As part of welcoming the new year, you might be looking to embrace some new experiences, in which case Chicago Restaurant Week might be right up your alley. Scheduled to run a full 17 days from January 24 through February 9, this popular culinary event is back for its thirteenth year with more than 400 participating restaurants. Each restaurant will be offering a special prix fixe 3-course menu for both lunch ($24) and dinner ($36-$48) that allows you to sample some of the kitchen’s signature dishes. It’s a great way to try out a few new places, as well as an opportunity to enjoy a discounted meal at some of your perennial favorites. 

Pro tip: decide which restaurants you want to visit and make your reservations right away, as demand is high during Chicago Restaurant Week and many places fill to capacity at every meal.