You might be curbing your spending practices, but that doesn’t mean that rich people still can’t spend a lot of money on dinner whenever they want. Business was up in 2008 at Masa, where some big spenders eat twice a week. Per Se is still full every night, though not with larger parties or corporate events. (The restaurant is also planning a “shorter menu at lunch,” reports Ryan Sutton.) Alinea in Chicago is filling seats, though: A “non-U.S. automaker” has booked the entire restaurant for a private event this year, which costs between $25,000 and $50,000. But good news for those of us from more modest circumstances: It’s at least easier to get a table nearly everywhere in town.

Private $25,000 Parties; $1,500 Meals: U.S.’s Priciest Eateries [Bloomberg]