Everything You Need to Know About NYC Restaurant Week
If you have ever been to New York City, New York, you know that there is prestigious food at every corner. But for a price. The city that never sleeps is saturated with many people which means high demand, and ultimately, higher prices on food and things to do around the city. No need to worry. The food is incredible. New York City knows this and wants to allow people to be able to get the incredible savory food for a cheaper price. This is where New York City restaurant week comes in. Twice a year, the New York City restaurant week is held to allow people from all over to come and try delicious food for a fair price. However, there are many things to consider when attending the restaurant week.
What qualifies a restaurant
There are just about 400 restaurants that participate in the infamous restaurant week. Not every restaurant is able to participate though. In order to participate, NYC takes a few things into account. The chef’s background, the overall restaurant rating and reviews, and awards or other information. This makes it something that restaurants desire to become a part of. On top of that, the restaurant must offer a discount of 20 to 50 percent off the regular menu price to be picked.
The discounted food is pre-chosen
The menu will be chosen by the restaurant which is known as a prix fixe menu. It must include a three course meal and three choices for appetizers, three choices of entrees, and at least two dessert options. All participating restaurants will price their three-course prix fixe menus at $29 for lunch and $42 for dinner. You should be aware that not all restaurants will offer dinner and lunch at a special price. That’s why one should check ahead of schedule. You could also come across some restaurants with discounts on drinks as well. It is delightful to be able to have a choice of what kind of food you can have. You will also be able to find the NYC restaurant week dining guide in all participating restaurants a week before the event. Just keep in mind that beverages, gratuity, and taxes are not offered in the price.
Times
Restaurant week will take place from January 22, 2018 to February 9, 2018. During this time, you will find all the affordable, awesome meals. Just be sure to reserve your spot because all restaurants will most likely be very packed. Just in case one is looking to walk in, the discounts still apply. There is a little bit of a catch. The restaurants will not offer the discounts on Saturdays, and Sundays are completely optional.
How to ensure a good time
Restaurant week is packed and hectic. You want to be sure that you could have the best possible experience. Most would start with choosing the kinds of foods they would desire to eat. This will help you get closer to which restaurants to choose. If you already have a specific restaurant in mind, then you should set your sights on it. Once reservations open (January 8th) you should try to book that specific restaurant immediately. Try to keep your options realistic. It might be very stressful to get a restaurant that is very prestigious and just ruin the thought of it all together. When you make your reservation, try to confirm what exactly they will be serving so you have an idea. Most menus are available for viewing online in advance.
The best restaurants to visit
Most restaurants are going to be very rewarding when you take in their savory flavors, but you might want the challenge of getting to taste the best of the best. There are lists that you can find all throughout the internet of which restaurants should be chosen. Maybe classic New York City restaurants are on your mind and your taste buds, or perhaps those ranked as the best experience, and taste. There are even lists for getting the options that only go for lunch. No matter what you choose, you are going to find some incredible meals.
The Victoria Shtainer Team Picks:
- Tao Downtown
- Lavo
- Bagatelle
- Fig & Olive
- Mr. Chow
Broadway
How about a dinner and a show? Luckily, this year, broadway week is going on during the same time as New York City Restaurant Week. This will create the ultimate dinner and a show date scene. Tickets will be two-for-one to the best Broadway shows you can think of! This combination of 380+ restaurants and 19 Broadway shows will have you and a partner hitting the city almost every day. Try out this guide to see some awesome combinations of food and Broadway shows. It’s all about the experience in the end.
All-in-all, the Restaurant Week in New York City is an incredible time. You get to enjoy food from all over that most never thought they could afford. So, whether you live in New York City, or live far away, attending the experience of restaurant week should really be considered. Hopefully, you will have a wonderful time in the city that never sleeps.
Guest blog by Jeremy Alderman