Not only does August bring with it the start of the new school year, but also the start of one of the most fun months in Houston: Houston Restaurant Weeks! Every year, between August 1 and Labor Day weekend, a plethora of restaurants around town participate in this event to raise funds for the Houston Food Bank. It was started by Cleverley Stone in 2003, and in the years since this event has raised over $16 million, which has equaled over 50 million meals!
If you have never enjoyed dining at a restaurant during this time, you need to give it a go this year. At www.houstonrestaurantweeks.com you can see the full list of restaurants that are involved and even view some of the menus. Every restaurant will showcase a combination of brunch, lunch and dinner, ranging from two to four courses. This year, brunch and lunch will cost $25 and dinner will cost either $39 or $55. Restaurants will donate between $2-6 from each meal to the food bank. You can also eat off the regular menu at every restaurant if you’d like to add something on.
The menus are usually two to four courses, and with each course, you typically have several options to choose from. In my experience, the dishes offered tend to be the most popular or well known to that restaurant, but perhaps at a touch smaller portion. My husband and I love going out during this time and trying somewhere new. It is especially a great time to try a nicer, more expensive restaurant and get a great meal at a great price. It really is a win all around for the diners, the restaurants, and the Houston Food Bank!
As stated above, you can see the full list of restaurants on the home website, but below I have listed several of my faves that will be participating this year. Bon appetit!
Bloom and Bee
This gorgeous Insta-worthy restaurant is located at the swanky Post Oak Hotel. The food is fresh and delicious, and the drinks are more so. They are offering a 3 course $55 dinner option, with options like calamari, salmon and redfish. Pair these with a cocktail and you’ll have a lovely summer dinner out on the town!
Caracol
This Mexican restaurant is no ordinary spot for fajitas and margaritas. It boasts an elevated menu rich in seafood and traditional flavors. They are offering a 4 course $55 dinner option, which I think is always great because with four courses you get to try out more of the restaurant’s offerings. Be sure to order the El Coco for dessert! You’ll thank me later.
L’Etoile
If you like traditional French-style cuisine, this Uptown Park restaurant is for you. While simple in decor, its dishes are bursting with life. I really like the $25 lunch option here, which offers 3 courses and some of their best dishes. I am always a sucker for a good Coq au Vin.
Oporto Fooding House and Wine
Do you like tapas? Then this restaurant is a must-try! The rich delightful food of Portugal inspires the menu, and they are offering a 3 course $39 dinner. My suggestion would be to add on additional tapas to this Restaurant Weeks menu. The Polvo Com Batatas is SO yummy! This is a great spot for groups or a girls’ night out.
Rainbow Lodge
This cabin in the woods sports an interesting menu of meats. It will definitely get the men’s attention! I mean, where else can you eat elk, antelope, duck or wild boar? But ladies, don’t be put off by the wild game; this restaurant is actually very romantic and a lovely choice for a date night. They offer a $25 brunch or lunch option as well as a $55 dinner option. They all look great in my opinion! Whether it is a day date or an evening out, grab your significant other and try this place out!
Tony’s
This restaurant is a Houston staple. It has been in business for over 50 years! The menu is traditional Italian cuisine inspired by the coastal flavors of Naples and the sophistication of Milan. They are offering a 3 course $55 dinner option which has a wide array of choices as well as add-ons and wine pairings. Very impressive! You won’t be disappointed dining out here.
And many more!
When I say there are a ton of restaurant options for Houston Restaurant Weeks, I really mean it! You can find a one of a kind spot or a classic chain restaurant anywhere in town. Some of the more well known places like BB’s Tex Orleans, Saltgrass and Thai Cottage have numerous spots around the city that are participating. So grab your kids, your spouse, your mom, your girlfriends or whomever you want, and let’s dine out for a great cause, ladies! Happy dining!
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