Lankford’s, A Houston Icon Since 1937
The Woodlands residents are excited to have the legendary Lankford’s open in The Woodlands at 24 Waterway. The official opening is on Saturday, January 31, 2026 in the location of the former Baja Cantina, between Bar Louie and Mahoney’s, overlooking Waterway Square. We were greeted by Sydney van der Does, a fourth-generation member of the family that runs the three Houston area locations of Lankford’s.
Lankford’s is a Family Affair
Aubrey and Nona Lankford founded Lankford Grocery & Market in 1937 as a mom-and-pop grocery store in Houston’s Fourth Ward/Freedmen’s Town neighborhood. In the early 1980s, their daughter, Eydie Lankford Prior, took over the family business. Along with her husband, Deryl Cotton Ridenhour, she transformed it into the full-service restaurant it is today. While they no longer sell groceries, they proudly serve some of the best fresh-made burgers and milkshakes in Houston – and now The Woodlands – earning features on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and The Texas Bucket List.
Lankford’s remains a family-owned business, now proudly operated by third-generation family members Paul and Jessica Prior with the help of Sydney and Nick van der Does and their friendly staff. They are all excited to continue growing Lankford’s while honoring the legacy that began more than 85 years ago.
Julie and I visited Lankford’s on the Wednesday of their soft opening as they were preparing for their January 31 Grand Opening. The space has a classic 50’s diner feel, with white and red the predominant colors. A large bar on the east side of the restaurant features beer, wine, specialty cocktails, and other libations. We will be following the wine offerings closely, and will strongly consider the wine club selections.
The Menu at Lankford’s in The Woodlands
Burgers are the mainstay of Lankford’s, and you can see some of the variety on the partial menu below. Pictured in this article are the South of the Border, The Grim, and the Red, White and Blue burgers. I tried the Red, White, and Blue Burger, a half pound burger with roasted red peppers, onions, ranch dressing, and blue cheese crumbles on a brioche bun served with french fries.
We also tried the curly fries, the sweet potato fries, and the crispy onion rings, which were all delicious. We decided on beer rather than wine, so Julie ordered a Pacifico while I had a refreshing Yuengling. For dessert, the house-made apple cobbler was the perfect finishing touch.
Other Menu Items That Are Not Burgers
In addition to Lankford’s legendary burgers, they offer a nice selection of entrees, sides, desserts, wine, beer, and cocktails. If you’re in the mood for a sandwich, Lankford’s offers their triple decker Club, BBQ sausage or brisket, or a chicken or fish sandwich. For a healthier alternative, try the Grilled Chicken or Grilled Salmon. The Maple Bourbon Pork Chop looks delicious, and the Tex-Mex Quesadilla or the Chicken Tenders might hit the spot. The extensive menu offers even more options, with Bowls, Sides, Salads, and Shareables. And when you are done with your favorite meal, save room for one of the delicious desserts at Lankford’s. Apple and Peach Cobbler, Oreo Cheesecake, Chocolate Cake, Fried Oreos, and Bread Pudding are all go tos. Or go for one of the delicious flavors of milkshakes.
On Saturday and Sunday, they even offer a breakfast and brunch menu from 10 am till 3 pm. A nice beer selection includes Blue Moon, Pacifico, Modelo, and Shiner Bock. They also offer 12 Houston local beers at the Self Pour station.
Rescue Menu for Our Puppy Friends
Lankford’s hasn’t forgotten about Fido. Bring your canine friend, and treat them on the spacious patio. Nala – Ground hamburger meat topped with bacon bits served with french fries, Stormy – fresh shredded chicken mixed with scrambled eggs, and Bella – Bacon wrapped hot dog served with french fries. When the weather gets warmer, we will definitely bring Buddy, our grand puppy, to enjoy a Rescue Menu meal on the patio.
A Bottle of Red, A Bottle of White, A Bottle of Rose Instead
Red wines include Pinot Noir from Benton-Lane in Willamette Valley, Details by Sinegal, a Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon, Les Traverses, a Pays d’Oc Cabernet Sauvignon, and a nice Langhe Nebbiolo from Rocche Costamagna, Roccardo. In the mood for a white? Try the Rioja Sauvignon Blanc from El Coto, the San Luis Obispo Chardonnay from Tolosa, or the Venezie Pinot Grigio from Villa Sandi. Or, if you are in the mood for a Rose, try the Côtes de Provence Rosé. Finally, if the occasion calls for bubbles, they even carry a Roederer Estate Anderson Valley Brut and a Villa Sandi Asolo Prosecco Superiore Brut DOCG. So pick up the glass of your favorite libation and come sip it on the patio with a Lankford’s burger and fries!
Wine Club at Lankford’s
A unique and special feature (for a hamburger joint!) is the Lankford’s Reserve Wine Club. Details about the wine club and how to sign up are provided in the photo below and at the Lankford’s website. Julie and I recollected the time we ate burgers while sipping on Veuve Cliquot Champagne in Reims last year, and could easily picture ourselves enjoying wonderful wines on the outdoor patio overlooking the Waterway. Sommelier Nick van der Does, Sydney’s husband, spent some time with us talking about the proposed wine club, and it sounds really exciting to have a local wine club with quality wines in our local community. They plan to have lower prices on select wines than retail outlets that you can buy by the case.
Born in Paris, Nick developed an early appreciation for wine and hospitality, blending classic European influence with Lankford’s approachable, comfort-driven menu. With years of experience working in restaurants and spirits, Nick’s thoughtful, guest-friendly approach to wine focuses on enhancing the dining experience while keeping it relaxed and accessible. With capacity for over 200 patrons inside and out on the patio overlooking the waterway, Lankford’s has a prime location for guests to sip and enjoy their wines while munching on burger and fries.
Special Upcoming Events at Lankford’s
February at Lankford’s The Woodlands is centered on bringing people together for both game-day gatherings and easygoing Valentine’s celebrations. Located at 24 Waterway Ave., Suite 160, the Houston-born burger institution is offering Super Bowl catering designed to simplify hosting. The catering menu includes crowd-friendly favorites that travel well, such as burgers, sliders, wings, fries, shareable sides, and batched cocktails, with pickup or delivery available so hosts can focus on enjoying the game rather than preparing food.
On Super Bowl Sunday, Lankford’s will extend its weekday happy hour to Sunday, beginning at 4:30 p.m. and running through 10 p.m. Guests can enjoy $5 bites like fried pickles, jalapeño bottle caps, chips with queso and salsa, fried green tomatoes, and chicken cracklins, along with $1 chicken wings, 15 percent off the beer wall, and $2 off wine, draft beer, and signature cocktails.
Valentine’s week features two limited-time dine-in specials. On Friday, Feb. 13, Lankford’s hosts a Galentine’s event, “Fries Before Guys,” offering bottomless fries with the purchase of a bottle of champagne. On Saturday, Feb. 14, couples can enjoy “Love at First Bite,” which includes two burgers, a side, and chocolate cake for sharing.
Come Welcome Lankford’s to The Woodlands
Come down to the The Woodlands Waterway, and say hi to the friendly folks at Lankford’s. Grab a burger, a beer or a glass of wine, and relax with family and friends at the legendary Lankford’s.
