Holiday credit card bills are rolling in, the markets keep sliding, and you’re still not sure you’ll have a job next week. All signs point to a spending lockdown. Still, there are some things you just can’t live without—like food and, uh, the occasional beer. Give your ’09 budget an early boost with these dining deals, all $25 or less.

 

$4

John’s Place

Lincoln Park’s go-to neighborhood spot gets consistent raves for weekend brunch, but the real deal here comes mid-week, when burgers are just $4. Splurge on a cheeseburger for $4.75, and you’ve still got change left for the meter.

When: Wednesdays

 

$5

Bin Wine Cafe

This perky little Wicker Park spot has the ideal cure for the winter weeknight blues: a juicy, half-pound giardiniera-topped burger with fries. Linger a while over a bottle of wine, and you’re one dreary January night closer to spring.

When: Tuesdays

 

$10

Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro

In good Irish form, this North Center spot throws in a beer when you take advantage of its weeknight pub grub deal. For $10, choose fish and chips or a burger and fries, plus any draft beer from a lineup that includes Irish faves such as Guinness, Smithwick’s, Beamish and Harp.

When: Mondays-Thursdays

 

$18

The Melting Pot (pictured)

All the single ladies (all the single ladies!) will want to check this one out. Show up between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. and get a three-course salad and fondue meal for less than two Hamiltons. (Sorry, guys, this one’s just for the gals.)

When: Thursdays

 

$20

Cuatro

This Near South Side nuevo Latino spot usually heats up on weekends, but the weeknight scene gets a boost from a bargain three-course set menu, which changes daily. If you’re craving a little extra protein, a menu with meatier dishes is available for $30. The catch: You’ve got to be an early bird—this deal is only available until 7 p.m.

When: Tuesdays-Thursdays

 

$20.09

Le Lan

Chef Chad Starling has had a few months to settle in at the helm of this River North French-Asian bistro (former executive chef Bill Kim left in the fall to focus on Urban Belly and other projects), so now’s a perfect time to stop in and sample his work. The annual January prix-fixe, which includes your choice of an entree and dessert from a limited menu of choices such as braised short rib and curried trout, is the perfect way to do it.

When: Daily (January only)

 

$22

Rustik

Cozy and lodge-like inside (some might say, umm, rustic), this Logan Square spot serves comfort food that’s perfect for a winter night—and the three-course prix-fixe menu, which includes choices from the regular menu (but not specials), is the perfect excuse to venture out during the week.

When: Mondays, Tuesdays

 

$25

Erwin

Unlike many prix-fixe menus, which limit you to a choice of a few select items from the regular menu, chef-owner Erwin Drechsler’s seasonal menu is wide open on Wednesdays. Choose any appetizer, any entree and any dessert to complete this three-course prix-fixe.

When: Wednesdays

M. Kathleen Pratt is the Metromix dining producer. kpratt@tribune.com