vote with your appetite

These hot Houston restaurants and bars are serving up deals for early voters

Hold on to that "I voted" sticker for as long as possible. It's an easy way to score some cheap eats.

Houston's bars and restaurants are doing their part to encourage their fellow citizens to vote with an array of discounts on food and drinks. From free margaritas to an extra scoop of ice cream, this roundup should suit every taste.

CultureMap will update this guide as more specials come in through Election Day.

Bread Man Baking Co.
Get 20-percent off your purchase at either Galveston's Own Farmers Market or the Urban Harvest farmers market with an "I voted" sticker through Election Day.

Brennan’s of Houston
On Election Day, the Creole institution will give voters a free order of Ballot Beignets.

Cacao & Cardamom
Now through Election Day, get a free "Vote" bonbon with an "I voted" sticker at either of the popular chocolatier's locations.

Caracol, Hugo’s, and Xochi
All three of chef Hugo Ortega and Tracy Vaught’s restaurants will reward voters with a free margarita: choose from red, white, or blue. They’re also available for $11 each for those who want a second. The offer is good through Election Day.

Eatsie Boys
Flash the “I voted” stick for $1 off any menu item at this food truck that can be found at 8th Wonder Brewery.

Fat Cat Creamery
The ice cream shop in The Heights will give voters a free scoop upgrade. As in, buy one, get the second scoop for free.

Feges BBQ
The Greenway Plaza restaurant will give a 10-percent discount to diners with an “I voted” sticker.

La Grange
Get a free order of chicharrones at this Montrose patio bar with an "I voted" sticker.

Lucille’s
On Election Day, diners will receive 30-percent off their meals with an “I voted” sticker.

Michael's Cookie Jar
Now through Election Day, get a free cookie at either the West U. or Briargrove location with an "I voted" sticker.

Molina’s Cantina
All locations will offer voters a house margarita for $6.50 on Election Day.

Niko Niko's
An "I voted" sticker generates a 10-percent discount at the popular Greek restaurant (through November 8).

Phat Eatery
The Malaysian restaurant’s signature roti canai, a flaky Indian flatbread accompanied by curry dip, gets a discount to $2 now through Election Day for voters.

Underbelly Hospitality
Get each of the following dishes for free at Chris Shepherd’s restaurants with an “I voted” sticker:

Georgia James: Bacon Sausage and Hash Browns
Hay Merchant: People’s Choice Championship Queso
One Fifth Mediterranean: Hummus and pita
UB Preserv: Pork dumplings

Urban Eats
Show either an "I voted" sticker or a poll receipt to receive a free drip coffee with any purchase and/or a $5 biscuit breakfast sandwich (regular price $9). Offer good through November 6.

UB Preserv is offering a free order of pork dumplings.

Photo by Julie Soefer

UB Preserv is offering a free order of pork dumplings.

news-you-can-eat

shining star

New chicken restaurant flies into Houston with 'gluten-friendly' tendies

Courtesy of Starbird

Starbird sells chicken tenders, chicken nuggets, chicken sandwiches, and more.

A local restaurant group is bringing a California-based chicken concept to Texas. Mac Haik Restaurant Group announced it has reached an agreement with Starbird to open locations in Houston, Austin, and San Antonio.

Founded in the San Francisco area in 2016, Starbird is a fast casual restaurant with 19 locations in California and Colorado. It serves fried chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, chicken nuggets, chicken wings, and salads that are made with chicken that’s “all-natural, never-frozen, antibiotic-free” and covered in a “gluten-friendly breading” that’s cooked fresh to order, according to a press release.

Pair them with sides such as cole slaw, french fries, crispy Thai Brussels sprouts, or elote. Diners can dip their tenders in 11 sauces, including Greek yogurt ranch, Thai herb aioli, honey mustard, honey chipotle bbq, and more.

Part of Mac Haik Enterprises Ltd, Mac Haik Restaurant Group operates a number of franchised restaurants, including breakfast concept First Watch Daytime Café, the Original ChopShop, and Due’ Cucina. It will open Kirkwood, an upscale supper club, later this spring in a West Houston office building that’s also owned by MHE.

“We evaluate opportunities through the lens of long-term brand relevance, not just unit growth,” MHRG COO Dan Anfinson said in a statement. “Starbird delivers a level of culinary quality and operational sophistication that we believe is still underserved in the premium fast-casual chicken category, particularly in Texas. The brand has a clear point of view and the systems to scale responsibly. That combination is rare, and we’re excited to introduce it thoughtfully across our markets.”

The company intends to open as many as 36 locations beginning in 2027, but MHRG is still in the process of securing specific locations. It will announce which city will be first to receive a Starbird at a later time.

“This agreement reflects the strength of our business model and the clarity of our long-term vision,” added Starbird CEO Greg Levin. “As we mark our 10th anniversary, this is shaping up to be our biggest year yet in terms of expansion. Texas is a critical market for us moving forward, and partnering with an experienced organization like Mac Haik Restaurant Group allows us to grow thoughtfully while staying true to what makes Starbird special.”

Courtesy of Starbird

Starbird sells chicken tenders, chicken nuggets, chicken sandwiches, and more.

openings news-you-can-eat starbird