August is a month with emotional roller coaster issues as the end of summer concept looms large, but there are numerous good news ideas to smooth out the edges. Take the Summer Restaurant Week notion. Plenty of cities join the August parade of opportunities and extend the offers well beyond a single week. Look for deals in Washington, Baltimore, and Boston as starters. Remember reservations are most critical as the multi-course, prix fixe selections are natural enticements for dining out. The best strategy: Make a reservation at a spot you’ve wanted to try but hated the price point. During the special week, this type of restaurant may wow you and become more than a once-a-year destination.

If you’ve missed the restaurant week promotions, check out individual specials at top-tier restaurants. These are locations that cannot afford the August doldrums drop-off business and need to create promotions to keep guests dining. When everyone heads to the beach, you can head to the restaurant. There are plenty of food and beverage trend-setting ideas with happy hour and dog day promotions to keep you within budget. There are numerous lunch specials, early dinner deals, and specially themed events. You can even find the win-win situation at Louisiana Chef John Besh’s aptly named restaurant, August.

As for making reservations, more cities have multiple online promotions to smooth the experience. Pick your city and see what specials Open Table has listed. This makes restaurant shopping easy!

No doldrums; just exciting dining options.