DFW restaurant week — er, month — is back

DFW Restaurant Week starts today, giving diners a chance to try some great eateries at a good price and benefit some local nonprofits.

Why it matters: Last year's Restaurant Week raised more than $545,000 for the North Texas charities.

How it works: About 100 restaurants across Dallas-Fort Worth are participating through Sunday. Many will continue to offer restaurant week deals through Sept. 1.

• Dining options include a $29 lunch, $29 brunch, three-course dinners for $49 or $59, and a VIP signature dinner for $99.
• About 20% of the cost of each meal will be donated to the North Texas Food Bank and Lena Pope, a Tarrant County nonprofit.

Zoom in: Diners can try some of the region's fanciest restaurants at a slightly cheaper rate. Participants include Al Biernat's, Don Artemio Mexican Heritage, Fearings, and Waters.

• A full map is here.

The bottom line: Meal costs do not include tip.

• Remember to be charitable to waitstaff as well. Restaurant week can be stressful in the service industry.