Patrons at Cobblestones had reasons to crane their necks last night -- actor Mark Wahlberg was spotted in the downtown Lowell restaurant.

Wahlberg, who departed Cobblestones with a male companion about 9:30 p.m., will be very visible around the Mill City when filming on The Fighter begins next week. This is the third time he has dined at the classy American eatery that we know of. Guess he likes those infamous buffalo tenders!

There was no sign, however, of Christian Bale, who has signed up to play Micky Ward's brother and trainer, Dick Eklund.