Best Restaurants on I-45 – November 2024

Notable craft BBQ in a cozy backyard spot near the Woodlands

3rd Coast BBQ & Catering

🌟 — Notable in the Woodlands area.

🥇 Best BBQ
There’s a new rising star on the north side craft BBQ scene, and their name is 3rd Coast BBQ. Pitmaster Troy Mulligan is a Houston native, and has mastered his art after driving around Texas and sampling ‘Q from dozens of the state’s top pits. His dedication and research is paying dividends: The centerpiece is superb brisket; remarkably moist, beautifully rendered, and with a cravable bark created by his top secret rub. Other proteins aren’t shortchanged; the pork ribs are savory masterpieces, with a plucky texture and effortless pull from the bone. Sausage should’t be overlooked; Troy makes an outstanding boudin, with perhaps the best meat/rice balance that we’ve come across. For those eating lighter, turkey is beautifully smoky and tender. Attention to detail shows in the sides (all made in-house, don’t miss the gently spicy street corn or the excellent buns and breads (all Slow Dough, the local baking wizards.) Open Thursday through Sunday, and they’re typically sold out by 4pm.

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

25219 Oakhurst Dr | Spring 77386
713-545-0718 | Map
Full Info | Website

Reliable Italian food in a family-friendly setting

Adriatic Cafe

🥈 Recommended Italian

Adriatic Cafe has brought their good quality, affordable Italian cuisine to the Woodlands area with their new location in Shenandoah. Guests will discover a spotless, expansive dining area, a secluded bar, and a slate of well-prepared southern Italian specialties that offer a good meal at a reasonable price. We’re fan of this family’s approach; it’s the kind of Italian food that many Texans grew up eating. If you’re dining with kids, this is a great option.

$$ | Italian
Family-Run Small Business, Full Bar, Happy Hour, On the Radar, and Outdoor Dining

17825 I-45, Shenandoah | Shnendoah 77385
936-319-3300 | Map
Full Info | Website

Quality Tex-Mex and outstanding margaritas

Casa Medina

🌟 — Notable in the Woodlands area.

🥈 Recommended Mexican

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
Family-Run Small Business, Full Bar, and Happy Hour

28777 I-45 | Spring 77381
281-298-9866 | Map
Full Info | Website

Well priced Tex-Mex in a funky setting

Chuy’s

🥈 Recommended Mexican

The Woodlands outpost of this Austin original has been satisfying local guests with well priced Tex-Mex (with a New Mexican accent) favorites. We’re big fans of the Elvis Presley Memorial Combo, with beef, chicken, and cheese enchiladas, a taco, and all the accoutrements. Popular happy hour, funky environment.

$$ | Mexican and Tacos
Full Bar, Happy Hour, and Outdoor Dining

18035 I-45 S | Shenandoah 77385
936-321-4440 | Map
Full Info | Website | Order Online

Gourmet cinnamon rolls with hundreds of options

Cinnaholic

🥈 Recommended Sweet Shop

The Woodlands area has a fun new spot for sweet treats and desserts. Cinnaholic bakes fresh cinnamon rolls, then cranks them up to 11 with your choice of frostings, toppings, fresh fruits, and nuts. There are hundreds of possible combinations, but fortunately the clever staff has a selection of predefined choices that are enticing and delicious. Catering for business and group events. The shop is bright, clean, and inviting, and the staff is smiling; you would be too if you were surrounded by cinnamon rolls all day.

$ | Sweets
Catering, Family-Run Small Business, Good Desserts, Good for Kids, and On the Radar

27630 Interstate 45 N | Oak Ridge North 77385
281-719-5327 | Map
Full Info | Website

Elevated Vietnamese Cuisine

EAD Vietnamese Restaurant

🌟 — Notable in the Woodlands area.

🥇 Best Asian
🥇 Best Vietnamese

This hidden gem is an offshoot of Huynh, one of the best Vietnamese restaurants in Houston, so we were excited to hear of its opening. Upon visiting, our high expectations were exceeded.

Soups are superb; the pho is rich and flavorful, and the chicken wonton is light years ahead of what you’ll find at a typical Chinese spot. But don’t miss the plated entrees; they are created with an eye to bold flavors and careful attention to detail.

The space is large, bright, and airy, with a sleek modern design. It’s quickly become our preferred Vietnamese destination in the Woodlands area.

$$ | Vietnamese
Good for Vegetarians

17947 Interstate 45 S | Shenandoah 77385
281-651-2208 | Map
Full Info | Order Online

Well executed Latin American cuisine in an expansive, modern setting

Gloria’s Latin Cuisine

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

Gloria’s is a successful Latin food group based in the DFW area. For over 30 years they’ve been feeding hungry Texans, and they’ve grown to over 20 locations. Their cuisine is an amalgamation of dishes from all over Latin America, from South America to South Texas. Those craving Tex-Mex will find several options, and those with more adventurous palates will find dishes from south of Mexico.

Read our full review >

$$ and $$$ | Latin American
Brunch, Catering, Full Bar, Good Desserts, Happy Hour, On the Radar, and Outdoor Dining

18484 I-45 | Shenandoah 77384
936-267-3955 | Map | Review
Full Info | Website

Family favorite for upscale Tex-Mex

Guadalajara Hacienda

The Woodlands has no shortage of Mexican food, but Guadalajara Hacienda has been an area favorite for decades, thanks to its great service and a dependable kitchen. Seafood dishes stand out; the seafood enchiladas are unusual and lush. Ceviche is another standout, and looking around the dining room, you’ll see no shortage of the well-crafted margaritas. Stylish, upscale setting, ample parking.

$$ and $$$ | Mexican
Full Bar, Happy Hour, Outdoor Dining, and Upscale

27885 I-45 | The Woodlands 77380
281-362-0774 | Map
Full Info | Website

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.

Johnny’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.

Read our 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
Full Info | Website

Vegetarian Indian Spot on Rayford Road

Khau Gully

🥈 Recommended Indian

Khau Gully brings Indian street food to Rayford Road. Prices are reasonable, and the food is vegetarian. The kitchen is obviously experienced in Indian food; dishes like the Samosa Chaat were beautifully balanced and full of flavor.

In their words: “Khau” translates to “eat,” and “Gully” translates to “street.” In Mumbai, it’s a place where people gather from far and wide, crowd around vessels brimming with spicy stews and crispy dosas, and laugh over good food and good company. The street is buzzing with excitement, and that’s exactly what we’re trying to do here at Khau Gully Spring.”

 

Read our full review >

$ | Indian
Catering, Family-Run Small Business, Good for Vegetarians, and On the Radar

25188 I-45, Suite AIA | Spring 77386
281-362-5014 | Map | Review
Full Info | Website | Menu

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.

$$$ and $$$$ | 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
Full Info

Authentic Local Ramen Bar

Koji Ramen Bar

🥈 Recommended Asian

Ramen lovers rejoice – The Woodlands now has a legitimate spot to relax with a soulful bowl of ramen. The talented chef hails from Japan, as does the savvy manager, and they bring their expertise in this surprisingly intricate cuisine to The Woodlands area.

The tightly edited menu features several varieties of ramen; we recommend starting with the traditional tonkatsu and working your way through the well curated options. Service is friendly and professional, and the small room is beautifully adorned with custom artwork commissioned locally by the owners.

$$ | Japanese

25403 Interstate 45 | Spring 77380
832-823-5187 | Map
Full Info | Website | Order Online

Great Tacos and Mexican dishes from a hidden gem

La Cocina de Roberto

🌟 — Notable in the Woodlands area.

🥇 Best Tacos
🥈 Recommended Mexican

A hidden gem at the far west end of Sawdust (and now with a second location on I-45 just south of Woodlands Parkway), 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.

$ and $$ | Mexican and Tacos
Catering and Family-Run Small Business

26817 Interstate 45 N | The Woodlands 77380
832-813-8030 | Map
Full Info | Website

Affordable Tex-Mex from a local chain

Mama Juanita’s

🥈 Recommended Mexican

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.

$ and $$ | Mexican
Happy Hour

8000 Hwy 242 #110 | The Woodlands 77385
(just east of I-45)
936-273-3220 | Map
Full Info | Website

Small family-run seafood spot that evokes a Mexican coastal resort

Nahui Seafood

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

🥇 Best Seafood
🥈 Recommended Mexican

Nahui Seafood is a hidden gem tucked away in a nondescript center along I-45. Stepping inside transports the guest to a beachside restaurant along the Mexican coast; the vibe is relaxing and laid back, and the staff treats guests with the kind of hospitality you only find south of the border.

The food is full of pleasant surprises. Your meal starts with housemade chips and fresh fish ceviche, a very generous complimentary start. Then you choose from a wide variety of seafood dishes, both cooked and citrus cured. We were particularly impressed with the ceviches, which were fresh and refreshing, and the superb shrimp dishes, like the excellent friend Rock Shrimp and the marinated and grilled Zarandeados Shrimp. Service is attentive and professional.

$$ and $$$ | Mexican and Seafood
Family-Run Small Business, Good Desserts, and On the Radar

25602 I-45 Unit 112A | Spring 77386
346-634-1138 | Map
Full Info

Upscale Tex-Mex from the popular Houston chain

Pappasito’s Cantina

🥈 Recommended Mexican

Houstonians love Pappas restaurants, and Pappasitos is perhaps their most popular brand. Huge margaritas, well executed Tex-Mex classics, large portions, and great service are hallmarks of this busy local chain. Prices can be a bit surprising to those who frequent small Tex-Mex joints, but regulars say that the quality, quantity, and experience make it well worth it. Insiders know about half-price fajita Wednesday, a great bargain.

$$$ | Mexican
Full Bar, Happy Hour, and Upscale

18101 I-45 South | Shenandoah 77385
936-271-9777 | Map
Full Info | 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.

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

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

A hidden gem known for outstanding breakfast tacos

Sofy’s Taqueria

🥇 Best Tacos

Breakfast tacos are what keeps in-the-know locals coming back again and again to Sofy’s, a taco truck tucked away off I-45 in Oak Ridge North. This small, family-run business creates authentic tacos using family recipes, and the results are delicious. Outdoor, covered seating.

| Mexican and Tacos
Family-Run Small Business, Food Trucks, and Outdoor Dining

25403 Oakhurst Dr | Spring 77386
832-257-2609 | Map
Full Info

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