Barrel Aged Manhattan at Guard & Grace
Houstonians have had their share of queso and tacos, but chef Andrew Stephens takes the pair to the next level during social hour — 3-5:30pm, Tuesday-Friday — at Downtown's Guard and Grace. The upscale steakhouse reopened in October, and just this month added back a happy-hour menu. Don't skip the queso lobster, a mouthwatering blend of cheese that is partially melted, then topped with tender hunks of lobster before being baked to perfection. The tacos use smoked wagyu brisket, fresh-made tortillas and pickled-onion slaw. Still not indulgent enough? Try the fries, seasoned with a special housemade powder of beef fat.
In the Heights, escape to California wine country — for a steal! The MWR Flight #750, an educational Napa-centric wine flight, is only $7.50 on Tuesdays through Fridays from 4-6pm. Each month features a different selection of sips, all explained by one of the tasting room's wine "stewards"; this month's includes Oestermann Cabernet Franc, Avery Rose Cabernet Sauvignon and Imagi Mundi Sauvignon Blanc.
Mutiny Wine Room (photo by Jenn Duncan)
Downtown's newest restaurant, The Nash, has rolled out a stellar happy-hour deal on weekdays from 5-6:30pm. Enjoy The Nash Combo — either a full margherita or bianco pizza with a bottle of house red or white for $25 — on the large, dog-friendly patio, and or inside, where the spacious interior boasts a floor-to-ceiling bar and open kitchen. Other HH deals include $5 spicy southwest tater tots — with roasted corn, aged smoked cheddar and herbed crema fresca — and Forbidden Eggs, the spicy-sweet app for which the restaurant is already becoming known. Craft cocktails are just $7 during this timeframe, and a draft beer will run you $3. Cheers!
Chris Shepherd (photo by John Davidson)