Best Restaurant Bargains in the Woodlands

You can dine affordably in the Woodlands. We show you where.

The Woodlands isn’t known as an inexpensive area. However, a savvy foodie can find great places to eat without breaking the bank. Here are our favorites for an enjoyable meal on a budget.

BBQ Godfather

Do you like your barbecue with a little kick? Then BBQ Godfather has you covered. Award-winning competition pitmaster Tony Faour brought his South Texas style ‘Q to Deacon Baldy’s food truck park, and the locals have been lining up ever since. Each meat gets a unique rub, and the perfect sauce is available for those who prefer it. From the delicious pork ribs to spicy brisket, BBQ Godfather offers unique versions of all the Texas BBQ classics. Sides are top notch as well; don’t miss the sweet potato casserole or the mac & cheese burnt ends. Sandwiches come on a crusty Italian loaf… just don’t call it French bread, or you risk the ire of the Godfather himself.

BBQ | 1488 West
Outdoor Dining

5447 Fm 1488 Rd | Magnolia 77354
713-828-5960 | Map | Details
$ (under $10) and $$ ($10-20)

Buldogies

Foodies in search of the best hot dogs around make the hike up to Highway 105 to drop in at Buldogies. Inside they’ll find handcrafted versions of the food that’s found at a state fair… but prepared far better. Huge hot dogs made from quality ingredients and assembled with attention to detail are the centerpiece, but the excellent sandwiches, carnival favorites, and indulgent desserts delight kids and adults alike. Foodies jump right to the City Crafted Dogs or the Outlaws, each of which is a well-balanced dish with expertly layered flavors. This isn’t James Coney Island; you don’t need to order three, although you may want to try them all.

American and Sandwiches | Outside the Bubble: Hwy 105

14543 TX 105 #406 | Conroe 77304
936-588-6688 | Map | Details
$ (under $10)

Quality Tex-Mex and outstanding margaritas

Casa Medina

Solid Tex-Mex entrees and big margaritas are the main attraction at this family-owned Tex-Mex spot. Owner Adan Medina and his family differentiate their place with delicious flavored margaritas; we’re partial to the Avocado Margarita, which is smooth and delicious. Service is prompt and professional in both the big dining room and the cozy bar.

Mexican | I-45 Corridor
Happy Hour

28777 I-45 | Spring 77381
281-298-9866 | Map | Website | Details
$$ ($10-20)

Big custom burgers in a family-friendly setting

Fuddruckers

Families, friends, and sports teams flock to Fuddruckers for their big burgers (ranging from large 1/3 lb to humongous 2/3 lb) served on fresh baked buns. An expansive interior allows kids room to roam, but unlike many kid-friendly places, adults aren’t penalized by substandard food. Fudd’s has been serving great burgers to the Woodlands for decades, and there’s a reason they’ve stuck around so long.

Read our full review >

Burgers and Sandwiches | Grogan's Mill
Private Room

Huti’s 5 Free-Fire Grill

Fast Casual meets Latin America at Huti’s 5, a very original concept that has taken root on Research Forest. Patrons travel down the service line and build bowls of uniquely flavored ingredients, inspired by native dishes south of the equator. Grilled meats, fish, or a delicious Brazilian stew are combined with veggies, grains and a variety of sauces (we go with the excellent chimichurri) to create your custom creation. It feels healthy, and it tastes delicious. Intriguing extras like gluten-free cheese bread puffs found out the offerings. We never knew eating healthy could taste so good.

Latin American | Research East
Outdoor Dining

2501 Research Forest Dr | The Woodlands 77381
281-298-1900 | Map | Website | Details
$$ ($10-20)

Great Tacos and Mexican dishes from a hidden gem

La Cocina de Roberto

A hidden gem at the far west end of Sawdust, La Cocina de Roberto began as a cozy little taqueria, serving the Timber Ridge neighborhood. But the savvy owners have added more full-fledged entrees to the menu, making it one of our favorite Mexican restaurants in the Woodlands. Tacos are still delicious: Carne asada and camerón are the standouts. Don’t miss the bargain faijta / shrimp combo, or the excellent chicken enchiladas.

Alcohol is BYOB – bring your own liquor, and Roberto will provide setups. You can’t beat a bargain margarita made with premium tequila.

Mexican | Sawdust
Private Room

3126 Sawdust Rd | The Woodlands 77380
832-299-6706 | Map | Website | Details
$ (under $10) and $$ ($10-20)

Affordable Tex-Mex from a local chain

Mama Juanita’s

Mama Juanita’s is a Conroe-based chain of Tex-Mex restaurants that offers some of the best values in town. From the wide variety of enchiladas to the plentiful seafood options to the traditional combo plates, there’s something here to please anyone. Happy hour offers great drink specials; service is friendly. The space is simply decorated and clean, and filled with patrons enjoying the very good food with family and friends.

Mexican | I-45 Corridor
Happy Hour

8000 Hwy 242 #110 | The Woodlands 77385
(just east of I-45)
936-273-3220 | Map | Website | Details
$ (under $10) and $$ ($10-20)

Mod Pizza

This Seattle-based pizza chain brings a new approach to making pizza. There are no family-sized pies; all the thin crust artisan pies are personal (either small or medium). The hungry pizzaphile travels down the assembly line, selecting sauces, cheeses, and toppings. Pick all you want; the price doesn’t change.

The result can be thin or an inch thick, and goes right into Mod’s custom pizza oven. In a few minutes, the pizza you designed is ready to devour. Those of you who’ve given up on pizza chains could be pleasantly surprised by Mod; its a solid choice, especially if everyone wants something different.

Pizza | Indian Springs

6777 Woodlands Pkwy, Suite 314 | The Woodlands 77382
(in the Indian Springs center)
281-719-0148 | Map | Website | Details
$ (under $10)

Brooklyn-style pizza with a Texas accent

RC’s NYC Pizza & Pasta

The Woodlands has no shortage of great pizza places. But one name comes up over and over when asked for recommendations. RC’s NYC Pizza & Pasta serves honest-to-Vito New York street pizza, either traditional (cheese only) or with your choice of toppings. They’re serious about pizza: RC himself travels around the nation competing against the best pizza makers in the country, and has repeatedly brought home the hardware.

RC’s goes beyond pizza, with outstanding wings, delicious calzones, and great plated entrees. This isn’t your average pizza spot, which is why it earned a spot on our list.

Italian and Pizza | Sawdust

501 Sawdust Rd | Spring 77380
281-298-4663 | Map | Website | Details
$ (under $10) and $$ ($10-20)

Serious chef-driven comfort food in a fast casual setting

The Kitchen

Fast casual meets upscale cuisine at The Kitchen, the laid-back cousin of the award-winning Tris. Don’t let the counter service fool you; Chef Austin Simmons has created a serious menu full of creative dishes. We’re especially fond of the Greek Chicken and the Dinner Steak Omelette. Burgerphiles love the Kitchen as well; Chef Austin knows his burgers. Breakfast/Brunch is another don’t miss; the etherial croissant-based Biscuits & Gravy may be the best breakfast item around. Wine drinkers rejoice… the Kitchen sells wine at retail prices (not restaurant prices) so you can get a great bottle for as little as $10. Carefully curated craft beer selection. Service surprises for fast casual, GM Austen Goodwin and his team are raising the bar in this segment.

(Formerly Hubbell & Hudson Kitchen)

Read our full review >

American, Burgers, Salads, and Sandwiches | Research East
Outdoor Dining

The Omega Grill

Modern versions of American classics are the order of the day at the Omega Grill, the sister restaurant of the popular Olive Oil, located a few doors down. The warm, friendly staff serves up big portions to hungry locals, who rave about the chicken-fried steak, pork chops, big burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Their “Twisted Texas” entrees are among our favorites, with Omega’s unique versions of these classic southern favorites. Kids menu brings in the families.

American, Burgers, Salads, and Sandwiches | Sawdust

399 Sawdust Rd | Spring 77380
832-299-6665 | Map | Details
$$ ($10-20)