June is always a busy month. It’s the beginning of summer, the kids are out of school and there are grad parties every weekend. It’s also time to celebrate the dads and beloved father figures in our lives. Father’s Day is this Sunday, June 15. 

You might show your appreciation with a gift, a card, or, best of all, by taking dear old Dad out. Here’s a list of Houston-area restaurants featuring special menus and deals. We’ve also thrown in a couple of fun events. 

Happy Father’s Day!

As a reminder, all items are subject to change and availability, and prices do not include tax and gratuity.

Downtown

Xochi, 1777 Walker: Hugo Ortega’s homage to Oaxaca, Mexico in the heart of downtown Houston is hosting a Sunday brunch buffet from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $55 per adult and $15 per child, and the buffet will feature Oaxacan-inspired dishes such as tetelas (pockets of masa harina filled with beans and cheese), chilaquiles, enchiladas, bistec con huevos (steak and eggs) and an array of desserts. Enjoy wine, cocktails and an extensive mezcal program. There will also be live music by Sol y Son from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations are recommended and can be made on the website. 

Galleria

Caracol, 2200 Post Oak: The Galleria-area restaurant serving Mexican coastal cuisine is offering Sunday brunch for Father’s day. The cost is $55 per adult and $15 per child. Expect such dishes as camarones a la talla, ceviches, tamales and pan de elote with poached eggs. End the meal with an arrangement of traditional Mexican fresh-baked breads, cookies, candies and pastries. There will be live music by Icarú from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Reservations are recommended and can be made on the website. 

Greenway/Upper Kirby

Kiran’s, 2925 Richmond: Take dad for a modern Indian buffet by chef Kiran Verma. It is available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is priced at $85 per person and $35 for children 10 and under. The expansive options include brunch classics kicked up with Indian flavors such as Eggs Benedict with Vindaloo Hollandaise Sauce and avocado toast with goat cheese, channa (chickpeas), cherry tomatoes and pesto. An Indian-style barbecue station will feature tandoori chicken and lamb ribs. Classic dishes such as chicken tikka masala and biryani will also be available. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling the restaurant at (713) 960-8472 or on the website.

Heights

MAVEN at Sawyer Yards, 1501 Silver: The all-day café and bistro is serving up a surf-and-turf special for Father’s Day weekend. On both Saturday, June 14 and Sunday June 15, dad can enjoy a six-ounce steak, lobster tail and truffle fries for $47. In addition, kids 12 and under eat free with every surf-and-turf special order. If beef and lobster isn’t your dad’s thing, MAVEN also has a full brunch menu that includes the MAVEN Muffin, a riff on an eggs Benedict with egg, Canadian bacon and “secret sauce” on an English muffin and chilaquiles. And, of course, guests can partake in the excellent coffee or cocktails. Reservations are recommended and can be made on Resy. 

AFURI, 1215 North Durham:  The Tokyo-based restaurant serving authentic ramen and modern Japanese cuisine is treating dad to free ramen and more. On Father’s Day, it is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m and dads can dine for free with the purchase of at least one regular-priced bowl of ramen per table. Choose from different ramen options such as the signature Yuzu Shio or the spicy Tonkatsu Tan Tan. Appetizers include soft shell crab tempura and karaage (Japanese fried chicken). Don’t miss out on the Basque cheesecake with yuzu curd for a sweet finish. Reservations are not required. 

The Kid, 1815 North Durham: The Heights’ newest neighborhood bar from the company that owns craft beer bar The Flying Saucer and burger spot Rodeo Goat, is a fun and casual spot for the dads that enjoy the simple things in life. Come as you are to enjoy the Father’s Day special which includes its classic burger, The River Oaks C.C., which comes with lettuce, beefsteak tomato, onions, pickle, cheddar, mayo and mustard, along with two Saint Arnold beers for $15. The Kid is open Father’s Day from 4 p.m. to midnight, and kids are welcome until 7 p.m. Reservations are not required. 

Rainbow Lodge, 2011 Ella:  One of Houston’s most beautiful restaurants for any celebration is located in a historic more than 100-year-old log cabin overlooking White Oak Bayou. It is offering a special Father’s Day brunch menu Sunday, June 15 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The menu includes rustic classics with a spin, with most dishes incorporating wild game such as bison, venison, antelope, duck and quail. Must orders include a South Texas Nilgai Antelope loin with smoked whole-grain mustard glacé, jalapeño and bacon-studded cheddar grits and brussels sprouts, and the Chicken-fried Venison Steak, with black pepper gravy, mashed potatoes and green beans. $2 mimosas rounds out your Sunday. Reservations are recommended and can be made on the website. 

Midtown

Brennan’s of Houston, 3300 Smith: This Houston classic is hosting a Father’s Day Jazz Brunch on Sunday, June 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enjoy a three-course meal of seasonal Creole fare for $75 per person. Start with the signature snapping turtle soup or seafood gumbo before moving on to an entrée such as Texas shrimp and grits or simply grilled redfish. End the feast with none other than Brennan’s famous table-side Bananas Foster. The regular brunch menu is also available.  Reservations are required and can be made by calling (713) 522-9711 or on the website. 

Montrose

Alora, 2502 Dunlavy: Take dad to try something a little out of the norm at this Montrose restaurant. The recently opened Peruvian-Vietnamese restaurant is serving its brunch menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dishes that fuse the distinct ingredients and flavors of the respective countries include Vietnamese sizzling steak and eggs served with Comté cheese, pâte and tomatoes, Lima Hot Chicken & Pandan French Toast made with marinated chicken tenders and ají limo pepper and Salmon on Crispy Rice Toast with guacamole, pickled veggies and passion fruit vinaigrette. Make it a boozy brunch with a Bloody Mary or a mimosa and, just for Father’s Day, pitchers of beer are $15 and Old Fashioneds are $9 all day. The restaurant is also open for dinner with its regular menu from 3 to 8 p.m. Reservations are recommended and can be made on Resy. 

Eugene’s Gulf Coast Cuisine, 1985 Welch: The classic Gulf seafood restaurant is open Father’s Day Sunday. Dine on special dishes for brunch and lunch available from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Menu items include stuffed jalapeños and crab fingers to start. Choose from a big selection of entrées such as fried seafood combo platter, stuffed redfish and Cajun sea scallops. A kids’ menu is also available. Dinner service with the regular menu is from 3:30 to 9 p.m.. Become a Gulf Coast Club member and receive free hush puppies with any entrée in the month of June. Make reservations on the website. 

Októ, 888 Westheimer: Brunch in style from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at this Montrose Collective hotspot. Brunch includes dishes such as Ricotta Toast, Beet-Cured Lox Latke, Blue Crab Omelette, and Crêpes Suzette. The patio will be rocking with a live DJ and saxophone performance. Reservations are recommended and can be made on Opentable. 

River Oaks

Ouisie’s Table, 3939 San Felipe: The Houston institution in the heart of River Oaks is offering a special Father’s Day menu on Sunday, June 15. Specials include Mexican Red Snapper ceviche, a 16-ounce grilled bone-in ribeye with chimichurri sauce, an 8-ounce flat iron steak topped with cilantro relish and, for dessert, a chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream. Reservations are recommended and can be made on the website.

Multiple Locations

Hungry’s, multiple locations: Make your way to any of the three locations of this Mediterranean mainstay for brunch. Take Dad for a relaxed meal of favorites such as Florentine Eggs Benedict, migas, chicken and waffles and custom-made omelets. Brunch is available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at all locations. Commemorate the day with a complimentary Father’s Day Stella Artois gift glass with the meal. Reservations for the location of your choice are recommended and can be made on the website.

KP’s Kitchen, 8412 Interstate 10 and 5427 Bissonnet: Celebrate dad at this family-friendly neighborhood bistro. Father’s Day specials include $15 glasses of Caymus or Veuve Clicquot and a free dessert for dad with any dine-in meal. Get dad a steak night special of prime rib or New York strip. Also, kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée. Reservations are recommended and can be made on the website. 

Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar, 1001 West 11th and 5333 Kirby: Most dads love to barbecue, but on his special day, leave the work to someone else. Loro, which brings Asian flavors to Texas barbecue, is celebrating dads all Father’s Day weekend starting Friday, June 13 through Sunday June 15 with its Prime Rib Dinner special for $29.95. Available starting at 4 p.m., the special includes a prime rib served with yuzu-horseradish cream, charred Chinese broccoli and brisket jus. Add a $9 Knob Creek 9 Year Old Small Batch Bourbon in an old fashioned or on the rocks to complete the celebratory meal. Reservations are not required. 

Something Different

Puttshack, 1200 McKinney: Test dad’s golf skills and spend some quality fun time at this tech-infused mini golf experience. Its All You Can Putt offer is available Sundays only, and is $25 for adults and young adults (13–20), and $15 for juniors (12 and under, accompanied by an adult). A full food and drink menu is also available. In between rounds grab appetizers such as Buffalo chicken dip, sweet and spicy Brussels sprouts or a flat bread such as The Pitmaster with smoked chicken barbecue sauce, smoked Gouda, red onion, jalapeños, and buttermilk ranch. Booking is required and can be made on the website. 

Saint Arnold Brewing Company, 2000 Lyons: This long-standing craft brewery is throwing a Formula 1 watch party and car show for Father’s Day perfect for the car enthusiast dad. The car show with exotics, Euros and unique builds starts at 11 a.m. Vendors will also be onsite with collectible diecast and model cars. The F1 action starts at 1 p.m. in the beer garden. Grab a table with the whole family and enjoy a few pints along with lunch. Food offerings include shareable wings, campechana and queso, or grab a handheld such as the crawfish roll or Amber Ale bratwurst. Reservations are not required. 

Tokyo X Festival at NRG Center, 1 NRG Parkway: Make this Father’s Day a memorable experience and dive into Japanese culture with an immersive event that will feature vendors offering Japanese food, snacks and drinks. There will be a ramen-eating challenge, Hot Import Nights car showcase, gaming tournament, live J-pop performances and hands-on cultural workshops. The event runs on both Saturday June 14 and Sunday June 15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.. One-day passes are $25 per person and $7 for ages 5 to 10. Tickets and full schedule available at www.tokyonightfest.com.

Minh Truong

Minh Truong is an avid lover of the Houston food scene and has written about it since 2011, starting as a freelance contributor for the Houston Press. She never stops exploring all that Houston has to offer.