The Research Forest Lakeside area features a multitude of dining options and service businesses. The nearby developments are anchored by buildings that comprise Research Forest Lakeside. The offices house a variety of oil and gas and energy companies as well as The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce and The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership.Spotlight: Ragin’ Cajun
Ragin’ Cajun opened on Research Forest Drive last year.[/caption]Since 1974, the Mandola family has served up authentic Cajun cuisine and its signature crawfish boils to the Greater Houston area.
Last year, the family expanded its Cajun empire and chose The Woodlands for its sixth location because of area growth and potential, said owner Luke Mandola Sr. Ragin’ Cajun’s features an oyster bar and its menu offers its signature poboys, red beans and rice, an oyster bar, and gumbo, the latter of which Mandola said he cannot recommend enough.
“The gumbo is actually my wife’s recipe, and my wife is the greatest cook in the world,” he said.
Mandola and his family opened the original Ragin’ Cajun at 4302 Richmond Ave.
under the name Ray Hay’s Cajun Poboys, and Mandola credits the restaurant for introducing Houston to Louisiana-style boiled crawfish. The name changed to its current one in 1981 and is named for Mandola’s alma mater, Southwestern Louisiana. It has been featured on the Food Network and NBC Dateline.
2626 Research Forest Drive, Ste. B, The Woodlands, 281-298-2121, ragin-cajun.com
Spotlight: Grub Burger Bar
Grub Burger Bar specializes in distinctive burgers and drinks.[/caption]Grub, which stands for Good people, Read food, Unique vibe and Big flavors, opened in August 2014 and provides a fast food alternative with burgers, salads, shakes and cocktails.
Managing Partner Howard Elliot said the restaurant prides itself in offering menu items that appeal to everyone. Popular menu items include the Lockhart Legend, which features a house made Dr Pepper barbecue sauce, and the Guacopotle burger, which features chipotle aioli and house made guacamole.
Grub is also known for its handspun milkshakes. The menu offers traditional flavors, like strawberry, chocolate and Root Beer float, but kicks it up a notch for customers who want an adult twist to their beverage – the Spiked milkshakes range from a bourbon and caramel to a birthday cakefetti which includes cake-flavored vodka and sprinklers.
“We literally have something for everyone, and want to be a place for a family to come in and enjoy at evening out or an 80-year-old couple on date night,” Elliot said.
2417 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, 281-907-9001, www.grubburgerbar.com
Additional businesses in Research Forest Lakeside:
Salon Bugatti, 2520 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, 281-362-0422, www.salonbugattithewoodlands.com
Jamie Kocian Family Dentistry, 2520 Research Forest Drive, Ste. 100, The Woodlands, 281-681-2411, www.jkdentistry.com
The Woodlands Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd., The Woodlands, 281-210-3800, www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
Caposhi, 2520 Research Forest Drive, Ste. 475, The Woodlands, 281-292-6606, www.facebook.com/caposhiboutique
The Park at Research Forest, 8900 Research Park Drive, The Woodlands, 936-398-6800, www.theparkatresearchforest.com
Black Walnut Café, 9000 New Trails Drive, The Woodlands, 281-362-1678, www.blackwalnutcafe.com
Corner Bakery Café, 2415 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, 281-292-6711, www.cornerbakerycafe.com
Crave, 2501 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, 713-622-7283, www.cravecupcakes.com
Crisp Wine Bar, 2520 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, 832-562-2520, www.crispwoodlands.com
Ruggles Green, 2501 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, 281-292-4515, www.rugglesgreen.com
Benchmark Bank, 2501 Research Forest Drive, Ste. A, The Woodlands, 832-381-1030, www.benchmarkbank.com
Capital One Bank, 2404 Research Forest Drive, Spring, 281-367-4927, www.capitalone.com
Crème de la Crème Child Care (Opening in the fall), 2350 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, 800-374-5715, www.cremedelacreme.com
Dry Clean Super Center, 2626 Research Forest Drive, Ste. A, The Woodlands, 832-813-0600
Exxon Timewise gas station, 2444 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, 281-363-1753
First American Title, 2520 Research Forest Drive, Ste. 110, The Woodlands, 281-296-7193, www.firstam.com
Hometrust Mortgage, 2520 Research Forest Drive, Ste. 120, The Woodlands, 281-367-6614, www.hometrust.com
Rockwell Automation, 2700 Research Forest Drive, Ste. 130, The Woodlands, 281-465-1100
