When it comes to dining, Mother's Day clearly tops Father's Day. After all, the old stereotypes die hard, and the restaurant-going public, as judged by the crowds of people who make it one of the single busiest days of the year, reflects that.
In the traditional way of thinking, mom wants to be taken away from the kitchen and pampered over mimosas and fluffy egg dishes at a luxurious brunch, but Father's Day is a little more subdued. Dad wants to grill gigantic hunks of meat over an open flame. If that's your family's preferred Father's Day celebration, go and enjoy — ideally, somewhere with a pool. Maybe try that fancy pants reverse sear method for steaks that everyone is so excited about.
For those who either don't want to cook or aren't celebrating with dad, here are four bar and restaurant suggestions that may be compelling enough to break the natural impulse to stay home and watch Jon Snow battle Ramsay Bolton during this week's episode of Game of Thrones. After all, GOT will be on HBO Go that night anyway, but the memories of a night out will linger longer.
Lots of barbecue places will be running specials, but downtown's Jackson Street Barbecue will celebrate Father's Day's coincidental timing with Juneteenth by putting its own spin on a beloved East Texas (and therefore, African American) barbecue tradition. Pitmaster Greg Gatlin has worked with local sausage maker Ruffino Meats to produce his own version of the classic beef links that are a staple of places like Patillo's Bar-B-Q in Beaumont. Instead of beef trimmings, Gatlin's version uses prime beef brisket that's seasoned with garlic and paprika. Available from 11 am to 3 pm for one day only, probably.
After filling up on sausage (or watching the Astros defeat a Reds team that's one of the worst in baseball), stay downtown and stop by Reserve 101. Houston's best whiskey bar will be hosting a tasting of Macallan 12 year old, 18 year old, and Limited Edition No. 1 for only $35 (6:30 pm, tickets available online or at the door).
Over at Grand Prize, Pi Pizza owner Anthony Calleo and Ninja Ramen owner Christopher Huang will continue their Kung Food Fighting: A Test Kitchen pop-up with a head to head burger battle that starts at 6 pm. After picking a favorite, head upstairs where bar director Lindsey Burleson and Marie Zahn of Copper & Kings American Brandy Co. will create brandy cocktails inspired by the music of Nikki Lane's album All or Nothin' (Burleson) and The Cramps' A Date With Elvis (Zahn) from 8 pm to midnight as part a nationwide pop-up series called THE MIXT&PE.
Just a little north on Montrose, Zimm's bar director Judith Piotrowski continues the Bitter Hour guest bartender series with Moving Sidewalk co-owner Alex Gregg. Expect a menu of mostly whiskey cocktails with meat-heavy dishes prepared by Tastemaker Awards Chef of the Year Adam Dorris of Zimm's sister concept Pax Americana. The bar will donate $2 from every cocktail and $5 from every plate to The Montrose Center.
Greg Gatlin will serve classic East Texas-style beef links at Jackson Street Barbecue on Sunday.
