The 5 Best Deals During Chicago Restaurant Week
Make your $44 dinner rezzies ASAP
If you thought a tasting menu under $150 was a steal, then you’re in for a treat (lots of them). This year, Chicago Restaurant Week (January 27 to February 9) has more than 350 amazing spots offering up prix fixe dinner menus for $44—admit it: That's about $15 less than you spent on takeout for one last night. So, to make choosing where to make your reservations easier, we picked the five absolute best deals.
Fig & Olive ($44)
If you’ve been meaning to hit up this Mediterranean hot spot, now’s the time. While a normal meal would cost, at minimum, over $50, you can have a multicourse Riviera feast. Think: braised octopus, paella del mar and dessert “crostini” to finish it off.
104 E. Oak St.; 312-445-0060 or figandolive.com
Mastro’s Steakhouse ($44)
This is a city that does not want for steak. But Mastro’s is one of the newer and swankier steakhouses in town. Beware: The Restaurant Week filet mignon entrée is only 6 oz., but paired with the cheesy goodness that is the French onion soup, you know it’s a steal. Oh, and did we mention the buttercake? There’s buttercake.
520 N. Dearborn St.; 312-521-5100 or mastrosrestaurants.com
Macello
This fancy Italian joint tucked away in the West Loop is one of the best kept food secrets in the city. So get a taste of the entire menu, from risotto e piselli with sweet peas, parmacotto ham and Taleggio cheese to the famous lamb chop. And the best news? You can order any dessert from the regular menu. Boom.
1235 W. Lake St.; 312-850-9870 or macellochicago.com
Arami ($44)
Skip the maki and go with the chef’s choice of sashimi and nigiri on this four-course menu. The focus on fresh, traditional ingredients and forward-thinking technique won’t steer you wrong. While it usually costs about $70 for 14 pieces, the Chicago Restaurant Week menu also includes king crab to start and a braised beef ramen second course (mmm). If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can even request a sake flight for $15.
1829 W. Chicago Ave.; 312-243-1535 or aramichicago.com
Cafe des Architectes
When you hear “French food,” you probably think “expensive.” And that’s exactly why you should take advantage of the $44 dinner menu, which includes butternut squash soup with pork belly, and braised beef short rib and abalone mushrooms in red wine jus. Everything is plated so beautifully, you’ll almost hesitate to eat it—almost.
20 E. Chestnut St.; 312-324-4063 or cafedesarchitectes.com