Waiting for a special occasion to whittle down that restaurant bucket list? We can think of none greater than the return of Austin Restaurant Weeks. The annual fundraiser for the Central Texas Food Bank returns August 15 through September 2, and it's the perfect opportunity to try something new.

Throughout the two-week promotion, some of Austin’s best eateries are offering multi-course prix fixes priced at $20 for lunch or brunch and $35-$50 for dinner. A portion of the proceeds from each meal goes toward ending food insecurity in the Central Texas community. Beer, wine, and Tito’s vodka drink specials amp up the giving.

More restaurants will likely sign on before August 15, but for now, Austinites can whet their appetite with these ARW first-timers. To see the full list of 2019 participants, click here.

Bar Peached
Though still in its first year, this offshoot project from Peached Tortilla restaurateur Eric Silverstein has already become a Clarksville staple. Find out what all the buzz is about by sampling a three-course menu filled with some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes. Starter choices include Sichuan peppercorn and peach glazed Brussels sprouts and chili crab toast, and the main includes options for vegetarians, pescatarians, and meat eaters. The banana split milky ice dessert is perfect for sharing.

Chispas
This Warehouse District newcomer from San Antonio celeb chef Jason Dady is going all in for Restaurant Weeks, offering both lunch and dinner services. The two-course lunch offers a choice of appetizers like ancho chile tortilla soup and an array of tacos for the main course. Dinner adds one more sweet surprise — a luscious Nutella torte with Mexican chocolate ganache and candied peanuts.

High Note
Whether diners want a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or even just a few rounds of drinks, the latest concept from the folks behind Kerbey Lane Cafe has them covered. Lunch has both vegan and meatier options, while dinner features yellow coconut curry salmon with forbidden rice and sweet potato. Drinks benefitting the Central Texas Food Bank include a variety of local beer; wine; and the Lavender Crown cocktail with Tito’s, lavender bitters, and a blueberry and blackberry medley.

Revelry on the Boulevard
The new North Lamar Boulevard location of the East Austin gastropub is celebrating the promotion with a three-course lunch brimming with snackable selections like crispy shishito peppers and global sandwiches like banh mi or pan con pollo with watercress, smashed avocado, and house-made pickles. The featured drink pays homage to the adorable @thepupsofrevelry Insta account with a sparkly vodka cocktail built with peach puree, lemon, and coconut La Croix.

Sixth and Waller
The flagship restaurant inside the East Austin Hotel is sticking with lighter fare for its lunchtime Restaurant Weeks menu. The first course is heavy on veggie choices, like sesame-garlic edamame, a vegan kale Caesar salad, and hummus with coriander pita chips. Second course options like jasmine fried rice or an arugula and fennel salad with seared salmon won’t weigh guests down either, but a chicken fried steak sandwich is available to really chow down.

Sway
Check out this modern Thai mini-chain’s newest location for vibrant lunch choices like green papaya salad, salt and pepper tofu, chicken fried rice, and pad Thai made with tofu, shiitake mushroom, and green bean. Pair the feast with a Toji’s Crush, a refreshing blend of vodka, cucumber juice, sake, and star anise bitters.