Harvest Market Woodforest — Local services in Conroe

UPDATED REVIEW: November 2021: (see original review from February at bottom of page) Bummer! When we first came here, on opening weekend, everything was super nice, counters and displays full, and a great vibe. Now it's several months later and time and an apparent lack of business have taken their toll. Many of the shelves were sparse, the meat and fish displays held less than half of what they used to, and more than half the food court was shut down. There are lots of other little signs that the store is struggling. Like when you ask for a drink to go with your lunch they point to the drink dispenser for self-serve. But when you get there it's out of order, so they've put in a cooler next to it where you can get a bottle of water or a coke. One of the big draws for both of us was their gelato counter, with maybe 15-20 different flavors. This day they were down to four, and none of our favorites. Another dead giveaway is the smell of aging fish in the fish market. Good fish markets smell fresh, clean, and only vaguely of fish. This one now smells old and stale. When we checked out there were a total of two lanes open but not a customer in sight. The previous vibe of something new and exciting was completely missing, which is to be expected as a store settles into its day to day reality. What wasn't expected was the air of quiet desperation, of a once thriving business slowly fading away. ORIGINAL REVIEW - February 2021: Yesterday was the grand opening, and today they had a very good live music duo, outside bar, balloons, etc. We drove in from Lake Conroe to have lunch and check out the market. This review is for both the food and the market. Pictures of both are below. Food: surprisingly good, and I mean, really good. Half a dozen choices from barbecue to Asian to salads, so we tried a stir-fried wok dish and the barbecue tacos, plus the lobster bisque and the gelato. Wow! Everything tasted like a "real" restaurant, not something in the corner of a supermarket. Any one of the dishes would have been welcome at a good Asian, barbecue, or seafood restaurant. Good for them (and us), they've really got the food figured out. Not so much for the ordering logistics, but it was opening day, so definitely giving them a break. There's only one checkout person and the waiting line almost immediately crosses a shopping aisle, so there's a lot of "excuse me" and "coming through". Plus the comprehensive 6-restaurant menu was photocopied so badly that it was illegible. Dude, it's opening day - send someone to Kinko's. So, they've gotta work that part a little harder, but the food itself is worth the minor hassles. Supermarket: Cool little market, reminded me of some of the places in big cities because it's somewhat cramped, selection is limited, prices are a little high, and yet they always seem to have what you want. Regular prices on items I checked were ~10% higher than the HEB, a few miles to the north on 105. That was true for wine, beer, seafood, steaks, and charcoal - what I shop for. My wife hit the more conventional supermarket items and agreed - decent selection, tight walking space, prices a little high but not bad. On the way-plus side, their salad counter was extensive, heavy on IndoPak, Middle Eastern, and Gulf Coast items. Free samples were being encouraged all over the store so I tried their shrimp salad (excellent) and ceviche (tomato-based, very...

Harvest Market Woodforest isn’t just any grocery store; it’s a true destination. Tucked within Pine Market at Wood Forest in Montgomery, TX, this grocerant offers a remarkable shopping and dining experience—thanks in part to its thoughtfully curated market, inviting eatery, and notably friendly staff.

The Supermarket: Fresh, Thoughtful, Elevated

From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere feels bright and welcoming. The market features:

A produce section brimming with vibrant, well-organized offerings—often including local and seasonal picks.

A butcher counter known for top-quality meats and custom cuts. Although specific items like dry-aged steaks aren’t listed online, the overall focus on in-store meat sourcing supports this impression.

A well-stocked deli offering cheeses, charcuterie, and ready-to-eat specialties.

Curated grocery aisles that prioritize organic, natural, gluten-free, and specialty items—reflecting their “grocerant” ethos.

Everything feels fresh, clean, and intentionally selected for shoppers.

The Dining Area:

A Full-On Eatery

This isn’t an afterthought—it’s a genuine dining destination.

Ambiance: Bright, spacious, and styled with rustic-chic elements like reclaimed wood and cozy seating. It stays clean even during busy periods.

Menu:

Though specifics vary, customers rave about ready-to-enjoy meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—from wood-fired pizzas to rotisserie chicken and grab-and-go options.

Value: The quality feels on point with moderate pricing; many dishes land in the $10–$15 range.

The Employees:

The Heart of Harvest Market

This is where the experience truly shines.

In-store staff—from produce and deli teams to butchers—are known for being knowledgeable and helpful.

In the dining area, the service is efficient and personable, even during lunch rushes.

Cashiers and bussing staff are attentive and friendly, keeping things smooth and tidy.

A Few Minor Quibbles

Expect crowds, especially on weekends. The dining area can get particularly bustling.

With more people comes higher noise levels, which might affect the ambiance.

A slightly wider vegetarian menu would be a welcome addition beyond salads and pizza.

Final Verdict

Harvest Market Woodforest delivers a powerful one-two punch: an exceptional grocery experience paired with a strong, restaurant-worthy food offering. But the real star? The employees, whose warmth and attention elevate every visit.

Whether you’re shopping for high-quality essentials or enjoying a meal on-site, this place quickly becomes a neighborhood staple. It’s absolutely one of Montgomery’s go-to spots for both grocery shopping and dining.

Would I return? In a heartbeat—definitely on a...

Harvest Markest is a refreshing experience to some extent. Except they seem to lack in areas that others deliver. Certain items and culture seem to match, but with that premise, this location tries to deliver Kroger items that Ralphs/Kroger put on a normal shelf, into a nice neat area with a price tag massively above it. They still have this "Mothers Market" vibe to it, but it seemingly fails to deliver with pricing and selection on most items.

My experience was not poor by any means, we shopped and got what we thought was worth it. Although, the experience in comparison to many other stores (chains) was not worth the difference here, particularly due to pricing. This isn't a "toilet paper costs more here moment" either which you will easily find during a Trader Joes experience, I am talking about simply grocery shopping and finding items you want to be excited about. Store felt nice, modern (with a retro touch), but to be a frequent shopper, you're wasting your money; not just on essential items, but for even the groceries your plucking off the shelves. We went there during a decent time and not many employees, no one at the sushi area, etc. as well. I understand the market, staffing, and the likes, although perhaps it becomes time to dive in further to what makes your location something that stands out enough to shop for to make it worthwhile enough to visit, despite perhaps convenience.

Please note, with the above statements, I didn't experience the food court; but this also pairs with many aspects of pricing etc. and is a fantastic feature; unfortunately, many places also have this option and it does become a competitive market. Maybe I can plan a return in the near future to experience a meal and edit my review, but for now, my experience with HM is my experience - so I will...