A tradition that has taken hold in Austin and San Antonio has moved into one of the most popular destinations in the Hill Country. Restaurant Weeks, an initiative restaurants can join to offer deals, is coming to Fredericksburg for the first time in 2025.

Fredericksburg locals and travelers might as well think of this as a new initiative, but it's technically an expansion of San Antonio Restaurant Weeks, which are run by the nonprofit Culinaria. The concept is nearly universal in big cities; it exists in Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York City, where it started in 1992, plus many others.

San Antonio's Restaurant Weeks are biannual — in the winter and summer — so Fredericksburg will be included in both. The winter 2025 season runs from January 18 to February 1. The release does not share when the second installment for 2025 will be, but last year San Antonio's summer weeks were in August.

Culinaria started its Restaurant Weeks in 2010, but this is the first time it reaches into Fredericksburg. Thanks to all the participants, the initiative feels big to people choosing where to dine, but the concept is very simple. Restaurants create standardized three-course menus and set the prices very accessibly, encouraging diners to head out and try restaurants or dishes they haven't gotten around to yet.

Beyond that, there's no obligation to create a certain menu item or otherwise alter the service. It's just a discount that lots of restaurants offer at once. There is some flexibility in pricing, but all brunches will be $25; lunch will be $20 or $30; and dinner will be $35, $45, or $55. Additionally, some restaurants will offer to-go items, extra courses, or beverage pairings, so check the website carefully while deciding where to go.

A release only names two Fredericksburg restaurants participating so far: Ocotillo Wine Bar, an earthy, small space that serves "Texas tapas," grilled cheese, and desserts alongside its many wines; and Cabernet Grill, a rustic restaurant with a steakhouse-like menu in a cool stone house that's part of the Cotton Gin Village.

“Culinaria Restaurant Weeks is a longstanding tradition that pays homage to our city’s culinary talent,” Culinaria president and CEO Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge in the release. “Culinaria Restaurant Weeks provides the chance to sample the cuisine of some of the Alamo city’s top eateries, bistros and local favorites while enjoying specially curated tasting menus and pairings at an amazing price.”

Although reservations are not required, they're a good idea. This popular event draws crowds and if you've found a great deal, someone else probably has, too!

Austin's Restaurant Weeks are scheduled once a year — in 2024 it was August 30 to September 15 — and benefit the Central Texas Food Bank. There were 112 participants in 2024.