Chicago Restaurant Week will offer guests a smorgasbord of tastes during its 9th annual event kicking off Jan. 22.
This year, a record number of 354 restaurants will participate, offering customers prix fixe menus over the course of two weeks, according to organizers Choose Chicago. Customers can explore various flavors including French, Spanish, and Korean at eateries all across the city and the suburbs.
Prix fixe menus begin at $22 for lunch and $33 and/or $44 for dinner, according to Choose Chicago. Prices exclude beverages, tax and gratuity.
Restaurant owners typically see a slow-down in business during the month of January, so Chicago Restaurant Week was created nine years ago to encourage people to eat out.
“It’s a nice savings and a fun way to experience a restaurant in off times and see what the chefs have to offer,” said Billy Lawless, owner of Acanto Restaurant, The Gage, and The Dawson.
Fifty-four new restaurants will participate in Chicago Restaurant Week this year, including Appellation, GreenRiver, Oyster Bah, and Prime & Provisions, according to organizers.
“What we found over the years is that people are going out more than once,” said Meghan Risch, Vice President of corporate communications for Choose Chicago. “So if they’re going on date night, or girls night or family night, it’s really an opportunity for anybody and everybody to experience Chicago’s dining scene.”
NBC 5 Chicago is a proud sponsor of the First Bites Bash, the official launch to Chicago Restaurant Week. The event will take place on Thursday, Jan. 21 at 5:30 p.m. in the Great Hall of Union Station. More than 60 restaurants will be present with a delicious preview of what to expect during Restaurant Week.
Admission for First Bites Bash is $125 and can be purchased online. A portion of the proceeds from will benefit the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation.
A full list of Chicago Restaurant Week eateries and menus are available online. The event begins Jan. 22 to Feb. 4, reservations are recommended.
