A spotlight on the locally owned restaurants in The Woodlands

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - If you are a living, breathing, functioning organism, you love food. You love food, you need food, you crave food. One of the most beautiful things about food is that it itself is a lifeless (once it has been cooked, that is) commodity that is responsible for not only all life on earth, but many relationships, as well. Food has nearly always been a social concept; even since the hunter-gatherer days, there was a working relationship instilled in society to allow for the optimal amount of food to be supplied for civilization. Today, food serves as a catalyst for a different kind of relationship, one more driven by social expectations and pleasures. A “dinner-date” has become a staple event, whether it entails a romantic date, a gathering of friends for celebration, or two people just trying to catch up on each other’s hectic lives. No matter how busy a schedule is, how little time is perceived to be available, people always make time for food, and often do so in the company of others.

The Woodlands is a food haven; multiple large chain restaurants have locations here, and there are numerous different grocery stores that have set up shop. On any given night, you can most likely walk into a restaurant of your choice and run into a friend or acquaintance; us Woodlanders love our food. However, behind all the big-named chains lies an abundance of locally-owned restaurants, serving a unique variety of food and drinks. While these places may not lie within the parameters of a Market Street or Waterway, they serve high quality food nonetheless. Here is a list of the top five locally-owned restaurants in The Woodlands:

DrinkabiliTea Cafe

This adorable cafe located just off of 242 is a haven for those who enjoy lighter, healthier food. DrinkabiliTea offers a variety of hot teas, bubble teas, smoothies, juices, and healthy foods to satisfy your craving for a feeling of purity. The menu offers refreshing treats such as Guacamole Salad, Portobello Burgers, Lettuce Wraps, Wild Salmon Burgers, and my personal favorite, Seaweed Tofu Tacos. The staff is extremely friendly, and they usually are sitting at one of the candle-lit tables socializing with people when you walk in, creating an immediate sense of community and feeling of welcome. While you’re there, do not forget to order one of their specialty drinks, such as a Thai Tea or an Avocado Adventure smoothie.


My Recommendation: Seaweed Tofu Tacos ($4.99), Matcha Bubble Tea ($2.99)

DrinkabiliTea Staff Recommendation: Chips and Guacamole ($4.99), Tapioca Milk Tea ($2.99)

Location: 3335 College Park Drive, Suite 400; Monday-Saturday 11AM- 9PM, Sunday 11AM- 6PM

Fish and Camaron

Seafood lovers rejoice! Fish and Camaron serves some of the best seafood in town, and in my opinion, beats out most Mexican food restaurants as well. Entrees such as a Shrimp Cocktail, Ceviche Cocktail, Ceviche Tostada, and Shrimp Tacos will not disappoint. The food is cooked in a way that brings out many natural flavors, yet serves as a shock; it it the kind of seafood you expect to taste while in a costal town. And let’s face it: we all tend to judge a Mexican food restaurant by the quality of its salsa. For that reason, if you enjoy a little spice with your food, you absolutely must try one of their house made salsas with your “smart fresh seafood.” You will have to stop yourself from going back for seconds!


My Recommendation: Fish Tacos Pastor ($4.90 small/ $8.90 large)

Fish and Camaron Staff Recommendation: Ceviche Tostada ($3.90)

Location: 9950 Woodlands Parkway, Suite 450; Closed Monday, Tuesday-Friday 11AM- 7PM, Saturday 11AM- 6PM, Sunday 12 PM- 5PM

Gourmet Bakery Cafe

If you are looking for authentic French cuisine, look no further. This restaurant is owned and operated by a family who was trained in France at one of the most prestigious baking schools out there. Perhaps one of the most amazing things about this restaurant is their attention to detail; even their bread is crafted in-house (which, I might add, is fantastic, and can be purchased by itself to allow you to have a taste of France at home). From sandwiches to salads, omelettes to galettes, you are sure to be pleased with whatever you choose. And while you’re there, don’t hesitate to splurge on dessert! The various pastries and dessert crepes are a must-try.


My Recommendation: Norway Panini ($10.50), Lemon Sugar Crepes ($5.20)

Gourmet Bakery Cafe Staff Recommendation: Monte Cristo Panini ($8.90), all Eggs Benedict entrees (Classic, Lutecia, Elysees; $12.50-$14.50)

Location: 9950 Woodlands Parkway, Suite 400; Monday-Saturday 8AM- 3PM, Sunday 8AM- 2PM

Lama Cafe

Living in the suburbs, you would expect to have to go into the city to eat authentic Mediterranean food; however, thanks to Lama Cafe in The Woodlands, that is not the case! Lama offers a menu of traditional and well-known Mediterranean dishes, with items ranging from Beef Shawarma and Fatoush Salad to Gyro and Falafel sandwiches. Both heavy meat eaters and vegetarians alike can find a pleasing dish here, as can the ever-so-adventurous eater and the safe, “I like to know exactly what I am putting in my mouth” eater. There is something here for nearly everyone.


My Recommendation: Vegetarian Combination Plate (includes falafel, stuffed grape leaves, hummus, baba gangue, tabouli salad, greek salad, pita bread- definitely can be shared!) - $10.99

Lama Cafe Staff Recommendation: Lama Lamb Chops ($16.99)

Location: 1500 Research Forest Drive, Suite 100; Monday- Thursday 11AM- 9PM, Friday-Saturday 11AM- 10PM, Sunday 11AM- 8PM

Pizza Tonight

Believe it or not, Pizza Tonight makes it possible to enjoy a fresh, quality, and delicious pizza from home. Forget any preconceived notions you have about delivery pizza; yes, Pizza Tonight uses fresh ingredients, no you will not be presented with a piece of bread slathered in cheap pizza sauce and topped with minimal cheese. This restaurant has perfected the art of a true pizza, one that puts nearly every other pizza place in The Woodlands to shame. But it doesn’t stop there; Pizza Tonight offers a variety of Italian foods, ranging from calzones to subs, pastas to salads. The food can either be picked up at their location near McCullough Jr. High School, or delivered hot and fresh to your front door step. Before you start dialing the phone number of one of the classic American chain pizza places, ask yourself if you want quality, or name recognition?


My Recommendation: D’s Greek Pizza ($15.99- Large), Santa Fe Salad ($6.99)

Pizza Tonight Staff Recommendation: Chicken Margherita Pizza ($15.49- large), The Full Schmeer ($15.49- large)

Location: 27190 Glen Loch Drive; Monday- Thursday 11AM- 10PM, Friday-Saturday 11AM-10:30PM, Sunday 12PM- 9PM