Where to Celebrate New Year's Eve 2022 & New Year's Day 2023 in Houston

Toast to 2023 at Tony's. Photo courtesy of Tony's.

It's hard to believe that 2022 is coming to end, but here we are, just a couple of weeks out from 2023. This is the first New Year's Eve since 2019 where we can see the other side of the pandemic (kind of? sort of?). So, we can't pretend that it's just another day on the calendar. If your year has been full of highs, we hope that you can celebrate and carry your wins into the new year. If your year had a few more lows than you anticipated, we wish you renewed hope that the hard days pass and that you can bring positive intentions into the new year.

If you’re celebrating New Year's Eve but still unsure of plans, we’ve rounded up some options for ringing in bigger and better things in 2023. And because we know it's going to hurt the next day, we’ve included some places to cure the hangover — or continue the party.

However you choose to bring in 2023, whether at home with loved ones, an intimate dinner or partying until the ball drops, remember to be safe, take care of each other and check on those you love!

(Looking for New Year's Day brunch? There's a list at the end of this article.)

Angel Share, 924 Congress: You can celebrate and do some good at this charity bar located in downtown Houston that donates proceeds to local nonprofits. This year, guests can reserve tables for New Year's Eve. Table reservations ($500 for six people) include a balloon drop, countdown clock, confetti cannons, Champagne toast, food spread and party favors. Email to reserve. Walk-ins are also welcome if there's still capacity.

GJ Tavern, 737 Preston: Join executive chef Tim Reading and his team for a night full of food, wine and music. Each seating features six celebratory courses curated just for the New Year, complete with dessert and wine pairings. Those who join the later seating will enjoy the added treat of live music and a Champagne toast to round off the night (and the year) in style. The first seating is 5 to 8 p.m. for $100 per person, and the second seating is from 9 p.m. to midnight and cost $150 per person. Reservations can be made on Resy.

Guard and Grace, 500 Dallas: The modern steakhouse is open from 4 to 11 p.m. on New Year's Eve and is offering several specials, including New Caledonia Blue Prawn Carpaccio with Thai basil, red onion and five-spice broth, truffle risotto of heirloom black rice with forest mushrooms and watercress; a charcoal-grilled rack of lamb with a sweet potato purée, truffled cauliflower and heirloom radish; and a 30-ounce Australian Wagyu tomahawk steak ($225), if you’re really looking to splurge. Reservations can be made on the website.

Xochi, 1777 Walker: Spend New Year's Eve at chef Hugo Ortega's downtown restaurant that celebrates the flavors of Oaxaca. They are offering a four course dinner for $85 per person, with dishes such as crispy duck taquitos with radish salad, purple onion, and mole almendrado and rack of lamb with cremoso de tamalayota, mole manchamanteles served with winter vegetables. Guests will be treated to live music and sparkling cocktail toast at midnight. Reservations are required and can be made on the website.

The Annie Cafe & Bar, 1800 Post Oak: This upscale restaurant from Berg Hospitality is throwing a Rat Pack-themed New Year's Eve Supper Club experience with dining, dancing and cocktails. Music will be performed by The Richard Brown Orchestra with singers Sharon Montgomery, Bob Luna and Kelley Peters, and the evening will be emceed by Deborah Duncan. There will be two seatings for the three-course, prix fixe menu — one at 6 p.m. for $250 per person and one at 9:15 p.m. for $350 per person — and both include dinner and the show. The second show will be black tie attire and include a festive New Year's Champagne toast and countdown. Reservations are required. Call (713) 804-1800 or reserve your spot on OpenTable under Experiences.

Turner's, 1800 Post Oak: Get fancy with a black-tie affair at Turner's, the lush lounge that's nestled just below The Annie. There, you can enjoy live music and New Year's Eve specials, as well as the regular, extravagant dinner menu. Seatings are at 6 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. There will be a countdown to the New Year and a Champagne toast at midnight. During the 6 p.m. seating, there is a $50 entertainment charge per seat, and the 9:15 p.m. seating's fee is $125. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (713) 804-1212, or book on OpenTable under Experiences.

Caracol, 2200 Post Oak: Celebrate at this Mexican coastal kitchen. They are offering a special four course menu for $85 per person with options such as Codorniz, bacon-wrapped quail, cornbread, creamy chipotle sauce and the Callo de Hacha, pan-seared sea scallops, creamy squash risotto. Enjoy live music and a toast at midnight. Reservations are required and can be made on the website.

Harold's, 350 West 19th: This cozy restaurant is throwing a New Year's Eve bash from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. There will be music, dancing, party favors, hor d’oeuvres and a carving station. Cocktails and bubbles will be served upon arrival, and of course it wouldn't be a New Year's bash without the midnight Champagne toast. Tickets are $125 and reservations can be made on Resy.

Kin Dee, 1533 North Shepherd: Ring in the new year at this Heights Thai eatery, which is offering a five-course prix fixe menu. Indulge in Thai staples such as money bags with minced chicken and shrimp in a crispy golden wonton; shrimp tom yum soup with Asian shrimp tails, lemongrass, kaffir, galangal, fish sauce, chili, lime, bean sprouts, Chinese broccoli, and cilantro; and Tiger Cry featuring marinated prime New York strip, long beans, carrots, Chinese broccoli, sticky rice and Northeastern Thai sauce. Guests can choose from three seating times: 5 p.m. for $75 per person, 7 p.m. for $95 and 9:30 p.m. for $95. A live DJ and aerial performances will start at 5 p.m. There will be a complimentary glass of Champagne at midnight. Reservations are encouraged and can be made via OpenTable or by calling the restaurant at (281) 826-2655.

Karne, 2805 White Oak: Celebrate the New Year at this new, upscale Korean steakhouse. It is open from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and will feature a DJ, a six-course New Year's Eve prix fixe menu ($150 per person) and a complimentary Champagne toast. The prix fixe menu features items such as Mascarpone Bacon Stuffed Strawberry for an amuse-bouche, spicy cream noodle with braised pork and, of course, the signature Karnivore Board with a choice of five high-end cuts of meat ready to be cooked table-side. The regular dinner menu is available as well. Visit Resy to make reservations.

Brennan's of Houston, 3300 Smith: Join this Houston classic for a sparkling New Year's Eve Dinner. The Brennan family throws a notoriously good party, so book your table to close out the year with a delicious special prix fixe menu, Champagne giveaways and live music. Seatings are from 5 to 9:45 p.m. For reservations, call (713) 522-9711.

Holman Draft Hall, 820 Holman: Ring in the New Year Vegas-style at this midtown watering hole. It is hosting a Casino Night from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. where guests can enjoy tunes by DJ Chocolate, a photobooth, balloon drop, midnight toast and tables to play roulette, black jack and craps. Play your luck, and the chip leader will win a bottle of Perrier Jouet. Reservations can be made on Resy.

Traveler's Table, 520 Westheimer: Close out the New Year at this globally inspired eatery with an $85 per person (plus tax and gratuity), four-course, prix-fixe menu that features dishes such as Crab Samosas, Crispy Pork Belly in Pasilla Sauce and whole roasted branzino. There will be three seatings: 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. A DJ will be spinning from 7 p.m. until close. The menu is also available for takeout and includes a single-serve bottle of sparkling wine. Visit Resy for reservations to dine-in, and call the restaurant at (832) 409-5785 for take-out orders.

Marmo, 888 Westheimer: This Italian chophouse will be open until 1 a.m. on New Year's Eve. Marmo will offer a four-course prix fixe menu ($110 plus supplements) featuring five options per course along with featured wines and Champagne. Choose from dishes such as the Blue Crab Bruschetta, Squid Ink Campanelle and swordfish saltimbocca. The restaurant will also have live music until 1 a.m. and a Champagne toast at midnight. Reservations are required and can be made via via OpenTable.

Hugo's, 1600 Westheimer: Chef Hugo's Ortega's namesake restaurant serving authentic Mexican cuisine will be celebrating New Year's Eve with a four course menu for $85 per person, featuring dishes such as the Chalupitas de Jaiba en Salpicon, masa cups filled with marinated crab salad and the Chilpachole de Robalo, roasted striped bass, ginger crab broth with masa dumplings. There will be live music by their house band and a sparkling toast at midnight. Reservations are required and can be made on their website.

Le Jardinier, 5500 Main: Celebrate new beginnings at the Bastion Collection's elegant restaurant in the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. The modern French fine-dining restaurant led by Michelin-starred chef Alain Verzeroli will have two seatings on New Year's Eve, with special tasting menus that vary for each seating. The first seating from 5 to 6:30 p.m. offers a four-course menu at $165 per person. This menu features Citrus-Cured Ora King Salmon with heirloom radishes, beets and Kaluga Royal caviar; Carolina Gold Rice Risotto with winter squash and black truffle shavings; and a choice of pan-seared scallops with sunchoke fondant or grass-fed beef tenderloin au jus with celeriac fondant and braised endive. The second seating is from 7:30 to 11 p.m. and includes a six-course menu at $295 per person. Highlights include Atlantic cod with fingerling potatoes, sake and mussels, as well as dry-aged ribeye with celeriac fondant and charred braised endive au jus. The entire space will be decked with festive New Year's Eve decorations as music plays through midnight. Reservations are highly encouraged and may be made by calling the restaurant at (713) 714-3015 or directly on Resy.

Gratify, 5212 Morningside: Celebrate at this hip Rice Village bistro, which is offering its regular menu as well as a special four-course meal with a complimentary Champagne toast for $100 per person. Some highlights on the menu include an 8-ounce Black Angus filet mignon and crab cakes. The kitchen closes at 11 p.m., but the bar will stay open until midnight to toast in the new year. Make reservations on Resy.

Brasserie 19, 1962 West Gray: You may not be able to spend New Year's Eve in France, but you can get close to it at Brasserie 19's Midnight in Paris party. There will be a DJ spinning, festive decor and a special wine list featuring large format, by-the-glass and Champagne specials. Reservations are recommended and can be made on the website.

State of Grace, 3258 Westheimer: Executive chef John Quinn has curated a four-course prix fixe menu to help bring in the New Year that is $145 per person. Menu items include Wagyu tartare; pappardelle with lamb ragu, goat ricotta and mint; crispy snapper served with chili ginger glaze, shaved turnip and spicy peanuts. Round out your meal with Chocolate Pudding Cake with toffee sauce and cappuccino cream. You can also add wine pairings to compliment each course for an additional $50 per person. The last seating time is 10:45 pm. Reservations are required and can be made on OpenTable.

Flight Club, 3515 West Dallas: Ring in the New Year at the River Oaks social darts venue. Enjoy unlimited gameplay, a special menu and a celebratory complimentary toast at midnight. The menu includes Surf and Turf Sashimi, shrimp cocktail and oysters Rockefeller. Entry for the event is $60 per person for individuals and $125 per person for groups of six to twelve. For more information and to reserve, visit the website.

Backstreet Café, 1103 S Shepherd: Spend an intimate evening at this cozy, converted house, with one of Houston's best patios. Enjoy live music and a four course menu for $85 per person with dishes such as the Guld Coast Beignets, with shrimp, crab, andouille sausage, corn, roasted red pepper remoulade and duck confit with butternut squash puree, Brussels sprouts, fig-Cognac sauce. Ring in 2023 with a complimentary toast at midnight. Reservations are required and can be made on the website.

B.B. Italia, 16250 City Walk: Join the Berg Hospitality group at its newest restaurant for dinner on New Year's Eve. They will be offering their regular dinner menu while you enjoy festive decorations, cocktails and holiday specials. There will be a live piano player from 6-11pm. Reservations are recommended by calling 713-424-7876 or booking on OpenTable under Experiences.

Blue Lagoon Bar & Grill, 12930 Crystal View: This waterfront dining experience with views of the Lago Mar Lagoon will extend their regular hours until 1 a.m. to ring in the New Year and will offer a special four-course prix fixe menu for $90 per person that will include such options as lobster bisque, Boudin Egg Rolls, citrus-brined Cornish hen and seared salmon. Reservations are recommended and can be made on their website.

Tony's, 3755 Richmond: Ring in the New Year Tony's-style and enjoy a four-course prix fixe menu, featuring a Telmont Champagne toast at both seatings. Options on the menu include pansoti, a butternut squash filled pasta, and butter-poached lobster tail. The first seating is at 6 p.m. for $135 per person and the second seating is at 9:15 p.m. for $195 per person, featuring live music from Nick & The Hits (second seating only). Call (713)622-6778 to reserve.

Urbe, 1101 Uptown Park: This Mexican street food destination is throwing its first New Year's Eve party, featuring passed bites, Mexican street food stations, a dessert table, Tequila cocktails, a live DJ, festive décor and a photo station. Each ticket is $89 and includes four specialty Tequila cocktails (cash bar after that) and sparkling toast at midnight. Tickets can be purchased here.

B&B Butchers & Restaurant, 1814 Washington: If you partied a little too hard the night before, this steakhouse has the perfect remedy, just keep partying. Join them for their Hangover Cure Brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. that will feature live music on the rooftop patio, decadent brunch dishes that will include black-eyed peas and greens specials and, of course, specialty cocktails to keep you going. Make reservations on OpenTable.

Eloise Nichols, 2400 Mid Lane: Start the new year at this all-day River Oaks café, which is offering its weekend brunch menu with $5 mimosas, along with its signature brunch menu items like Salmon Hoppin’ John with sautéed rice, garbanzos, seared salmon, poached eggs, romesco and scallions and Biscuit Benedict with pulled pork, poached eggs, smoked paprika, hollandaise, pickled green tomatoes and hash. They will be open New Year's Day from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations recommended and can be made on OpenTable.

Harold's, 350 West 19th: After dancing the night away at its New Year's Eve bash join this Height's eatery for brunch the next day. It is offering a special three-course brunch menu for $45 per person and a kid's brunch for $20 per person. Harold's opens on New Year's Day starting at 9 a.m. Reservations can be made on Resy.

Hull & Oak, 1070 Dallas: This southern-inspired restaurant located inside downtown's Laura Hotel is offering a New Year's Day cure-your-hangover brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests can enjoy two brunch items (choose from dishes including Peaches and Cream Waffles, Brisket Hash, market salad and Chicken-Fried Steak & Eggs), black eyed peas for good luck and bottomless beverages with choice of southern favorite John Dalys, signature mimosas or housemade Bloody Marys for $75 per person. To purchase tickets, go to their EventBrite page.

Lagniappe Kitchen & Bar, 550 Heights: Keep the good times rolling at this Louisiana-inspired café. It will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.mm. on New Year's day with live music and a special brunch menu featuring dishes such as Black-eyed Pea Cassoulet, biscuits and gravy and pain perdu. Their motto for the day is no reservations, no problem.

Rainbow Lodge, 2011 Ella: Start the New Year at this beautifully appointed restaurant , which is serving their famous Southern-style brunch menu from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Choose menu items such as the smoked duck gumbo, Braised Bison Short Rib Benedict or the shrimp and grits. And because you can never have enough luck, they will have black-eyed peas. Reservations can be made on their website.

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 stopped exploring all that Houston has to offer, and after a seven-year hiatus returned to writing about it, this time with Houston Food Finder.