Order Up

3 of Houston's top restaurants roll out weekday lunch specials

Offices are open again, and with that comes the return of the business lunch. Even if you're not dining with clients, a quick and delicious lunch spot should be on everyone's agenda.

These three popular restaurants from Berg Hospitality Group each offer a special menu every Monday through Friday from 11 am-3 pm. Whether you're sitting down to a meal that's all business or a long, leisurely lunch with friends, just let your server know and they will accommodate you. If choosing the latter, be sure to ask your server for cocktail or wine pairing suggestions to fully enhance the experience.

“We created these menus because we wanted to offer our guests a weekday lunch with a great value, and one where they can dictate the speed of the experience," says Berg Hospitality CEO and founder, Benjamin Berg. "We are prepared to serve a quick meal for those looking to get in and out, or we can accommodate a long and relaxing European-style lunch."

Photo by Kirsten Gilliam

Pop into The Annie Cafe & Bar for the Post Oak Burger.

Trattoria Sofia
Two courses, $24
Take a midday break with the ‘Riposino’ menu, which starts with your choice of the insalata misticanza, spiedini de fontina di prosciutto, or barbabietolina arrosto, then move on to secondi like pollo a la parmigiana, margherita pizza, and more. The menu is offered not only in the dining room, but on the terrace and at the bar as well. Call 713-804-0429 or book on OpenTable below, but walk-ins are also accepted. Learn more and view the menu here.

The Annie Cafe & Bar
Two courses, $29
Pop into this Post Oak staple to chow down on classics like The Annie tortilla soup, Post Oak burger, Cobb salad, chicken paillard, and more. Walk-ins are accepted, but a better bet is calling 713-804-1800 or visiting OpenTable for a reservation. Learn more and view the menu here.

B&B Butchers & Restaurant
Two courses, $36
You can't go wrong with the delicious offerings from this Washington Ave. hot spot which is a short drive from downtown. Choose from options like the Caesar salad, Cobb salad, seared salmon, chicken shank, filet medallions, and more. Call 713-862-1814 or visit OpenTable to book your table, though walk-ins are also accepted. Learn more and view the menu here.

lunch promoted

let's dance

New Houston nightclub shakes up downtown with salsa dancing and yoga classes

Courtesy of Clandestina

Clandestina is now open in downtown Houston.

Downtown recently welcomed a new venue dedicated to adding a little theatricality to Houston’s nightlife scene. After opening quietly last month in the former Prohibition space (1008 Prairie St.), Clandestina will bring a little Latin flair to downtown when it celebrates its grand opening this Saturday, January 17.

Owner Issac Hendrix has been a nightclub promoter for many years, leading events at venues such as Clutch, Bottled Blonde, Aura, and Lincoln. He sees Clandestina as an opportunity to bring something different to Houston.

“There aren’t many Latin-infused cocktail places. It made me want to create something like that for everybody,” Hendrix tells CultureMap. “I want to bring something of quality that’s fun for people. Not so much about the image of having fun but actually people dancing.”

Part of when sets Clandestina apart is the location’s theatrical stage. Hidden behind a bookcase in the front bar area — its clandestine nature inspired the venue’s name — it will allow the venue to host performances by dance troupes, DJs, and even movie nights that will feature classic films like the Wizard of Oz or Beetlejuice paired with themed food and drinks.

The front lounge/dining room will have its own DJs playing different music. In February, Hendrix aims to roll out weekend brunch service.

Mostly, Hendrix wants people to dance. On Friday nights, Clandestina will host a salsa class beginning at 8 pm.

The club also has a wellness focus. On the third Saturday of every month, it will host daytime events such as yoga or pilates classes with matcha and coffee. A portion of proceeds will benefit a different local nonprofit each month.

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A post shared by CLANDESTINA (@clandestinahouston)

Saturday’s grand opening will bring all of these elements together. A wellness event will run from 12-5 pm with Clandestina making a donation to location breast cancer nonprofit The Rose. A reception from 6-10 pm will feature DJs and cocktails. From 10 pm-2 am, the energy gets turned up with fire dancers, percussion, and a saxophonist.

Courtesy of Clandestina

Clandestina is now open in downtown Houston.

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