Memorial weekend marks the unofficial kickoff to the summer season and is traditionally a time for friends and family to enjoy the long weekend together. More importantly, it is a time to honor and remember the sacrifices of the military personnel who have served our country. There will be plenty of sunshine, barbecues and fireworks all across the city, and we’ve also gathered some specials just for veterans and military members, as well as dining options around town.

Galleria

Tom N Toms Coffee, 5353 West Alabama: The locally franchised Korean coffee house is offering a 20% discount to all veterans and military members with a valid I.D. Enjoy specialty coffee beverages such as Espresso Tomniccinos made of blended espresso, ice, and milk and topped with whipped cream. There also are sweet and savory pastry options, including Buldak (spicy chicken) Pizza.

Greenway

Kolache Shoppe, 3945 Richmond: The hand-crafted kolache and bake shop is offering a 20%-off discount for customers who display a valid military I.D. The offer is good toward any sweet or savory kolache and coffee. It is known for its monthly specials, and this month the shop is featuring the Beef Rendang, a special collab with Phat Eatery, a Peaches and Cream kolache and a Rosemary Vanilla Latte.

Heights

Karne, 2805 White Oak: The upscale Korean steakhouse is offering a 20% discount to all veterans and military members with a valid I.D. Diners can expect prime beef, American and Japanese Wagyu and meat dry-aged in-house. You can also make reservations for the newly launched chef’s tasting menu.

Lazybrook/Timbergrove

Dak & Bop, 1805 W. 18th: The modern, Korean fried chicken spot is offering a 20% discount to all veterans and military members with a valid I.D. The signature chicken is sauced by hand, and diners can choose from a variety of sauces including soy garlic, medium spicy, hot & spicy, Truffle Parmesan, sweet heat, Sriracha Honey lLime, Mango Pepper Tajin, KBBQ, and Buffalo.

Memorial City

Daily Gather, 800 Sorella: The eatery serving new American cuisine in the CityCentre shopping center honors veterans, active military members, first responders, police and fire personnel every day with a valid ID 20% off their purchase. In honor of Memorial Day, Daily Gather is offering lunch, social hour, and dinner service. Enjoy menu items such as Southern Rockefeller Gulf Coast oysters broiled with Old Bay-bacon butter, wilted greens and skillet cornbread crumble, or seared salmon served with jasmine rice pilaf, Meyer lemon butter, Viet-herb mix and basil oil. Reservations are not required, but recommended, and can be made on the website. 

Montrose

Georgia James, 3503 West Dallas: Underbelly Hospitality’s contemporary steakhouse is celebrating all military veterans and active military members by offering a complimentary entrée (up to $75). This includes the double bone pork chop with sweet tea brine, fried okra and sauce Creole, and the Wagyu Zabuton (chuck area cut) from Snake River Farms, which is expertly seared in a cast iron pan. Reservations are recommended and can be made on Resy. 

Backstreet Café, 1103 South Shepherd: The cozy American bistro is typically closed on Mondays but will be open for special brunch hours on Memorial Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Grab a table on the spacious patio and choose from brioche French toast with roasted bananas, vanilla mascarpone, almond brittle, caramel syrup or Brisket Migas with scrambled eggs, tortilla chips, jalapeño, tomato, queso blanco and black beans with a flour tortilla. Reservations are recommended and can be made on the website. 

Traveler’s Table, 520 Westheimer: The globally inspired eatery in Montrose will be offering its version of barbecue with special dishes only available on Memorial Day. Try Bourbon Baby Back Ribs with elote-style corn on the cob, bacon-braised collard greens and garlic whipped potatoes or Herb Marinated Tenderloin Kebabs with rosemary demi-glace, Hoppin’ John rice and ham hock with black eyed peas. Sweeten things up with an Apple Pie Old Fashioned made with bourbon, apple liqueur, cinnamon syrup and whiskey barrel bitters. Both dishes along with the full menu will be available for dine-in and take-out. Reservations are recommended and can be made on the website. 

North Houston

Underbelly Burger, 2520 Airline: Underbelly Hospitality’s burger spot at the Houston Farmers Market is offering all military veterans and active military members a free combo meal, which includes an entrée, fries, and a drink. It’s a value of $15 to $19, and choices include the 44 Farms Angus Burger with two all-beef patties, American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and the special house sauce.

R-C Ranch Butcher Shop, 2520 Airline: If you’re planning to do the grilling yourself, head next door where the butcher shop sells Wagyu from its 2,800-acre R-C Ranch in Brazoria County, Texas. There will be fresh burgers in the case all weekend. Veterans and military members always get 10% off, but on Sunday, May 28, they’ll get free beef jerky as well.

River Oaks

A’bouzy, 2300 Westheimer: The lively, modern French restaurant is offering a special brunch service on Memorial Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Diners can expect the usual convivial brunch atmosphere while enjoying brunch items such as corned beef brisket hash with crispy corned beef brisket, onion, pickled jalapeño, potato and sunny-side-up eggs, and the Croque Madame with buttered brioche, jamon de Paris, Gruyere cheese, a sunny-side-up egg and bechamel with a green side salad. Pair it all with some bubbles. Reservations are recommended and can be made on the website. 

San Leon

Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House, 113 6th: The San Leon oyster bar and seafood restaurant with water views is normally closed on Monday, but in honor of Memorial Day, it will be open for a special, family-friendly event. There will be carnival-inspired festivities, including a bounce castle, popcorn machine and snow cones, and live music during the day. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended and can be made on Resy.

Uptown Park/Westside

Urbe, 1101 Uptown Park: Chef Hugo Ortega’s ode to Mexican street food is serving a special Memorial Day brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Diners can expect the usual assortment of pan dulce (Mexican sweet breads) and savory dishes such as huevos rancheros with tostada, brisket, refried black beans, salsa costeña, avocado, cotija cheese, sunny-side-up eggs. Reservations are not required but are recommended and can be made on the website.  

The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa, 111 North Post Oak:  For those who are looking for a special staycation, the resort hotel is offering a special rate and package on stays from May 28 through 30, with a two-night minimum. Guests can enjoy a Memorial Day barbecue on May 29 from 3 to 6 p.m. Partake in smoked brisket & sausage, baked beans and country potato salad, and listen to live music poolside by The Chad Ware Band. Hotel guests will also receive a voucher for two complimentary margaritas at check-in. Check availability and book your stay on the website. 

Multiple Locations

Dish Society: The local chain of farm-to-table eateries offers a daily 20% discount for all military veterans, active military members, first responders, police and fire personnel with a valid I.D. For Memorial Day weekend, all locations are offering a special Monday brunch from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Choose from brunch dishes such as Shrimp and Smoky Gouda Grits, buttermilk pancakes, Houston Hot Chicken Sandwich or 44 Farms Chimichurri Steak Tacos. The brunch menu will be available for dine-in, pick-up, curbside or delivery. In addition, all bottles of wine are only $15 each on Mondays. Reservations are not required. 

Postino WineCafe: All locations of this wine café known for its lively patios are featuring a new brunch cocktail just in time for Memorial Weekend. It’s called the Sunburn Spritz with Mazzura (an Italian apertif) and Cocchi Rosa (an Italian wine produced in Piedmont) and garnished with a fresh, tropical flower. Pair the cocktail with any of Postino’s brunch options, such as Panettone French Toast or the Morning Remix featuring scrambled eggs, crème fraiche, Parmigiana Reggiano, chives, crispy fingerlings and a side of bacon. Reservations are not required. 

Sixty Vines: The casual wine bar and cafe that offers seasonal fare inspired by wine country is offering brunch service on Memorial Day at both the Rice Village and The Woodlands locations. Brunch will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Diners can indulge in dishes such as Orange Morning Bread, Salmon & Bagel Board, Egg White & Goat Cheese Frittata and Avocado Eggs Benedict. It wouldn’t be a proper brunch without mimosas, and Sixty Vines is known for its mimosa bar featuring fresh fruit and juices. Reservations are not required but are recommended and can be made on the website. 

Whiskey Cake: The eatery for farm-fresh comfort foods is extending weekend brunch to Monday in honor of Memorial Day at all locations. Brunch service is from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. and options include items such as Farmshuka Eggs, Farmer’s Breakfast, Carrot Cake Pancake Stack and shrimp & grits. Partake in a whiskey cocktail like the Cold Fashioned 2.0, Smoked Old Fashioned and Triple Threat. A meal would not be complete without ordering the signature Whiskey Cake dessert. Reservations are not required but are recommended and can be made on the website.