After more than eight decades as a Houston comfort-food staple, Lankford’s is bringing its burgers north. The family-owned institution will open its third location, following Montrose and Bellaire, at 24 Waterway Avenue in the Woodlands on Saturday, January 31, taking over the former Baja Cantina space.
The opening, led by third-generation owner Jessica Prior, alongside her husband, Paul Prior, and fourth-generation family member Nicolas van der Does, marks a notable expansion for the Houston-born brand—one that broadens the brand’s footprint while preserving the character that has made it a Houston favorite since 1937.
The Woodlands outpost introduces a handful of new features while keeping the core of the Lankford’s experience firmly intact. The space leans into its destination appeal with a 12-tap self-serve beer wall, a milkshake bar that balances kid-friendly classics with boozy spins for adults, and a broader beverage program that stretches beyond beer to include handcrafted cocktails and wine. It’s a noticeable evolution for the brand—one that feels tailored to its Waterway setting.
Naturally, the food menu centers on the burgers that made Lankford’s a Houston institution in the first place. Standouts include the over-the-top Grim Burger, stacked with mac and cheese, jalapeños, bacon, cheddar, and a sunny-side-up egg; and the Firehouse Burger, which brings serious heat thanks to habanero mustard, cayenne butter, and jalapeños. The classic Bacon Cheeseburger remains a fixture, anchoring a lineup that’s rounded out by the restaurant’s roster of comfort food.
New to this location is the Lankford’s Rescue Menu, a dog-friendly offering that donates a portion of proceeds to the Montgomery County Animal Shelter. Guests can also tap into the brand in a new way through the recently launched Lankford’s Wine Club, which promises exclusive selections, member perks, and special events—another sign that while the burgers remain timeless, the brand isn’t standing still.
When it debuts this weekend, Lankford’s the Woodlands will operate daily: Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to midnight, Saturday from 10 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Lankford’s, 24 Waterway Ave., The Woodlands, woodlands.lankfordsburgers.com
