Food + Drink: Deals

DEALS

Not a raw deal

When talking summer fare, a food's grill-ability tends to determine whether it's synonymous with the season. But for our money, we'd rather go raw. Why get bloated on beef or tube-form mystery meat when these sushi specials are light on your wallet and your stomach?

Origami

30 N. 1st St., Mpls. • 612-333-8430 • www. origamirestaurant.com

Cool, digestible and friggin' delicious, sushi is the perfect way to satisfy your summertime appetite while skirting post-meal lethargy. Fill up at this North Loop fave with an $8 sushi/sashimi combo or sushi bowl during its daily 5-6:30 p.m. happy hour and enjoy discounted beer, wine and sake. There's no excuse for squandering a precious summer night in a food coma.

Saji-Ya

695 Grand Av., St. Paul • 651-292-0444 • www.sajiya.com

St. Paulites know they don't have to cross the river to get their raw fish fix. Happy hour at this Grand Avenue eatery -- 3-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 4-6 p.m. Sunday -- features select rolls starting at $3.50, an $8.50 sashimi sampler and $3 taps and well drinks. We recommend pairing your parsimonious feast with a large, hot sake for $6.50.

Rare Steak and Sushi

615 2nd Av. S., Mpls. • 612-752-9595 • www.rarempls.com

If your date can't quit the cow, this steak and sushi joint is a nice compromise. Rare's 3-6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday happy hour offers a handful of rolls for five bucks, including a pair of multi-fish options, and a weekly half-priced entre that just might result in a bill-slashing strip. As for the booze, house wine, beer and rail drinks are just $3, plus $5 featured martinis.