The Best New American Food in The Woodlands - [current_date format='F Y'] - TWTX.co

Are you looking for the best New American food in the Woodlands? We’ve assembled a guide to the restaurants that serve the best New American food we’ve found in the Woodlands area.

Our criteria is simple: Who makes the most delicious food? Our guide is based around the Woodlands, but we’ll venture outside the immediate area if the food is worth the drive… and we found some that is.

We’ve broken out Traditional American food, and specialized American cuisines into their own guides: Best Barbecue in the Woodlands, Best Burgers in the Woodlands, and Best Steaks in the Woodlands. Restaurants that are listed here excel in areas beyond those.

In each section, restaurants are listed in alphabetical order; they are not ranked within the section.

Updated April 2024. Originally published in 2021.)

The Best

Superb Mexican-influenced New American cuisine in a cozy setting

Belly of the Beast

🌟🌟🌟 — Notable on a statewide level.

🥇 Best American (New)
🥇 Best Mexican
To say we were impressed by Belly of the Beast is an understatement. And apparently we’re not the only ones. In 2024 Belly of the Beast has been nominated for a James Beard Award. Chef Thomas Bille has brought his Los Angeles and Downtown Houston sensibilities (Ritz Carlton, Otium, Xochi) to a small family restaurant in Spring, and the results are exceptional. From the first bite of the sharp, blindingly fresh housemade ceviche to the rich, nuanced, layered flavors of the Mexican Hummus and the superb Quesobirria Tacos, BotB surprises and delights. The breadth and complexity of the tacos is simply astounding. From the vegetarian Calabacitas (summer squash, yellow corn, poblano cremata, burrata) to the lush Carne Asada (citrus marinated flank steak, grilled onions, guacsalsa), to the surprising K-Town (smoked Berkshire shoulder, Korean glaze, miso yogurt, scallion kimchi), to the phenomenal Birra (Prime beef, queso chihuahua, onions, cilantro, salsa roja) Chef Thomas delivers bites that are nothing short of a revelation. Cozy, comfortable setting; gets busy on weekends… but it’s well worth the wait.

$$ and $$$ | American (New) and Mexican
Family-Run Small Business and On the Radar

5200 FM 2920 #180 | Spring 77388
in new location on 2920
281-466-2040 | Map
Full Info | Website

Modern American bistro in an upscale park setting

Fielding’s Local Kitchen + Bar

🌟🌟🌟 — Notable on a statewide level.

🥇 Best American (New)
🥇 Best Brunch
🥇 Best Burger
🥇 Best Happy Hour
🥇 Best Steak

Housemade is a term you’ll hear at Fielding’s Local. Owner Cary Attar is passionate about the details, and his customers are the beneficiaries. His partner, Chef Edel Goncalves, has created a tightly edited menu featuring local, all-natural, and organic ingredients. This chef-driven approach to the food delights and surprises, be the dish based on pan-roasted chicken, housemade bacon, or 44 Ranch beef.

Chef Edel’s creativity always impresses, be it a vibrant starter with shimmering flavors and textures or a soulful entree with a clever surprise. His European outlook and mastery of classic technique is reflected on every plate. But Local is not pretentious; steak lovers will be pleased to discover that the steaks stack up against the best steakhouses in town, and there’s always a killer burger on the menu.

The airy, modern bar doesn’t disappoint, with their talented staff concocting superb craft cocktails from an impressive collection of spirits. Beers are sourced locally and internationally to stock the rotating selection of taps, and featured bar menus are created on a regular basis. This is easily the top bar in the Woodlands.

Service is professional and friendly. The building is stunning, with glass overlooking the expansive patio and Creekside green beyond. Fielding’s Local is a true destination restaurant, and worth a spot on any foodie’s short list.

Read our full review >

$$$ and $$$$ | American (New), Brunch, Burgers, and Steaks
Brunch, Catering, Family-Run Small Business, Full Bar, Happy Hour, HRW2020, HRW2021, Live Music, Outdoor Dining, Romantic, Scenic View, and Upscale

26400 Kuykendahl Rd | Tomball 77375
281-351-2225 | Map | Review
Full Info | Website

Burgers and American favorites, chef-driven and scratch made

Fielding’s Wood Grill

🌟🌟 — Among the best restaurants in the Woodlands area.

🥇 Best American (New)
🥇 Best American (Traditional)
🥇 Best Brunch
🥇 Best Burger
🥇 Best Happy Hour

Gourmet burgers cooked over a wood grill are the centerpiece at Fielding’s Wood Grill, the original member of the Fielding’s family of restaurants. Founder Cary Attar sweats the details, and believes in making everything in-house, from the custom grind of 44 Ranch Beef to the house cured bacon. Culinary Director Edel Goncalves takes these ingredients and creates unique burgers and an evolving menu of appetizers and entrees that keep the regulars coming back for more. The appeal of Fielding’s extends past the burgers; a very popular weekend brunch features creative spins on brunch classics, and the bartenders pull mugs from a great selection of locally brewed beers when they’re not slinging craft cocktails. Service is brisk and efficient.

Read our full review >

$$ and $$$ | American (New), American (Traditional), Brunch, and Burgers
Brunch, Catering, Family-Run Small Business, Full Bar, Happy Hour, HRW2020, HRW2021, and Upscale

Serious chef-driven comfort food in a fast casual setting

The Kitchen

🌟🌟 — Among the best restaurants in the Woodlands area.

🥇 Best American (New)
🥇 Best American (Traditional)
🥇 Best Brunch
🥈 Recommended Burger
🥈 Recommended Sandwiches

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 new Steak Salad. Burgerphiles love the Kitchen as well; Chef Austin knows his burgers. 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 (New), American (Traditional), Brunch, Burgers, Salads, and Sandwiches
Brunch, Good Desserts, Happy Hour, and Outdoor Dining

Raising the bar for dining in the Woodlands

TRIS

🌟🌟🌟🌟 — Among the best restaurants in Texas.

🥇 Best American (New)
🥇 Best Burger
🥇 Best Happy Hour
🥇 Best Seafood
🥇 Best Steak

Chef-driven restaurants are rare in The Woodlands, but Chef Austin Simmons demonstrates how successful they can be. Formerly known as Hubbell & Hudson Bistro, TRIS features innovative cuisine, and everything from the outstanding burgers to the most elaborate entree shows the kind of attention to detail that is the hallmark of a great restaurant.

Not only does Tris butcher their own beef, but they’ve created their own hybrid breed of cattle (Gyulais, a wagyu/charolais hybrid) that meets the chef’s exacting standards.. Chef Austin has the uncanny knack of combining diverse and unique ingredients into dishes that surprise and delight, while maintaining the integrity of the cuisine.

Steaks are a strength; from USDA prime to Texas wagyu to their own Gyulais herd to Japanese A5 (Miyazaki) for the true connoisseur. Each is cooked with the technique that will bring out the unique flavor of the breed and cut of beef. Seafood is another specialty, and it’s handled superbly. A deep dive into the appetizers can bring great rewards, from the now-iconic Korean butter-poached crab to the ethereal hamachi sashimi.

Many establishments slip a notch when the name on the door isn’t in the house, but not Tris; Simmons has created a well oiled machine. Chef Courtney helms the kitchen in the maestro’s absence, and we can’t detect any difference at all. That is the mark of an outstanding organization, and Tris exemplifies just how good a restaurant can be with a great team and a creative genius at the helm.

Read our full review >

$$$ and $$$$ | American (New), Burgers, Seafood, and Steaks
Catering, Full Bar, Good Desserts, Good for Vegetarians, Happy Hour, HRW2020, HRW2021, HRW2022, HRW2023, Outdoor Dining, Private Room, and Upscale

The secret is out: The Masked Chef who’s been making over the menu at Black Walnut is none other than Chef Austin Simmons, mastermind behind the award-winning Tris, Cureight, and the Kitchen. The result: Black Walnut has been seriously upping their culinary game. New menu items are appearing regularly, and they show a new viewpoint and a very skillful touch. We’ve been very pleased to see an established brand elevate their offerings like this, and can’t wait to see what’s next.

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Black Walnut is perhaps the biggest success story for restaurants originating in the Woodlands. Founded by serial restaurateur George Pallotta, the organization has spread statewide under the Black Forest Ventures umbrella. Why? Big portions of chef-created comfort food, served in an upscale, fast-casual setting. Sandwiches are a big deal here, and the broad menu offers something for everyone. We’re especially fond of the terrific pasta dishes; some proven recipes that have been popular for years, and some brand new ones. These rival pasta dishes at dedicated Italian restaurants; they’re that good. Tacos are another surprise; the expanding menu of tacos (including some impressive new birria tacos) is also worth exploring.

Don’t skip brunch; it’s very popular. And save room for dessert.

$$ | American (New), American (Traditional), Burgers, Sandwiches, and Tacos
Brunch, Full Bar, Good Desserts, Happy Hour, HRW2022, HRW2023, Outdoor Dining, and Private Room

Whiskey and food in a cozy, intimate setting

Bosscat Kitchen & Libations

🌟 — Notable in the Woodlands area.

🥇 Best Brunch
🥇 Best Burger
🥈 Recommended American (New)

Bosscat Kitchen is a restaurant with a focus on pork and a bar with a focus on whiskey. These two American cousins come together in a cozy, intimate setting that’s perfect for happy hour or date night. Food is well executed elevated comfort food; start with the Pig Candy and thank us later.

$$ and $$$ | American (New) and Burgers
Brunch, Full Bar, Good Desserts, HRW2023, On the Radar, Outdoor Dining, Private Room, and Romantic

9595 Six Pines Dr Unit 250 | The Woodlands 77380
On Market Street near Tiffany's
281-819-6330 | Map
Full Info | Website

Modern American cuisine in a sleek, contemporary setting

Cafe Express

🌟 — Notable in the Woodlands area.

🥈 Recommended American (New)

Cafe Express offers a broad menu of American favorites in a sleek, contemporary setting. Big burgers, lush salads, sandwiches, soups, and plated entrees are all made from scratch in house. This Houston-based restaurant group previously had a location at Market Street.

Read our full review >

$$ | American (New), Burgers, and Sandwiches
Catering, Happy Hour, and On the Radar

3091 College Park Dr #290 | The Woodlands 77384
(832) 404-2451 | Map | Review
Full Info | Website

The Woodlands outpost of the popular Houston-based restaurant group

Local Table

🥇 Best Greek
🥈 Recommended American (New)

Fans of this local Houston restaurant group no longer have to drive into Houston to visit Local Table; the airy Woodlands location is open for business. Guests flock to the restaurant for its nice variety of upscale American comfort food, crafted with a Greek accent. This full-service restaurant is definitely family friendly, and the menu has something that will appeal to everyone.

Read our full review >

$$ | American (New) and Greek
Brunch, Catering, Family-Run Small Business, Full Bar, Good Desserts, Good for Kids, On the Radar, Outdoor Dining, and Private Room

4223 Research Forest Dr | The Woodlands 77381
| Map | Review
Full Info | Website

Unique wines and innovative cuisine in an expansive, energetic space

Sixty Vines

🌟 — Notable in the Woodlands area.

🥇 Best Wine Bar
🥈 Recommended American (New)
🥈 Recommended Brunch
🥈 Recommended Pizza

This Dallas import expands the concept of a wine bar to include ample seating (including festive community tables) and an experience that’s more vineyard than bar. Sixty varieties of wine on tap, complimented by a clever menu that’s full of surprising dishes. We were delighted by a fork-tender, incredibly flavorful pork chop, and the innovative pizzas are top notch. Boisterous, energetic setting.

Read our full review >

$$ and $$$ | American (New), Charcuterie, Pizza, and Wine Bar
Brunch, Full Bar, Happy Hour, On the Radar, Private Room, and Upscale

9595 Six Pines Dr | The Woodlands 77380
On the square in Market Street
| Map | Review
Full Info | Website

Upscale dining with an attached theater

The Audrey

🥈 Recommended American (New)

Market Street has gained a a stylish, modern restaurant with an attached movie theater; The Audrey. The establishment focuses on contemporary American cuisine, with the flair of Old Hollywood. Offerings include seafood, meats, and pasta, several of which are prepared tableside. Lunch, dinner, and brunch are all served in the swanky, upscale setting. Dinner and a movie in one stop has never been more convenient.

$$$ and $$$$ | American (New)
Brunch, Full Bar, On the Radar, and Romantic

9595 Six Pines | The Woodlands 77380
832-924-8500 | Map
Full Info | Website | Menu

Casual Upscale overlooking Market Street's Green

Tommy Bahama

🌟 — Notable in the Woodlands area.

🥈 Recommended American (New)
🥈 Recommended Seafood

Tommy Bahama’s restaurant brings a tropical oasis to the middle of Market Street. Well prepared seafood (sure bets include ahi tuna tacos, crab bisque, and coconut shrimp) and solid American cuisine are the initial draws. The beautiful setting (complete with gorgeous, shaded patio) and professional service keep the upscale patrons coming back for more. Attached boutique is convenient if you feel underdressed. Bar executes tropical drinks well, and can be a bit of a scene.

$$$ | American (New) and Seafood
Full Bar, Happy Hour, Live Music, Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Romantic, Scenic View, and Upscale

9595 Six Pines Dr | The Woodlands 77380
(in Market Street)
281-292-8669 | Map
Full Info | Website | Menu

Dallas-based chain specializing in modern comfort food and whiskey

Whiskey Cake

🥈 Recommended American (New)

Whiskey Cake packs ’em in with locally-sourced comfort food in a trendy, upscale setting. The big room fills with families and groups enjoying upscale spins on classic dishes. Whiskey selection is impressive, and the signature Whiskey Cake dessert should not be missed.

$$ and $$$ | American (New), Brunch, and Burgers
Brunch, Full Bar, Happy Hour, HRW2022, Outdoor Dining, and Private Room

27800 N Fwy Service Rd | Oak Ridge North 77385
346-209-5577 | Map
Full Info | Website

Restaurant Listings

Back Table ■ $$ and $$$ ■ American (New), Brunch, Burgers, and Charcuterie ■ Grogan's Mill
☎ CALL 🚘 MAP

Bazille ■ $$ and $$$ ■ American (New) ■ Woodlands Mall
☎ CALL 🚘 MAP

Belly of the Beast ■ $$ and $$$ ■ American (New) and Mexican ■ Outside the Bubble: Spring
☎ CALL 🚘 MAP

Black Walnut Cafe ■ $$ ■ American (New), American (Traditional), Burgers, Sandwiches, and Tacos ■ Outside the Bubble: Conroe and Research East
☎ CALL 🚘 MAP 💻 ORDER

Bosscat Kitchen & Libations ■ $$ and $$$ ■ American (New) and Burgers ■ Market Street
☎ CALL 🚘 MAP

Cafe Express ■ $$ ■ American (New), Burgers, and Sandwiches ■ College Park
☎ CALL 🚘 MAP

Cru Food and Wine Bar ■ $$$ ■ American (New) and Wine Bar ■ Market Street
☎ CALL 🚘 MAP

Cureight - closed ■ $$$$ ■ American (New) ■ Waterway
☎ CALL 🚘 MAP

Fielding’s Local Kitchen + Bar ■ $$$ and $$$$ ■ American (New), Brunch, Burgers, and Steaks ■ Creekside Forest West
☎ CALL 🚘 MAP

Fielding’s Wood Grill ■ $$ and $$$ ■ American (New), American (Traditional), Brunch, and Burgers ■ Research East
☎ CALL 🚘 MAP 💻 ORDER

Local Table ■ $$ ■ American (New) and Greek ■ Research East
☎ CALL 🚘 MAP

Postino ■ $$ and $$$ ■ American (New), Brunch, and Wine Bar ■ Hughes Landing
☎ CALL 🚘 MAP

Sixty Vines ■ $$ and $$$ ■ American (New), Charcuterie, Pizza, and Wine Bar ■ Market Street
☎ CALL 🚘 MAP

The Audrey ■ $$$ and $$$$ ■ American (New) ■ Market Street
☎ CALL 🚘 MAP

The Kitchen ■ $$ ■ American (New), American (Traditional), Brunch, Burgers, Salads, and Sandwiches ■ Research East
☎ CALL 🚘 MAP 💻 ORDER

Tommy Bahama ■ $$$ ■ American (New) and Seafood ■ Market Street
☎ CALL 🚘 MAP

TRIS ■ $$$ and $$$$ ■ American (New), Burgers, Seafood, and Steaks ■ Waterway
☎ CALL 🚘 MAP 💻 ORDER

Whiskey Cake ■ $$ and $$$ ■ American (New), Brunch, and Burgers ■ I-45 Corridor
☎ CALL 🚘 MAP

The Best New American Food in The Woodlands – April 2024

The Best

Superb Mexican-influenced New American cuisine in a cozy setting

Modern American bistro in an upscale park setting

Burgers and American favorites, chef-driven and scratch made

Serious chef-driven comfort food in a fast casual setting

Raising the bar for dining in the Woodlands

Recommended

A broad array of modern comfort food in a sleek setting

Whiskey and food in a cozy, intimate setting

Modern American cuisine in a sleek, contemporary setting

The Woodlands outpost of the popular Houston-based restaurant group

Unique wines and innovative cuisine in an expansive, energetic space

Upscale dining with an attached theater

Casual Upscale overlooking Market Street's Green

Dallas-based chain specializing in modern comfort food and whiskey

Restaurant Listings