Conroe Courier September 20, 2023

Even throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, a renaissance was brewing in downtown Conroe. 

In the first half of the 1900s, the district around the Montgomery County Courthouse square was once a hub of the city with drugstores on nearly every corner, clothing retailers and general goods stores. In the 1970s and 1980s, businesses followed the trend of moving out of downtown and closer to Interstate 45 built in the 1960s. 

ON YOURCONROENEWS.COM: Houston’s suburban school districts struggle to hire bus drivers as shortage grows

Now, with new retailers, venues and eateries opening up in downtown, visitors from across the Houston region are discovering the charm and history of this unique area of the city. 

Here are five ways to spend to spend a Saturday in downtown Conroe: 

Breakfast and coffee

Start the day with a coffee at new cafe Kofe Num Pang owned by the Cheng family who also own the Taste the Asian food trailer and Dragon Bowl C noodle bar around the corner.

The cafe opened earlier this summer. This Asian-style cafe is located on the east side of the courthouse square. The shop opens at 7 a.m. and features a variety of coffee, tea and boba drinks.

When it’s closer to lunch time, the cafe offers several styles of Banh Mi sandwiches — a Vietnamese style sandwich on hoagie bread with meats and pickled vegetables. 

Coming up on Oct. 8, they’re hosting their first Kofe and Kars car show at 10 a.m. on Main Street. 

See the cafe’s Facebook page for more. 

For a hearty breakfast, head to Honor Cafe at 103 N. Thompson Street. The eatery opened in July 2020 and is owned by U.S. Marine Corps veteran Chris Sadler and his family. The military themed restaurant has plenty of military history to explore along with breakfasts and lunches. Honor Cafe is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. 

See the Honor Cafe Facebook page for more. 

Main Street Market 

After breakfast, check out the weekly Main Street Market at 301 N. Thompson on the west side of the courthouse. 

Farralyn Withrow launched the market in 2021 and its been going strong ever since from 10 a.m. to noon each Saturday. The market in the streets of downtown features a variety of vendors with gourmet food offerings, handcrafted items, clothing and decor, fresh vegetables and food trucks. 

Withrow also owns Small Town Famous, a boutique for vintage Western wear on Metcalf Street in downtown. There are also several retail shops along Main Street to check out. 

See the Main Street Market Facebook page for more. 

Theater and art 

Downtown Conroe has two theaters — the Crighton Theatre and the Owen Theatre. Theater groups Stage Right of Texas and The Players Theatre Company regularly host shows at the theaters and there’s always a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturdays. Evening shows start around 7 p.m. 

The Players have their last weekend of “Anything Goes” this weekend. They will open “Leading Ladies” Oct. 20 and continue it through Nov. 5. Stage Right of Texas is wrapping up “9 to 5″ The Musical” this weekend at the Crighton Theatre. Next up for Stage Right is “Clue” Oct. 20 through Nov. 5. 

ON YOURCONROENEWS.COM: Drought browns Houston roadways, but most plants will persevere, TxDOT arborist predicts

Before or after the show, stop by the Conroe Art League’s Gallery at the Madeley on Simonton Street a short walk from the Crighton Theatre lobby. There are masterpieces by local artists on display and a charming courtyard at the back of the gallery. 

Dinner and a drink 

Dinner spots like Pacific Yard House, The Red Brick Tavern and the new Tx-Vintage Bar and Grill all offer fine dining for an upscale meal out on the town. All are in walking distance of the theaters, art gallery and downtown shops. 

Seeking a drink after dinner or before a show. In the last two years, two wineries and a brewery have opened in downtown. The Ferm south of the courthouse serves mead wine and has weekend activities. 

B.E. Winery has a tasting room on Main Street and Fass Brewing has its operation on Main Street at Simonton Street. 

Live music 

The Corner Pub on Main Street is where live music in downtown Conroe started in the early 2000s. The venue continues to offer music performances Friday and Saturday nights and several nights a week. 

Downtown venues like 202 Main, Pacific Yard House, The Red Brick Tavern, The Table at Madeley food truck park and Tx-Vintage Bar and Grill also host musicians on Friday and Saturday nights.