this weekend in dining

These are the 8 best food and drink events in Houston this weekend

This weekend’s best food events include a scavenger hunt that’s suitable for social distancing, the grand opening party of Houston’s newest sweets shop, and a pop-up featuring the hottest new trend in sandwiches. Let’s dive right in.

Thursday, December 10

Holiday Scavenger Hunt at Eighteen36
The Upper Kirby restaurant has partnered with lifestyle blogger (and InnovationMap editor) Natalie Harms of It’s Not Hou It’s Me for a 10-day scavenger hunt that celebrates local landmarks and businesses. Follow both Eighteen36 and It’s Not Hou on Instagram for clues that will reveal the prizes, each of which is worth more than $100.

Charity Steak Night at Poison Girl
Chef Chris Shepherd will be cooking up salisbury steak with mushroom gravy and onions, mashed potatoes, and green beans in support of the Southern Smoke Foundation. The meal and a cocktail costs $25, 6 pm.

Saturday, December 12

Smoked Lamb Pop-up at Craft Pita
The modern Lebanese restaurant has collaborated with Truth BBQ pitmaster Leonard Botello IV on two dishes: a smoked lamb shawarma sandwich and a smoked lamb rice bowl. Craft Pita will donate 15-percent of net proceeds from both dishes to Refugee Services of Texas’ Houston chapter, 11 am - sold out.

Grand Opening Party at The Bearded Baker
The recently opened cookie shop in The Heights will celebrate its opening with cookies, cakelettes, and special guest Fat Cat Creamery. Get a free glass of sparkling wine with every purchase over $20 (while supplies last). A portion of proceeds will benefit Autism Speaks, 12 - 3 pm.

Ugly Sweater Contest for Dogs at Bobcat Teddy’s Icehouse
Dress your pup in their finest holiday attire to compete for fun prizes. The Heights bar will donate part of the day’s sales to the Animal Aid Brigade, 3 pm.

Rooftop Wine Dinner at Liberty Kitchen Treehouse
Dine under the stars at this five-course dinner that features pairings from Prisoner Wine Company. The menu includes a king crab roll, poached shrimp salad, seared foie gras, espresso-crusted filet, and a chocolate dessert. The cost is $125 per person plus tax and tip, with seatings at both 5 pm and 8 pm. Call (713) 468-3745 to reserve a seat.

Sunday, December 13

Sando Gang Pop-up at Ramen Bar Ichi
Chef Yusuke Motozawa is bringing the same talent he showed for souffle pancakes at his Powered by Rice pop-up to Japanese-style sandwiches. For this first-run, the menu will include just four offerings: a spicy chicken karaage sando, a teriyaki-mayo chicken karaage sando, a wagyu katso sando made with A5 beef imported from Japan, and a wagyu katsu curry bowl. To-go service starts at 11 am, and dine-in starts at noon. Go early, because it will likely sell out quickly.

Toy Drive at Saint Arnold Beer Garden & Restaurant
Admittedly, a toy drive isn’t a food event, per se, but we’ll show a little love to Saint Arnold’s efforts to collect toys for children who participate in the Operation Pathways Program, a mentorship and guidance program at Cleme Manor in the Fifth Ward. Bring new, unwrapped toys for kids aged 2 to 16 for drop-off between 11 am and 6 pm.

Liberty Kitchen is hosting a rooftop wine dinner.

Photo by George Paez

Liberty Kitchen is hosting a rooftop wine dinner.

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Make a wish

Mexico City-style bar shakes up Houston with modern sips and Michelin-worthy eats

Photo by Josh Aranda

A U-shaped bar is a focal point.

A Mexico City-inspired bar from two of Houston's most well-regarded nightlife operators will soon open its doors. 1111 will begin its soft opening this Monday, May 4.

Located next to Doc’s Jazz Club at 1111 Westheimer, 1111 is the latest project from Melrose owners Army Sadeghi and Brandon Duliakas. Sadeghi tells CultureMap that where Melrose is built for groups, 1111 is a more immersive experience, with more sophisticated cocktails and an elevated food program by chef Emmanuel Chavez, chef and co-owner of Houston’s Michelin-starred Tatemó.

“I’d choose 1111 for something more elevated, such as a date,” Sadeghi writes in a text. “Melrose is better for a more social night with bigger groups and that indoor-outdoor patio energy.”

To create the cocktail program, Sadeghi and Duliakas collaborated with bartenders who had worked at Handshake Speakeasy, the Mexico City standout that ranked No. 1 in the world in 2024 and remains No. 12 in 2026. By employing modern techniques such as clarification, fat washing, and advanced infusions, 1111 is focused on elevating classic cocktails and delivering a consistent experience from visit to visit.

“We approached 1111 with a clear focus on how the bar program, kitchen, and design work together,” Duliakas said in a statement. “From the precision behind the cocktails to the depth and flexibility of the menu, we wanted every detail to be developed with intention, and the design is meant to bring that same intention into the space. We’re really excited to bring this to Houston and hope guests enjoy it as much as we’ve loved creating it.”

Whereas Chavez created playful bar food for Melrose such as chicken fingers with caviar, tuna over crispy rice, and a cheeseburger, the food at 1111 is more explicitly Mexican. It includes a tuna tostada, empanadas, and guacamole. Entrees include a wagyu carne asada and a whole grilled sea bass with green and red sauces that’s presented in the style of Contramar, Mexico City’s celebrated seafood restaurant that holds a Bib Gourmand designation in the Michelin Guide.

In terms of design, the 4,500-square-foot space is decorated in neutral tones with blond wood accents. Diners may sit at the oval-shaped or on custom, lounge-style furniture and banquets. Well-placed lighting enhances the room’s intimate feeling.

1111 is part of Houston developer Radom Capital’s redevelopment of the former Tower Theater property. In addition to Doc’s, it is also home to a location of South African chicken restaurant Nando’s Peri-Peri and Houston Chinese food staple Mala Sichuan.

Photo by Jason Haas

A U-shaped bar is a focal point.

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