Deal alert! Summer Restaurant Week is back for another go-round in North Texas, and today the reservation lines went live at participating eateries around town. The annual promotion – which totally encourages staycations – features prix fixe dinners for either $35 or $45, with many offering lunch for $25 (tax and gratuity are separate) at some of the town’s best eateries. The promotion runs from August 12 to August 18, with some restaurants extended it to August 25, and the lineup features big guns. Restaurants donate 20% of every DFW Restaurant Week meal purchased to either the North Texas Food Bank in Dallas or the Lena Pope Home in Ft. Worth. That’s $5 for every lunch, $7 for every $35 dinner and $9 for every $45 dinner.

Before you go, head to Central Market where you can grab a certificate for a 4th course option at some of the participating restaurants. Certificates are only available at the five DFW area Central Market locations (Dallas – Lovers, Dallas – Preston Royal, Fort Worth, Plano, and Southlake) from July 15 to Sept. 1, 2013, or while supplies last (once they’re gone, they’re gone), with a purchase of $25 or more.  Present your qualifying receipt at the Info Desk to receive your certificate.

Here are my curated recommendations of restaurants you MUST visit.
Abacus, Dallas – offers Central Market’s 4th Course

Bijoux, Dallas – offers the Central Market’s 4th Course

Chamberlain’s Steak and Chop House, Addison – offers Central Market’s 4th Course

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, Ft. Worth

Eddie V’sPrime Seafood, Ft. Worth

Fearing’s Restaurant – Ritz Carlton, Dallas

The French Room – Adolphus, Dallas

The Grape Restaurant, Dallas – offers Central Market 4th Course

Hattie’s, Dallas – offers Central Market 4th Course

Lanny’s Alta Cocina, Ft. Worth

Reata Restaurant, Ft. Worth

Stephan Pyles, Dallas – offers Central Market 4th Course

Reminder, you NEED to book a reservation, so do it before the spots are taken.

Be flexible. Choosing to dine out on a weeknight vs. weekend may enable you to book a prime time slot. Off-peak evenings like Monday – Wednesday are often less in demand. Don’t forget, many establishments will also extend their participation by one or even two full weeks, offering additional availability and seating options.

Be adventurous. Try a new spot each night and discover the many flavors available in DFW’s upscale dining scene.

You can see the full participating lineup and book those tables here. Bon apetit!