Brenner's Steakhouse

A Houston tradition since 1936, Brenner's offers exceptional steaks, chicken and seafood.

Destined to be shut down by the original owner, the circa-1940s establishment was acquired and refreshed in 2003 by longtime admirer and restaurateur Tilman Fertitta. The original charm of this remodeled home remains, but everything has been spruced up and expanded slightly, particularly the memorable backyard garden. Fountains, mini-waterfalls and lush foliage can be admired through the restaurant's expansive picture windows. Crisp service and '50s-era country-club style make this retro experiment a novel success.

Classic starters like a wedge salad, French onion soup and shrimp cocktail set the stage for an expertly prepared filet mignon (or 16-ounce rib eye for bolder appetites). Of the six side orders, five are potatoes, including a hefty serving of German-style spuds that hardly leave room for homemade apple strudel that's a must for dessert. Another Teutonic twist: Wiener schnitzel a la Holstein (veal crowned with a fried egg).