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The Counter: Build Your Own Burgers

April 15, 2014 by

The concept at The Counter is unique – when you walk into this eatery, you're handed a clipboard with an extensive list of ingredients that allow you to build your own gourmet burger. There are more than 300,000 different combinations, so you could have a unique burger every time you go.

Star by choosing what kind of patty you'd like, with choices including beef, chicken, turkey, or a veggie burger. There are 12 cheeses to select from, about 20 sauces, and a variety of premium toppings, such as sundried tomatoes, avocado, applewood smoked bacon, or chili. Regulars point out that The Counter offers gluten-free buns. If the choices seem overwhelming, you can always order from the regular menu, which is filled with sandwiches, salads, and side dishes.

The Counter
9595 Six Pines Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 231-2147
thecounterburger.com
Read the reviews on Yelp.

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The Blue Mug Cafe: Casual Dining at Its Best

March 18, 2014 by

The Blue Mug Cafe is a fast-casual eatery serving breakfast and lunch. You place your order at the counter, and you're given a beeper that will alert you when your food is ready. Regulars note that the owners of The Blue Mug also own the poplar Black Walnut Cafe, so you can expect the same high-quality food and service.

One of the top dishes is the bruleed French toast, and once you taste it, you'll see why. The bread is extra thick sourdough, and it's grilled and then baked until it's golden brown. It's topped with powdered sugar, a medley of nuts, and the cafe's house-made bourbon amber maple syrup. The French dip sandwich also gets rave reviews. Diners note that the portions are generous, so you should expect to have some food to take home to Marquis at the Woodlands.

Blue Mug Cafe
30420 FM 2978
The Woodlands, TX 77382
(281) 292-2583
bluemugcafe.com
Read the reviews on Yelp.

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Black Walnut Café: Happy Hour So Nice, They Do It Twice!

February 11, 2014 by

A regional chain known for its fast food-meets-sit down dining concept, Black Walnut Cafe has several area locations, including The Woodlands. Order at the counter before filling your drink and choosing your own table. This relaxed, self-service concept is convenient for those looking for a quick and casual meal. Black Walnut Cafe's cozy ambiance and classy decor make it an inviting spot to sit a while and enjoy a snack.

100 menu choices range from small bites to full size entrees, with many salads, sandwiches, and pasta. Try the Fish Tacos or the Grilled Cheese Burger — a beef patty between two grilled cheese sandwiches. Breakfast is a favorite at Black Walnut Cafe; stop by for the morning happy hour from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Monday through Friday, for deals on breakfast favorites and cocktails. (Happy hour gets an encore from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.) If you enjoy a late brunch, the breakfast menu is served until 4 p.m. on weekends. Don't pass up the fresh baked goods and gelato!

Black Walnut Cafe
2520 Research Forest Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77381
(281) 362-1678
http://www.blackwalnutcafe.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/black-walnut-cafe-the-woodlands

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Enjoy $3 Peach Bellinis and Hearty Italian Meals at Grotto Ristorante

January 21, 2014 by

After a day of shopping at The Woodlands Mall, unwind with a hearty Italian meal at Grotto Ristorante. Start with the complimentary bread and garlic olive oil, perfect for dipping and staving off hunger pains. For a lighter meal, go for soup and salad; try the Lobster Bisque and the Italian Chopped Salad with grilled chicken, prosciutto, provolone, gorgonzola, bacon, and egg. Indulge in one of the popular entrees, like the Ravioli Pera e Gorgonzola, ricotta cheese-stuffed ravioli with roasted chicken, Bosc pears, and asparagus in a gorgonzola sauce.

Dinner can be pricey, but Grotto Ristorante offers a comfortable and classy atmosphere, complete with a fireplace, in which to savor your meal. The full bar has an excellent wine list and great happy hour deals from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday through Friday. Stop in for the famous $3 Peach Bellinis and reasonably priced small plates, including $6 pizzas.

Grotto Ristorante
9595 Six Pines, Suite 100
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 419-4252
http://www.grottohouston.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/grotto-ristorante-the-woodlands-2

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

January 7, 2014 by

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

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Enjoy New York Style Pizza at Grimaldi’s

December 17, 2013 by

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

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

December 10, 2013 by

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

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Amerigos: Classy Italian Food in The Woodlands

November 19, 2013 by

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

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Jasper’s: Gourmet Upgrades on Classic Comfort

October 22, 2013 by

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

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CorkScrew BBQ: Classic Barbecue in The Woodlands

September 17, 2013 by

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

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