Out on the road, everyone has his own route around the potholes and work crews, so we're betting you've discovered some Houston bests that we missed along the way. Our thanks go out to the urban survivalists who endured the construction and found these Categories We Forgot.

Best Bar Atmosphere

Red Lion Pub, 2316 S. Shepherd, 713-782-3030

Best Bloody Mary

Mary's, 1022 Westheimer, 713-527-9669

Best Dance Event

Barnevelder Movement/Art Center's Big Range Dance Festival

Best French Fries

Barnaby's Cafe, 604 Fairview, 713-522-0106; and other locations

Best Irish Pub

Brian O'Neill's, 5555 Morningside, 713-522-2603, www.brianoneills.com

Best Karaoke

Karaoke Junkie at Azteca's Margarita Bar & Grill, 2207 Richmond, 713-643-0683

Best New Store

Tansu, 321-B W. 19th, 713-880-5100, www.tansustyle.com

Best Philly Cheese Steak

Firehouse Philly's, 1111 Prairie, 713-225-3473

Best Veterinarian

Montrose Veterinary Clinic, 1701 Montrose, 713-524-3814