Get ready for a festive season like never before—Frosty’s Christmas Bar has made its Houston debut, transforming 2106 Dallas, Suite 100, into a magical two-story holiday wonderland. Known for its dazzling pop-ups in Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles, Frosty’s offers multiple bars, lively dance floors, and endless photo opportunities. Guests can marvel at oversized nutcrackers, twinkling lights, and themed nights designed to capture the magic of the season. Running from November 29 to January 5, Frosty’s is open Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. until close and Friday through Sunday from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Visitors under 21 are welcome to join in the holiday fun until 7 p.m. Tickets range from $25 to $350, making it an experience for all budgets. Whether you're snapping selfies, dancing under the lights, or enjoying the festive atmosphere, Frosty’s Christmas Bar is set to be a must-visit destination this holiday season in Houston. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the magic!

  Get ready to embrace the holiday spirit as City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic 2024, presented by Shell Energy, transforms downtown Houston into a wonderland of lights, music, and festive cheer. Back for its third year, this beloved tradition brings even more sparkle and joy with 12 uniquely themed locations. Organized by Houston First Corporation, in partnership with Downtown Houston +, Discovery Green, Alley Theatre, POST Houston, Hilton Americas-Houston, and Marriott Marquis, the event offers a variety of family-friendly attractions, including an ice skating rink, dazzling Christmas trees, and selfie-perfect holiday displays. Most locations are free and open to the public, making it a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. For added convenience, hop on the Hop-in Hop-off Holiday Bus to explore all the festive highlights with ease. Whether you're taking in the sparkling lights, enjoying seasonal activities, or snapping photos at the mesmerizing displays, City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic 2024 promises unforgettable moments for everyone. Running throughout November and December, this holiday experience is the perfect way to create magical memories in the heart of Houston. Don’t miss out on the joy—downtown Houston is the place to be this holiday season!

Thursday, November 28, Houston’s beloved H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade returns for its 75th anniversary, led by nine-time Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis. This year’s parade honors Houston’s Olympians and Paralympians who competed in the Paris 2024 Games, with the event kicking off at 9 a.m. downtown. Mayor John Whitmire invites residents and visitors alike to join in this cherished tradition, celebrating community spirit and Olympic pride as the holiday season begins. "The chance to share this Thanksgiving morning tradition with family and friends makes it a special day for our city," shared Mayor Whitmire. The morning will start with a tribute performance by Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS), showcasing songs from Bring It On: The Musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda, followed by a variety of festive features. Attendees can look forward to high-flying balloons, 19 colorful floats, and special performances, including a duet from the Broadway musical Frozen and appearances by local favorites such as the Apache Belles and Bellville Brahmadoras. Classic elements like the Tom Turkey float and Santa Claus, as well as new additions marking the parade’s milestone, will delight spectators of all ages. Additional highlights include six marching bands, a KHOU 11 Toy Drive Float, and tributes to Houston nonprofits and the city’s coastline. Supported by H-E-B and other local sponsors, this year’s parade is free to the public, with premium seats available for purchase. Guests can find ample space for lawn chairs along the route, which begins on Smith Street and traverses downtown before ending at Smith and Dallas. With parking options along the route and Metro buses operating on holiday schedules, Houstonians and visitors alike are invited to grab a spot and join the celebration for a festive start to Thanksgiving.

  Trader Joe's officially opened its highly anticipated Sugar Land location at 13550 University Blvd. on October 24, bringing Houston’s southern suburbs a new destination for its beloved grocery selection. Situated in University Commons Plaza near the Telfair neighborhood, this new store celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony before welcoming guests at 8 a.m. Now open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., TJ’s joins a vibrant grocery scene in Sugar Land, which recently saw the addition of other specialty chains like Seafood City, Jusgo SuperMarket, and Welfresh Market. The new location gives fans easier access to Trader Joe's renowned selection, featuring frozen meals inspired by global cuisines, popular snacks like chocolate peanut butter cups and elote-flavored corn chips, as well as its household goods, beauty items, and seasonal specialties. Known for offering affordable "dupes" of high-end brands, TJ’s has been warmly welcomed by locals. With this Sugar Land store marking Trader Joe's sixth location in the greater Houston area, South Houston residents can now enjoy the cult-favorite grocery experience closer to home.

  Karbach Brewery is kicking off its annual Karbachtober Fest, a multi-weekend Oktoberfest celebration packed with fun, food, and entertainment. From Friday, September 20 through Sunday, October 6, 2024, visitors can enjoy a range of fall-themed festivities at the brewery. Every Friday, the lively Oompah Band will perform on the patio, setting the tone for the weekend with traditional German music. Saturdays will feature exciting stein hoisting competitions and live music performances to keep the party going, while Sundays bring the fan-favorite wiener dog races, making it a perfect day for families and dog lovers alike. In addition to the entertainment, Karbachtober Fest will offer plenty of beer and food options for guests to savor. Seasonal brews, along with classic Karbach favorites, will be available to pair with the delicious food on offer. Whether you're there for the music, the competitions, or just to enjoy great beer with friends, Karbachtober Fest 2024 promises three weekends full of lively celebrations and Oktoberfest fun at one of Houston’s favorite breweries.

Get ready for a spine-chilling experience this Halloween season at Nickel City’s Black Lagoon pop-up. Running from October 11 to October 31, 2024, this East Downtown hotspot will transform into a haunted haven, complete with eerie decor and an array of spooky-themed drinks. One standout is the Hex Appeal, a smoldering cocktail crafted with Fords gin, honeydew cordial, Lustau vermouth dry, lemon juice, seltzer, saline, absinthe, and chlorophyll, offering a bewitching blend of flavors perfect for the season. For those skipping alcohol, Nickel City offers the equally thrilling Blood Lust, a blood-red mocktail made with Giffard Sirop, miso falernum, rooibos tea, lemon juice, and ginger beer. Whether you're in the mood for a creepy cocktail or a frightfully good mocktail, the Black Lagoon Halloween pop-up promises a festive atmosphere and chilling drinks to get you into the spooky spirit.

  While it might seem like a no-brainer for Texas barbecue joints to stay open 24/7—especially since there’s always someone tending the pit—very few places actually serve smoked meats around the clock. The only true 24/7 barbecue joint in Texas is Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse in Dallas, strategically located near UT Southwestern Medical Center and Love Field, which provides a steady stream of customers at all hours. Most barbecue spots, however, are located in small towns or suburban areas where businesses tend to shut down early, and urban barbecue joints face tough competition from late-night diners and Tex-Mex spots like Katz’s Deli and Chachos. Running a barbecue joint 24/7 isn’t easy. While diner food can be made cheaply with high profit margins, barbecue is a different story. The cost of smoking briskets and the labor needed to maintain the pits overnight are significant, with briskets alone often having food costs that leave little to no profit. Despite these challenges, the allure of enjoying a brisket plate at 3 a.m. is undeniable, and although late-night barbecue trailers and pop-ups exist in cities like Houston, a full-fledged 24/7 barbecue joint with a neon "Open 24/7" sign would be a welcome sight for Texans craving smoked meats at any hour.

  Little Pappasito’s Cantina, a Tex-Mex staple since 1990, has quietly evolved into a test kitchen for the Pappas Restaurant Group. Subtle changes are being made, from updates to classic dishes like guacamole—now topped with pumpkin seeds, radishes, and olive oil instead of tomatoes—to a revamped menu layout and increased natural light in the dining room. This shift marks a bold move for the Pappas family, known for its traditional approach to comfort food. “We’re restarting the engine,” said Christina Pappas, vice president of marketing, as the group experiments with new dishes that may eventually make their way to other Pappas concepts. The changes are driven by a need to adapt to post-pandemic challenges, including supply chain issues and rising food costs. The smaller 200-seat Little Pappasito’s offers an ideal setting for testing new ideas. The menu still includes popular Tex-Mex staples like fajitas and chile con queso, but the team is introducing innovative options like snapper crudo, pork carnitas, and spicy birria. With the addition of celebrated chef Alex Padilla, the kitchen is exploring creative additions such as mole sauces, heirloom corn masa, and updated cocktails. “You’ve got to keep changing,” Pappas emphasized, signaling that this culinary experimentation is just the beginning for the beloved Tex-Mex spot.

  Jonathan’s The Rub, fresh off the opening of its third restaurant in Houston’s East End, is set to expand again with a new location in Cypress. The fourth restaurant will be located in Village Green, part of the 925-acre Bridgeland Central, an “urban district” developed by Howard Hughes Holdings. Scheduled to debut in fall 2025, this new spot will feature a 5,500-square-foot indoor area and two outdoor patios totaling 2,600 square feet. The flexible dining room, available for private events, and an elevated bar area with a draft system for beer, wine, and cocktails, are designed to reflect the natural greenery and trees of the area. The menu will echo the approachable yet eclectic offerings of the existing locations, featuring diverse appetizers, pasta, steaks, and a reasonably priced by-the-bottle wine selection. Jonathan Levine, owner of Jonathan’s The Rub, shared that they had been eyeing Bridgeland since 2021 and were drawn to the project once they confirmed it was a Howard Hughes development. Jim Carman, President of Howard Hughes Holdings, highlighted the excitement surrounding Bridgeland Central, which will also welcome an H-E-B grocery store by year’s end. Carman emphasized that the arrival of Jonathan’s The Rub is just the beginning, with more businesses and retailers to come, aiming to create a vibrant community hub for Bridgeland residents and the entire Houston region.

  Via 313, an Austin-based Detroit-style pizza chain, is opening its third Greater Houston location in Webster on Friday, August 9 at 1065 West Bay Area Boulevard near Baybrook Gateway Shopping Center. Founded in 2011 by Detroit natives Brandon and Zane Hunt, Via 313 has 20 locations nationwide, with 14 in Texas. The grand opening will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a prize tent, a DJ performance, and a photo booth pop-up. Additionally, 25% of the opening day sales will be donated to Target Hunger, a Houston nonprofit dedicated to providing food to those in need. The menu includes classic Detroit-style pizzas like pepperoni and cheese, and specialties such as The Cadillac with prosciutto, gorgonzola, Parmesan, fig preserves, and balsamic glaze, and The Ambassador Bridge with pepperoni, sausage, garlic, oregano, and housemade ricotta. Via 313 also offers gluten-free vegan crusts and dairy-free cheese, as well as round Bar Style pizzas with thin crusts, like the Funkadelic Chicken and The Stooges, a vegetarian option. The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. and reverse happy hour from 8 to 10 p.m.

  Is it a candy store or a cocktail lounge? At Aye Candy, it’s both! This unique speakeasy, which opened in Spring Branch on June 4, masquerades as a candy shop at first glance. But push past a hidden door, and you’ll discover a whole world of inventive cocktails. The 25-and-up bar offers a sophisticated, grown-and-sexy vibe with a playful twist, as many of the cheeky cocktails come adorned with candy. With its whimsical charm, Aye Candy perfectly blends the nostalgia of a candy store with the allure of a chic cocktail lounge.   It has quickly become a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, offering a refreshing and fun take on the traditional bar scene. Whether you're in the mood for a classic cocktail with a candy twist or a completely original creation, Aye Candy promises an unforgettable experience that satisfies both your sweet tooth and your love for a good drink.

  As Independence Day nears, Houston is gearing up for a series of exciting celebrations. From lively parades to free concerts and stunning firework displays, the city offers a variety of festivities. A highlight is Houston's Freedom Over Texas event along Allen Parkway, featuring entertainment from Russell Dickerson, Jo Dee Messina, and Chapel Hart. The celebration includes food, drinks, family-friendly activities, and concludes with a spectacular, musically choreographed fireworks show. Proceeds from Freedom Over Texas support the Houston Food Bank, making it a festive way to give back to the community while enjoying the holiday.

  Starbucks partners with the Houston Food Bank and Feeding America to combat hunger, funding essential equipment and food distribution costs. Originating from employees' advocacy, Starbucks developed the FoodShare program, enabling stores to donate unsold food to those in need across the U.S. Each April, Starbucks partners worldwide dedicate time to community service projects, marking the fourteenth year of support for the Global Month of Good. At Houston Food Bank, Starbucks volunteers share their commitment to community involvement, emphasizing the importance of giving back. Whitney expresses her values through community service, instilling the same principles in her children. David echoes this sentiment, stressing the significance of being present and helping others one person at a time. These reflections underscore Starbucks' dedication to uplifting communities through initiatives like FoodShare and partnerships with organizations like the Houston Food Bank and Feeding America.

  Explore Houston's Asian Cuisine Scene and Support a Cause at AAPI Restaurant Weeks! From May 1 to June 15, 2024, indulge in the diverse flavors of Asian cuisine while contributing to a good cause. Patrons can donate $25 or more to receive an ARW QR code, unlocking special items or menu discounts at participating restaurants. Each donation helps OCA-Greater Houston purchase rice for low-income seniors in the community. Don't miss out on delicious offerings from restaurants like AKA Sushi, Oh My Gogi!, Dim Sum Box, Rakken Ramen, and Aqua S. Get your QR code today and savor the flavors of Houston's vibrant Asian culinary scene!

  As the solar eclipse approaches on April 8, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams invites you to embark on a cosmic culinary journey with their Punk Stargonaut Collection. From a distant galaxy to your taste buds, this stellar lineup of ice cream flavors promises to elevate your eclipse viewing experience. Featuring the return of the beloved Supermoon flavor, reminiscent of nostalgic cereal milk with hints of candied violet and marshmallow, alongside three new celestial creations: Nebula Berry: A vibrant fusion of tart blueberry and lively raspberry, finished with a delicate elderflower touch. Cosmic Bloom: Immerse yourself in tropical bliss with citrusy mandarin, zesty raspberry, and punchy passion fruit. Purple Star Born: Jeni's inaugural grape ice cream, infused with the essence of Concord grapes and blackcurrants. But the cosmic adventure doesn't end there—Jeni's introduces Space Dust topping, a fizzy popping candy sensation, available for a limited time online and in scoop shops. Join Jeni's in celebrating this rare celestial event with flavors that are truly out of this world. 🌌🍦

  Discover the heartwarming journey of Dan Meaux, the man behind the renowned Crawfish Shack in Texas. What started as a modest crawfish business two decades ago has blossomed into a thriving culinary empire, thanks to Dan's unwavering dedication and passion for perfecting his craft. Despite early challenges, Dan's perseverance paid off, transforming his humble eatery into one of the most beloved crawfish destinations in the nation. With an insatiable appetite for excellence, Dan and his wife Jennifer have built a legacy of flavor, community, and family. From their meticulously crafted seasoning to their commitment to quality, every aspect of Crawfish Shack reflects Dan's love for his craft and his community. Join the Crawfish Shack family and experience the joy of indulging in Dan's delectable crawfish creations—a true labor of love that continues to delight customers year after year. 🦞🌟

  In a move set to transform Houston's brewing landscape, Elder Son Brewing boldly steps into the spotlight with the acquisition of Southern Yankee Beer Co. This strategic purchase propels the small brewery into a new era of growth, as it triples its capacity by relocating production to the former Southern Yankee facility in North Houston. Led by owner and head brewer Robert Frye, Elder Son's decision to seize this opportunity arose from a need to meet escalating demand while navigating rising costs. With plans to boost production from 46 to 120 barrels, Frye envisions expanded distribution channels and enhanced offerings for beer enthusiasts across the Houston area. The brewery's flagship taproom in Houston Heights will remain operational, focusing solely on serving patrons, while the forthcoming taproom and brewery at the former Southern Yankee location heralds a new chapter of innovation and collaboration. As Elder Son sets its sights on broader horizons, the acquisition marks the end of an era for Southern Yankee, led by siblings Alex and Sydney Porter. While Southern Yankee bids farewell to brewing, its legacy lives on through Elder Son's stewardship of its recipes, ensuring a seamless transition for fans of the beloved brand. With plans for future expansion, including a potential barrel-aging program and the continuation of Southern Yankee favorites, Elder Son Brewing emerges as a beacon of growth and excellence in Houston's dynamic craft beer scene. 🍻🌟

  As the anticipation builds each year, Houstonians eagerly await the arrival of crawfish season, wondering when they can dive into a feast of these spicy crustaceans. The timing of this beloved season hinges on several factors, with spring typically marking the prime period for wild-caught crawfish, spanning from March to April. However, Mother Nature often has her say, with cold winters causing delays and hot summers hastening the end of the season as crawfish retreat to their burrows. Yet, thanks to modern farming practices, crawfish availability now extends from January to August, subject to the whims of weather patterns. While this expanded season brings cause for celebration, it's worth noting that fall crawfish may be sourced from afar, potentially affecting their freshness. Despite the extended timeline, aficionados know that the peak of flavor and size is typically found in March and April, when these delectable critters have had ample time to plump up. So, whether you're indulging in early-season delicacies or savoring late-harvest delights, rest assured that crawfish enthusiasts can rejoice in a year-round celebration of these tasty treasures! 🦞🎉

  Get ready for a wild ride as The Ranch Saloon + Steakhouse, the first-ever sit-down restaurant at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, returns for its third year. Restaurateur Ben Berg, the mastermind behind this culinary sensation, has upped the ante with expanded seating and live music, creating an atmosphere that exceeded expectations in 2023. Now, in 2024, prepare for a taste bud takeover with four new satellite bars serving up specialty concoctions, from tequila to Aperol Spritzes. Alongside the familiar Saloon and upscale Steakhouse, Berg introduces The Skillet, a walk-up booth offering gourmet twists on classic carnival fare. Don't miss The Ranch After Dark, an evening extravaganza featuring live performances and DJ-spun tunes, where reservations from 9 pm onwards are available, and high rollers can indulge in Steakholder tables with private amenities starting from $15,000 for six guests. Set within a 16,000-square-foot, climate-controlled tent decked out by Visit Round Top and HGTV's Junk Gypsies, The Ranch promises not only an exceptional dining experience but also a visual feast with plenty of photo ops. Secure your spot now via OpenTable and saddle up for a rodeo adventure like never before! 🤠🍔🎶 https://www.houstoncitybook.com/the-ranch-houston-rodeo/particle-5  

  Houston's vibrant Heights district just got a sizzling addition with Grace Pizza and Shakes making its mark at 801 Studewood. Having conquered taste buds in Pearland, Alvin, and even sunny Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, this family-owned gem now brings its coal-fired pizzas and heavenly milkshakes to the heart of the inner city. Owners Adrian and Gina Hembree are all about locally sourced ingredients, infusing their menu with flavors that have delighted in previous locations. The newest spot invites pizza enthusiasts to create their own masterpieces and indulge in "over-the-top" shakes that promise a sweet journey from 'cinnamon heaven' to 'brownie bliss' – complete with sparklers for that Insta-worthy magic. Gluten-free cravings are satisfied with 'Ashlyn's Art,' featuring a cauliflower crust topped with a flavorful medley. And for those seeking a job with a side of pizza passion, Grace is on a hiring spree for its Heights location, promising a delightful dining experience with both indoor seating and an inviting outdoor patio. Get ready for a slice of Grace in The Heights! 🍕🥤✨https://hoodline.com/2024/01/grace-pizza-and-shakes-fires-up-the-heights-with-new-houston-location/