Without a doubt, Houston loves to eat. There are so many great restaurants in the city that it’s no surprise that the food events are also top-notch. We found some events this winter that people who like food and drinks in Space City should keep an eye on.
A salute to fashion, pop culture, and country music star Dolly Parton is part of the celebrations, as is the bougie truffle. Plus, rodeo season is in the winter!
Here is a quick list of what will happen in the first three months of 2024:
1. St. Arnold BBQ Throwdown – Jan. 14
For the seventh year in a row, Houston’s most famous brewery is holding its yearly BBQ Throwdown. Houston restaurants from all over the city will be competing to be named the best in the city.
Notable restaurants like Tejas Chocolate + BBQ and The Pit Room are already signed up, as well as “new and improved” places like J-Bar-M Barbecue, Rosemeyer Bar-B-Q, and Bar-A-BBQ, and Daddy Duncan’s BBQ, which won last year’s People’s Choice Award.
Pitmasters will show a dish that is typical of Houston-style BBQ to a group of reviewers that includes people from the city. For $75, you can get into the event and get a pint of Saint Arnold beer as well as the taste of every grill entry.
Address: 2000 Lyons Avenue; Houston Barbecue Festival
Read more: The Most Expensive Restaurant in Texas, Nobu Dallas
2. Dolly Parton Day – Jan. 20
Truck Yard Houston will throw a big Dolly-themed party to celebrate the “Jolene” singer’s 78th birthday. The best way to celebrate Dolly Day is to wear boots and sequins, and of course, play a mix of all the singer’s hits nonstop.
It’s proud to be a “come-as-you-are beer garden and adult playground,” and they have drinks, food, and live music every day.
Also, there is a Ferris wheel on site that costs $7.50 to ride. Anyone of any age can go to the event for free, but bigger groups can make arrangements. Dancing and Parton-ing are, of course, very welcome.
Address: 2119 Dallas Street; Visit truckyardhouston.com
3. Eat Drink HTX from February 15th to February 29th
Houston Restaurant Weeks’ sister event, Eat Drink HTX, has only been around since 2022, so it’s still pretty new.
The rules are the same: spend $15 to $25 at any place that’s taking part, and a local cause will get money. Eat Drink HTX is back for its second year with lunch, dinner, and brunch at some of Houston’s best fast-casual restaurants for a set price.
Eat Drink HTX is mostly about casual places, while the HRW menu has people from a lot of high-end restaurants. The full list of places isn’t due out until February 1, but Mala Sichuan Bistro, Adair Kitchen, Low Tide Kitchen and Bar, and NoPo Cafe Market are all said to be going.
Also read: The Most Expensive Restaurant in Virginia, Lemaire in Richmond
4. HLSR Barbecue Competition: February 22-24
In Houston, rodeo season is observed. However, the cuisine rather than the actual rodeo events consumes our thoughts. Anyone is welcome to participate in the festivities, whether they prefer the fried Oreos (a personal favorite) or the renowned BBQ Cook-Off.
The BBQ Cook-Off, also referred to as the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, will proceed as customary in the vicinity of NRG Stadium before the commencement of Rodeo festivities on February 27.
In addition to barbecue sampling and an awards ceremony, the Cook-Off features private tents brimming with revelers and private DJs spinning melodies (along with copious amounts of alcohol).
$25 tickets are available for purchase online; they consist of a sandwich plate containing sliced barbecue beef. Tickets for general admission do not grant access to the private pavilions; participants are responsible for reserving these areas.
NRG Parkway, rodeohouston.com
5. Truffle Masters – Mar. 4
Many food lovers can’t live without truffles. We’ve seen those magic mushrooms shaved on top of fancy sauces and poured over fries in the past few years, but we all know that fancier can be even better.
DR Delicacy, a local company that brings in high-end foods, is holding the yearly Truffle Masters again this year at The Revaire by the Houston Design Center.
Also read: Here is the Most Expensive Restaurant in California
30 of Houston’s best cooks battle at Truffle Masters to see who can make the best dishes with black truffles. The most expensive ticket to this high-class event costs $295, but it gets you 30 truffle dishes and desserts, as well as access to a full bar, silent sales, valet parking, and a raffle.
People who want an even fancier time can buy VIP tickets for $395, which include VIP entry, entrance to the party early, gift bags, and more.
7122 Old Katy Road; drdelicacy.ticketspice.com