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

All-day cafe with boutique hotel vibes coming to downtown Houston

Rendering courtesy of Rebees

Lila's is the newest restaurant to arrive at GreenStreet, the three-block downtown complex.

Downtown Houston is adding a new restaurant to its roster with Lila’s at GreenStreet. Slated to open this fall, Lila’s is envisioned as an all-day New American restaurant that starts the day with coffee and breakfast and ends with dinner and cocktails.

Located at 1201 Fannin Street, Lila's occupies a 5,100-square-foot space in the former lobby of the office tower, with its entrance tucked into an alleyway between McCormick & Schmick’s and The Palm. The restaurant aims to capture the experience of a boutique hotel, without the hassle of overnight guests.

“We’ve spent years thinking about how hospitality can fundamentally change the experience of a place,” Matt Ragan, chief hospitality officer for Rebees, said in a statement. “With Lila’s, we’re taking the level of service, attention to detail, and sense of welcome you expect from a great boutique hotel and applying it to an everyday restaurant. We want someone grabbing coffee before work, meeting a client for lunch or settling in for dinner and drinks to feel equally at home.”

Executive chef Garee Battad will lead the kitchen, drawing on his two decades of experience largely at hotel restaurants such as Nobu at Hotel Crescent Court and Charlie Palmer at The Joule Dallas. His most recent position was as executive chef at Azumi, the elevated Japanese restaurant in River Oaks District.

“Some of the most memorable restaurants where I’ve worked have been gathering places inside great hotels, and that’s the spirit and sense of place we’re bringing to Lila’s,” Battad said. “We want every dish to feel familiar yet unexpected.”

Behind the bar, mixologist Zach Smigiel is crafting an ingredient-forward cocktail program with a focus on seasonal flavors, complemented by a wine list, local beers, and nonalcoholic beverages.

The eatery is the latest endeavor by Rebees, the Houston-based hospitality management firm behind GreenStreet, and its second venture into the culinary world. Its first was Dallas restaurant Billy Can Can, led by executive chef and partner Matt Ford, who will also develop Lila’s menu alongside Battad. Lila’s is named after a French Bulldog owned by Rebees founder Tristan Simon.

This is the hospitality firm’s second endeavor into the culinary world, joining its Dallas restaurant Billy Can Can, led by executive chef and partner Matt Ford. Ford will also be developing Lila’s menu alongside Battad.

Tenants of GreenStreet, the three-block, mixed-use development, will be able to order meals and drinks from Lila’s directly to their offices through a proprietary app.

Rendering courtesy of Rebees

Lila's is the newest restaurant to arrive at GreenStreet, the three-block downtown complex.

vote with your appetite

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

UB Preserv is offering a free order of pork dumplings.

All-day cafe with boutique hotel vibes coming to downtown Houston

Family-owned Houston pizzeria rises with 2 new locations

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