Spectacular fireworks festivities will take center stage this weekend, so you’ll need sustenance to keep up with all the action. From expected hot dogs and burgers to knockwurst Benedict and standout Southern cocktails here are eight places to eat — and drink — this holiday weekend.
Midtown’s Weights + Measures is taking Fourth of July brunch fare to a whole new level (July 4; 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.). While you can order from the regular menu, special offerings include grilled kosher knockwurst Benedict (served with a corn and pepper scone and baked beans, and topped with yellow mustard hollandaise sauce and purple onion) and barbecue pulled pork sliders (with fried quail egg, cabbage-and-carrot slaw and potato salad).
What's the Fourth of July without hot dogs? Better yet, a hot dog eating contest. Head to Washington Ave. eatery, Beaver's, this Saturday and sign up to eat as many as you can in 10 minutes to score prizes (6:30 p.m. ; $20 entry fee with proceeds benefiting The Center). If you're not up for consuming an outrageous amount of dogs, fill up on other all-American bites from mini corn dogs to spicy firecracker wings.
Get a bird's-eye view of the downtown fireworks extravaganza while you sip vodka watermelon punch and cocktails like the Red, White and Mule (a frozen strawberry Moscow mule with blue ginger beer). Chill out with an adult snow cone in boozy flavor combos like rum and tamarind or whiskey and passion fruit.
Sunday, continue the freedom celebration with music by local musicians, The Junior Gordon Band (noon-4 p.m.) while you nosh tasty ‘cue and, available Sundays-only, standout fried chicken (brined 24 hours, then marinated another 24 in buttermilk and seasonings) at Pearland barbecue joint Killen’s. Expect to wait in a line (get there early, before kitchen runs out of the tasty goods), but you won't be disappointed, especially on weekends when your wait time includes an ice-cold beer.
The Upper Kirby spot fetes the Fourth with free bites for kids (age 10 and under; July 3–4). While the little kids will enjoy burgers and dogs, gratis, the big kids will appreciate a discount on fajitas for two ($20) and on shaker margaritas ($6 each).
A hub for crazy good Southern cocktails, Julep will offer half-off its classic libations (July 4; 3-6 p.m.) in honor of America's birthday. Grab a drink and then get your fill of brisket, pulled pork, spare ribs, creamed corn, Frito pie and more from Feges Barbecue (3-9 p.m.).
Hop aboard Houston’s only jitney, The Houston Wave, for evening of fun — sans the driving (July 4). The Wave departs the Silver Street Studios parking lot at 5 p.m. for a burger and beer pairing at BRC. Next up, hit the road for a tour and private tasting at Buffalo Bayou Brewery (7 p.m.) before arriving back at Silver Street in time to watch the fireworks. Bring your own chairs. ($60 per person or $10 for fireworks only; 713-863-9283).
Get in the celebratory mood with your plus one with a three-course dinner and a bottle of vino at the seafood restaurant inside The Galleria mall (July 1–7; $60). Choose between two wines (Campanile Friuli Grave Pinot Grigio or 14 Hands Columbia Valley Market) to go with dishes including calamari, fin and shellfish stew and key lime pie.
Prohibition Supperclub and Bar
The Downtown hotspot is turning up the heat this Independence Day with a patriotic performance by The Moonlight Dolls burlesque troop, plus special guests Kitty Kitty Bang Bang and U.S. Veterans Initiative (July 4; 7 or 9:30 p.m.).
Showing support for the red, white and blue, Prohibition will donate a portion of food and beverage sales to U.S. VETS. Show your support by bringing a toiletry item to donate to the troops – and receive a free glass of punch. Tickets to the show range from $22 to $60 per person.
Enjoy tasty ‘cue and fried chicken at Pearland barbecue joint, Killen’s.
