Eat. Sip. Celebrate. Repeat.

Where to Eat

New & Noteworthy Restaurants

Citywide

Houston wrapped up the year strong with a wave of openings worth sampling. In Montrose, Doc’s Houston finally arrived at the Tower Theatre, serving jazz-club energy alongside clams casino and classic cocktails. Uptown welcomed Moon, an elevated bar concept from the Michelin-starred Le Jardinier team, offering luxe bites like wagyu sliders and petite lobster rolls.

For casual cravings, Sharpstown’s Amy’s Lunch Box brings banh mi and boba, Downtown’s Hot Peckers turns up the heat with spicy tenders, and Lankford’s expands to The Woodlands with its signature burgers.

House Plantain Bread at ChòpnBlọk

Montrose | 507 Westheimer Rd

If comfort food had a cult favorite, this would be it. ChòpnBlọk’s house plantain bread—served warm with vanilla crème anglaise—is the kind of dish people argue over (politely, of course). Sweet, indulgent, and absolutely worth sharing… or not.

Where to Drink

Holiday Cocktails at Heights & Co.

The Heights | 1343 Yale St

This Heights staple leans all the way into the season with festive décor, fireside s’mores, and a holiday drink lineup that delivers. Think candy cane Irish coffee, salted caramel carajillos, Cookies & Cream espresso martinis, and the bright-green Grinch cocktail. Feeling bold? Try the Naughty & Nice shots—holiday flavors with a playful twist.

Zero-Proof Refreshers at ChòpnBlọk

Montrose | 507 Westheimer Rd

Sometimes you want the flavor without the fog. ChòpnBlọk’s sparkling refreshers hit that sweet spot, especially the Cape Town Cooler—a bright blend of guava, lemon, and grapefruit. Festive, flavorful, and hangover-free.

What to Do (aka “Hou”)

Art on Tap at Insomnia Gallery

East End | Dec 12 | Free
902 Hardy St

Pop culture meets accessible art at this Friday-night show inside Hardy & Nance Studios. Expect free entry, $10 merch, and $25 art pieces—perfect for last-minute holiday gifts that support local creators.

Gingerbread Build-Off at Levy Park

Greenway / Upper Kirby | Dec 13 | Free

Houston architects trade blueprints for icing at the annual AIA Gingerbread Build-Off. Equal parts impressive and delightful, it’s a festive morning outing that proves creativity tastes better with candy.

Final Shows at Catastrophic Theatre

Midtown | Dec 12–13 | Pay-What-You-Can
3400 Main St

Catch the last performances of Beautiful Princess Disorder, a kinetic and unapologetically silly world premiere. Affordable pricing, big laughs, and the chance to see the playwright in attendance make this a standout cultural pick.

Community Hanukkah Candle Lighting

Memorial | Dec 15–19 | Free
5601 S Braeswood Blvd

The Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center hosts nightly candle lightings with family-friendly programming and after-school activities—welcoming, meaningful, and perfect with kids in tow.

Holiday Markets Worth Browsing

The Heights & The Woodlands | Dec 13 | Free

For gifts that feel thoughtful and local, holiday markets deliver. Expect artisan goods, festive treats, and a crowd-friendly vibe that’s both family- and pet-approved. Bonus: shopping local never goes out of style.