Where to eat on New Year's Eve

The ultimate guide to New Year's Eve and New Year's Day dining in Houston

Celebrate New Year's Eve in style at Musaafer.

Photo by Julie Soefer

Houston restaurants are ready to help people celebrate the end of 2020 with a variety of dine-in and to-go specials. We’ve also included a few brunch options for easing into 2021 after a night of excesses.

New Year’s Eve

a’Bouzy
The River Oaks restaurant is offering a to-go New Year’s Eve Party Kit for four ($308) that includes: ingredients for cocktails with Volcán Blanco Tequila (recipe card + instructional video link included), Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut NV, Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Brut NV, Moët & Chandon Brut Rosé NV, Moët & Chandon Imperial Ice NV, Moët & Chandon Champagne Goblets, New Year’s Spotify playlist, party hats, tiaras, and noisemakers. The restaurant will also be open for dine-in.

Be More Pacific
The Filipino restaurant in the Heights will ring in the New Year with a party that includes tunes by DJ Stashwell and DJ Fliphop, a champagne toast, and a souvenir glass. Table reservations start at $35 per person; the restaurant's karaoke rooms are also available. Food, including wings, lumpia, and other snacks, and cocktails, including mimosa towers, will be available for an additional cost

Bistro 555
The Memorial-area restaurant will serve a three-course menu on New Year’s Eve. Choices include lobster bisque, foie gras terrine, roasted lamb shank, snapper, and a lemon meringue tart. Priced at $75 per person, the restaurant will host two seatings at 6 and 8 pm. An early bad package (5 pm seating, $55) and to-go options are also available.

Bistro Menil
The Montrose favorite will serve a three-course, $110 menu on New Year’s Eve. Choices include crab bisque, porcini-rubbed NY strip, and frozen white chocolate raspberry soufflé. All courses include wine pairings.

East End Backyard
Beginning at 8 pm, Brian Ching’s sprawling patio bar will host its “New Year’s Under the Tent” party. The party will feature music by DJ Mike, giveaways, party favors, and a champagne toast at midnight. Chef James Miller’s $20 prix-fixe menu includes bacon-wrapped chicken brochette and a choice of grilled pork tenderloin, pan seared airline chicken breast, or chargrilled bistro shoulder tender with sides.

The Flying Saucer
The downtown location of the craft beer bar has a number of to-go specials, including discounts on rare bottles, mixed six packs of Stone and Real Ale for $15.99, and a massive charcuterie board that offers over three pounds of meat and cheese for $125. Watch the bar’s always entertaining Twitter feed for other specials.

Georgia James
Chris Shepherd’s steakhouse is offering a to-go meal for two ($95) that includes a 22-ounce 44 Farms ribeye, braised cabbage and bacon sausage, smashed potatoes, berry crisp, and party favors. The meal includes instructions for cooking the steak. Order by December 27 for pickup December 31. Very limited dine-in reservations are also available.

La Lucha
The New Year’s Eve menu ($65.95 per person) offers four courses that include a chilled seafood platter, gumbo, and the restaurant's signature fried chicken.

La Table
The French-influenced, Galleria-area restaurant offers multiple options on New Year’s Eve. Dine a la carte in the downstairs restaurant or participate in one of two seatings upstairs. The later, 8 pm seating features a three-course, $125 menu that includes French onion soup, filet au poivre, and tarte tatin. Downstairs, a DJ will spin tunes from 8:30 pm - 12:30 am.

Loch Bar
The seafood restaurant in River Oaks District will celebrate New Year’s Eve with live music from Mojo Faction, a prime rib special, and a champagne toast at midnight.

Lucille’s
Start New Year’s Eve with brunch at this Southern-influenced eatery in the Museum District. Dine on signature dishes such as croissant French roast, the lobster Benedict, and shrimp and grits. Live music will be performed on the patio, weather permitting.

Musaafer
The modern Indian restaurant will feature a six-course prix fixe menu and live entertainment on New Year’s eve. Reserve either the 6 pm ($95) or 9 pm ($130) seating, which includes a champagne toast.

North Italia
The Galleria-area Italian restaurant is offering a three-course, $65 menu that includes blue crab risotto, lobster fra diavolo, and cocktail specials.

Ouisie’s Table
The River Oaks institution will feature a three-course, $45 menu as well as a la carte selections. To-go meals are also available.

The Palm
In addition to its regular menu, the Galleria-area steakhouse with feature a surf and turf special of filet mignon (6-ounce $79, 9-ounce, $99) and king crab leg.

Pappas Bros. Steakhouse
The luxurious steakhouse will offer a New Year’s Eve menu that includes an appetizer, soup or salad, entree, and a side for $124.95 per person. Early-bird bookings (4-6 pm) are $114.94 per person. The meal is available for both dine-in and to-go.

Pinstripes
New Year’s Eve at this Upper Kirby entertainment venue will include live music, party favors, giveaways, and complimentary champagne toasts for all guests and complimentary sparkling juice or cider for the kids. In addition to the a la carte menu, the kitchen will feature braised short ribs with roasted root vegetables ($18) and apple pie.

Sixty Vines
The wine bar and restaurants $150, to-go kit for two includes salami and cheese, filets with grilled shrimp, choice of one side (no potatoes), deviled affogato, a 375-milliliter bottle of Luc Belaire Rose (Provence-Alpes-Cote de Azur), a 375-milliliter Taittinger “La Francaise” Brut (Reims), sunglasses, a confetti popper, sparklers, Add on a la carte tap wines for 50-percent off or a champagne flute tumbler for $15.

Tony’s
The restaurant will offer two seatings — one at 6 pm ($95) and a 9:15 pm option that includes live music by Nick and the Hits ($195). Choices on the four-course menu include risotto alle vongole, preserved tomato tartare, Osetra caviar parfait, truffled Prime filet, and rack of lamb. Dessert options include tuxedo cake, praline cheesecake, and blackberry crostata

Traveler’s Table
The globally-inspired Montrose restaurant has both dine-in and to-go options available. For dine-in, the restaurant will serve a three-course, $79 menu with three seatings at 5, 7, and 9 pm. A $130 take-out for two package offers its own three-course menu as well as a bottle of red, white, or sparkling wine.

Uchi
As a supplement to its omakase to-go offering, diners can add a package that includes 1-ounce of Kaluga Sturgeon (1 oz.) caviar and split bottle (375 mL) of Krug Champagne for $125.

New Year’s Day Brunch Specials

Common Bond
From January 1-3, all Common Bond Bistro locations will offer their weekend brunch menu that includes crispy pork hash, biscuits and gravy, and French toast with bacon. In addition, get $10 mimosa carafes available in traditional, hibiscus, or mango.

Hungry’s & Upstairs Bar and Lounge
The Rice Village mainstay will offer brunch all weekend along with $15 mimosa carafes and $6 Bloody Marys for dine-in and takeout. Brunch kits for four are also available for to-go.

The Original Ninfa’s
Both locations of the Tex-Mex restaurant will serve brunch all weekend with options that include red chile pork pozole and a pomegranate rum spritz ($10).

State Fare
Both locations will be open for brunch from 10 am - 4 pm with complimentary black eyed peas for each table. At-home brunch kits ($50) are also available with 24 hours notice; they include six cathead biscuits, one pound applewood smoked bacon, one pound breakfast sausage, a dozen eggs, one quart white gravy, 2.5-pounds of pancake mix, 4-ounces strawberry jam, 4-ounces of butter, and one pint of syrup.

Weights + Measures
The restaurant’s annual disco brunch features a dj, disco ball, and the staff in their finest disco attire. Served 10 am - 3 pm, the menu offers favorites like fried chicken and French toast, Benedicts, and chilaquiles.

news-you-can-eat

Soup spoon season

10 Houston chefs share 15 top soups that offer comfort and sustenance

Photo by Louis Lamson Quy

Louis Lamson Quy, co-owner of Alora, is a loyal diner at Phanh Ky thanks to its Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang, which reminds him of his hometown, Saigon.

Happy soup season to all who celebrate. The weather has finally dipped low enough in Houston that diners can enjoy a hearty bowl of soup without breaking a sweat. With so many delicious selections at Houston restaurants, we turned to Houston's chef and other restaurant industry experts to find out which brothy creations are worth seeking out.

The only rule? No one could nominate a soup from their own restaurant. Here’s what they had to say.

Dana East, line cook, Uchi Houston

To Dana East of Uchi Houston, the caldo de res at Ruchi Mexican Grille’s Reliant Stadium location “feels like home to me… Even though I’m not Mexican.”

“The caldo de res at that specific Ruchi's tastes like it was made in a Mexican grandmother's kitchen, or like soups that I would eat for family meal that kitchens I work in would make when everybody is sick during the winter,” she says.

East also recommends the Bogotano at Mi Pueblito, a soup made with three kinds of potatoes that she says “imbue a smoky flavor in it that is borderline addictive.”

“I could eat an entire pot of that stuff,” she says. “They serve it with fresh cream and capers that take it to the next level.”

Garrett Rice, owner, Bayou Butchers

The cream of crab soup at Loch Bar is a highlight that Garrett Rice of Bayou Butchers looks forward to after work.

“It’s a simple dish that lets a really good ingredient shine, and they certainly don’t shy away from the crab in true Baltimore fashion,” Rice says. “With Loch Bar’s kitchen open late, I can always count on a cup of crab soup waiting for me after a long shift.”

German Mosquera, executive chef, Long Weekend

When German Mosquera of Long Weekend wants ramen, he heads to Mensho, the Japan-based chain that just opened its second Houston-area location on the border of River Oaks and Montrose.

“For me, it’s all about the broth,” he says. “Mensho’s tori paitan has a rich, velvety texture and incredible umami flavor from start to finish. The perfectly jammy egg adds another layer of richness that keeps me coming back. I also love the intimate Tokyo-style counter seating. It makes for an authentic ramen experience.”

Kerry Pauly, owner, KP’s Kitchen

The matzo ball soup at Kenny and Ziggy’s is “in a league of its own,” according to Kerry Pauly of KP’s Kitchen. He describes it as “rich, flavorful, and pure comfort whether you’re sick or feeling great.”

Louis Lamson Quy, co-owner, Alora

“My favorite go-to spot for soup has always been Phanh Ky,” says Louis Lamson Quy of Alora, a Peruvian-Vietnamese fusion restaurant in Montrose. “They specialize in hủ tiếu nam vang, a noodle dish with roots tracing back to Teochew Chinese immigrants in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It’s also one of the most popular noodle dishes in my hometown, Saigon, so it always feels a little like home to me.

“To me, Phanh Ky is one of the OGs in the game,” he adds. “I first tried it when I moved to Houston nine years ago, and I’ve been coming back ever since. There’s just something comforting about a place that stays consistent after all these years.”

Maria Christie, operator and general manager, Christie’s Seafood and Steaks

“I love, love the lemon chicken soup at Harry’s,” says Maria Christie of Christie’s Seafood and Steaks. "For me the soup at Harry’s reminds me of the way my mom would make the lemon soup.”

“And the lentil soup (at Anonymous Cafe) is really hearty and it just reminds me of cold winter days (whenever we get those in Houston!),” she adds. “It’s absolutely perfect because it has a hint of tomato in it. Deeeelicious!”

Her sister, Kathy Christie, who serves as Christie's director of catering, is a fan of Little Pappasito's chicken tortilla soup. “Whenever you are under the weather, it totally hits the spot,” Kathy says. She adds extra lime to hers.

Nicole Routhier, partner and culinary ambassador, Le Colonial

The bun bo hue at Pho Quynh, a small Vietnamese restaurant located inside 99 Ranch Market, is a year round must for Nicole Routhier of Le Colonial.

“Their spicy, deeply flavorful broth is super comforting and among the best in town. The chef is generous with the noodles and toppings of tender beef brisket, pork shank, gio Hue (steamed pork sausage with black peppercorns), and blood pudding. The soup comes with a side of shaved cabbage, crunchy bean sprouts, Vietnamese mint (rau ram), and a wedge of lime to be added to the soup as you eat. Two tiny containers of fermented shrimp sauce (mam tom) and spicy chili oil are also provided so you can add even more umami to the soup,” Routhier says. “Bun bo hue is a full meal on its own, and my idea of heaven in a bowl.”

Oscar Juarez, founder and owner, Make It Nice Hospitality

The pozole verde at Cuchara is a simple and flavorful dish that private chef Oscar Juarez of Make It Nice Hospitality says he would recommend to anyone.

“The broth has a nice balance of richness and acidity, and it’s just one of those dishes that’s comforting without being too heavy,” Juarez says. “Growing up with Mexican food, I have a real appreciation for dishes like this.”

Rafael Nasr, founder, Craft Pita

Rafael Nasr of Craft Pita says he has “a burning passion for North China’s sizzling rice soup.”

He describes it as an intensely flavored, crystal-clear broth with bits of pork and tiny shrimp to fill you up.

“The carrot, napa cabbage, and wood ear mushrooms add umami and I am convinced have healing powers,” he says. “The flash fried rice adds texture and flavor at the same time and whether served table side or at home provide dinner and a show. I eat this soup and talk about it more than any soup in Houston.”

Nasr’s pro tip: Add a bit of soy sauce and lots of North China’s housemade green chili oil to the soup.

Ziggy Gruber, chef and owner, Kenny & Ziggy’s

Ziggy Gruber of Kenny & Ziggy’s has a couple of favorite soups in town, which isn’t surprising since his own deli is known for its bowl selection. Among his favorites is the clam chowder at Capital Grille, which he says captures the true flavor of the East Coast with plenty of clams and just the right amount of thyme.

He also loves the French onion soup at Etoile Cuisine et Bar.

“The stock is very rich and the onions are extracted so the flavor is permeated throughout the soup. I like that it has multiple croutons rather than one crouton in the soup,” he says. “And then the cheese on top!”

Another top pick for Ziggy is the tortilla soup at Grace’s.“It is complicated in such a good way, with the crunchy bits of tortillas and chicken skin, with the coolness of the avocado, and it has just the right amount of spice,” he says.

$Phanh Ky H\u1ee7 Ti\u1ebfu Nam Vang,$

Photo by Louis Lamson Quy

Louis Lamson Quy, co-owner of Alora, is a loyal diner at Phanh Ky thanks to its Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang, which reminds him of his hometown, Saigon.

news-you-can-eat soup lists chefs anderson