The Official Chicago Restaurant Week is Coming Back in 2025
Chicago Restaurant Week 2025 is a celebration of the vibrant culinary scene in the city. It will be held from Jan. 24 to Feb. 9, 2025. Diners can try special menus at hundreds of restaurants around Chicago for 17 days.
Chicago Restaurant Week includes prix fixe brunch and lunch menus at $30, and dinner menus at $45 or $60. More than 500 restaurants spanning Chicago and its suburbs are participating, which is a new record.
Choose Chicago, the city’s official tourism organization oversees this annual event. They partner with restaurants to deliver unforgettable culinary experiences for both local and visiting customers. Chicago Restaurant Week started in 2008 to promote the city’s diverse culinary scene.
How to Participate
To take part in Restaurant Week, and become a diner, follow these steps:
- Visit the official Chicago Restaurant Week website to browse the list of participating restaurants.
- Choose a restaurant that interests you and make a reservation directly with the restaurant.
- During the event, visit the restaurant and enjoy their special prix fixe menu.
Prix fixe menus offer multiple courses at a fixed price. This allows you to sample a restaurant’s signature dishes at a more affordable price point. Many restaurants offer both lunch and dinner prix fixe menus during Chicago Restaurant Week.
To make the most of your experience, consider trying restaurants in different neighborhoods and cuisines. Make reservations early, especially for popular restaurants, as tables can fill up quickly during the event.
Must-Try Restaurants During Chicago Restaurant Week 2025
With so many participating restaurants, it can be hard to choose where to dine. Here are some top-rated restaurants and local favorites to consider:
- Alinea – This three-Michelin-starred restaurant offers an innovative tasting menu that pushes the boundaries of modern cuisine.
- Girl & the Goat – Chef Stephanie Izard’s West Loop restaurant serves bold, global flavors in a lively atmosphere.
- Frontera Grill – Rick Bayless’ Mexican restaurant showcases the country’s regional cuisines using fresh, local ingredients.
- Pequod’s Pizza – Known for its caramelized crust, this Lincoln Park spot is a must-visit for deep-dish pizza lovers.
- Virtue Restaurant – Chef Erick Williams’ Hyde Park restaurant celebrates Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
Don’t be afraid to venture beyond downtown and explore Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods. Each area has its own unique culinary gems waiting to be discovered.
Menu Options During Chicago Restaurant Week
Chicago Restaurant Week menus cater to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. You can expect to find:
- Brunch, lunch, and dinner prix fixe menus at different price points
- Specially curated menus that highlight a restaurant’s signature dishes
- Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options at many participating restaurants
Some restaurants may also offer drink pairings or supplemental courses to enhance your dining experience. Be sure to review the menu options before making your reservation.
Special Events
In addition to the modified menus, the Restaurant Week features several special events:
- First Bites Bash – This kickoff event takes place on January 23rd, the night before Restaurant Week begins. Attendees can sample bites from participating restaurants and enjoy live entertainment.
- Chef demonstrations – Throughout the week, some restaurants host cooking demonstrations and meet-and-greets with their chefs.
- Wine and cocktail pairings – Certain restaurants offer special drink pairings to complement their Restaurant Week menus.
These events provide opportunities to engage with Chicago’s culinary community and learn more about the restaurants participating in the event.
Planning Your Visit During Restaurant
When booking a hotel in Chicago for Restaurant Week, think about whether you want to stay in the city center or closer to the restaurants you plan to visit.
During the event, numerous hotels provide special packages and rates. Chicago Restaurant Week is also an excellent opportunity to visit the city’s cultural institutions. Try to combine restaurant visits with museums, theaters, or other landmarks.
If you’re looking to get around the city during Restaurant Week, there are public transportation options, ride-sharing services, and taxis. Make sure you plan your trip in advance and provide plenty of additional time for traffic or weather delays.
What’s New for Restaurant Week
Each year, Chicago Restaurant Week brings new and exciting offerings to the table. In 2025, look out for:
- Newly participating restaurants and chefs making their Restaurant Week debut
- Innovative menu concepts that showcase the latest culinary trends
- Special collaborations between restaurants, breweries, and other local businesses
- Themed dining experiences that transport you to different culinary regions or eras
Keep an eye on the official Chicago Restaurant Week website and social media channels to be updated on these new offerings. Restaurant Week is sure to be a celebration of the city’s diverse and dynamic culinary scene.
With even more restaurants offering special menus and events, there’s something for everyone to please their palate. Save the dates January 24 to February 9, 2025, and prepare to dig into the culinary treasures of Chicago restaurants.
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