Stone House

Upscale but homey, this restored 1940s rock farmhouse elevates dining standards for miles around.

Il Modo

A modern trattoria on the ground floor of the historic building that houses the new Harper Hotel.

Ámbar

The historic Plaza Hotel has a restaurant worthy of its longevity and class.

Mixtli

Diego Galicia and Rico Torres make magic in their tiny kitchen.

Milagro Taco Cantina

Tijuana-style seafood is the big draw at this counter-service taqueria.

Sammie’s

You may miss Hut’s, but you’d be remiss if you didn’t pay a visit to this upscale red-sauce joint.

J. Carver’s

Cozy and clubby, this chophouse evokes Rat Pack–era glamour.

Flamingo’s

The Central American and Caribbean dishes really shine.

Para Llevar

A self-described bodega and deli with a tree-shaded courtyard.

Roots Southern Table

Celebrity chef and Beaumont native Tiffany Derry honors modern and traditional Southern cooking in her relaxed, cheery dining room.

La Casita Bakeshop

This beloved mom-and-pop bakery offers a dazzling lineup of French pastries, artisan breads, and sandwiches.

Carte Blanche

Meticulously crafted four- and twelve-course tasting menus served in an unstuffy dining room lined with modern art.

Gin’s Chinese Restaurant

Gin’s has been serving Chinese and Chinese-American dishes for at least three decades.

Chris Madrid’s

There’s much to love at Chris Madrid's, like juicy burgers, baskets of fries, and piled-high chalupas.

Mi Roti

Caribbean street food has a home at the Pearl’s Bottling Department Food Hall.

Best Quality Daughter

The menu here is modern Asian American, with that somewhat quirky edge we’ve come to expect from Quealy Watson and Jennifer Dobbertin.

Juniper

Northern Italian and so much more at stylish Juniper.

Lenoir

Culinary creativity and a seasonal focus keep the food here dynamic and delicious.

Mama’s Cafe

With Cappy Lawton at the helm again, the comforting food you remember is back, along with a pure San Antonio vibe inside and out.

Smokin’ Z’s BBQ

Eaker Barbecue

Wedding-venue shoppers and wine enthusiasts can now add smoked meat to the list of reasons to visit the Burg. After three years of cooking ’cue out of a food truck near Houston, Lance Eaker and his wife, Boo, took off for the Hill Country in June and opened this brick-and-mortar.

1701 Barbecue

The neon sign in the dining room may say “Local,” but 1701 Barbecue is more like an embassy for Central Texas in Beaumont, thanks to offerings such as juicy, snappy, coarse-ground sausage and freshly made peach cobbler. Though any visitor to Beaumont should sample the region’s meaty specialties, such as

Feges BBQ (Spring Branch)

Old Pal

If fried chicken and “the coldest beer in Texas” don’t get you into this dive-y corner spot, we’re not sure what will.

Jefe’s Tex-Mex BBQ

Thai House 2

This cheerful neighborhood spot serves classic Thai dishes to a loyal Med Center (and beyond) crowd.

Mr. Juicy

James Beard–nominated Andrew Weissman is remaking the fast-food industry, one burger at a time.

The Dakota East Side Ice House

Great food and a welcoming community vibe.

Greens & Lemons

he fresh food at Greens & Lemons is so tasty that you will forget it’s healthy.

12 Gage

Cowhide, taxidermy, and big meat dominate.

Dough Pizzeria Napoletana

Thin-crusted and wood-fired, these are the pies to beat.

Tonight & Tomorrow

Chef Jonathan Wicks leads the gracefully refreshed restaurant at the venerable La Colombe d'Or.

Nardello’s

Creative wood-fired pizzas on the square in Mount Pleasant.

Los Pinos Ranch

Tapas, pizzas, and more in a lovely vineyard setting.

Sidesaddle Saloon

Sarah Castillo’s newest effort marries cowgirl heritage with a stylish cocktail lounge in Mule Alley.

97 West

Ranch chic rides high in the saddle at this showplace in the Stockyards’ fancy new Hotel Drover.

Maria’s Mexican Kitchen

Felipe Armenta’s ode to his mother ups the game for elevated Mexican dining.

Ascension

Right alongside the Trinity Trails, this Dallas import offers so much more than coffee.

Kiki’s

An El Paso classic, Kiki’s welcomes visitors in true south-of-the-border style.

Fun Noodle Bar

Fine hand-pulled noodles on El Paso's East Side.

Yardbird

Miami-based Yardbird puts a sexy spin on down-home cooking in a stylish space near Klyde Warren Park.

Swizzle

A funky atmosphere, potent drinks, and plenty of fried Spam.

Meridian

A sleek Brazilian restaurant in Village Dallas.

Kessaku

A clubby sushi lounge atop the National.

Alondra’s Cuisine

A neighborhood gem with a wide-ranging menu.

Pappas Bros. Steakhouse

This posh, long-standing steakhouse is still at the top of its game.

Bludorn

A few years into its wildly popular run, Bludorn still delivers.

Tobiuo

A bright, modern space and creative sushi offerings distinguish this Katy spot.

Prometheus Pizza

Excellent “New Yorkish” pies made in a food truck.

ATX Cocina

Expect fresh interpretations of traditional Mexican food in a modern space.