Over 130 Chicago restaurants are participating, offering a set prix-fixe menu of 3 courses for $22 at lunch, $32 at dinner. As many of the restaurants normally have entrée selections well into the $20 range, this provides a unique opportunity to sample some great cuisine and get a nice bottle of wine and spend less than $100 for an enjoyable dinner for 2. If I had to pick a half dozen restaurants from the dining choices, at the top of my list would be:
Carnivale
702 W. Fulton St.
Latin food, colorful decor, and a fun atmosphere
David Burke's Primehouse
616 N. Rush Street
Newcomer David Burke's has quickly risen through the ranks to become one of the city's best places for steak
The Gage
24 S. Michigan Ave.
Chef Dirk Flanigan prepares upscale comfort food in a pub-like atmosphere
Japonais
600 W. Chicago Ave.
This trendy spot serves up some of Chicago's highest quality sushi
one sixtyblue
1400 W. Randolph
A long time favorite, this restaurant helped set the stage for the Chicago contemporary dining revolution
Topolobampo
445 N. Clark St.
Chef Rick Bayless turns upside-down most American's notions of Mexican food
View the entire list of spots participating in Chicago Restaurant Week, as well as make early reservations if you're an American Express cardholder.
(Restaurants above are currently listed as participants at the time of this writing, but that could change so call ahead)
