Boston Restaurant Week

How to score the biggest dining bargains!

Boston Restaurant Week provides the opportunity to sample the city's finest restaurants at bargain prices - or to spend about what you'd normally pay at a fine but not necessarily great dining choice.

How do you get the biggest value for your dining dollar during Boston Restaurant Week? 

With Boston's top and not-quite-top restaurants offering prix fixe 2-course lunches for $15.10, 3-course lunches for $20.10 and dinners for $33.10 (2010 prices; drinks, tax, and tip additional), how do you make the best choice?

How to get the most out of Restaurant Week in Boston

Here are my tried and true strategies:

Step 1:  Identify your targets

Use our list of Restaurant Week Boston participants to see your options.  Want to score a spot at the table of one of Boston's hottest big-name chefs?  Or try a new-to-you place, or even an old favorite?

List your top 4 - 6 choices. 

Step 2:   Check menus

Our list of Restaurant Week Boston participants has links to menus.  Check them out to see what's actually on offer.

Some top Boston restaurants use this event to showcase their culinary skills and fine cuisine by offering selections from their regular menu.  Other equally stellar spots offer a dumbed-down menu with simple dishes you could easily prepare at home. 

Also check out the number of choices and how many require "supplements" - extra charges for certain items (usually the ones you want to order). 

Finally, compare prices on the regular menu to make sure the prix-fixe menu is really a bargain. 

Step 3:   Make your reservations

At the hottest spots, tables go fast - so reserve early to avoid disappointment.  Plan a couple of back-up choices.  If your "A List" places fill up, move fast to your "B List" - unless you want to work your way down the alphabet!

You'll find the most competition at "big name" restaurants such as L'Espalier, No 9 Park, Top of the Hub, Locke-Ober, Tastings, Market, and Radius. 

If you don't want to have to scramble to score reservations at these hot spots, try other fine dining Boston options such as 75 Chestnut, Beacon Hill Bistro, Lala Rohk, the Hungry I, Laurel Grill, and others.

Step 4:  Relax and enjoy

Boston Restaurant Week service may differ from normal times.  Menu items and preparation complexity may be scaled back due to the price point, despite what the menus suggest, and service may not be as attentive as normal due to the crowds.

Prepare to enjoy your meal because it's one of the best dining deals of the year, and you'll have a great time.  If possible service lapses will spoil your evening, come at another time.

Step 5:  Make a happy ending - depart in style!

Be nice to the waitstaff.  Tip generously.  Start looking forward to the next Boston Restaurant Week.