$3 for a $25 credit to Digs Bistro in Berkeley

A few months ago, I scanned Restaurant.com and found a place that I had always wanted to try, Digs Bistro in Berkeley. The Yelp reviews are good, and it is walking distance from my home. I had hopes it could be my neighborhood joint, and after my visit, I wasn't disappointed.

We walked in around 7:30 p.m. on a Thursday without a reservation and had no difficulty being seated. The space is tiny and quaint, decorated like a European cottage, which makes sense since Digs started as an underground supper club in an Oakland home. The dining room is intimate and small enough that only one waiter was working when we went. The clientele skews older, forties and up, which reflects Digs sensibility of comfort over trend.

I started with the fried stuffed squash blossoms, which were tempura-like puffs of batter filled with goat cheese, arugula, mango chutney and almonds. The dish was rich but nonetheless delicious.

Next was the roasted Rocky Jr. chicken, which I was hesitant to get because chicken is something I can easily make at home. I ultimately ordered it because nothing else sounded as appetizing. Once I saw the waiter bringing a plate with a thin layer of chicken juices, I knew I wouldn't be disappointed. The roasted chicken was amazing, juicy, tender and piping hot. It came with a side of couscous and vegetables that were only made the better by the excess liquid rolling around the plate. Digs probably serves one of the best roast chickens I've had in the Bay Area.

The boyfriend had the flatbread appetizer and the steak (pictured). He said both were good, which I believe since he didn't share.

We skipped dessert because we were stuffed and it was closing time, though our waiter did not rush us out the door. We lingered 20 minutes or so finishing our bottle of wine, which is half-off on Thursdays, and the staff did not mind.

My only caveat is that the menu is limited with about five appetizers and five entrees, but everything is probably delicious. If you want to give Digs a try, use the code TASTY, good til July 22, to get 70% off, which brings a $25 credit down to $3. The price can get lower if you link through from cashback sites like Fatwallet or Ebates.