It's time again to get your cow on. For the fourth year, the folks at Chick-fil-A are giving away free food to anyone who shows up at one of their 120 metro area restaurants in a cow costume. Cow Appreciation Day begins early Friday and goes until closing.

Though the promotion initially required complete cow outfits, spokesman Mark Baldwin said the rules have loosened up a bit so that everyone gets a chance to score free food. "If you're too chicken — pardon the pun — to get into a full costume, then wear a T-shirt with Sharpie-drawn spots on it," said Baldwin. "Or wear a cow-printed hat or vest."

Joey Ivansco/jivansco@ajc.com (ENLARGE)
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A complete head-to-hoof cow costume assures you of an entire meal. Those less committed can cop a free sandwich. "Or you could get a biscuit in the morning or a salad for dinner, whatever you want," Baldwin said. "The point is to have fun."

Baldwin is already on the lookout for herd mentality. Last year, a gaggle of kids drove from Knoxville to Atlanta and hit about 40 Chick-fil-A's in their cow get-ups, and Baldwin's hearing rumors about a Columbus restaurant that may be mobbed by 2,000 cows. "There's no question we've got a lot of loyal fans out there," Baldwin said.

To find the restaurant nearest you, go to www.chick-fil-a.com.

• Everybody's on a budget these days. But don't let it keep you from eating out. Just head to those restaurants where food deals are on the menu.

Through July 19, diners at South City Kitchen in Vinings will find a special $26.95 menu added to the regular lineup. Select three courses from a variety of options, including entrees of roasted half chicken, egg noodles with ham, peas and a basil and tomato cream sauce, or crisp catfish. Tax, tip and alcohol are extra, but there will be a selection of $14 wine flights. South City is located at 1675 Cumberland Parkway in Smyrna; 770-435-0700; www.fifthgroup.com.

At Aspens Signature Steaks in west and east Cobb, the early-bird specials are back in full swing. Through August, a selection of 10 entrees is $10. Opt for two variations of hanger steak, pan-seared scallops, seafood linguine, Tuscan steak, barbecue-glazed pork chop, meatloaf, chicken saltimbocca, fried shrimp and grilled salmon. The special pricing is available all evening on Sundays and Mondays and from 5 to 6 p.m. the rest of the week. On the eastside, go to 2942 Shallowford Road, 678-236-1400; on the west, 3625 Dallas Highway, 770-419-1744; www.knowwheretogogh.com.

If it's cocktails you prefer, the wallet-friendly destination is the Paper Mill Grill, 305 Village Place in Marietta. Every Tuesday, sip your favorite martini in miniature for just $1. The "tini tinis" menu includes Cosmo-tinis, apple-tinis, blue raspberry-tinis and more. 678-766-1500; www.papermillgrill.com.

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