Halloween Means Free Stuff

The best part of Halloween as a kid is all the free junk -- pillowcases full of candy you didn't have to spend your meager allowance on. But that's not such a draw for adults, who've graduated from sugar highs into more complex territory, and can buy a crap-ton of candy whenever they want anyway. But a few local businesses are bringing the magic back, with special freebie deals on this All Hallow's Eve.

Potato Champion and Perierra Creperie:

The two most venerable Cartopia carts on Hawthorne are getting into the holiday spirit by offering free food from 11 p.m. until midnight -- perfect timing for your mid- or post-party noshing. Potato Champion says they're giving away free fries to anyone, while Perierra Creperie is giving away free Nutella-and-banana crepes, and ham-and-cheese crepes. "This was going to be the last day Cartopia was going to be open," says Dustin Knox of Perierra Creperie. "But of course we gained more time. This is definitely a great way to thank our customers."

BOGO at DOC

The upscale Italian restaurant off N.E. Killingsworth is offering a crazy two-for-one deal tonight. This is no freebie appetizer giveaway, it's an entire multi-course meal. Just order one prix-fixe chef's tasting menu and the second is completely gratis. The tasting menu is offered at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Call for a reservation: 503-946-8592.

Goodie Bags at The Heathman Hotel

Laffy Taffy is great and all, but this is the kind of trick-or-treat bag we can get excited about. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., head to the  Heathman Bar or Tea Court, order a drink, and say "Boo!" to your bartender or server. The first 10 people 21-and-over to do so will get bag full of swag from Heathman partners including Poplandia, Cacao, Heathman Restaurant and Bar, Smith Teamaker, Macy's, and L'Occitane.

Nov 1 and 2: Day of the Dead at Mi Mero Mole

Ok, so it's not Halloween, but it's close enough. Saturday, Nov. 1, is Dia de los Muertos, Latin America's version of Halloween, and Mi Mero Mole is celebrating with giveaways and specials at the Chinatown location on Saturday, and at the Division Street location on Sunday. In addition to the free stuff below, there will be menu specials like mole samplers, huitlacoche quesadillas, and an orange-and-anise bread called pan de muerto.

• Free tacos, margaritas, tequila flights: Anyone who comes in with their face painted for Day of the Dead gets a free taco or small margarita. Anyone who comes in full-costume gets a free meal or tequila flight.
  
• Free Champurrado: The Chocolate drink thickened with ground nixtamal is free for all customers.
• Free Day of the Dead Face Painting: At the Division location only, Sunday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Free for all ages.