After friends recommended this restaurant, and after reading excellent reviews in Zagat, the Houston Chronicle, and TripAdvisor, Mr. Flavor Mosaic and I decided to check out one of the newer restaurants in The Woodlands, TX, called The Republic Grille.
It is a moderately priced, upscale casual restaurant specializing in Texas regional and Southern cuisine. Centrally located in the Panther Creek shopping center in The Woodlands, it has a large beautiful patio, surrounded by trees, and would be great to sit outside during nice weather.
I love the Texas Hill Country inspired decor with the natural stone on the walls, rustic accents, and the large barn doors. Check out their virtual tour of the interior of the restaurant.
We actually visited the restaurant twice, once with just the two of us, and then we returned the next weekend with friends. On the first trip, we ordered the Macaroni & Cheese Bites that are golden brown and crunchy on the outside, and hot and cheesy on the inside. It is comfort food at its best!
Being located so close to Louisiana, we have a lot of cajun influence in our local cuisine. Therefore, I had to try a cup of their chicken and sausage gumbo. I loved it! I liked it even better than gumbo served at other local cajun restaurants. Next time I’m going to order a bowl of it instead of just a cup.
If you like salads, then you are at the right place because they have not one, not two, but TEN salads on their menu. My friend ordered the Caesar Salad before dinner. I want to come back and try their Republic Salad with mandarin oranges, strawberries, and spicy and sweet pecans.
During dinner with our friends, I ordered the Fish Tacos, with grilled tilapia, pico de gallo, cabbage, with a chipotle dressing, and was served with chips and salsa.
Our friends ordered their famous Chicken Fried Steak. It was rated one of the top Chicken Fried Steaks in Houston. It was because of this dish that our friends recommended the restaurant to us. Of course, they raved about it, and finished every bite.
On our first trip to The Republic Grille, I ordered their signature Shrimp & Grits dish. Theirs is a Carolina style type of Shrimp & Grits with shrimp and andouille sausage over creamy grits. It is served with a creamy, buttery white wine and garlic sauce. It is rich, comforting, and filling. You could certainly share this with a friend and both go away full.
Mr. Flavor Mosaic had another signature dish, Texas Quail, with a sweet and tangy Bacon Barbecue glaze.
On the second trip, Mr. Flavor Mosaic had their Republic Burger, with angus beef and cheddar cheese served with awesome onion rings. The burger was big, juicy, and flavorful. I can see why some people call it one of the best burgers in Houston.
We are not the only ones that love this restaurant. If you go on a Friday or Saturday night, expect a crowd. I recommend reviewing their online menu before you go, and calling about 30 minutes ahead of time letting them know when you plan on arriving to reduce your wait time at the restaurant.
If you visit or live in The Woodlands, Texas, I highly recommend The Republic Grille. I even recommend making the drive from Houston to eat here. It is worth the trip!
