Wednesday, November 11
Veterans Day Freebies and Deals
Free barbecue plates, complimentary kolaches, half-off dinners and even free tacos: Houston restaurants are rolling out plenty of tasty thank-yous for those who served. Check out our Veterans Day Dining guide for the full rundown on Houston restaurants offering free meals and deals for veterans.
Joseph Phelps Insignia Wine Dinner at Musaafer
Wine enthusiasts can settle in for a little Napa Valley-meets-modern-Indian dining at Musaafer, 5115 Westheimer, where a multi-course dinner is paired with wines from Joseph Phelps. The evening starts with Krug Champagne, moves through single-vineyard selections and wraps with a vertical tasting of three Insignia vintages, the winery’s flagship blend. Dinner begins at 7 p.m. and is $275 per person.
Thursday, November 12
Oysters, Blues & Brews at Goode Co. Armadillo Palace
Oysters, live blues and cold brews are on the menu when this annual Gulf Coast celebration returns to Goode Co. Armadillo Palace, 5015 Kirby. The evening features live music, a chef-curated spread of Gulf Coast favorites, plenty of oysters and handcrafted cocktails. A portion of proceeds benefits the Coastal Conservation Association’s Building Conservation Trust, which supports marine conservation and public fishing access along the coast. Tickets are $110.
Tenuta Buon Tempo Wine Dinner at La Griglia
La Griglia, 2817 West Dallas, is hosting a four-course Italian wine dinner featuring pours from Tuscan estate Tenuta Buon Tempo. The menu includes ribollita, pumpkin with duck prosciutto, pici with wild boar ragù and a bistecca finale with truffle risotto, each paired with wine, including two vintages of Brunello di Montalcino. Espresso and biscotti wrap up the evening. Dinner starts at 7 p.m. and is $200 per person, including gratuity and fees.
Shuffle & Sip at Trattoria Sofia
Mahjong and Italian bites make for a pretty good patio night at Trattoria Sofia, where Marchesa Mahjong is hosting an evening of open play from 6 to 8 p.m. Guests get a welcome drink, charcuterie and savory bites including lamb meatballs and rigatoni alla vodka. Tickets are $75 per person, including tax and gratuity, and cover guided open play with all the tiles, mats and cards provided.
Taste America at Thompson Houston
The James Beard Foundation’s Taste America returns to Houston for an evening celebrating the city’s culinary talent. The walk-around tasting features bites and drinks from more than 10 food and beverage stations, with local chefs including Evelyn Garcia and Henry Lu of JUN, Aaron Bludorn, Tristen Epps-Long and Suu Khin. The event kicks off at 7 p.m. at Thompson Houston, 1717 Allen Parkway, with Premier ticket holders getting a one-hour head start at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $175, with Premier tickets at $225.
Friday, November 13
Bollywood Burnout: Diwali Edition at Musaafer
Musaafer is keeping the Diwali celebrations going after dark with a late-night party featuring Bollywood DJ sets and live dhol drumming. Expect plenty of beats and dancing from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets start at $34.64.
Saturday, November 14
Top Chef Flatbread Collaboration at Craft Pita West U
Chef Rafael Nasr teams up with “Top Chef” Season 22 winner Tristen Epps for a one-day patio cookout featuring two takes on Middle Eastern flatbread: Lebanese lahm bi ajeen and Turkish-inspired lahmacun topped with Epps’ signature “ranchovy” sauce. The Saturday collaboration runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Craft Pita West University, 5172 Buffalo Speedway. Free and open to the public while supplies last.
Saturday–Sunday
Texas Renaissance Festival in Todd Mission
RenFest continues its 2026 fun with a Barbarian Invasion, featuring costumed characters, turkey leg eating contest and plenty of medieval mischief. Fuel up savory festival eats and sweet treats, plus beer, mead and more. Tickets start at$18 and the festival runs from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, November 15
Friendsgiving Sunday Supper at Camaraderie
Camaraderie, 608 West 11th, will throw a special Friendsgiving Sunday Supper from 5 to 9 p.m. The menu starts with apple, fennel and orange salad, followed by porchetta with smothered potatoes, braised escarole, honey-glazed carrots and cranberry-pear mostarda. Butterscotch budino with pumpkin Chantilly rounds out the meal. Dinner is $55 per person, with a selection of retail wines available for $45 per bottle.
Diwali Celebration at Kitchen Rumors
Kitchen Rumors, 2310 Decatur, will host its Diwali celebration with Indian dishes, handcrafted drinks, belly dancing and a DJ for $65 per person. Seats are available at 6:30 p.m.
New and ongoing specials
Torchy’s Tacos Brings Back Nookies
Torchy’s Tacos brings back its fan-favorite Nookies after a more than two-year hiatus. First introduced as Lil’ Nookies in 2008, the fried chocolate chip cookie dough bites return with a new cinnamon-sugar coating. November specials also include the Rebel Yell Taco with grilled shrimp, crispy bacon, guajillo fried onions, BBQ sauce and chipotle ranch, plus a Pineapple Margarita made with tequila, Grand Marnier and pineapple puree.
Trill Billy at Meow Wolf’s Radio Tave
Starting Monday, November 9, Meow Wolf, 2103 Lyons, is serving up the Trill Billy, a Trill Burgers-inspired hot dog at its Cowboix Hevvven bar through November 25 or while supplies last. The collaboration also features collectible packaging with artwork by local artist Nicole Guerra and $10 off Meow Wolf admission with code TRILLRIDE.
