Olympic Gardens ***

I was invited to eat at Olympic Gardens one day for lunch and have been back twice since. A very new, and clean, pub and grill has appetizers from $2.95 - $7.95, sandwiches range from $5.95 - $6.95 (club sandwiches being about another dollar). What I liked is that they do have a kid's menu. Also, their chicken and pasta dishes don't exceed $13.

Antique Table ****

I noticed Antique Table a couple years ago, driving by it often on my way to Swampscott. The exterior has a strong Mediterrenean look and the inside, well, a bit smaller than anticipated. The entire restaurant probably sits no more30 people. We sat down and asked for a suggestion from the waitress. She suggested an Antique pizza ($8.95).

Casa Molina ****

I frequent Casa Molina whenever I want to satisfy my Mexican food graving I get often. It's also become a favorite lunch stop since I work a short drive from there. Authentic Mexican, this family-owned establishment has become quite popular in Lynn for it's well-sized burritos! As far as pricing, all items are under $10.

The Tiger's Den ****

I've often frequented this hidden gem for lunch. After discovering the cheap prices versus the good food, it's a definite thumbs up! This student run restaurant, located at Lynn Vocational, is run well by the high schooler's.

Sapporo Ramen *****

Very small place, around 8 tables to sit at in the whole place. The whole restaurant is about the same size as my kitchen (you know, Edgar). I wouldn't go here on a romantic date, I'd prefer to go here for lunch. The food is amazing in my opinion.

Howling Wolf Taqueria **

When I saw this new Salem restaurant, I was immediately interested - especially with the Mexican theme! I was hopeful to find a new place I could regularly go to. The theme, colors, and décor is definitely fresh and unique. "Wolf" also has a well-done (no pun intended) website.

Yan's China Bistro ****

I frequent Yan's for lunch almost every Friday for the last year. I've also gone there a couple times for dinner and typically get a non-spicy General Gau on the lunch menu for $5.25 (I try to not pay much for lunch). The lunch menu gives you 17 different dishes for that low price everyday! They're always friendly and willing to make your experience a pleasant one!

Red's Sandwich Shop ****

We arrived on a cripsy, but nice morning last weekend to a long line of tourists and locals dying to get into Red's! Lucky for us some friends had already been waiting the 30-40 minutes before we arrived. It almost felt like we were cutting the line!

Toscana Ristorante***

We arrived and were almost immediately seated at a cozy booth. Aesthetically pleasing, with arches and Italian themed décor, everything was looking great!

Kasbah Restaurant****

I had been to the Kasbah a couple times before, but this last time I finally got around to trying out a couple of sampler dishes. I went with a group of mostly relatives and we had mostly opted for ordering tapas (Spanish for appetizers). The night was fun as we enjoyed the belly dancer and Moroccan motif. In addition, they offer a Greek and a ladies night along with live music on Friday nights.

Sophia's Garden Court****

Tonight we thought we'd try a coupon from Restaurant.com and eat at Sophia's in Peabody. It's located inside the Marriot of Peabody, making it a great place for meetings. It was not a particularly busy night, as we were greeted by the host.

Great Escape****

Last night's choice was Great Escape! The newly renovated jail has character and class for those on a budget… sort of. The slightly higher price point makes it a little uncomfortable for those of us on budgets for dinner, but worth the occasional night out. Escape has indoor and outdoor dining with live entertainment - excellent!

La Esquina del Lechon****

Recently, while visiting family in Miami, I had the opportunity to go by a Cuban restaurant my cousin's husband had taken me the last time I was down there. The last time was for breakfast, but this time was for dinner.