B&B Butchers
The Annie Cafe & Bar
The Annie (photo by Jenn Duncan)
Score reservations for Christmas Eve brunch or dinner service, with the regular brunch and dinner menus available along and a few chef specials. Christmas carolers will be spreading cheer at the restaurant from 6:30-8:30pm.
B&B Butchers & Restaurant
Join the steakhouse for a Christmas Eve brunch or dinner, featuring Christmas carolers as well as a festive reindeer for photos with the kiddos.
Brennan's of Houston
Brennan's of Houston
Join Houston’s legendary Creole house for a fine and festive Christmas Eve meal. Seatings are available 11am-2pm, and 5-8:30pm for the three-course prix fixe menu of Texas-Creole classics and seasonal specials. Call 713-522-9711 for reservations. Details here.
Backstreet Cafe
Serving a three-course menu ($55; $15 per child), Backstreet’s dinner highlights include lobster risotto, roasted tenderloin in red wine reduction, and chocolate tart with raspberry marmalade and pistachio cream. Complimentary eggnog is included. Cheers!
Doris Metropolitan
The polished Israeli steakhouse will be open with its full menu from 5-9pm Customers can partake in the menorah lighting every night at sundown during the holiday.
Etoile
This chic French haunt in Uptown Park will serve Christmas Eve dinner from 5-9pm; a three-course menu runs $82 per adult and $28 per child (10 and under). Expect options such as duck foie gras au torchon, Chilean sea bass in lemongrass beurre blanc, duo de boeuf in Bordelaise, and bûche de Noël for the finale.
Numero28
Numero28
In Highland Village, indulge in the Feast of the Seven Fishes with fritto misto with spicy marinara or the Insalata Siciliana of mixed greens, albacore tuna and navy beans with pepperoncini vinaigrette. Order a pizza for the whole family, and don’t forget the signature Cacio e Pepe — tossed and served table-side in a pecorino cheese wheel. Open for lunch and dinner on Christmas Eve. Walk-ins are welcome; parties of 5-plus, call 713-485-5248 to reserve. Click here for menus.
Hugo's
Hugo's brunch
Guests can feast on the Buffet de Noche Buena, a special Christmas Eve buffet ($55 per person) from 5-9pm. Optionally, there is a full holiday take-out menu available for pre-order.
Le Jardinier
Celebrate at the MFAH with a fine-dining experience. Led by Michelin-starred chef Alain Verzeroli, the modern French restaurant will offer a fiv-course Christmas Eve dinner menu ($175 per person). Anticipate Foie Gras Royale; Murray’s burrata with spiced red wine poached pears and apple compote; chestnut ravioli; poached Maine lobster; braised beef short ribs, and bûche de Noël. Reserve by calling 713.714.3015 or on Resy. Kid’s a-la-carte menu and the regular weekend brunch menus are on offer. The restaurant is closed Christmas Day.
Rosalie Italian Soul
Rosalie
Celebrate Christmas Eve with the Italian-American holiday tradition the Feast of Seven Fishes. The special menu features Insalata Di Mare with marinated scallops, mussels, squid and tuna; Spaghetti alla Chianti with crawfish and rapini; Monkfish with potato, clams and olives; and kumquat-Gianduja Torte for dessert. Dinner runs from 5-10pm ($75 per person). Reservations can be made via Open Table.
Karne Korean Steakhouse
Karne (photo by Jenn Duncan)
Gather around the grills for a Christmas Eve feast featuring a six-course pre-fixe dinner menu crafted by chef “KP” Nam ($125 per person). The menu includes a cold oyster app and a hot appetizer of chili shrimp on spicy ratatouille. The main course is a “karnivore’s” delight with high-end select cuts of beef. The regular dinner menu is available as well. Visit Resy to make reservations.
Sorriso
Sorriso
Catch the Feast of Seven Fishes available only on Christmas Eve: a three-course, family-style dinner ($64 per adult, and $22 for children ages 13 and under). Menu highlights include roasted oysters on the half shell with Meyer lemon and ciabatta breadcrumbs; fritto misto brimming with scallops, shrimp, calamari and spicy marinara; prosciutto-wrapped branzino with fennel pollen; lobster ravioli; and Gulf shrimp risotto. Tiramisu and strawberry panna cotta for dessert. Yum!
Traveler's Table
Traveler's Table (photo by Becca Wright)
This Montrose mainstay is offering its regular dinner menu from 5pm-11pm, along with Christmas Eve-only specials like sweetbreads and dirty rice, and pistachio-crusted lamb chops — plus spiked eggnog and a tasty "fig and walnut" old fashioned. We'll toast to that!
Wild Oats
Underbelly Hospitality’s Texas-inspired, family-friendly restaurant in the Houston Farmers Market hosts a Muppet Christmas Carol-themed brunch on Christmas Eve. Catch the classic movie at one of two seatings, 11am and 3pm. Bring your family for the Muppet-themed menu — including Al-Gonzo's Texas meat and cheese board, Kermit’s hoppin’ John, and Miss Figgy bread pudding ($50 per adult, $35 per child).
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Milk Mustache's six-ounce cookies can be shipped nationwide.
Madame Zéro Champagne
Houstonian Matthew Massey’s Madame Zéro Champagne, known for its low sugar content and transparent nutrition information, has launched its first rosé Champagne and gift sets. The single set comes embossed in a black lacquered gift box holding premier cru blanc de blancs or rosé encased in velvet, along with a Modern Madame Champagne stopper — an essential tool for Champagne lovers (starting at $100). The luxury trio gift includes bottles of your choosing (starting at $250). Peruse the Champagne gift options and consider yourself prepared for New Year’s Eve!
Hope Farms & Recipe for Success
Recipe for Success Foundation offers natural bath products and food-inspired gifts for everyone, whether it be fresh vegetables and herbs to cook with, or beautiful flowers. “Let’s Cook!” includes Hope Farms’ signature chambray blue apron and Cook the Harvest gift certificate for one cooking class ($109.00 + delivery). Hope Farms’ “Culinary Adventure” includes a Taste of Hope Farms produce presentation, Cook the Harvest Class, and signature apron ($149.00 + delivery). And the “Pickled Produce” package sports one jar each of pickled okra and pickled peppers ($29.00 + delivery). Check out options and purchase here.
Feges BBQ
From sauces to rubs and fresh smoked meats, this new-generation family-run barbecue joint has gifts galore for the pit master or wannabe. Consider the Texas Trinity: a whole rack of glistening pork ribs, two pounds of sliced brisket, and one link of juicy German style sausage ($100). Order here.
Montrose Cheese & Wine
Photo by Julie Soefer
Peruse the food and wine gifts online, or stop by the adorable shop to place an order. A few good ideas for any foodie: Small cheese and charcuterie box (feeds 4-8, $85) with three cheeses, a quarter pound each of prosciutto di Parma and schiacciata picante, house lemon almond-hazelnut mix, cornichons, grapes, and Bee2bee local honey (must be ordered 24 hours in advance). Also available are large cheese-and-charcuterie and other combo boxes, select wines, and custom gift packs.
Goode Company Restaurants
Don’t forget about our local fave for pies, smoked meats, barbeque and gift sets! Its Hall of Flame online store is ready to ship Goode’s Brazos Bottom Pecan Pie, packed and shipped in custom keepsake wooden boxes fire-branded with “MADE IN TEXAS” and the Goode Co. motto, “You might give some serious thought to thanking your lucky stars you’re in Texas.” Price is $54 per pie, which can be shipped nationwide for $5; optionally, purchase in a sturdy cardboard box (+$45, free shipping).
Xochi
Gift a box of unique Xocolatl Oaxacan-inspired chocolates — eight handmade delicacies that start with cacao beans roasted in-house, and blended with sugar and cinnamon to make a truly great chocolate. Flavors of the individual artisan chocolates are Rompope, Café de Olla, Peppermint-Oreo, Cranberry-Orange ($24 plus shipping).
Brennan's of Houston
That wonderful praline that you receive gratis after your meal at Brennan’s of Houston can be ordered online and shipped nationwide. These world-class pralines come in a decorative box that will be great for any sweet tooth. Gift boxes are carefully packed with 12 handmade pralines ($25 plus shipping).
Houston Dairymaids
Hop online and order the Holiday Cheese Bag ($60). The five incredible cheese selections from Texas, California and beyond will impress even the pickiest fromage connoisseur. Hoja Santa, creamy fresh goat cheese wrapped Hoja Santa leaves; Trillium, award-winning triple cream brie from Tulip Tree Dairy, Ind.; and Original Blue flagship blue from Pt. Reyes Farmstead, Calif., are a few of the gems.
Messina Hof
Searching for a last-minute gift or New Year’s inspiration? Consider Messina Hof’s wine bundles. Order online or stop by the new Richmond winery tasting room and café on Harvest Green, just 45 minutes from Houston. Options include the Sparkling Wine Trio ($85) with brut, rosé and almond Texas bubbles, or the Red & White Wine Duo ($40) featuring private reserve tempranillo and viognier, perfect for family dinners and celebrations. For the Aggie fan, its Aggie Network Gift Set ($85) is a no-brainer. The Association of Former Students has partnered with Messina Hof to select a limited offering of great Texas wines. The set includes Midnight Yell chardonnay and Gig 'Em Red.
Milk Mustache
We couldn’t leave without something sweet. This cute new cookie shop from Mom-turned-baker-entrepreneur Tracy Jones touts giant, soft, gooey goodness right on time for the indulgent season. You can’t miss with dreamy cookie flavors like Campfire Bliss with a melted-marshmallow center, Nutella Dream, sea-salt-caramel-pecan, and red velvet filled with cream cheese. Pick up a box or ship nationwide. Details here.