If you have a car, there is no reason to stay in that area. Drive up to Montrose or Rice Village areas for a bunch of choices in a much nicer atmosphere.

Can't miss with Black Walnut. Casual, but good food and atmosphere.

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Black Walnut Cafe
2520 Research Forest Dr Ste 150, Spring, TX 77381

Frost is a relatively new place @ Sterling Ridge/HEB shopping center on Woodlands Pkwy.

I have been away from Atlanta for several years, but this was true even then: folks in Atlanta need to get out I20 and try Wallaces BBQ in Austell. While there are apparently a few new places I never tried in the area, Wallaces had the food, prices, and atmosphere that was always under the radar (except for the tons of folks in that immediate area who keep the large space packed).

Nicest people too....

.....another vote for the Root Cellar. Nice find in that area.

Unless Zion is going through a revitalization, I think most BBQ lovers/knowers will be disappointed. They have the advantage of slim-pickings in that area between Houston and Dallas.

The black pepper struck us at our last visit to Kreutz - - it was over-powering, and could not enjoy the crust. I love Smitty's, but I have also experienced some tough brisket at last two visits. I can only get there late in the day... Maybe I need to give Black's another try.

Can't miss with any of the Goode Company spots off Kirby around Hwy 59. For breakfast, Baby Barnaby. Breakfast Klub is so/so.

The place is pretty nice. I hope folks realize they can park in garage behind it - - since street parking can be limited. Fresh/unique/premium is a tough business that has to have some pretty high turnover in the persihables. I hope they can generate that kind of traffic.

I love IN N' OUT. I will visit several times during business trips to the coast. Steak and Shake is another winner.

I had to circle back to your original memo to see "what the heck does this guy eat???" Black Walnut is salads, pasta, etc. How about Waffle House (a few locations up the road in Conroe) - - that is a pure breakfast place. Goodsons, mentioned earlier, has good pot roast. Wing Stop has good wings. Lupe's for fajitas.

We were at the Shed several months ago, and it was fine. Teenage service could have been better. Buttermilk pie was excellent. Was nice to stop at this oasis in the middle of nowhere.

Mt' Zion is more of a novelty, and you have to be careful on their hours. The food is decent, and it does add some interest to the trip. Just make sure your travel companions are ready. I know plenty of woman who would not step-foot in that place.....

We have always enjoyed the Black Walnut - - not far from concert venue. If both of you are willing to go for a downscale atmosphere - - travel over to Tomball to Mel's Cafe or Goodson's. Texas home cooking. These will more than satisfy simple tastes, and very reasonable. Mel's is a dive, but packs-them-in with great value. Eat the entire Mel Burger and get your picture on the wall.... Not far from the Woodlands, but "far from" the generic places you will find in the Woodlands.

If you are close to Edom, the Shed or bakery across the street for good home cooking.

Yes, Houston (5 yrs) via Atlanta (20 yrs). Took my two teenage nephews on a NJ hot dog tour two years ago when visiting up there. Hot Grill, Hanges, Libby's, Rutt's Hut - - and White Mana while in the area. Funny you mention Barnaby's. Just a few weeks ago we traveled into town to try, but only Baby Barnabys was open - - which we tried, and it was a good breakfast. I hear the fries are good at Barnaby's as well. Obviously, I have simple tastes. We plan to get down there soon. Other recommendations?

Hey, how about Libby's or Johnny and Hanges (orig from Hawthorne)? If you are from north Jersey - - you should know hot dogs. The string in Roadfood on NJ hot dogs is probably the longest on any topic...

I guess the orginal poster has already visited - - but how about Dibella? We really enjoyed about one year ago for classic Italian. Still worth a trip from Houston?

The Woodlands has most chains, and a few unique restaurants. Depends on what kind of food. B4-U-Eat site lists them with reviews.

Agree with mkwng across the board, except remove Black's. Whereas Smitty's has great food and atmosphere, Black's has okay food and kind-of dingy..

Perrys is in Sterling Ridge, and be warned - - it is not cheap.

We enjoyed that buttermilk pie...... Teenage waitresses were useless, have to agree on that.

I agree the Woodlands is mostly chains - - which is not always a bad thing - - they have just about every one of them.... Depends on what kind of food you are looking for. For general appeal, I would suggest the Black Walnut on Research Parkway. Consistently good, reasonable, nice casual atmosphere. I am not a big fan of Jaspers' over-engineered "backyard gourmet"...

Smittys' for sure on the brisket and sausage. Kreuz (great pork chop), then Black's. I keep hearing Chisholm Trail (sp) has great sides and is worth a try, Any thoughts on that?

I also do not see the appeal of the Fletcher corny dog. I tried one last week at the Fair, and was really disappointed. My first (and mavbe last?) corn dog was over 30 years ago at the Middletown raceway in NY State - - I did not like that one either. Maybe it is not in my blood...

Piggy-backed on these suggestions for a weekend trip up to Dallas from Houston - - to go to the State Fair (had first/last corny dog)! I have been trying to hit all of the Texas BBQ joints in Lochart, Austin, Houston - - and Sonnys is good. Surprising to find it as an oasis in new development. Also tried Kellers for a hamburger - - another unique place worth trying; and Hattie's in Bishop Arts District. Hattie's was suggested in another string - - I liked the atmosphere of area and establishment, but upscale southern food was just okay. Would not return.

Yes, the one in the Woodlands in popular. Wife and I felt it was a bit overpriced, and potatoes had way too much garlic - - which is particularly bad in the morning. For a standard breakfast, there are better options. Good destination for something a little different. Agree on friendly service.

Visiting relatives for a week. Unique places that are worth a visit that show the character of NJ?? Will be wandering around the many small towns, so willing to drive in most any direction - - starting in Paterson area. Most threads focus on best meals - - we want good food, but "local flavor" is most important. Thanks.

Taste of Country Cooking. My wife has all three of these books, and many others of the same type, which I give her for special occasions. To my surprise, she feels like Taste of Country is the best - - even though I purchased more for nostalgia value.