SYRACUSE -- It's the time of year many local restaurants struggle to get diners downtown, but soon they'll be packed with patrons taking advantage of dining week.

It's bigger and better than ever before. More restaurants are taking part later this month. There are 19 restaurants participating in Downtown Dining Weeks. They'll offer three-course dinners for $25 or less. It's your chance to check out great food for a fraction of the price. "They're probably two of the busiest weeks of the year for us," said Ali Luchsinger, Manager of Lemon Grass. "It's really nice. We see a lot of new faces and we're excited to get people down to Armory Square and the rest of downtown."

On a normal night, a three-course meal could set you back anywhere from $35 to $50. So this is a great bargain. Restaurants absorb the loss, using it as an opportunity to market their food and ambiance. The hope is to lure in folks who don't normally dine downtown. "For us, it's not as profitable certainly, but it does add to the marketing and advertising element that we look to achieve," said David Katleski, founder of Empire Brewing Company.

And it seems to pay off. Last year, an estimated 25,000 people came out to enjoy Dining Week. Some restaurant owners report doubling or even tripling their normal business during what are typically slower months. "At a time when, let's face it, it's a little slower," Katleski said. "It's late February, early March. People are a little bummed out about the tail end of the wintertime, so hopefully it's the impetus behind getting them downtown and trying some great restaurants."

Also new this year, diners will have the option to make a tax-deductible contribution to the Red Cross to support the relief efforts in Haiti by simply adding your donation to the bill. And you'll get a chance to buy discount tickets to see famed chef Anthony Bourdain at the Landmark Theater in April. So mark your calendars and book early.

Downtown Dining Weeks are set for February 15th through the 27th in Downtown Syracuse.

Here are the participating restaurants:

Ale 'N Angus Pub
Anthony's Pasta Bar
bc Restaurant
Bistro Elephant
Black Olive
Bull & Bear Pub
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
Empire Brewing Company
J. Ryan's Pub
Kitty Hoyne's Irish Pub
L'Adour
Lemon Grass
Mission Restaurant
Opus Restaurant & Lounge
Pascale Wine Bar & Restaurant
Pastabilities
PJ's Pub & Grill
Syracuse Suds Factory
Wise Guys Restaurant