Q’s Halal Pizza on San Pablo Avenue mixes halal pies with biryani, kabobs and samosas; its gyro plate — lamb, basmati and two sauces — is already drawing praise.

Home Slice Pizza became the first pizzeria inducted into the Austin American-Statesman’s Restaurant Hall of Fame, capping 20 years on South Congress. The honor recognizes neighborhood roots and steady growth.

Chef Rob Larman is closing il Fuoco on Jan. 1 after a decade; he cited rising costs and a shrinking customer base. The pizzeria will serve through Dec. 31.

The East Village's new wine bar, Stars, offers over 1,000 bottles and 20 by-the-glass options in a cozy, 450-square-foot space with a small, complementary snack menu.

Dirty Dawgs, a new Houston food truck, is turning heads with halal hot dogs served on toasted Hawaiian rolls and bold, crunchy toppings. The short menu includes six dog styles, fries and shakes.

Singas Famous Pizza opened its first Houston‑area location in Katy on Dec. 6, bringing New York‑style handmade pies to Westheimer Parkway.

MGM opened The Tiki Bar Monday at Excalibur — a 150-seat tropical lounge on the Strip with tiki cocktails, $8 happy hour drinks and late-night entertainment.

Family-run Local Table will open its sixth Houston-area location in Missouri City in January, occupying a 6,700-square-foot space with patio seating and brunch. The chain mixes Mediterranean bowls with Southern comfort food.

Family-run Las Pinatas Kitchen on Alma Street serves handmade tortillas, a $20 weekend brunch and a Friday–Sunday cenaduria of shareable Mexican plates.

After months of permits and upgrades, Papermill Creek Saloon cleared county inspections and its new owner aims to have beer flowing by New Year's Eve. Live music will follow and a grand reopening is planned for January or February.

Tanqueray's Bar in downtown Orlando is set to permanently close on New Year's Eve after over three decades, with lease non-renewal and city regulations cited as reasons.

Tacos A Go Go is expanding in Houston with a relocated Heights spot and a new Memorial/Tanglewood outpost. Both will include the chain's first full bar program.

Shark Tank‑backed Crispy Cones has filed permits to build a 1,356‑sq‑ft shop at Homestead Plaza in Conroe, with construction set for January–March 2026.