Tag: what to do

Monday, September 2

Labor Day Dining Deals

From Monday brunches to all-day happy hour specials, plus oysters, Korean bbq, margaritas and more, check out our 2024 Houston Labor Day Dining Guide to find the best dining deals in Houston this Labor Day.

Tuesday, September 3

Tour de France at Brasserie 19

Brasserie 19, 1962 West Gray, invites guests to explore the flavors of France with a limited menu series by chef Michael Hoffman. The first regional menu is a tribute to the vibrant coastal cities of Marseille and Nice, debuting on Tuesday, September 3 and offerd through October 31. Highlights of the four-course, prix-fixe menu ($65 per person with optional wine pairings available upon request) include grilled leg of lamb with baby eggplant and romesco; and bouillabaisse in saffron tomato broth with grilled baguette and rouille.

Thursday, September 5

Highballs & Hand Rolls Night at Roka Akor

Roka Akor, 2929 Weslayan, will host a Highballs & Hand Rolls Night at 6:30 p.m., featuring a selection of handrolls like Salmon Avocado, Crunchy Spicy Tuna, Hamachi Serrano while guests sip highballs for $49 per person.

Saturday, September 7

First Saturday “Back to School” Market at Hope Farms

Hope Farms, 10401 Scott, invites families to its “Back to School” Market, featuring family-friendly activities, local goods from small-batch makers, community engagement, spring gardening tips, ice cream making classes and more. The market will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Fall Farmers Market at Market Square Park

The Market Square Park Farmers Market is back, offering a free and family-friendly event every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through November 16. To celebrate the fall season, the market is hosting a series of fun and educational programming, including vendor demonstrations, DIY projects, live music and more.

All month long

Houston Restaurant Weeks (extended)

For the third time ever, citywide Houston Food Bank fundraiser Houston Restaurant Weeks has announced it will extend its run through September 30 in an effort to further champion the restaurants still bouncing back from the Derecho Storm and Hurricane Beryl. Over 250 restaurants participated this year, offering multi-course, prix fixe menus for brunch ($25), lunch ($25) and dinner ($39 or $55), available for dine-in and take-out; so make your reservations now to dine out for a great cause and support old favorites and newcomers across Houston.

Bourbon Heritage Month

In honor of Bourbon Heritage Month, Garrison Brothers Distillery is bringing back its Hye Fashioned Takeover this September, raising funds for Boot Campaign to support veterans and military families while showcasing Garrison’s award-winning bourbon in Old Fashioned cocktails. Nearly 400 establishments are participating across the country this year, with Houston participants including Bosscat Kitchen & Libations, Brennan’s Houston, Ducky McShweeney’s Pub, La Reserve Whiskey Lounge, Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar and more.

Chiles en Nogada at Caracol, Hugo’s and Xochi

Chef Hugo Ortega is featuring one of Mexico’s most iconic dishes, Chiles en Nogada at three of his restaurants: Hugo’s, 1600 Westheimer, Caracol, 2200 Post Oak, and Xochi, 1777 Walker, for this September in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.

New and ongoing specials

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Specials at Betelgeuse Betelgeuse

Pizza and cocktail dive Betelgeuse Betelgeuse is celebrating the release of the highly anticipated film, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, with two weeks of special events, from themed parties and fun runs to costume contests and more, from September 4 to September 15. Cocktails like the “Beetlejuice Goes Hawaiian (the unmade sequel)” and “Beetle Juice” (THC Spirit, Blackberry Smash with ginger beer or gin) will be available at both the Washington and Montrose locations; and on September 6 and September 13, fans are invited to don their best Beetlejuice-themed ghoulish garb for two separate costume contests at the Washington location. 

Tuesday, June 11

Hidden Omakase X Sweet Bribery Ice Cream Dinner at Norigami and Hidden Bar

Hidden Omakase is hosting an exclusive ice cream pairing dinner in collaboration with Sweet Bribery at its sister restaurant Norigami and Hidden Bar, 2715 Bissonnet. Starting at 6 p.m. and with a limited seating of 22 guests, the dinner will feature a 12-course menu, including eight savory courses crafted by Hidden Omakase’s Marcos Juarez and four artisan ice cream courses by Sweet Bribery’s Steve Marques, who has crafted innovative ice cream flavors such as Pho and Mole. Tickets are $200.

Wednesday, June 12

Houston Chef Series at La Griglia

Landry’s Inc. has bring back its Houston Chef Series, offered on select evenings through Wednesday, August 7 and with this year’s theme taking inspiration from “Presidential State Dinners.” This week, chef Patten Sommers will showcase a “Presidents Taken Too Soon” menu at La Griglia, with features including Lincoln’s Oysters, Mckinley’s Hot Lobster Salad, Garfield’s Rabbit Stew, Kennedy’s Lamb Chops and Marilyn’s Ice Cream Cake. Price is $150 per person for five courses with beverage pairings.

Anniversary Special at Molina’s Cantina Molina’s Turns 83 + Honors George H.W.’s 100th with a $10 Taco Plate
Houston’s oldest family-owned and -operated Tex-Mex restaurant, Molina’s Cantina, celebrates its anniversary on June 12, which also happens to mark the 100th birthday of the late President George H.W. Bush, who was a long-time fan of the family restaurant. To celebrate and as a ttribute to H.W., the restaurant is running one of his favorite dishes as a special: Tacos al Carbon for $10.

Thursday, June 13

Spirit Round Table: Summer Cocktails at Brennan’s

Brennan’s, 3300 Smith, will host a Spirit Round Table: Summer Cocktails event from 6 to 8 p.m. Bar manager Thomas Cordes will lead the summer cocktail lesson, showing guests how to shake up four great summer cocktails that are ideal from entertaining, including the Pimm’s Cup, Hou Geaux Spritz, Mint Julep and Bee Stinger. Tickets are $45 and include light bites.

Saturday, June 15

Nosotros Tequila Wine Dinner at Alicia’s Mexican Grille Katy

Alicia’s Mexican Grille will host a Nosotros Tequila Wine Dinner, featuring a three-course meal paired with Nosotros’ finest tequila offerings. Features include a welcome cocktail, crabmeat enchiladas, filet mignon with peppercorn sauce and arroz primavera, and churros served with vanilla ice cream and a Nosotros Reposado chocolate shot. Dinner begins at and cost is $95 per person (plus tax and gratuity).

Saturday–Sunday

Tokyo X at NRG Center

The second annual Tokyo X festival invites folks to dive deep into the rich tapestry of Japanese culture, offering traditional Japanese street foods and dishes prepared by local Houston chefs, anime, music, live performances, car shows and authentic night markets. Food vendors and restaurants include Pop Fancy Dessert Bar, Dumpling Haus, Sandoitchi, Wagyu Dog, Mai Lao Thai Kitchen, Lady M Cake Boutique and Rakkan Ramen, among others.Tickets start at $40 for Saturday (11 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and $35 for Sunday (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.). 

All month long

Burger Bodega Collab at Kolache Shoppe

Two iconic names in the Houston food scene, Burger Bodega and Kolache Shoppe, joined forces for an awesome June collaboration, creating the Chopped Cheese and Spicy Chopped Cheese Kolaches. The Chopped Cheese features chopped patties with American cheese, onions, bell peppe, and bodega sauce (with spicy mayo in the Spicy Chopped Cheese), available Thursdays through Saturdays beginning at the Greenway Shoppe, 3945 Richmond, and Fridays through Sundays at Shoppe locations in the Heights, 1031 Heights, and Pearland, 11940 Broadway.

New and ongoing specials

Asian American and Pacific Islander Restaurant Weeks

OCA-Greater Houston presents the fifth annual Asian American and Pacific Islander Restaurant Weeks, a city-wide event celebrating the culinary heritage of AAPI communities in Houston. No through June 15, each donation of $25 or more will unlock the AAPI Restaurant Week digital passport with a QR code to access special deals from over 50 AAPI and AAPI-owned restaurants and AAPI chefs throughout the city.

Pride Month at Common Bond

During Pride Month from June 1–30, Common Bond will offer a Pride Cream Puff to celebrate the LQBTQIA+ community at all Common Bond Bistro & Bakery and On-The-Go locations. The festive light and fluffy pastry comes filled with tropical passion mango diplomat crème and topped with chantilly cream, passion mango shell and rainbow décor.

All week long

Volunteering at the Houston Food Bank

In the wake of the recent derecho storm and tornadoes that recently tore through Houston and the Gulf Coast, volunteers are as crucial than ever at the Houston Food Bank. The nonprofit is currently supporting relief efforts across the Greater Houston area, and is looking for helping hands to sort and pack product to deliver out into the community. Individuals – including kids – and groups are welcome to volunteer, and registration can be done online for shifts from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m., Monday to Saturday; 6 to 9 p.m., Monday to Friday; and 9 a.m. to noon Sundays. There is a significant need for volunteers during the 6-9 p.m. shifts.

Monday, May 27

Memorial Day Food and Drink Offerings

From military discounts in honor of fallen heroes to Monday brunch, burgers and beer buckets, check out our Memorial Day roundup for details on where to eat, drink and celebrate in Houston this holiday.

Tuesday, May 28

National Burger Day

Common Bond celebrates of National Burger Day with a limited-time-only Bacon Goat Cheese Burger, offered now through May 28 at Common Bond Bistro locations. Available for $16.99, the burger features a chuck, brisket, short rib blend with sundried tomato goat cheese, arugula, black pepper bacon and garlic aioli on an everything bagel brioche bun.

1891 American Eatery & Bar, 702 East 11th, is offering $12 Smash Burgers and fries for $12 on Tuesday, May 28 only. Made with chuck, brisket and rib patties for extra flavor, take your pick pick between Classic (LTO, mustard, pickles, everything bagel brioche bun), Smothered & Covered (grilled onions, cheddar cheese, aioli, brioche bun); High Heat (smoked queso, jack cheese roasted poblano, lettuce, ghost pepper aioli, brioche bun); and Mushroom (grilled portobello, herb goat cheese, provolone, red onion jam, arugula, everything bagel brioche bun).

Thursday, May 30

“East meets West Cuisine Wine Dinner” at Artisans Restaurant

Artisans, 5745 Westheimer, will host the Truffle Masters 2024 winners for an “East meets West Cuisine Wine Dinner” at 6:30 p.m. Chefs Niki Vongthong, Erik Cruz and Jio Dingayan will showcase their culinary mastery alongside pairings from Bandol Wines. Cost is $329 per person (tax and gratuity included).RSVP at 713-529-9111 or [email protected].

Chateau Pichon Baron Wine Dinner at Etoile Cuisine et Bar

Etoile Cuisine et Bar, 1101-11 Uptown Park, invites guests to a five-course Chateau Pichon Baron Wine Dinner, paired with six wines from the legendary Bordeaux winery beginning at 7 p.m. Dishes include seared Gulf shrimp with grapefruit and apple remoulade; duck palo in crust a l’orange; roasted rack of lamb; 30-day dry-aged ribeye with parsnip mousseline; and vanilla panna cotta with apricot sorbet. Cost is $175 per person plus tax and gratuity and rservations are required.

Friday–Saturday

IWA Sake Dinner at Le Jardinier

Le Jardinier, 5500 Main, is teaming up with IWA Sake, aka the ‘wine lovers’ sake, for a two-night event on Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1. Founder and maker of IWA Sake Richard Geoffroy will welcome guests into the private dining room, taking guests on a journey through older, rare releases flown in from Japan paired with a five-course tasting menu curated by chef de cuisine Felipe Botero, featuring chilled Maine lobster; Comté cheese soufflé; risotto with blue crab, melted leeks and preserved lemon; poached Atlantic cod with sake and Kaluga caviar sauce; and “the white meringue” for dessert – comprised of matcha cream and cherry compote. Limited seats are offered priced at $375 per person.

New and ongoing specials

Asian American and Pacific Islander Restaurant Weeks

OCA-Greater Houston will host the fifth annual Asian American and Pacific Islander Restaurant Weeks, a city-wide event celebrating the culinary heritage of AAPI communities in Houston. No through June 15, each donation of $25 or more will unlock the AAPI Restaurant Week digital passport with a QR code to access special deals from over 50 AAPI and AAPI-owned restaurants and AAPI chefs throughout the city. This year’s participants include The Blind Goat, Lena’s Asian Kitchen, Blood Bros. BBQ, 93’ Til, South X Saigon, Aka Sushi House, Saigon Pho, Fung’s Kitchen, Six Ping Bakeries and more.

Weekend Jazz Brunch and $24 Set Menu at Brennan’s of Houston

In honor of graduates, Brennan’s, 3300 Smith, is extending its famed Sunday jazz brunch to include Saturdays throughout May. Guests can enjoy a special two-course celebration special for $24, along with the sounds of the Jazzy Brunch Bunch trio, who will be roaming the restaurant from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. The special two-course package is also available during weekday lunch, Tuesday through Friday, from 11 am to 2:30 pm.

Mental Health Awareness Month Collaboration with Equal Parts Brewing and Dawn Burrell

Equal Parts Brewing and chef Dawn Burrell are teaming up to create a special brew for Mental Health Awareness Month in May, a cause that is dear to Equal Parts team and Burrell as they have tragically lost loved ones to suicide. Beginning May 10, beer fans can sip the Shared Strength lager at Equal Parts Brewing, made with purple rice and the West African grain fonio to create a crisp and dry brew with slightly floral and nutty notes. The brewery will donate 100 percent of the brew’s proceeds to I’ll Have What She’s Having and its mental health efforts; and local joints including Underground Hall, Coltivare, EZ’s Liquor, Neil’s Bahr, Tacos A Go Go in Oak Forest, The Heights location of Local Foods, Anvil, Flying Saucer and Johnny’s Gold Brick will also pickup charitable kegs to tap beginning May 13.

Spicy Chilled at Ramen Tatsu-Ya

Spicy Chilled, the refreshing, brothless cold ramen dish, is back at all six Texas locations of Ramen Tatsu-Ya, including Houston’s location at 1722 California. The warm weather staple features spicy ramen with citrus soy dressing, ajitama (marinated soft boiled egg), cucumber, tomatoes, pirikara (which means “spicy” in Japanese) ground pork, chili oil, scallions and karashi mustard, giving it a wasabi-like punch. The dish’s official beverage pairing — Kyuri Kup — also returns, combining cucumber, simple syrup, yuzu and citrus over ice for a refreshing drink to help tame the ramen’s heat. Guests can choose to make the beverage boozy by adding sake. Spicy Chilled is priced at $14, with Kyuri Kup available for $5 ($6 with sake).