5 Restaurant Weeks To Jump On This Spring

Restaurant week, it seems, has become a national institution. Restaurants all over the country, in big cities and small towns alike, are getting the hang of set menus at set prices for lunch and dinner. Some places have fallen so in love with the concept that they host more than one restaurant week per year. Others have started defining "week" with a little more flexibility by offering their deals for two, three, or even four weeks. Naturally, some are more exciting than others, but all give diners the chance to get out and try new things without a costly commitment. So with the promise of spring in the air, we thought we'd take a look at five restaurant weeks that will usher us into nicer weather.

Austin:

Austin Restaurant Week runs the span of eight days over two weeks — March 25 to 28 and April 1 to 4. Prices range from $11 to $16 for lunch and $26 to $36 for a prix fixe three-course dinner at participating restaurants, which include Uchiko, Haddington's, and Cipollina, among many others. This year's menus haven't been released yet, but keep an eye on their Facebook page for up-to-the-minute info. It's only too bad that it doesn't overlap with SXSW!

Seattle:

Returning this April (8-19), Seattle Restaurant Week has so many participants, it's hard to imagine making a dent in the list in just 10 days. All of the restaurants that participate offer a three-course dinner for $28 and some also offer a three-course lunch for $15. This year's list of restaurants hasn't been announced yet, but based on last year's behemoth list, which included Quinn's Pub, Mistral Kitchen, Lecosho, and Spring Hill, rest assured you'll have plenty of mouthwatering options. 

Hudson Valley:

Nestled just north of New York City, Hudson Valley's Restaurant Week is held March 18 to 31, and offers local fare for $20.95 at lunch and $29.95 for dinner. The historic Café 1915, Escoffier Restaurant, and Terrapin are among the restaurants we'd make the drive for. It's restaurant week-meets-charming, picturesque countryside, which is a win in our book.

Boston:

Boston Restaurant Week turns one seven-day period into a full 12 days of food-centric steals and deals. Held from March 18 to 23 and March 25 to 30, participating restaurants offer two-course

B&G Oysters and the Butcher Shop, Metropolis Café, Eastern Standard, and Locke-Ober. (Photo courtesy of Flickr/sushiesque)

Newport, R.I.:

Newport is one of the most charming seaside towns on the East Coast and happens to be home to some fantastic food, as well. Newport Restaurant Week (March 23 to April 1) offers lunches for $16 and dinners for $30 at local favorite watering holes like 22 Bowen's, Fluke Wine Bar and Kitchen, Café Zelda, and Tallulah on Thames.