Nestled within a natural forest that offers residents and visitors access to the picturesque Lake Woodlands and plenty of serene parks and scenic trails, the Woodlands truly lives up to its name. Located 30 miles north of Downtown Houston, this community is far more than just a nature lover’s dream. The area is a vibrant hub of restaurants, shopping, and entertainment, and serves as a worthy escape from fast-paced city living.
Whether you’re catching a concert at the iconic Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion; exploring the array of shops at Market Street and the Woodlands Mall; or simply exploring the area’s diverse culinary scene, there is no shortage of fun to be had. Consider this guide of the best places for drinks, dinner, and dessert as you journey through the Woodlands.
DRINK
KIRBY ICE HOUSE
When Kirby Ice House opened its third location in The Woodlands in 2022, it didn’t just add a new bar to the community—it made history. This outpost holds the title of “the longest bar in Texas,” at a whopping 141 feet. With more than 51 beers on tap and an extensive drink menu featuring bottled and canned brews, hard seltzers, wines, and signature, draft, and frozen cocktails, there’s something for every palate. Kirby Ice House takes game day fun to another level with a 300-inch jumbo screen in its pet-friendly backyard and 61 oversized HD televisions throughout the venue—making it the perfect place to catch a Texans or Astros game. Situated just across from the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, it’s a convenient meeting spot before or after a concert. 1700 Lake Robbins Dr., The Woodlands, kirbyicehouse.com/the-woodlands
DINE
XALISKO
A visit to chef Beatriz Martines’ Xalisko gives guests a glimpse into what her hometown of Jalisco, Mexico is like without having to leave the Woodlands. The menu showcases her Mexican roots with plates like the slow-braised birria tatemada ($36), wrapped and cooked in agave leaf–a recipe passed down from her grandmother. Martines masterfully balances respect for tradition with a flair for innovation, with her head turning trompito al pastor, spit-roasted pork set aflame and carved tableside ($59). 1335 Lake Woodlands Dr., The Woodlands, xalisko.com
AMRINA
Amrina, which means “princess” in Arabic and Hindi, is a lavish restaurant designed to reflect the elegance and style of a young, modern-day royal. The trendy Indian restaurant from the Kahani Social Group opened in 2022 to rave reviews, and it continues to impress and delight visitors. Chef Jaspratap “Jassi” Bindra, a Michelin Plate honoree, is the talent at the kitchen’s helm. Patrons can start their culinary adventure at Amrina with ostrich seekh kebab ($24) or the vegetarian truffle raj kachori ($30), and then explore various steak offerings, including a 14-ounce rosewood wagyu strip ($110) and an 18-ounce bone-in ribeye ($85). Guests can decide on their preferred method of preparation with options like a masala rub or Madras curry sauce. For celebratory dinners, or just the occasional splurge, consider Amrina’s exclusive chef’s table, located inside the kitchen. 3 Waterway Square Pl. #100, The Woodlands, amrina.social
TRIS
This Woodlands Waterway-area eatery serves New American cuisine with French and Asian influences, At the helm is chef Austin Simmons, a Cordon Bleu-trained talent and the driving force behind Tris. As a point of pride for the Woodlands, the restaurant is consistently praised for its warm, elegant atmosphere by its many regulars and has even hosted its fair share of celeb guests. Expect dishes like crispy Texas quail ($24) and Korean butter-poached crab ($35), along with a premium steak program featuring prime Texas cuts. 24 Waterway Ave. #125, The Woodlands, triswoodlands.com
THE AUDREY
Located in a second-story space at Market Street, this 1960s-inspired restaurant and bar is a dual concept with Reel Luxury Cinemas, making it a convenient stop for a nightcap before or after a film. Named in honor of Audrey Hepburn, the actress’s timeless elegance is reflected throughout, from the regal decor and attractive cocktails to the food menu, which includes some of the starlets’ favorites, like spaghetti al pomodoro ($19) and white chocolate bread pudding ($13). Stay for a full meal, or simply cozy up to the bar for a cocktail like the Love in the Afternoon ($16), a gin and tonic with lavender syrup and crème de violette, and enjoy the views of Market Street’s bustling green space below. 9595 Six Pines Dr. Ste. 8200, The Woodlands, audreyrestaurant.com
FIELDING’S LOCAL KITCHEN & BAR
Open daily, Fielding’s Local Kitchen & Bar is a reliable choice in the Woodlands for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Located in the Creekside Village Park Center, the restaurant has a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with a large, dog-friendly patio. As its name suggests, Fielding’s places an emphasis on dishes cooked using ingredients from local farms and ranches. Try the cauliflower hummus ($16) before indulging in the housemade spicy spaghetti diabolique ($33) or the 44 Farms grilled short ribs ($43). For brunch, opt for the brisket benedict ($21) or Turkish poached eggs ($19) with garlic herb yogurt, feta, walnuts, fresh mint, and flatbread. 26400 Kuykendahl Rd., The Woodlands, fieldingslocal.com
SORRISO
Located on the lobby level of the Westin Hotel on the Waterway, Sorriso is among the best places in the Woodlands for Neapolitan-style pizza. The restaurant’s wood-fired pizza oven is visible from the main dining room and commands the attention of diners. The intoxicating aroma of freshly cooked pies makes them hard to resist. Try the classic pepperoni ($17), the quattro formaggi ($18), of the subtly sweet and savory fig and guanciale ($20). Beyond pizza, find plenty of other Italian comfort eats, like stracciatella bruschetta ($17), chicken parmesan involtini ($28), and a 30-layer lasagna ($26), and bask in the picturesque views of the Waterway as you dine. 2 Waterway Square Pl., The Woodlands, sorrisoitaliankitchen.com
PHAT EATERY
Phat Eatery opened its Woodlands outpost just months after the passing of its beloved chef and founder, Alex Au-Yeung. The restaurant stands as a tribute to the 2022 James Beard Award semifinalist and his Hong Kong heritage and Malaysian roots. Start with handcrafted dim sum, including BBQ pork buns ($6), shrimp dumplings ($8) and sticky rice in lotus leaf ($7), or the roti canai ($5), a house favorite featuring flaky Indian flat bread with a curry dipping sauce. Pair beef rendang ($26) with fragrant chili prawns ($28), for an epic surf and turf moment, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the sizzling tofu ($23). 2290 Buckthorne Pl., The Woodlands, phateatery.com
DESSERT
DESSERT GALLERY
Dessert Gallery in Upper Kirby has been a Houston staple for sweet treats of all kinds since 1995. This year, the trusted bakery chose the Woodlands as the home for its second outpost, finally bringing its beloved confections to the suburbs. Cookies, cakes, pies, brownies, and cake balls are all on the table here. Patrons can enjoy their sweet snacks with a cup of joe in the bakery’s signature purple and turquoise-hued space, or savor them on the patio, which is mere steps from the Woodlands Waterway. Find all of the Upper Kirby favorites, like Old-Fashioned Diner Cake ($11), Billionaire Brownies ($4), and the famed chocolate-dipped chocolate chunk cookies ($4). 25 Waterway Ave. Ste. A-125, The Woodlands, dessertgallery.com
