Updated July 2021. Originally published in 2021.)

South-Texas-Style BBQ served from a food truck

BBQ Godfather

🥈 Recommended BBQ
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.

$ and $$ | BBQ
Family-Run Small Business and Outdoor Dining

5447 Fm 1488 Rd | Magnolia 77354
713-828-5960 | Map
Full Info | Order Online

A casual, chef-driven steakhouse with a solid wine list

Burgers & Bordeaux - closed

Don’t be fooled by the name; this neighborhood steakhouse has offerings that go far beyond burgers, and a sophisticated, well-curated wine list to match. Chef Charlie Watkins (Café Toulouse, Sierra Grill) takes his Inner Loop sensibilities to the Magnolia area, and locals can’t get enough of his well-executed, French-influenced cuisine. Appetizers are a particular strength; from the rich and bold Spicy Bacon Plate to the elegantly savory Warm Goat Cheese (with addictive basil tomato coulis), these small plates are perfect with a well-priced bottle of Old World or California wine. The eponymous burgers are thoughtfully conceived, and the house aged steaks are also quite good. Our only issue has been inconsistency as of late, but hopefully that will be addressed.

$$ and $$$ | Brunch, Burgers, and Steaks
Full Bar, Happy Hour, and Live Music

4900 Farm to Market Rd 1488 | Conroe 77384
Marcel Town Center, 545 Woodland Square Blvd
936-242-1373 | Map
Full Info | Website

Eclectic Family-Run Cafe

Eden Cafe

🌟 — Notable in the Woodlands area.

🥇 Best American (Traditional)

This family-run cafe has been making area diners happy with generous portions of eclectic, home-style cuisine. American favorites, Italian, and Cuban entrees are the highlights.

Owner Ulises Larramendi originally hails from Cuba, and he brings a gentle latin twist to American favorites. Service is friendly and reliable, and the family-friendly environment is filled with diners of all ages.

Read our full review >

$$ | American (Traditional)
Family-Run Small Business, Full Bar, Happy Hour, and Private Room

33418 Egypt Ln #16 | Magnolia 77354
832-934-2800 | Map | Review
Full Info | Website

Creative Mexican food and Tex-Mex favorites

Julio’s Mexican Grill – Magnolia

🌟 — Notable in the Woodlands area.

🥇 Best Mexican
🥇 Best Tacos

The original location of this growing restaurant empire (Julio’s Sawdust, Red Flame) is still packing ’em in. They’re drawn in by the impressive Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, which goes beyond the typical fajitas (although Julio’s are outstanding) to superb creations like the El Sabroso (lightly breaded chicken breast covered in a shrimp/poblano cream sauce). The menu is strong from top to bottom – street tacos are a don’t miss, and their al pastor may be the best on Houston’s north side. Service is friendly and professional.

$$ | Mexican and Tacos
Family-Run Small Business, Full Bar, Happy Hour, and Outdoor Dining

33418 Egypt Ln #2759 | Magnolia 77354
281-259-4522 | Map
Full Info | Website

Prime steaks in a comfortable suburban setting.

Red Flame Steak & Grill

🌟 — Notable in the Woodlands area.

🥈 Recommended Steak

Serial restauranteur Julio Amer (Julio’s Mexican Grill, Julio’s Mexican Grill Sawdust) has another hit on his hands with Red Flame Steak & Grill. Brining top-quality steaks to the Magnolia area is an idea long overdue; locals pack in to the beautiful bar and casual dining room to enjoy flame-grilled prime steaks and other enticing entrees. Service is reliable, good wine selection and cocktails.

$$$ | Steaks
Family-Run Small Business, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Outdoor Dining, and Upscale

7214 Farm to Market Rd 1488 | Magnolia 77354
281-521-5066 | Map
Full Info | Website

Iconic Chicago pizza chain

Rosati’s Pizza

🥈 Recommended Pizza

Chicago expats and others looking for Chicago-style pizza have a new option: Rosati’s. Offering both Chicago-style deep dish and tavern-cut thin crust, this local Rosati’s franchise is bringing the taste of the Windy City to the Woodlands area. Carry out and delivery only.

$$ and $$$ | Pizza
On the Radar

4150 Farm to Market Rd 1488 Suite 120 | Conroe 77384
936-266-0278 | Map
Full Info | Website

Restaurant Listings

BBQ Godfather ■ $ and $$ ■ BBQ   ■ 1488 West
☎ CALL     🚘 MAP     💻 ORDER

Burgers & Bordeaux - closed ■ $$ and $$$ ■ Brunch, Burgers, and Steaks   ■ 1488 West
☎ CALL     🚘 MAP

Citizen’s Grill ■ $$ ■ American (Traditional) and Burgers   ■ 1488 West
☎ CALL     🚘 MAP

Craft Burger Food Truck - closed ■ $$ ■ Burgers   ■ 1488 West
☎ CALL     🚘 MAP

Eden Cafe ■ $$ ■ American (Traditional)   ■ 1488 West
☎ CALL     🚘 MAP

Julio’s Mexican Grill – Magnolia ■ $$ ■ Mexican and Tacos   ■ 1488 West
☎ CALL     🚘 MAP

Red Flame Steak & Grill ■ $$$ ■ Steaks   ■ 1488 West
☎ CALL     🚘 MAP

Rosati’s Pizza ■ $$ and $$$ ■ Pizza   ■ 1488 West
☎ CALL     🚘 MAP

Treehouse Cafe ■ $$ ■ American (Traditional)   ■ 1488 West
☎ CALL     🚘 MAP

Wiches on Wheels ■ $$ ■ Burgers   ■ 1488 West
☎ CALL     🚘 MAP

Woodson’s Local Tap ■ $$ ■ American (Traditional) and Burgers   ■ 1488 West
☎ CALL     🚘 MAP