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Eat, drink and be merry this holiday season! Whether you’re looking to go out for a special holiday meal or dine-in without the dishes and prep work, Houston restaurants are here to keep the season jolly.
This fantastic Italian restaurant has classic holiday decor, stunning entrees and a beautiful, upscale atmosphere that will charm any guest into some merriment. The cacio e peppe or meta di filletto di branzino al forno are both fan favorites.
'Tis the season to come ‘round Brennan’s for a lunch complete with holiday cheer. The restaurant is bedecked in festive decor and each guest is bestowed a beautiful sleigh bell strung on a length of colorful ribbon to jingle your way through the season. This Brennan family tradition began decades ago at Commander’s Palace in New Orleans and is now awaited by patrons of all Brennan restaurants (in NOLA and Houston), who collect the featured bells, which are strung on different ribbons for each restaurant. Brennan’s of Houston guests can collect each year’s unique ribbon color, which are strung with bells annually by the awesome folks at the Center for Pursuit. Bells are handed out during weekday lunch, brunch and dinner service, so come through! Make reservations here.
It's the most wonderful time to forgo fancy fashion in favor of all things tacky. If you're willing to make a drive just outside of Houston, this inaugural bayside bash on December 21 will feature a DJ, drink specials and Christmas gifts for those in the best (worst?) ugly sweaters. The fun starts at 5 p.m. Make reservations here.
Holiday fare can be fresh and delicious without the subsequent food coma; simply enlist the help of your favorite homegrown diner to outfit your table with locally sourced salads, sides and pies! Place orders to pair with your protein for curbside pickup. Take a look at the Catering menus and ordering info here.
Sides — Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts, Truffle Mac & Cheese, Mashed Sweet Potato, Smoked Gouda Grits, Roasted Seasonal Veggies, Sautéed Greens, Citrus Quinoa Salad.
Salads — Super Brussels Sprout Salad, Wine-Poached Apple Pecan Salad, Kale Caesar (shown with crispy chicken), House Salad.
Proud Pies — Exceptional additions to your own table or a prime hostess gift, Proud Pie’s artisanal, small-batch, made-by-hand selections are a holiday staple. A rotation of flavors includes State Fair Caramel Apple, Big Texas Bourbon Pecan, Wobbly Turtle Chocolate Silk, Key Lime, Pumpkin and more. Whole pies range from $31-$39. Looking to feed an even larger crowd? Bulk orders are available for 10 or more pies.
For some, Christmas is not complete in Texas without tamales. Order online for pickup or consider delivery for special events. View the catering information here. For additional inquiries, contact the catering team at catering@molinascantina.com or 713.962.7902. For large orders, please provide at least 24 hours advance notice.
Backstreet Cafe will serve dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve for those looking to be out on the town. Cost is $58 per adult/$15 per child plus beverages, tax, and gratuity. Diners can look forward to complimentary eggnog, and live Jazz by the Bob Chadwick Trio from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Reservations highly recommended. Limited seating.
Enjoy a Buffet de Noche Buena from 5 to 8 p.m., a Christmas Eve Buffet with complimentary ponche, and live music by Ikaru. The cost is $55 per person and $15 per child plus beverages, tax and gratuity. Guests can enjoy a full bar, award-winning wine list. Reservations highly recommended. Limited seating.
Etoile will be open on Christmas Eve for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. serving regular menu and for dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. serving a 3-course menu for $89 per person plus beverages, tax & gratuity. Kids menu (ages 10 and under) $28 plus beverages, tax & gratuity. Reservations highly recommended.
Rainbow Lodge is Houston’s original lodge restaurant featuring seafood and wild game in a historic 116-year-old log cabin on an acre of beautiful grounds. The restaurant will be open on Christmas Eve for dinner from 5 to 9 p.m., serving their regular a la carte menu. Reservations highly recommended. Limited seating.
Enjoy a Buffet de Noche Buena on Christmas Eve at Hugo’s from 5 to 8 p.m., a Christmas Eve Buffet with complimentary ponche, and live music by Viento from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. $55 per person / $15 per child plus beverages, tax and gratuity. Reservations highly recommended. Limited seating.
Miracle at Johnny's is a month-long, immersive Christmas pop-up where Johnny's Goldbrick transforms into a full fledged Christmas wonderland. The decorations are full on here, and you won’t leave without being fully submerged in holiday spirit. Enjoy cocktails like Christmapolitan or the Run, Run, Reindeer–see, aren’t you already in the spirit just reading the menu?
At Brennan’s, staff and patrons alike know that revelry is always a little sweeter with a celebratory drink in hand. Here are two iconic concoctions that are particular at home alongside wintry menus.
Brandy Milk Punch — Cozy, Big Easy vibes, brandy (or bourbon upon request), vanilla, milk, simple syrup and a dusting of nutmeg are enjoyed over ice.
Café Brûlot — Complete with tableside pyrotechnics in its preparation, the New Orleans classic is prepared for at least two guests and inco
Toast the holiday season with new cocktails filled with sugar, spice and everything nice.
Mele Kalikimaka — Lalo tequila, fresh lime, cranberry juice, pineapple juice and coconut cream, served up.
Maple Old Fashioned — Knob Creek Maple Bourbon, vanilla, Angostura and cherry bitters, with fresh sage garnish.
DG Coquito — Bacardi white rum, Bacardi coconut rum, house-made coquito and spiced tea.
No matter where you're celebrating, we hope you and your family has a wonderful holiday season in our beloved Houston!