THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO HOUSTON RESTAURANT WEEKS
For Houston foodies, it’s the most wonderful time of the year: Houston Restaurant Weeks, which runs Wednesday through Sept. 3, brings a fresh joy of dining outto the city that’s never full.
It also offers its share of challenges, primarily how to take in the bargain brunches, lunches and dinners offered by hundreds of the city’s most recognizable and popular restaurants. But it’s a manageable inconvenience: Sit down and go to the website — houstonrestaurantweeks.com — and plan your strategy by searching through the dining options and menus. Then take your appetite on a field day.
This year’s multicourse, prix-fixe dinners are available for $45 and $35; lunch and brunch for $20. Participating restaurants will donate between $3 and $7 for each HRW meal sold. All proceeds from this volunteer effort chaired by Cleverley Stone go to the Houston Food Bank. To date, HRW has raised more than $10 million for the food bank.
Need a little help planning? We found some dining threads through this year’s lineup and offer some recommendations.
CRITIC’S PICKS
These restaurants all ranked in the Top 10 on Chronicle critic Alison Cook’s Top 100 Restaurants list . The 2018 list comes out next month; subscribers can look for the book Sept. 30.
XOCHI
Cook named this Oaxacainspired restaurant from James Beard Award-winning chef Hugo Ortega the No. 1 restaurant in Houston, and it’s easily one of our top picks for HRW. Multiple threecourse dinner menus are on offer, themed mole, mezcal, masa, Mexicano and vegetarian respectively. All come with an amuse bouche, too, with wine pairings for an additional $27. Lunch; $45 dinner. 1777 Walker, in the Marriott Marquis, 713-4003330; xochihouston.com
COLTIVARE
Arrive early to chef Ryan Pera’s Heights neighborhood Italian staple — it doesn’t take reservations. You will be rewarded with a HRW menu that might start with a local lettuce and herb salad plucked straight from the on-site garden or in-season figs smothered in blue cheese, before segueing to the cacio e pepe to end all cacio e pepes or rigatoni with local eggplant.
$35 dinner only. 3320 White Oak, 713-637-4095; agricolehospitality.com/coltivare
THE PASS & PROVISIONS
Both of chefs Seth SiegelGardner and Terrence Gallivan’s adjoining restaurants are in this year. The Pass is a white-tablecloth den with polished service and inventive dishes — tuna belly with crispy beef tendon and black sesame bernaise, for example. At Provisions, tuck into foie gras mousse and pork schnitzel.
The Pass: $45 dinner only. Provisions: brunch, lunch; $35 dinner. 807 Taft, 713-628-9020; passandprovisions.com
HUGO’S
Like Xochi, Hugo Ortega’s Mexican flagship is serving up themed menus — vegetarian, seafood, meat, “Spirits of Mexico” and “Street Foods of Mexico” — with beverage pairings for a reasonable additional fee. Our pick is the “street foods” option, which includes a lobster taquito, brisket tamale, suckling pig with roasted plantains, and churros stuffed with dulce de leche.
Lunch; $45 dinner. 1600 Westheimer, 713-5247744; hugosrestaurant.net
THE NEWCOMERS
Love hitting the latest hot spots? Try one of these recently opened establishments.
BLOOM & BEE
The bright, colorful dining room in the lobby of Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta’s grand new Post Oak Hotel is reason alone to visit. Expect lots of people watching, champagne and a menu of prettily plated European bistro fare including scallop crudo and lump crab soup.
$45 dinner only. The Post Oak Hotel, 1600 W. Loop South, 346-227-5000; thepostoakhotel.com
CARMELO’S CUCINA ITALIANA
Houston restaurateur Benjamin Berg (B&B Butchers) recently purchased the longtime Memorial restaurant and injected a bit of modern sophistication and an upgraded menu from his brother, chef Daniel Berg, who instituted a fresh pasta program. Classic Italian-American fare in hearty portions — lasagna bolognese, chicken parmesan, veal piccata — are on the HRW menu.
Lunch, brunch; $35 dinner. 14795 Memorial, 281-531-0696; carmelosrestaurant.com
FIG & OLIVE
This posh Galleria restaurant, part of a New York-born chain, touts the sunny fare of the Cote d’Azur with crowds to match. The house specialty is crostini, available during HRW as a dessert with mixed berries. Other Mediterranean options include a croqutte tasting, roasted chicken spiced with tagine and balsalmicglazed short rib with crispy polenta.
Lunch; $35 dinner. 5115 Westheimer at the Galleria, 832-6326632; figandolive.com
INTERNATIONAL SMOKE
This collaboration between superchef Michael Mina and lifestyle expert Ayesha Curry arrived with fanfare in CityCentre’s former Straits space thanks to its celebrity owners and a menu of globally inspired dishes that are smoked and grilled. The HRW menu here begins with curry cornbread, then carries on to Gulf shrimp soup, smoked St. Louiscut rubs or 44 Farms Angus sirloin, and Ayesha’s Key Lime Parfait.
$45 dinner only. 800 Sorella Court, CityCentre, 713-714-0126; internationalsmoke.com
MAISON PUCHA BISTRO
The Heights now has a serious French restaurant, helmed by former La Table chef Manuel Pucha, with a few intriguing South American options peppered in. The HRW menu is a good value, with appetizers of seared foie gras or not-to-bemissed Ecuadorian-style shrimp ceviche, plus mains such as Peking duck.
Lunch, brunch; $35 dinner. 1001 Studewood, 713-6374976; maisonpucha.com
THE BIG BOYS
Make your reservations now: These restaurants are among the most popular — and pricey during regular months — for Houston Restaurant Weeks.
B&B BUTCHERS
Houston diners flood this steakhouse during HRW. Many of its best-sellers are part of the deal, such as the thick-cut bacon appetizer and 10-ounce filet. For an up-charge you can get Chef Tommy’s Bacon and larger cut of meat, all of which is still a bargain compared to standard pricing. Lunch; $45 dinner. 1814 Washington, 713-862-1814; bbbutchers.com
PAPPAS BROS. STEAKHOUSE
The Pappas family’s crown jewel, the steakhouse is known for its impeccable service, exquisite menu and an unrivaled wine list. Both locations are participating in HRW, offering dinners dishes that could involve live Maine lobster or Prime dry-aged New York strip steak. $45 dinner only. 5839 Westheimer, 713-7807352 and 1200 McKinney, 713-6581995; pappasbros.com
DEL FRISCO’S DOUBLE EAGLE STEAK HOUSE
Favored by Houston professional athletes, HRW is an ideal time to take in the sumptuous dining room filled with carnivores living the good life during power lunches or dinners. Jumbo lump crab cakes and medallions of filet mignon, anyone?
Lunch; $45 dinner. 5061 Westheimer at the Galleria, 713-355-2600; delfriscos.com
TONY’S
Tony Vallone has wowed wellheeled, bold-face names for more than 50 years; his Greenway Plaza Italian restaurant is as buttoned up as Houston gets. (Take it from us, you must dress accordingly if you want to eat here.) For HRW dinner, consider the burrata is typically $19, the duck is normally $42 and desserts run $14.
Lunch; $45 dinner. 3755 Richmond, 713-622-6778; tonyshouston.com
OUTSIDE THE RESTAURANT BOX
Not all participants are restaurants. These spots offer different environments and perks beyond multi-course meals.
TOPGOLF
Locations in Katy, Spring and Webster are offering a menu of nachos, flatbreads, burgers and injectable doughnut holes that comes with a $15 game play card to use on your next visit.
$35 dinner only. 21401 Gulf Freeway, Webster; 560 Spring Park Center Blvd., Spring; 1030 Memorial Brook Blvd., Katy/West Houston; topgolf.com
ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE
The new Alamo Drafthouse at La Centerra in Katy is serving up two courses with dishes inspired by movies (the Trash Compactor Pizza is homage to “Star Wars”). Each meal includes a movie ticket for a return visit.
Lunch only. 2707 Commercial Center Blvd., Suite K-100, Katy, 281-492-6900; drafthouse.com
SUBURB SPLENDOR
For those living in the suburbs who may not want to drive into town, or city boys and girls looking to expand their horizons.
TOBIUO SUSHI & BAR
This Katy newcomer is making a name for itself thanks to its artfully crafted sashimi and nigiri, lighter-than-air tempura and beautifully plated crudo.
$35 dinner only. 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Katy, 281-394-7156; tobiuosushibar.com
CHURRASCOS
South America flavors come alive at this popular restaurant (which also has Houston area locations) from chef Michael Cordua, specializing in grilled meats with chimichurri sauce and piping hot empanadas with various fillings. Lunch; $35 dinner. 1520 Lake Pointe Parkway, Sugar Land, 832-532-5300; 21 Waterway Ave., The Woodlands, 281-3671492; churrascos.com
MEZZANOTTE
This Italian restaurant in Cypress is a fixture on Alison Cook’s Top 100 list. For HRW, your meal might start with pasta (mmm, butternut squash ravioli) and segue to slow-braised pork shoulder or flat-iron steak followed by tiramisu for dessert.
$35 dinner only. 13215 Grant, No. 1200, Cypress, 832-717-7870; mezzanotte.tv
ROBARD’S STEAKHOUSE
Owned by The Howard Hughes Corporation and part of The Woodlands Resort, Robard’s recently re-launched with a new menu created by area executive chef David Morris. The plating alone is worth a visit.
$45 dinner only. 2301 N. Millbend Dr., The Woodlands, 281-364-6400; robardssteakhouse.com
TABLES FOR TWO
Celebrating a special occasion — or simply need a night off without kids? Try one of these romantic haunts.
LA TABLE
Downstairs is home to a bakery and cafe/bar, but book a table upstairs — spread out generously — in the swanky main dining room for refined French fare that ranges from vichyssoise and cheese souffle to filet au poivre ($5 supplement) to creme brulee. Lunch, brunch; $45 dinner. 1800 Post Oak, 713-439-1000; latablehouston.com
POTENTE
This luxe Italian fine-dining spot from Astros owner Jim Crane is a primo place to impress your dining companion before or after a ballgame. And one of its best and poshest dishes is on the HRW menu: cacio e pepe laden with black truffles shaved tableside. The dimly lit room exudes high gloss — thankfully the menus light up for those who can’t read in the dark. $45 dinner. 1515 Texas, 713-237-1515; potentehouston.com
LE MISTRAL
This west Houston restaurant offers French dining with plenty of panache and Gallic charms. It’s a comfy perch in which to eat escargots, chicken cordon bleu, salmon Wellington and practice the language of love.
Lunch; $45 dinner. 1400 Eldridge Parkway, 832-379-8322; lemistralhouston.com
RAINBOW LODGE
This historic log cabin filled with a series of chandelier-lit rooms knows how to turn on the Old World charm. Chef Mark Schmidt specializes in wild game with a creative flair — smoked duck gumbo, Southern-fried rabbit, seared pheasant breast or venison loin stuffed with herbs, apricot and almond.
Lunch, brunch; $45 dinner. 2011 Ella Blvd., 713-861-8666; rainbow-lodge.com
SHOPPER’S DELIGHT
Retail therapy can work up an appetite. These are within striking distance of shopping spots.
51FIFTEEN
This gorgeous cafe/restaurant on the second floor of Saks Fifth Avenue is a stylish retreat at the Galleria. Lunch entices with poblano bisque and kale and Brussels sprouts chicken salad, but dinner is a steal offering 16-ounce whole branzino or porterhouse steak. Don’t leave without a slice of Godiva chocolate cake.
Lunch, brunch; $45 dinner. 5175 Westheimer, 713-963-8067; 51fifteen.com
EDDIE V’S PRIME SEAFOOD
Both Eddie V’s are set in cushy retail enclaves (CityCentre and West Ave), which makes the upscale seafood restaurant a fine spot to settle in with food and drink after wearing out your Amex. $45 dinner only. 12848 Queensbury Lane, CityCentre, 832-200-2380 and 2800 Kirby at West Ave, 713874-1800; eddiev.com
SUD ITALIA
This snug Rice Village restaurant is big on romantic charms and classic dishes from Southern Italy, thanks to new chef Maurizio Ferrarese. For HRW, expect creamy burrata, fritto misto or octopus salad to start, followed by a robust selection of second courses including black ink spaghetti with lobster or grilled Gulf snapper. Lunch; $45 dinner. 2347 University, 713-664-7571; sud-italia.com
HOUSTON CLASSICS
Because sometimes we need a reminder to revisit some of our city’s most storied culinary institutions.
DAMIAN’S CUCINA ITALIANA
Old-school charisma and timeless Italian fare can be found at this Midtown palace where the Caesars are still made tableside and the meatballs are still the best in town. For HRW, try the almond-crusted rainbow trout. $35 dinner only. 3011 Smith, 713522-0439; damians.com
CHRISTIE’S SEAFOOD & STEAKS
Houston’s oldest restaurant with more than a century of business under its belt, Christie’s remains a local treasure for a fried seafood platters, surf and turf and Mamma’s pineapple coconut cake.
Lunch; $35 dinner. 6029 Westheimer, 713-978-6563; christies-restaurant.com
BRENNAN’S OF HOUSTON
Flames leap from the carts as Bananas Foster never fails to make a scene at this elegant Creole restaurant, where “Terms of Endearment” was filmed. The classics — including Bananas Foster, turtle soup and shrimp and grits — are accounted for during HRW.
Lunch, brunch; $45 dinner. 3300 Smith, 713-522-9711; brennanshouston.com
LUNCH & BRUNCH
For $20 per person, you shouldn’t wait till sundown to try these fine spots.
POITIN
Named for Irish moonshine, this new restaurant in the Sawyer Yards arts district showcases the culinary diversity of Houston through a concise menu. And it has launched lunch service in time for HRW, with dishes such as house-made hummus with pulled lamb neck, fish with Indian Creek mushrooms and falafel salad. Lunch and brunch. 2313 Edwards, 713-470-6686; poitinhouston.com
BACKSTREET CAFE
This River Oaks area cafe serves up lovely, farm-fresh dishes in its casual but refined dining room and leafy patio. Midday options range from light (watermelon salad, grilled salmon tacos) to a bit more substantial (black pepper tagliatelle with grilled kale pesto). Lunch, brunch; $35 dinner. 1103 S. Shepherd, 713-521-2239; backstreetcafe.net
LUCILLE’S
Brunch is your best bet at this stylish neighborhood Southernfoods restaurant offering chili biscuits, fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits and fried chicken with thyme honey jus.
Lunch, brunch; $35 dinner. 5512 La Branch, 713-568-2505; lucilleshouston.com
OUISIE’S TABLE
Long a staple for ladies who lunch, the HRW brunch options here include garlic and shallots prime rib, pumpkin seed-crusted sea trout and eggplant parmesan. Lunch, brunch; $35 dinner. 3939 San Felipe, 713-528-2264; ouisiestable.com