Before chowing down on the main event, it’s always nice to get the grubbage going with that first temptation, aka appetizer, aka app, aka starter. While several of the items on this list are definitely fried, they all have the power to fill you up. Best of all, everything is under $10. How could you not be tempted?

Green Room Mussels 20 Feet Seafood  Joint

Mussels and muscles. Two great things. One you can eat, the other one makes you feel and look good. In fact sometimes you need muscles to eat mussels, (insert half grin or eye roll here).They may have a following for their lobster roll and ramen, but the Green Room Mussels shan’t not be neglected. Delightfully prepared in a light champagne sauce which marries fresh ginger, spinach, and bell peppers, these mussels are quite the delight. Two pieces of French bread are served with the dish for the sopping up factor (because you’re definitely going to want to), but honestly it’s not enough. You can either order more bread, or tilt that bowl back and gulp up the goodness. I prefer the latter choice. 1160 Peavy Rd, Dallas, TX 75218 $-$$

Carciofini AKA Fried Artichoke  Cane Rosso

Fried food is one of my favorite pastimes. There is just something magical about the stuff. Clearly aware of this power, the Carciofini starter at Cane Rosso is everything you need your friedness to be. Prior to trying this app, I’d only experienced artichoke in spinach dip and lightly marinated. Never, ever deep fried. The batter is seasoned without being overbearing, while the artichoke takes on an almost pickeled flavor. Served with a spicy, creamy Calabrian Chile aoili sauce, it’s the type of starter that works for almost every diet. Forget about the pizza. Order this stuff with a couple of glasses of red wine, and enjoy. Sharing is optional. (Multiple Locations) $$

Fried Calamari  The Elbow Room

There’s something unfortunate about the way a lot of places cook their fried calamari. Whether it’s too thick, too chewy, or just a rubbery bland mess, they just can’t seem to get it right. You won’t run into this issue at the Elbow Room. Lightly battered and dusted in what tastes like a garlicky seasoning, it is hands down the best calamari I’ve eaten in the city. Served with a side of basil aioli and marinara, it doesn’t get much better than this. You can order it to go, but I suggest eating it piping hot on the spot. I should note, that once, I ordered the calamari and it wasn’t that great. Tasted a little cold. But, the flavor was still amazing. Two minutes later the chef came out and said “Don’t eat that, eat this instead.” He presented us with a fresh full plate of the stuff. Apologizing, he explained that the first batch was cooked by a newbie, and this was how it was really supposed to taste. I don’t need to tell you how magnificent it actually was. The funny thing is, I still took the rest of the first batch to go, and put it in the oven later. I know, I know, classy. 3010 Gaston Ave, Dallas, TX 75226 $

Deviled Eggs  Whiskey Cake

Deviled eggs are my favorite version of the egg. In fact, it’s really the only way I eat my eggs. I like to think of them as the well-dressed cousin of boiled eggs. But the truth is, most stick to the standard version made with typical ingredients like mustard and relish. Whiskey Cake takes that well-dressed cousin and updates it to Yonce status. Truthfully, I am not sure what all they do to these things. I just know that they’re in a league of their own. Creamy, rich flavorful goodness is what you’ll be experiencing. Try them, and tell me they’re not better than the one’s your aunt makes every year for the family reunion. 3601 Dallas Pkwy, Plano, TX 75093 $$

Cheese Fries  Goodfriend Beer Garden and Burger House

OK, for years upon years I have one belief. That is, no one on earth makes bacon cheese fries better than Snuffers. No matter how fry it, they are the winners by far. Well, after trying the cheese fries at Goodfriend, I definitely had to reevaluate my life a little bit. First, you should know that Goodfriend is the literal next door neighbor of of 20Feet, so that’s convenient for your palate. Next, please be aware that unless it’s you and at least three incredibly famished football players, you should not get the full order. They cover an entire tray.  I typically stick to the half order, which honestly is still quite a bit. These crispy waffle fries are piled high and covered in shredded cheddar, crumbles of bleu cheese, scallions crunchy bacon, and topped with those wonderful pickled jalapenos. Of course, everyone knows cheese fries are nothing without ranch for dipping, which is served on the side. Are they better than Snuffer’s? That my friend’s is a questions for the ages. 1154 Peavy Rd, Dallas, TX 75218 $$    TxMB