This is a relatively cozy spot for romance or for hanging with friends. Thanks to the popular bar, the crowd in the evenings can get a little wild on occasion. If you are in the mood for a quiet evening, it might be wise to dine early. The typical Mexican fare is delicious, but the grilled seafood choices are the dishes that will melt in your mouth and keep you coming back for more. Selections can get a little pricey but they are worth every bite. The seafood and spinach enchiladas are a favorite and so is the Chile Relleno.

Although a grocery store to most people, the little cafe inside the Whole Foods Market represents a daily lunch reprieve for quite a number of customers. Even though they have a small amount of tables, the healthy food makes up for it. Delicious wholesome sandwiches and healthy cookies are just a few things worth mentioning from the menu. In addition to homemade entrees and salads, the juice bar proudly presses fresh vegetables and wheat grass for your drinking pleasure.

The atmosphere in this little cafe/pub definitely brings to mind 'merry old England'. If you miss your British adventures, or you have never gotten a chance to have one, then you must go to this place. Sit at the bar, or if you get there early enough, a table by the fireplace. Burgers and sandwiches are available, but the experience is much more authentic when you try the Shepherd's Pie or one of the other traditional English dishes. The breakfast options are also worth a visit.

Hidden in the back of a white stucco two-story building on Kirby, this delightful eatery is exactly what its name implies, a veritable gallery of desserts. Definitely bring your sweet tooth. With so many sweets to choose from, do not be surprised if you have a difficult time deciding. Italian Creme Cake and homemade pies are just a sampling of the sweet sensations you can try. If you are hungry for more than dessert, start off with a sandwich and go from there.

The wooden bar takes center stage at this tiny little joint. A chalkboard over the bar serves as the menu. You can sit at the bar, or opt for the most popular seating outside on the covered deck. You can certainly order hot tamales, but regulars know this is the best place to get fish tacos as well. Fried or grilled, these spicy tacos are so delicious you will be begging for the recipe. Spicy chili-powdered chips and salsa are served while you wait.

A recent move to a new location has updated this old-time favorite that has been around for years. Most of the staff has been here so long, they have known the regulars longer than their own children. Homemade, southern cooking dominates the menu and offers such classics as chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, meatloaf and brisket. Breakfast offerings are also worth a stop. Expect to spend a modest amount and be prepared to leave all your vices outside the door.

This upscale eatery appears to be on a "back street," thus earning the right to its interesting name. An old house-turned-restaurant, this place offers an ambiance like no other in the city. The seating choice of almost every customer is the beautifully landscaped back yard, a little sanctuary that is heavily shaded by old trees. The menu is as popular and interesting as the atmosphere. Choose from a wide range of entrees, including Fried Green Tomatoes with blue cheese and a tasty Pecan-Crusted Chicken.

Houston's resident ballet company is extremely respected in the international art community. Ben Stevenson, the Artistic Director, presents classical performances, as well as new contemporary works. If you call in advance, you might be able to snag wonderful seats at one of the more than 80 local performances. The Nutcracker is one of Houston's favorites and is performed annually. Buy your tickets very early for this event as the tickets sell like hot cakes.

In typical American fashion, red, white and blue are the colors used to decorate this popular eatery that has been in business since 1923. Chili and cheese Coney's are the most famous hot dogs on the menu, but there are also several Healthy Choice options that are lower in fat. French fries with chili and cheese make the perfect side item. Wash it all down with a tall glass of Delaware punch. Hamburgers and corn dogs are also available.

This little java spot opened in the early 1990s, long before the corporate coffee house popped up on every street corner. After a renovation, it became a great spot to sip coffee while playing a game of chess. Nowadays, it is also a good place to grab a bite to eat. In the morning, you can have a hearty egg breakfast, the Eggs El Salvador are a favorite, or fresh muffins, bagels and pastries. For lunch or dinner, there is a wide variety of pizzas, sandwiches, burgers and appetizers for an overall casual dining experience.