—————————————————— Things to Do: Houston's New Year's Eve and Day Dining Guide 2020 | Houston Press

Things To Do

Where to Dine Out On New Year’s Eve 2020, Plus Some NYD Hangover Cure Brunches

Ring in the New Year with diver scallops and molten chocolate lava cake at CRU Food & Wine Bar.
Ring in the New Year with diver scallops and molten chocolate lava cake at CRU Food & Wine Bar. Photo by Robert Tsai
These Houston restaurants are here to help you say "goodbye and good riddance!" to 2020 as you ring in 2021 with a special New Year's Eve meal (plus a few spots offering New Year's Day brunch):

New Year's Eve


a’Bouzy, 2300 Westheimer, 713-722-6899

Pop Champagne at this buzzy restaurant, which will be open for dine-in service in New Year's Eve.

The Annie Café & Bar
, 1800 Post Oak, 713-804-1800
The Annie invites guests for an evening of food, specialty cocktails, 2021 swag and live music this NYE, with reservations from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Backstreet Cafe, 1103 South Shepherd, 713-521-2239
Raise a glass to the New Year with a four-course dinner ($79 per person) featuring choices from scallop crudo and lobster chowder to cast-iron ribeye chimichurri and espresso chocolate cake, plus a sparkling cocktail toast to 2021 at midnight.

Bistro 555, 13616 Memorial, 713-827-8008
The bistro will be open and offering a special multi-course dinner to end an old year in French style either at the restaurant or at home. Those dining out can choose from two-hour seatings for 6-6:30 or 8-8:30 p.m for $75 per person, plus tax and gratuity; or choose an early-bird option with a reduced version of the main menu and a one-hour seatings beginning at either 5 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. for 55 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Takeout meals ($85 plus tax and gratuity) can be ordered by Tuesday, December 29 for pickup on Wednesday, December 30.

Bludorn, 807 Taft, 713-999-0146
The New Year’s Eve menu ($155 per person) features four courses — with a middle course of Risotto with seasonal Black Truffles, a classic Beef Wellington, and a champagne toast for the table when the clock strikes midnight. A kids’ menu will also be available ($35 per child), giving the option between chicken or salmon (plain), served with a choice of pasta or vegetables in addition to dessert. Reservations encouraged.

Brennan’s of Houston, 3300 Smith, 713-522-9711 
Guests can expect a special NYE menu, photo booth, music and Pol Roger Champagne giveaways, with seatings from 5 to 9:45 p.m. by reservation only.

Brio Italian Grille
The restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.

Buca di Beppo 
The family-friendly Italian kitchen will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.

Caracol, 2200 Post Oak, 713-622-9996 
Enjoy four-courses for $85 per person at this coastal Mexican hotspot. Highlights include ceviche Yucateco, fire-roasted Gulf shrimp, braised short rib and flan de queso.

CRU Food & Wine Bar, 2800 Kirby, 713-528-9463; 9595 Six Pines, 281-465-9463
Enjoy a four-course prix fixe gala menu ($65) for the New Year from 4 p.m. to midnight. Dine on choices such as truffle butter tortellini fonduta, crab gratin, filet mignon lobster Oscar and tiramisu.

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, 5061 Westheimer, 713-355-2600
New Year’s Eve features are all a la carte, with specials including stone crab claws, bone-in filet with Alaskan King Crab truffle butter or petite cold water lobster tail with yuzu hollandaise, and Godiva chocolate cheesecake.

Dish Society
Dish Society will be open for those who want to grab dinner before 8 p.m.

Downtown Aquarium, 410 Bagby, 713-223-3474 
NYE Dinner runs $90 per couple, with choices from shrimp and crab dip and stuffed flounder to fried seafood platters and holiday s’mores brownie. The dinner also includes an Aquarium Exhibit Ticket.

Doris Metropolitan, 2815 South Shepherd, 713-485-0466
During its New Year’s Eve celebration, Doris will saber a five-liter bottle of Champagne, have a balloon drop and offer special large cuts (tomahawks) along with a caviar menu.

Hugo's,1602 Westheimer, 713-524-7744
Enjoy four courses for $72 per person, including choices from ceviche rojo and slow-roasted pork tamale to pan-seared catch of the day and flan with hazelnut cream.

La Lucha, 1801 North Shepherd, 713-955-4765
The New Year’s Eve menu ($65.95 per person) offers four courses featuring a Chilled Seafood Platter, Gumbo Z’Herbes, its famous Fried Chicken, Jimmy’s Shrimp, Hushpuppies, NY Strip, Banana Split, Pecan Ball and more. Call 713-955-4765 or make an online reservation.

Le Colonial, 4444 Westheimer, 713-629-4444
The restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to midnight on New Year’s Eve, offering prix fixe lunch ($65) and dinner ($85) menus. Diners can elevate the experience and opt for wine pairings at an additional cost. There will be no a la carte options available on New Year’s Eve.

Liberty Kitchen, 4224 San Felipe, 713-622-1010; 963 Bunker Hill, 713-468-3745
Liberty Kitchen will kick off its first wine dinner series starting New Year's Eve and lasting through January 10. The four course dinner option is $75 and will be paired with wine from DAOU Vineyards. The wine dinner will be available for all diners at both the River Oaks and Memorial locations. Reservations recommended but not required.

Loch Bar, 4444 Westheimer, 832-430-6601
Guests who dine in on New Year’s Eve can indulge in the chef’s special consisting of Dijon and Herb-Crusted Prime Rib, with au jus and Horseradish Cream, with a choice of two sides. In addition to the upbeat musical stylings of a live band, Mojo Faction, diners present for the midnight countdown will enjoy a complimentary champagne toast, confetti cannons and other festive amusements.

Mala Sichuan, 9348 Bellaire, 713-995-1889; 23119 Colonial Parkway, 281-665-3300; 1201 Westheimer, 832- 767-0911 
The Sichuan favorite will be open regular hours, with reservations available.

Mastro’s Steakhouse, 1650 West Loop South, 713-993-2500
Make reservations to dine on dishes such as lobster cocktail, bone-in filet, gorgonzola mac and cheese, and assorted desserts.

McCormick & Schmick's 
Along with the regular dinner menu, McCormick & Schmick’s will be serving an exclusive Three-Course Prix-Fixe all day on December 31.

Molina’s Cantina, 3801 Bellaire, 713-432-1626; 7901 Westheimer, 713-782-0861 
Molina’s Cantina will be open regular hours, with reservations and private dining available.

Monkey’s Tail, 582 Fulton
Monkey’s Tail will featured discounted champagne and wine specials on New Year’s Eve and throughout the weekend. All bubbly and white wines will be $15, with red from $15-25.

Morton’s The Steakhouse, 1001 McKinney, 713-659-3700; 5000 Westheimer, 713-629-1946 
Morton’s will be open on New Year’s Eve from 4 p.m. – midnight and New Year’s Day from 4 – 9 p.m. serving a special Filet & Lobster Oscar for $59 plus their full a la carte menu. Guests can enjoy a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut on New Year’s Eve for $79.

Musaafer, 5115 Westheimer, 713-242-8087
The Uptown hotspot will serve a six-course prix fixe menu complete with socially distanced live entertainment featuring an electric flute and DJ. Reservations can be made for 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Those attending the second seating will ring in the New Year with a classic champagne toast. Pricing begins at $95 per person for the 6 p.m. and $130 per person for the 9 p.m.

The Original Ninfa’s, 2704 Navigation, 713-228-1175; 1700 Post Oak, 346-335-2404 
New Year's Eve specialty menu items include fresh Gulf oysters on-the-half-shell with a Cava Granite scallop shooter, steak and shrimp, and bottles of Cava Brut for $20.

Ouisie’s Table, 3939 San Felipe, 713-528-2264
Guests can choose from an a la carte, featuring a number of regular favorites as well as an equal number of holiday specials, or the New Year’s Eve prix-fixe menu offering three course with multiple choices for each for $45 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are required for New Year’s Eve with seating times spaced on a first-call, first-choice basis beginning at 6 p.m. with last seating time at 10 p.m.

Ouzo Bay, 4444 Westheimer, 832-430-6610
In addition to NYE fun from live music to confetti cannons and a midnight champagne toast, Ouzo Bay will feature two chef specials for the evening: Seared Duck Breast, Hudson Valley Foie Gras, Sunchoke, Mulberry Reduction ($52); and Alaskan King Crab and Skull Island Prawn, Flaming Saganaki, Puffed Orzo, Confit Tomatoes, Lemon Butter Essence ($115). The restaurant will be open during regular hours of operation. Reservations are encouraged.

The Palm, 6100 Westheimer, 713-977-2544
The Palm’s New Year’s Menu features a King Crab Surf and Turf with complimentary champagne toast.

Phat Eatery, 23119 Colonial Parkway, 832-913-6382
The Malaysian street food spot will be open from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., with reservations recommended.

Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House, 113 6th (San Leon), 281-339-1515
The oyster house will be open regular hours, with special menu items in addition to a la carte menu. Reservation recommended.

Sixty Vines, 2540 University, 281-800-8808
The restaurant and wine bar will be open for dine-in reservations on New Year's Eve. New Year’s Eve To-Go Kits are also available for pre-order. Each kit ($150, serves two) includes Salami and Cheese, Filets with Grilled Shrimp, choice of one side (no potatoes), Deviled Affogato, Luc Belaire Rose (Provence-Alpes-Cote de Azur) 375ml, and Taittinger “La Francaise” Brut (Reims) 375ml, sunglasses, a confetti popper, sparklers and a link to a curated New Year’s Eve Spotify playlist. Guests can add on a la carte tap wines for 50-percent off and/or a champagne flute tumbler for $15, which you can bring in for a complimentary glass of VH bubbles all year.

State of Grace, 3258 Westheimer, 832-942-5080
State of Grace will be offering a special New Year’s Eve menu for $125 per person with wine pairing options available for $45 and $95. Menu offerings include an amuse for the table, Wagyu Tartare, Scallop Crudo, Black Truffle Triangoli, Braised Lamb Shank, Seared Diver Scallops, Strawberry Sorbet and more.

Steak 48, 4444 Westheimer, 713-322-7448
Steak 48 will be open on New Year’s Eve during regular hours (4 p.m. - 10 p.m.), serving its full dinner menu.

Tobiuo Sushi & Bar, 23501 Cinco Ranch, 281-394-7156 
The ace sushi spot will be offering a tasting menu featuring all new items, with reservation required.

Tony’s, 3755 Richmond 
Tony’s will be offering two seatings featuring a four-course dinner chosen from a range of options: a 6 p.m. seating for $95 per person, and a 9:15 p.m. seating with live music for $195 per person. Options include Risotto Alle Vongole, handmade Caramelli D’anatra Confit, Truffled Prime Filet of Beef, Tuxedo Cake and more, plus an array of caviar and bubbles to add on.

Traveler’s Table, 520 Westheimer, 832-409-5785
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a three-course New Year’s Eve Prix Fixe Menu and a glass of bubbly for $79/per person, plus tax and gratuity. There will be three seatings: 5, 7 and 9:30 p.m. and DJ Josh Dupont will be spinning from 7 p.m. to close. Reservations required and available via Resy. ‘

Weights + Measures, 2808 Caroline,  713-654-1970
W+M is hosting a New Year's Eve Under The Stars, featuring a four-course dinner outdoors (weather permitting) for $75 per person including complimentary champagne cocktail. Seatings start at 6 with last seating at 9:30. Indoor seatings are also available. Reservations are encouraged.

Xochi, 1777 Walker, 713-400-3330
Ring in the New Year with a four-course Oaxacan feast ($79 per person), featuring dishes such as molotes de platano, sopa de langosta, pork shank in mole and horchata ice cream with cinnamon churro sticks.

click to enlarge
Hungry's is here to cure your New Year's hangover.
Photo by Nousha Nowamooz

New Year’s Day

a’Bouzy, 2300 Westheimer, 713-722-6899
Guests are invited to a New Year's Day brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Annie Café & Bar, 1800 Post Oak, 713-804-1800
The Annie invites guests for a Hangover Cure Brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Backstreet Cafe, 1103 South Shepherd, 713-521-2239
Backstreet will be serving its à la carte brunch menu, complete with black-eyed peas and one of the best Bloodys in town, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Brennan’s of Houston, 3300 Smith, 713-522-9711
Brennan’s will be open and offering a special brunch service on New Year’s Day.

Caracol, 2200 Post Oak, 713-622-9996 
New Year’s Day brunch runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will feature a la carte coastal Mexican fare and live guitar.

Dish Society
Dish Society will be open with brunch service until 3:30 p.m., followed by early close at 8 p.m.

Hugo's,1602 Westheimer, 713-524-7744
Enjoy an a la carte menu and live guitar during Hugo’s Brunch de Año Nuevo, held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hungry’s & Upstairs Bar and Lounge, 2356 Rice, 713-523-8652 
Celebrate the New Year with a New Year’s Day and Weekend Brunch, featuring $15 mimosa carafes all weekend long and $6 Bloody Marys for dine-in and takeout.

Monkey’s Tail, 582 Fulton
The Mexican-American bar and kitchen will be open on New Year’s Day to kick off the three-day weekend brunch, opening Friday at 11 a.m. (instead of 4 p.m.).

The Original Ninfa’s, 2704 Navigation, 713-228-1175; 1700 Post Oak, 346-335-2404 
Both locations will offer New Year’s Day brunch Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with specials including the Pomegranate Rum Spritz $10 or and Red Chile Pork Posole for $12.

Sixty Vines, 2540 University, 281-800-8808
The restaurant and wine bar will be open for dine-in brunch reservations on New Year's Day.

Traveler’s Table, 520 Westheimer, 832-409-5785
Traveler’s Table will host a “Hangover Brunch” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on New Year’s Day, featuring cure-your-hangover specials.

Weights + Measures, 2808 Caroline,  713-654-1970
W+M is hosting its annual New Year's Day Disco Brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring hangover cures like Fried Chiken and French Toast, Benedicts and Chilaquiles. Guests can also expect a Studio 54 DJ, disco ball and more.

Xochi, 1777 Walker, 713-400-3330
Xochi’s New Year’s Day brunch runs a la carte from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

We will be updating this list in the days leading up to the New Year. If you have a restaurant to add, please send your information to [email protected].
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Brooke Viggiano is a contributing writer who is always looking to share Houston's coolest and tastiest happenings with the Houston Press readers.
Contact: Brooke Viggiano