Restaurant Week 2023: A 17-day citywide celebration of Chicago's best dining

Your guide to Chicago's winter dining event that includes over 335 restaurants across Chicagoland.

Fondue at Geja's CafePhoto byAdam Alexander Photography/Choose Chicago

(CHICAGO) For the 16th year in a row, Chicago restaurants are offering special menus at fixed prices to lure diners into going out to eat during the cold winter months.

January in Chicago is historically a chilly, gray affair. It's after the hustle and bustle of the holidays, and people tend to hibernate inside rather than head out to eat in restaurants.

Chicago Restaurant Week began as a citywide effort to motivate people to leave their homes and bring more business downtown during a slow time. It's now more than just a downtown affair.

Restaurant Week has grown to include over 335 restaurants in 34 unique Chicago neighborhoods and suburbs.

Photo byRawpixel/Depositphotos.com

When is Restaurant Week?

Restaurant Week begins on Friday, January 20th, and runs for 17 days until February 5th.

What is Restaurant Week?

During Restaurant Week, participating restaurants offer special fixed-price multi-course menus to diners. These multi-course meals cost $25 for brunch or lunch and $42 or $59 for dinner. Drinks, tips, and taxes are not included.

Where to eat during Restaurant Week?

With over 335 restaurants participating in city neighborhoods and suburbs, there is bound to be a spot near you to choose from. Maybe you want to look for a familiar favorite or try something new.

The complete list of restaurants and menus can be found on the Choose Chicago website.

Should I make reservations?

Yes, reservations are recommended. Restaurants are bound to be busy during this time, and Choose Chicago suggests reserving tables in advance.

Restaurants include both new and old

There are 51 restaurants new to Restaurant Week, with some of those newly opened this year, including Mima's Taste of Cuba, Bloom Plant-Based Kitchen in Wicker Park, and Bronzeville Winery in Bronzeville.

Some of the tried and true restaurants include The Berghoff in the Loop, Mon Ami Gabi in Lincoln Park, and Geja's Cafe (pictured above).

Editor's Pick for Restaurant Week

This is also a great opportunity to give a Michelin-starred American cuisine restaurant a try. Timeout Chicago chose Boka as their Editor's Choice.

Restaurant Week's fixed-priced menu gives diners a chance to dine at the usually pricey restaurant, without breaking the bank. For $59, diners can get a four-course meal at Boka. See the full menu here.

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