Chicago in January is... well, it's Chicago. It’s gray, it’s windy, and you’re basically living in a puffer coat. But there is one reason people actually leave their apartments during the deep freeze, and that’s Chicago Restaurant Week. Honestly, if you live here, you know the drill. If you don't, you're about to find out why 500+ restaurants decide to throw a massive party right when the sidewalk is covered in slush.
The big question everyone asks is about the Chicago Restaurant Week dates. For 2026, the official 17-day marathon kicks off on Friday, January 23, and runs through Sunday, February 8.
It’s the 19th year this thing has happened. What started as a way to help restaurants survive the "dead zone" after the holidays has turned into a city-wide obsession. We aren't just talking about a few spots in River North, either. We’re talking about a record-breaking 550+ restaurants spanning 33 neighborhoods and dozens of suburbs. Basically, if there’s a place you’ve been stalking on Instagram but couldn't justify the $200 bill, this is your window.
When to Actually Go: Navigating the Chicago Restaurant Week Dates
Most people think "week" means seven days. Not in Chicago. We need more time to eat.
The 17-day stretch is strategic. It gives you three full weekends to hit the heavy hitters. But here is the thing: everyone tries to go on those Saturdays. If you’re looking for a table at a place like Lula Cafe or Virtue, you’ve gotta think like a local. Monday through Wednesday are the sweet spots. You’ll actually be able to hear your dinner date talk, and the kitchen isn’t slammed with 400 covers an hour.
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The Official 2026 Schedule
- January 22 (Thursday): The First Bites Bash at the Field Museum. This is the official kickoff. It’s a ticketed event where 70+ chefs give you a preview of their menus. If you missed tickets—they usually sell out in about 24 hours—don't sweat it. The real deal starts the next day.
- January 23 (Friday): Day one. Expect every popular spot to be booked solid.
- February 5 – February 8: This is a "pro-tip" window. Chicago Theatre Week starts on Feb 5, overlapping with the final days of Restaurant Week. It’s the ultimate "dinner and a show" combo, but also the most crowded the city gets all winter.
- February 8 (Sunday): The final night.
The Pricing Reality Check
Let’s talk money because that’s why we’re all here. The pricing structure is set in stone by Choose Chicago, the folks who run the show.
For 2026, you’re looking at:
- Brunch/Lunch: $30
- Dinner: $45 or $60
It’s kinda confusing that there are two dinner prices. Basically, it’s up to the restaurant. Some of the higher-end steakhouses or Michelin-starred spots like Esmé will almost certainly opt for the $60 tier. Others might offer a $45 menu that’s a bit more "everyday."
One thing you’ve gotta remember: this price does not include tax, tip, or drinks. If you order two $18 cocktails and a bottle of wine, that "discounted" $60 dinner is suddenly $150. Just being real with you.
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What’s New (and Who’s New) for 2026
Every year, a bunch of "debut" restaurants join the fray. This year, 76 restaurants are making their first appearance.
You’ve got Adalina Prime in the West Loop, which is basically where all the celebrities go when they're in town. Then there’s Il Carciofo, another Joe Flamm spot that focuses on Roman food. If you haven't been to Cafe Yaya in Lincoln Park yet (it's from the Galit team), their Restaurant Week menu is probably the smartest way to try their Middle Eastern-inspired pastries and spreads without the usual wait.
A lot of people stick to the Loop, but that’s a rookie mistake. The real gems are in the neighborhoods. Bronzeville is having a huge moment right now with spots like DixiePura Kitchen, which blends Southern and Southeast Asian flavors. In Hyde Park, you've got seven restaurants participating, including the Caribbean-heavy 14 Parish and the always-booked Virtue.
How to Not Get "Restaurant Weeked"
Look, there’s a dark side to this event. Some restaurants put out "filler" menus. You know the ones—chicken breast, a basic pasta, and a tiny slice of flourless chocolate cake. It’s boring.
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To get the most value out of the Chicago Restaurant Week dates, you need to look for menus that offer choice. For example, Table, Donkey and Stick in Logan Square is famous for giving you a ton of options (like eight different second courses) rather than forcing you into a "Chicken or Fish" corner.
Another trick? Look for the "add-ons." The Alston in River North is doing a $60 dinner, but for an extra $20, you can upgrade to a Wagyu filet. It sounds like they're upselling you, and they are, but $80 for a Wagyu dinner in a room that pretty is actually a steal.
Quick Checklist for Success:
- Check the math. Look at the regular menu online. If the three courses you want would normally cost $62, and the Restaurant Week price is $60... maybe just go on a regular night and order what you actually want.
- Book through OpenTable. Most of these places use it, and you can see the menus right there.
- Tip on the full value. Your server is working twice as hard during these 17 days. If the bill is $60 but the meal was "worth" $100, tip on the hundo. It's just good karma.
Why This Year Feels Different
There’s a weirdly cool thing happening in 2026. World Business Chicago is doing this "Chicago Bingo" thing at some restaurants, like La Dolce Vita Cucina. They’re trying to get people to talk about the city’s history and economy while they eat. It sounds a bit like homework, but they're giving away prizes like tickets to the Joffrey Ballet and the Symphony, so it’s actually worth the effort.
Also, the sheer scale is wild. 550+ restaurants is a lot of food. You could eat out every single meal for the entire 17 days and not even scratch the surface of 5% of the participants.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Food Marathon
If you're serious about hitting the best spots, you can't wait until the last minute. The most popular reservations at places like Aba, Monteverde, or Girl & the Goat (if they're participating this year) usually vanish within hours of the menus going live.
- Check the master list: Go to the official Choose Chicago site and filter by neighborhood. Don't just look at "Downtown." Check out Avondale, Pilsen, and Andersonville.
- Cross-reference with Michelin: Look for the "Bib Gourmand" winners. These are restaurants Michelin recognizes for great value, and during Restaurant Week, that value is usually even better. Spots like Pompette or Mama Delia are solid bets.
- Set a "Menu Drop" Alert: Usually, menus start appearing in early January. If a place you love says "Menu Coming Soon," check back every morning.
- Plan for the overlap: If you want to do the Theatre Week combo, book your show tickets first, then find a restaurant within walking distance that has an early-bird (5:00 PM or 5:30 PM) slot.