Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in The Woodlands

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in The Woodlands? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Uni Sushi

4.8

4.8 (389)

$31 to $50

Sushi

The Woodlands

About the restaurant

Uni Sushi excels in what is most attributed to Asian cuisine, Sushi. From the best quality of sushi, to some of the largest selections, and to the greatest eye appeal: Uni Sushi has it all!

Uni Sushi is a sophisticated Japanese/European fusion experience that’s not all about fish. You can cozy up to your dining partner over such delicacies as the Chilean Sea Bass, Kobe Beef Hibachi, Firecracker Chicken, and the ever popular Rib-Eye Beef Rolls.

Uni Sushi also offers an extensive drink list from domestic and imported beers to the finest sakes. The bar is the perfect place to enjoy a selection of fine wines as well as creative and calming martinis.

Top review

Brandon

Dined on Jun 28, 2025

What a great dinner! Everything was as fresh as could be and the service was outstanding. Very attentive and knowledgeable over menu.

Xalisko Cocina Mexicana

4.8

4.8 (632)

$31 to $50

Mexican

The Woodlands

About the restaurant

Chef Beatriz Martines
When ideas, hard work and talent meet, there's only one thing to look forward to...
~XALISKO~
A new Mexican gastronomy experience has been created with thought of heritage and the ingredients of your life experience.
Tradition pasted down for generations accompanied by years of cultivating a personal touch to this amazing cuisine. You will see signs of utilizing the most important crops of the Xalisko area: rice, corn, avocados, etc... traditional dessert from the area of Jalisco, Michoacan and Nayarit, and smart seleccion of Mexican, Mexican Spirits and artisanal beer.

Top review

BasVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Xalisko Cocina Mexicana is definitely worth a stop if you are in the area! The food was great and the service consistent. We tried the Salsa y Tostadas appetizer which was great and Tacos al Pastor and Carne en su Jugo for entrees which were both delicious. It took a little while to get seated even though we came with a reservation but overall not bad. The noise level is a little higher than you would want to easily carry on a conversation. This could be easily improved by adding a little fabric to the walls helping absorb excess sound.

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ENCHILADAS DE CAMARON

Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar - The Woodlands

4.7

4.7 (3064)

$31 to $50

Seafood

The Woodlands

About the restaurant

Tommy Bahama combines a tranquil environment and good food with an emphasis on hospitality to make for the perfect place to recharge or unwind while indulging in a unique dining experience. The experience is sure to feel like a getaway, whether you’re on vacation or looking for a vacation from your everyday life. For more information: www.tommybahama.com.

Top review

MonicaVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Excellent service and great place to eat to celebrate 4th of July

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Popular dish

Key Lime Pie

Popular dish

Grilled Chicken Mango Salad

The Refuge Steakhouse & Bourbon Bar

4.7

4.7 (1841)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

The Woodlands

About the restaurant

Wood-Fired Grill - Steaks, Seafood, Salads and pastas. Industrial-Loft interior with the largest Whiskey Collection in North Houston.

Top review

Becca

Dined on Jun 28, 2025

pricey but seriously the most delicious steakhouse in the area so it’s worth it

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Bosscat Kitchen - The Woodlands

4.7

4.7 (685)

$31 to $50

American

The Woodlands

About the restaurant

Bosscat Kitchen & Libations perfectly meshes upscale and casual dining with an expansive whiskey selection and unique offering of American comfort food. It offers high energy, open spaced concepts to promote a lively dining experience. With the rustic industrial aesthetic, brick metal and barrels are prevalent in the space. One of its best attractions is the famous whiskey room, that houses hundreds of whiskies from several countries. From high end whiskies like Pappy Van Winkle, to a shot of Jameson & Coors Light, there is something here for everyone's taste; and Bosscat prides itself on being this type of environment. New flavors and recipes are often brought into the kitchen. All cooks on staff are encouraged to brainstorm and eat with the executive chef, Peter Petro. This collaborative process is the foundation of their culinary art. Encouraging and fostering new ideas with seasonal produce, meats and spices fosters the fun and unique dining experience they so strongly emulate.

Top review

Barry

Dined 7 days ago

Sunday Brunch was incredible! Best Expresso Martini in the Woodlands, Karly was incredible. The waffles were out of this world...through the week Happy Hour is next!!!

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Pulled Pork Hush Puppies

Del Frisco's Grille - Woodlands

4.6

4.6 (2796)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

The Woodlands

About the restaurant

Del Frisco's Grille is a modern and stylish spin on the classic bar and grill, drawing inspiration from bold flavors and market-fresh ingredients. Our menu is a tempting mix of prime steaks, fresh seafood and twists on American comfort cuisine.

Top review

Sarah

Dined 1 day ago

Amazing service from beginning to end. Our server was knowledgeable and helped us with a fantastic meal! The ambiance was loud due to being outside but it added to the liveliness of the restaurant. The food is spectacular with very well portions, and the drinks are festive.

Sorriso Italian Kitchen

4.4

4.4 (629)

$30 and under

Italian

The Woodlands

About the restaurant

The story of Sorriso Modern Italian Kitchen centers around three Italian passions: great food, exuberance for life, and the joy of sharing good times with those who matter most. Here, we honor the past and family traditions with a distinctly modern flavor. A visit to Sorriso Modern Italian Kitchen is more than just a delicious meal, it’s a shared dining experience. Enjoy authentic Italian countryside cooking prepared using the freshest ingredients in a warm, comfortable setting that evokes the kitchens and dining rooms of the Old Country. At Sorriso Modern Italian Kitchen, share a meal, share a smile, and leave feeling full of happiness.

Top review

NicholasVIP

Dined on Jun 15, 2025

Love this restaurant, the food is as fresh and inventive as you will find in the Woodlands. Service is top notch, high recommendation.

Benihana - The Woodlands, TX

4.0

4 (2360)

$30 and under

Japanese

The Woodlands

About the restaurant

Welcome to Benihana, a dining experience unlike any other! Our guests are seated at communal tables in groups, where your personal chef will perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as we slice and dice, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes as well taste buds, whether you choose mouth-watering steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in a specialty cocktail.

Top review

Carla

Dined 4 days ago

There is nothing better than dinner and a show! The experience was better than I have had in the past, and the food was really good. We had a female chef this time, and she brought a new aspect to the dinner experience. Thank you!

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Popular dish

Spicy Chicken Rice

Experience

NEW! 45-Minute Power Lunch | Starting at $15.95

Experience

$39 TASTE OF BENIHANA

Back Table Kitchen & Bar

4.0

4 (1140)

$30 and under

American

The Woodlands

About the restaurant

Back Table Kitchen & Bar

Back Table is a casually stylish, festive and family-friendly gathering place for seasonal, southern-inspired fare with global accents, including Blackened Redfish, Steak Frites and Braised Beef Short Ribs, plus daily specials and a variety of seasonal salads like Coal Roasted Beets & Farmer Lee's Spinach.

Overlooking the 18th green and pond located on the wooded oasis of The Woodlands Resort, Back Table Kitchen & Bar features an outdoor terrace, The Back Porch, to enjoy year-round.

An expansive, three-sided bar is a focal point of Back Table Kitchen & Bar. A full bar with beer taps with local, micro and domestic brews, complements a well-curated selection of wines, plus a clever assortment of craft cocktails and decadent milkshakes.

Private dining is available in the Private Dining Room, which accommodates 20+ for corporate events, wedding rehearsal dinners and other festive occasions.

Top review

DwayneVIP

Dined on May 10, 2025

My wife and I had a wonderful time at the Back Table Kitchen on Friday evening. The Hostess team was very accommodating to us as a very large party (40+ people, I think) arrived just before us and seated us in the bar area which we very much appreciated. Our waitress, Shaylee, was very engaging and attentive to us and completely met our needs for the evening. We also enjoyed listening to the lady who was providing live music as well. Our drinks were prepared as ordered and the food was tasty as we shared several items on the menu...the Tamal was really good as was the Smashburger! Again, "cuddos" to the entire team working the restaurant on this evening as the situation was a bit challenging with the large party.

P.F. Chang's - Woodlands

4.0

4 (103)

$30 and under

Chinese

The Woodlands

About the restaurant

We are an Asian & Chinese restaurant offering dine-in, takeout, to-go, delivery, and catering. Make a reservation online to dine in. Order Asian and Chinese food delivery, takeout, and catering online or through the P.F. Chang's mobile app. Let us cater the perfect feast for you - corporate office catering menus are also available. P.F. Chang's offers a variety of signature Asian, Thai, Korean, Japanese, Mongolian, and Chinese food dishes including Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Chicken Pad Thai, Signature Lo Mein, Fried Rice, Mongolian Beef, Chang's Spicy Chicken, and Pork and Shrimp Dumplings. Order online for sushi delivery and takeout. Many gluten-free and vegetarian menu items are available. Try our seasonal cocktails and seasonal menu items.

Top review

ANTONIOVIP

Dined on Jun 1, 2025

Had a great time with full fam (kids back from college). Great service and easy to do some shopping afterwards.

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