Feeling cooped up by the post-holiday blues and brisk weather? Naperville’s restaurant scene is offering a few enticements that might just lure you out a night or two over the next couple of winter weeks.
Jan. 20 through Feb. 3 marks the city’s 11th annual Restaurant Week. Mirroring Chicago’s longstanding tradition, Naperville’s version will supply diners with a score of restaurant deals and discounts, showcasing the city’s culinary prowess from fast casual options to fine dining.
Naperville Restaurant Week is organized by Dine Naperville, a brand of Naperville Development Partnership. So far, 35 restaurants have signed on to participate in the two-week affair, according to Naperville Development Partnership President Monica Conners.
“(Restaurants) can sign up all the way up until the event,” she said Tuesday.
During the two-week period, participating establishments will provide either prix fixe menus or discounts on featured menu choices. Dine Naperville has been putting together Naperville Restaurant Week 2025 since November.
In planning, organizers are cognizant of the winter holidays and design the event to get people out dining during what are typically slower months for restaurants, Conners said.
“It’s logical, right? … End of January, beginning of February is that down time after the holidays where people aren’t as apt to get out, whether it’s due to weather or (they’re) just, you know, taking a break,” Conners said. “This is a way to promote the restaurants and get people out dining.”
Participating businesses this year range from Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken to Ramsay’s Kitchen.
New participants include Nautical Bowls at 8 W. Gartner Road, an acai and superfood cafe that will be offering free size upgrades on any bowl, and Sara’s Grill and Eastern Cuisine at 2860 Showplace Drive, which will have a prix fixe lunch and dinner menu available for $16.99 and $21.99, respectively.
Catch 35, Empire Burger Bar, Che Figata, Davanti Enoteca and Morton’s Steakhouse are also part of this year’s lineup.
The event is even welcoming the likes of Two Bostons, a pet store with three Naperville locations at 103 W. Jefferson Ave., 1239 S. Naper Blvd. and 2523 W. 75th St. For its Restaurant Week deal, Two Bostons will give a free bag of food and treat samples to anyone who makes a $5 donation to the Naperville Area Humane Society. That means even diners’ canine companions can indulge in the fun.
“You go take care of your pup and then maybe go have a meal of your own somewhere else,” Conners said.
More information about Naperville Restaurant Week 2025, including a full list of participating restaurants and offers, can be found at www.dinenaperville.com/naperville-restaurant-week.
