Best Restaurants in Spring – November 2021

Alicia’s Mexican Grille

🥈 Recommended Mexican
Tex-Mex with a strong Texas accent is on the menu at Alicia’s, the Houston-based group’s Mexican concept. Our go-to is the Cowboy Steak; certified angus outside skirt toped with chipotle shrimp and served with two cheese enchiladas. Grilled meats and seafood are a strength, and moderate prices combined with a comfortable environment provide a very good value to hungry families. Happy hour is hopping; the bar turns out memorable margaritas.

$$ | Mexican
Full Bar, Happy Hour, and Private Room

20920 Kuykendahl Rd | Spring 77379
281-350-8383 | Map
Full Info | Website

Superb Mexican-influenced New American cuisine in a cozy setting

Belly of the Beast

🌟🌟🌟 — Notable on a statewide level.

🥇 Best American (New)
🥇 Best Mexican

To say we were impressed by Belly of the Beast is an understatement. And apparently we’re not the only ones. In 2024 Belly of the Beast has been nominated for a James Beard Award.

Chef Thomas Bille has brought his Los Angeles and Downtown Houston sensibilities (Ritz Carlton, Otium, Xochi) to a small family restaurant in Spring, and the results are exceptional. From the first bite of the sharp, blindingly fresh housemade ceviche to the rich, nuanced, layered flavors of the Mexican Hummus and the superb Quesobirria Tacos, BotB surprises and delights.

The breadth and complexity of the tacos is simply astounding. From the vegetarian Calabacitas (summer squash, yellow corn, poblano cremata, burrata) to the lush Carne Asada (citrus marinated flank steak, grilled onions, guacsalsa), to the surprising K-Town (smoked Berkshire shoulder, Korean glaze, miso yogurt, scallion kimchi), to the phenomenal Birra (Prime beef, queso chihuahua, onions, cilantro, salsa roja) Chef Thomas delivers bites that are nothing short of a revelation. Cozy, comfortable setting; gets busy on weekends… but it’s well worth the wait.

$$ and $$$ | American (New) and Mexican
Family-Run Small Business and On the Radar

5200 FM 2920 #180 | Spring 77388
in new location on 2920
281-466-2040 | Map
Full Info | Website

Scratchmade salads and salad-stuffed sandwiches that exceed expectations

Bread Zeppelin

Update: Sadly, Bread Zeppelin has changed, and not for the better. Some ingredients are now regularly missing, and the flavors just aren’t what they were during their opening months. Training issue? We hope they get back on track, and will try them again when our sources tell us things have changed for the better.

CityPlace has a hot new spot for picking up a quick, satisfying lunch or convenient dinner. Called Bread Zeppelin, the concept tosses high-quality, fresh ingredients with a plethora of homemade dressings to create a satisfying salad. But that’s just the start: The staff then (optionally) stuffs the made-to-order salad into a cored-out BreadMan Baking French baguette. The result is surprisingly delicious; the crunch of the baguette, just enough of the soft, pillowy bread, and a cool, fresh flavorful salad all in one bite. It’s the best of a salad combined with the best of a sandwich, all in one. We sampled several of their signature creations, and were particularly  impressed by the NOLA (Fried Shrimp, tomato, red onion, pickles, provolone, iceberg, remoulade) and the Plymouth Rock (roasted turkey, cranberries, beets, blue cheese, caramelized pecans, spring mix, cranberry poppyseed dressing).

Read our full review >

$ and $$ | Salads and Sandwiches
Catering, Good for Vegetarians, and Outdoor Dining

1700 City Plaza Dr #100 | Spring 77389
346-336-3001 | Map | Review
Full Info | Website

Superlative Thai cuisine in a jewel-like strip-center setting

Charm Thai Bistro

🌟 — Notable in the Woodlands area.

🥇 Best Asian
🥇 Best Thai

A wide variety of expertly crafted Thai dishes is on the menu at Charm Thai Bistro, and we were impressed with every single one we sampled. From the cool, tangy, refreshing Som Tum (papaya salad) to the delightfully complex Tom Kha (coconut soup) to the soulfully rich Panang Curry, we were blown away by the obvious care that went into every dish. Even the de rigueur Pad Thai was the best we’ve found ’round these parts. Chef Adam Gorelick is not a native of Thailand, but you’d never know by the food that flows from his talented kitchen. Modern, comfortable setting, featuring artifacts imported from Thailand, and a huge mural of a Thai lion overseeing the dining room. Service is warm, friendly and professional.

$$ | Thai
Family-Run Small Business, Good for Vegetarians, and HRW2021

2203 Spring Steubner Rd #100 | Spring 77389
281-516-5555 | Map
Full Info

Boutique bakery and cozy café in a chic, urban setting

Common Bond Café & Bakery

🥈 Recommended American (Traditional)
🥈 Recommended Brunch

This popular Houston bakery has ventured north to CityPlace at Springwoods Village, and has expanded from their roots of award-winning pastries, breads, and bistro cuisine. Now sporting a full bar, Common Bond is a happy hour destination as well as a great spot for breakfast, lunch, or brunch. Our sneak peek at the new menu was filled with pleasant surprises, like the spicy Nashville Hot Fried Shrimp and the savory Charcuterie Baguette. Beautiful small cakes perfect for special events; call ahead or pick up one that’s already ready.

Read our full review >

$$ | American (Traditional), Bakery, Breakfast, Brunch, and Burgers
Happy Hour, HRW2020, HRW2021, and Outdoor Dining

1700 City Plaza Drive, Suite 150 | Spring 77389
In CityPlace / Springwoods Village
281-975-2300 | Map | Review
Full Info | Website | Menu

Iconic Craft BBQ

CorkScrew BBQ

🌟🌟🌟 — Notable on a statewide level.

🥇 Best BBQ

When Will Buckman quit his job with the phone company to focus on barbecue, some thought he was crazy. Our first taste of Will’s brisket, served from a trailer on Budde road, convinced us he was crazy like a fox. Along with wife Nichole, Buckman has built Corkscrew BBQ into one of the best BBQ joints in the world – Texas Monthly named them to their prestigious Top 10 list in 2017. From the superlative brisket to the gargantuan beef ribs (Saturday only) Corkscrew’s meats do not disappoint. But don’t skip the sides, or Nichole’s remarkable cobblers. And get there early. Corkscrew routinely sells out by mid-afternoon, and the line starts an hour or more before opening.

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

26608 Keith St | Spring 77373
832-592-1184 | Map
Full Info | Website

Enticing Asian fusion in a cozy, family-run nook.

Fu Manchung

🌟 — Notable in the Woodlands area.

🥇 Best Asian
🥇 Best Vietnamese

Delightfully quirky family-run Asian fusion spot with an enticing slate of unique and memorable dishes. These family recipes surprise and delight; highlights are the deep, rich pho, surprising noodle dishes, superb curry, and a slate of tasty and clever appetizers. Don’t skip the beverages; Café Su Da and Thai Milk Tea are both among the best we’ve sampled.

Service is professional, with a delightfully personal touch. The setting is cozy, comfortable and spotless.

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

3416 FM 2920 Suite 210 | Spring 77388
832-791-5873 | Map
Full Info | Website

Family-run Italian in a tidy strip center location

Italian Cafe

🥈 Recommended Italian

Fettucine alfredo is a dish found on almost every Italian restaurant’s menu. Few make it as well as Italian Cafe; this one standout dish demonstrates the care that goes into preparing every dish at this cozy Spring cafe. All the dishes show a distinct New York inspiration, from the excellent pastas to the veal, chicken, and seafood entrees.

Service is warm and friendly at this family-run operation. They’ve been hard at work since 1989. You’re likely to see owner Leo Coronel and his wife Zoly checking on tables and greeting guests. Check ’em out.

$$ | Italian
Family-Run Small Business

19620 Kuykendahl Rd | Spring 77379
281-528-2919 | Map
Full Info | Website

Elevated pizza in a hidden strip center location

Jackpot Pizza

🥇 Best Pizza

Pizza lovers in the know rave about Jackpot Pizza. This unassuming strip center location turns out well conceived gourmet pizzas made from a variety of top quality ingredients. Their standard pizzas are very good, but the creativity of the kitchen shines in their gourmet pizzas. Jackpot owner Mary Ann Ledesma sweats the details; her team shreds blocks of cheese daily rather than using a preshredded product, and you can taste the difference. Gluten free and cauliflower crust available; those avoiding gluten, or on a keto diet can rejoice; it’s a far better pizza than you find in overpriced “gluten free eateries”.

$$ | Pizza
Catering, Delivery by Restaurant, and Family-Run Small Business

6450 Louetta Rd | Spring 77379
281-257-0762 | Map
Full Info | Website

Big classic burgers in a modern malt shop setting

Jax Burgers, Fries & Shakes

🥈 Recommended Burger

Looking for a big, well-prepared burger without breaking the bank? Jax has you covered. This locally-owned restaurant chain specializes in half-pound burgers cooked the traditional way on a flat griddle. Execution is very good; the thick, juicy burgers are consistent and flavorful. Other options include third-pound burgers and an exceptional crispy chicken sandwich.

Jax has expanded from one location to several, and the quality has been maintained. Families and little league teams flock to Jax for a great burger at a great price, and it’s become a part of our regular burger rotation.

$ | Burgers and Sandwiches

4334 FM 2920 | Spring 77388
(and other area locations - refer to website)
281-288-7711 | Map
Full Info | Website | Order Online

Authentic Monterrey-style tacos in a cozy strip-center shop

Mirrey Tacos y Mas

🥇 Best Tacos

Tacos as you’d find in Monterrey are the thing at Mirrey Tacos y Mas, a small, family-run taqueria tucked away off Cypresswood. The outstanding tacos al pastor are the star; the meat is cooked on a vertical trompo, in the traditional style. Cozy, clean environment, and they close early after the lunch crowd.

$ | Mexican and Tacos
Family-Run Small Business

727 E Louetta Rd ste 120 | Spring 77373
281-362-5224 | Map
Full Info

An upscale cafe from the talented team behind Charm Bistro

Noe’s Cafe

🥈 Recommended Brunch
🥈 Recommended Burger

Noe’s Cafe brings combines an airy, modern setting with a carefully crafted menu, and the result is a delightfully upscale destination for breakfast, lunch, and brunch in Spring. Chef Adam Gorelick skillfully creates from high quality ingredients, and his expert technique results in some memorable dishes.

Read our full review >

$$ | American (Traditional), Breakfast, and Brunch
Brunch, Family-Run Small Business, and Outdoor Dining

2120 Spring Stuebner Rd Ste. 610 | Spring 77388
In the Market at Springwoods Village
281-656-9999 | Map | Review
Full Info

Flavorful, handmade pizza from a small, family-run spot

Pizza Zone

🥈 Recommended Pizza

Pizza lovers in the know have flocked to Pizza Zone for years. They’re brought back by the very good and seriously flavorful handmade pizzas, made in a variety of styles (hand tossed, thin crust, thick crust deep dish, no crust, and gluten free) with a wide range of toppings. Well thought out specialty pizzas or build your own. Lots of non-pizza options like wings, sandwiches, salads and plated Italian dinners, too.

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

4660 Louetta Rd #130 | Spring 77388
281-288-8500 | Map
Full Info | Website

Donuts, kolaches and breakfast egg rolls

Robin’s Snowflake Donuts n’ Cafe

🌟🌟🌟 — Notable on a statewide level.

🥇 Best Sweet Shop

Apparently word is getting out: Robin’s Snowflake Donuts has been recognized as the Best Donut Shop in Texas by Yelp, USA Today and Travel + Leisure. Congratulations to Robin and the team for such an impressive achievement!

A variety of breakfast creations are the draw at Robin Nou’s Snowflake Donuts n’ Cafe, located in a strip center on Louetta. Unique creations like Breakfast Egg Rolls, well crafted kolaches (actually klobásníky) and a wonderful assortment of donuts are the draw; somehow this small shop manages to delight both Krispy Kreme and Shipley’s fans. We’re huge fans of the savory Brisket Kolaches (made with brisket from local favorite 3rd Coast Barbecue), the supremely southern Biscuits & Gravy Kolache, and Robin’s incomparable Apple Fritter. They close at noon, so get there early.

Read our full review >

$ | Breakfast and Sweets
Catering and Family-Run Small Business

4660 Louetta Rd #170 | Spring 77388
832-585-1106 | Map | Review
Full Info | Website

Superb sushi in a sleek, upscale environment

Sushi Rebel

CityPlace gets a destination sushi spot with the much-anticipated opening of Sushi Rebel. The team behind Uptown Sushi brings their sleek, sophisticated perspective to suburban Spring, and local professionals and well-dressed scenesters are already making it a hot destination. The food does not disappoint; expertly prepared sushi, of course, and a slate of creative hot and cold Japanese appetizers (don’t miss the “Kobe” Cubes) make great sharable options. Beautiful room is the backdrop for the evening; experienced staff provides friendly service.

$$$ | Japanese and Sushi
Full Bar, Happy Hour, and Upscale

1700 City Plaza Dr Suite 110 | Spring 77389
In CityCenter
281-323-4783 | Map
Full Info | Website | Menu

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.

$$ and $$$ | 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
Full Info | Website