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Masses descend from around the world for the coastal experience, but only those with a “939” in the zipcode get two hours free parking at Fisherman’s Wharf, where there’s a hotbed of locals specials from restaurants who want to keep appetites in the seats midweek. (The Cannery Row parking garage across from Cannery Row Brewing Company does a similar locals freebie after 4pm.)

Best locals special of all: The one where you just ask if the joint has one. In a tourist town, the chances are good enough to make it worthwhile.

(This list was one of a mouthwatering lineup of similar lists—from Beautiful Breads to Farm Fresh Cocktails—that came out as part of the Weekly's special glossy issue Wine & Dine. To look at a digital version of the third Wine & Dine, including a landslide of local signature dishes and glasses of wine, click through here.)

1. At Abalonetti’s (373-1851), locals can call on a choice of entrées that include sand dabs, salmon and mahi mahi—with pilaf and grilled veggies—for a criminal $8.95, every day of the week. Soup/salad and a pick from a pair of desserts for $4 more, a glass of Salmon Creek or house margarita for $2.99 too.

2. Tuesday and Wednesdays at Cafe Fina on Fisherman’s Wharf (372-5200), $14.95 reels in a salad or a cup of clam chowder, a choice of entrées that include grilled snapper, seafood alfredo and calamari steak and dessert.

3. Old Fisherman’s Grotto (375-4604) does a full meal for $12.95: a cup of superb chowder or salad, a choice from at least five special entrees and a dessert.

4. Sardine Factory in Monterey (373-3775): Locals get a big-appetite special 5-6pm, when the $29.95 three-course prix fixe menu includes soup or salad, choice of sole, short rib, chicken baltino or three cheese tortellini, to start and chocolate mousse or ice cream to finish. At regular prices, you’d be spending $37 for the short rib alone.

5. A.W. Shucks in Carmel (624-6605) doesn’t publicize it, but there are half price burgers for locals: $6.95 for a sizeable burger and fries is a rarity in Carmel.

6. Tarpy’s Roadhouse in Monterey (647-1444) rotates through nightly specials like ribs on Wednesday ($13.95) and salmon on Thursday ($13.95) that locals-in-the-know love; with its recent 20th anniversary restyling they’re setting up a locals incentive program where eaters accrue credits for more rustic grub.

7. At the natural and romantic Ventana Inn & Spa in Big Sur (667-4242), it’s 25 percent neighborhood discount plus 15 percent off spa, food and beverage with room accommodations.

8. Rocky Point in Carmel (624-2933) offers an “Early Bird Special” every day (excluding Saturdays and holidays) from 5pm to 6pm that includes a relish tray, cheese bread, soup or salad, and a choice of five entrees like the Lighthouse Burger, filet mignon or pork loin ribs for $21.95. Locals get extended hours on the offer and an additional 10 percent off. Move quickly, as new owners will take a month (at least) to get things back up and running.

9. MYO Frozen Yogurt (375-3769) treats MoCo locos to 10 percent off all their frozen confections (like the one pictured above). All you need do is ask and you shall receive, including any flavor and choice of toppings. And the low-fat peanut butter fro-yo is a solid choice, whether local or not.