Cheap Eats

T G I (Fish Fry) Friday!

A dinner on the cheap that can't be beat!

   The fish dinner with fries and slaw is only $8 at the Elks Lodge' Friday Fish Fry in Eastham.

By Maggie Kulbokas

If a hearty helping of a classic Cape Cod favorite sounds good, head on over to the Friday Night Fish Fry at the Elks Lodge in Eastham. These Outer Cape Elks serve up a delicious and filling hot dinner every Friday night from 5:30pm-7:30pm year-round.

Choose from a fish or chicken dinner both served with French fries and Cole slaw, chicken nuggets served with fries and onion rings or hot dogs--an all time kid favorite.

                       BBQ, Bingo & More!    
The fish fry isn't the lodge's only forte. 

They are also well known for two more American favorites: bingo and cookouts.  Bingo is played every Tuesday year-round. The doors open at 5pm (food & the snack bar are available) and the first game starts at 6:30pm.  The Wednesday Cookouts take place in the summer from the beginning of July through the beginning of September from 5:30pm-7:30pm.  The usual tasty fare is available, from burgers and dogs to steak and scallop rolls plus the standard sides including chowder, fries and onion rings.
 
Check the calendar for special family-friendly events scheduled this summer including the Father's Day Breakfast, BBQs, Pig Roast and Clambake.

Members run a tight ship.  First you buy your ticket and sign in, then you are seated at one of the many tables.  Munch on bread and butter until someone arrives with your chowder followed by your dinner choice. Or if you aren't in the stay and eat mood, get it to go for only .25 more per order!

The fish dinner, only $8, was delicious--light, crispy coating over flaky white fish--not the gray tired old stuff you get in some restaurants. The fries were equally crispy and the Cole slaw was just right--not too creamy or sweet.  A cup of chowder, a mere $2, was the ideal consistency with tender chunks of potato and clam gathered at the bottom of the cup.

Choose soda, beer, wine or a mixed drink at the full bar to complement your meal.  The prices at the bar alone can't be beat!  

The crowd was a nice mix of young and old locals and visitors--families and friends chattering away over a tasty and affordable meal.  It's not fancy--but it doesn't have to be to be good.   

Last Friday was busy but not as packed as it can get in the late spring and summer.  Advice from frequent attendees--go early before the fish runs out!

It's a great way to start the weekend.

The Orleans-Eastham Elks Lodge (2572) is located at 10 McKoy Road in North Eastham, just off Route 6, across from the Four Points Sheraton. 508-255-4258.