Brennan's of Houston

Want some real pampering this holiday? Score a reservation for Christmas Eve lunch (11 am to 2 pm) or Christmas Eve dinner (5 to 8:30 pm) at this Creole fine dining institution. Guests can expect a prix fixe three-course menu that is sure to treat (that includes sherry-splashed Turtle Soup and tableside flambéed Bananas Foster) alongside impeccable service and an unmatched wine and cocktail list.
Cost: Prix fixe menu price TBA.
How to book: Call 713-522-9711 to reserve your dine-in reservations.

Snagging a seat at this legendary outpost is like winning the lottery in Southern hospitality. Every inch of the space is carefully stenciled with cultural odes to South Texas and Louisiana, especially when it comes to their roster of comforts like fragrant gumbos and caramel-crowned pecan pie. Those dining in can kick the meal off with a Lagniappe before moving onto sweet choices like Snapping Turtle Soup, Creole Turkey with Holy Trinity Dressing, and Brennan's famous tableside Flambe Bananas Foster. Guests can also spruce up their Thanksgiving tables with a lil’ Brennan magic by ordering from its Thanksgiving To-Go menu.
Cost: Dine-in menus run $84 per adult and $30 per child; take-out prices vary.
How to book: Call 713-522-9711 to reserve or place a pick-up order online.

Staying in? You can order this Creole fine dining spot’s a la carte holiday items (which come with reheating instructions) for an epic at-home Christmas—think herb-crusted lamb rack, braised collards, seafood gumbo, gouda potato gratin, and Creole bread pudding. Or, you can go for the piece de resistance: the Christmas Prime Rib Feast. You’ll get a beastly 3 lb or 6 lb smoked ribeye as the centerpiece, with demi-glace or horseradish cream sauce plus choice of three sides and a dessert. Those who prefer to dine-in can score a reservation for Christmas Eve.
Cost: A la carte of $350 (serves 2-4) to $700 (serves 6-8) for the Christmas Prime Rib Feast, order online by December 18 at 3 pm for pickup on December 22 - 23 from 11 am - 3 pm