THIS WEEK BRINGS the debut of Houston Theater Week, during which the Downtown Theater District offers a two-for-one special on myriad great shows. The BOGO discount is available through Aug. 29, but the included shows run through spring of 2023. Whether you’re looking forward to the Houston Ballet or a Theatre Under the Stars musical, you’ll need to grab a bite or drink before or after the show. Consider these handy Downtown spots — some with shuttles — and catch the savings while you can!

Damian’s Cucina Italiano

Tableside caesar salad at Damian's

This iconic Italian restaurant always hits the spot for pre-show dining. Regulars rely on the private shuttle, which is only $5 and will drop diners at the Wortham Center, Hobby Center and Jones Hall. Its Houston Restaurant Weeks menu also is available until Sept. 5. To reserve the shuttle, call 713.522.0439.

Rosalie

Rosalie

Just one mile from the Alley and Wortham, chef Chris Consentino’s Rosalie Italian Soul combines old-world Italian traditions with bold, chef-driven interpretations for an upscale take on Italian-American cuisine. Wine and dine before the show with crowd favorites, including the Arancini, crispy risotto balls with pesto aioli; burrata with roasted strawberries and grilled sourdough; and fresh rigatoni made with Texas wild boar ragu.

Roots Wine Bar

Self-serve taps at Roots

Only 10 minutes from the Theatre District, this self-serve wine concept has reimagined the wine tasting experience through its rotating collection of 56 wines available via automated wine-dispensing machines. Arrive between 4pm and midnight for the standard menu, or catch brunch starting at 11am before a weekend matinee. Its farm-to-table menu starts with refined appetizer like waygu beef tartare and a refreshing melon and chevre. Consider main plates such as the mouthwatering juicy Lucy burger or flavor-filled market fish.

Brennan's of Houston

For diners headed to the ballet, symphony or theater, the king of Texas Creole cuisine offers a pick-up and return shuttle service to the restaurant on its B-Line Theater Shuttle. It currently runs Friday through Sunday; dining reservations are required in advance (call 713.522.9711 to make a B-Line reservation). A $5 per person charge will be added to the bill for shuttle service. Full details here.

Toro Toro

Toro Toro

Here’s your chance to dine at the luxurious Four Seasons hotel – quite handy to the Theatre District – at a discount during Houston Restaurant Weeks and Houston Theatre Week. The Latin-inspired steakhouse will have a two-course lunch and three-course dinner for HRW, which lasts a few more days. Anticipate dishes such as ceviche; achiote-marinated salmon; and Peruvian classic lomo saltado.

Common Bond Brasserie

Common Bond

If you haven’t tried this charming brasserie with stellar fare, now is a good time. The eatery is participating in HRW and is also in partnership with the Houston Symphony, offering ticket holders 10 percent off dining. Indulge in luxuries including chilled coconut gazpacho, fried-asparagus salad, herb-roasted rack of lamb with potato and wild mushroom mille feuille, and spice-crusted tuna.

Hilton Americas-Houston

Just a five-minute drive from the Theater District, Houston's largest hotel features two bars to enjoy a quick bite and craft cocktail before a show. The Lobby Bar proffers a full dinner and drink menu, while R24, the hotel's still-new bar located on the top floor of the hotel, features a craft cocktail menu and sweeping views of Downtown.

POST Houston

Golfstrommen (photo courtesy Duc Hoang)

Located steps from the Theater District, POST Houston is the ideal place to grab a bite and a drink before a big show. Known as Houston's hub for food and culture, POST Houston has something for everyone, with more than 25 envelope-pushing concepts. Anticipate eight from FAM Hospitality, including Golfstrømmen, Thai Kun, East Side King, Soy Pinoy, Lea Jane’s Hot Chicken, Johnny Good Burger and two new bars — Return to Sender and Address Unknown. Craving pizza or ice cream? You’ll find that, too!