Hit Father’s Day Out of the Park at These Dad-Approved Restaurants

Hit Father’s Day Out of the Park at These Dad-Approved Restaurants

Frozen Jack & Coke at Willie's

CAN’T STAND THE heat? Then stay out of the kitchen this Father’s Day, June 19! From modern Indian to Tex-Mex, and polished steakhouses to down-home barbecue, our diverse city has any flavor Dad is craving on his special day.

Cru

If Dad loves a little wine and food-pairing fun, this generous three-course brunch (June 18, 11am-3pm) may be his jam. Of the many choices, the beef tenderloin and eggs, CRU crabcake Benedict, and lobster saffron seafood risotto will likely grab his attention. A mimosa or Bellini to kick off the celebration is a must!

The Warwick

Angel Old Fashioned (photo by Raydon Creative)

Dads can sit back and enjoy a cigar at this clubby restaurant along with one of three Old Fashioned cocktails. Dinner faves include the Hawaiian ribeye, Gulf shrimp and grits, and the Big Chop.

Feges BBQ

Erin and Patrick Feges

Feges BBQ Spring Branch celebrates its first birthday and Father’s Day by going hog wild! Saturday, June 18, chef Patrick cooks a whole hog on the patio, where there will also be live music. Plus, Lone Star beers will be half off, and merchandise, sauces and rubs will all be on sale.

Pappas Bros. Steakhouse

Pappas Bros. Steakhouse

Taste your way through Napa, Bordeaux, Chile and more at Pappas Bros.' annual Dads & Cabs wine tasting event. Anticipate 15 different cabernet sauvignons from around the world. Dads & Cabs takes place at the Galleria location on June 16, and Downtown on June 17. Here’s the full list of wines and link to reserve.

Hamsa

Hamsa (photo by Kirsten Gilliam)

Give Dad the gift of a ressie (via Resy) for lunch or dinner at this buzzy new Rice Village spot. Expect a sharp focus on Israeli food with an emphasis on vegetable-centric, grilled and shareable dishes.

Willie's Grill

Come as you are for Willie’s seasoned smoked gouda burger and famous frozen Jack and Coke. Can’t make it in? Willie’s is offering a 48-hour sale on e-gift cards.

The Original Ninfa's

Ninfa's (photo by Kirsten Gilliam)

This weekend, both locations of Ninfa’s will serve El Padrino, a boozy, manly take on The Godfather cocktail featuring limited-edition Patrón aged in Spanish oloroso sherry casks. Although the sizzling fajita platter is hard to beat, chef Alex Padilla has cooked up a perfect pairing: a fajita burger topped with jalapeños, onions, carrots, chipotle mayo, and cheese, and served with an indulgent marrow bone and crispy homemade potato chips.

Rosalie Italian Soul

The hearty eater can indulge in two exclusive menu pairings. Rosalie’s Sausage & Peppers with stewed peppers is served over creamy polenta and comes with two Modelo beers ($25). Or try the Meat Lover's “Pizzoni” with pepperoni, sausage, mortadella, mama Lil’s peppers, smoked beef brasato and arugula salad with a bottle of Altos cabernet ($50).

Arnaldo Richards' Picos

Picos is laying out a spread for Father’s Day Sunday brunch, featuring a special chef’s carving station with prime rib, cured and smoked racks of wild boar, and roasted lamb lollipops. In addition, expect raw bar with fresh oysters and ceviche, an omelet station and waffle station and dessert bar. Reservations can be made here.

Goode Co. Barbecue

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

Goode Co. is whipping up something extra this year just for him: Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie. The nine-inch pies are rich and gooey and chock-full of pecans with a generous splash or two of bourbon. A Goode thing just got better! Available exclusively via Goode Company’s e-commerce site until June 19 (starting at $44, free shipping).

Phat Eatery

Curry laksa at Phat (photo by Chuck Cook)

Katy Asian Town fave Phat Eatery — which recently received a James Beard nod and announced its expansion to The Woodlands — is thrilled to host families for Father's Day... so much so, that dads eat free!

Brennan's of Houston

Snapping Turtle Soup at Brennan's (photo by Dragana Harris)

A three-course brunch ($62/person) on Sunday, June 19, includes some dad-approved treats like snapping turtle soup, crawfish enchiladas and Hoodoo Chicory Chocolate Cake. Reservations are required; call 713-522-9711 to make yours. During dinner service, a special bar cart will be making the rounds with tableside concoctions like The Godfather (Glenfiddich and amaretto on ice) and the World's Greatest Dad martini.

The Tasting Room

The Tasting Room will be vibrant with burgers, bacon Bloody Marys, and celebratory ambiance this Father’s Day. Corporate executive chef Beto Gutierrez’s special Southern Pimento Bacon Cheeseburger is made with a brisket blend patty, house-made pimento cheese, applewood-smoked bacon, crispy onion strings, pickles, and a savory barbecue sauce.

Pondicheri

Pondicheri

There’s never a shortage of spice at this Upper Kirby modern Indian gem. On Saturday and Sunday of Father’s Day weekend, besides its regular menu, it will offer a steak special featuring grilled Angus ribeye cooked with Kalonji, cardamom and black pepper, served with oversized crispy onion rings.

Steak 48

Seafood tower at Steak 48 (photo by Julie Soefer)

Usually only open in the evenings, Steak 48 is celebrating Dad on Sunday by opening for both lunch and dinner. Menu highlights include the bone-in filet mignon and NY strip — wet-aged for 28 days, cooked in a 1600-degree broiler, and served on a sizzling plate in clarified butter. Splurge on the fresh seafood tower and Alaskan king crab and rock shrimp mac-and-cheese.

Food

Mint julep sips at — where else? — Julep

ON MAY 4 IN Kentucky, thousands of race fans will don their springtime finest and excessive headwear to watch horses run around the track for exactly one and a quarter mile. Join the mint-julep fun at Houston’s three top spots to witness “the fastest two minutes in sports” — and just maybe win a costume contest.

Keep Reading Show less
Food

Hall Arts Hotel

AS HOUSTON'S PROMINENCE as a high-end leisure-travel destination grows, the same thing is happening in the DFW area. The Las Colinas Four Seasons is now a Ritz-Carlton; a new Four Seasons is currently in the design phase; Auberge Resorts recently opened the 106-room Bowie House in Fort Worth; and the stylish Loews Arlington bowed in February.

Keep Reading Show less