Austin-based Torchy’s Tacos is opening a Conroe location very soon at 351 S. Loop 336 W., Ste. 100, in Grand Central Market. The fast-food restaurant plans to open in the 336 Marketplace development before in the coming weeks and staffing has already begun.
The location will be managed by Monika Lupkovics and the bar will be tended by Mellisa Melendez among others. Torchy’s Tacos will feature their signature tacos, chips and dips, and signature sauces as well as a full-service bar. For more info visit their site, www.torchystacos.com
When it comes to celebratory eating, nothing beats a Brazilian Steakhouse.
The highest quality buffet of endless meats that come to you? Count us in. Start the meal with an all you can eat, gourmet salad bar stocked with fresh, delicious meats, vegetables, and soups. Oh, about the soups, the lobster bisque rivals the best we have ever had in the area. You are going to want to keep going back for more and we don’t blame you. But keep in mind that you have an endless stream of beef, lamb, chicken, and shrimp coming your way. So, maybe limit yourself to five two cups.
Now that drinks have arrived, you’ve restricted your bisque intake, and everyone has settled in, it’s time to flip that magical card to green. If you’ve not dined Churrascaria style, they will explain the simplicity of it all to you. The card next to your plate has a red and a green side. Green indicates to the attentive staff to keep bringing on the delicious meats. While red means that you’ve given up or that it’s time for a break.
Image Source: Yelp
The protein options come in waves to allow your party to sample any or all of Avenida’s amazing options. They are carved tableside from a skewer and delivered to your plate. As with any dining experience you should let the staff know of any allergies in the party. The shrimp is absolutely delicious but would require one of our friends to use a pricey EpiPen if they came in contact with the crustaceans. The server made sure this would not be an issue.
Speaking of crustaceans, our shrimp allergic friend can have lobster and he HAD lobster. The special that was available on our last visit and will be available through March 20th is $3 lobster tail weekends. You read that correctly, $3! If seafood isn’t your thing and there are a few types of meat that you fell in love with all you have to do is request them. They will arrive as promptly as the kitchen can ensure their perfection. Meats can be ordered to temperature. If you’re a caveperson and like your meat well-done, it’s done. They will readily offer up medium rare cuts to those who appreciate a perfectly cooked cut too.
It can be difficult to find the perfect dining spot for a group with varying tastes, allergies, and dietary requirements. Avenida seems to be ideal in all regards. As mentioned above we have a friend with a severe shrimp (iodine) allergy. We also have a couple that joins us frequently who strictly adhere to a diet requiring Halal fresh meat. This is available at Avenida with 24 hours advanced notice. Seriously, this is one of the only restaurants at which we can all meet and eat meat (or salad bar for the meat-averse).
The cost should not be surprising. You have just had the endless filet, lamb chops, shrimp, chicken, gourmet salad bar, lobster bisque, and a finely crafted cocktail or ideal bottle of wine. This is one of a handful of places that we visit and don’t feel awkward asking for separate checks. It deservingly receives the $$$ or $$$$ from the review sites. But it also deservingly receives glowing reviews all the same. There seems to have been a staffing issue on Valentines Day that has resulted in some poor reviews. I suspect the lesson has been learned and that likely won’t be an issue going forward. We dined at Schilleci’s for V-day like we always do. So, we can’t comment to those reviews on that day. Trust us when we say that we have NEVER had bad service or slow wait times for requests when we have visited.
So, somehow you have made it this far and are still reading rather than booking a table. I suppose now would be a good time to remind you about the $3 lobster tails going on for just one more weekend! See you there and Bon Appétit!
Traditional Korean cuisine made from scratch daily.
This delightful, family-owned Korean Cafe offers casual dining, excellent service, and fabulous food. Most of the recipes are old, traditional family dishes. One such dish is the cross-cut beef short ribs marinated using a recipe passed down from many generations in the owner’s family, served on a sizzling hot plate with rice and kimchi. The kimchi is made fresh every day. Another must-try is the Hotpot Bibimbap with beef, chicken, or spicy pork bulgogi served on top of rice and egg along with a variety of vegetables and sesame oil in a super HOT stone earth bowl served sizzling. *Warning* this is an extremely hot plate meal, please use caution when eating!
Korean Dumpling Soup
Dosirak persevered through initial tragedy. Owners Sung and Youn Kim were just months from opening what they considered their American Dream when a fire at their home caused devastation. In May 2016 Sung died in the fire that ravaged the couple’s Conroe home.
Youn considered selling the restaurant but ultimately decided to open Dosirak Korean Cafe in September 2016 as a tribute to her late husband. “We came here for [the]American dream; I got this [restaurant], so I got the American dream now,” Youn said. “This is Korean food, and that’s my way. I’m so happy, and I’m working hard.”
The restaurant includes a small market offering traditional Asian items, including ramen, seaweed chips, and sweets.
Pineapple upside down pancakes are coming to The Woodlands. Courtesy photo
There’s no stopping Snooze: An AM Eatery. Fresh off its announcement that the Denver-based restaurant will open near the Galleria comes word that the rapidly expanding brunch concept has also inked a deal on a location in The Woodlands.
Slated to open in the summer of 2019 at 2415 Research Forest Dr., the new outpost will be the Houston area’s seventh Snooze, joining the restaurant’s existing locations in Montrose, Katy, Town & Country, The Heights, as well as two under development in the Galleria and Webster. At 4,400 square feet, the location will be among the largest Snoozes, which hopefully will mean a slightly shorter version of the restaurant’s famous wait for a table. It will also feature a dog-friendly patio.
“The Woodlands is an entire community built around the principle of being a good neighbor,” said Snooze CEO David Birzon in a statement. “That’s the same principle that guides us at Snooze, and we’re thrilled to be in a community where giving back is such an important part of the culture.”
Known for its creative interpretations of classic breakfast fare, Snooze also gives diners choices by offering pancake flights (diners choice of up to three different options) and Benedict duos. Dishes get faired with the usual juices or coffee, but a full menu of creative cocktails really sets Snooze apart from more traditional diners. Bright colors and a cheerful staff have also helped it win fans.
Snooze also does its part to be a good neighbor. Each restaurant donates 1 percent of sales to local charities (more than $600,000 in 2017), and it diverts 85 to 90 percent of its waste by composting and recycling where facilities exist.
Joe’s Pizza was voted BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT in Montgomery County, as well as ‘Number One‘ for Italian food in the greater Houston area, by KHOU-TV viewers. Eat at Joe’s Italian Restaurant in Conroe, Texas today, and discover for yourself why so many folks like eating at Joe’s Pizza.
Yelp
Who better to ask about the local, family owned restaurant than the guests?
“Joe’s is Our ‘Go-To’ Lunch Place” — Whenever we are stuck for a place for lunch, Joe’s Pizza and Pasta always fits the bill. But, that doesn’t mean it’s the last choice, rather always at the top of our list. Their lunch specials are awesome and the fresh rolls are tremendously delicious. The service is always good and the owners/managers are always on site. The atmosphere could use a little sprucing, but you won’t be disappointed in the food.
“The Best Italian food- our favorite restaurant” — My husband and I went to school at Sam Houston State University, and Joe’s became our favorite place! Every entree we’ve had has been excellent, but my absolute favorite is the spinach tortellini. When joking about if we had to eat one thing for the rest of our lives, it would definitely be a dish from Joe’s! We now live out of state, but any chance we get to come back to the Houston area, Joe’s is always on our list.
Rated the Number 1 Restaurant in America 2017 on Yelp and Still One of the Very Best
Photo: Tony’s Italian Delicatessen
So, what’s all the hype about? A counter service, self service beverage, sandwich shop, in an obscure strip center beats out Michelin Star restaurants and world class establishments? Well, in a word, YES. While we are happy to share our experiences (all wonderful), why not see what a few reviewers had to say:
“If you have not made a visit to Tony’s yet, you are missing out. These are some of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had and their deli is a must visit for any Houston area foodie. Calling Tony’s a sandwich shop is an understatement as from the moment you walk in, you’re welcomed by the smell of an authentic New York Italian Deli,” wrote a reviewer from Spring. “Everything was, on a scale of one to ten, off the scale. The owners, Mary and Hootie are the nicest of people, they greet their regulars by name and make even the non-regulars like me feel welcome and appreciated.”
“Best sandwich I have ever had. The people there are great. The food is outstanding. Some days you can wait 30 minutes for a sandwich but it is worth every second of waiting. Get the Lucky Luciano. Also get the peppers on it and have them hollow out the bread. You will thank me,” wrote a Google Local Guide.
Seeing is believing, here are just a few sandwiches offered.
Lucky Luciano with Crusty Italian Bread Genoa Salami, Sweet Italian Sausage, Pepperoni, Marinara, Roasted Red Peppers, Provolone – Traditionally Served Hot
Muffaletta with Crusty Italian Bread Mortadella, Genoa Salami, Maple Ham, Provolone Cheese, Olive Smear & Sub Oil – Served Hot or Cold Ham Melt with Crusty Italian Bread Maple Ham, Apple Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, Roma Tomatoes
Tony’s now has well over 400 five-star reviews. With mainstream sandwich shops on every corner, this little spot has more to offer than any other. We have mixed feelings about Yelp and tend to let hype settle before giving a place our dollar vote. The hype was more of an accurate assessment and if you haven’t been we think you’ve been missing out.
