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Once upon a time Houstonians could saunter into any number of local eateries and order a full dinner for $2.00 (cocktail included). Don't believe us? Take a look at the vintage menus above of restaurants still operating. You'd be hard pressed to find appetizers today that cost less, much less anything with quality spirits. While we'll never see prices like those of yesteryear, we thought it would be interesting compare decades old menu items then and now:
Ninfa's pitcher of Ninfaritas
Then (circa 1980's): $9.50 (lunch) to $12.50 (dinner)
Now: $28.00
Willie G's Shrimp Creole
Then: $9.50
Now: $18.99
Willie G's Lump Crab Cocktail
Then: $6.26 (large)
Now: $16.99
Willie G's Stuffed Crab
Then: $7.95
Now: $18.99
Pappas Seafood House's Fresh Gulf Oysters
Then: $4.95 a dozen
Now: $15.95 a dozen
Pappas Seafood House's Seafood Platter
Then: $9.50
Now: $28.95
Note: Although we tried, we weren't successful in finding the years for Pappas Seafood House and Willie G's menu. We would like to add an estimate date, so if anyone knows, please leave a comment below.