It’s getting so you can buy a great meal out for less money than it costs to fill up your car’s gas tank. And, to me, it’s more enjoyable, too.

Here are some options you might want to consider:

Happy hour at Zinburger

Fox Restaurant Concepts’ Zinburger is featuring a daily happy hour between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. during which all side dishes, draft beer and wine are half-price. Also, the plain and simple burger - a burger topped with lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise - is $6 instead of $8.

• Zinburger, 1865 E. River Road in Joesler Village - http://foxrc.com/zinburger.html - (520) 299-7799.

Early bird gets it at Bistro Philippe

For those who like to eat early - and in the hottest part of the day - you can be rewarded with an "early bird special" at Bistro Philippe. From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. (I said it was early), dinner consisting of soup or appetizer, main course, dessert and a beverage which could be a well cocktail, house wine or draft beer is $24.95 per person.

As an alternative to heating up your kitchen, you can stop by Bistro Philippe on your way home and pick up dinner to-go at 20 percent off.

• Bistro Philippe, 2990 N. Swan Road in Palomino Plaza - www.bistrophilippe.com/ - (520) 318-1118.

Frankie’s South Philly Cheesesteaks specials

Frankie Santos of Frankie’s South Philly Cheesesteaks has come up with some specials for the summer. A good one if you’ve got children under 12 to feed gets you half-price items off the kids menu with the purchase of any two cheesesteaks and two drinks. It’s good for up to four children.

Another option is any two sandwiches, an order of fries and two drinks for $16.50. If you are looking for something on the lighter side, Frankie’s is also adding pasta salads to the menu.

For my money, Frankie’s is as close as they come to real cheesesteaks without having to go to Philadelphia.

• Frankie’s South Philly Cheesesteaks, 2574 N. Campbell Ave. - www.frankiescheesesteaks.com/ - (520) 795-2665.

Counter heat with new salad at Benihana

At Benihana a summer option is the Banzai salad that has been added to its menu. It’s a salad served with a choice of grilled steak, chicken or salmon on mixed greens and topped with miso dressing. If you’d like a little more, pair the salad with some fresh sushi at Benihana’s hip sushi bar.