Texas is known for its warm hospitality and love of good food, especially during the holiday season. As families and friends gather to celebrate, many seek out special venues to host their festive gatherings and create cherished memories.
From upscale restaurants in bustling cities to charming spots in small towns, Texas offers a diverse array of dining establishments perfect for holiday parties. These venues cater to various tastes and group sizes, providing delicious food, festive atmospheres, and attentive service to ensure a memorable celebration. Whether looking for a traditional feast or a uniquely Texan culinary experience, party hosts can find ideal locations across the Lone Star State to make their holiday events truly special.
1) Brennan’s of Houston
Brennan’s of Houston offers an upscale setting for holiday feasts with family and friends. This renowned Creole restaurant has been a Houston institution since the 1950s, serving authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine.
The luxurious ambiance makes Brennan’s an ideal choice for special occasions and holiday gatherings. Diners can expect impeccable service, even during busy periods.
The restaurant’s charming courtyard provides a picturesque backdrop for festive celebrations. On Sundays, guests can enjoy live jazz performances during brunch, adding a touch of New Orleans flair to their experience.
Brennan’s menu features fresh, well-prepared dishes that showcase the flavors of Louisiana. The attentive staff and elegant atmosphere ensure a memorable dining experience for groups of all sizes.
Address: 3300 Smith St, Houston, TX 77006
Phone: (713) 522-9711
Website: brennanshouston.com
2) The Driskill Grill, Austin
The Driskill Grill stands as an iconic dining destination in Austin, Texas. Located within the historic Driskill Hotel, this restaurant has been a staple of the city’s culinary scene for decades.
Known for its refined American cuisine, The Driskill Grill offers a sophisticated menu featuring local steaks and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant’s commitment to excellent service and high-quality dishes has earned it a four-diamond rating.
The Driskill Grill’s ambiance exudes elegance, making it an ideal spot for holiday gatherings. During festive seasons, the restaurant offers special menus alongside its regular offerings, ensuring a memorable dining experience for guests.
The restaurant’s rich history adds to its allure. It famously hosted the first date of President Lyndon B. Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson, cementing its place in Austin’s cultural tapestry.
For those seeking a distinguished holiday feast, The Driskill Grill provides an authentically Austin experience with a touch of timeless charm.
Contact: The Driskill Grill, 604 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 391-7162
Website: driskillhotel.com/dining/the-driskill-grill
3) Fearing’s Restaurant, Dallas
Fearing’s Restaurant offers a sophisticated holiday dining experience in the heart of Dallas. Located inside the luxurious Ritz-Carlton, this elegant establishment showcases the culinary talents of renowned Chef Dean Fearing.
The restaurant’s menu features a blend of American cuisine with distinct Southwestern influences. Diners can enjoy innovative dishes that incorporate local ingredients and bold flavors.
For special occasions and holiday feasts, Fearing’s provides a selection of unique event spaces. The Ocaso Room and six other private dining areas allow guests to customize their celebratory experiences.
Chef Fearing’s holiday dinner menu captures the spirit of the season with carefully crafted dishes. The culinary team aims to create a memorable dining journey for guests during festive gatherings.
Fearing’s Restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It offers a prime location for both intimate family celebrations and larger holiday parties.
Address: 2121 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75201
Phone: +1 214-922-4848
Website: fearingsrestaurant.com
4) Tony’s, Houston
Tony’s stands as a Houston institution for fine Italian dining. This upscale restaurant offers a sophisticated atmosphere perfect for holiday celebrations and special occasions.
The menu features exquisite Italian cuisine with a focus on premium ingredients and expert preparation. Guests can indulge in dishes like caviar potato, Ahi tuna crudo, and dry-aged USDA Prime ribeye.
Tony’s elegant white tablecloth setting and impressive art collection create a refined ambiance. The restaurant also provides private dining options, ideal for hosting holiday parties or intimate gatherings.
With its reputation for exceptional service and culinary excellence, Tony’s continues to be a top choice for discerning diners in Houston seeking a memorable holiday feast.
Tony’s Restaurant
3755 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77046
(713) 622-6778
tonyshouston.com
5) Perini Ranch Steakhouse, Buffalo Gap
Perini Ranch Steakhouse offers an authentic Texas dining experience in the heart of Buffalo Gap. Set on a working ranch, this acclaimed restaurant has been serving “Real Texas Food” since 1983.
The steakhouse is housed in a converted barn, creating a rustic and inviting atmosphere. Diners can enjoy their meals on the outdoor patio, cooled by lazily turning overhead fans.
Perini Ranch is known for its exceptional steaks and warm hospitality. The restaurant has earned an impressive average rating of 4.7 stars from patrons.
For those planning holiday gatherings, Perini Ranch offers The Supper Club. Located in downtown Buffalo Gap, this private dining room is ideal for special events and celebrations.
The steakhouse welcomes guests from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM most days. Reservations are recommended, especially for larger parties.
Perini Ranch Steakhouse: 3002 FM 89, Buffalo Gap, TX 79508. Phone: 325-572-3339. Website: periniranch.com
6) Odd Duck, Austin
Odd Duck offers a unique dining experience in Austin, Texas. This restaurant prides itself on using locally-sourced ingredients to create innovative dishes that showcase the flavors of the Lone Star State.
The menu at Odd Duck changes regularly to reflect seasonal availability. Diners can expect creative twists on classic Texas cuisine, with options ranging from small plates to heartier entrees.
The atmosphere at Odd Duck is casual yet refined, making it an ideal spot for holiday gatherings. The restaurant’s warm, inviting interior provides a comfortable setting for festive meals with friends and family.
Odd Duck’s commitment to local sourcing extends to its beverage program. The bar features an extensive selection of Texas craft beers and locally-distilled spirits, perfect for toasting the holiday season.
Reservations are recommended, especially during busy holiday periods. Odd Duck’s popularity among locals and visitors alike means tables can fill up quickly.
Address: 1201 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78704
Phone: (512) 433-6521
Website: oddduckaustin.com
7) Thompson San Antonio – Landrace
Landrace at Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk offers a sophisticated dining experience for holiday feasts. The restaurant celebrates Texas culinary heritage by sourcing ingredients from local growers.
Landrace’s menu evolves with the seasons, featuring exquisite dishes like dry-aged tomahawk ribeye and wild-caught scallops. During the holidays, they present special offerings to elevate the festive spirit.
For Thanksgiving, Landrace hosts an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., showcasing an array of seasonal dishes. The restaurant’s commitment to regional flavors shines through in their holiday menus.
Guests can enjoy dinner at Landrace from Monday to Thursday, 5 PM to 9 PM, and Friday to Sunday, 5 PM to 10 PM. A daily happy hour runs from 3 PM to 6 PM in the bar and patio areas.
Landrace: 111 Lexington Ave, San Antonio, TX 78205. Phone: 210-942-6026. Website: www.landracetx.com
8) Uchi Dallas
Uchi Dallas brings innovative Japanese cuisine to the heart of Texas. This upscale restaurant offers a unique dining experience perfect for holiday celebrations and special occasions.
The menu features a blend of traditional and contemporary dishes, with an emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Diners can expect expertly crafted sushi, sashimi, and hot dishes that showcase the chef’s creativity.
Uchi Dallas provides an elegant atmosphere suitable for intimate gatherings or larger parties. The restaurant offers a private dining room that can accommodate up to 28 guests, ideal for holiday feasts with family and friends.
Reservations are recommended, especially during peak holiday seasons. Uchi Dallas also offers a selection of sake and wine to complement the meal.
For those seeking a memorable culinary experience this holiday season, Uchi Dallas delivers sophistication and flavor in equal measure.
Address: 2817 Maple Ave, Dallas, TX 75201
Phone: 214-855-5454
Website: uchirestaurants.com/dallas
Dining Scene in Texas
Texas offers a diverse and vibrant culinary landscape, blending traditional Southern flavors with international influences. The state’s dining scene reflects its rich cultural heritage and agricultural abundance.
Authentic Texan Cuisine
Texas barbecue reigns supreme, with iconic establishments like Louie Mueller Barbecue setting the standard since the 1940s. Slow-smoked brisket, ribs, and sausages are staples at BBQ joints across the state. Tex-Mex dishes like fajitas, enchiladas, and queso also define Texan cuisine.
Chicken-fried steak, chili (without beans), and pecan pie are beloved comfort foods. Gulf Coast seafood plays a significant role, with fresh oysters and shrimp featured in many coastal restaurants.
Farm-to-table restaurants showcase local ingredients, highlighting Texas’ agricultural diversity. Steakhouses serve prime cuts of beef, often sourced from Texas ranches.
Cultural Influences
German and Czech immigrants introduced schnitzel, kolaches, and beer gardens to central Texas. These influences are evident in towns like New Braunfels, home to the Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar.
Mexican cuisine has deeply shaped Texan food culture, contributing dishes like tamales and street tacos. Vietnamese and Korean flavors have gained popularity in urban areas, adding new dimensions to the state’s culinary offerings.
Southern traditions remain strong, with restaurants serving buttermilk biscuits, fried chicken, and sweet tea. Food trucks and pop-ups in cities like Austin and Houston introduce innovative fusion cuisines, blending global flavors with Texan ingredients.
Tips for Dinner Party Planning
Planning a successful dinner party requires careful consideration of atmosphere and guests’ dietary needs. These key elements can make or break your event, so it’s important to approach them thoughtfully.
Choosing the Right Atmosphere
Create an inviting ambiance that matches your party’s theme and guest list. Consider the occasion and your guests’ preferences when selecting decor, music, and lighting.
For a formal holiday feast, opt for elegant table settings with fine china and crystal. Use warm, soft lighting to create an intimate atmosphere. Candles or dimmed overhead lights work well.
For a more casual Texas-inspired gathering, incorporate rustic elements like Mason jars and burlap accents. Play country or folk music softly in the background. String lights or lanterns can add a festive touch.
Arrange seating to encourage conversation. Round tables work best for smaller groups, while long tables are ideal for larger parties.
Coordinating Dietary Preferences
Accommodate guests’ dietary needs to ensure everyone enjoys the meal. Send out a quick survey or ask guests about restrictions when inviting them.
Plan a menu with options for various diets. Include at least one vegetarian main dish and several sides that work for multiple dietary needs. Label dishes clearly to avoid confusion.
For Texas-themed parties, consider offering both meat and plant-based versions of classic dishes. BBQ jackfruit can be a tasty alternative to brisket for vegetarians.
Be mindful of common allergens like nuts, shellfish, and gluten. Prepare some dishes without these ingredients or offer substitutions when possible.
Provide a variety of beverages, including non-alcoholic options. Texas-inspired mocktails or flavored iced teas can be refreshing alternatives to alcohol.