A meatball the size of a softball and Bloomin’ Onion atop a steak are among new items on fall menus at casual restaurants.
Restaurants are also offering special pairings nights to show off their libations.
And there are a few new deals.
Here is a sampling of what’s out there, based on news releases and chains’ websites.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
New items include Smothered Steak & Fries, which is sirloin steak smothered in mushroom gravy made with one of the chain’s brews, a dark ale called PM Porter. There is also Mandarin Orange Crispy Calamari and a Surf & Turf Stack 8-ounce filet mignon and Cajun-spiced shrimp.
A Halloween-themed Spooky Pizookie made with orange-colored vanilla ice cream with a cup of heated chocolate topping that freezes on contact.
A summer cocktail called Lucky Ducky has been dressed up for the holiday as unLucky Ducky. The drink is made with a mix of tequila, rum and vodka and served in a container shaped like a duck in a bathtub. The bird will be wearing a witch hat. bjsrestaurants.com
Black Angus Steakhouse
A one-night Moonshine Experience will take place at 7 p.m. Oct. 24 featuring pairings with an unaged whiskey called Ole Smoky Moonshine. The entree is top sirloin and the price is $51.99 per person. blackangus.com
California Pizza Kitchen
New and returning items include a Burnt Ends BBQ Pizza made with beef brisket, Bacon & Brussels Pizza, Spicy Buffalo Chicken Bites, lettuce wraps with chicken or shrimp and pumpkin cheesecake. cpk.com
Chili’s Grill & Bar
Building off of its 3 For Me value meal, the chain is now offering 3 For Lunch Combos with 11 entrées to choose from, plus a drink, chips and salsa. Prices range from $10.99 to $16.99. chilis.com
Lazy Dog Restaurants
The Costa Mesa-based chain does two major seasonal menus, in spring and fall.
This year’s fall entrees include Nonna’s Giant Meatball, made with beef and served with four-cheese baked pasta; Braised Beef Birria Noodles; and Slow-Cooked Poblano Pork, served with rice and a blue corn tamale cake.
Candied Bacon Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup is featured on the lunch menu.
Small plates include three kinds of tater tots: Street Corn Tots, Loaded Chili Tots and Lemon Pepper Tots.
Cocktails include a Hibiscus Margarita and a Tequila Old Fashioned.
Current specials include a build-your-own lunch combo with a choice of half sandwich, soup or salad and a side starting at under $13. lazydogrestaurants.com
Market Broiler
Seasonal highlights include pan seared fresh halibut and mesquite grilled rainbow trout.
The Riverside-based chain is in the midst of a series of five-course meals to celebrate its 35th anniversary. The meals include wine and cocktail pairings and cost $99 per person. Dates are Oct. 10, Torrance; 10-17, Simi Valley; Oct. 24, Ontario; and Nov. 14, Riverside. marketbroiler.com
Outback Steakhouse
A limited-time Great Barrier Eats menu features a Bloomin’ French Onion Sirloin, topped with Provolone cheese and petals from its signature Bloomin’ Onion appetizer.
Other items include Tasmanian Shrimp & Scallop Pasta, Twin Reefs Shrimp and a Reef & Beef Platter with filet mignon, grilled shrimp and sea scallops. outback.com
Sizzler
The steakhouse chain is holding a sweepstakes through Nov. 4, giving customers the chance to share their Sizzler experiences for prizes such as free steak for a year or gift cards. Contestants must be 18 years or older and live in California, Oregon, Arizona or New Mexico within 15 miles of a Sizzler restaurant. sizzler.com/sweepsteaks
