Featured Restaurants with Live Music in The Woodlands

Indian cuisine meets French technique at this luxe location near the waterway

Amrina

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

🥇 Best Happy Hour
🥇 Best Indian
World-class Indian cuisine from noted chef Jassi Bindra meets French technique in this swanky location near the Woodlands Waterway. GM Giorgio Ferrero has assembled a spectacular wine list (first growth Bordeaux, anyone?) to complement the luxurious, beautifully crafted cuisine. Spare-no-expense interior design is the backdrop for a special night out; those looking for an upscale scene need look no further. Amrina is piling up the awards: Not only have they been recognized by TWTX one of the best restaurants in Texas, but they were Eater Houston’s Restaurant of the Year 2022 for Houston. At this rate, they’re going to need a bigger trophy case.

Info and Photos >>
Full review >>

$$$ and $$$$ | Indian
Brunch, Family-Run Small Business, Full Bar, Good Desserts, Good for Vegetarians, Happy Hour, HRW2023, Late Night, Live Music, Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Romantic, and Upscale

3 Waterway Square Pl #100 | The Woodlands 77380
| Map | Review
Website

A well priced, elevated spin on traditional southern favorites

Back Table

🥈 Recommended Burger

One of the Woodlands most scenic dining rooms has gotten a new concept and a total makeover. Back Table rises from the ashes of the late, lamented Robard’s at the Woodlands Resort, and has done so with an entirely new Southern American concept. The beautiful room feels far more casual; the private board room is now a game room for families to enjoy. The beautiful view is thankfully unchanged, and a second patio has been added with a waterfront view to the green.

The food is a modern take on southern classics. Distinctly American charcuterie (think country ham instead of salumi), all-American burgers, and a variety of southern favorites are on the menu. Lots of impressive preparations and high end ingredients, but thoughtfully curated to keep prices moderate. We were taken by the large, delicious chicken sandwich, the soulful gumbo, and the aforementioned burger. We’re looking forward to exploring the dinner menu on our next visit. Service was friendly, informed, and very professional.

Info and Photos >>

$$ and $$$ | American (New), Brunch, Burgers, and Charcuterie
Full Bar, Happy Hour, HRW2022, Live Music, Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Scenic View, and Upscale

2301 N Millbend Dr | The Woodands 77380
281-364-6400
| Map
Website

A neighborhood pub in the Grogan's Mill Village Center

Blue Lion Pub - closed

🥇 Best Happy Hour
🥈 Recommended American (Traditional)
🥈 Recommended Burger

UPDATE: Despite strong support from the community, the Blue Lion Pub was forced to close, a victim of the ambitions of the Howard Hughes Corporation.

Woodlands residents have been clamoring for more spots to relax with a cocktail, and the Blue Lion Pub delivers. Owners Wes Cordova and Kristi Sides have created a cozy, stylish haven for thirsty patrons looking to beat the heat day or night. The food was a pleasant surprise; the tightly-edited menu features a superb Sonora dog that was our favorite bite. Bacon-wrapped all-beef dog topped with fresh veggies and perched on a pretzel bun resulted in one of the best hotdogs we’ve had south of Buldogies. Fresh grilled Brussels sprouts were another great surprise; a beautifully executed version of this healthy snack.

Info and Photos >>

$$ | American (Traditional)
Family-Run Small Business, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Live Music, Outdoor Dining, and Romantic

2230 Buckthorne Pl Suite 150 | The Woodlands 77380
In the Grogan's Mill Village Center
832-205-0817
| Map

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.

Info and Photos >>
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
Website

Prime steaks and seafood

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse

🥈 Recommended Steak

Quality service is the draw at the Woodlands outpost of this classic American steakhouse chain. The professional staff goes beyond the expected to make every visit special, and they pull out the stops on special occasions. Food is above average steakhouse fare; the signature Prime Bone-In Ribeye is an impressive favorite among a full selection of high quality cuts of meat. While not the most innovative or adventurous restaurant, Fleming’s delivers on its promise of a delicious, high-end steakhouse experience.

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$$$ and $$$$ | American (Traditional), Seafood, and Steaks
Full Bar, HRW2023, Live Music, Private Room, and Upscale

1201 Lake Woodlands Dr Suite 305 | The Woodlands 77380
281-362-0103
| Map

Steaks and Italian in a surprisingly fashionable hideaway

Johnny’s Italian Steak House

🌟 — Notable in the Woodlands area.

🥈 Recommended Italian
🥈 Recommended Steak

We never expected to find good food in a hotel off Research east of I-45. So we were pleasantly surprised by Johnny’s Italian Steak House, a mid-priced steakhouse that also features some very good Italian dishes. We’re particularly fond of their happy hour offerings – well priced appetizers perfect for sharing.

Chef Brittany Briden’s kitchen does an outstanding job turning out steaks that won’t break the budget; the result is a wonderfully upscale meal without the upscale prices.

Service is attentive without being intrusive and the room is beautiful and cozy, making it perfect for a getaway with that special someone. Johnny’s demonstrates that you don’t have to pay a lot to enjoy a quality steak in a beautiful setting.

Info and Photos >>
Full review >>

$$ and $$$ | Italian and Steaks
Catering, Full Bar, Happy Hour, HRW2021, HRW2022, HRW2023, Live Music, Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Romantic, and Upscale

19333 David Memorial Dr. | Shenandoah 77385
(Inside the Crown Plaza Shenandoah)
346-331-2060
| Map | Review
Website

Traditional steak house overlooking a small lake near the mall

Kirby’s Steakhouse

🥈 Recommended Steak

Kirby’s Prime Steakhouse has been serving the Woodlands since 2004. They feature Mid-Western, grain fed, aged prime beef. Kirby’s also offers fresh seafood, daily specials, and a collection of New and Old World wine housed in an cellar of over 4,000 bottles. Kirby’s boasts a trendy jazz bar and lounge featuring happy hour nightly.

Info and Photos >>

$$$ and $$$$ | American (Traditional) and Steaks
Full Bar, Happy Hour, HRW2022, HRW2023, Live Music, Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Romantic, Scenic View, and Upscale

1111 Timberloch Pl | The Woodlands 77830
281-362-1121
| Map

Seafood and steaks in a see-and-be-seen environment from Landry's

Mastro’s Ocean Club

🌟 — Notable in the Woodlands area.

🥈 Recommended Seafood
🥈 Recommended Steak

Woodlands scenesters no longer have to drive to Houston to dine at the high roller and celeb favorite Mastro’s. The Landry’s group has brought their Mastro’s Ocean Club concept to the Woodlands, with the promise of luxurious seafood and expertly prepared steaks. Prime is only the beginning; the menu boasts both Japanese Miyazaki A5 and Kobe beef, alongside an expanded seafood offering, including a tightly curated sushi menu.

 

Info and Photos >>

$$$$ | Seafood, Steaks, and Sushi
Full Bar, HRW2022, HRW2023, Live Music, and Upscale

9595 Six Pines Drive, Suite 100 | The Woodlands 77380
In the Market Street Center
346-298-3958
| Map
Website | Menu

Classic Italian, prepared skillfully from scratch

Nona’s Italian Grill

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

🥇 Best Italian

Foodies in search of outstanding Italian food have a tucked away spot to try. Chef owned and relocated to the Woodlands, Nona’s Italian Grill shows the kind of carefully crafted cuisine that is the hallmark of a memorable restaurant. From classics like the excellent Chicken Parmigiana to creative combinations featuring pastas, seafood, and outstanding steaks, we were impressed by quality of the ingredients, the solid execution, and the classic flavors of the signature sauces.

Located in a strip center on Highway 242 just west of I-45, Nona’s modest yet upscale setting is cozy, quiet, and perfect for date night. Nona’s moving to the Woodlands triggered the Italian food renaissance that totally remade the cuisine’s footprint in our area. Full bar, professional service.

Info and Photos >>

$$ and $$$ | Italian
Family-Run Small Business, Full Bar, Happy Hour, HRW2022, HRW2023, Live Music, Romantic, and Upscale

3091 College Park Dr #185 | The Woodlands 77384
936-224-3132
| Map
Website

Handmade contemporary Italian cuisine

Papa Amadeos

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

🥇 Best Italian

Don’t be fooled by the modest strip center location. Papa Amadeos crafts some of the finest Italian food in the Woodlands area. Chef Arturo Huerta’s meticulous personal approach delivers delicious results. Everything is handmade in house; from the pastas to the balanced, classic sauces, to the more innovative dishes featured in the evenings. The classics are beautifully executed; we keep getting drawn in by the flawless chicken parmigiana and the light, pillowy gnocchi. Well priced, curated wine list.

Info and Photos >>

$$ | Italian
Catering, Family-Run Small Business, Live Music, Private Room, Romantic, and Upscale

432 Sawdust Rd. | Spring 77380
Behind Herb & Beet
713-389-5975
| Map
Website

Popular local icehouse featuring live music and food until late

Sawyer Park

Sawyer Park is the new concept that’s taken over the old Papa’s Ice House space on Budde road. The space has been updated and transformed inside and out; it’s big, comfortable, and has some great amenities like a large inside stage and a huge outdoor performance space. This is an ice house first, so the vibe and the drinks are front and center, but the kitchen is punching above its weight class with food made from house-smoked BBQ. Friendly staff, large spaces.

Info and Photos >>

$$ | American (Traditional) and BBQ
Full Bar, Happy Hour, Live Music, and Outdoor Dining

314 Pruitt Rd | Spring 77380
281-362-5907
| Map
Website

An Irish pub on the Woodlands Waterway

The Goose’s Acre

The Woodlands has a real Irish pub located on the Waterway, complete with a bar imported from Ireland. This two-story pub serves modern pub grub, and daily specials (including half-price burgers on Wednesday) pack in hungry diners. Signature salads, proper fish and chips, and hand-tossed pizza are solid choices on the broad menu. Beautiful Waterway location with scenic outdoor decks.

Info and Photos >>

$$ | American (Traditional), Brunch, and Burgers
Full Bar, Happy Hour, Live Music, Outdoor Dining, and Scenic View

21 Waterway Ave #140 | The Woodlands 77380
(On the Waterway)
281-466-1502
| Map

Contemporary Texas cuisine in a comfortably upscale room

The Republic Grille

🌟 — Notable in the Woodlands area.

🥈 Recommended American (Traditional)

The flavors of Texas are served up on a plate at The Republic Grille, a locally-owned bistro located centrally in the Woodlands (with a second location on the far west end, and a third on Rayford). Entrees like chicken-fried steak, shrimp & grits, pork chops, and fried chicken satisfy the appetites of hungry Texans, and the upscale casual setting (featuring historic photos of the early days of the Woodlands by noted photographer Ted Washington) serves as a comfortable backdrop for families, couples, and groups of friends. The chicken-fried-steak is getting a bit of a reputation; numerous publications have named it among the Houston area’s best.

Info and Photos >>

$$ and $$$ | American (Traditional), Burgers, and Salads
Full Bar, Happy Hour, Live Music, Outdoor Dining, and Private Room

4775 W. Panther Creek, Suite 490 | The Woodlands 77381
(also 30340 FM 2978 Rd #800 / 281-789-7119)
281-789-7119
| Map
Website

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.

Info and Photos >>

$$$ | 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
Website | Menu

Seafood, Crab, and Steaks at Hughes Landing

Truluck’s

🌟 — Notable in the Woodlands area.

🥇 Best American (Traditional)
🥇 Best Seafood
🥈 Recommended Steak

The popular seafood and steak chain has landed at Hughes Landing, and locals have already made it a preferred destination. Crabs are front and center, and Truluck’s does them well. Chef Shane Flynn is a master of seafood, and his menu reflects this expertise. Those wanting something less aquatic head for the selection of prime steaks and choice filets. Cocktail Hour at Truluck’s is a scene; the half-priced cocktails and nice selection of seafood appetizers satisfy those looking to see and be seen at the stylish bar.

Info and Photos >>

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

1900 Hughes Landing Blvd, Suite 600 | The Woodlands 77380
281-465-7000
| Map
Website

Upscale Italian in a cozy, romantic setting

Via Emilia

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

🥇 Best Italian

Great upscale Italian food can be tough to come by in the Woodlands, but Via Emilia is an exception to this rule. Tucked away in a strip center on Kuykendahl and Woodlands Parkway, Via Emilia prepares northern Italian specialities with verve and aplomb, and the gracious staff provides flawless service in the lovely dining room. Skillfully prepared seafood, meats, and pastas are great choices, and be sure to save room for the stellar limoncello cake.

Info and Photos >>
Full review >>

$$$ | Italian
Full Bar, Happy Hour, Live Music, Private Room, Romantic, and Upscale

10700 Kuykendahl Rd | The Woodlands 77381
281-465-9555
| Map | Review
Website | Order Online

Historic Texas cafe reborn under new ownership

Wunsche Bros

One of Old Town Spring’s historic cafes, Wunsche Bros., has been reborn under new ownership. Known for their Texas cuisine (chicken fried steaks, chicken, inch-thick burgers) the cafe opened over 100 years ago and is a landmark known to Texans young and old.

Info and Photos >>

$$ and $$$ | American (Traditional) and Burgers
Good for Kids, HRW2023, Live Music, and Private Room

103 Midway St | Spring 77373
In Old Town Spring
281-350-CAFE
| Map
Website

Modern Italian in a chic, upscale setting

Zanti Cucina Italiana

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

🥇 Best Italian
🥇 Best Pizza

Upscale Italian cuisine comes to the Northwest Woodlands with the opening of Zanti Cucina Italiana, the brainchild of three brothers who bring extensive food & beverage background to this new endeavor. Outstanding housemade pastas, Neapolitan pizzas, and strict attention to detail are the draws here. You don’t have to drive downtown for a great Italian meal anymore… or even to the front of the Woodlands.

Info and Photos >>
Full review >>

$$ and $$$ | Italian and Pizza
Full Bar, Happy Hour, Live Music, Private Room, and Upscale

10000 Research Forest Drive | The Woodlands 77354
281-259-1300
| Map | Review
Website

Restaurant Listings

Amrina $$$ and $$$$ Indian   Waterway
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Avanti Italian Kitchen $$$ Italian   Creekside Forest West and Research East
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Back Table $$ and $$$ American (New), Brunch, Burgers, and Charcuterie   Grogan's Mill
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Blue Lion Pub - closed $$ American (Traditional)   Grogan's Mill
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Fielding’s Local Kitchen + Bar $$$ and $$$$ American (New), Brunch, Burgers, and Steaks   Creekside Forest West
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Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse $$$ and $$$$ American (Traditional), Seafood, and Steaks   Woodlands Mall
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Johnny’s Italian Steak House $$ and $$$ Italian and Steaks   I-45 Corridor
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Kirby’s Steakhouse $$$ and $$$$ American (Traditional) and Steaks   I-45 Corridor and Woodlands Mall
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Local Pour $$ American (Traditional)   Hughes Landing
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Mahoney’s $$ American (Traditional)   Waterway
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Mastro’s Ocean Club $$$$ Seafood, Steaks, and Sushi   Market Street
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Nona’s Italian Grill $$ and $$$ Italian   College Park
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Pacific Yard House $$ American (Traditional)   Outside the Bubble: Conroe
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Papa Amadeos $$ Italian   Sawdust
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Red Brick Tavern $$ American (Traditional)   Outside the Bubble: Conroe
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Refuge Bar & Bistro $$ American (Traditional)   Waterway
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Refuge Steak House & Bourbon Bar $$$ and $$$$ Steaks   Creekside Forest West
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Sawyer Park $$ American (Traditional) and BBQ   I-45 Corridor
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Simona’s Bistro $$ American (Traditional) and Breakfast   Grogan's Mill
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Tewbeleaux’s $$ American (Traditional) and Burgers   Rayford Road
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The Goose’s Acre $$ American (Traditional), Brunch, and Burgers   Waterway
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The Republic Grille $$ and $$$ American (Traditional), Burgers, and Salads   Panther Creek, Rayford Road, and Woodlands Parkway West
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Tommy Bahama $$$ American (New) and Seafood   Market Street
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Truluck’s $$$$ American (Traditional), Seafood, and Steaks   Hughes Landing
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Via Emilia $$$ Italian   Indian Springs
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Wunsche Bros $$ and $$$ American (Traditional) and Burgers   Outside the Bubble: Spring
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Zanti Cucina Italiana $$ and $$$ Italian and Pizza   Research West
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