In these brutal economic times, restaurants are doing everything they can to bring in  customers.  The national food chain Applebee's is offering a choice of two entrees for just $20, and they're even throwing in an appetizer for free!

And it's not just Applebee's.  In a bid to reverse an 8% drop in sales, coffee giant Starbucks is now serving recession-weary customers a new hearty breakfast value meal for just $3.95.

The promotion may be a direct response to McDonald's, which reported its sales were up 5.4%, a clear signal that consumers are hungry for cost-saving deals. 

"Restaurants are willing to go to great length to fill seats, you'll see deal after deal being made," Tim Zagat of Zagat Survey tells INSIDE EDITION.

And the deepening recession is not only affecting the national food chains. 

In New York City, celebrated restaurateur Jean-Georges gave INSIDE EDITION's Les Trent a taste of his seven-course Recession Special at swank eatery Matsugen, all for just $35!

"Do you find people coming in for the $35 special?" Trent asked the restaurateur, who said, "Absolutely."

Even Manhattan's famed 21 Club has relaxed its dress code, and is offering a free cocktail with online reservations.

"These are difficult times we're in, I think that's no secret," says 21 Club General Manager Bryan McGuire.

Over at New York City restaurant Gusto's, the management is rewarding loyal customers with a $25 gift certificate, which can be spent on anything and doesn't expire.

And Les Trent found the ultimate recession deal: 10 cent wings at Manhattan's Croxley Ales, which, according to customers, is a huge lure for the restaurant.