Restaurant Week Chicago: A Culinary Celebration You Can’t Miss
Introduction
Every year, the Windy City comes alive with culinary flair, irresistible deals, and mouth-watering menus during Restaurant Week Chicago. Whether you’re a local foodie or visiting the city, this annual dining event is a golden opportunity to explore the vibrant flavors of Chicago’s world-class culinary scene — all at unbeatable prices.
From Michelin-starred establishments to neighborhood gems, Restaurant Week Chicago offers curated prix-fixe menus that showcase the best each restaurant has to offer. With hundreds of participating venues across diverse neighborhoods and cuisines, this event is more than a food festival — it’s a celebration of Chicago’s rich culinary culture and hospitality.
In this article, we’ll explore what Restaurant Week Chicago is, why it’s become such a hit with locals and tourists alike, how to make the most of it, and what to expect in the upcoming edition.
What Is Restaurant Week Chicago?
Restaurant Week Chicago is an annual event organized by Choose Chicago, the city’s official tourism and marketing organization. It typically takes place in late January through early February and spans around 17 days. The event was designed to promote local dining during what is often a slower season for the restaurant industry.
During this time, hundreds of restaurants across Chicago and surrounding suburbs offer special prix-fixe menus for lunch, brunch, and dinner. These menus often include three or four courses at a fixed price, making it easier (and more affordable) for diners to experience upscale restaurants that might otherwise be out of reach.
📅 Key Features:
- Duration: ~2–3 weeks (e.g., January 19 – February 4 in recent years)
- Participating Restaurants: 300+
- Price Ranges:
- Lunch/Brunch: Around $25
- Dinner: $42 or $59
- Cuisines: From American, Italian, and Mexican to Thai, Ethiopian, and beyond
Why You Should Try Restaurant Week Chicago
Still wondering why you should be excited about Restaurant Week Chicago? Here are some compelling reasons to mark your calendar:
🍽️ 1. Affordable Fine Dining
Many restaurants that usually charge $70+ per person offer special menus during this event. You can enjoy three-course meals at a fraction of the usual cost.
🌍 2. Cultural Diversity
Chicago is a melting pot of cultures, and Restaurant Week Chicago is the perfect showcase. Sample Nigerian, Korean, French, or Lebanese cuisine — all in one city.
🌆 3. Discover Hidden Gems
Many lesser-known but high-quality establishments participate. This is your chance to explore new neighborhoods and culinary surprises.
👨👩👧👦 4. Great for Groups
Looking for a reason to dine out with friends or family? The value and variety during this event make it ideal for group outings and date nights.
💼 5. Support Local Businesses
Your participation helps restaurants during the slower winter months, keeping the local food industry thriving.
How to Make the Most of Restaurant Week Chicago
To get the best experience out of Restaurant Week Chicago, follow these smart dining strategies:
📱 1. Book Early
Reservations go quickly, especially for well-known restaurants. Use platforms like OpenTable or Resy as soon as menus are announced.
🧾 2. Check Menus in Advance
Participating restaurants post their prix-fixe menus online. Be sure to review them before booking to ensure they suit your taste and dietary needs.
💬 3. Ask About Add-Ons
Some venues offer drink pairings, dessert upgrades, or extra courses for a small fee. These extras can elevate your meal without breaking the bank.
🕒 4. Be Flexible with Timing
Dining at off-peak hours may get you better service and a quieter experience. Consider weekday lunches or early dinners.
💡 5. Try Something New
Use the occasion to sample dishes you wouldn’t usually order. It’s a great time to explore cuisines or ingredients outside your comfort zone.
Highlight Restaurants from Past Restaurant Week Chicago
Here are a few standout restaurants that have participated in previous Restaurant Week Chicago events. While offerings vary year to year, these venues often top the list:
1. Girl & the Goat – West Loop
A wildly popular spot for contemporary American small plates. Known for its inventive dishes and vibrant atmosphere.
2. Virtue – Hyde Park
Combining Southern comfort food with fine-dining finesse, Virtue offers mouth-watering meals that feel like home cooking at its finest.
3. The Purple Pig – Mag Mile
A Mediterranean-inspired menu with an emphasis on pork, cheese, and wine. Always a crowd favorite during Restaurant Week.
4. Le Colonial – Gold Coast
A refined French-Vietnamese experience in an upscale setting. Perfect for a romantic evening out.
5. Monteverde – West Loop
Award-winning Italian cuisine with house-made pastas and robust flavors. A must-visit for pasta lovers.
Tips for Budget-Conscious Diners
If you want to keep your Restaurant Week spending tight without sacrificing quality:
- Choose lunch over dinner – Lower price point, but often similar dishes
- Go to newer or lesser-known restaurants – These may offer more generous menus
- Share plates – Some restaurants allow this even during prix-fixe
- Avoid weekends – Weekday bookings may come with added perks
Cuisines You Can Explore
Chicago’s diversity means you’ll find almost every cuisine represented during Restaurant Week Chicago. Popular categories include:
- Mexican – From street tacos to upscale mole tasting menus
- Italian – Handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and classic tiramisu
- Japanese – Sushi, ramen, and izakaya experiences
- Indian – Rich curries, naan, and fusion concepts
- Middle Eastern – Shawarma, hummus, lamb dishes
- African – Try Nigerian, Ethiopian, or Moroccan plates
- French – Escargot, steak frites, crème brûlée
- Vegetarian/Vegan – Dedicated plant-based menus at many venues
FAQs About Restaurant Week Chicago
❓ When does Restaurant Week Chicago take place?
Typically late January to early February. Dates vary slightly each year.
❓ Do all restaurants offer the same menu?
No. Each restaurant crafts its own menu, though all follow the prix-fixe format.
❓ Is tipping included?
No. Standard tipping (15-20%) is still expected on the full value of the meal.
❓ Can I order off the regular menu?
Yes, most places allow it, though you may need to request it.
How to Stay Updated
To stay in the loop:
- Visit ChooseChicago.com
- Follow @ChooseChicago on Instagram or Twitter
- Subscribe to email alerts for early access and reservation reminders
- Set alerts on OpenTable for your favorite restaurants
Conclusion
Restaurant Week Chicago is more than a chance to dine out — it’s a movement that celebrates the soul of one of America’s greatest food cities. Whether you’re sampling a three-course meal at a rooftop steakhouse or nibbling on handmade dumplings in Chinatown, you’re participating in a city-wide celebration of creativity, diversity, and culinary excellence.
So next time Restaurant Week rolls around, don’t just scroll past it. Open your calendar, gather some friends, and search for that reservation. You never know which dish will become your new favorite — all thanks to Restaurant Week Chicago.