Thanh Phuong

This nondescript Vietnamese restaurant in Pearland holds a treasure trove of surprises inside, from a brilliant bowl of pho to an assortment of game meats that means you don't have to just enjoy bo luc lac ("shaking" beef). You can also try boar luc lac, as well as delicacies such as deep-fried rabbit, sautéed alligator and venison carpaccio. Thanh Phuong also has the best soda chanh in town as well as - quite improbably - the best crème brûlee. It's BYOB and the family-run establishment is as friendly as you'll find, so come prepared to eat, drink and be very merry.