(From August 2011)

The name alone is a party, and the little place is festive as all get-out. But the celebration really starts with the first bite of the exceptional shrimp po’boy, a generous portion of fried shrimp drizzled with sweet, tangy rémoulade and cradled in a crusty French loaf. The crawfish étouffée rates high too, its aromatic mélange of Cajun seasonings no doubt a secret family recipe. Standards like these, along with daily specials, draw a loyal downtown lunch crowd. Wine. 

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(From April 2011) Imagine meatballs prepared with ground chicken rather than beef, plunk them down in a very fresh tomato sauce laced with tarragon and Reggiano, add a side of steamed broccoli, and you’ve got a healthy, tasty entrée. As for our other favorite, banana pie came nicely presented with fresh banana, vanilla custard, a crunchy crust, and a dusting of chocolate and drizzle of caramel. We like these imaginative variations on comfort food classics. We also like the feel of the long, narrow room centered with a U-shaped bar and lighted by clerestory windows. The alfresco patio and its infinity-pool foun-tain are a real draw. Bar.

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(From March 2011) A sophisticated veneer of brick and dark wood belies the comfort food to be had at this laid-back eatery. A breakfast of French toast made with Texas-size slices of egg bread dusted with confectioner’s sugar was truly a treat, and though we didn’t need the accompanying slices of bacon, their crisp, salty bite complemented the sweetness nicely. Provolone and fresh spinach elevated a humble omelet, and a bowl of grits on the side made for a filling meal. Count on super-friendly service. Bar.

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(From November 2011)

Sitting down to brunch in this sunlit-space, it was hard to picture the same room throbbing with energy on a weekend night, as it’s reputed to do (imagine, if you will, a $50 punch bowl that serves up enough for twelve drinks). Although tempted by chicken and waffles, we loved our spinach and goat cheese omelet. Individual French presses kept us supplied with coffee throughout the meal, which ended with a bread pudding that confounded all preconceived notions; more like a flourless chocolate cake, it came topped with a slug of hot fudge sauce and a scoop of Henry’s chocolate ice cream. Bar.

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(From August 2011)

While this diner has the usual four-tops and friendly staff, the menu offers surprising twists, like pancakes topped with pineapple and coconut or with peanut butter. The cloudlike strawberry pancakes look like they’ve been strewn with juicy rubies. The real secret ingredient, though, is malted flour in the batter; we swear it’s addictive. We also love the huevos rancheros and the home fries. Have breakfast here and you won’t need to eat again until dinner. 

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Photograph by Ben Pickle of CreativePickle.com

(From August 2011)

Now in an air-conditioned space, this hot-dog-stand-turned-pared-down-diner speaks to the frankfurter freak in us all. Our favorite was the unconventional Greek dog, a flavorful lamb sausage with tangy tzatziki and kalamata olives, plus tomato, cucumber, and crumbly feta. The Texas-size chili dog was tasty, even though the chili was a bit dry, but the corn dog could have used a second dip in batter. A sure bet was the Abe Froman classic Chicago dog: a Vienna beef frank and the obligatory mustard, onions, relish, tomatoes, peppers, pickle spear, and celery salt. Postmeal antacid optional. 

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(From February 2012)

We wonder if anyone ever orders the Raisin Bran at this temple of breakfast, especially when the menu boasts a fabulous Frisbee-size ham steak plattered up with two eggs, buttery grits, and toast. Seriously, it’s daunting to finish. The cinnamon rolls are also legendary; there’s even one that feeds 40 to 50 people (for $74.99). The tilting floors are gone, but the service is still the friendliest in town.

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(From January 2012)

This locally owned gallery-district hangout puts national chains to shame with its retro-mellow ambience, specialty java and tea concoctions, and flavor-packed pastries. Daily vegetarian (and sometimes vegan) lunch specials are a draw. We followed Thai noodles flanked by crisp field greens with a chewy brownie spiked with espresso. Beer & wine.

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(From June 2011) What this place lacks in healthful fare, it makes up for in character. Situated out on the East Loop, this local favorite has got pool tables and large-screen TVs, resulting in a “diner meets biker bar” vibe. Better yet, Mr. Will, voted best caterer in East Texas, cooks up a mean chicken-fried steak—tender, Texas-size, and coated in peppery cream gravy. The onion rings are hand-breaded and gigantic, and the fresh-baked pies are quite a treat. Stop by on the weekend, when Mr. Will brings in local live entertainment. Bar.

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(From June 2012)

Known for its fat, juicy burgers, this place gets extra credit for offering hormone- and antibiotic-free beef on a menu that includes a tasty mahimahi salad and a grilled tuna sandwich, along with wraps, stuffed potatoes, and po’boys. The homemade Novo potato chips go great alongside. Now back to the burgers: you can order yours any number of ways, including with the ever-popular fried egg; the peanut butter and bacon gives a little taste of Graceland to bring out your inner Elvis. Beer & wine.

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