Dine Out and Give Back: Three Delicious Ways to Make Your Meals Count this Month

Duck N Bao's bento boxes are part of Dine Out Rice Village

HOUSTON'S EVER-GENEROUS restaurant scene is already at it in 2025. Here are three ways foodies can dig in, raise a glass, and support important causes in January.

Galveston Restaurant Weeks

Fish Company Taco (photo by Becca Wright)

Now through Feb. 2, restaurants in Galveston offer pre-fixe menus a la HRW; two- or three-course dinners are priced $20-$60 and between $1 and $5 will be donated per guest to the Galveston County Food Bank and St. Vincent's House. Faves on The Strand participating in the effort include Italian standout Riondo's and longtime island go-to Yaga's, and the quaint Post Office Street eateries are in on it, too. Head to the Seawall and enjoy Gaido's, or to East Beach and hit up Porch Cafe.

And here's a fun deal! Fish Company Taco has an incredible combo: For $9.99, guests can pair any taco with fresh snapper crudo, and the restaurant will donate $2 to the causes.

Dine Out Rice Village

Duck N Bao's crispy spicy chicken (photo by Jenn Duncan)

Meanwhile, a little closer to home for most of us, Dine Out Rice Village is taking place through the end of January. Similarly, unique pre-fixe menus and specialty items will benefit a charitable cause — the homegrown and beloved Southern Smoke Foundation, which supports food and beverage workers through hard times with monetary grants and mental-health resources. Acclaimed Hamsa and Navy Blue are among the participating spots, plus newcomer Milton's and longstanding favorites like D'Amico's and Coppa Osteria. Duck N Bao's bento boxes ($15 including a $2 donation; available at lunch) benefit Southern Smoke Foundation, and a three-course dinner of pan-fried dumplings, soup and choice of entree is just $35, with a $7 donation.

Brennan's of Houston Supports NOLA Tragedy Fund

NOLA-style BBQ shrimp at Brennan's (photo by Kimberly Park)

Following the horrific New Year's Day tragedy in New Orleans, Brennan's of Houston is finding a way to give back. Through Jan. 19, the restaurant is donating 100 percent of proceeds from a special three-course meal to support the victims in recovery. Savor signature NOLA fare like turtle soup and creole bread pudding — all while giving back!

Food