(Originally published in 2021.)

Outstanding tacos from a local truck

Antojitos Junior Taco Truck

🥈 Recommended Mexican
🥈 Recommended Tacos
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.

$ and $$ | Mexican
Family-Run Small Business and Food Trucks

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

Artistic Charcuterie Boxes

Grazeables

Grazeables isn’t a restaurant, but rather a creator of artistic, delicious charcuterie and grazing boxes. A typical Grazeable contains interesting cheeses, savory meats, crackers, nuts, fruits, veggies, dips, spreads, chocolates, and more. The components are hand selected by owner Amy Martinez, and assembled in a commercial kitchen off Sawdust road.

$$ and $$$ | Charcuterie
Catering, Delivery by Restaurant, Family-Run Small Business, and Good for Vegetarians

25275 Budde Rd Suite 4B | Spring 77380
281-797-0262
| Map
Full Info | Website

Creative Mexican food and Tex-Mex favorites

Julio’s Mexican Grill – Sawdust

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

🥇 Best Mexican
🥇 Best Tacos

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.

$$ | Mexican and Tacos
Family-Run Small Business, Full Bar, Good Desserts, and Happy Hour

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

🌟 — 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

A taco truck near the original Corkscrew BBQ location

La Hacienda Taqueria

🥈 Recommended Mexican
🥈 Recommended Tacos

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.

$ and $$ | Mexican and Tacos
Food Trucks and Outdoor Dining

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

Traditional Mexican cuisine in a cozy, friendly spot

Mexican Mom

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

🥇 Best Mexican

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.

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

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

🥈 Recommended Indian

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.

$$ | Indian
Family-Run Small Business and Good for Vegetarians

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

🥈 Recommended Mexican

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.

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

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

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.

$$ | 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
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 >

$$ | American (Traditional) and Seafood
Brunch, Family-Run Small Business, Full Bar, Good for Kids, On the Radar, and Outdoor Dining

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

Brooklyn-style pizza with a Texas accent

RC’s NYC Pizza & Pasta

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

🥇 Best Pizza
🥈 Recommended Italian

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.

$ and $$ | Italian and Pizza
Family-Run Small Business

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

Greek Cuisine and Live Entertainment

The Olive Oil

🌟 — Notable in the Woodlands area.

🥇 Best Greek

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 >

$$ | Greek
Family-Run Small Business

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

🥈 Recommended American (Traditional)

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.

$$ | American (Traditional), Burgers, Salads, and Sandwiches
Family-Run Small Business

399 Sawdust Rd | Spring 77380
832-299-6665
| Map
Full Info | Website | Menu | Order Online

An authentic Italian bakery tucked away off Sawdust

Tosca Italian Bakery

🌟 — Notable in the Woodlands area.

🥇 Best Sandwiches
🥇 Best Sweet Shop
🥈 Recommended Italian

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 >

$$ | Bakery, Italian, and Sandwiches
Catering, Family-Run Small Business, and On the Radar

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

Big burgers in a relaxed setting from this East County transplant

Uncle Tony’s

🥈 Recommended Burger

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.

$$ | Burgers
Family-Run Small Business

314 Sawdust Rd Suite 108 | The Woodlands 77380
281-719-0916
| Map
Full Info | Website

Restaurant Listings

Amerigo’s Grill $$$ Italian   Sawdust
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Antojitos Junior Taco Truck $ and $$ Mexican   Sawdust
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Ba Mien Bistro 2 $$ Sushi and Vietnamese   Sawdust
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Gessner’s Grub BBQ Co. $$ BBQ   Sawdust
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Grazeables $$ and $$$ Charcuterie   Sawdust
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Hyderabad House $$ Indian   Sawdust
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Julio’s Mexican Grill – Sawdust $$ Mexican and Tacos   Sawdust
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La Cocina de Roberto $ and $$ Mexican and Tacos   I-45 Corridor and Sawdust
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La Hacienda Taqueria $ and $$ Mexican and Tacos   Sawdust
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Mexican Mom $$ Mexican   Sawdust
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Namaste Indian Cuisine $$ Indian   Sawdust
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Natalita’s #2 $ and $$ Mexican   Sawdust
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Papa Amadeos $$ Italian   Sawdust
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Pho Viet Tastes $$ Vietnamese   Sawdust
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Pirate’s Paradise $$ American (Traditional) and Seafood   Sawdust
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Pit Master Bar-B-Que $$ BBQ   Sawdust
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RC’s NYC Pizza & Pasta $ and $$ Italian and Pizza   Sawdust
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Ronny G’s $$ American (Traditional) and Burgers   Sawdust
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The Olive Oil $$ Greek   Sawdust
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The Omega Grill $$ American (Traditional), Burgers, Salads, and Sandwiches   Sawdust
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Tosca Italian Bakery $$ Bakery, Italian, and Sandwiches   Sawdust
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Uncle Tony’s $$ Burgers   Sawdust
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