Foodie News

Freebie alert: The best tax day deals in Houston — free food & discounted drinksabound

Whether you filed promptly in February or you're taking advantage of the extra two days this year, everyone deserves a little pick-me-up on tax day. Whether you want free bites or half-price drinks, fast food or something fancier, we've compiled the best deals on offer for April 17.

Head to the bar at The Palm for a free appetizer off the Prime Bites menu, including sliders, oysters and crab cakes — just print out this coupon first. If you got a fat return, you can finish the night off with one of the signature steaks, too.

If you need a drink after signing that check, RA Sushi has you covered, offering happy hour specials all night from 3 p.m. till closing at both the Highland Village and CityCentre locations. Happy hour prices include beer, wine, sake and cocktails from $3 to $7 and sushi and other bites starting at $2.

Sambuca is also making Tuesday an all-day happy hour day, with half-price appetizers, pizzas, wines by the glass, beers and cocktails, and Latin Bites is offering happy hour prices on its signature pisco cocktails all day long as well. The all-day happy hour (are you noticing a theme?) at Roots Bistro will include $5 Italian ice, beer from $2 and cocktails from $6.

Eater has also compiled a massive list of Tax Day deals from many national chains, including half-price drinks and slushies all day at Sonic, a free Shanghai Angus Steak (with coupon) at Panda Express, 20 boneless wings for $9.99 at Hooters, a free appetizer or dessert at Chili's when you buy an entree (coupon required), an extended happy hour at McCormick & Schmick's, 15 percent off everything but booze at P.F. Chang's and many more.

Do you take advantage of tax day discounts, or do you prefer to save by staying home?

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street food inspired

Veteran chef opens affordable new Thai restaurant in West Houston

A new restaurant serving Thai street food is opening in the Westchase District. Osha Thai Kitchen will begin serving customers on Tuesday, December 10.

Located in the West on West development (12230 Westheimer Rd.), Osha Thai Kitchen is the latest project from Saranya Danvetnukroh, who owns Nua Thai in downtown Houston. Named for the Thai word that means “delicious,” the restaurant takes inspiration from dishes served in street markets in different regions of Thailand as well as some items for those seeking more familiar flavors.

Meals at Osha could start with items such as crispy spring rolls, crab rangoon, or Thai chicken wings. Three papaya salads — traditional Thai, one with salted egg, and another that’s Lao style with salted crab — join chicken larb in the salads section.

Notably, Osha makes all of its noodles in-house. They’re utilized in dishes such as pad Thai, pad see ew, and pad woo sen. The restaurant also makes its curries in-house. They include red curry, green curry, and panang curry.

Part of Osha’s appeal will be its affordable prices. Only two entrees, crab fried rice and whole fried red snapper, cost more than $20.

Danvetnukroh has recruited sous chef Afridi Zama to lead the kitchen. His resume includes time with Pappas restaurant and at The Nicolette, a restaurant in Lubbock that earned a James Beard Award semifinalist nomination in 2022.

“This project is a culmination of dedication to our craft and creativity to elevate Thai cuisine,”

Danvetnukroh said in a statement. “It’s an homage to our roots and a celebration of our heritage in the modern age.”

West on West is home to number of food-related business. Its anchored by a 99 Ranch grocery store and includes restaurants such as cake bakery Lady M and Tokyo-based ramen shop Tsujita Artisan Noodle.

Photo by Becca Wright

Osha Thai Kitchen opens December 10.

openings news-you-can-eat osha thai kitchen