do not refill your glass after you're finished with your meal -- or very close to it. The narrow space can get as crowded and noisy as a sports bar, but offers better food --fresh sushi, noodles, teriyaki. (239 Park Ave. South, between 19th and 20th streets; 347-767-3437)

Koyzina Grill This family-owned cafe, bar and grill in the Financial District offers a daily lunch and dinner prix fixe for $15.95, which includes a glass of wine or beer. The menu consists of burgers, salads and wraps. (25 Cedar St. at Barrow Street; 212-344-3468)