Buck up.

EAT
Mercadito’s $1 Menu
What: The Mexican hotspot celebrates its anniversary with bargain eats for lunch or dinner.
Why: Octopus and pickled jalapeno in a crispy tortilla are well worth your Washington.
When: Thru Tues.
Where: 108 W. Kinzie St., at Rush St. (312-329-9555).

SAVE
All She Wrote’s Custom Holiday Card Sale
What: Be the anti-Scrooge with personalized greeting cards. The store’s entire stock is marked down 20 percent (prices start at $68 for a set of 25).
Why: There’s everything from Crane (for traditionalists) to Boatman Geller (for the preppy).
When: Thru Thurs. Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 825 W. Armitage Ave., at Dayton St. (773-529-0100).

SHOP
Bask Sale
What: Soft knitwear at up to 65 percent off to keep you cozy despite the fall chill.
Why: If that doesn’t warm you enough, try Winery Insider’s libations at up to 60 percent off.
When: The leaves begin to turn.
Where: Online at swirl.com.

HEAR
Clip Art
What: Former public radio producer Andy Rosenstein teams up with Susie Asado for a free night of stripped-down indie pop and rock.
Why: Your soft spot for Quiet Riot covers.
When: Tonight, 9:30 p.m.
Where: The Whistler, 2421 N. Milwaukee Ave., at Fullerton Ave. (773-227-3530).

FEAST
Eat Local Challenge
What: Terzo Piano’s three-course tasting menu ($30) showcases ingredients (McWethy Farms tomatoes, Seedling pears and apples) sourced from within 150 miles of Chicago.
Why: It had us at sweet corn cakes.
When: Tues., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Art Institute of Chicago, 159 E. Monroe St. Reservations (recommended) to 312-443-8650.

Photo: Courtesy of Mercadito