Pappas Bros. Steakhouse

"We Houstonians have come to rely on Pappas Bros. as the classic steakhouse to live out a fantasy of choosing expensive dry-aged meat straight from the display case. For nearly 30 years, the Galleria-area restaurant has served the best steak in town, bar none. (There’s also a Downtown location if you’re craving an after-work ribeye.) Pappas Bros.' dining room is pleasantly dim, the wine list is as long as a Homeric epic, and the staff is diligent. Don't say we didn't warn you when you agree to everything on the dessert cart just to keep the experience alive a little longer." - gianni greene, chelsea thomas, julie takahashi

"The Downtown outpost of this classic steakhouse offers the same elegance and moody ambiance as its Galleria-area counterpart. Expect prime cuts of meat, succulent seafood, and a robust wine list encompassing regions from around the globe. Whet your palette with something bubbly or fruit-forward. Then, start your meal with jumbo lump crab cakes with a creamy lemon-wine-butter sauce before moving on to a tender, dry-aged rib-eye topped with bearnaise sauce. Rounding out the meal with a giant slice of New York-style cheesecake is practically a Houston tradition." - Marcy de Luna

"The old-world atmosphere at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, which has locations Downtown and in the Galleria area, is a major draw for Houstonians looking for a traditional steakhouse experience. The spotlight is on in-house dry-aged beef here, with standouts like a 22-ounce bone-in rib-eye and a 16-ounce New York strip. Complement your meal with classic steakhouse sides like potatoes au gratin, onion rings, and creamed spinach, and end with the massive slice of New York-style cheesecake." - Brittany Britto Garley

"Like the original Galleria location, the downtown version of Pappas Bros. Steakhouse also serves the best steaks in town. Squeezed beneath a high rise, and a few blocks away from the convention center, Pappas replicated the swanky, luxurious steakhouse vibe here, including an opulent meat case, plush red booths, and shelves and shelves of wine. Visit Pappas for a truly excellent dry-aged steak, and maybe to escape the office or whatever convention-scale group dinner you’re hoping to avoid." - gianni greene, chelsea thomas

"When in search for a stellar New York-style cheesecake, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse serves up one of the best — and the largest — meaning it’s perfect for sharing. This massive, creamy slice is served with a sour cream anglaise sauce, fresh strawberries, and a side of white chocolate for an added touch." - Brittany Britto Garley, Megha McSwain