"In a world full of 1950s-themed diners, Toasty Badger dares to be different—it’s ‘70s-styled. That funky nostalgia enhances the pancakes, which are already a perfect mix of gooey and griddled. Boldly located three blocks from Magnolia Cafe, this daytime restaurant gets packed on the weekends, so grab a reservation and dig into their spins on dishes like biscuits and gravy (made with tomato jam and guajillo chilis). If the weather’s nice, sit on the patio, where conversation won’t be drowned out by the indoor speakers blasting “Go Your Own Way.”" - matthew jacobs, nicolai mccrary