Restaurants Bite Back Against the Snow and Cold With Specials and Promotions

Another weekend, another forecasted foot of snow.

At a news conference yesterday, Boston mayor Marty Walsh called for the MBTA to suspend service over the weekend (the mayor does not have authority to shut down the T), and also said he anticipates putting another emergency parking ban in effect. While neither of these steps has been taken yet, "We are asking everyone to take the extreme and expected blizzard conditions very seriously," Walsh said during the conference.

The woes felt throughout the restaurant industry so far this winter have been documented by Boston Magazine and the Boston Globe. While heeding the mayor's advice to take the weather seriously, establishments around the city are doing their part these days to help ease the pain of transit — and combat cabin fever.

Remember how exciting it was to have a snow day as a kid? Rosebud American Kitchen & Bar channeled some of that childlike wonder during the snowstorm earlier this week with a snow day Happy Meal. With more winter weather on the way, perhaps so is another $15 deal on a burger, fries, and bourbon milkshake.

That special joined the promotion that Kirkland Tap & Trotter started last week to encourage diners to get out of the house via cab or rideshare, offering chef's choice of an appetizer on the house, with purchase of an entree, to anyone who shows such a receipt. The restaurant continues that deal, as well as offers a discounted entree, daily. "More f@$!%*g snow = more deals," indeed.

In Fort Point, Pastoral invites commuters to come in from the cold with a rush hour special, BostInno first reported. Through the end of the month, from 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. daily, wait out the traffic with a margherita pizza and a beer for $12.

The Haven in Jamaica Plain celebrated the plow crews that cleared the way for street parking yesterday — allowing guests to park outside the establishment for the first time in three weeks.

But over in Southie, KO Catering & Pies is getting creative to overcome the lack of parking. The Aussie-inspired eatery is taking over a cleared, nearby street space for curbside pickup. Call KO at 617-269-4500 to order, then wait in the spot with hazard lights flashing. KO staff will bring your order right to you — and they'll take credit cards.