Restaurants open on New Year’s Day in Houston - Collage

Last Updated: January 13, 2026

Jump To: Restaurants Open All Over Houston | Franchise Restaurants | Galveston | Heights | Katy | Pearland

New Year’s Day comes with plenty of traditions—reflecting on the year that’s passed, setting intentions for the months ahead, and, of course, finding a great meal to kick off the new year on the right note. Whether you’re craving a restorative brunch, a comfort-filled lunch, or just something hearty enough to ease into January, starting 2026 with a full stomach never hurts.

Knowing which restaurants are open—and when—can make all the difference. That’s where this guide comes in. When you’re up and moving on January 1, 2026, check out these Houston restaurants confirmed to be open on New Year’s Day, complete with verified hours to help you plan your first meal of the year with confidence.

 Looking for restaurants open on New Year’s Eve instead? Check out our full guide to Restaurants Open on New Year’s Eve in Houston (2025), featuring 90+ verified listings for December 31, 2025.

Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the most up-to-date information. However, all information presented is subject to change. Please confirm with the organizers/businesses before you make plans to head out! 

In case you are wondering about the choice of listings in this article, here is how we come up with our recommendations.

Restaurants Open on New Year’s Day in Houston – 1st January, 2026

Caracol

Vuelve a la Vida Brunch Buffet: Thursday, January 1, 2026 | 10 am – 3 pm

Cleburne Cafeteria

Open on New Year’s Day 11 am – 8 pm.

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse

Thu, Jan 1, 2026: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Fielding’s Local Kitchen & Bar

Fielding’s is opening at 10 am on Thursday, January 1st, for our annual New Year’s Brunch. Come make the first meal of 2026 really special with a Bloody Mary or mimosa, chicken and waffles, and so much more!

Hugo’s

Vuelve a la Vida Brunch Buffet | Thursday, January 1, 2026 | 10 am – 3 pm

La Griglia Restaurant

NEW YEAR’S DAY • 12 – 7 PM

Mastro’s Steakhouse

Thu, Jan 1, 2026: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Monkey’s Tail

Roll out of bed and head straight over on New Year’s Day for our “I Woke Up Like This” hangover party! 
We’re opening early and setting the tone for 2026 with breakfast tacos, Chango Burgers, mimosas, Bloody Marys, and @dj_tropic spinning all the discoteka vibes from noon-4 pm

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille

New Year’s Day: 4 PM – 9 PM

Urbe Street Foods of Mexico

Vuelve a la Vida Brunch Buffet | Thursday, January 1, 2026 | 10 am – 3 pm. $39 per person /$15 per child plus beverages, tax, and gratuity

Willie G’s

NEW YEAR’S DAY • 11 AM – 7 PM

Xochi

Vuelve a la Vida Brunch Buffet | Thursday, January 1, 2026: 10 am – 3 pm | Brunch Buffet with live music by Sol y Son 11 am – 2 pm | $45 per person /$15 per child plus beverages, tax, and gratuity

Houston Restaurants Open on New Year’s Day 2026 – Franchise Restaurants Open on 1st January.

Arby’s

Most locations will be open, some with limited hours. Check ahead with your local franchise.

Baskins Robbins

Westheimer Road location to have reduced hours. We called to find out! 

Benihana

We called a couple of locations. They are open. Please confirm the location near you.

Burger King

Most locations are expected to be open, but hours may vary.

Chick-fil-A®

U.S. Chick-fil-A® restaurants are open on New Year’s Day and New Year’s Eve (unless the holiday falls on a Sunday), although they may have limited operating hours.

Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel is open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, operating during their regular hours

Denny’s

Indirect sources inform us that Denny’s will stay open 24/7 through the holidays, as it usually is throughout the year.

Dunkin’

Dunkin’ hours vary by location, but most are open on New Year’s Day.

Five Guys

Most Houston locations are open with varying hours.

Hooters

Open on New Year’s Eve: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm & New Year’s Day: 11:00 am – 12:00 am

IHOP

Yes, IHOP is open on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, but hours will vary by location.

Joe’s Crab Shack

Kickstart the New Year with Joe’s and reel in some of our latest season favorites.

KFC

Most locations will be open, but check ahead with your nearest location.

McDonald’s

Hours vary by location. Some places might be open till 4 AM. Check with your local outlet.

Panda Express

Most locations will be open with hours varying according to location.

Papa John’s

Most locations should be open till midnight, but confirm the hours with your local outlet.

Pizza Hut

Most locations should be open, but hours will vary by location.

Quiznos

Most outlets should be open; hours vary by store.

Sonic Drive-In

Most locations are open at regular hours.

Subway

Subway restaurant hours vary by location. Please contact your local restaurant for specific holiday hours.

Starbucks

Starbucks store hours vary by location.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell locations are open on New Year’s Eve and Day, but hours vary with locations.

Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks is open on New Year’s Day, and some locations offer special events

Wendy’s

Wendy’s locations’ hours vary by location.

Restaurants Open on New Year’s Day 2026 in Houston – Galveston Restaurants open on 1/1/2026

Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar

We’re open on New Year’s Day: 11 AM – 9 PM

The Fancy at Hotel Lucine

Thursday, January 1, 2026: Experience the soothing sounds of crystal singing bowls in our courtyard at Hotel Lucine. Let the vibrations wash away stress and tension, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

MarMo Cafe & Lounge

Kiss 2025 goodbye, the fun way. NYE at MarMo — cocktails flowing, DJ Alchemy spinning, and a midnight “cheers” on us. Dec 31 • 7 PM • No cover

Vida Agave

We are open on NYE and New Year’s Day

Restaurants Open on New Year’s Day 2026 in Houston – Heights Restaurants

Bungalow Heights

NYE / NYD at Bungalow Heights – Out with the old, IN with the party. NYE: No cover. Free entry. Music all night + a champagne toast at midnight. Dance it out, sip something bubbly, and ring in the New Year the right way. Wake up (or crawl back) for NYD: Doors open at 11 AM

Cedar Creek Bar & Grill

New Year’s Day Brunch: 10 am – 2 pm + regular hours

Grotto Restaurant

NEW YEAR’S DAY • 12 PM – 8 PM

Palm Restaurant

Thu, Jan 1, 2026: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Restaurants Open on New Year’s Day 2026 in Houston – Katy Restaurants

Astor’s Table

THE ULTIMATE NEW YEAR’S BRUNCH 2026: Thursday, January 1st | Welcome 2026 the right way — with bold flavors, flowing mimosas, and unforgettable hospitality.

Restaurants Open on New Years Day 2026 in Houston – Pearland Restaurants

7Spice

Open on New Year’s Eve 11 am – 10 pm & New Year’s Day 12 pm – 10 pm

Szechuan Spice

Happy Holidays – Bring some heat to your holiday plans. Open on Christmas and New Year’s.

Looking for more local fun? See our current list of things to do in Houston this weekend.

Brett T
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