It’s January, and you’re probably trying to recover from the Christmas spending spree. But who says we can’t treat ourselves on a budget?  Enter two local favorites, Stamp Bar & Grill and The Cask Wine Bar, who are throwin’ down a “20-dollar meal battle” right smack in the middle of Laurel Street, almost opposite each other. That’s right, Stamp and Cask are our two strong contenders offering gourmet meals on a budget in San Carlos.

The Best 20 Dollar 3 Course Meal in San Carlos? You decide!

The menus from both Stamp and Cask below show what’s included in their $20 Meals this month. Both meals are available Monday to Friday, sometime during lunch time. Stamp’s menu changes every month, while Cask’s menu can change depending on availability.

So…Let the gastronomic battle begin!

Round 1: Soup of the Day or Salad Smackdown

Stamp Bar & Grill kicks off with a Soup and Salad Combo. The Soup of the Day depends of what’s available, while the salad they serve is the classic Caesar Salad which offers a burst of flavors and textures in every bite. Crafted with organic romaine lettuce, the salad brings a crisp and refreshing foundation. The addition of tortilla strips introduces a satisfying crunch, complemented by the savory notes of crispy bacon. Shaved parmesan crowns this ensemble, providing a rich and nutty essence that elevates the overall taste.

On the other side of the ring, The Cask Wine Bar gives you a choice between Salad or Soup. Cask’s “Soup of the Day” changes from time to time, but plays among these all-time favorites: Cream of Mushroom, Cream of Artichoke, French Onion Soup, White Chowder Soup, and Tomato Bisque. If you choose to have salad, you’ll have Cask’s Mixed Green, a vibrant symphony of flavors featuring seasonal mixed greens adorned with dried cranberries, candied walnuts, carrots, and a house-made red wine vinaigrette.

Will Stamp’s hearty Soup & Salad Combo triumph over Cask’s Soup vs Salad Choice? You decide!

Round 2: The Main Course Madness

For the Main Course, Stamp Bar & Grill throws five sumptuous flavor bombs in generous servings enough to satisfy your craving every day of the week:

• Mary’s Farm Organic Chicken Parmesan with ciabatta bread, cheese, marinara, chipotle aioli.
• BBQ Baby Back Ribs with BBQ sauce and chipotle fries.
• Rigatoni Bolognese with Wagyu Beef, basil, and marinara.
• Fresh Tilapia Piccata with potatoes, vegetable, and lemon capers sauce
• Penne Pasta with Prawns, a mix of tomatoes, arugula, kalamata olives, Italian capers and marinara, topped with prawns

To match up, The Cask Wine Bar sends off a tsunami of mouthwatering cuisines in hefty servings that will surely make you come back daily for more:

• Pan Seared Salmon on a bed of Yukon gold potatoes, red onions, and sauteed spinach served with lemon caper aioli.
• Cheese Ravioli served with marinara sauce.
• Chicken Piccata served with mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and lemon caper white wine sauce.
• Cask’s Sliders with grilled Kobe beef served with pickles, chopped lettuce, cheddar cheese and their signature sauce.
• Linguini Pomodoro, pasta tossed with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and marinara

When the main courses from Cask and Stamp ordered ala carte, these entrees can cost you $18 to $33 each – imagine getting them with starters and dessert for a price of 20$ – INSANE!!!

To top this, Stamp offers a glass of either Red or White wine for $8, while Cask offers a glass of Chardonnay or Cabernet for $5.

Round 3: The Sweet Finale

As we hit the sweet spot, Stamp Bar & Grill offers a knockout punch – a choice between Vanilla or Chocolate Ice Cream. Cask, on the other hand, keeps it cool with a single scoop between Chocolate, Vanilla, Salted Caramel, or Mango Sorbet – YUM! Decisions, decisions…

The Verdict

In this culinary clash, both Stamp Bar & Grill and The Cask Wine Bar bring their A-game to the table. Stamp offers a symphony of flavors with a Soup of the Day, Caesar Salad, an array of main course marvels, and a sweet finale of two ice cream choices. Meanwhile, Cask provides a suspenseful start with a choice between salad or soup, a diverse and mouthwatering main course lineup, and a sweet one-scoop ending with four ice cream choices. Both restaurants offer generous and hefty servings matched with the best of customer service for a restaurant in Laurel Street.

It’s a very difficult decision! If you do try them after reading this blog, please feel free to share in Instagram or Facebook: post a photo of your food adventure with hashtag #20dollarmealbattle or tag us at @sancarloslife. Share with us your insights!

The battle between these two 20-dollar feasts is a wallet-friendly journey through San Carlos’s culinary scene, proving that when it comes to delightful dining options, this town knows how to serve up a good time. So, gather your appetite, grab a fork (or a spoon), and let the foodie festivities begin. Stamp Bar & Grill and The Cask Wine Bar are ready to tickle your taste buds, one delectable dish at a time! 🍽️🥂

Photos from: The Cask Wine Bar Yelp, Stamp Bar and Grill Yelp , Google Maps

Info from: Stamp Bar & Grill Official Website, The Cast Wine Bar Official Website, Stamp Bar & Grill Instagram

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