Pax Americana

With about 150 seats, an old-fashioned marble-topped bar and a relatively quiet patio, this Montrose/Museum District charmer regularly packs the house. That’s because the modern American eatery provides one of the best dining experiences in the city. Über-talented chef Adam Dorris’s progressive and locally-inspired fare comes in the form of shareable plates, entrees and desserts—think slow-roasted heirloom carrot and Texas onion jam; smoky nine-spice brisket with pickled chilies; and Gulf red snapper in a brown butter hazelnut vinaigrette. All of it pairs beautifully with the restaurant’s outstanding cocktail program and celebration of wines from across America.