In 15 Seconds
- Ask this to find the chef's unique dish for the day.
- Use it at restaurants, cafes, or bars to find deals.
- It is a short, friendly way to start a food order.
Meaning
This is a quick way to ask what the special dish or deal is today. You use it when you want to know what is not on the regular menu.
Key Examples
3 of 6Sitting at a local diner
Hi there, what's the special today?
Hi there, what is the special dish today?
At a bar with a friend
The beer list is huge! What's the special?
The beer list is huge! What is the discounted drink?
A slightly more formal dinner
Before we order drinks, what's the special for this evening?
Before we order drinks, what is the special dish for tonight?
Cultural Background
The 'Blue Plate Special' is a classic American term for a low-priced meal that changes daily, traditionally served on a blue-patterned plate in diners. In British pubs, specials are often written on a chalkboard near the bar. It's common to go look at the board before sitting down. The 'Plat du Jour' is often the best value for money and is expected to be ordered by locals during the lunch hour. Modern 'foodies' use this phrase to test a restaurant's creativity. If the special is boring, they might judge the restaurant poorly.
Check the Chalkboard
Before you sit down, look for a chalkboard. If you see one, you can say 'I saw the special on the board, but could you tell me more about it?'
Price Check
Sometimes waiters describe the special without mentioning the price. It is perfectly okay to ask 'And how much is that?'
In 15 Seconds
- Ask this to find the chef's unique dish for the day.
- Use it at restaurants, cafes, or bars to find deals.
- It is a short, friendly way to start a food order.
What It Means
This phrase is your secret key to finding the best food. It asks for the 'special of the day.' Usually, this is a dish the chef made just for today. It might be fresh or seasonal. It is often cheaper or higher quality than regular items.
How To Use It
Walk into a cafe or restaurant. Look at the server. Ask, What's the special? You can also use it for drinks at a bar. It is short and very common. You do not need a long sentence. Just these three words work perfectly.
When To Use It
Use it the moment the server greets you. Use it if you see a chalkboard with food written on it. It is great when you feel indecisive. Let the chef choose for you! It also works at clothing stores during sales. You can ask a clerk about a 'daily special' price.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it in a very fancy, five-star restaurant. There, you should ask, What are the specials this evening? It sounds more elegant. Also, do not use it at a fast-food chain like McDonald's. They usually only have what is on the big plastic signs. If you ask a bank teller this, they will be very confused!
Cultural Background
In the US and UK, 'specials' are a huge part of dining. They started as a way to use fresh ingredients from the morning market. Now, it is a way for chefs to show off. It is a social ritual. It starts a conversation between you and the server. It makes you feel like an 'insider' who knows the good stuff.
Common Variations
What are the specials?(If there is more than one)Any specials today?(Very casual and friendly)What's the soup of the day?(Specific to soup)Is there a lunch special?(Focusing on the price deal)
Usage Notes
This phrase is perfectly neutral. It works in 90% of dining situations. Just be careful in ultra-luxury settings where full sentences are preferred.
Check the Chalkboard
Before you sit down, look for a chalkboard. If you see one, you can say 'I saw the special on the board, but could you tell me more about it?'
Price Check
Sometimes waiters describe the special without mentioning the price. It is perfectly okay to ask 'And how much is that?'
The 'Secret' Menu
In some trendy places, asking 'What's the special?' might get you an off-menu item that only regulars know about.
Examples
6Hi there, what's the special today?
Hi there, what is the special dish today?
A classic way to start the interaction with a server.
The beer list is huge! What's the special?
The beer list is huge! What is the discounted drink?
Checking for happy hour or daily drink deals.
Before we order drinks, what's the special for this evening?
Before we order drinks, what is the special dish for tonight?
Polite inquiry before starting the meal process.
I'm at the shoe store. What's the special you mentioned?
I am at the shoe store. What is the deal you told me about?
Using 'special' to mean a specific discount or sale item.
Smells great in here! So, what's the special, Chef?
It smells good! What is the special meal today, Chef?
A playful way to ask what is for dinner at home.
I don't like anything on the menu. What's the special? Maybe that's better.
I don't like the menu. What is the special? Maybe it is better.
Using the phrase when looking for a better alternative.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct words.
Excuse me, what's ___ _______ today?
We use 'the' because we are asking about a specific item the restaurant has designated for today.
Which situation is the best time to say 'What's the special?'
Choose the correct context:
This phrase is specifically for commercial dining or retail deals.
Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.
Waiter: 'Hello! Can I get you started with some drinks?' Customer: 'Yes, please. But first, ________?'
It is very common to ask about the special before ordering anything else.
Match the phrase to its meaning.
Match the following:
Each variation has a slightly different nuance.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Types of Specials
Food
- • Daily Dish
- • Soup of the Day
- • Catch of the Day
Drink
- • Happy Hour
- • Cocktail of the Month
- • Wine Flight
Retail
- • BOGO (Buy One Get One)
- • Clearance
- • Manager's Special
Practice Bank
4 exercisesExcuse me, what's ___ _______ today?
We use 'the' because we are asking about a specific item the restaurant has designated for today.
Choose the correct context:
This phrase is specifically for commercial dining or retail deals.
Waiter: 'Hello! Can I get you started with some drinks?' Customer: 'Yes, please. But first, ________?'
It is very common to ask about the special before ordering anything else.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Each variation has a slightly different nuance.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is very standard and polite. It shows you are interested in the restaurant's best food.
Absolutely. Many diners have a 'Breakfast Special' like eggs, toast, and coffee for a set price.
You can ask 'What are the specials?' (plural) to hear all the options.
Not always. In fancy restaurants, the special might be more expensive because it uses rare ingredients.
No, they mean the same thing, but 'the special' is more common in American English.
Yes, but usually you are asking about 'drink specials' or 'happy hour specials'.
This usually refers to items that are currently discounted or on sale.
It's better to ask 'Do you have any promotions?' as they don't usually use the word 'special' in that way.
It's a traditional American term for a cheap, complete meal served in a diner.
Yes, if you see a sale, you can ask 'What's the special on these items?'
Related Phrases
Soup of the day
specialized formThe specific soup made fresh for that day.
Catch of the day
specialized formThe fresh fish delivered to the restaurant that morning.
Chef's kiss
similarSomething that is perfect or excellent.
On the house
contrastSomething given for free by the restaurant.
