Fredericksburg foodies rejoice — Summer Restaurant Week returns this week. From July 25 to Aug. 3, local chefs will roll out special menus, creative seasonal dishes and exclusive deals, making it the perfect time to eat your way through the city.
“Restaurant Week is for everyone,” said Danelle Rose, Fredericksburg’s marketing and communications manager. “You can get a cup of coffee and a pastry or lunch, or splurge and try something new.”
This year’s lineup ranges from upscale, multi-course dinners to breakfast offerings and handmade ice cream.
Whether you’re craving comfort food or something unexpected, there’s plenty to discover — and the Restaurant Week Passport is your golden ticket. Pick one up at the FXBG Visitor Center or download it from the Restaurant Week website and collect stamps as you dine. (Pro tip: Once you collect five stamps from five different restaurants, head back to the Visitor’s Center with your passport for a chance to win a Main Street Downtown gift card!)
What makes Restaurant Week different?
At many restaurants, it means a prix fixe menu — three courses for a set price — offering a more affordable way to try a place you may have passed by in the past. At Sedona Taphouse, for example, a three-course dinner starts at just $23.25 instead of $37.
Some chefs use the week to debut new dishes while others stick with beloved classics that showcase what they do best.
At Cork & Table, for example, chef and owner James Fallon is doing a bit of both: “This year we are offering both some Cork & Table classics such as the crab and corn chowder and the sauteed beef tenderloin medallions as well as a few new dishes such as the sauteed filet of Alaskan halibut and the dark chocolate almond torte,” he said. “And as always, we offer our curated selection of wines to pair with each course.”
Other places are leaning into the spirit of the week as a celebration of community.
“It’s all about community, connection and celebrating the incredible local food scene we have here in Fredericksburg,” said Anita Crossfield, owner of Anita’s Cafe. “This week gives us a beautiful opportunity to invite everyone in to experience that, without worrying about the price, so more people can enjoy the flavors, the creativity and the love we put into everything we do.”
New to Restaurant Week, or looking for a few fresh ideas?
Try a grazing meal — that’s my preferred way to eat downtown. Start with drinks and appetizers at a local bar or pub, move on to a main course somewhere else, then finish with a dessert special.
Or why not enjoy some free live music while savoring the city’s flavors? Every Friday in Market Square from now through Aug. 29 features the Fredericksburg Area Museum’s Sounds of Summer concert series.
Consider booking ahead, especially for dinner on weekends, or try dining at off-peak times or during the week, when crowds are lighter and parking’s a breeze.
And if you’ve got a four-legged friend along for the fun, stop by the new Tales & Tails Book Cafe on Charles Street for their human and dog treat bundle. (Restaurant Week really is for everyone!)
So, what am I most excited about this Restaurant Week? Several restaurants are planning three-course dinner specials, and I’m eyeing a fancy (kid-free) night out one evening. (Cork & Table’s dark chocolate almond torte has definitely piqued my interest.)
But I’m sure my kids will want in on the fun, too — which likely means a stop at Soup & Taco, a family favorite. (Admittedly, it took us ages to try it. I like soup well enough, and I love tacos, but soup and tacos? Turns out their tortilla soup is stellar.) I’m especially intrigued by their three-course meal for $25.25.
We’ll most certainly finish up our night with some Abner B’s Ice Cream, where sundaes will be just $6.25 during Restaurant Week.
And while I haven’t yet tried lunch at Anita’s Cafe, I did recently sample one of their pastries, and it was delectable. So their $12.25 lunch special is definitely on my Restaurant Week plan.
Find out more and get a list of participating restaurants and menus at https://fxbg.com/restaurants/restaurant-week/
