Image Credit: Kimberly Park for Ooh La La Dessert Boutique
Divine holiday truffles from local bakeries, Noche Buena buffets, and holiday feasts for all! We’ve assembled your passport for dining out or carrying out on the holidays.
Houston
Image Credit: Dragana Harris for Ooh La La Dessert Boutique
Those adorable holiday truffles and holiday cupcake above are from our friends at Ooh La La Dessert Boutique in Katy. In honor of National Cupcake Day Friday, Dec. 15, they’re offering buy one, get one free at all three of their bakery locations! They’re also offering holiday decorated shortbread, holiday macarons, holiday truffles, and delicious traditional holiday pies with fruit fillings and nut and cream fillings, as well as “next level” ideas like Oreo Cookie Mousse, Reese’s Mousse, Snickers Pie, Bourbon Bread Pudding Pie, and “Cutie Pies” like chocolate cream, key lime, coconut cream, pecan, and banana cream. Don’t forget to order at least 48 hours in advance. Find their bakeries here.
Dish Society is offering a special catering menu with savory sides like balsamic bacon Brussels sprouts, truffled mac n’ cheese, roasted vegetables, mashed sweet potatoes, and salads like the Super Brussels Sprout Salad, and wine-poached apple pecan salad. Get their full menu here. On Christmas Eve, you can get brunch until 3:30 p.m. On New Year’s Eve, they are open until 8 p.m. On Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, they’re closed.
On Monday, Dec. 18, all three Dish Society locations invite beer lovers in the giving spirit to join them for a Saint Arnold pint night to kick off a three-day toy drive for Toys for Tots. From 6 to 8 p.m. buy a pint of SA’s Christmas Ale and Pub Crawl brews on tap and keep the seasonal glass. Bring a toy valued at $5 or more to donate to Toys for Tots anytime between Monday, Dec. 18 and Wednesday, Dec. 20, to receive a free gift from jolly ol’ Saint Arnold. Facebook event here.
For a limited time during the holiday season, Molina’s Cantina’s iconic traditional pork tamales are just $10.95 a dozen ($2 off regular price). What’s a Texas holiday feast without them? You can also pick up a delicious fajita holiday dinner complete with fajitas, enchiladas, Jose’s dip, even margaritas! Full catering menu here. Their last seating in the restaurant will be at 8:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve and they are closed Christmas Day.
Image Credit: Kimberly Park for Killen’s Burgers
Killen’s Burgers is offering new seasonal specials like The Green Chile Cheeseburger, with a house-ground 8-ounce patty made of 100% all-natural angus beef, topped with roasted Hatch green chiles and melty pepper jack ($8.50) and the BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich: Three hand-battered, golden-fried chicken strips, house pickled jalapeños, Killen’s tangy BBQ sauce and pepper jack cheese ($7.50). Killen’s BBQ and Killen’s Burgers will be open on Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on New Year’s Eve from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Both establishments will be closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Chama Gaúcha Brazilian Steakhouse, an authentic Brazilian steakhouse offering a variety of succulent, flame-roasted meats, side dishes and an extensive salad bar, will be open on Christmas Eve from noon- 9 p.m. serving their traditional menu for $52.50 all day and will have festive, live music. The restaurant will be closed on Christmas Day.
Chama will also be open on New Year’s Eve from noon to 10 p.m. serving their traditional, rodizio menu for $52.50 all day and will have festive, live music. Pre-order a bottle of champagne or wine for the table when you make your reservation and receive 20% off the bottle! For every four adults who dine on Tuesday, December 26th or Monday, January 1st (New Year’s Day), your table will receive a dinner for 1 gift certificate to be used on a later date. (Offered all day, but adults must be seated at the same table and order from the traditional, rodizio menu. Gift certificate must be used on a later date and cannot be combined with any other specials or gift certificates.)
In addition, they will be open on New Year’s Day from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and will offer happy hour all day.
Lucille’s, a locally-owned restaurant in the heart of Houston’s Museum District specializing in well-refined Southern cuisine, will be open on Christmas Eve serving their famous Sunday brunch menu with live music from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will be closed on Christmas Day. The restaurant will also be open on New Year’s Eve for Sunday brunch with live music (same hours) and will be closed on New Year’s Day.
Toulouse, located in the magnificently lit and decorated courtyard of River Oaks District, will be open regular hours during this holiday season (Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day) and will offer a special dinner menu consisting of Lobster Tail Tournedos, lobster tail wrapped in bacon served with a devil sauce green peas and goat cheese ravioli, Diver Scallops and Sweet Breads Vol au Vent, served with a creamy truffle sauce and sautéed spinach, Dover Sole Meuniere Gratinee with homemade gnocchi and champagne truffle sauce, Australian rack of lamb served with grand venuer sauce, sweet potato puree, crispy lardon and wild mushrooms, and finished with a Praline Chocolate Cake alongside ice cream.
Not in the mood to cook this Christmas or need help hosting a holiday dinner party? The Butcher Shop at B&B Butchers & Restaurant is offering a festive Christmas take-out menu, which is available all month with a 24-hour notice (except the filet mignon as that is always in stock). Get the full menu here. The restaurant will be open on Christmas Eve for lunch and dinner and guests can order from the regular dinner menu, and Christmas carolers will be performing at the restaurant from 8 to 9 p.m.! The restaurant will be closed on Christmas Day. While you are in the Butcher Shop, check out B&B’s holiday gifts for meat lovers (see photo above)! These culinary-centric gifts are available for sale: Chef Tommy’s Bacon Kit ($22), Cow Creamers ($35), German Steel Steak Knives ($110 for a set of 4), 10-inch and 12-inch carving sets ($105, $135) and B&B Wood Cutting Boards ($95).
For New Year’s Eve, join B&B’s for a fun, festive evening of delicious food, drinks, party favors, and (most importantly) live music and a DJ! A jazz singer and guitarist in the downstairs dining room and a jazz singer and pianist in the upstairs dining room will perform during dinner from 7-10pm. Then DJ Wyatt Magnum will spin tunes from 10 p.m.- 2 a.m. on the rooftop patio (which is covered and heated!) There is no ticket fee or prix fixe menu, and guests can order off the regular dinner menu. However, reservations are required. Please call 713.862.1814 to reserve your table. Pre-order your champagne for the midnight toast when you make your reservation and receive 20% off the bottle!
Return on New Year’s Day to recover & re-hydrate at their “Hangover Cure Brunch” from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Enjoy live music on the rooftop patio, decadent brunch dishes including a black-eyed peas & kale special, and our oversized “Manmosas” (a mimosa in a pilsner glass)! View the full brunch menu here.
To welcome the season of light, Cafe Azur’s Chef and Owner Sidney Degaine will be sharing holiday traditions Niçoise style, introducing new entrées and hosting a special multi-course, prix fixe New Year’s Eve Dinner. The New Year’s Eve Dinner will offer two seatings, one from 5:00 to 6:15 p.m. featuring a 4-course menu for $69 per person with additional wine pairings option for $39 per person; and a second seating at 8:30 p.m. which will feature a five-course menu for $100 per person and wine pairings option for $49 per person and party trimmings including a sparkling wine toast at midnight and a deejay spinning holiday tunes. Those interested in staying after 12:30 a.m. will have the choice of late night bites Croque Monsieur and French Onion Soup to start the New Year.
On Sunday, December 31st, Mezza Grille will be open for dinner only, offering seating at 5-5:30 p.m., 7-7:30 p.m. and 9- 9:30 p.m. For just $125 per couple (tax and gratuity not included), guests can choose from a select menu and enjoy a four-course meal that includes one appetizer to share, choice of soup or salad for each person, one entrée for each person, one dessert to share and the choice of one glass of wine or sparkling wine each. Mezza Grille will close early at 8pm on Christmas Eve, be closed all day Christmas Day and open for dinner only at 5pm on Tuesday, December 26th. Mezza Grille will also be closed on New Year’s Day all day. Get the full menu here.
Pi Pizza is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day. On New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, they’re open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Star Fish Coastal Bar & Kitchen is open from 4 to 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day. They will open from 6 to midnight on New Year’s Eve and and will be open from 4 to 9 p.m. on New Year’s Day.
Petite Sweets will be open on Christmas Eve from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will be closed on Christmas Day. They will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and will be open for normal hours on New Year’s Day, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Lee’s Fried Chicken & Donuts will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve and will be closed on Christmas Day. They will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and will reopen for regular hours on New Year’s Day from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
State Fare Kitchen & Bar will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for brunch on Christmas Eve and will be closed on Christmas Day. They will open for regular hours on New Year’s Eve from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. They will serve brunch from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.
San Antonio
Hotel Emma will offer special holiday themed menu items Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day at Supper. On Christmas Eve, Supper will have a Whole Bronzino grilled and stuffed with braised fennel, crab and lemon on toasted cauliflower puree with herb salad for dinner.
Dinner hours are from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. On Christmas Day, Supper will have Cider and Spiced Roasted Pork loin with Apple Marmalade, Pickled Mustard, Blistered Beens and Almonds, Parmesan and Rosemary Potato Gratin for lunch and dinner. Lunch hours are from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner hours are from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Bakery Lorraine has an assortment of different holiday themed desserts throughout the holiday season, such as chocolate covered gingerbread men, ornament moon pies, and more. They will also offer customers to place and pick up orders of specialty large pies and seasonal macaroons. Large pie flavors 9” for $26 and Macaroon holiday flavor 6 k for $12 or 12pk for $20 includes eggnog, hot cocoa, cinnamon, peppermint, and angel food. Christmas Eve hours are from 7 am – 6 pm and the restaurant will be closed on Christmas Day.
Boiler House will be serving holiday themed cocktails and dinner items on Christmas Eve from 5 p.m. to close. The restaurant will be closed on Christmas Day. Cocktail items include a Gingerbread Martini for $14 and Hot Buttered Texas Rum for $12. Dish items include
Lemon Chive Crabcake for $15 with sweet pepper relish, achiote aioli, sunny quail egg and Calamari Piccata for $21 with pan roasted calamari, charred tomato concasse, capers, rapini & arugula, and Roast Leg of Lamb for $29 with pappardelle, roasted garlic, mustard greens, pan jus, and parmesan. You can also get an Eggnog Pound Cake for $8 with candied fruit and cocoa nibs.
Hotel Contessa is offering a pre fixe dinner menu on Sunday, Christmas Eve and a holiday brunch on Monday, December 25th from 11a.m. to 2:30p.m. Reservations required for Christmas Day brunch, $55/person, $25/children ages 8-13, and children 7 & under eat free.
Downstairs at Esquire and Esquire Tavern will be serving aged Egg Nog. Guests can experience a very traditional Egg Nog whipped up by the folks behind The Esquire in San Antonio based upon recipes which date to sometime in the 1700’s. It was common to prepare Egg Nog well in advance of consumption of holiday libations, and this year’s Egg Nog was actually made in September of 2016. Esquire’s Egg Nog will have rested for about 15 months before guests can get their hands on it, beginning on December 18, 2017, while supplies last and available at both The Esquire Tavern and Downstairs at Esquire.
Rosella at The Rand will be serving a White Chocolate Peppermint Latte throughout the holiday season for only $4.75. The restaurant will be serving brunch on Christmas Eve from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and closed on Christmas Day.
Range will keep regular hours throughout the holiday weekend (11 a.m.-10 p.m.). On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, enjoy the regular menu alongside specials, including the daytime Petite Filet & Eggs with Sweet Potato Hash Browns ($38) and Butter Poached Lobster & Hen Eggs with Sweet Potato Hash Browns and Béarnaise ($45); and dinnertime Braised Lamb Shank, Creamy Parmigiano Polenta and Horseradish Chimichurri ($45).
Tre Enoteca will be open specially on Christmas Eve from 4 to 10 p.m. Dive into a four-course Feast of the Seven Fishes-inspired menu for only $37.50. Savor dishes such as Blue Crab Fritters and lemon aioli; Shrimp Fra Diavolo with bucatini pasta; and Baccala with Fregola and Cacciucco “Tuscan Seafood Stew,” paired with wine for an additional $20.
Tre Trattoria will be open Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. It will be offering its regular menu on December 24th. The day after Christmas it will be open for business at 4 p.m.
Shuck Shack will be open Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.: Dady’s beloved seafood shack will keep its regular hours on Sunday, December 24. Stop by for a lobster roll and extended happy hour before the holiday festivities from 3 to 8 p.m. Shuck Shack will forgo lunch on December 26 and open for business at 4 p.m. with extended happy hour specials all day, including $1.50 Gulf oysters and $3 tap beers.
The Bin Tapas Bar will be open December 26 from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. Can’t get enough Pinxtos? The Bin will be open until midnight on December 24 with $1 tapas specials.
Two Bros. BBQ will be open Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. It’s business as usual at Two Bros. on Christmas Eve! Pick up some brisket done low and slow during regular hours. The pit master is sleeping in on December 26, and will open for business at noon.
B&D Ice House will be open Dec. 26 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Austin
Image Credit: Ashlyn Allison for Freedmen’s
Freedmen’s is celebrating with a Southern-style Whiskey and Pig Roast in its covered beer garden on December 15. Each guest receives a plate featuring half a pound of succulent pig, collard greens, jalapeño cheddar grits, black-eyed peas, and a buttermilk biscuit. The carving promptly begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased here.
Fonda San Miguel will serve their Sunday Hacienda Brunch Buffet both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve from 11am-2pm, featuring $5 mimosas. The popular brunch includes a sumptuous variety of dishes ranging from the more traditional to exciting takes on ancient Mexican recipes. Fonda’s brunch is 38.95 plus tax. Full dinner service will be also be available both Sunday nights, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, from 5 to 10 p.m. The restaurant will be closed Christmas Day and New Years Day.
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