One of the joys of visiting The Woodlands, Texas is experiencing the area’s famous local cuisine and drinks. From Tex-Mex classics to Gulf seafood, these restaurants in the Woodlands serve dishes that capture the region’s distinctive flavors. Pair them with a local craft beer or signature cocktail for a true taste of The Woodlands.
Tex-Mex Favorites
No trip to Texas is complete without savoring Tex-Mex specialties. Head to Casa Do Brasil to try authentic churrasco and Brazilian flair. Meat lovers will delight in the rodízio-style service with crispy bacon wrapped filet mignon, BBQ ribs, and spicy sausage brought to the table. Cool off with a visit to their 60+ item salad bar and a refreshing caipirinha cocktail made with lime, sugar cane liquor and muddled fruit. For classic fajitas sizzling on a skillet, Pappasito’s Cantina also delivers. This local favorite uses secret family recipes to create favorites like cheese enchiladas with chili gravy, fish tacos al carbon and Mexican martinis for kicks.
Southern Soul Food
The Woodlands restaurants also know how to do Southern comfort food right. Head to Fielding’s Local Kitchen + Bar where items like buttermilk fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and bread pudding with whiskey sauce provide a taste of the South using seasonal local ingredients. Township on the Waterway has live music and Southern hospitality with Cajun dishes like Louisiana crawfish fettuccine and fried green tomatoes. Enjoy brunch on their patio deck overlooking the Waterway. Lucille’s Creole Cafe serves up authentic NOLA cuisine like jambalaya stewed with andouille sausage, crawfish étouffée ladled over rice, and Hurricane cocktails.
Fresh Gulf Seafood
Living close to the Gulf means seafood is a forte at upscale restaurants in The Woodlands. Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar offers island vibes with coconut shrimp, firecracker grouper tacos, and macadamia nut mahi. Tris Seafood, Steak and Cocktail Lounge excels at seafood towers and raw bar along with composed dishes like sesame seared tuna and crab stuffed shrimp with Louisiana spice butter. Pier7 Seafood on Lake Conroe provides a relaxing escape for lobster rolls, crab cakes, and key lime pie under the shade of palm trees.
Classic Texas Barbecue
No Texas dining guide is complete without real-deal barbecue. Head to The Bone by Killen’s for smoked brisket, beef ribs, and housemade sausage from James Beard award winner Ronnie Killen. The loaded baked potatoes make the ideal barbecue side. For classic barbecue since 1982, make the short drive to Montgomery and stop at Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que for perfectly smoked meat by the pound, just steps away from the pit. Enjoy it family-style or on loaded baked potatoes. End your meal with a slice of pecan pie or banana pudding.
Conclusion
The Woodlands offers some of the best spots in Texas to sample famous local cuisine along with craft cocktails and local beers. From traditional Tex-Mex dishes to Gulf seafood classics and authentic barbecue, tasting the flavors that made the region famous is a must on any visit.
