Restaurant Week: Deals, Dates & Destinations in 5 Cities
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
Mention Restaurant Week and discounted fine dining quickly comes to mind. But not many know of its origin: Back in 1992, it was created as a way of enticing delegates and media representatives in town for the Democratic National Convention to dine at restaurants with three-course menus priced at $19.22. Today, this clever marketing ploy has evolved into what we commonly know as a celebration of good eats that's easy on the wallet and satisfying for foodies on a budget.
This summer, there's even more reason to partake in the feasting. From now through the end of September, you can take advantage of the Chase Freedom Card's 5% cash back (or 5x Ultimate Rewards points) on restaurants (activate Q3 bonus here), saving you precious dollars in addition to multi-course meals as affordable as $15.
American Express is also jumping on the savings bandwagon, offering $5 off each meal for some of the Restaurant Week events, although the terms vary between them. You must register each of your Amex cards for them to be eligible, and the more cards you register, the more you’ll be able to take advantage of the $5 statement credits. Instead of paying for a $100 dinner bill with the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card or Chase Freedom to earn 3x and 5x points on dining respectively, go ahead and split the bill between the Platinum Card from American Express, The Amex EveryDay Credit Card from American Express and Starwood Preferred Guest Business Credit Card from American Express for a total savings of $15.
With that in mind, here are five great restaurant week events around the country to put all that savings to good use — click here for a full list of similar events happening across the country.
1. New York City Restaurant Week
When: July 24 - August 18.
What: three courses from $29 for lunch, $42 for dinner.
Who: 390 participating restaurants, 34 diverse cuisines across 42 neighborhoods, featuring notable establishments like Cafe Boulud by Daniel Boulud, Perry St by Jean-Georges and CUT by Wolfgang Puck. Visit this page to see a full list of participating restaurants.
Why: For the first time, diners can attend four NYC Restaurant Week Summer Tasting Series events featuring exclusive menus and chef-selected wine pairings for $75 per person — Bâtard Tribeca (Lower Manhattan) on July 24, Buttermilk Channel (Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn) on August 1, Maiella (Long Island City, Queens) on August 6 and Amada (Lower Manhattan) on August 14. Proceeds will go toward local charities City Harvest, Citymeals on Wheels and Food Bank NYC. Tickets are limited and on sale here from July 13. American Express is also offering $5 off for $35 or more spent, up to 4x for a total of $20 savings when you dine.
2. dineL.A.
When: July 14 - July 28.
What: Lunch (2+ courses): $15, $20, $25. Dinner (3+ courses): $29, $39, $49, $95+ (dineL.A. exclusive series)
Who: More than 300 participating restaurants, including hot spots Alimento by Zach Pollack and Bouchon Bistro by Thomas Keller. Visit this page to see a full list of participating restaurants.
Why: dineL.A. is once again partnering with the California Avocado Association to feature California avocado-centric dishes from some of the best chefs in the city, including Charcoal Venice by two-Michelin-starred chef Josiah Citrin and The Bellwether by Ted Hopson. Another returning program is the Exclusive Series, offering diners a chance to dine at some of the city's swankiest restaurants, starting from $95. Instagram users should also upload snaps of their meals and hashtag #DineSnapWin for a chance to win 100,000 AAdvantage miles. American Express is also offering a deal that lets you save $5 for every $25 or more spent. There is no limit to the number of times you can use this offer.
3. Dallas-Fort Worth Restaurant Week
When: August 7 - August 26.
What: Lunch (2 courses): $20. Dinner (3 courses): $39, $49.
Who: From the list of more than 130 participating restaurants, PaperCity magazine recommends checking out Lavendou, Lonesome Dove Western Bistro, Nonna, Tei An and III Forks. Visit this page to see a full list of participating restaurants.
Why: This is the 20th anniversary of DFW's Restaurant Week. This year, 20% of all proceeds will go toward the North Texas Food Bank and the Lena Pope Home, which has since raised more than $8 million to support the organization's life-changing work in various communities. According to Simon Powell, North Texas Food Bank interim president and CEO, "every dollar donated from your meal provides another three meals for hungry North Texans."
4. Georgia Restaurant Week
When: July 17 - July 23.
What: $15, $25, $35, $45, $49 (varies across restaurants).
Who: More than 70 participating restaurants throughout Georgia. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution recommends paying a visit to Alma Cocina, Davio’s, Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar, Max Lager’s Wood-Fired Grill & Brewery and recent newcomer Public School 404. See here for the full list of the participating restaurants.
Why: Now is a good time to check out restaurants that made it to Georgia Tourism's list of 100 Plates Locals Love. Be sure to try the white corn grit fritters at Seed Kitchen & Bar and boquerones at The National. Steak lovers should also consider attending; participating restaurant Kevin Rathbun Steak was recently named The Best Steakhouse in Georgia by The Daily Meal.
5. Dine Out Boston
When: August 6 - 11, 13 - 18.
What: Lunch (2+ courses): $15, $20, $25. Dinner (3+ courses): $28, $33, $38
Who: 138 participating restaurants from both the Boston and Cambridge area including L'Espalier, No 9 Park and Top of the Hub. See here for the full list of the participating restaurants.
Why: Get a chance to dine at restaurants that you once considered too expensive to even set foot in — or hot spots headed by star chefs, including Barbara Lynch, Ming Tsai and Jody Adams. If securing a reservation at these restaurants are an issue, Boston Discovery Guide suggests checking out Beacon Hill Bistro, Lala Rohk and the Hungry I among others.
Are you booking a table during Restaurant Week? Let us know where in the comments, below.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.