Best Bargain Bites

Each year the Editors here at Yankee pull together a list of “Bests” across the region in categories like Attractions, Lodging, Local Secrets, and Bargains. Here’s a list of our top spots for Best Bargain Bites from the 2012 Best List! Get eating and save some pennies while you’re filling up!

BEST KIDDIE CONE
Kimball Farm – Jaffrey, NH (with additional locations in Carlisle and Westford, MA)
Parents get their money’s worth with immense kids’ portions of homemade ice-cream flavors such as raspberry-chocolate chip and peanut-butter chocolate. And if that’s not enough to win over the younger set, look for low-flying propeller plans coming in for a landing at Silver Ranch Airpark next door. Kiddie cone: $3.75.
158 Turnpike Road. 603-532-5765; kimballfarm.com

BEST FRANKS
Casey’s Diner – Natick, MA
One of the earliest Worcester Lunch Car diners still in service, this narrow little 10-stool eatery was built in 1922 and acquired by the Casey family in 1925. They’ve been serving their famous steamed hot dogs ever since. If no stools are available, there’s always the take-out window. Hot dogs: from $2.50.
36 South Ave. 508-655-3761

BEST VEGETARIAN LUNCH
Little Lad’s – Portland, ME
Yes, it’s vegan, but with hearty choices that might include mac-and-cheese, chili, or eggplant cacciatore, you won’t miss the meat. The spread always includes soup, salad bar, bread, vegetables, and Entrée. Just $4.99 covers all you can fit on a tray. Still hungry? Load up again for $1. Hint: Go early for the most choices.
482 Congress St. 207-871-1636; littlelads.com

BEST CHOWDOWN IN THE BIG TOWN
August First Bakery & Café – Burlington, VT
“Flatbread Friday” is this bakery’s entry in the all-you-can-eat stakes. For $12 (kids under 10, $8), dig into classic pizzas, as well as inventions like chicken-and-pesto or green-olive-and-pepperoncini. Unlimited salad, too, and chocolate-almond frangipane pizza for dessert.
149 South Champlain St. 802-540-0060; augustfirst.typepad.com

BEST CHEESE ON THE CHEAP
Cheese Traders & Wine Sellers – South Burlington, VT
Irregularly shaped chunks of Cabot cheddar; mildly mature (recently expired) wedges of Stilton; brie, hugely tasty … You never know what treats you’ll find at bargain prices in the Traders cheese case. There are also terrific buys on wines.
1186 Williston Road. 802-863-0143; cheesetraders.com

BEST CHINESE BUFFET
Grand Buffet – Essex Junction, VT
The decor is early gymnasium, but the vast selection is generally fresh and hot, and includes numerous sushi options, tasty shrimp dishes, and terrific peanut-butter chicken. Weekday lunch $7.29, dinner $11.29; Saturday lunch or dinner $13.29; Sunday lunch or dinner $12.29.
66 Pearl St. 802-879-9669