Last night’s dinner at The Keg steakhouse in Lodo was the end of it. The final fling of my 5 day birthday extravaganza. Two outrageously mad parties (Friday + Saturday nights), a Sunday sabbatical (of sorts) celebrating my oldest friend in the world’s birthday (a day older than me..in your face Adam!), a Monday night of doing some intense Cash-solo drinking (ah, the joys of a birthday gift filled liquor cabinet!) and finally; prime rib, crab legs, and a tall chilled pint of New Belgium’s 1554 on draft.

A great dinner? Sure. An even better dinner since it was on the house? OH YEAH.

I’ve long been a fan of The Keg. Sure it’s a chain, but it’s a chain that does excellent slabs of steak at decent prices (averages seem to be $20-$30) in a (at least here) GORGEOUS space. The dining room is a dark wooded forest of nooks, crannies, dimly lit passages and high backed, privacy insuring leather booths that seem to stretch for miles. It’s as perfect for a date (don’t get me started on the ’suitable for sex’ bathrooms.. each with locking private stalls) as a family meal.

Several years ago, I went there for my birthday and was invited to sign up for their ‘birthday club’. Normally, I avoid giving my personal information out under almost any circumstances. In this case, the adorable cocktailer insured me it would be ‘worth my while’.

The next year, and for each after, I realized how right she was. Once signed up, you will receive a postcard every year entitling you, ANYTIME during your bday month, to a “Free Steak & Lobster dinner”.

Last night, I was further impressed by my waitresses insistance that the coupon could be used for ANYTHING on the menu. This resulted in the upgrade to a 12oz piece of blood red prime rib, a 1/2 pound of crab legs, and even 1/2 off my beer.

$32 savings, and a suitable end to the Sagitarrian shenanigans for this year.

Totally recommended if you have a Keg in town.