Every summer, I find myself looking forward to one of my favorite Houston traditions…Houston Restaurant Weeks!
Yes, it’s a wonderful excuse to gather with friends and family, discover a new restaurant, or revisit an old favorite, but what has always made this event so special is that every meal serves a greater purpose.
Founded by the late Cleverley Stone in 2003, Houston Restaurant Weeks has become so much more than a dining event. Over the past 23 years, it has grown into the largest annual fundraiser benefiting the Houston Food Bank, raising more than $23 million and helping provide the equivalent of more than 70 million meals for families across Southeast Texas.
This year’s event runs from August 1 through September 7, giving all of us 38 days to enjoy specially priced brunch, lunch, and dinner menus while supporting both our local restaurant community and the Houston Food Bank.
And this year, maybe more than ever, our restaurants need us…
Many of Houston’s favorite restaurants continue to face rising food and labor costs, tighter margins, and a slower summer season. Houston Restaurant Weeks was created for exactly this reason…to help fill dining rooms during what has traditionally been one of the quietest months of the year while encouraging Houstonians to support the people and businesses that make our city’s dining scene so extraordinary.
Katie Stone, who now carries on her mother Cleverley Stone’s remarkable legacy through The Cleverley Stone Foundation, said it beautifully:
“When Houstonians choose to Dine Out & Do Good, they are not only helping feed families through the Houston Food Bank, they are throwing a lifeline to the local businesses and the people behind them who make this city what it is. Every reservation truly makes a difference.”
Arthur Mooradian, Katie Stone, and Benjamin Berg at the HRW Kickoff Party
One of the things I love most about Houston Restaurant Weeks is just how many incredible restaurants participate. Whether you’re in the mood for steak, seafood, Italian, French, Mediterranean, Asian, Tex-Mex, or something completely new, there’s truly something for everyone throughout Houston, Sugar Land, Galveston, The Woodlands, and beyond.
I’m especially excited to see so many wonderful newcomers joining this year’s lineup, including Exilio Latin Flair, Beausoleil, Laurenzo’s Prime Rib, The Henry, Toca Madera, Latuli, Uchiko, Truluck’s, and several others making their Houston Restaurant Weeks debut!
Exilio’s Lobster Tacos on Hoja Santa Tortilla
Of course, many longtime favorites are back as well, including Brennan’s of Houston, B&B Butchers, Hugo’s, Trattoria Sofia, Caracol, El Tiempo Cantina (all locations), Bludorn, Bari Ristorante, The Annie Café & Bar, Le Jardinier, Leo’s River Oaks, Traveler’s Table, Xochi, and so many more that have helped make Houston one of the country’s most exciting dining destinations.
As someone who loves sharing Houston’s restaurants with all of you, I always think Houston Restaurant Weeks is the perfect opportunity to step outside your usual routine. Try that restaurant you’ve been meaning to visit, introduce a friend to one of your favorites, or simply enjoy a wonderful meal knowing that your reservation is helping others at the same time.
It truly is one of those rare occasions where everyone benefits…our local restaurants, the Houston Food Bank, and all of us who get to experience Houston’s incredible culinary scene.
So mark your calendars, make those reservations, and most importantly…Dine Out & Do Good. I know I’ll be doing exactly that over the next few weeks, and I hope to see many of you supporting this wonderful Houston tradition along the way.
Happy dining…and bon appétit! 🍽️❤️
