New Year’s Day is all about brunch, bubbly and starting 2026 right, and Houston restaurants are here to deliver just that. Think Southern-style feasts with Black-Eyed Peas for good luck, hangover-friendly burgers and Bloody Mary brunch spreads, and Return to Life buffets featuring Mexican classics and live music. Grab a seat, sip something strong, and toast to the new year at these Houston spots.
Caracol, 2200 Post Oak
Caracol will welcome 2026 with its Vuelve a la Vida Brunch Buffet on New Year’s Day, offered from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $45 per person and $15 per child plus beverages, tax and gratuity. Enjoy live music by Ikaru from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Common Bond Bistro & Bakery, multiple locations
Common Bond’s Bistro & Bakery locations will be serving extended brunch offerings to celebrate the season, including $1 mimosas, $3 flights and $5 carafes. New Year’s brunch is available all day from Wednesday, December 31 through Sunday, January 4, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Dandelion Cafe, multiple locations
Dandelion Cafe will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at both locations, offering fresh-squeezed juices and lattes, fresh pastries and oatmeal, and signature breakfast plates like JC’s Chicken and Waffles and Chicken Chilaquiles.
EZ’s Liquor Lounge, 3302 White Oak
EZ’s annual Hangover Brunch returns, inviting guests to recover from New Year’s Eve with a menu featuring fried chicken and biscuits, champagne specials, and caviar offered at cost.
The Fancy, 1002 Seawall
Kick off the new year with balance at The Fancy, which will serve its regular brunch menu on New Year’s Day – think strong coffee, fresh-pressed green juice, indulgent pancakes, and locally sourced Gulf Coast favorites, plus housemade pastries and bread from the in-house pastry chef, including can’t-miss kolaches.
Gaspachos Mexican Bites, 3709 Eastside
Over in Levy Park, Gaspachos will be open on New Year’s Day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., offering its signature fruit cups, agua frescas, and crowd-favorite snacks, from breakfast tacos to elote.
Heights & Co, 1343 Yale
Keep the celebration going at Heights & Co, where guests can enjoy a mimosa carafe special from noon to 3 p.m. with a choice of three juices.
Hotel ZaZa Memorial City, 9787 Katy Freeway
Continue the celebration on New Year’s Day with a brunch buffet in the Wishmaker Ballroom from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring a bagel and lox station, carving stations, made-to-order omelets, a migas bar, Bloody Mary bar, and more. Brunch tickets are $75 per person and can be purchased in person or via OpenTable.
Hugo’s, 1600 Westheimer
On New Year’s Day, Hugo’s will serve its Vuelve a la Vida Brunch Buffet from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $45 per adult and $15 per child, with live music by Viento from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Hungry’s, 14714 Memorial, 2356 Rice, 5750 Woodway
In addition to the regular brunch menu, all three Hungry’s locations will offer a “Recovery Brunch” featuring specialty dishes to cure your New Year’s Eve woes.
Local Table, multiple locations
The family-friendly spot offers a special festive brunch menu on New Year’s Day alongside its regular brunch offerings.
Monkey’s Tail, 5802 Fulton
Kick off New Year’s Day at Monkey’s Tail starting at 12 p.m. with a DJ and a hangover brunch featuring Chango Burgers and Bloody Marys. Guests are encouraged to come as they are and recover from the night before with comfort favorites and laid-back vibes.
Picos, 3601 Kirby Drive
Pico’s will be serving an à la carte brunch menu from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests can enjoy Huevos Rancheros, Chilaquiles, breakfast burritos, omelets, and more, kicking off 2026 with warm and authentic Mexican cuisine. This will be one of their last brunch offerings before they close, so be sure to indulge while you can.
Rainbow Lodge, 2011 Ella
On New Year’s Day, Rainbow Lodge serves its famous Southern-style brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring Black-Eyed Peas for good luck, and will be closed for dinner.
Traveler’s Cart, 1401 Montrose
Celebrate the new year with a trip around the world at Montrose’s Traveler’s Cart, open at 11 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Guests can enjoy menu items like the American Roadside Burger, Chicken Lo Mein, Falafel Bites, Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings, and more, paired with a signature frozen cocktail.
The Union Kitchen, multiple locations
New Year’s Day Brunch kicks off 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, January 1. Guests can enjoy festive brunch sips including $2.50 mimosas, $4 Bloody Marys and $4 Bellinis, along with classic Southern good-luck dishes like cabbage, black-eyed peas and cornbread for prosperity in the year ahead. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are encouraged.
URBE, 1101 Uptown Park
Enjoy the Vuelve a la Vida Brunch Buffet from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $39 per adult and $15 per child plus beverages, tax, and gratuity. Reservations are recommended.
Xochi, 1777 Walker
On New Year’s Day, Xochi serves the Vuelve a la Vida Brunch Buffet from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $45 per adult and $15 per child, with live music from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This article appears in Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2025.