Restaurant Week in NYC with City Cruises onboard the Bateaux
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A Guide to Restaurant Week 2025 and Its Delicious Celebrations

Restaurant Week is more than just a foodie event; it celebrates culinary creativity, community, and culture. For seasoned food enthusiasts and casual diners alike, Restaurant Week provides the perfect opportunity to explore diverse flavors and enjoy special menus curated by top chefs. Whether you’re in a bustling city or a charming small town, this highly anticipated event offers something for everyone, including specialty dining cruises offered by City Cruises that combine mouthwatering flavors with jaw-dropping views. Here’s a deep dive into how you can make the most of a city’s Restaurant Week and why it’s an event worth marking on your calendar!

What is Restaurant Week?

Depending on the location, Restaurant Week is an annual event during which participating restaurants offer specially curated prix-fixe menus at discounted prices. Selections typically include an appetizer, main course, and dessert. Some establishments also provide optional wine pairings or special cocktails to complement the meal. Diners can indulge in multi-course meals at a fraction of the regular price, making high-end dining more accessible and allowing food lovers to explore various dishes without breaking the bank.

The idea originated in New York City in the early 1990s to draw attention to the city’s vibrant dining scene. Initially conceived as a promotional event for visitors during a convention, it quickly gained popularity and became an annual tradition. Over the years, the concept has become a staple in the culinary industry, spreading to cities around the globe, each adding its unique flavor to the event.

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Lake Michigan or the Chicago River? Two Incredible Waterfront Dining Options

Chicago is a top destination for many reasons. As the third-largest city in the U.S., this multicultural mecca attracts approximately 86 million visitors a year. Known as The Windy City, it is home to 100 neighborhoods, 36 annual parades, 40 film festivals, 74 music festivals, 600 parks, 500 playgrounds, and so much more, according to Chicago.gov. It is a city ingrained in America’s heartland, and while it has a big-city vibe, it is very much in tune with its Midwest roots.

Chicago is known for its appealing architecture and history. It’s a town that Frank Sinatra sang about and for good reasons. From the museums to gangster walking tours, parks, and sports, this city is exciting and has something for all. Chicago is also a great place for dining. Exceptional cuisine is at your fingertips here, and dining at the unique waterfront along Lake Michigan and the Chicago River is a pure treat for anyone who wants those skyline views alongside some great food.

According to Chicago.gov, the Chicago Riverwalk is a 1.25-mile path with four districts: The Confluence, The Arcade, The Civic, and the Esplanade. The walk takes you right up and close to the Chicago River, offering spectacular sights and a perfect place for dining on the water. As for Lake Michigan, there’s the Navy Pier, which is full of parks, shops, attractions, and great restaurants on the water.

Couple on their Wedding day aboard City Cruises in Chicago
Chicago / City Cruises / Group Events / Illinois / Special Events & Holidays / Uncategorized / Wedding

Chicago is a Top Destination for all Wedding-Related Events

Whether hosting a bridal shower, bachelor/bachelorette party, post-wedding brunch, engagement party, or the wedding itself, you can’t go wrong with booking your Chicago wedding-related event with City Cruises. With years of experience making wedding dreams a reality, our highly trained event coordinators take the hassle out of the entire process. That means all you need to focus on is having a great time with your friends and family.

With our unique floating venues—coupled with the unbeatable backdrop of the Chicago skyline—it’s tough to pick a better event space than one of our gorgeous private yachts. Our endless customization options allow you to make your party perfectly reflect you and your partner. Ready to learn more? Read on to see how to host your wedding-related event with City Cruises Chicago and create unforgettable memories that’ll last a lifetime.

Chicago’s One-of-a-Kind Wedding Event Venue

Let’s talk about the unique aspect of a floating venue. City Cruises offers a one-of-a-kind setting that transforms your special occasion into something truly extraordinary. Think about it: How many people do you know that have celebrated their wedding on a private yacht? Picture your ceremony framed by stunning waterfront scenery. The picturesque backdrop of the Chicago skyline will make every moment magical. When you choose City Cruises, you’re not just booking a venue; you’re booking a team of event coordinators who will make your big day as stress-free as can be.

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The Top 10 City Cruises Skyline Views

When it comes to stunning city skylines, the views from the water are hard to beat. They create a spectacular and dynamic backdrop that can transform any event or occasion

Chicago couple on City Cruises Vessel
Chicago / City Cruises / Group Events / Illinois / Special Events & Holidays / United States / Wedding

Celebrate Your Love Story with an Engagement Party in Chicago

From the iconic skyline and storied buildings to the diverse neighborhoods and incredible food scene, Chicago is the perfect place to celebrate just about anything—and it’s a particularly great place to host an engagement party! Hosting a party to celebrate a new chapter of your life with all of your friends and family is a great idea, and The Windy City is one of the best places to do it. If you’re unsure where to start your planning journey, we’ve got you covered. The first place to start is with a venue, and while Chicago is home to great options for hosting a big bash, you can’t beat the unique and memorable experience that booking with City Cruises provides. When you host an engagement party with City Cruises, you’re signing up for a hassle-free, one-of-a-kind party. The venues are stunning and unique, and our expert team of event coordinators will help you plan your shin-dig and execute day-of logistics. Read on to learn why booking with City Cruises is a smart choice for your Chicago engagement party!

About City Cruises in Chicago

City Cruises boasts years of event planning experience in everything from sightseeing and dining cruises to whale watching, thrill boat rides, private events, and more. In Chicago, where you’re always just a short ride from the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, City Cruises is a big hit with locals and visitors alike. “We had our wedding reception on the Odyssey Chicago River and they completely exceeded my expectations,” Dallas Johnson Maria Healy, a satisfied customer, says. “The service, food, décor set up, ambiance, and overall execution of our plan was absolutely perfect. We couldn’t have asked for a more unique and fun venue that our guests will never forget.”

Why Choose a City Cruise for Your Chicago Engagement Party?

City Cruises Chicago is the perfect choice for your engagement party because of the unique and scenic experience on the water. It comes complete with panoramic views of Chicago’s iconic landmarks. There’s no more intimate and romantic setting than being on the water. You can also choose from several different customizable options to fit any theme or preference, so your engagement party is genuinely yours.

Planning Your Engagement Party with City Cruises

Speaking of customization options, we have a selection of choices available, from unique decor to one-of-a-kind themes and much more. Various cruise packages are available for booking, with options for food, drink, and entertainment that can be tailored to your precise specifications. There’s a City Cruises experience for every party size and budget! Once you decide, our team of highly trained event coordinators will handle the rest. You only have to focus on having a great time on the water.

City Cruises Event Venue Highlights (h3)

Some of the best parts about booking with City Cruises are the state-of-the-art amenities and features that are part of our gorgeous floating venues. Aboard your private yacht, you can enjoy indoor and outdoor seating areas, dance floor and entertainment facilities, onboard dining and bar services, and more. Bring your cameras because popular routes in Chicago include sites such as Navy Pier and the Willis Tower! Live music and DJ services are available to keep the party rolling. Photography and videography options capture all of the special moments. 

City Cruises Catering and Menu Options (h3)

No party is complete without food! City Cruises offers a wide range of catering and menu options, including buffets, plated meals, hors d’oeuvres, and more. Multiple beverage packages—including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options—and customizable menus to fit dietary preferences and requirements (vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are available as well) are also available.