The Best Restaurants In Pearland For Holiday Groups 

dark beer with peppermint stick and holiday sign

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The holidays are here! Keep things simple by dining out and letting someone else do the prep and cleanup (perhaps the best gift of all!). Whether you are hosting family from out of town, meeting up with college pals who are home on break, organizing an office shindig or simply gathering friends for a festive meal out, these Pearland eateries can take the edge off and allow you to enjoy the fun, too.

There are settings to accommodate groups of all sizes with private dining rooms, large tables, patios and other amenities. Space may be limited, so be sure to plan ahead whenever possible. Many allow split checks, too, regardless of party size. Start here, and discover additional restaurant ideas on the Visit Pearland dining website!

people walking with holiday light display
The Pearland Festival of Lights is a season-long event that is free to attend. Photo courtesy of City of Pearland.

Whatever your plans, be sure to include a visit to the Pearland Festival of Lights, which is a collaboration between Second Baptist Church – Pearland Campus and Pearland Parks and Recreation. The special holiday event is free to attend, and includes assorted “lands” depicted by joyful lights. It is open daily from 6 to 9 p.m. through December 24. Visit the event page for more information.

pint of beer held up in front of a large star background
Visit BAKFISH Brewing Company for tasty eer, coffee, hearty sandwiches and more. Courtesy photo.

BAKFISH Brewing Co., 1231 Broadway: Beerspecialty coffees and gourmet sandwiches are just three of the perks diners will discover at Pearland’s original craft brewery. The rotating and seasonal draft list is ideal for Texas refreshments and features quirky names such as Defying Gravity double IPA, Paleican pale ale, ¡Mas Lucha! Mexican Amber Lager and a passionfruit guava hard seltzer called Swim Shady. Order one of eight deli sandwiches such as spicy turkey, bacon grilled cheese, Reuben and the vegetarian-friendly Caprese, or check for a visiting food truck. Follow on Facebook for the most current seasonal specials and deals.

  • Dining Options: There is no private room, but you can stake your claim to the indoor and outdoor tables to create your own semi-intimate space. The covered patio accommodates  plenty of guests — and their leashed dogs — with a variety of picnic tables that seat up to 10 each. Combined with the lawn space, BAKFISH can seat more than 200 guests outdoors and 150 inside. Reservations for groups of 10 or so are also welcomed but not required. That said, securing your reservation will give your group a smoother experience, and with enough notice, the staff can seat you in the best area for your specific occasion. Email the staff and get your reservation off on the right foot!
  • Nice to Know: Expecting a group of 100 or more? The brewery recommends renting the full venue to ensure optimum care and attention is provided to each of your guests.
nachos with toppings and barbecue
A towering plate of shareable barbecue nachos at Big Horn Barbecue is sure to impress groups. Photo by Becca Wright.

Big Horn BBQ,  2200 Smith Ranch Road: This family-operated, casual, barbecue operation has something for everyone — including a fuel station and gift shop in addition to the full service restaurant. Menu highlights include burgers, such as the popular Smoked Brisket Burger — a thick, charbroiled patty topped with saucy smoked brisket, onions and pickles — or the bacon cheeseburger with mayo, mustard, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, bacon and cheese. Barbecue plates and sandwiches are essentials, too. Choose from seven single-meat plates such as brisket or pulled pork, or two combo plates with a choice of two or three meats, two sides and bread. There are nine sandwiches with fillings such as pulled pork, turkey and fried chicken, plus loaded baked potatoes, salads and 15 different sides. Stick-to-your-ribs fare includes chicken fried steak and Steak Finger Basket. Finish with one of six desserts such as banana pudding, peach cobbler and pecan pie. Visit on Fridays and Saturdays for live music from 6 to 9 p.m.

  • Private Dining: The Brazos Room seats 50 and the North Side Room seats 75. Custom menus are available, too. There is a non-refundable $100 fee to secure either room, excluding food and beverage. Private rooms may be booked with 24 hours’ notice when available. Reserve online or by calling (281) 741-3289. 
  • Main Dining Room: Parties of eight can share one of two large tables, and groups of up to 40 can sit together, pending availability. Groups of up to 15 do not require a reservation. More than 15? Please call ahead, and you will be seated together on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no fee for reservations in the main dining room.
  • Nice to Know: Dining at home? Big Horn offers custom menus for off-site catering with delivery and full service options. There are holiday to-go meals, too, with options like whole turkeysà la carte or family meals that come with turkey and all the trimmings. Available for pick up until 4 p.m. on December 24. Call (281) 741-3289 for more information.
crab cake benedict
The Crab Cake Benedict is on the brunch menu at Good Vibes Coastal Kitchen. Courtesy photo.

Good Vibes Coastal Kitchen, 1329 East Broadway: Big groups with big appetites are no match for the generously sized, chef-driven menu at this cool-and-casual, beach-themed spot.

As the name suggests, seafood is a big draw. There are plenty of burger options, too. Patty choices are Angus brisket blend made from midwest and Texas beef by Stone Cold Meats in League City, locally sourced Wagyu from R-C Ranch in Angleton and the Impossible plant-based burger. Regardless of the protein, all burgers are served on a brioche bun baked by Cake & Bacon in Houston. Choose from six burgers and five sandwiches, such as The Kraken, a cracked-pepper-crusted burger topped with sautéed sweet onions, mushrooms cooked in garlic, shallots and white wine, Muenster cheese and peppercorn-cognac sauce; Cajun Hot Chicken Sandwich or Blackened Mahi with spicy remoulade, Baja cilantro and cabbage slaw. All sandwiches come with a choice of classic, Cajun or sweet potato fries, or a side salad.

Looking for an earlier group session? Visit for a modified Saturday brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or full Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with eye-opening goods such as build-your-own Bloody Mary or Michelada, Beachin’ Deviled Eggs, Truffled Avocado Toast, Cinnamon Roll French Toast and Crab Cake Benedict

  • Private Dining: Seats up to 40 people and the patio can hold 100. Two days’ notice is required for large parties to ensure ample prep time. 
  • Main Dining Room: Reservations are accepted for parties of six or more. Call (832) 569-4141.
  • Nice to Know: The patio is heated, which allows folks to pretend they are on a beach vacation, even when weather dips to less-than-tropical temps.
toasted bread with baked dip
Crispy wood fired flatbread contrasts with bubbly creamy baked spinach and artichoke dip at Grazia Italian Kitchen. Courtesy photo.

Grazia Italian Kitchen, 9415 Broadway: Texas meets Italy at this award-winning, family-owned and -operated mainstay in the heart of Pearland. Guests adore the cozy, homey atmosphere, and the patio is great for those seeking an al fresco experience. Must-try starters include fusion fare such as Wagyu Meatballs with spicy marinara, whipped ricotta and fried basil leaf; Lasagna Eggrolls and Chicken Avocado Caprese Salad. The wood-fired pizzas are crowd-pleasers — grab a few to mix and match — with options such as The “Dansby” with mozzarella, ricotta, Italian sausage, pork shoulder bacon, red onions, tomatoes, basil, red pepper, balsamic and extra-virgin olive oil and Adrian’s Art (named after owner Adrian Hembree) made with two kinds of cheeses and four meats. Fans of hearty entrées can choose from an assortment of pastas, steaks and seafood. There is Sunday brunch, too, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with standouts like Wagyu Chicken Fried Steak, Frutta Waffle with fruit and other toppings and Filet Mignon Benedict.

  • Private Dining: Choose from two private rooms for a variety of party sizes. The Wine Room is a fun conversation starter and seats up to 10 guests. For larger gatherings, reserve the Speakeasy, which accommodates 40 comfortably. Make reservations by calling Call Anna Price (832) 423-6331 or Ryan Gatten at (281) 948-6077.
  • Main Dining Room: There is (almost) no limit to how large your group can be, pending availability. That said, reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends. Call (832) 230-8873, or go online for more information.
  • Nice to Know: The aforementioned patio seats 50 and is outfitted with both small and large dining tables. It is dog-friendly too. (Leashes, please). Visit every third Thursday for live music. Call the restaurant for patio reservations.
Burrito with cheese and sides of ride and beans
The Burrito con Queso is a classic standby at Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen in Pearland. Courtesy photo.

Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen, 3005 Kirby and 2202 East Broadway: Tuck into classically satisfying Tex-Mex dishes at this casual family- and group-friendly concept. Pass around an assortment of essential snacks such as Queso Loco with ground beef, guacamole and sour cream or guacamole salad before moving on to heartier fare. Fan favorite entrées include the Pollo Marisco, a creamy composition of Gulf shrimp and crawfish tails sautéed in a white sauce served over grilled chicken breast and finished with cucumber relish; and the Plato Soldado combination plate with steak fajita taco al carbon, cheese enchilada and pork tamale with queso, guacamole and pico de gallo. For each Plato Soldado sold, Gringo’s donates $2 to non-profit Camp Hope, which supports veterans in crisis.

There are plenty of enchiladas, salads and fajitas, too. Can’t decide? Try the Border Sampler that comes with chicken quesadillas, Southwest Eggrolls, taquitos and steak nachos. Add your choice of six sauces for extra flavor, such as the ranch-based Amazon spiked with cilantro, peppers, garlic and spices; poblano cream that combines sour cream with mild roasted poblano peppers or chili con carne.

Top it all off with one of 10 margaritas, 5 specialty cocktails, 14 beers and assorted wines and sangria.

  • Private Dining: The original location seats up to 35 guests and the Shadow Creek location seats up to 40 guests. Reservations are required. Visit the resource page for the location of your choice for all the pertinent details: Pearland “The Original” or Pearland Shadow Creek.
  • Main Dining Room: Specific seating arrangements vary by location, so guests are advised to call and discuss needs with management with as much notice as possible.
  • Nice To Know: Although the restaurant only accepts reservations for the private dining room, groups of 10 or more can join the waitlist for first-come, first-served seating. Be sure to check in at the hostess stand upon arrival to secure your place in line. You can join the waitlist online for Gringo’s The Original and Gringo’s Shadow Creek.
colorful patio with fountains
There’s lots of room for kids and adults to roam on the patio at Jimmy Changas. Courtesy photo.

Jimmy Changas, 3515 Business Center Drive: Dine on group-friendly Tex-Mex fare, such as the shareable Chango Platter loaded with taquitos, Donkey Wings, Tex-Mex eggrolls and Gorilla Peppers: stuffed jalapeños filled with cheese, pulled pork and barbecue sauce. There are plenty of entrée choices, too, including combination plates, seafood specials, fajitas, tacos and quesadillas. Festive spirits include “Wild Margaritas, like the Prickly ‘Rita with Western Son Prickly Pear Vodka or the frozen Triple Threat Margarita with raspberry, peach and amaretto meltdowns. Cocktails, beer and wine round out the offerings. 

  • Private Dining: Seats up to 40 guests. Reservations required. Call (281) 617-7812 and visit the private dining page for additional details.
  • Main Dining Room: Like its sister concept Gringo’s, reservations are not accepted for the main dining room, but you can join the waitlist online and check-in upon arrival for the quickest possible seating. 
  • Nice To Know: The patio has a playground, which is perfect for little ones needing to let off some steam while waiting on food to arrive. There is also a special menu of gluten-free dishes, making dinner plans for guests with food sensitivities a breeze!
pork chop with sides of corn and greens
Killen’s Steakhouse pork chop with creamed corn and greens. Photo by Kimberly Park.

Killen’s Steakhouse, 6425 West Broadway: Celebrate with a festive soirée in one of the swankiest locales in Pearland, and enjoy excellent service alongside impeccable steaks, Gulf Coast seafood, cocktails and wines. Executive chef Ronnie Killen opened the original Killen’s Steakhouse in 2006 and continues to provide a destination-worthy experience for occasions of all kinds.

Menu highlights include Jumbo Lump Crab Cake with lemon butter and jumbo shrimp and Beef Wellington with foie gras and cranberry demi glace. Naturally, steak is well-represented with selections for wet- and dry-aged, along with three types of Wagyu: domestic, Japanese A5 Wagyu from the Kagoshima Prefecture and W. Black Australian Wagyu. Try a bit of everything with the New York Strip Flight that includes four ounces each of wet-aged USDA prime, W. Black Australian Wagyu, Snake River Farm Wagyu and Japanese A5 Wagyu. Sides are no afterthought here, with heaping portions of 13 scratchmade options such as Broccoli and Cheese Risotto, Grilled Jumbo Asparagus, creamed corn and macaroni and cheese.

Please note that, at minimum, business-casual attire is requested.

  • Private Dining: There are several private rooms that accommodate from 6 to 70 guests, and require two weeks’ notice to reserve. The Brick Wine Cellar seats up to 40 guests, and makes a particularly memorable backdrop for private events as it contains more than 4,000 bottles of wine. For parties of up to 80 guests, the West Dining Room also features a private patio with covered pergola. Finally, impress dining companions with a reservation in The Stronghold, which seats 12 in an intimate, lounge-like setting and is accessible through a hidden entrance. Menu options vary by room and party size, and are customizable to suit taste and dietary preferences. Visit the private dining form for more information. Call (281) 485-0844, or email the special events team for availability and room recommendations.
  • Main Dining Room: Parties of up to 18 can sit together, but call the restaurant to make reservations. Small groups do not require reservations, but these are still recommended to ensure availability.
  • Nice To Know: The bar and patio are available for group dining, too, on a first-come first-served basis, and the patio has fire pits to keep guests toasty. Reserve the full patio for up to 40 guests. Two weeks’ notice is required for full patio reservations, and there is a food and beverage minimum that must be met similar to private dining rooms.
dark beer with peppermint stick and holiday sign
Order Vallensons’ Peppermint Stout and other seasonal brews all month at Vallensons’ Brewing Company in Pearland. Courtesy photo.

Vallensons’ Brewing Company, 4081 Rice Drier Road:  At any given time, this local brewery has 15 to 20 beers on tap, from heavy porters to lighter brews. Holiday selections abound, such as Christmas Ale, Vallensons’ Peppermint Stout, Apple Wassail Sour and Happy HoliHaze made with spruce tips, orange and cranberry. There is even Li’l Vik’n Root Beer and cream soda for those abstaining from alcohol. Enjoy Vallensons’ beers in the backyard or patio, or order 32-ounce crowlers and growlers to go. (These make nice gifts, too). The goods are inspired by owner Valle’s travels while in the military, as well as his Estonian roots.

There’s food to enjoy, too. The brewery partners with food trucks such as Magnolia Cajun Comfort, which sells hearty and flavorful dishes like Cajun Cheesesteak, Boudin Eggrolls, beignets, funnel cake fries and more. Check the Vallensons’ Brewing website and social media for what’s on tap, including tours, special events and more.

  • Dining Options: There is plenty of space to sprawl out on the patio and a grassy beer garden. Bring your own chairs and blankets, or snag tables in a variety of sizes.
  • Nice to Know: Seeking low-key, family-friendly plans for New Year’s Eve? The brewery is hosting a Hogmanay Celebration Scottish New Year’s party from 2 to 8 p.m. with live music from Patty O’Beers at 4:30 p.m. Welcome the new year at 6 p.m. with bagpipers and a drummer.

Check out the Pearland Convention & Visitors Bureau dining website and social media for the latest updates, and follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. There is even a YouTube channel with videos that feature the people and places that make Pearland a great food and drink destination!

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