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

From morocco to Memorial

Growing Houston Mediterranean restaurant picks Memorial for 3rd location

Courtesy of Zoa Eateries

A rendering previews the Memorial location of Zoa Eateries.

A casual, Houston-based Mediterranean restaurant is coming to Memorial. Zoa Eateries will open a new location this summer at 9807 Katy Fwy.

Opened in 2020 as Zoa Moroccan Kitchen, chef-owner Youssef Nafaa has rebranded the concept. Along with the new name, the fast casual restaurant will roll out a new menu with simplified sandwich offerings, more grab-and-go options, and new breakfast items.

Nafaa, the owner of concepts such as Mia Bella Trattoria, Coco Crepes & Coffee, and Mi Luna Tapas Restaurant & Bar, is working with his sons Zack, Omar, and Adam — the brand’s namesakes — on the restaurant. It currently has locations in Greenway Plaza and near the intersection of Shepherd Dr. and Washington Ave.

"Memorial means a lot to our family,” Adam Nafaa said in a statement. “I grew up in the area and attended Spring Branch ISD schools, including Memorial High School. Bringing it to the neighborhood I grew up in feels personal. I remember hanging out at Southwells after school, which, for those who know that location, was an institution, excited to be entering a market that influenced the formative years of my own growth.”

While the menu is being refreshed, it still revolves around build-your-own bowls and sandwiches made with braised beef tagine, roasted lamb meshwi, and beef kefta. Sandwiches are served on house made bread. Bowls can be enhanced with 20 toppings and nine sauces, including red and green harissa.

The restaurant itself is approximately 1,800 square feet and will offer indoor seating for 42 along with an outdoor patio. It will be open daily from 8 am until 10 pm.

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