Chef Hilda Ysusi is in charge of the kitchen at Broken Barrel, which resumed dine-in service at limited capacity on May 7. This Woodlands favorite boasts two retractable walls of windows near its patio, creating an open-air dining experience. Order dishes like Peruvian ceviche with aji amarillo sauce or patatas bravas with Spanish chorizo for dine-in or curbside pickup. 

Score smoky Tex-Mex eats at Goode Co. Cantina, open for dine-in and carryout from 11:30 am to 7:30 pm in the Woodlands. The best of both borders is presented on a single menu including mesquite-grilled marinated redfish and carne asada steak with a cheese enchilada, along with the restaurant’s famed Brazos bottom pecan pie for dessert.   

While its dining room is closed until further notice, Woodlands residents can still partake in a limited but elegant menu by Chef Austin Simmons’ for curbside pick-up and free delivery within the area. Order a whole rack of chili-rubbed baby back ribs and apricot barbecue sauce, complete with grilling or reheating instructions. Don’t forget dessert, either — there’s bread pudding with sea salt caramel, banana pudding, and blueberry cobbler with Make Wood Farms berries and almond-cashew-walnut streusel. 

As its name suggests, The Union Kitchen is the quintessential meeting place for eating, drinking and carrying on, even while social distancing guidelines are in effect. Its Cypress location at Towne Lake boasts waterfront views and an open-air patio on which to enjoy dishes like burgers, fresh fish platters loaded with veggies, and brick oven pizzas.

Skip a drive to the city and find top-notch sushi, seafood and sake at Keepers in Sugar Land. Currently open for dine-in and curbside pick-up, its temporary menu is still vast, with options like pork gyoza, agedashi tofu, tuna tataki and fresh sushi, and sashimi still on offer. Consider the Cowboy, a spicy tuna or salmon roll that’s garnished with blackened beef.

The flagship of Pearland restaurateur Ronnie Killen’s meaty empire, Killen’s massive beef ribs, juicy brisket, and freshly made sausages are among the Houston area’s best barbecue options. Expect a (socially distanced) line here, or skip any potential crowds by calling in a carryout order.

When Vietnamese food wins the vote, opt for Pho Saigon in Pearland. Brothy chicken or beef pho noodle bowls can be customized with thin or thick rice noodles, egg, or clear noodles. A host of vermicelli bowls boast fragrant ingredients like cucumber, mint leaves, bean sprouts, and lettuce.

This wildly popular Malaysian eatery has a distinctly Houston ethos, blending flavors and ingredients in a way that can only happen here. Order Malaysian curry crawfish, satay skewers, and Malay milk tea to eat in the dining room, or take advantage of Phat Eatery’s free delivery for locals in the Katy area by ordering online.