"Brenner’s On The Bayou is part of the Great Landry’s Empire (‘sup Tilman) and also happens to be an exceptional steakhouse. Built into a bayou slope, the multi-level terraced dining room has so much hand-carved wood you might think you’re dining in the roots of a giant tree. The menu has all the steakhouse classics: shrimp cocktail, buttery crab cakes, a roquefort wedge salad, and multiple thick cuts of well-seared steaks, including filets, ribeyes, and special selections from local ranches. On a cool night, grab a reservation on one of the large decks to look out over the bayou." - gianni greene, chelsea thomas, julie takahashi