Photo Credit: Jennifer BruseFood & Drink
First Look: Kokoro Handroll Bar to open in The Woodlands
Kokoro, a new handroll and sushi bar in The Woodlands, is set to open on Monday, March 10 at 24 Waterway Avenue Suite 110.
From the team behind Duckstache Hospitality, partners C.J. Short, Chef Daniel Lee, and Chef Patrick Pham are ready to showcase their newest location and rebranded Kokoro concept with an inspired menu from the Houston locations and a layout crafted from their Dubai restaurant. The group and Uchi alums are known for their chef-driven concepts, innovative culinary experiences, and creative approach and look forward to bringing Kokoro to The Woodlands.
First Look
Get a first look at Kokoro and view moments from the Hello Woodlands team’s visit during the restaurant’s soft opening on the Hello Woodlands Facebook and Instagram pages.
As you first step into Kokoro, you are greeted by a view of the wine and sake room, chilling a variety of beverages at the perfect temperature behind a glass door, as well as a private dining room set for eight – ready to welcome a small party, company gathering, or maybe even a handroll class? Next, you’ll turn right and the room opens to tall ceilings and long glass windows to bring in natural light during the day or enjoy the beautifully lit Waterway trees shining from the street in the evening. The horseshoe shaped sushi bar takes up most of the room, with separate tables lining the windows. In the future, they also plan to have patio seating and cocktail tables to add more options for guests.
Locals and Waterway patrons will notice a few items that reflect the space’s past: the three-tiered wrought iron chandelier, open wooden plantation shutters, and a ladder. The restaurant has been transformed into white open spaces with Japanese-inspired fish artwork on the walls and even some new colorful tenants – rubber ducks of all varieties.
So, what’s up with all of the ducks? Ducks are placed on the lobby table, perch on every step of the old ladder, and sit proudly in front of each seat. Not only are the ducks Chef Daniel Lee’s signature look and can be found on his attire, we are told the ducks are an inventive way of having table markers with personality to differentiate the various tables and guests in the restaurant. Guests will also notice the ducks can be found throughout Duckstache Hospitality’s locations and another fun way to tie the six chef-driven concepts together and delight patrons.
The Menu
Kokoro means “heart” in Japanese and the team’s passion, creativity, and dedication to their guests is reflected throughout the dining experience: from the moment you walk in the door, as you sit behind the sushi bar and strike up a conversation with the chefs, and as you taste and enjoy a variety of sushi, flavorful dishes, and cocktails carefully made, fresh to order, right before your eyes.
The extensive drink menu includes sake, beer, wine, cocktails, hot and cold tea, and non-alcoholic options. Cocktails, such as the Waterway Spritz and Best-Burb Highball, are made to order and are served with a yellow duck pick and garnish. The Doko Gin & Tonic was first concocted in the group’s Bar Doko and was such a crowd favorite, the drink had to make the list.
The food menu features an impressive line up of nigiri and sashimi, crudo, handrolls and handroll sets, and salads. And only the finest ingredients will do. Kokoro chefs only use bluefin tuna, prepare A5 Wagyu from Japan, wrap handrolls with the highest quality seaweed paper, and guests can opt to add the finest caviar to their nigiri or handroll. From Hamachi and Kanpachi to Tuna and Scallop, the fish and seafood selections are a cut above. Even vegetarians can enjoy freshly made handrolls featuring ingredients such as avocado, shiitake, and tofu.
The Woodlands Hours and Location
Kokoro located at 24 Waterway Avenue Suite 110 in The Woodlands will be open for reservations starting on Monday, March 10, 2025. The restaurant’s hours will be 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
Learn more about Kokoro The Woodlands location and make reservations by visiting their website at www.kokorohandrollbar.xyz and following on Instagram at @kokorohandrollbar.
