Whereas Mother’s Day is usually celebrated with brunch, a meal on Father’s Day conjures an image of dad in the backyard, tending to a grill or smoker, and taking pride in serving a meal to his family.
Of course, not every dad wants to stand outside sweating next to a live fire cooking apparatus. Some dads want to be pampered on their special day. That’s where Houston restaurants come in.
We’ve rounded up some of the more intriguing options for Father’s Day specials — everything from a $33 all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ feast to a $200 tasting menu with whiskey pairings. The list has a few traditional options, too, for a dad who just wants a steak and eggs for breakfast.
As of Tuesday, June 13, all of the restaurants in this list that take reservations still had tables available, but they might go quickly. Act fast to secure a spot.
Arnaldo Richards’ Picos
The Upper Kirby Restaurant’s Father’s Day Sunday Brunch Buffet (10 am - 3 pm) will feature selections such as a carving station with pork belly porchetta, prime rib, and picanha; an antojito platter featuring gorditas, picadas, and quesadillas; a raw bar with oyster shooters, ceviches, and Gulf shrimp; as well as classic brunch favorites and a full dessert price. The buffet is priced at $54 for adults, $42 for seniors, $30 for children over eight, and free for children under age eight.
Federal American Grill
All four Houston-area locations of the comfort food restaurant and whiskey bar will offer specials including a flight of three Horse Soldier bourbons and a surf and turf with an 8-ounce filet paired with two blackened shrimp.
Feges BBQ
Expect a big crowd at this barbecue joint in Spring Branch. Their combination second anniversary and Father's Day celebration includes drink specials, swag from Lone Star beer, snoballs, activities for kids, and plenty of smoked meat.
5Kinokawa
Chef Billy Kin will be joined by Gary Clark, author of the Japanese Whisky Handbook, for a special omakase menu that will feature pairings such as Hakata 12yr and Ikikko 8yr from Japan, Indri Trini from the Caribbean, and Isle of Raasay Hebridean from Scotland. Reservations are required for the $200 per person meal.
Fluff Bake Bar
Pastry chef Rebecca Masson is still accepting orders for her two Father's Day specials — The Golden Goose (6-inch layered devils food cake with salted caramel ganache, salted caramel buttercream, and pretzel crunch that's topped with gooey salted caramel and chocolate crunchy pearls, $49) and a Bourbon, Chocolate & Pecan Pie (chocolate pie dough filled with Texas pecans, chocolate chips, and a Maker’s Mark bourbon filling, $40). Pick up available Saturday or Sunday.
Four Seasons Hotel Houston
Bayou & Bottle, the hotel's lobby bar, will feature its signature Bayou Burger for $6. At the hotel's spa, dads may opt for a Southern Scrub & Sip, a signature treatment that finishes with a glass of Maker's Mark single barrel bourbon.
Heights & Co.
The casual bar will feature a Manmosa — made with orange juice and Montucky — for $4. Pair it with items from the brunch menu such as steak and eggs or a brunch burger that’s topped with cheddar, guacamole, bacon, a fried egg, chorizo, and aioli.
Homestead
The all-day brunch spot in the Heights MKT development will feature a huarache special that’s topped with a 5-ounce filet mignon, refried black beans, vegetables, queso fresco, and salsa verde. Of course, the full menu will also be available.
Hongdae 33
Chinatown’s new, all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ restaurant will give dads a free lobster tail upgrade. Walk-in diners welcome. Open 11 am - 12 am.
J-Bar-M Barbecue
The EaDo barbecue joint will supplement its regular menu with a beef rib special that includes a whole rib (weighing between 1-1.5 pounds) and two sides for $45.
Molina’s Cantina
The Houston Tex-Mex staple will feature its house margarita for just $6.50 all weekend (Friday-Sunday).
Morton’s the Steakhouse
The Landry’s-owned luxury steakhouse will feature a prime rib special and an Old Fashioned riff made with Texas-distilled Garrison Bros. Small Batch Bourbon.
New York Deli & Bakery
Dads get a free bagel with cream cheese at this Meyerland staple. Choose from sweet (cinnamon raisin, blueberry, etc.) or savory (everything, poppy, sesame, etc) varieties.
Pondicheri
The Upper Kirby staple may be known for its vegetarian-friendly menu, but they’re making an exception for Father’s Day with a ribeye biryani that’s made with chunks of marinated prime ribeye that’s braised with rice, almonds, and fried onions.
The Raven Grill
The Museum District-area favorite will take half off its well-regarded chicken fried steak on Father's Day. Pair it with $1 Lone Star longnecks. For reservations, call 713-521-2027.
State Fare
All three locations of the comfort food restaurant are a Steak & Eggs special to their usual brunch offerings. It includes a half-pound, Cajun-spiced ribeye with potatoes, blistered tomatoes, and two eggs for $28.
Sushi by Hidden
The Rice Village restaurant that serves a 12-piece sushi progression in just 30 minutes will supplement its regular menu with a special wagyu hand roll that will only be served on Father’s Day.
Treebeards
The Bunker Hill location of the Creole institution is offering $2 draft beers for dads (limit three per customer). Pair them with staples such as red beans and rice, shrimp etouffee, or BBQ shrimp and grits.
Wild Oats
The Texas comfort food restaurant will supplement its usual brunch offerings with specials that include smoked prime rib; grilled mahi mahi fish tacos; an omelet with chorizo, mushrooms, and spinach; and Dr Pepper cake.
Photo by CKO Digital
Get a brunch burger and a Manmosa at Heights & Co.
