Mesquite Grilled Burgers at Becks Prime in The Woodlands

Pull into Grogan's Mill Village Center and you will find the Becks Prime storefront under the trees, with a drive thru canopy out front. Rick's photos from the lot show the brick building, the deck rail, red umbrellas and tall trees. Becks Prime is a Houston chain that has grilled burgers over mesquite since 1985, and on its own site it says it has been "Locally owned and operated since 1985." This Woodlands store sits at 2120 Buckthorne Place.

Where it is

TWTX.co, a Woodlands restaurant review site, describes Becks Prime as "Tucked away in the Grogan's Mill Village Center," with wraparound decks "and even hidden tables beside Lake Harrison." In an April 2023 revisit, TWTX.co said the Woodlands store backs up to Lake Harrison, across from the Woodlands Resort.

The Grogan's Mill Village Center page on thewoodlands.com says, "Established in 1974, GMVC opened as the first shopping destination in The Woodlands. Originally named The Wharf, the center was home to a grocery store, pharmacy, The Woodlands Ice Rink and hosted many notable community events still active today including Lighting of the Doves and Arbor Day." Another source places The Wharf on the shore of Lake Harrison in Grogan's Mill Village Center. It was renovated in 1996, and the property is now home to the Shell Learning Center.

The deck

The store's listing says it is located in Grogan's Mill Village Center, and describes "outdoor seating on a tree lined deck as well as shaded picnic tables down by the water." Rick's photo of the deck entrance shows columns, an awning, an umbrella and greenery, with shade from the trees.

The chain says this is on purpose. Founder Mike Knapp told the Chron in 2025, "we're willing to sacrifice that visibility to freeway traffic for a beautiful communal setting." He added, "We try to find a space that's large enough and attractive enough to have a deck that overlooks an attractive setting."

The Woodlands store page lists Drive Thru, Outdoor Dining, Catering and Kids Menu. Woodlands Online also lists Becks Prime among restaurants that allow pets in their outdoor seating area, noting the tree lined porch and picnic tables. Check with the store before you bring a pet.

What to order

The menu says its 100% certified Angus beef blend is never frozen, and is ground fresh every day and grilled over mesquite coals, paired with crisp local veggies on a house made egg bun. The classic Hamburger comes topped with mustard, pickles, onions, lettuce and tomatoes on a fresh baked egg bun. Rick's photo shows a burger in a Becks Prime wrapper on an outdoor table, with iced tea beside it.

Beyond the burgers, the chain says Boar's Head makes a quarter pound hot dog exclusively for Becks Prime, and that the chicken breasts marinate slowly and are never frozen. TWTX.co says the menu goes beyond burgers, and that the Woodlands store may be the only place in Texas where you can order a mesquite grilled ribeye steak through the drive through.

On the side, the menu lists Hand Cut Idaho Fries, described as extra crispy, straight cut French fries, with an option to add grated cheddar or house made chili. The menu says its Wood Fired Queso is "Smokey, creamy queso with jalapeño peppers served with warm tostadas." The menu also lists hand spun shakes with 10% butterfat, in Vanilla, Hershey's Chocolate, Strawberries & Cream, Jamoca, and Cookies & Cream.

A Houston story

Becks Prime started in Houston, not The Woodlands. According to the chain, founders Mike Knapp, John Storms and Win Campbell came together in the summer of 1984. Knapp had been operations manager of nine Steak & Ale restaurants. Storms was a burger enthusiast, and Campbell was a foodie and one time burger flipper.

The founders spent a year researching different concept ideas before finally deciding to create their own category: fresh, high quality, cooked to order fast food, grilled over mesquite wood coals. The first Becks Prime opened on Kirby Drive in 1985, with a double drive thru and an open air patio. The Chron reports the first Becks Prime opened at Kirby Drive and Kipling Street in Upper Kirby, and Knapp told the Chron he and his founding partners named the restaurant after his wife, Rebecca. Knapp also said "Prime" came about because the founders wanted something to differentiate themselves from their fast food competitors.

Molly Voorhees, Becks Prime president and daughter of Campbell, told the Houston Chronicle, "I think they actually invented fast casual." TWTX.co agrees in its own way, writing that "Beck's was one of the pioneers bringing elevated burgers to the Houston area."

If you go

Becks Prime has a drive thru, a kids menu and catering. The catering page says, "We bring our grill to your party!" and offers on site grilling. Check hours before you go.

While you are in the village center, the Woodlands Farmers Market takes place there every Saturday, rain or shine.

Back to the deck

Becks Prime is at 2120 Buckthorne Place in Grogan's Mill Village Center in The Woodlands. The store backs up to Lake Harrison, across from the Woodlands Resort, with a tree lined deck and picnic tables by the water. The Houston chain has grilled burgers over mesquite coals since 1985. The menu runs to burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, salads, hand cut fries and hand spun shakes. There is a drive thru, a kids menu and catering. Check hours before you go.

Where You LIVE