13-Mar-22 – Hungry diners all over the city will enjoy more entrees and special prix fixe menus at more than 300 restaurants participating in this year’s Chicago Restaurant Week.

The 15th annual event, sponsored by Choose Chicago, runs from March 25 to April 10. This year’s list currently includes about 343 participants from 37 Chicago neighborhoods. Last year’s event featured closer to 265 participants from 34 neighborhoods.

The 2022 lineup includes 31 suburban establishments. Sixty-six participants are women, minority and/or Black-owned enterprises. New and popular restaurants include El Solazo in West Lawn, Jaleo in River North, Majani Soulfood Vegan Cuisine in South Shore, and Shang Noodle in the South Loop.

For 17 consecutive days, participating dining establishments will showcase specially curated menus with prices set at $25 for brunch and lunch, and $39 and/or $55 for dinner, excluding beverages, tax, gratuity, and delivery. While reservations are not required, they are recommended. New restaurants are being added daily. (Left) A Greek feast at Andros Taverna.

Many of this year’s participants offer dine-in, delivery, and/or takeout. Choose Chicago’s 2021 and 2022 programs were expanded to provide restaurants with opportunities to participate regardless of the availability of dine-in operations. Last year’s adjusted prices were kept in place, given the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Chicago Restaurant Week offers residents and visitors alike a unique opportunity to experience the unparalleled culinary and cultural richness of our great city and its neighborhoods,” said Glenn Eden, Board Chair of Choose Chicago. “From Bronzeville to Chinatown and Devon Avenue, you can go on an adventurous gastronomical global tour without ever leaving the city.” Eden says it is no surprise that Chicago Restaurant Week is still going strong after 15 years, and “it is now more important than ever to support our local restaurants as they are a critical part of our industry and the city’s economic recovery.” (Right) A French classic at Chez Moi.

Sam Toia, president and CEO of Illinois Restaurant Association, says Chicago Restaurant Week is the city’s opportunity to celebrate the “passion and vitality of our diverse restaurant community.”

“This year, in particular, we acknowledge the perseverance of restaurants large and small that have faced innumerable odds,” said Toia (left). “Chicago Restaurant Week is a chance to help them on their paths to recovery.”

The art of the dine

Enjoy food and beverage with Frida Kahlo at a special event on March 22. Tasting stations from ten neighborhood restaurants will setup at Lighthouse Artspace, 108 West Germania Place, alongside an exclusive viewing of the stunning new exhibit, Immersive Frida Kahlo, about the Mexican painter. The event is from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.