Allison Carter

allison.carter@indystar.com

Devour Downtown is a highlight of the year for many Indianapolis food lovers. Who doesn't love the chance to stuff themselves with three courses of food from Indy's best restaurants at a discount?

But how much are you really saving on Devour Downtown? Some deals are better than others. Often it's easy to see what you're saving — for instance, Fogo de Chao's all-you-can-eat offerings are usually $49.95, but sell for $39.95 during Devour. But sometimes, you have to crunch some numbers to see what the real savings are.

We took an unscientific look at several Devour Downtown menus, comparing their price to the restaurant's regular menus, as listed online. This is not a comprehensive study of every restaurant involved in the Devour program (87 in all this year), but rather a sample of restaurants at various price points. It's intended to give you a general idea of what food would cost if you ordered off the regular menu.

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You may see some variation in portion size versus the regular menu. You may be getting a smaller portion, which is usually fine since you're eating three courses. When we could identify the difference in portion size, such as steakhouses which usually serve 8-ounce steaks serving 6-ouncers for Devour, we've calculated a price-per-ounce or price-per-piece to account for the discrepancy. All menus are for dinner, though some restaurants have lunch options.

Too long, didn't read version: In general, the more you spend, the more you'll save.

St. Elmo Steakhouse

The most expensive option is a $40, three-course filet dinner. Here's how the prices stack up for the most expensive options:

Course 1: Sinus-obliterating shrimp cocktail, of course. Normally $14.95 for four shrimp, the Devour menu comes with three. On a per-shrimp basis, that costs $11.22.

Course 2: 6-ounce filet with mashed potatoes and green beans. Normally, St. Elmo sells an 8-ounce steak for $41. For a 6-ounce, that comes out to $30.75. But the green beans and mashed potatoes are sold separately for $3.95 each. All together, you're getting roughly a $38.65 value just for the main course.

Course 3: Cheesecake with choice of sauce. Normally $11.50.

Total: $61.37, or a savings of $21.37 over the regular menu. If you opt for the cheaper chicken option ($30 for Devour) and less-pricey appetizers and desserts like salad and crème brûlée, you'll still come out at $43, a savings of $13.

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The Rathskeller Restaurant

A three-course Devour menu at this classic German restaurant is $30 per person. Here's what you can save:

Course 1: Brat 'n kraut balls, described as "a delicious combination of beef, sausage, bratwurst, sauerkraut, onions and seasonings deep-fried in tasty breading," normally run you $9.95.

Course 2: The Rathskeller is famous for its schnitzel. The fried pork delights top out at $25.50 for dishes like Jaegerschnitzel or schnitzel Cordon Bleu.

Course 3: The most expensive dessert you can splurge on is the $6.50 apple strudel a la mode.

Total: $41.50, or a savings of $11.50. However, if you choose more modest offerings like a salad ($6.50), the Penne Pasta Diablo ($18.50, which unlike other entrees does not include sides) and ice cream ($3.50), you'll come out to just $28.50.

Prime 47

Another steakhouse, more savings. Dinner here will run you $30-$45. Here's how it breaks down:

Course 1: Dinner here starts modestly. Either the soup du jour or the mixed salad cost just $3 regularly.

Course 2: Here's where the prices take another trip skyward. If you opt for the $40 6-ounce Steak Diane dinner, served with béarnaise sauce and demi-glaze with potatoes, you'd normally be paying about $39 just for your entree (based on the regularly priced 8-ounce filet at $40, plus upcharges for the sauce and potatoes).

Course 3: The dessert options, a selection of three types of seasonal doughnuts, are special for Devour Downtown. Normal desserts run $7-$11, with an average of $8.

Total: $50, a $10 savings off the menu.

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Bru Burger

Mm, burgers. This upscale burger joint offers a two-for-$30 Devour Downtown deal.

Course 1 (shared): Your priciest option here is the Triple Dip, with "whipped goat cheese with peppadew pepper jam, edamame hummus with pine nuts, guacamole, and grilled naan bread." It's normally $9.

Course 2: Each diner gets their choice of a sandwich or burger, which range from $8-$10. We're trying to maximize savings here, so let's assume each person gets a $10 item. You also get your choice of a side, which normally would cost you $2 each. That's $24 total.

Course 3: Dessert is just one option: Cheesecake. It's normally $5.

Total: $38, or a $8 savings.

Napolese Pizzeria

If you're craving pizza, this restaurant also offers up a two-for-$30 deal. All courses are shared. Here's how it breaks down:

Course 1: Whether you opt for the tomato bruschetta appetizer or the baked goat cheese, they're both normally $10.

Course 2: Salad! The Napolese house chopped salad is usually $14.

Course 3: Both of your pizza options are normally $15.

Total: $39, or a $9 savings. Even if you choose the less expensive caprese salad course, you'll still save $7.

Smokehouse on Shelby

And we finish things out with some barbecue. This Fountain Square favorite also offers a two-for-$30 deal. And here, how much you save is all about what you order.

Course 1 (choice of 2): Your biggest bang for your buck here is six smoked wings. Normally they're sold as 12 wings for $9.49, so we'll assume both diners go for wings and use that price.

Course 2: Both the pulled pork entree and the smoked chicken breast usually go for $10.99, so let's go with two of those for a total of $21.98.

Course 3: You can opt for either dessert or a soft drink or a Sun King Cream Ale. The beer is the most expensive, as pints usually go for $5.25. Let's order a couple of those, normally $10.50.

Total: $41.97, or a savings of $11.97. However, if you go for cheaper options (two cups of chili at $2.99, two brisket sandwiches at $8.99 and two $2.99 sundaes), your regular bill would be $29.94.

Devour Downtown is a great chance to try restaurants or dishes you normally wouldn't. Get out there, eat everything and dine smart.

Allison Carter is an engagement producer at IndyStar and regrets that she has only a granola bar and a hard-boiled egg to get her through the next six hours of work instead of any of these meals. Follow her on Twitter @AllisonLCarter.