Dining out on the cheap in the Hudson Valley

Equus in Tarrytown

Even the mighty Equus has seen the need for a belt-tightening menu, and the new Winter Ice Breaker menu offers diners the opportunity to take a bite — for about half the regular price.

"Diners will get the same food from chef David Haviland, the same service and the same ambiance," says Gilbert Baeriswil, general manager of The Castle, home to the restaurant. And even better: It's offered in all of Equus' sumptuous dining rooms, including the Garden Room, which has a great view of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline.

Price: $49 per person.

What it includes: A three-course dinner with a generous and rotating selection of appetizers, entrees and desserts.

Available: 6-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday through April (excluding Restaurant Week).