Join the Houston Food Bank in a special Happy Hour for Hunger on Wednesday, September 30 at 1919 Wine & Mixology, 2736 Virginia. For $10, guests will get two drinks, and $6 will go back to the Houston Food Bank. The happy hour runs from 6 to 8 p.m. 

The Counter has introduced a new fall menu featuring Southern Style Seasonal Specials, available now through Sunday, November 15. The selections include a buttermilk fried chicken sandwich and avocado-topped fried chicken salad, plus smothered garlic-parmesan corn and a banana cream pie shake (which we can confirm is quite addicting). The specials are available at both the Washington location, 4601 Washington, and The Woodlands location, 9595 Six Pines.

Enjoy a Beer and Pizza Celebration at Laurenzo’s Restaurant, 4412 Washington, during the entire month of October, where you’ll receive happy hour prices on all draft beer when you enjoy any of the restaurant's signature pizzas. Chef and owner Domenic Laurenzo uses the dough and sauce that his great-grandfather brought with him from Italy to make some truly special pies, ranging from traditional margherita and sausage & peppers to the Texas-inspired chipotle chicken & blackened prime rib. All come with fresh mozzarella made in house.

Saint Arnold Brewery, 2000 Lyons, will be celebrating Oktoberfest on Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3. While Saturday night has sold out, there are still spots open for Friday’s dinner, held from 6 to 9 p.m. Chef Ryan Savoie will be preparing a special German dinner, including Amber Ale bratwurst, wienerschnitzel and German potato salad (to name a few), all of which will be served alongside Saint A’s regular lineup of beers on tap and live music. Tickets are $45 each and include admission, dinner, a pretzel, beer and a commemorative Oktoberfest mug.

Save the date. On Saturday, October 3 from 3 to 6 p.m., the annual Beer Fest returns to Brenner’s on the Bayou, 1 Birdsall. But this time, they’re switching things up by pairing barbecue pitmaster creations with renowned craft beers. Nosh on perfectly cooked barbecue varieties from all four BBQ regions — Memphis, Texas, Kansas City and the Carolinas — and sample eclectic brews from some of the nation’s most elite brewmasters, all while enjoying live music and yard games. Presale tickets are available for $59.54 (general admission) and $119 (VIP, featuring early admission)

The Pass & Provisions, 807 Taft, will be getting in on the Oktoberfest action with its inaugural Octoberfestivus celebration on Sunday, October 4 from 3 to 7 p.m.. Think of it as that restaurant's version of the German tradition, except in Houston with better beer, better music and better food. The lineup includes your favorite local brews and eats like pizza, brats, fries, pretzels, strudel and sammies. Tickets are $50 and include six 6-ounce beer tastings, a food ticket and some kickass tuneage from The Sideshow Tramps, The Wandering Buffaleros and Potbelly.


And don’t forget to get your tickets for our premiere taco tasting event, Tacolandia, held on Saturday, October 24 from 4 to 7 p.m. at The Water Works at Buffalo Bayou Park, 105 Sabine. Tickets include entry to the event and unlimited samples. They are available for for groups of four ($18.75 each), general admission ($25 early bird through October 5, $30 advanced purchase through October 23 and $40 day of) and VIP ($65 for, includes one-hour early entry and other VIP perks). Some pretty stellar restaurants have already committed to the event, including spots like El Real, Moderno Tacos & Tex Mex, Tacos A Go-Go and Roost, with more top spots being added every day.