Okay so I'm literally sitting here kicking myself because I almost forgot to tell you about this, but Madison Restaurant Week is happening RIGHT NOW through Friday (Jan 25-30) and if you're not taking advantage of it, rethink your priorities. Kidding, kinda.

So here's the deal. Restaurant Week runs through this Friday, January 30th. And listen, this isn't just like a handful of spots participating. We're talking 42-43 restaurants across Madison and Middleton.

I'm talking about places like Heritage Tavern, Osteria Papavero, Ruth's Chris (yes, RUTH'S CHRIS), Craftsman Table & Tap, La Pollera Colombiana, Umami Ramen & Dumpling Bar, The Statehouse, Beef Butter BBQ, Canteen, Les Délices de Awa, Sultan Restaurant... honestly the list goes on and on.

Whether you're craving Italian, ramen, Colombian, steakhouse vibes, BBQ, or literally anything else, there's something for you.

And the cool thing is, these aren't just chain restaurants or whatever. We're talking about Madison's BEST local spots all doing special menus at the same time.

Here's where it gets good.

Every restaurant is doing a three-course prix fixe menu. That's appetizer, entrée, AND dessert. Most dinners start at $30. THIRTY DOLLARS for three courses at places that would normally cost you way more.

But wait, it gets better. Some restaurants (18 of them to be exact!) are doing $20 three-course LUNCHES. That's basically the cost of a regular entree at most places, and you're getting a full meal with dessert. Craftsman Table & Tap is doing this and their lunch menu looks insane … chocolate crème brûlée for dessert at a $20 lunch?? Come on.

And if you wanna splurge a little, some spots like Osteria Papavero and Trio Ramen are doing $40 menus, and Ruth's Chris has a $50 option if you're feeling fancy.

The best part? You can literally try restaurants you've been too intimidated to go to because of pricing. This is your chance to experience fine dining without the fine dining price tag. And honestly, it's the perfect excuse for a date night, friend hangout, or just treating yourself because it's winter in Wisconsin and we all deserve nice things.

Okay so beyond just eating amazing food at great prices, Restaurant Week this year is partnering with The River Food Pantry. When you go to any participating restaurant, you can donate money or bring nonperishable food items to help stock their shelves at their new location on Packers Ave.

You get to support local restaurants (which is huge for them during the slower winter months), you get to eat incredible food, AND you're helping feed neighbors in our community who need it. That's a win-win-WIN situation.

Plus, Madison Magazine put this whole thing together to specifically spotlight our local chefs and give small businesses a boost during a tough time of year. So every reservation you make, every meal you eat, you're literally supporting the Madison food scene we all love.

Restaurant Week ends THIS FRIDAY (Jan 30th). Reservations are recommended since everyone and their mom is taking advantage of this. You can see all the menus and participating restaurants at channel3000.com/madison-magazine/restaurant-week.

Seriously though, which restaurant are you hitting? Reply and let me know. I wanna hear where you end up going!

Now go make a reservation before it's too late 😊

P.S. If you post about it on Instagram, tag @madisonrestaurantweek – they're doing a contest where they're picking the three best Restaurant Week photos and giving away $30 vouchers for Summer Restaurant Week PLUS a free year subscription to Madison Magazine. Just saying 👀