Cask vs. Stamp: San Carlos’ Best $20 3-Course Showdown

It’s date-month! Ever wondered where and when to get the best gourmet meal for two on a budget? Enter two local gems, Stamp Bar & Grill and The Cask Wine Bar, engaging in a friendly “20-dollar meal battle” right on Laurel Street, almost facing each other. Stamp and Cask, our dynamic duo, are vying for the title of the best gourmet meal on a budget in San Carlos.

The Ultimate $20 3-Course Meal in San Carlos: You be the Judge!

Both Stamp and Cask present their $20 meals for the month, available Monday to Friday during lunchtime. Stamp’s menu changes monthly, while Cask’s offerings may vary based on availability.

Let the Culinary Showdown Commence!

Round 1: Soup of the Day or Salad Smackdown
Stamp Bar & Grill kicks off with a Soup and Salad Combo, featuring a daily soup surprise and a classic Caesar Salad. The organic romaine lettuce, tortilla strips, crispy bacon, and shaved parmesan create a symphony of flavors. Meanwhile, The Cask Wine Bar offers a choice between their changing “Soup of the Day” and a vibrant Mixed Green Salad, adorned with dried cranberries, candied walnuts, carrots, and a house-made red wine vinaigrette. The battle between Stamp’s hearty combo and Cask’s Soup vs. Salad Choice is on!

Round 2: The Main Course Madness
Stamp Bar & Grill flaunts five delectable options, including Mary’s Farm Organic Chicken Parmesan, BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Rigatoni Bolognese, Fresh Tilapia Piccata, and Penne Pasta with Prawns. On the other side, The Cask Wine Bar presents a lineup featuring Pan-Seared Salmon, Cheese Ravioli, Chicken Piccata, Cask’s Sliders, and Linguini Pomodoro. These dishes, when ordered separately, could cost up to $33 each – a steal at $20 for the complete meal! Stamp offers a $8 glass of wine, while Cask provides a $5 glass of Chardonnay or Cabernet.

Round 3: The Sweet Finale
Stamp Bar & Grill delivers a knockout punch with a choice between Vanilla or Chocolate Ice Cream. Meanwhile, Cask keeps it cool with a single scoop of Chocolate, Vanilla, Salted Caramel, or Mango Sorbet. The sweet decision-making moment arrives!

The Verdict
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. On the flip side, Cask provides a suspenseful start with a choice between salad or soup, a diverse main course lineup, and a sweet one-scoop ending with four ice cream choices. Generous servings, coupled with excellent customer service, make this a tough decision.

Join the Battle!
Have you tried these culinary delights? Share your food adventures on Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #20dollarmealbattle or tag us at @sancarloslife. We want to hear your insights!

This 20-dollar feast face-off is a wallet-friendly journey through San Carlos’s culinary scene, proving that the 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 prepared to tantalize your taste buds, one delectable dish at a time! 🍽️🥂