Houston Restaurant Weeks kicks off Thursday, August 1, and many of our favorite restaurants in the Heights are taking part. If this is your first summer in Houston, Houston Restaurant Week (or “HRW” for those in the know) is an annual event where participating restaurants offer special multi-course prix fixe menus. A portion of the proceeds goes to the Houston Food Bank, so you can feel good about indulging your foodie side.
Through September 2, you can find brunch and lunch offerings for $20 and dinners for $35 or $45, depending on the venue. Here are a few of our favorite participating Heights restaurants.
Alice Blue
We’re super stoked that a few of our neighbors on 19th Street are participating in Restaurant Weeks! Alice Blue offers a $35 HRW dinner that includes three delicious courses, and a lunch option that we’ll definitely be taking advantage of several times. For charity, of course. The heirloom tomato salad is perfect for summer, and the espresso-tinged chocolate cake is to die for.
Circa’s tip: If your party includes a vegetarian or anybody avoiding gluten, Alice Blue is one of your best bets during HRW.
B&B Butcher & Restaurant
If you’ve got a picky eater in your party, B&B is an excellent choice. The featured menu has more variety than other participating restaurants, including vegetarian and gluten-free items. There is a lot more to be had than just steaks! For every $45 HRW dinner sold at B&B, $7 will go to the Food Bank. There’s also a lunch option.
Circa’s tip: For an additional $20, upgrade to the King Crab appetizer.
Harold’s Restaurant & Tap Room
Known for its Southern cuisine and Southern hospitality, Harold’s HRW brunch, lunch, and dinner options all feature ingredients from local and regional farmers. For $35, you can enjoy a three-course dinner, with options such as double brine fried chicken, Gulf shrimp ‘n’ grits, and NOLA bread pudding. Time to discover why Harold’s made the Houston Chronicle’s Top 100 Restaurants of 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017.
Circa’s tip: If you decide to dine at Harold’s during the week, be sure to drop by the Circa Real Estate office. Find us next door to the Tap Room. We’d love to see you!
Cavatore Italian Restaurant
The HRW lunch and dinner menu at Cavatore features many Italian classics. Tiramisu, lasagna, and their amazing stuffed mushrooms can all be found on the set menus. These staples will satisfy your need for great comfort food. The dinner menu is $35, and with lunch at $20, both include an appetizer, entree, and dessert.
Circa’s tip: Please note, if you are a vegan or gluten free, options are sparse. This is definitely a meat haven.
Ginger & Fork
This Asian-fusion spot is offering a four-course dinner for $45, and $20 for the three-course lunch. Both menus feature vegetarian, vegan. and gluten-free items. Ginger & Fork’s lunch is the perfect mid-week meal with items falling on the lighter side, If you want a feast, stop by for dinner.
Circa’s tip: The dinner menu includes a complimentary glass of wine. Score!
Karbach Restaurant & Patio
This brewery is not in the Heights, but we had to make an exception. Each course on Karbach’s HRW dinner menu is paired with a complementary beer. If you are stuck in a beer rut, take this opportunity to try something new. The Korean fried chicken is paired with a Weekend Warrior, Crawford Bock will be served with the shrimp and grits, and the creme brûlée comes with BBH Horchata.
Circa’s tip: Before dinner, take advantage of the Happy Hour. Mainstays are $3 Monday through Friday from 3-6 PM.
Max’s Wine Dive
At Max’s on Washington Ave., choose an appetizer, entree, and dessert for $35. The dinner menu features one guilty pleasure after another, including their famous southern fried chicken. Beverages are not included in the prix fixe menu, but do not let that stop you from exploring Max’s extensive wine list. If you need a little assistance, ask your waiter for their recommendation.
Circa’s tip: Get the fried chicken. Trust us.
These are just a few favorites from a list of many restaurants taking part in Houston Restaurant Weeks. For the complete list, pricing, and menus, visit www.houstonrestaurantweeks.com. There are not a lot of opportunities where you get to indulge in excellent food for an amazing cause. Don’t miss your chance!
Check out other ways to help the Houston Food Bank here.