Want a way to get over that midweek hump?

Mandango's Sports Bar and Grill at 106 N. Sunrise Blvd. in Roseville has discovered the formula for fun. It's free food and friends.

Yes, you read it right - free food.

Each Wednesday evening, 5-7 p.m., the establishment gives its customers a treat to eat. On some special Wednesdays, if you keep an eye on the calendar, Mandango's offers a little extra zip - er, I mean "sip."

"There's a free appetizer buffet," says manager Dave Olson. "Occasionally we host a free wine or brew tasting. This week we are featuring all Blackstone wines. We rotate the food too. One week we might have one of our two styles of chicken wings - teriyaki, or barbecue, quesadillas, tater-skins and sometimes we have hot pasta dishes."

From what Olson has observed, his idea to reward customers with a free treat has paid off. The Grill is filling up on Wednesdays.

"Every week it gets better," he says.

Anthony Militar of Citrus Heights is a patron who frequents Mandango's nearly seven days a week. He has observed an increase in midweek customers.

"If you were ever here on a Wednesday before they started the buffet night you'd know it was a success," he says.

Militar, who comes back night after night because he appreciates the friendly staff, calls the business his "home away from home."

Others like Antoinette Joy of Roseville are just discovering new friends at Mandango's.

"It's my second time here," she explains. "But, it is my first Wednesday night. It's a nice atmosphere and the wine is free. No really, it's an education. I look at coming here as an opportunity to have a fun evening and learn about wines."

Olson encourages those who come for the free appetizers to look at a menu.

"The salads are big and we have great salads here," he informs. "We tallied it up and even though there are free appetizers, people are still ordering from the menu because the food is so good here. It has a reputation."

From breakfast to burgers and more, Mandango's has quite a selection.

All burgers are half a pound of beef cooked to the customer's satisfaction.

There are veggie or turkey burgers on the menu as well as steak sandwiches, soft chicken tacos, baby back ribs, pizzas and pasta.

Roseville artist Robert Lindsay is also a regular diner and Mandango's advocate.

"I come here all the time," he says. "The food is great and so is the company."

While some of the customers eat, drink or visit, others watch games or events on one of the many TVs at the sports bar.

I'd say the atmosphere in Mandango's is the closest to the old TV show "Cheers" in the Sacramento area.

For information about Wednesday's appetizer buffet or to place take out orders call 797-7678.