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The best restaurants in The Woodlands, Texas, deserve your attention, and I will tell you why. The city is a bustling area filled with beautiful scenery and a clear atmosphere. There are numerous cuisines awaiting you.
Here, you will find the breath-taking scenery of the Waterway, little forests, large parks, huge shopping malls, and more. Surely this sounds like an attraction that you must visit. And this list of top famous restaurants will help complete your excellent experience here in The Woodlands.
Save These Restaurants For Your Next Visit To Woodland
Whether it be breakfast, lunch, or dinner, The Woodlands has all the places that could satisfy even the strictest food critiques. Let’s go through the article to find out what this city has to offer for your next visit.
1. TRIS
Visit TRIS if you are keen on New American cuisine. This place offers a unique dining experience with an intimate atmosphere and quality service. You can find various fusion dishes like ribs with kimchi vinaigrette or Wagyu beef fajitas.
With a variety of seating from outdoors and indoors to fireplace areas, you can easily amp up your dinner date. What sets TRIS apart from other places is its chef’s table, where you can observe Austin Simmon, the executive chef, and his team showcase their culinary talents.
Happy hour is available from 4 PM – 6:30 PM at TRIS, making this elegant, white-cloth spot a haven for cocktail lovers. It’s good to note, however, that the restaurant is closed on Monday and Sunday. So make sure you plan your dinner outside of these two days.
Price range: $$$
Food style: New American
Location: 24 Waterway Ave #125, The Woodlands, TX 77380
Website: https://triswoodlands.com/
Phone: (281) 203-5641
Order Online: Not available
Table Reservation:
What are the signature dishes at TRIS? Find out here.
2. Kirby’s Steakhouse – The Woodlands
Kirby’s Prime Steakhouse was founded in 1954, and its location in The Woodlands followed about half a century later. There are many branches of Kirby’s all over America: You can also find it among the most popular restaurants in San Antonio if you happen to visit the area.
This award-winning restaurant focuses on organic prime beef and fresh seafood. It’s also a pleasant place to enjoy the jazz bar and lounge, where you can smoke some fine Latin America-imported cigars and enjoy the discounted drinks from Happy Hour.
This fine steakhouse is a frequent destination for local people for celebrations or anniversaries. Aside from the amazing and juicy steak, Kirby attracts its customers with a wine cellar boasting a spectacular selection of various wines of more than 4,000 bottles.
If you’re looking for a cozy atmosphere with music playing in the background to celebrate your anniversary, then Kirby is the place to visit. The breath-taking view of The Woodlands Waterway is another amazing bonus.
Price range: $$$
Food style: Steakhouse, Seafood
Location: 1111 Timberloch Pl, The Woodlands, TX 77380
Website: https://kirbyssteakhouse.com/
Phone: (281) 362-1121
Order Online:
Table Reservation:
3. The Goose’s Acre Bistro & Irish Pub
The Goose’s Acre is an easy-going pub featuring New American and Irish specialties. Located along the beautiful waterway of The Woodlands, The Goose’s Acre is one of the most famous destinations for many locals and visitors.
Interestingly, the bar had been situated in Ireland for more than one century before a pair of Irish men, Brian Young and Colm O’Neill, disassembled it, then shipped the whole bar to The Woodland and rebuilt it here. So The Goose’s Acre is totally Irish in every sense.
This laid-back bar is perfect whether you’re going with friends or family. The ambiance and menu here can cater to every request of yours. The owners made some interesting changes to the menu.
From starters to entrees, salads, and side dishes, you can find fusion dishes like Irish nachos or Irish empanadas. In addition to those are some filling menus like gourmet pizzas or juicy burgers you can enjoy with draft beers, cocktails, and many more options.
Price range: $$
Food style: American, Irish, Bar
Location: 21 Waterway Ave, The Woodlands, TX 77380
Website: https://www.goosesacre.com/
Phone: (281) 466-1502
Order Online:
Table Reservation:
4. The Kitchen
The Kitchen is an establishment sharing the same executive chef from TRIS that I have mentioned above, Austin Simmons. First appearing in 2010, The Kitchen has been serving locals some of the best hand-crafted wood-grilled burgers, craft beer, and many other dishes.
This hidden gem is a chic eatery that offers many amazing dishes aside from craft burgers, including sandwiches, kinds of ravioli, soup, etc. Another interesting feature is its built-in wine store, where you can buy your wine bottle and bring it to your table to enjoy.
At The Kitchen, there are also special events and promotions to experience regularly. You can drop by for a drink during Happy Hour from 3 PM – 6 PM every Tuesday through Friday. Craft beer pints are available at a special price on the first Friday of every month from 6 PM -9 PM.
Price range: $$
Food style: Breakfast and brunch, Cafe
Location: 4526 Research Forest Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77381
Website: https://thekitcheninthewoodlands.com/
Phone: (281) 203-5650
Order Online:
Table Reservation: Not available
5. Bellagreen – The Woodlands
Bellagreen is another New American restaurant that has been all the rage these recent years in the Woodlands. This name is also among the most excellent eateries in River Oaks. The main charm of this eatery is its amazing green meals delivered at an affordable price.
Walking into the place, you will be welcomed by a modern and chic atmosphere with green and eco-friendly as the main theme. There are different types of settings you can choose for your seats. If you prefer a funky and eclectic ambiance, then you can sit indoors.
For those who prefer an airy space where you can enjoy the scenic streets in The Woodlands, there’s an outdoor patio with wooden furniture. Sitting in this plant-packed area, you munch on your delicious food in a refreshing scene.
One of the qualities making the dining experience at Bellagreen meaningful is their love for the environment. They pay close attention to conserving water, using alternative power sources, and practicing sustainable food preparation.
Price range: $$
Food style: American
Location: 2501 Research Forest Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77381
Website: https://bellagreen.com/
Phone: (281) 292-4515
Order Online:
Table Reservation: Not available
6. La Madeleine
Time for some French baked goods at la Madeleine. Located in the Market Street area, this bakery offers French pastries with an American twist, a fantastic combination evident in dishes like French onion soup or tomato basil bisque.
Having been around in The Woodlands for a long time, this is the go-to spot for some delicious and freshly-baked croissants. There are other pastries worth trying, such as quiche Lorraine or fruit tarts.
And what pastry would be complete without a hot cup of coffee? You will find an array of coffee drinks to choose from, along with some seasonal beverages. And for those who are not coffee enthusiasts, you can instead try some of their tea options.
After your first visit to this cafe, there is a promotion program if you choose to be a regular customer. La Madeleine has an app you can download to save your visit credits and turn them into rewards.
Price range: $$
Food style: Breakfast and brunch, Cafe, French
Location: 9595 Six Pines Dr. Suite 100 Ste 100, The Woodlands, TX 77380
Website: https://lamadeleine.com/
Phone: (281) 419-5826
Order Online:
Table Reservation: Contact the restaurant by phone for more information.
7. True Food Kitchen – Woodlands
Pay a visit to True Food Kitchen – a restaurant and lifestyle chain present all across the United States. This chic restaurant mainly promotes the importance of eating tasty food that also makes your body feel good.
True Food Kitchen has other branches for those who are not in The Woodlands. In fact, it’s one of the most visited eateries you can find in Houston. This makes it easy for you to have some delicious food at True Food Kitchen wherever you are.
From gluten-free to lactose-intolerant and vegan, there are great dishes you can order. Eating at True Food is truly a pleasant experience as I know what I’m putting in my body because the dishes are all guided by Dr. Weil’s anti-inflammatory food pyramid.
You will find on the menu at True Food Kitchen all sorts of dishes. Ranging from sandwiches and burgers to entrees and desserts, you can guarantee a healthy and tasty meal here. I personally suggest edamame dumplings and teriyaki bowls if you want a wholesome and flavorful meal.
Another quality I find common among regular customers at True Food is their adoration for the great service. The cooks here have done an excellent job making food that’s hearty, tasty, and, most importantly, friendly toward your health.
Price range: $$
Food style: New American, Vegetarian, Vegan
Location: 9595 Six Pines Dr. Ste 150, The Woodlands, TX 77380
Website: https://www.truefoodkitchen.com/
Phone: (281) 364-7222
Order Online:
Table Reservation:
Sneak a peek inside what other customers think of the great food at True Food Kitchen.
8. Genghis Grill – The Woodlands
Genghis Grill is a grill chain specializing in Mongolian-style stir-fry bowls. One special feature about this place is you can either choose bowls on the menu or make your stir-fry bowls.
With a base of rice or noodle, you can choose from veggies to meat toppings variations in these bowls. The flavors are very versatile: there are pad Thai bowls, teriyaki chicken bowls, Carne Asada bowls, or Mongolian beef bowls.
If you’re feeling a little creative, you can choose from various ingredients from their menu to build your dish. Aside from that is the wide selection of drinks from soda, and tea, to margaritas you can bring on the go.
Genghis Grill is a great place to quickly fix your stir-fry bowl cravings. Come through on any day of the week for some ambrosial food from 11 AM all until 10 PM.
Price range: $$
Food style: Mongolian, Asian fusion
Website: https://www.genghisgrill.com/
Location: 9300 Six Pines Dr #100a, The Woodlands, TX 77380
Phone: (281) 363-4745
Order Online:
Table Reservation: Not available
9. Hopdoddy’s Burger Bar – The Woodlands
To indulge yourself in a quick yet filling meal, make a trip to Hopdoddy’s. This place has the juiciest beef burgers as well as the most amazing milkshakes and cocktails you can enjoy.
Located in the heart of The Woodlands, Hopdoddy’s is a new and trending spot serving excellent burgers. They don’t only have beef: you can go for other choices of patty like bison, chicken, and tuna patty. Hopdoddy’s also has vegan and vegetarian options for your burger.
Why are the burgers here so good? Well, the beef is directly ranch-to-table. On top of that, the buns are hand-baked every day and available in 3 different types. Lastly, hand-cut fries with many flavors like truffle, nachos, or hot honey are another major draw.
In addition, there are also types of wine, milkshakes, and cocktails you can choose from. Some of these drinks, including Schooner or Frosty Bliss, are discounted on Monday through Friday from 3 PM to 6 PM.
Price range: $$
Food style: Bar, American
Location: 2417 Research Forest Dr. Ste. A The Woodlands, TX 77381
Website: https://www.hopdoddy.com/
Phone: (281) 907-9001
Order Online:
Table Reservation: Not available
10. The Toasted Yolk – The Woodlands
The Toasted Yolk opened its first location in 2010. Since then, it has brought mouth-watering, made-from-scratch dishes to enthusiastic patrons in many cities across America.
In The Woodlands branch, you can savor classic breakfasts with a unique twist, like Cowboy scramble (scrambled eggs with toppings and gravy) or granola apple French toast.
Of course, it’s a must to order from the diverse drinks menu. Boasting a large variety of house special cocktails to pair with your French toast and omelet, not to mention many types of coffee, tea, and juices, The Toasted Yolk is understandably a famous spot for brunch enthusiasts.
Besides the one in the Woodlands, The Toasted Yolk also has numerous locations all across the area of Texas. They are open 7 days a week from 6 AM to 3 PM, so you can enjoy a hearty breakfast whenever you want.
Price range: $$
Food style: Breakfast & brunch, American
Location: 207 E Shore Dr #100, The Woodlands, TX 77380
Website: https://thetoastedyolk.com/
Phone: (832) 844-3991
Order Online:
Table Reservation: Not available
11. Via Emilia Italian Restaurant
Located near The Woodlands Crossing, Via Emilia is an unassuming Italian restaurant that has been a favorite local haunt for decades.
Named after the ancient Roman road from Rimini to Piacenza, Via Emilia is famous for its housemade pasta, braised meat, and special seafood dishes. In addition, this upscale restaurant has some of the most luscious dessert dishes you can try out to complete your meal.
What also attracts customers to this restaurant is the divine live piano performance available every Wednesday to Saturday, from 6 PM to 9 PM. And to enjoy the music better, Via Emilia has a wide selection of around 250 wines you can choose from to elevate the experience.
Equipped with dimmed lighting and beautiful dining rooms, this place is especially suitable for couples who are looking for a romantic dinner venue.
Price range: $$$
Food style: Italian, Bar
Location: 10700 Kuykendahl Rd Suite F, The Woodlands, TX 77381
Website: http://www.viaemiliarestaurant.com/
Phone: (281) 465-9555
Order Online:
Table Reservation:
The Woodlands: A Dream Destination For Culinary Enthusiasts
Browsing through the amazing restaurants in The Woodlands is surely an exciting adventure. Dining under the beautiful clear sky among verdant trees is something worth experiencing.
This list is a compilation of carefully selected places that I enjoy eating at. I hope that you will share the same opinion after trying them out. I would also love to hear your say on your favorite dishes at these spots.
It’d be a great pleasure for me if this list could help you explore The Woodlands better. Please share it with your friends and loved ones if you find it informative. Thank you!
