This Woodlands Indian restaurant offers top-notch contemporary Indian cuisine and cocktails in a variety of settings. Dine more casually at the still beautifully-decorated tapas-only counter, in the dining room, or in the Secret Garden-like area, or opt for the semi-private dining room for more privacy.

If seeking a little getaway without leaving the city, this restaurant surely offers an escape. Although it's located at a busy intersection in the middle of the Heights, Rainbow Lodge's log cabin has a relaxing, secluded feel. The game-oriented menu also provides a break from the same old chicken and steak.

Retreat to this restaurant for breathtaking views of Buffalo Bayou and a picturesque way to dine outdoors. The illuminated blue bar patio, with its two decks and firepits, offers a cozy way to enjoy cocktails (happy hour is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays), and then head to your table for a meal of jumbo lump crab cakes, quail wrapped in bacon, prime steaks, and much more.

Whether you decide to stay at the bar and listen to live music, or opt for a private room upstairs to commemorate the occasion, enjoy juicy aged steaks, champagne, an extensive wine list, and some of the best crab cakes in the city at this timeless Downtown steakhouse.

Located 24 floors high at Downtown’s Hilton Americas, this recently renovated rooftop lounge offers panoramic views of the city and cocktails, making for a perfect pre- or post-dinner spot. Cool down with the tequila-loaded Houston Heat Wave, a cocktail made with pineapple and lemon juice, agave, and cayenne, with a tajin rim and jalapeno garnish.

A Houston institution for more than five decades, Brennan’s is known to dish out Creole cuisine with Texas flair and hospitality — whether it be at the bar, in the dining area, or the restaurant's charming garden courtyard, which has been host to several weddings. Enjoy tableside treatment with dishes like the signature Shrimp Chippewa entree or the classic bananas foster for dessert.

Certain celebrations call for a perfectly cooked steak, and for that, there are few better places than Steak 48. Start with a seafood tower, the crunchy calamari and shrimp, or the refreshing roasted beet salad, before diving into your favorite cut, cooked your way and topped with rich garnishes, like crab cake “Oscar” or black truffle green peppercorn. Here, sides matter, so be sure to order the rich whipped praline sweet potatoes, which could double as dessert.

Enjoy the sounds of the live piano before cheers-ing to the occasion with glasses of bubbly and Truluck’s signature crab claws in the bar and lounge area. Then, shift to the dimly-lit dining area, where you can slowly savor lobster bisque; prime steaks, including the off-the-menu bone-in rib-eye; or the miso-glazed seabass. Request the chocolatey baked Alaska for a fiery show.

With only two seatings a night, chef Niki Vongthong’s sushi omakase delivers an intimate experience catering to up to 22 guests at a chef’s table with inventive dishes, including bites of chutoro and expertly prepared wagyu. Though a splurge at $175 per person, its BYOB policy means guests can bring their own bottle of something nice to sip on throughout the night. A corkage fee applies.

Tony’s has delivered unforgettable experiences to Houstonians for more than a half-century, making it a top pick for important celebrations. Servers can point you to favorite dishes, like the Provimi veal chop, plus wine pairings, or you can take some of the pressure off decision-making with its three- or six-course tasting menus. Though the entire restaurant is a vibe, reserving the wine library, which seats up to 12 people, guarantees a more intimate experience.

Venture off to this Galveston Bay for a coastal getaway filled with waterfront views and a variety of raw and wood-grilled seafood delights and steaks. Think you’ll want to stay for a while? Book an overnight stay at one of the restaurant’s waterfront bungalows just down the road.