Some people wait all year for Christmas. Some Halloween. Some the first day of summer. Me?
Just when the New Year's celebrations have come to a close, and the rest of the winter may look a little bleak, my favorite time of year rolls around. Between Chicago Theatre Week and various neighborhood restaurant weeks, its easy to forget about the low temperatures and revel in all the incredible dining and live performances this city has to offer.
Chefs and theatre groups alike take the opportunity to showcase their specialties at reduced prices. It's the perfect chance to sample new food and new places. Take the kids out to eat "fancy", particularly if you have tweens and teens that can no longer eat off the kids menu (or don't want to), or introduce them to live theatre.
This year, Chicago Theatre Week returns for its thirteenth year from February 6th-16th, 2025.
Countless theaters will welcome audiences at value-priced tickets of $30, $15, or less. There is something for everyone throughout the entire city. Some of the many shows that are included are Beautiful The Carole King Musical at Drury Lane Theatre, Fool for Love at Steppenwolf Theatre, Fat Ham at Goodman Theatre, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Marriott Theatre, Manual Cinema's The Magic City at Chicago Children's Theatre, and Dragons Love Tacos at Northbrook Theatre. The list goes on and on. There are so many small theaters around the city with talent that would surprise you, and at these prices, what do you have to lose? A night off the couch? That alone is worth every penny. Tickets go on sale Jan. 7th.
Better yet, Chicago Restaurant Week overlaps with Chicago Theatre Week on February 6th-9th. Explore 470+ participating restaurants and enjoy dinner and a show!
Chicago Restaurant Week is a "17-day celebration of the city's award-winning culinary scene" running from January 24th to February 9th, 2025. The best restaurants across the city offer special prix fixe, multi-course meals. Brunch/Lunch costs only $30, and Dinner can be either $45 or $60 (excluding beverages, tax, and gratuity), depending on the restaurant and menu.
Albany Park's eden is participating this year, and the menu looks amazing!
Other Restaurant Weeks
Chicago Black Restaurant Week (CBRW) from February 9th - February 16th, 2025.
Dozens of black-owned restaurants across the city will be offering special discounts. Prior year participants have included Luella's Southern Kitchen in Lincoln Square and Demera Ethiopian in Uptown. This year's list is TBD.
North Side Restaurant Week from February 27th - March 9th, 2025.
Restaurants in Northcenter, Albany Park, Edgewater, Lincoln Square, Ravenswood, Rogers Park, and Uptown will show off their wide range of dining options, with special prix fixe menus, to create one GIGANTIC combined North Side Restaurant Week!
Chicago Northwest Restaurant Week from February 28th - March 9th, 2025.
Indulge in delicious flavors that celebrate the vibrant and diverse food scene within Chicago’s Northwest suburbs. Diners can expect featured menus at special prices!
North Shore Restaurant Month
March 2025
North Shore Restaurant Month is back! Great culinary offers are available all month from participating restaurants.
All these local restaurant weeks are such great chances to explore a different part of the North side. Grab a date, gather your girls, or treat your kids, and make the most of winter in Chicago! We'll see you out there.
Pro tip: Take advantage of where a restaurant week overlaps with Chicago Theatre Week and make a whole day/night of it! Book a hotel room and make it a staycation even.
This Article has been generously sponsored by Best Western Plus Hawthorne Terrace
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