Puffabellys: Country Entertainment & Country Cookin’

For an evening of Country music entertainment, head to Puffabellys in Old Town Spring. Located in a building reminiscent of a railroad depot and serving country-food pub grub, its a fun destination for a group of friends. Since 1995 Puffabellys has been one of the longest live music showcases in the region. Wednesday night is the Davin James Songwriter Showcase, featuring a new guest every week from Texas legends to up and coming artists ($10 cover). Enjoy the tunes and snack on the complementary peanuts – tossing the shells on the floor is encouraged and expected. Even f you don’t care for country music, come for the down home cooking! Texas-sized entree platters like hanger steak, and grilled lemon pepper catfish and shrimp satisfy hungry diners. Check their website for upcoming events and daily specials like chicken fried chicken on Thursday with two veggies and a drink for $8.

Puffabellys
100 Main Street
Spring, TX 77373
(281) 350-3376
www.yelp.com/biz/puffabellys-old-depot-restaurant-spring

See Why Americas’ Steak Has Been Ranked Among the Country’s Best

Love meat? Head to Americas, a Latin American restaurant owned by the reputable Cordua family. The father-son team is famous for their Churrasco steak, ranked as one of the top 20 steaks in the country by Esquire magazine. This char-grilled center cut tenderloin is served with a crispy yucca cake, pickled onions, and Béarnaise sauce. For a truly pan-American meal, start with Americas' flight of four difference ceviches. If you have room for dessert, regulars recommend the Tres Leches, which is almost as famous as the steak. 

Cocktails are a must at Americas as well, as the full bar specializes in unique drinks, like the Ginger Tequila Punch with orange, ginger, and cinnamon. Bar 1492 transforms from a lounge to a club on Friday and Saturday nights. If you're more of a morning person than a night owl, Americas' Sunday brunch buffet has you covered with a wide selection that ranges from breakfast favorites to Latin American samplings from the main menu. Americas will validate parking in the nearby Marriot garage.

Americas
21 Waterway Avenue
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 367-1492
http://www.cordua.com/americas
http://www.yelp.com/biz/americas-the-woodlands

Enjoy New York Style Pizza at Grimaldi’s

Grab a slice after a concert at the Pavillion at Grimaldi's, a national pizza chain known for its New York style pie (the favorite pizza of former New York City mayor Rudy Guilliani). Casual but charming, Grimaldi's boats checkered table cloths, exposed brick, and a coal-fired brick oven that creates crispy, thin-crust pizza. Choose from three sizes and your choice of red, white, or pesto base. Pies are topped with handmade mozzarella and your choice of meats and veggies. There is a nice variety of toppings, but at $2 to $4 per topping, choose judiciously; they add up quickly.

Add a Mediterranean Salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onion, and feta cheese for a complete meal. In cooler weather, the outdoor patio makes a delightful spot to share a pie with a friend. Grimaldi's is quite popular, so be prepared for a bit of a wait.

Grimaldi's
20 Waterway Avenue
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 465-3500
http://www.grimaldispizzeria.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/grimaldis-the-woodlands

The Flavors of Louisiana are at Schilleci’s New Orleans Kitchen

Taste the flavors of Louisiana at Schilleci’s New Orleans Kitchen in The Woodlands. Conveniently located near the Market Street shops, it's an ideal spot to stop in for lunch. Diners love the complimentary basket of Cajun potato chips. The menu offers all of the standards of Big Easy cuisine, like chicken and sausage gumbo, etouffe, jambalaya, and po'boys (try one with sloppy roast beef). Just be sure to save room for beignets (New Orleans-style doughnuts) and a French Press coffee. Come by on Wednesday or Thursday for "Wine Lovers Night" and take advantage of $10 off any bottle of wine. Regulars love Schilleci's for its friendly service and cozy space.

9595 Six Pines Drive, Suite 1120
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 419-4242
www.schillecis.com
www.yelp.com/biz/schillecis-new-orleans-kitchen-the-woodlands-2

Amerigos: Classy Italian Food in The Woodlands

For nearly twenty years, Amerigos has offered fine Italian dining in The Woodlands. Chef Arturo Orsorio has been with the restaurant since its opening in 1994 and has received numerous accolades, including being named as one of Houston's top 10 chefs in 2006 by H-Texas magazine. Combining locally sourced ingredients and quality imported goods, the menu features many seafood options. Try the most popular dish, Linguine Pescatore, with a medley of shellfish tossed in a sherry cream tarragon sauce and served over handmade pasta.

In addition to fresh fish, there are several steak, veal, and chicken dishes, all of which get equally rave reviews. With its classy, fine-dining ambiance, Amerigos is fitting for a romantic date as well as a business lunch. The full bar boasts an impressive wine list; savor your meal over a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc while taking in sounds of the piano bar entertainment. Meals can get a bit pricey, but generous portions will satisfy any appetite

Amerigos
25250 Grogans Park Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 362-0808
http://amerigos.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/amerigos-grille-the-woodlands

Claudia’s Tex Mex: Simple & Authentic

You might have driven by Claudia’s Tex Mex in Spring hundreds of times and never noticed this unassuming taqueria. Wedged between a gas station and small car dealership, the delicious and authentic Tex Mex makes it worth the adventure to this little food hut. The simple menu of tacos, gorditas, burritos, totras, quesadilas, offers plenty of meat and topping options for any time of day – breakfast is a customer favorite. Although the menu is in Spanish, don’t be reluctant because you don’t remember much from high school – the staff speaks English. Everything – including the tortillas – are made to order, and the price is an unbelievable $1.50 per taco. Meals are served with sides of red and green salsa to dress your meal to taste. Order online for even quicker service.

Claudia's Tex Mex
7505 Spring Cypress Road
Spring, TX 77379
(281) 404-4321
www.yelp.com/biz/claudias-taqueria-spring

Jasper’s: Gourmet Upgrades on Classic Comfort

Celebrate a special occasion at Jasper's, an upscale restaurant offering gourmet upgrades on classic American comfort food. The creation of Executive Chef Kent Rathburn, an Iron Chef America winner and James Beard Award nominee, Jasper's features a sophisticated, yet modern, decor appropriate for special occasions.

Start with the Maytag Blue Cheese Potato Chips or a basket of the homemade bread with roasted garlic-herb butter. Many customers come for the Slow Smoked Baby Back Ribs, which were recognized by Bon Appetit as one of the top three racks in the country. These tender treats are coated with Ancho barbecue sauce and served with a side of Creamy Baked Potato Salad. If barbecue isn't your style, try an Allen Brothers Steak with a side of aged Gouda Mac and Cheese.

Prices reflect the quality and reputation of Chef Rathburn, but for those on a budget, the lunch menu offers a better deal on signature dishes. Or, enjoy happy hour on the patio from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., daily, with $5 wine, beer, cocktails, and small plates. Dinner reservations are recommended.

Jasper's
9595 6 Pines Drive, Suite 900
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 298-6600
http://www.jaspers-restaurant.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/jaspers-gourmet-backyard-cuisine-the-woodlands

CorkScrew BBQ: Classic Barbecue in The Woodlands

CorkScrew BBQ serves barbecue worthy of accolades. In fact, the Houston Press named CorkScrew BBQ's brisket and turkey as one 2012's top 100 dishes, and the food truck recently made Texas Monthly's list of top 50 barbecue. Whether your favorite 'cue is brisket, ribs, or pulled pork, CorkScrew's perfectly-smoked meats are delicious with or without the truck's raved-about barbecue sauce.

CorkScrew makes no apologies for selling out of meats daily; its loyal following knows to queue up early for the widest selection. Bring your own beer to keep you company while you wait in line.  CorkScrew BBQ is closed Sundays and Mondays.

CorkScrew BBQ
24930 Budde Road
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(832) 592-1184
http://www.corkscrewbbq.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/corkscrew-bbq-the-woodlands-2

Fukuda: Impressive Japanese Cuisine

With its strip mall location in The Woodlands, Fukuda may look like a typical sushi restaurant, but it's anything but boring. Although you'll be pleased ordering your favorite Asian dish, don't overlook Fukuda's specials, which reflect the availability of the fresh and unique seafood that's delivered three times per week. The restaurant's extensive menu is easy to read; rolls are clearly marked as spicy or containing raw ingredients. Try the Ghost Rider Roll with shrimp, cucumber, pepper tuna, avocado and sweet potato crisps. Noodle and teriyaki dishes are also popular, and the creative cocktail menu includes a cold raspberry saké martini. 

Customers find the prices to be fair, especially for the quality, but frequent happy hour deals make it an even better deal. In addition to an afternoon happy hour that starts at 3 p.m., Fukuda offers a late night reprisal as well as an extended happy hour all evening on weekends. Its clean space is tastefully decorated, and dim lighting makes Fukuda ideal for a casual date or fun night out.

25701 Interstate 45 N, Suite 3
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 419-8980
http://www.fukudasushiwoodlands.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/fukuda-the-woodlands

Italian Café: A Neighborhood Spot for Italian Cuisine

You don’t have to travel far from Marquis at the Woodlands to find great Italian food, not when the Italian Café is close by! Conveniently located in Spring, Texas, the Italian Café is a welcoming Italian restaurant that's family-owned and operated. Come in and have a glass of wine while you look over the menu that features classic dishes. If you’re in the mood for pizza, the Italian Café has small, medium, and large pies for any person or group. Try one of the special pies, or create your own! Every entrée comes with delicious garlic bread and a salad with delicious house dressing. The pasta, chicken, and veal dishes will make you want to come back for more. The Italian Café is open Tuesdays through Saturdays for dinner, and Sundays for lunch and dinner.

Italian Café
19620 Kuykendahl Road
Spring, TX 77379
(281) 528-2919
http://www.yelp.com/biz/italian-cafe-spring-2

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