BB's has your New Orleans fix. Go to the happening White Oak Drive for a tremendous value in dinner. Just like their downtown and Montrose locations, this Louisiana eatery (with a healthy dash of Texas) overflows with coolness as they serve up delicious bayou treats, like Gumbo, Grillades & Grits, and Red Beans and Rice. In the mood for a sandwich for lunch? BBs' overstuffed New Orleans style Po'Boys will leave you slightly confused as to how you attack. Try the Bedtime In The Bayou, the ever-popular fried gulf shrimp sandwich fully dressed. You can blissfully tell where the crunch from the batter stops and the crunch from the shrimp begins, it's fantastic. -Adam Rosen

There just aren't enough of these types of places around town. Kraftsmen Cafe has an Ivy-League environment with nice folks and perfect mid-day snacks and drinks. Open the door to the hybrid aroma of fresh-baked bread and finely ground espresso. Whether early morning or between any of your daily meals, pop in the studious Kraftsmen Bakery for breakfast, salads, sandwiches, or soups. Got a few minutes to kill? Read the paper while enjoying a cappuccino or juice. Bring your computer and get some work done in a lovely change of scenery. -Adam Rosen

Pho Vang 2 is an oasis of flavor and freshness amidst a sea of chain and fast-food restaurants in this bustling Northwest business district. Inside the plain strip center shop, patrons are treated to wondrous Vietnamese delights, including piping hot, perfectly seasoned pho, deliciously crisp egg rolls wrapped in lettuce, mint and cilantro, and any number of noodle and rice dishes. The book of a menu offers countless combinations of seafood, beef, poultry, and pork. Order by number for ease. The décor is simple, white - almost sterile. Service is quick and no-nonsense. Prepare to pay at the register. The focus here is on the food - by both those cooking and eating.

This hidden gem of a restaurant is located in the Willowbrook area of Houston. Serving authentic Dominican Republic cuisine, patrons can expect to find freshly squeezed guava juice, perfectly fried plantains, yuca, fall-off-the-bone meat dishes and more. The restaurant is on the small side and features Dominican artifacts and photography throughout. For a truly authentic taste of the D.R. Punta Cana Caribbean Restaurant is the place to try.