Traveler's Table's Memorial Day weekend menu features summery bites like mini lobster rolls and peach cobbler. Credit: Photo by Andrew Hemingway

Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial kickoff to Houston’s hot, lazy summer — so it’s time to crank up the flavor, claim a sunny patio and toast the long weekend in style. From smoky barbecue and ice-cold brews to fresh Gulf seafood with a view, here’s where to eat, drink, and make the most of the three-day break.

BB’s Tex-Orleans, multiple locations
Pinch, peel and party with 5-pound mounds of mudbugs for $30, available Saturday, May 24 through Monday, May 26.

Christian’s Tailgate, multiple locations
All four locations will be offering $20 domestic buckets, $5 bomb pop frozen margaritas and $2 hotdogs all day this Memorial Day.

Duck N Bao, 5212 Kelvin, 5535 Memorial
Enjoy refreshing Memorial Day sips for half the price, including A Dance of Fire and Ice, Azalea Margarita, Hurricane or Lemon Drops Martini, at the Rice Village and Memorial locations only.

FM Kitchen & Bar, 1112 South Shepherd
FM Kitchen and Bar is extending its weekend brunch service to Memorial Day, starting at 10 a.m., alongside its Monday all-day happy hour special. Dig into Chilaquilas, Breakfast Tacos, Banana Foster French Toast and Chicken & Waffles with $7 classic and frozen cocktails, $5 beers and more.

Hongdae 33, 9889 Bellaire
The all-you-can-eat Korean bbq spot will offer house cocktails at half-off all day Memorial Day.

J-Bar-M Barbecue, 2201 Leeland
The East End barbecue joint invites families to a EaDo Kids Splash Party on Sunday, May 25 from noon to 5 p.m., as it turns its parking lot will turn into a children’s inflatable water park. hosted by Kalum “K-Dog” Johnson expect live music, plus housemade dairy-free chocolate ice cream, Kona Shaved Ice and ace Texas barbecue.

Jethro’s, 95 Tuam
On Sunday and Monday, Jethro’s is serving up $7 single Rodeo Burger combos, $20 beer buckets and $8 La Dulcita and Cheers to Papa cocktails all day long. Folks can also enjoy DJ beats on Sunday and all-day happy hour on Moday, plus a smash burger and fries combo for $7 until 7 p.m.

Kolache Shoppe, 3945 Richmond
Customers who display a valid military ID will receive 20 percent off any purchase of sweet or savory kolaches, coffee and more at the Greenway location (the other bakeries are closed Mondays).

Local Table, multiple locations
All Local Table locations offer a Brunch for Lunch menu, available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and featuring dishes like Huevos Rancheros, Southern Crispy Chicken & Eggs and Traditional Breakfast.

Kids can cool off on the splash pad while the grown-ups slurp oysters on the patio. Credit: Photo by Swiggard Creative

MAVEN at Sawyer Yards, 1501 Silver
Kids can cool off at the splash pad from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 24 and Monday, May 26 while the grown-ups brunch on spicy rigatoni and East Coast oysters. Expect lawn chairs, a laid-back vibe and free pops for the kiddos. Bonus: Saturday brings a $6 kids menu with dino nuggets and two egg breakfast plates.

Mexican Sugar, 3505 West Dallas
Keep the weekend going with a Latin-inspired Memorial Day brunch featuring indulgences likeVanilla Cinnamon Pancakes, Steak and Eggs and more. Reservations run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ouisie’s Table, 3939 San Felipe
Inspired by founder Elouise’s 1968 catering roots, Ouisie’s Table is celebrating National Brown Bag It Day on Sunday, May 25, offering original brown bag lunches — featuring a choice of classic sandwiches, chips, and fruit — for $12, with optional $10 sparkling wine. The meals can be enjoyed in-house or taken to-go for a Memorial Day picnic, but must be preordered for pickup as the restaurant will be closed on Monday.

Peachez HTX, 2533 Southmore
The Third Ward spot is celebrating Memorial Weekend with a four-day extended Happy Hour from 4 p.m. to close, Friday-Monday. Score elevat4ed Southern dishes including $3 grilled oysters, $6 catfish nuggets, $7/pound crawfish and $15 bbq plates alongside $2 ice whiskey shots, $4 beers, $5  tequila shots and more.

Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House, 113 6th
Kick off summer with waterfront vibes and all-ages fun at Pier 6. Expect live music, snow cones, games, face painting, and excellent bayside food and drink beginning at 11 a.m. Reservations are recommended.

The Pit Room, 1207 Richmond
The Pit Room and The Patio on Richmond are teaming up this Memorial Day with award-winning Texas barbecue and all-you-can-eat crawfish for $35 per person. The celebration runs all day on Memorial Monday.

PKL Social, 1112 South Shepherd
PKL Social is rocking all-day happy hour on Monday with its Rally Hour – $5 24 ou nce domestic beers, $2 off all cocktails and wines by the glass, and 25 percent off snacks and appetizers – to enjoy alongside state-of-the-art pickleball courts, tasty eats, refreshing cocktails and big-screen TVs.

Sixty Vines, multiple locations
Escape to wine country with brunch from Saturday through Monday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Favorites include Orange Morning Bread, Tuna Crudo, or Spanish-style Albondigas paired with a BYO Mimosa Bar featuring seasonal fruits and juices.

Traveler’s Cart, 1401 Montrose
All day on Sunday, May 25 and Monday, May 26, Traveler’s Cart will be featuring a $15 combo with its popular American Roadside Burger, fries and a draft beer.

Traveler’s Table, 520 Westheimer
Traveler’s Table has debuted a Memorial Day weekend menu, which is available from Friday, May 2 to Monday, May 26. Enjoy specials like Miniature New England Lobster Rolls, Beef Tenderloin Kebabs and Cast Iron Peach Cobbler, plus specialty cocktails like the Watermelon Sugar High and Fig & Walnut Old Fashioned.

Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar, multiple locations
Extend your weekend with Monday brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with highlights from Peach Cobbler French Toast to Jalapeño-Cheddar Biscuits and Gravy, plus flights, brunch cocktails and more.

Brooke Viggiano is a contributing writer who is always looking to share Houston's coolest and tastiest happenings with the Houston Press readers.