An outdoor cookout on Memorial Day isn’t everyone’s idea of a good time. The mosquitoes, a chance of rain and our typical Houston humidity can make dining inside sound like a really excellent plan. Besides, who doesn’t like the idea of someone else cooking and doing the dishes? Here are 10 restaurants that are ready and willing to make it special.
Note that many of these restaurants are doing their special Memorial Day meal on Sunday, not on Monday, so we’ve broken them down by day for you. Also check out our list of
10 Must-Try Brunches in Houston.
Sunday, May 24
10. Killen’s Barbecue, 3613 East Broadway, Pearland
The lauded Pearland barbecue joint is doing up the Sunday before Memorial Day in a big way this year. There’s a live outdoor concert by the Junior Gordon Band from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free Lone Star will be flowing 'til it runs out and there will be both fried chicken and barbecue for sale until it’s all gone, too. ( Killen's will be closed on Monday for Memorial Day.)
9. Quattro At Four Seasons Houston, 1300 Lamar
Quattro is expanding their already-impressive Sunday brunch for Memorial Day weekend to more than 50 different menu items. In addition, the third floor will feature several attended serving stations, including a full breakfast buffet, rotisserie chicken, pasta and dessert. Guests 21 and over can take advantage of complimentary Mimosas and Bloody Marys. Brunch runs from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The huge feast is $65 per adult and $32 for kids aged six to 12 plus tax and gratuity. Kids five and under are free.
8. Urban Eats, 3414 Washington
Urban Eats is having its inaugural Sunday brunch this weekend from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and they’re planning to introduce some new dishes for it as well. The Breakfast Pie sounds intriguing. It’s a quiche variant in a buttermilk crust that comes in three varieties: sausage and scallions; bacon, ham, onions and peppers; and spinach and shallot. (Urban Eats received an
overall good review from us just a few months ago, too.)
7. Jasper’s, The Woodlands, 9595 Six Pines
Jasper’s has been a good, steady bet for Woodlands dining for years and even has entrées evocative of outdoor dining. They’re just in a fancier setting. Memorial Day-ready picks for Sunday brunch include the Backyard Tenderloin/Brisket Burger with cheddar, Jarlsberg Swiss, pepper jack and handcut fries as well as the acclaimed slow-smoked baby back ribs with creamy "baked potato " salad. The regular menu will be served on Monday, Memorial Day.
Monday, May 25
6. Ninfa’s On Navigation, 2704 Navigation
Houston classic Tex-Mex place Original Ninfa’s on Navigation is honoring military men and women in uniform on Memorial Day by giving them 50-percent off their meals all day Monday.
5. Arnaldo Richards’ Picos, 3601 Kirby
Picos will be giving away free lunch from Memorial Day through Friday, May 29 to all veterans. The veterans must be with someone else that has a dish of an equal or lesser value to get the deal.
4. The Chicken Ranch, 6500 North Main
If you’re planning for a picnic on Memorial Day (and the weather is accommodating), The Chicken Ranch is open this Monday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (They’re usually closed on Mondays.) If the weather’s not behaving, eat inside, under the covered patio or take it home for an indoor picnic. Choose from among their crispy fried chicken assortments, saucy wings in a variety of flavors and deep-fried chicken livers. There are also a variety of sides to choose from, including really great collard greens with bacon and smashed potatoes.
3. El Big Bad, 419 Travis
El Big Bad has a sporty take on Memorial Day this year. It opens at 3 p.m. on Monday and is serving smothered fries and ballpark nachos. Enjoy $3 off margaritas and cocktails until 7 p.m. for happy hour.
2. Fielding’s Wood Grill, 1699 Research Forest, The Woodlands
This Woodlands restaurant, known for sourcing local beef and produce, is featuring its outstanding brunch through Memorial Day. Diners have the option to go any day from 11 a.m to 3 p.m. during the extended holiday, as brunch is offered on Saturday and Sunday as usual, too. There are sweet and savory entrées to choose from for brunch. On the savory side, try the 44 Farms sirloin with two eggs, baked hash and either an English muffin or yogurt biscuit. The French toast will likely satisfy sweet tooths (sweet teeth?) with Crème brûlée-dipped bread, maple syrup and whipped cream
1. Saint Arnold Brewing Company, 2000 Lyons
Houston’s oldest craft brewery has a special Memorial Day buffet planned for Monday from 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. It features all the good things you’d want at a picnic: chopped brisket, bratwurst, chicken legs, baked beans, potato salad, broccoli salad and apple cobbler. That’s all not to mention there will be several Saint Arnold beers on tap to enjoy alongside lunch. The buffet lunch is $19, all-inclusive. Be sure to
buy tickets online ASAP before it sells out. Kids five and under are free.
Bonus Option: Bistro Provence, 13616 Memorial
Bistro Provence will be open regular hours on Monday, Memorial Day and they're also rolling out a great-sounding menu item for warmer weather. It's shredded duck confit on mixed greens, poached egg, a grilled slice of potato, bell peppers and dijon mustard vinaigrette. It's a great option for folks who are trying stay away from the typical fat-laden holiday selections, too. Their hours are 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 to 10 p.m.