Chicago Restaurant Week Guide: Dates, Prix-Fixe Deals & Top New Restaurants
Chicago's chilly winter evenings may deter venturing out, but Chicago Restaurant Week—now in its 12th year—draws food lovers with unbeatable prix-fixe pricing and an impressive lineup of restaurants. Enjoy multi-course meals guilt-free at a fraction of regular costs, perfect for sweater season indulgence.
This year's event, running January 25 to February 7 (two full weeks), is the largest yet, featuring nearly 400 participating restaurants—over 100 newcomers, including acclaimed spots like The Publican, mfk., and Duck Duck Goat. Prix-fixe lunches and brunches are $24; dinners offer three or four courses for $36 or $48 (beverages excluded). Prices have risen slightly since the last adjustment in 2011, but the value remains exceptional.
Here are standout newcomers we're excited about:
Avli Taverna, Lincoln Park: This modern Greek restaurant recently earned a spot on Eater Chicago's “Hottest Restaurants Right Now” list for elevating beyond typical Greek fare.
Must-try dish: Avli Saganaki—pan-seared cheese with thyme honey and peppered figs.
Aba, Fulton Market: A tough reservation, but worth it. This Mediterranean small-plates spot from chef CJ Jacobson (of River North's Ema) and Lettuce Entertain You joins the lineup.
Must-try dish: Beef Carpaccio with yuzu soy, local honey, and more.
Funkenhausen, West Town: Opened in August to rave reviews, offering a unique “light German eats with Southern flair” menu.
Must-try dish: Pork Schnitzel with charred lemon and sauce gribiche (a refined mayonnaise with capers, cornichons, and herbs).
Mordecai, Wrigleyville: In Hotel Zachary, chef Matthias Merges delivers elevated American cuisine and a top whiskey bar, praised by the Tribune's Phil Vettel as Michelin-worthy.
Must-try dish: Portobello Bolognese with rigatoni, pecorino, and Chianti.
Eris Brewery and Cider House, North Center: Chicago's dedicated cider taproom in a former Masonic temple, with house-brewed ciders, craft beers, and cozy apple-infused dishes (many vegetarian/gluten-free).
Must-try dish: Chaos Waffle—Belgian waffle with applewood bacon, avocado, cheddar-jack cheese, sunny-side-up egg, and Sriracha maple syrup.
About Last Knife, The Loop: A fresh steakhouse in Hotel Julian near Millennium Park, blending classics with inventive twists like charred steak tartare.
Must-try dish: Prosciutto-laced Beef Wellington, served by the slice.
Pro Tips for Chicago Restaurant Week:
- Reserve now: Popular spots book up quickly. Browse the full list and menus here.
- Opt for lunch or brunch if dinners are unavailable—same great food for less.
- Go with friends to sample multiple dishes across courses.
- For variety, attend the First Bites Bash at the Field Museum on January 24 ($125 tickets). Over 70 chefs offer tastings, hosted by Top Chef winner Joe Flamm of Spiaggia.
