Chicago Restaurant Week

It’s that time again… time to get your reservations for Chicago Restaurant Week!!! Even though we’re still a few weeks away, I always like to get this post up early, because there are a LOT of options and it can be hard to get into some of the restaurants participating, especially if their menus are a really great deal.

Of course you could always look through the entire master list yourself, but trust me – it takes a while ? As a less overwhelming alternative, I’ve parsed through all of that for you to come up with what I think are the best options.

It’s important to keep in mind that not all multi course meals offered are the best deal – and, especially at some of my favorite restaurants, it can be better to just order off of the regular menu. To determine if it’s worth the trip during this 17 day time period, I usually look to see if their “famous dish” is included, or look to see if their menu features special dishes that you can’t normally get at their restaurant. (I love when that happens!)

Chicago Restaurant Week

What is Chicago Restaurant Week?

For 13 years, Chicago Restaurant Week has been an opportunity for people to experience special pre fixe menus from over 400 restaurants throughout the city. I especially love it because a lot of the participating restaurants are quite expensive the rest of the year, but Restaurant Week brings it down to a much more affordable price range that more diners can enjoy! All menus are just $24 for brunch and lunch, and $36 and/or $48 for dinner excluding beverages, tax, and gratuity. (Although a lot of menus include a glass of wine or a cocktail this year!)

When is Chicago Restaurant Week?

Chicago Restaurant Week will be going on from Jan 24 – Feb 9, 2020. I recommend getting your reservations as soon as possible though, as restaurants can book up fast during this time period. Most reservations can be made on Open Table or Resy, but you can always call the restaurant directly, too!

My Chicago Restaurant Week Recommendations

aba

2 course brunch for $24
3 course dinner for $48 
This West Loop hot spot lives up to the hype – and their dinner deal includes a glass of wine, too! Also, don’t skip their whipped feta – it’s amazing.

avec

5 course dinner for $48
Their famous Chorizo-Stuffed Medjool Dates are on the menu, so head there if you haven’t tried them yet!

bar roma

3 course dinner for $36 + wine pairing for $20
This is one of my best friend’s favorite restaurants because it’s not too far from us in the North Center/Ravenswood area. Can’t wait to try it!

bar siena

2 course brunch for $24
3 course lunch for $24
4 course dinner for $48
Make sure you get the bomboloni for dessert before you explore the rest of the West Loop!

barrio

2 course brunch for $24
3 course lunch for $24
3 course dinner for $36
I’ve been super impressed with Barrio’s food and their RW menus have amazing vegetarian options!

beatrix

3 course lunch for $24
3 course dinner for $36 (includes a glass of wine!)
Beatrix has 3 locations where you can get this menu: Fulton Market, River North, and Streeterville.

bellemore

3 course lunch for $24
4 course dinner for $48
Bellemore is usually VERY expensive, so if you’ve been wanting to try it out – this is a great time to go!

Bixi Beer

3 course lunch for $24
3 course dinner for $36
I’ve never been to BiXi Beer, but it’s supposed to have amazing craft beer – plus these menus look awesome.

blue door farm stand

3 course dinner for $36
I want to eat their Brussels and Kale Salad any time I’m anywhere near Lincoln Park – it’s THE BEST. If you’re going for lunch, just order that on it’s own and skip the RW menu. That being said, their dinner menu looks so delicious!

Cabra

Brunch Pre Fixe for 2 for $24
Lunch Pre Fixe for 2 for $24
Dinner Pre Fixe for 2 for $48
I love how their menus are all about sharing a bunch of different dishes – how fun is that?! Also, the space is SO pretty. Get your insta ready 😉

Cindy’s

3 course lunch for $24
Cindy’s has one of the best views in the ENTIRE city, so this a really fun option if you can take a long weekday lunch. Such a treat!

Coda di Volpe

3 course dinner for $48
I’ve heard such good things about this Italian spot, and they have black truffle risotto on their RW menu… YUM!

duck duck goat

Family style brunch for $24
Family Style dinner for $48
If you’ve never been to Duck Duck Goat, you must make a reservation. It’s SO GOOD and these are great deals.

Ella elli

2 course brunch for $24 
4 course dinner for $48
The brunch at this cute Lakeview spot comes with a rose sangria – how lovely!

ema

2 course brunch (with a side!) for $24
Lunch (with 2 spreads/mezze) for $24
Dinner (with 2 spreads/mezze and dessert) for $48
Get the Toasted Almond & Garlic Hummus and Frozen Greek Yogurt if you go here for dinner! My FAVES!

Fisk & Co

3 course dinner for $36
We’re actually hosting my bridal shower here this Spring! So excited! Also, oysters, crab & lobster pasta, and dessert for $36 is a steal!

formento’s

4 course dinner for $48 + $20 wine pairing
Pretty sure this is my favorite Italian spot in the West Loop. So good.

frontera grill

3 course lunch for $24
3 course dinner for $48
This Rick Bayless restaurant is just as good as you want it to be. If you like Mexican food, this is next level.

le colonial

3 course lunch for $24
3 course dinner for $48
I looove this restaurant, but still haven’t been to their new location! Maybe now is the time…

mon ami gabi

3 course dinner for $48 (includes a glass of wine, too!)
Adam and I went here for Restaurant Week a few years ago and they have the best escargot ever!

nico osteria

3 course lunch for $24
4 course dinner for $48
Nico Osteria is not cheap, so the fact that you can get a 4 course dinner for $48 is pretty great. 

Osteria Del Marcato

2 course lunch for $24
3 course dinner for $36
You guys know I LOVE Eataly, so this is just another excuse to tell you that you HAVE TO GO! Also, this dinner menu looks incredible.

siena tavern

2 course brunch for $24
3 course dinner for $48
I might need to make a weekend trip downtown to get those truffle scrambled eggs with goat cheese toast for brunch. YUM!

somerset

3 course lunch for $24
4 course dinner for $48
You can get hamachi crudo and grilled branzino for $24 in the middle of the day here? Sign me UP!

sushi-san

4 course dinner for $48
Obviously Sushi-San is known for their sushi, but I love that that’s not your only option for Restaurant Week here!

the allis

3 course lunch for $24
Soho House is the prettiest – and while I’m not thrilled with their dinner menu, their lunch menu looks LOVELY! Halloumi and charred cauliflower? YUM!

The Bristol

4 course dinner menu for $48 + wine pairings for $20
We just tried this place a few weeks ago with some friends and I was SO impressed. The food is incredible!

the little beet table

3 course lunch for $24
Adam and I went to The Little Beet Table last year for Valentine’s Day and it was LOVELY. Definitely recommend the RW deal for lunch, but if you want to go for dinner, I’d just order off of the regular menu!

The Smith

3 course lunch for $24
3 course dinner for $36
This was one of my favorite restaurants in New York, so I love that it’s in Chicago now!

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Want to see which restaurants are close to you? Check out the map below!

Did I miss any of your favorites?!

Also, let me know what reservations you’re making – I’d love to know!!

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PS. You might also like The Best Chicago Date Night Restaurants, The Best Healthy Restaurants in Chicago, and The Best North Center, Lincoln Square, and Ravenswood Restaurants.