Beyond partaking in all of the festive goings on that the summer season brings, Houstonians are gearing up for 713 Day, the unofficial holiday celebrating the city of Houston that is named after its original area code. Many Houstonians remember a time when there was only one area code: 713. It’s been around since 1947, when the Public Utility Commission of Texas made it the city’s phone code. Over the years, as Houston sprawled, new area codes were added, but 713 remains the original, and it has become a point of pride for many Houstonians.
It all began with Southern hip hop artist, Lil’ Keke (Marcus Lakee Edwards), who pays tribute to his Houston roots in his music and his lifestyle, even creating his own brand: SLFmade 713. In 2015, former mayor Annise Parker designated July 13 as 713 Day, also known as Lil’Keke Day.
In the past decade, 713 Day has grown beyond commemorating Houston’s vibrant rap scene, home-grown celebrities, and slab culture. Every year, local restaurants and bars around town host festive gatherings, offer food and drink specials, and give locals lots of reasons to share the love they have for Houston.
Whether you’re a devoted Houston native, or a “Newstonian” who freshly calls the city home, enjoy a sense of community and belonging this Sunday at these spots pulling out all the spots for 713 Day.
Savoy
This bar and restaurant in Houston’s historic Third Ward is showing love for the city by hosting a long weekend party from Friday, July 10 through Monday, July 13. Calling it “We Rep 713” Weekend, the team at Savoy is transforming the restaurant into a celebration of slab culture and local music, with drinks and giveaways. Each evening, at 7:13 p.m., Savoy will offer chances to win Houston-themed prizes and gift cards. The weekend begins early with Friday brunch at 11 a.m., followed by the We Rep Houston Day Party on Saturday, July 11, with DJs and signature drinks. Slab Sunday will be on July 12, with music, cars, and food. The final day, July 13, will feature a special brunch, plus $7.13 frozen cocktails all day. 4402 Emancipation Ave., Houston, thesavoyhtx.com
Sylvia’s Enchiladas
Sylvia Casares is known as the Enchilada Queen in Houston, and the chef-owner is honoring her city by bringing back enchilada #20, “The Houston”—not only for 713 Day, but for the rest of the month. The special off-the-menu enchilada is a blend of Mexican and Texas flavors, filled with spicy barbacoa, and topped with chile de arbol red sauce, fresh onions, and cheese. The single enchilada will be $7.13, but guests can make it a meal with two enchiladas, rice, and beans for $19. Also, take advantage of happy hour prices on drinks and bar bites all day, July 13. Multiple locations, sylviasenchiladas.com
Giant Texas Distillers
Located in a former manufacturing building for Uncle Ben’s rice, this giant distillery is throwing a mega party on Sunday, July 12. The Hou City Fest Presents 713 Day will run from 1 to 8 p.m., with live performances from local artists like J Dawg, plus graffiti art demonstrations, and a huge vendor market. Attendees can check out all the slabs and low riders that will be on site, plus there will be a Houston Loteria game session from 3 to 5 p.m., and food vendors like Southern Sips Soda Co., Miguelito’s Grill, and Blessed Wings. 5610 Clinton Dr., Houston, gianttexas.com
Cyclone Anaya’s
For one day only, Cyclone Anaya’s is offering its jumbo house ‘ritas for $7.13 at all six of its Houston-area locations on Monday, July 13. Make it a complete celebration, and pair with brisket enchiladas or Betsy’s pork tamales. Multiple locations, cycloneanaya.com
Ouisie’s Table
This longstanding Southern restaurant in River Oaks offers a genteel way to enjoy the day, serving house wine and cocktails all day for $7.13. Go for a classic gin and tonic, or something a little more exciting like the Perfect Peach Bellini or Espresso Martini, and enjoy bargain prices all day on Monday, July 13. 3939 San Felipe St., Houston, ouisiestable.com
OMG! Burger
Family-owned and operated, OMG! Burger is known for its organic grass-fed, halal beef burgers, and has five locations across the Greater Houston area., In honor of 713 Day, customers can take advantage of bargain wings for $7.13 all day, for both dine-in and take-out. Choose an order of seven chicken wings in flavors like garlic parmesan, Buffalo, barbecue, lemon pepper, and habanero… or plain for the purists. Multiple locations, txomgburger.com
Houston Zoo
With over a century-long history, the Houston Zoo ranks among the top in the country. To celebrate the Houston community, it is offering special $7.13 admission Saturday, July 11 through Monday, July 13, with advance purchase. There’s also a $35 add-on 713 Ballcap Bundle that includes a hat, one carousel ride, and a ticket to the zoo’s limited-time exhibit, Mythical Realms. Visit Jack’s Cafe, which opened last year, for burgers, salads, chicken sandwiches, soft drinks, and cold beer. 6200 Hermann Park Dr., Houston, houstonzoo.org
Yuma
This sandwich shop from chef Mike Hartley and wife Miriam Leek-Meira recently opened a brick and mortar location after years of pop-ups. Along with offering its tasty Cubanos and Brazilian-inspired dishes, Yuma will host a Houston-centric karaoke night on 713 Day. Whether you can belt out a Beyonce tune like nobody’s business, or you feel like you can rap like Bun B, this could be your night to shine. And for liquid courage, the restaurant is offering classic Brazilian Caipirinha cocktails for $7.13. 4219 Washington Ave., Houston, eatyuma.com
Craft Pita
Craft Pita chef-owner Raffi Nasr is partnering with renowned pitmaster Grant Pinkerton, of Pinkerton’s Barbecue, and Van Teamer, from Pudgy’s Cookies, for a Craft Pita Cookout from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, July 13. The one day collaborative event is a celebration of Texas and Lebanese flavors, with guests invited to indulge in dishes like halal smoked chicken thigh pita, while supplies last. Pudgy’s will offer an exclusive, limited-edition banana tahini cookie. 5172 Buffalo Spdwy., Houston, craftpita.com
Betelgeuse Betelgeuse
Both the Montrose and Washington Avenue locations of this funky bar and pizza joint will be celebrating 713 Day with live music, and cast iron pizza pies and select cocktails for $7.13. Those who RSVP ahead of time, with a donation to Southern Smoke Foundation, are eligible for free tattoos from Stabs Tattoo Collective and a drawing for free pizza for a year. The Montrose location will also have a vendor’s market that day. Multiple locations, betelgeusehou.com
BB’s Tex-Orleans
Houston’s proximity to the state of Louisiana has resulted in a cuisine that blends Texas and Cajun flavors, delighting both locals and transplants alike. BB’s Tex-Orleans is celebrating its Houston beginnings as a po’boy shop by giving a Tex-Cajun twist to 713 Day. On Monday, July 13, guests can dig into one of its famous po’boy sandwiches for just $7.13, whether it’s a seafood favorite like the Bedtime on the Bayou, or the roast debris. For the whole month of July, all locations will serve regular size frozen cocktails for $5 all day long as a bonus. Multiple locations, bbstexorleans.com
Happy Go Lucky
From the team behind the Burger Joint and the Taco Stand, this shaved ice concept has both non-alcoholic and boozy refreshers to beat the heat. Its July frozen cocktail special pays tribute to the “lean” drink that became part of the Houston scene and the Southern hip hop culture of the ‘90s. Fortunately, Happy Go Lucky’s Purple Drank leaves out the cough syrup, getting its sweetness instead from creme de violets, grape Fanta, and grenadine, mixed with vodka. The icy drink is available throughout the month, but on Monday, July 13, guests can take $2 off with the special 713 Day code. 2102 N. Shepherd Dr., Houston, happygoluckyhtx.com
Duck N Bao
Known for its Peking duck and soup dumplings, this Chinese restaurant from Grace and Leo Xia also has killer cocktails. The Fun & Relaxed menu of drinks has 14 cocktails on special this 713 Day for $7.13 at both Rice Village and Memorial locations. Celebrate the day with cocktails like the azalea margarita, lychee martini, and Singapore sling.Multiple locations, ducknbao.com
Bayou Heights Biergarten
Located along the Washington corridor, this patio bar hangout is beginning its 713 festivities at 3 p.m. on July 13 with select Houston-inspired cocktails for $7.13. There will be drinks like Bayou Blossom, Sittin’ Sideways, and the Harvey Colada. From 4 to 7 p.m., there will be home-baked treats for purchase from local bakery, Sweet Roars, and liquid drink enhancers from Mycolean. 3905 Washington Ave., Houston, bayouheightsbiergarten.com
Saint Arnold Brewing Company
Houston’s oldest craft brewery knows how to throw a party, and its love for its hometown is even more of an excuse to turn up the fun. All afternoon and evening on 713 Day, the brewery is hosting live music with DJ Captain Milsey starting Houston hits at 4 p.m., followed by Mariachi Estrella di Mi Tierra at 5 p.m. The Bishop’s Brass Jazz Quartet will perform at 6 p.m., then hip hop performers Blaze X Black take the stage at 7:13 p.m. Attendees can try Saint Arnold’s version of Purple Drank; a frozen purple cider. Across the street .2000 Lyons Ave., Houston, saintarnold.com
Meow Wolf Houston
Houston’s most immersive art experience is turning 713 Day into a four-day celebration of the city’s creativity, music, and culture. From Friday, July 10 through Monday, July 13, Meow Wolf Houston’s Radio Tave will feature exclusive Houston-themed merchandise, scavenger hunts, surprise pop-ups, live Phenomenomaly performances, and 13% off admission with promo code 713DAY. The celebration extends to Cowboix Hevvven, the exhibition’s surreal dive bar, where guests can sip a $7.13 Purple Drank cocktail and enjoy limited-time root beer floats created in collaboration with Saint Arnold Brewing Company. The festivities culminate Monday, July 13, with a special evening DJ showcase presented by Ice House Radio and Do713, celebrating the sounds that define Houston. 2103 Lyons Ave., Houston, meowwolf.com/houston
Common Bond Bistro & Bakery
This Houston-born cafe and bakery is known for its buttery croissants, tasty sandwiches, and delicious bread. To pay tribute to its home base, Common Bond is offering customers a special deal on Monday, July 13, at all of its locations, including On-The-Go spots. For $7.13, guests can enjoy one small hot drip or cold brew coffee, plus a choice of pastry. Options include croissants in varieties like butter, almond, pistachio, and chocolate, or morning buns and seasonal supreme rolls. Multiple locations, commonbondcafe.com
