Best Restaurants on Sawdust - [current_date format='F Y'] - TWTX.co

(Originally published in 2021.)

Outstanding tacos from a local truck

Antojitos Junior Taco Truck

The Woodlands area has a great taco truck located in the parking lot of the HEB on Sawdust. Antojitos Junior serves a variety of Mexican and Honduran specialties; the family that runs it is Honduran. We sampled several different tacos. Skip the trendy birria and go straight to the classics; we were very impressed by the Tacos de Pastor (seasoned and marinated pork, with onion and cilantro) and the Tacos de Carne de Res (marinated beef with onion and cilantro). It’s a taco truck, so no seating. Cash only.

130 Sawdust Road | The Woodlands 77380
(In Sawdust HEB parking lot)
281-203-7787 | Map
Full Info

Creative Mexican food and Tex-Mex favorites

Julio’s Mexican Grill – Sawdust

The best Mexican restaurant in Magnolia has opened a second location on Sawdust road, and savvy locals are already converging. 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.

544 Sawdust Road | The Woodlands 77380
(by PetCo)
281-419-5441 | Map
Full Info | Website | Order Online

Great Tacos and Mexican dishes from a hidden gem

La Cocina de Roberto

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.

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

A taco truck near the original Corkscrew BBQ location

La Hacienda Taqueria

La Hacienda serves very good Mexican tacos from a truck located on Budde Road. Birria is very popular here, as are breakfast tacos and more traditional offerings.

24930 Budde Road | The Woodlands 77380
832-403-9335 | Map
Full Info

Traditional Mexican cuisine in a cozy, friendly spot

Mexican Mom

Mexican Mom is the kind of tiny, family-run café that we love to see succeed. Chef Gina Antimo brings her very personal approach to Mexican cooking to the establishment, and her care is evident on every plate. The menu changes weekly; Gina creates new dishes from the best and freshest ingredients available… but a few dishes make repeat appearances, including the stellar Enchiladas Verdes, one of our favorites. Mexican Mom is the kind of restaurant that makes a community better, and should be on your short list whenever you’re craving great Mexican food.

1027 Sawdust Rd #375 | The Woodlands 77380
832-614-1798 | Map
Full Info | Website

Traditional Indian cuisine, Indian fast food, and more

Namaste Indian Cuisine

Namaste offers solid versions of all your favorite traditional Indian dishes. From Chicken Tikka Masala to Saag Paneer to Naan. Namaste specializes in chaat (Indian Fast food) while also dabbling in some southern Indian dishes and fusion foods, which combine more than one type of cuisine. They have an extensive Indochinese offering, too.

202 Sawdust Rd Suite 115 | Spring 77380
832-299-6476 | Map
Full Info | Website

Classic Tex-Mex in a warm, family-friendly setting

Natalita’s #2

Natalita’s brings traditional Tex Mex to a comfortable strip center on Sawdust road. This family-run spot has solid versions of all of your Tex-Mex favorites, including two tasty table salsas that appear with the complimentary chips. Lunch menu is well priced; lots of good options under $10. In a market full of Mexican restaurants, Natalita’s #2 is a solid choice for families wanting a good meal in a relaxing setting.

387 Sawdust Rd | Spring 77380
In the Woodwinds Center
281-298-8195 | Map
Full Info | Website | Order Online

Handmade contemporary Italian cuisine

Papa Amadeos

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.

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

Festive pirate-themed restaurant offering seafood and more

Pirate’s Paradise

Pirate’s Paradise is the pirate-themed restaurant you didn’t know you needed. Fun, friendly environment that’s well suited to families with kids, solid menu of seafood and other offerings. Full bar for the grownups who needs a bit of the grog. Theme restaurants used to be more popular, and we applaud the decision to bring the concept back and offer this fun experience to a whole new generation of diners.

Read our full review >

448 Sawdust Rd | Spring 77380
346-954-8733 | Map | Review
Full Info

Brooklyn-style pizza with a Texas accent

RC’s NYC Pizza & Pasta

The Woodlands has no shortage of great pizza places. But one name comes up over and over when asked for recommendations. RC’s NYC Pizza & Pasta serves honest-to-Vito New York street pizza, either traditional (cheese only) or with your choice of toppings. They’re serious about pizza: RC himself travels around the nation competing against the best pizza makers in the country, and has repeatedly brought home the hardware.

RC’s goes beyond pizza, with outstanding wings, delicious calzones, and great plated entrees. This isn’t your average pizza spot, which is why it earned a spot on our list.

501 Sawdust Rd | Spring 77380
281-298-4663 | Map
Full Info | Website | Order Online

Greek Cuisine and Live Entertainment

The Olive Oil

A classic Greek experience awaits hungry diners at The Olive Oil. Located in a huge strip center on Sawdust, The Olive Oil offers classic Greek cuisine, well prepared by the bustling kitchen. Favorites include the mixed grill (the marinade drizzles enticingly onto a bed of spinach beneath the meat) and the gyro. Families pack the restaurant on weekend nights, where belly dancers and musicians turn the dining room into a party.

Read our full review >

373 Sawdust Road | The Woodlands 77380
281-367-0114 | Map | Review
Full Info | Website

Well-prepared American classics in a comfortable strip center location

The Omega Grill

Modern versions of American classics are the order of the day at the Omega Grill, the sister restaurant of the popular Olive Oil, located a few doors down. The warm, friendly staff serves up big portions to hungry locals, who rave about the chicken-fried steak, pork chops, big burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Their “Twisted Texas” entrees are among our favorites, with Omega’s unique versions of these classic southern favorites. Kids menu brings in the families.

An authentic Italian bakery tucked away off Sawdust

Tosca Italian Bakery

Tosca Italian Bakery brings the experience of an Old World Italian bakery to the Woodlands area. Owner Mario and his team have immigrated from Italy, and brought years of baking expertise with them. The result is a wonderful selection of breads, pastries, sandwiches and focaccia pizzas brimming with character and charm. If you’re looking for an authentic Italian experience, Tosca should be your destination.

Read our full review >

25227 Borough Park Dr | Spring 77380
| Map | Review
Full Info

Big burgers in a relaxed setting from this East County transplant

Uncle Tony’s

Tony Marron opened a very successful burger business over near Porter, and Woodlands residents are lucky he transplanted it to our part of the world. Big, unique burgers are his specialty, and he does two styles of patties: A standard ground beef option for purists, or his special combination of beef and pork for those who walk on the wild side. Very good hand cut fries (or optional tater tots) complete your lunch. Friendly, laid-back setting.