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    Top 5 New Restaurants

    The top 5 new restaurants in The Woodlands: Suburban dining takes another leap forward

    Eric Sandler
    Dec 3, 2014 | 9:02 am

    Back in the day, it seems like the only reason people from Houston proper had to visit The Woodlands was for concerts at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillion. Pre-concert food typically consisted of a hot dog on the lawn, or, if one were feeling particularly well-prepared, a to go chopped beef sandwich from the Pappas Bar-B-Q on I-45.

     

    However, with the suburb in an Exxon-fueled boom, the reasons to venture north could consist of anything from business to visiting family or even a staycation. While CorkScrew BBQ, Fielding's Wood Grill and the just reopened Hubbell & Hudson Bistro are already well-established culinary destinations, the rapidly growing restaurant scene is home to more than just those three non-chain options.

     

    Here's a look at five more that have opened in the last six months or so:

     

     BBQ Godfather
    This small trailer on Rayford Rd has been attracting a lot of positive attention for its moist, smoky brisket and meaty pork ribs. Pitmaster Tony Faour got his start on the competition circuit, and those experiences shape his barbecue.

     

    Rather than the central Texas style of seasoning with only salt and pepper, the meat at BBQ Godfather has a sweet, spicy kick that comes from the use of ingredients like red pepper and brown sugar. Mac and cheese not meaty enough? Add brisket for a small additional charge.

     

    One other meat that sets BBQ Godfather apart is smoked pork belly that's seared and served bahn mi style on a baguette. It's only available Thursday and Saturday, so plan accordingly.

     

     Robard's Steakhouse
    Named for Texas industrialist Howard Robard Hughes, this upscale steakhouse in The Woodlands Resort hopes to separate itself from the numerous steakhouse chains that are already popular in the area. The wood-paneled dining room overlooks a golf course, creating an atmosphere that feels far away from nearby traffic and shopping centers.

     
     

      The wood-paneled dining room overlooks a golf course, creating an atmosphere that feels far away from nearby traffic and shopping centers. 

     
     

    Dry-aged steaks are the featured item, but the kitchen shows an adept touch with seafood, too, as demonstrated by four different cold, cocktail-style preparations that are available as a shareable appetizer (or a light entree for one). A full cocktail menu and reasonably priced wine list (heavy on California reds) round out the offerings.

     

     The Republic Grille
    Sometimes all anyone wants is comfort food. Whether that's a Texas classic like chicken fried steak or something slightly more adventurous liked steamed mussels, this restaurant in the Panther Creek shopping center delivers well-executed dishes and good value. The atmosphere is family-friendly, but even during an early dinner plenty of adults without kids were sitting down for steaks and pints of craft beer.

     

    Just be aware that a wait is likely during peak dinner times even during the week.

     

     Hello Taco
    This small restaurant splits the difference between taqueria authenticity and gringo-friendly utility. The menu follows the simple, reliable practice of serving scratch made tacos using fresh ingredients. That means guacamole made multiple times per day and flour tortillas that are made to order.

     

    All of the meats are solid, but the recently introduced pastor is not to be missed. Service is in the Chipotle/Freebirds style — pick a meat and a style (tacos, burrito or bowl) and the staff prepares the dish while you wait (briefly).

     

     La Bikina
    As the first American outpost of a Mexican bar and restaurant group with 80-plus locations, this restaurant named after a popular song brings an uptempo atmosphere and authentic Mexican flavors. Screens around the dining room show music videos while English and Spanish pop hits play over the speakers.

     

    The food, particularly the fried shrimp, panuchos (black bean stuffed corn tortillas) and carnitas, all hold their own compared to better known Houston restaurants. As easy as it is to fill up on bubbly cheese served in a molcajete, try to save room for the massive churros.

    Three meat plate of ribs, brisket and pulled pork at BBQ Godfather.

    BBQ Godfather barbecue plate
      
    Photo by Eric Sandler
    Three meat plate of ribs, brisket and pulled pork at BBQ Godfather.
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    Matcha News

    TikTok star Keith Lee crafts matcha latte for Hill Country flood relief

    Teresa Gubbins
    Jul 11, 2025 | 9:30 am
    Keith Lee and matcha drink
    Instagram
    Keith Lee hoists his special matcha drink.

    The devastating floods that swept across Central Texas on July 4 are bringing out all kinds of charitable endeavors — and that includes a limited-edition beverage from Texas-based TikTok food influencer Keith Lee.

    Lee, a social media sensation whose online food reviews have benefited hundreds of small restaurants, is partnering with La La Land Kind Cafe on a special drink: Called the La La Land X Keith Lee Latte, it's a matcha drink in which 100 percent of the proceeds will go towards Kerr County flood relief.

    La La Land is the coffee chain founded in Dallas in 2019 with a mission to provide opportunities for fostering youth and individuals in need. It has three locations in Houston, along with 10 across Dallas-Fort Worth and six in Southern California.

    The new Keith Lee Latte will consist of double ceremonial matcha, with secret syrup, matcha cloud, a whole fresh strawberry, flaky salt, and matcha powder. (See Lee enjoy the latte in the video below.)


      
     
     
     
     
     
     
    View this post on Instagram
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    A post shared by Keith Lee (@keith_lee125)
     


    Matcha is the Japanese green tea powder that has experienced a surge in popularity, appearing in everything from drinks like the matcha latte to desserts like matcha mousse.

     Keith Lee Latte Keith Lee Latte is a matcha drink.Instagram 

    Lee, who relocated to Dallas in 2024, has been on a matcha kick ever since he tried it in Chicago, which he says "led me down a rabbit hole," and it has become his trademark drink. In May, he visited seven cafes across DFW in search of the perfect matcha in town, and that included La La Land, where he ordered a matcha with almond milk.

    He also has a charitable history, including a special visit he made to Taste Project in Fort Worth to donate $4,000 to support the nonprofit's mission to fight food insecurity.

    The Keith Lee Latte will be available at all La La Land cafes beginning Friday July 11, for a limited time only. From July 11-27, 100 percent of all proceeds will support flood relief efforts in Kerr County — "a community in our home state that’s hurting," La La Land Cafe says.

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