Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina
‘Unapologetically Tex-Mex’ spot also features ranch fare
THE CONCEPT
The first Goode Co. brand to launch since Armadillo Palace opened in 2004. The Tex-Mex cantina and adjacent Goode Co. Barbecue in The Woodlands also are the first Goode restaurants outside the Houston city limits.
THE SPACE
The 7,400-square-foot cantina sports reclaimed wood, artisan-made fixtures and pieces from the family’s personal collection. The design is a tribute to Goode Co. president Levi Goode’s grandmother, Emma Longoria Goode, a Mexican immigrant who became a Tex-Mex pioneer cooking with ingredients found on both sides of the border.
THE FOOD
Described as “unapologetically Tex-Mex”; expect classic starters such as campechana, nachos, made-to-order guacamole, queso, taquitos, pork and green chile empanadas and jalapeño rellenos. The menu also offers entrees including fajitas and Tex-Mex combo plates, as well as a section called “South Texas & Ranch Inspired.” Those dishes might be Texas quail grilled over mesquite, redfish on the half shell, grilled Gulf red snapper, Gulf shrimp stuffed with jalapeños and wrapped in bacon, carnitas, mesquite-grilled carne asada steak and butterflied beef tenderloin steak with chimichurri sauce.
THE DRINKS
The signature Damn Goode Margarita makes nice with the watermelon mezcal margarita, roasted poblano margarita and a variety of palomas and sangrias.
THE WORD
“I aspire for Kitchen & Cantina to be this country’s best Tex-Mex restaurant,” Goode said. “That would be the highest tribute to my grandmother and the indelible role she ultimately played in our family’s restaurant success.”
ONE MORE THING
The restaurant shares a 2,200-square-foot patio with Goode Co. Barbecue. Interactive games on the patio will keep kids occupied while their parents wait for a table with an agave cocktail.
THE DETAILS
8865 Six Pines, the Woodlands, 281-8265150; kitchenandcantina.com. Open daily at 11 a.m., closing at 9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 p.m. on weekends.