SYRACUSE -- Dining Week is officially underway in Syracuse. At Empire Brewing Company, workers say the crowd was bigger than a typical Monday night for the first night of the event.

Local restaurants are offering a three course meal for $25 or less in an attempt to bring more people to downtown restaurants. Kevin Griffin from Empire Brewing Company says, "Not only does it get you to try something other than what you're used to, it gives you the ability to say 'You know what, maybe I'll give this restaurant a shot.' It gets you out of your comfort zone. Maybe you try something new, maybe you find a new favorite restaurant."

The event runs until February 27th.

Click here for a full list of participating restaurants.