Dining out invigorates mundane routines, much like mowing the lawn blindfolded or returning a library book with a catapult. Perk up your palate with today's Groupon: for $10, you get $20 worth of American fare at The Rusty Pelican Cafe in Wallingford.

At The Rusty Pelican Cafe, owners Marilyn and Peter orchestrate fresh, homestyle fare. Stop in for breakfast at any time of day and let tongues test-drive the potato pancakes, three spud circles cozied up beside sausage links, applesauce, and sour cream ($10.45). Or, propel yourself over midday hurdles with a hearty lunch such as the beer-battered fish and chips ($10.25) or The Works burger made with bacon, mushrooms, avocado, and cheddar cheese ($11.45). Dinner options also abound—sample the chicken marsala, marinated in wine and mushroom sauce and served with rice and fresh veggies ($13.45) or honor the salty deep with the northwest seafood sauté, made with halibut and salmon in a wine cream sauce ($13.95). Wed any lonely entree with a glass of beer or wine or selection from the bar, and finish on a sweet note with a homemade dessert made fresh by Marilyn (selection changes daily).

With its pale sea-green brick walls, folksy furnishings, and free parking, the café provides comfy, cozy confines in which to reward bellies for keeping quiet during cinematic love scenes. Not content to support needy stomachs alone, The Rusty Pelican lends lunches to a number of local charities, which means diners can fill their second stomach compartment reserved exclusively for good deeds.

Reviews

Five Google Mappers give The Rusty Pelican Cafe a 3.8-star average, 162 Yelpers give it an average of 3.5 stars, and 72% of Urbanspooners like it:

• The breakfast is the bomb. There is something for everyone. – Rachel G., Yelp, 1/9/11
• My girlfriend and I dine here every weekend. Great service compliment and equally great menu. – Travis, Google Maps, 6/13/08