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Bargain bites

Compiled by Linda Perney

10:40 AM EST, March 12, 2004

Everybody likes a bargain, and we especially like a dinnertime bargain. Here are some of our favorites.

MANHATTAN

P.J. Clarke. There are those who call this the best saloon in the city, but it's more than that. Sure, it's a convivial place for a drink, but it also has a good raw bar, a classic pub menu, and a burger that's hard to beat. (915 Third Avenue; 212-317-1616)

Westville. The Village's notion of a bargain restaurant packs 'em in, with a menu that includes terrific salads as well as good sandwiches, burgers, and at dinnertime, steaks, grilled fish and chicken. Best of all, nothing runs over $16. (210 West 10th Street; 212-741-7971)

Nam. Elegant but on the noisy side, Nam serves up excellent Vietnamese specialties to a powerhouse crowd of downtowners looking for a bargain. With main courses in the $12-$20 range and appetizers starting at about $6, two can eat very nicely here without breaking the bank. (110 Reade Street; 212-267-3777)

BROOKLYN

Cafe Steinhof. The food is tasty, and you can eat really well at this Park Slope standby. Order up a brisket sandwich for a mere nine bucks, or do yourself proud with a main course of sauteed trout ($14) or chicken paprika for $12. The crepes are just fine for dessert ($6). (422 Seventh Avenue; 718-369-7776)

QUEENS

Nick's. The pizza ranks right up there with the more famous contenders in Brooklyn and Manhattan, with a crisp crust and a fresh-tasting sauce. There are also really good calzones, and excellent cannolis. (108-26 Ascan Avenue, Forest Hills; 718-263-1126. Or 1814 Second Avenue; 212-987-5700)

Donovan's. This pubby hangout has a local following who come for the friendly vibe as well as a burger that can hold its own against any in the city, and at $5.75 each they're a bargain. (57-24 Roosevelt Avenue, Woodside; 718-429-9339)

STATEN ISLAND

Joe & Pat's. Crisp crust, creamy mozzarella, tasty sauce -- and a sprinkling of grated cheese. That's what goes into the pies that some call a culinary phenomenon. At $14 for a large 8-slice size, we call it a deal. (1758 Victory Boulevard; 718-981-0887)