Chicago Restaurant Week 2025 took place in January 24th to February 9th. Based on previous years, the event typically spans 17 days and begins in the third or fourth week of January. Until the official 2026 announcement is made, diners can reference Chicago Restaurant Week 2025, which ran from January 24 to February 9, as a guideline.
Chicago Restaurant Week is a citywide food event organized by Choose Chicago, the city’s official tourism and marketing organization. The goal of the event is to showcase the culinary diversity of Chicago and boost restaurant business during the slower winter season.
The event features hundreds of participating restaurants across Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. These restaurants offer special prix fixe menus for brunch, lunch, and dinner. The event typically spans over two weeks and draws thousands of diners looking to explore the city's vibrant food scene at a fixed price.
Understanding the timing of the event is key if you plan to make reservations or schedule a trip around it. Here are the official Chicago Restaurant Week dates from the past ten years:
In most years, Chicago Restaurant Week dates fall between the third Friday of January and the first weekend of February. Exceptions occurred in 2021 and 2022, when the event was delayed due to pandemic-related restrictions.
During Chicago Restaurant Week, each participating restaurant creates special prix fixe menus, usually offering multi-course meals at set prices. These menus are typically available for:
Each meal includes at least two to three courses, and the prices do not include beverages, tax, or gratuity. Restaurants are encouraged to showcase their best offerings, from signature dishes to creative seasonal specials.
Menus are posted on the official event site a few weeks in advance. Diners can browse by neighborhood, cuisine, and meal type, making it easier to find a menu that fits both budget and taste.
Over 400 restaurants typically participate each year, ranging from Michelin-starred venues to hidden gems in residential neighborhoods. Some examples from past events include:
The program also highlights businesses owned by women, minorities, and Black entrepreneurs, which has become a growing focus in recent years. This diversity allows the event to reflect Chicago’s global food culture more fully.
It’s important to note that chicago restaurant week dates apply citywide, including to suburbs like Oak Park, Evanston, and Hyde Park. The inclusivity makes it a regional celebration, not just a downtown event.
All participating restaurants and their menus are listed on the official Choose Chicago Restaurant Week webpage. The site lets users to filter based on:
Menus are usually published two to three weeks before the event begins. While walk-ins may be possible, reservations are strongly encouraged due to high demand, especially on weekends. Having the chicago restaurant week dates in mind allows diners to plan and book accordingly.
To get the most out of the event, here are some practical tips:
Knowing the chicago restaurant week dates in advance lets you prepare a short list of options and maximize the value of your experience.
This event is more than discounted meals — it’s a way to experience a curated slice of the Chicago's food scene. For locals, it’s a great way to revisit favorites or try a high-end place without breaking the bank. For tourists, it offers a guided culinary tour without the guesswork.
Restaurants benefit as well. Winter is traditionally a slow period in the industry, and Chicago Restaurant Week helps fill dining rooms and support staff. By aligning your dining plans with chicago restaurant week dates, you’re also helping the hospitality community thrive.