Restaurant week makes return to WNY

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Some of the area's best restaurants are serving up some savory deals that will keep more green in your wallet.

Restaurant Week is returning to western New York starting on Monday.

The annual event has been billed as a way for local eateries to show new customers what they have to offer for a smaller amount than what you would typically pay to dine out.

One of the restaurants taking part for the first time is The Blue Monk on Elmwood Avenue in North Buffalo. They're fairly new business and are hoping the event will attract first-time customers.

Myles Stubblefield of The Blue Monk said, "People come in and are very curious about what we're all about. We're a gastro-pub and a Belgian beer garden."

"We opened up in October and things have been going great. But I think it's definitely time for us to get more and more involved in Elmwood and the whole progression of the developments of restaurants right on the strip here," added Stubblefield.

More than 150 restaurants are participating this year. And each offers something a little bit different. However, the price for the customer is the same at each place; $21.11 per person.

Amanda Cummings of Cecelia's said, "Where can you get that? You can't even buy groceries and get a full meal for that. So it's a good deal!"

And given the state of most people's bank accounts these days, the event is a welcome change.

But it's a two-way street; through events like Restaurant Week, some of the local restaurants, diners, and bars will be able to show people they've made changes due to the economy and have deals to dine-out on a budget throughout the year.

"We're trying to bring people in here so they don't have to pay a lot of money, but you can still have some fun," added Cummings.

There are more than 150 local restaraunts participating.

Check out all the participating locations here , and plan your dinner for this week!