Cheap Eats: Excelsior

Excelsior may not seem like the type of place to find cheap food, but at the downstairs bar, there are always surprises to be had. Be it $1 oysters (on Tuesdays and Wednesdays), half-priced pizzas (on Sundays and Mondays), or their new Winter Warmer Suppers, the deals at Excelsior's bar offer gourmet food at very low prices.

The Winter Warmer Suppers are a new special that features a different comfort food each week, changing on Saturdays, for only $8. This week's feature is fish and chips with cole slaw and house tartar sauce. The white fish is tender and coated with a light and crispy batter. The large-cut fries have creamy interiors and act as a perfect vehicle for enjoying every last bite of the house-made tartar sauce. Even the cole slaw won over this slaw-hater, with its crunchy cabbage and carrots and its creamy and tangy sauce. Sprinkled with fried parsley leaves and a good dose of black pepper, this is one of the best fish & chips that this Bostonist has had in a long time.

Future Winter Warmer Suppers will include Venison Stroganoff (1/17-23), Buttermilk Fried Chicken (1/24-30), Beef Stew (1/31-2/6), and Lamb Shepherds Pie (2/7-13). Excelsior is located at 272 Boylston Street, across from the Public Garden. Food is served in the bar area Monday-Thursday, 4:30-11pm, Friday and Saturday, 4:30-11:30pm, and Sunday, 4:30-10pm.