Brennan's of Houston

Houston institution Brennan's is back after burning to the ground during Hurricane Ike. The grande dame of Cajun cuisine is looking even better than ever, and is still a reliable place for business lunches, intimate showers, date nights and expense-account meals. Southern and Creole food reigns supreme here, with rich and buttery dishes that aren't on your Weight Watchers plan but are easily worth the extra calories. The Courtyard Bar - a new addition - is the perfect place for a lunchtime 25-cent martini, while the elegant John Staub room is cozy and quieter than the rest of the busy Midtown restaurant. The main dining room, however, is still the place to see and be seen.