Quite a Fixe

Prix-fixe menus usually give Chicagoist's pocketbook the shakes.

We know that by virture of having a fixed price on a set of items we're getting a great deal and the ability to sample entrees and appetizers that normally we might pass over. But nine times out of 10, prix-fixe options are out of our price range.

Woe is Chicagoist.

Luckily for us, some of Chicago's best restaurants are participating in Open Table, American Express, and 877chicago.com's two-month long Prix-Fixe Menu Deal.

From January 1 until February 28, places such as Pili Pili and Coco Pazzo are offering a three-course prix fixe price for $35 and $40, respectively. Since Open Table lists Coco Pazzo's average price as "$51," we're guessing there is a good deal to be had.

Even Chicagoist can muster up the change for $35 at Pili Pili, even after the holiday season. The only downside is that the one night when you might want to take advantage of this deal -- Valentine's Day -- you can't. Plus, you really need to scroll through the listings as some of the restaurants only offer the prix fixe deal on certain days during certain hours.

Image: Opentable.com