It's no secret that Texans love football, and there are plenty of ways to kick off the season. But if you want to make the most out of your game day, grab your friends and make your way to The Woodlands for great eats and great seats! Here are just a few of our top picks for watching The Big Game.

The Kirby Ice House Patio features dozens of green picnic tables, some shaded by the building, with large fans overhead and a giant projector screen showing sports stats in the back.

KIRBY ICE HOUSE

1700 Lake Robbins Drive

Welcome to Kirby Ice House and one of the biggest bars in Texas! With 141 square feet of bar space on more than 30,000 square feet of land, parties of all sizes are welcome to kick back and relax at this neighborhood pearl. Every seat is a front row seat for watching The Big Game, so unwind with one of 60+ beers on tap, play a round of corn hole, and grab a bite from a local food truck.

Insider Tip: Check out their food truck calendar for hours and offerings.

 

The patio at LOCAL Public Eatery is spacious, featuring at least a dozen 2-4 person tables and 3 tables seating 8 or more. The metal awning is retractable. The metal beams prop up at least 5 flat screen TVs.

A food spread on the patio at LOCAL Public Eatery features a thick BLT and fries, a bowl of gourmet ramen, a bowl of fried chicken and rice, a beer in a plastic cup, and a small glass of white wine.

LOCAL PUBLIC EATERY

9595 Six Pines Drive, Suite 200

Located at Market Street, LOCAL Public Eatery brings a fresh and energetic vibe to The Woodlands' dining scene. This neighborhood favorite is more than just a place to grab a bite; it's a social hub where friends gather for an eclectic mix of classic bar bites and international flavors. Flat screen TVs abound, but this patio with a retractable awning might be the best seat in the house.

 

On the Kirb features a wall of fake greenery; a long, blue-marble bar with multiple TV screens, and tables that seat 2-10.

A close-up view of a giant pretzel hanging from a metal hook. Around it are happy hour drinks, including a bourbon and two cocktails (one orange, one pink) topped with fruit slices.

ON THE KIRB

6777 Woodlands Parkway

On The Kirb's largest location to date has opened in The Woodlands, newly remodeled to feature a 2,000-square-foot covered patio. Known for its rustic charm, this lively eatery puts a twist on classic sports bar fare with its organic, chef-driven bites. From vegan to keto to low-carb options—as well as fries and wings cooked in beef tallow—there’s truly something for everyone. Elevate your game day with local beers, creative mocktails, and a new kind of bar fare at On The Kirb.

 

An overhead view of appetizers from Southern Ice Co. Two small metal baking trays sit atop the menu. The tray on the right features nachos piled high with grated cheese, pickled jalapeno slices, diced peppers of various types, and drizzled in sour cream. A woman's hand draws a chip off the top right of stack. The tray on the left is split in two with hot wings on the right and fried pickles on the left. Between the sides are two small cups, one of ranch and one of an orange dipping sauce. To the left of the trays is a mason jar of an alcoholic beverage, Tajin-rimmed, with a lemon and lime wedge balanced across the top.

SOUTHERN ICE COMPANY

8510 Creekside Forest Drive, Suite E-200

Whether you're flying solo at the bar or throwing a family-friendly party outside, join Southern Ice Company for a game day to remember. Celebrate kickoff with jalapeño bacon burgers and chips or try a sampler platter of nachos, hot wings, fried pickles, and other fan favorites. Big-screen TVs are around every corner so you won't miss a second of this pulse-pounding event.

Insider Tip: Don't forget to join the SoCo loyalty program for special deals and promotions!

 

A beer flight is lined up across the frame from darkest to lightest. A young woman sits behind it.

A young couple dines at The Goose's Acre. The man wearing a class ring picks up a seasoned French fry off his plate of fried chicken fingers.

THE GOOSE'S ACRE BISTRO & IRISH PUB

21 Waterway Avenue, Suite #140

Located right along The Waterway, The Goose's Acre is the perfect spot to meet up with friends to watch the big game. With a little luck, the weather will be nice enough to watch the playoffs from their double-decker patio overlooking The Woodlands Waterway. Take your love for comfort food to a new level with handcrafted burgers, fried chicken, beer flights, live music, and more.

 

A spread from Lankford's features diner-style baskets of French fries, fried chicken fingers, and a fried-egg burger. There's also a salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, egg, and a thick red sauce.

HONORABLE MENTION: LANKFORD'S

24 Waterway Avenue

Take the stress out of hosting an at-home watch party with catered options from Lankford's! Available for pickup or delivery, fan-favorite bites like sliders, wings, and shareable sides will satisfy any crowd. Cheer on your favorite team from the comfort of your own couch—or join a small group of friends at the bar just before kickoff for an extended weekday happy hour!

 

DON'T MISS OUT

State Fare Kitchen & Bar

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria

The Stand

Hopdoddy