TOP 6 PICKS FOR CHOWING DOWN IN THE WOODLANDS TEXAS

When traveling to Ironman Texas in the Woodlands, the restaurant options are endless. We used to live in Texas and have done this race multiple times, so we’ve eaten at many of the restaurants. But, as with anyone, we have our favorites. We’re doing the race again this year, so we’ll undoubtedly hit a few.

Here are our Top 6 Picks for Chowing Down in the Woodlands:

Americas Restaurant – We have eaten at Americas with a large group and on our own and both have been worth the visit. The Pan-Latin menu allows for everyone to dine on something that meets their needs. We enjoy the Four Course Dinner to have a sampling of their best options. What’s really nice is that the menu can be light fare or a carb-loading meal.

The Crush Wine Lounge – Yes, it’s a bar, but it is has yummy food! Crush opens at 4PM, so it’s perfect to hang out at in the late afternoon and stay for dinner. It also has great outdoor seating. It’s located on the Waterway, which makes it a great spot to have fun, hang out, and people watch. The wine selection is fabulous and the menu has everything from light bites to cowboy ribeyes and pizzas, with there great veggie options as well.

BRIO Tuscan Grille – If you need a place for Italian, BRIO should satisfy, as they believe that “to eat well is to live well.” They do have an outside seating area beside the waterway, where you can enjoy a glass of wine while your triathlete is carb loading. We’ve eaten here several times before the race and found it to be reasonably priced, with good food and service.

The Counter – This is the perfect place for lunch or post race to fill the tank. The Counter is located right across the street from the Hyatt and has some of the best french fries I have ever had, especially the sweet potato fries. It is part of a chain so you may have tried The Counter elsewhere. I especially love that the meat is all natural and 100% Angus. There are great veggie and bowl options as well, including a really delicious veggie burger. The best thing to do is order a lot and different menu items and share.

Corkscrew BBQ – HELLO- you are traveling to Texas- eat BBQ! Our favorite is located just outside of the Woodlands in Spring. The nicest couple owns and cooks here; the Buckman’s. Their’s is a classic story of leaving a corporate job to follow a passion. Corkscrew BBQ opens at 11 AM and stays open until they’re sold out. We actually order by the sound and sit down and chow out. Just be sure you order the brisket and pork shoulder! The sides are super yummy, too, and you must have the cole slaw with your meat. Although not a great place for vegetarians, they do have mac and cheese, baked potatoes, or the taco minus the meat. Make sure you also stop by on a Saturday at some time, but not on race day, though, when they serve Beef Dino Ribs and the brined and dry-ruled chicken.

Hubbell and Hudson – This is our favorite restaurant in the Woodlands! There are two options for dining here, the Bistro and the Kitchen, and we enjoy them both. The menu is seasonal and always changing, using the best and often, very local products. I highly recommend enjoying the Bistro for lunch, as the menu offers my favorites – their Signature Ramen and a great Maine Lobster Sandwich. Dinner is always, literally, a culinary experience and the bar selection is AMAZING. We can spend hours at Hubbell and Hudson. It’s a great place for a pre-race dinner, as the menu is clean and they will adjust anything to meet your needs. If you are looking for a quick bite, stop by the Kitchen. It has a comfort food menu and everything is made from scratch. We also like to go on race day to get munchies and a great salad from the salad bar. And, of course, we also pick up wine and other goodies for our hotel room.

DID WE MISS YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN THE WOODLANDS?