Off the Hook Seafood has been one of the most impressive new openings in the Woodlands area during the pandemic. This family owned seafood spot delivers great fresh gulf coast seafood, and has become a favorite of our staff.
We were excited when we found out that the kitchen’s vision and talent extended beyond seafood. Owner Alex Abdulwahab, a native Houstonian, is passionate about bringing new flavors and new creations to his guests. We recently sampled the latest offerings from this talented kitchen.
Prince Beef Cheeseburger
We were already big fans of the Off the Hook cheeseburger; it was far better than we’d expect from a seafood restaurant, and became recognized as one of the best burgers in our area. Never one to rest on his laurels, owner Alex has upped the game by incorporating locally sourced ground Certified Angus beef from Houston’s Prince Beef company. This grass-fed angus beef is harvested from Texas cattle that grow to maturity without antibiotics or hormones. The thick, half-pound patty is perched atop a substantial Slow Dough pretzel bun and topped with perfectly melted white cheddar and the expected fresh veggies.
All that is great on paper, but it’s meaningless if the flavor isn’t there. We’re happy to report that the switch to Prince Beef has made a very good burger even better. The rich beefy swagger that is a hallmark of grass-fed beef is present and accounted for, and the result is a burger that evokes the hearty, robust flavor of a quality steak. With $15 burgers being common in our area, we’re happy to discover one that justifies its price with premium ingredients, solid technique, and attention to detail in the kitchen.
Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
Off the Hook has become known for its Nashville Hot Fish sandwich. This land-based variation is designed to appeal to those who prefer Hot Chicken to Hot Fish, and we think it’s going to be a big success. Off the Hook’s complex, nuanced Nashville Hot sauce brings gentle, controlled heat to the generous, slightly sweet chicken breast, and it’s balanced by the cool, tangy cole slaw heaped atop the chicken. We think the combination will appeal both to Hot Chicken lovers and those who’ve been hesitant to turn up the heat; this isn’t a sandwich that is going to make you sweat, although it will make you count the days until you return for another.
We’re always excited to check out new offerings from restaurants we like, especially when they take risks like serving a great burger and chicken sandwich in a seafood joint. Owner Alex Abdulwahab isn’t afraid to push boundaries, and guests of his restaurant are the lucky beneficiaries of his vision. We’ll be back. Soon.
