The Best Fourth of July Specials In Houston For 2022

Fourth of July cookies at Paulie's

Even though it’s been a fraught year in a deeply divided country — and maybe not everyone feels like celebrating — Houston restaurateurs and bar owners are still striving to provide their guests with some patriotic escapism. Celebrate Independence Day in Houston with dine-in and to-go specials that include Tex-Mex, barbecue and cocktails, plus desserts festooned with festive decorations. Some deals start as early as Friday, July 1 and run through the weekend, while others are limited to the holiday itself with entertainment and other attractions. There are even a few locations with great views of the City of Houston’s downtown fireworks display.

patio with people and hammocks
The patio at Axelrad has hammocks and tables ideal for evening events, such as movie night. Photo by Goodspero.

Axelrad, 1517 Alabama: Take movie night outdoors with a free screening of The Sandlot, a family-friendly classic. (All ages welcome, but minors must be accompanied by an adult.) The showing starts at sundown on July 4, and Umbrella Fellas will be onsite grilling hot dogs and hamburgers throughout the evening. The bar will be open, too, with a wide selection of cocktails, wine and craft beer. In addition, Axelrad’s Comedy Night is taking place upstairs at 8:30 p.m.

hot dogs and steak fries
The TX Wagyu Hot Dog Special at B&B Butchers. Photo by Kirsten Gilliam.

B&B Butchers & Restaurant, 1814 Washington: Although this restaurant is famous for succulent steaks and seafood, the additional, dinner-only TX Wagyu Hot Dog Special promises to be satisfying, too. It includes two quarter-pound hot dogs with steak fries and toppings for $18, and is available from 4 to 9 p.m. Pair your meal with à la carte cocktails and a view of downtown Houston’s fireworks from the restaurant parking lot. (Note that B&B Butchers is closed for lunch on the Fourth of July.) Reservations are recommended and can be made online.

people toasting with mimosas
Mimosas are a brunch staple at B.B. Lemon. Photo by Kirsten Gilliam.

B.B. Lemon, 1809 Washington: This chic bistro is serving a festive brunch with live entertainment from DJ Mohawk Steve from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The regular brunch menu includes elevated American fare, such as Crab Beignets, burgers, lobster rolls and fish and chips. Dinner service is from 3 to 9 p.m., and guests can stick around for a view of Houston’s downtown fireworks display from the restaurant’s parking lot. Reservations are recommended and can be made online.

plate of barbecue meats
Big Horn BBQ Plate. Photo by Becca Wright.

Big Horn BBQ, 2300 Smith Ranch Road in Pearland and 20211 Highway 6 in Manvel: Order Fourth of July picnics to go from this Pearland restaurant popular for barbecue, sides and other specialties. There are six Big Horn BBQ Party Packs that serve from 4 to 50 people. Each includes meat and sides, with sizes dependent on the pack, plus pickles, onions, jalapeños, white bread and house barbecue sauce. (Plates and plastic utensils are available upon request). Choose from eight meats like pork ribs, brisket, sausage and pulled pork, and sides such as potato salad, charro beans, southwest corn and broccoli salad. The suggested Party Pack 2 is $139.99 and feeds 8 to 10 with four pounds of meat and five pints of sides. Call (281) 741-3289 to order from the Pearland location and (281) 489-5286 to order from the Manvel location.

Bobcat Teddy’s Icehouse, 2803 White Oak: On July 4, soak up patriotic vibes at this popular Heights bar with a welcoming patio, and enjoy free burgers and hot dogs all day, while supplies last. The Fourth of July Party also includes live music

red white and blue donut burger
Order a red, white and blue Donut Burger at Bosscat Kitchen & Libations July 2 through July 4. Courtesy photo.

Bosscat Kitchen & Libations, 4310 Westheimer: This gastropub in the River Oaks District area is known for creative twists on traditional dishes, and Fourth of July weekend is no exception. Order the special red, white and blue Donut Burger Saturday, July 2 through Monday, July 4. Additional specials include brunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on July 4, and dinner service from 3 to 9 p.m.

small pie with cream and berries
The decadent Fourth of July personal pie from Cafe Louie is available for pre-order. Courtesy photo.

Cafe Louie, 3401 Harrisburg: Pre-order Fourth of July Personal Pies from this new bistro co-owned by brother-sister duo Angelo and Lucianna “Louie” Emiliani. The pies are made with vanilla Bavarian cream and local blueberries from Hersch Farms, then garnished with seasonal flowers. Pies are $8 each and available for pick-up Sunday, July 3 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Place orders in-store or by calling (346) 446-5770. For more information, read David Leftwich’s “First Bite” article.

red, white and blue cupcakes
Choose from holiday-themed cookies and cupcakes at Dessert Gallery. Courtesy photo.

Dessert Gallery, 3600 Kirby: This classic bakery popular for intricately decorated desserts is closed on July 4, but pre-orders are open for all the sweet treats. Choose from butter cookies and cupcakes featuring patriotic colors ideal for holiday picnics and cookouts. Cookies are individually wrapped and cost $4.95 each, and chocolate or vanilla cupcakes are $4.25 each with festive frostings and cup papers. Visit the website to order online.

raw steak being cut
Purchase ready-to-cook steaks at Doris Metropolitan. Courtesy photo.

Doris Metropolitan, 2815 South Shepherd: Stock up on grill-ready, restaurant-quality meats from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday at this steakhouse with an in-house butcher shop. The selection varies daily, so call ahead if you are seeking something specific. Each steak is packaged and ready to go, and the chefs are available for cooking tips and suggestions. Doris Metropolitan is closed on July 4.

sliced brisket
Pre-order ready-to-heat meats from Feges BBQ. Courtesy photo.

Feges BBQ, 3 Greenway Plaza: Simplify your holiday prep with bulk barbecue available for pre-order, and use code RIBS2022 for 10% off a whole rack of ribs on the Buy In Bulk menu. Other bulk meat choices include brisket (whole, sliced or chopped), burnt ends, turkey breast, pork ribs, sausage,  pulled pork and pulled smoked chicken. All “Buy In Bulk” items are sold frozen in vacuum-sealed packs. Complete your spread with à la carte sides and desserts, such as wings, Hogfat Cornbread, macaroni salad, elote, cracklin, bread pudding and PB&J Chocolate CakePlace online orders through July 3 for pickup at the Greenway Plaza location or nationwide shipping. Pick-up Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday from 7 a.m. to noon (closed on Monday, July 4). Park at The Hub, and Feges will validate your parking.

red, white and blue mimosa flight
Hungry’s festive Red, White and Blue Mimosa Flight includes strawberry, lemon and blueberry flavors. Try it on the Fourth of July. Photo by Nousha Nowamooz.

Hungry’s, 14714 Memorial and 2356 Rice: Pair elevated global and American dishes with the seasonal Red, White and Blue Mimosa Flight. It comes with one each of strawberry, lemon and blueberry mimosas and costs $16 during weekend brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

three hot dogs
The Three Dog Flight from Kenny & Ziggy’s is a Fourth of July special. Courtesy photo.

Kenny & Ziggy’s, 1743 Post Oak: Stop by the new, cheerful location for classic deli fare on on July 4 for The Three Dog Flight, which includes three styles of hot dogs for $18.95 plus tax and gratuity. There is Da Bronx topped with potato salad and mustard, the Queso-Ra-Sera! wrapped in bacon and topped with pepper jack cheese, avocado, pico, chipotle cream, sour cream and onion rings, and the YoSo Dog topped with avocado, fried onions, ebi sauce (an Asian-style mayo) and chipotle cream. Substitutions are allowed with other hot dogs from the regular menu. Call (713) 871-8883 or go online for more information.

fruit tarts with blue and red
Liberte Tarts are a limited-time special at La Madeleine. Courtesy photo.

La Madeleine, multiple locations: Pick up limited-edition Liberte Tarts filled with vanilla pastry cream and fresh raspberries, and topped with blueberries and whipped cream. The cost is $2.95 each. There is also a breakfast package that serves four people and is available for to-go. It includes quiche, fruit salad and fresh-baked goods. It costs $29.99 and add-on mimosas are $6 each.

rack of ribs
The Fourth of July rib dinner at Loro includes a rack of ribs, sides and dessert. Courtesy photo.

Loro, 1001 West 11th: This Asian smokehouse from Tyson Cole and Aaron Franklin is serving a slightly different take on the traditional cookout menu. Pre-order a Baby Back Pork Rib Dinner that costs $55 and serves two adults. It comes with a full rack of ribs and choice of two sides such as Oak-Grilled Snap Peas, Texas sweet corn, cabbage salad, tomato cucumber salad or crispy potatoes, plus one order of coconut-scented rice and two Salted Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies. Pre-order through July 4 for pickup starting from noon to close on Monday, July 4. Order via the online form and scroll to the Specials category under the To Go section.

grilled oysters
Find the Grilled Oysters stuffed with shrimp and peppers on the Fourth of July menu at Maize. Courtesy photo.

Maize, 14795 Memorial: This elegant location for Mexican cuisine is offering several grilled specialties for the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Grilled Oysters, stuffed with shrimp and peppers, are $20 per order of six or $38 for a dozen, and entrée selections are a choice of Mexican Burger made with prime beef, jalapeño, cheese, avocado, roasted pepper and bacon for $17 or Mexican BBQ Baby Pork Ribs that cost $16. There is a Corn Tres Leche Cake for dessert, which includes a corn sponge cake soaked with three milks infused with corn. It costs $11.

colorful cocktail
The Vuela Monkey Vuela! at Monkey’s Tail.

Monkey’s Tail, 5802 Fulton: This hip bar and restaurant in Lindale Park is celebrating its third birthday on July 3 with special treats. Visit for brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be entertainment that includes a dog fashion show and costume contest from 12 to 1:30 p.m., a churro stand, mariachis and a deejay. A lotería starts at 6 p.m. Normally the bar closes at midnight on Sundays, but is staying open until 2 a.m. in honor of its anniversary celebration. Try the popular Vuela Monkey Vuela! cocktail made with Bacardi Cuatro, Wodka vodka, Galliano, Giffard banana, coco cream, pineapple, cream, mango and passionfruit. 

hot dog with fancy toppings
There are four specialty hot dogs available over Fourth of July weekend at New York Eatery, such as the Brooklyn Bridge. Courtesy photo.

New York Eatery, 5422 Bellaire: It’s difficult to imagine a Fourth of July celebration that doesn’t include hot dogs, and this local diner has you covered. It is offering four Coney Island styles that represent iconic elements of New York City. Each starts with a Hebrew National all-beef frank and is served on a Breadman Baking Co. bun. Sides are a choice of French or home fries and a pickle. The Chelsea costs $9.95 and is topped with sauerkraut, kosher dill pickles and yellow mustard; the Brooklyn Bridge costs $11.95 and has nova lox, sour cream and scallions; and the Yonkers Dog features crispy bacon, caramelized onions and tomato jam. There is also The Ori-Jew-nal, which is simply a Hebrew National all-beef frank on a Breadman Baking Co. bun that costs $8.95. For dessert, there is OG-NY Cheesecake finished with blueberries and strawberries that costs $8.95 per slice.

red, white and blue desserts
Fourth of July bakery specials at NoPo Cafe, Market & Bar. Photo by Carly Shuttlesworth.

NoPo Cafe, Market & Bar, 1244 North Post Oak: Pre-order an assortment of red, white and blue bakery goodies. Choose from star-shaped sugar cookies with ornate designs that are $9 for six cookies, American flag-inspired fruit tarts that are $5 each and mini Patriotic Cakes filled with berry cream and white chocolate mousse that are $15 each. Place orders by 5 p.m. on July 1 for pick-up Friday, July 1 through Sunday, July 3. The restaurant and bakery is closed on Monday, July 4. For more information and to order, visit the pre-order page. 

Fourth of July cookies at Paulie's
Festive sugar shortbread cookies at Paulie’s. Courtesy photo.

Paulie’s, 1834 Westheimer: The iced shortbread cookies from this Montrose mainstay are a holiday staple in many Houston homes. Fourth of July designs include stars, flags and fireworks. They are $3.75 each, and can be purchased in the store (these tend to sell out the day before a holiday, so take note), or via pre-order with 48 hour notice. Pick up Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Visit the cookie page for more information and to order. Paulie’s is closed on Monday, July 4.

overhead view of seafood
Tide-to-table Gulf seafood at Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House in San Leon. Photo by Isabel Protomartir.

Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House, 113 6th Street: This seaside restaurant overlooking the Gulf in San Leon is normally closed on Mondays, but will be open for a family-friendly holiday party. It is from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with specials including a popcorn machine, cotton candy, live music, face painting, Lady Liberty on stilts, appearances from a local fire truck and more. Reservations are recommended and can be made online.

pizza with star-shaped cheese and Pop Rocks candy
Pop Rocks on pizza? You can try it on the new Star Spangled Pizza at Pizaro’s. Courtesy photo.

Pizaro’s Pizza, 11177 Katy Freeway and 1000 West Gray: This local pizza parlor is unveiling a special Pizza of the Day in honor of the Fourth of July. The Star Spangled Pizza is made with star-shaped mozzarella, chorizo, jalapeños and fresh ricotta stars. Add (optional) Pop Rocks for a unique tasting experience. It costs $21 each for the Napoletana style or small Detroit pizza and $30 for the large Detroit or New York-style. Order beginning Friday, July 1 until sold out. Plant-based chorizo is available upon request. 

Revelry on Richmond, 1613 Richmond: This bustling Montrose bar is serving a Fourth of July Steak Special that includes two sides and a pint of beer for $25. Wash it down with a red, white and blue frozen cocktail available on Independence Day.

strawberry cocktail
The Strawberry Tequila Spritz is a Fourth of July weekend special at The Original Ninfa’s. Courtesy photo.

The Original Ninfa’s, 2704 Navigation and 1700 Post Oak: Try The Strawberry Tequila Spritz for a festive addition to classic Tex-Mex fare. It is made with silver tequila, St. Germain, lime juice, strawberry liqueur and strawberry compote, then finished with Topo Chico. Purchase the cocktail for $15 July 1 through 4.

peach and blueberry cobbler
The Peach & Blueberry Cobbler is a seasonal July special at Treebeards.

Treebeards, multiple locations: The seasonal Peach & Blueberry Cobbler is back through the end of July. Purchase by the slice for $4 each, or a whole pan that serves nine people and costs $30. There is also Apple Pie with Crumb Topping that costs $24 for a whole pie. Whole cobblers and pies must be ordered 24 hours in advance. Order in person, order online or by calling the location of your choice. All locations are closed on Monday, July 4.

frozen red and green margaritas
Summer specials at Willie’s Grill & Icehouse include $3 Willie’s Ritas. Courtesy photo.

Willie’s Grill & Icehouse, multiple locations: Salute America with summer cocktail and beer specials. Select locations will offer $6 Yard-O-Ritas, which are super-sized servings of frozen margaritas and are available for dine-in Friday July 1 through Monday, July 4. Additional deals include the Willie’s Summer Triple Play, which are $3 frozen margaritas, $3 frozen Jack & cokes and $3 draft beers through August 30 at all locations. There are $3 To-Go Frozen Drinks, too, plus half-priced half and full gallons of To-Go Ritas.

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