BARK WEEK: The Original Ninfa’s Teams Up with Lone Star Pawz for Inaugural PAWZtober Fest in Houston

The landmark restaurant is fundraising for Houston pets in need with tacos, tail wags, live music, and prizes

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Published on September 25, 2025 • 4:17 PM MDT

This fall, the Original Ninfa’s is giving Houstonians a reason to eat, drink, and party for a good cause. The iconic Tex-Mex restaurant is kicking off the season with its first ever PAWZtober Fest at the Uptown location on Saturday, October 4. In collaboration with Lone Star Pawz, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit, foster-based animal rescue dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming pets in need, the free event will serve to raise funds and awareness of the worthy organization.

A pair of pups featured on the Facebook page for Lone Star Pawz. | Photo by Lone Star Pawz — *A pair of pups featured on the Facebook page for Lone Star Pawz | Photo by Lone Star Pawz*

“We’re so excited to support Lone Star Pawz at the inaugural PAWZtober Fest at the Original Ninfa’s Uptown,” says Justin Solomon, Ninfa’s Director of Operations. “Getting to serve up delicious Tex-Mex dishes, refreshing cocktails, and plenty of fun all in the name of raising funds for the four-legged friends that the organization supports year round is a privilege, and we can’t wait to welcome guests to the party!”

PAWZtober Fest will take over the restaurant from 1 to 4 p.m., during which guests can enjoy live music by local rock and party band, the Guzzlers, and purchase raffle tickets to win prizes like Houston Texans tickets, Astros tickets, a gift card to Ninfa’s, two processed deer packages, and a St. Arnold’s gift basket. One raffle ticket costs $10, but guests can score three for $25. As an added perk, those who purchase a raffle ticket will receive 20% off their meal receipt.

The dog-friendly patio at the Original Ninfa's Uptown. | Photo by the Original Ninfa's — *The dog friendly patio at the Original Ninfas Uptown | Photo by Sergio Trevino*

The decision for Ninfa’s to host PAWZtober Fest comes from a team full of animal lovers. Ninfa’s owner, Niel Morgan’s own dog, Nacho, was a stray that he discovered near the restaurant’s Navigation location. The restaurant’s executive chef, Patti Delgado, is also a loving dog parent, and was featured with her rescue poodle, Nube, in a story for DiningOut’s Bark Week. It’s no surprise that both Ninfa’s Uptown and Navigation locations are dog-friendly with special dishes and treats on the menu for pups to enjoy during their visit.

Chef Patti Delgado of the Original Ninfa's with her standard poodle Nube. | Photo courtesy of Patti Delgado — *Chef Patti Delgado of the Original Ninfas with her standard poodle Nube | Photo courtesy of Patti Delgado*

PAWZtober Fest is open to guests of all ages, and the invitation extends to four-legged guests. Reservations are recommended on weekends, but walk-ins are more than welcome to join the pawty.

The Original Ninfa’s Uptown, 1700 Post Oak Blvd. #1-190, Houston, ninfas.com

Megha McSwain Texas Managing Editor

Megha McSwain is the Texas Editor for DiningOut Magazine, managing editorial content for Houston and Dallas. Megha was born in Mumbai, India, and currently resides in Houston. She has a passion for reporting on food, restaurants, chefs, and travel, and has contributed to outlets like Food Network, Eater, InsideHook, Resy, Texas Monthly, and Texas Highways throughout her career. As a trusted member of the local media, Megha also appears as a regular guest on local lifestyle television shows, Great Day Houston on KHOU11, and Texas Today on NBC5.

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