The upside of all this chilly weather is that it portends a good season for two Houston favorites: oysters and crawfish. And with crawfish primetime almost here, The Boil House is returning to its little shack in the Heights on 11th Street. Good news for mudbug lovers, bad news for those who were enjoying the fried chicken and biscuits at The Bird House, which was temporarily occupying the space until crawfish season swung back around.

The Bird House Farewell Party

January 14, 5-10 p.m.

$20

606 E. 11th St.

713-880-3999

The Bird House gang is going out with a bang before they close for good this week, with an all-you-can-eat fried chicken extravaganza. This Wednesday, January 14, a $20 ticket buys you admission to a buffet spread of crispy fried chicken—including breasts, wings, thighs, and drumsticks—biscuits, sides, and Saint Arnold beer. Yes, the $20 also includes all-you-can-drink beer. (Drink responsibly, y'all.) Dinner will be served from 5 to 10 p.m. and guests are advised to bring their own seating, as seating options at the shack are, shall we say, limited. Just pretend it's a tailgate that doesn't end in the Texans losing.

Those who just want a final meal that evening and don't want to set up shop at the buffet can call ahead for drive-thru pick-up orders, though be warned: there's no showing up and ordering at the counter. It's all buffet once you're inside. Until the party, however, The Bird House will be open during its regular lunch and dinner hours today and for lunch tomorrow.

This isn't the end for The Bird House entirely; chefs Jason Hill and Matt Opaleski are still hard at work opening their long-awaited Hugs & Donuts shop—a shop that may just feature some old favorites alongside its inventive donuts. Promised the Hugs & Donuts team in a press release: "This isn’t the last you’ve seen of fried chicken and badass sides, Houston!"