Brennan's Houston

"Offering classic New Orleans cuisine in Houston since the 1950s, Brennan’s never disappoints. The luxe aesthetic makes it a prime option for special occasions, while its charming courtyard, which hosts live jazz performances for Sunday brunch, offers built-in entertainment. The food, however, is an obvious highlight – with signature items like turtle soup, Shrimp Chippewa, and bananas foster that’s set aflame tableside. Book a reservation online for up to eight people, or inquire about their private event spaces that can accommodate anywhere from 24 to 130 guests." - Marcy de Luna, Brittany Britto Garley

"Head to Brennan’s for an elegant weekend brunch experience, complete with live jazz and classic Cajun offerings. The snapping turtle soup is legendary, but save room for soul-warming mains like beignets with buttermilk fried quail and roasted duck crepes. The restaurant spans two levels, but the outdoor courtyard is particularly charming during brunch." - Brittany Britto Garley

"Dish: Bananas Foster The bananas foster dessert is one of this nearly 60-year-old restaurant’s quintessential dishes. It’s part of what makes Brennan’s, Brennan’s. And while it’s tasty, heavy on the rum, and served with a mound of ice cream, the entire presentation feels rote. At any point, you will see three of these fiery desserts being made. You will also see an equally bored, if not downright annoyed, staff member making it, as if the last thing they want to do is see, make, or even hear the words bananas foster ever again. We don’t blame them. It’s delicious, and you should order it, but don’t expect anyone to thank you. " - chelsea thomas

"Brennan’s, a Southern Creole institution in Midtown, may have a strict business casual dress code, but their Happy Hour oysters are a steal. Mondays through Fridays, from 4-7pm, Brennan’s has some of the least expensive Gulf oysters in the city, at $1 per oyster. And because the minimum order of a half dozen will only set you back $6, you can save up for the suit you need to wear to eat there. " - chelsea thomas, gianni greene

"When: Tue-Fri 4-7pm The Deal: $7 drinks and appetizers, $1 gulf oysters (½ doz minimum) Brennan’s shaded French Quarter-style courtyard is a dreamy spot for a cocktail or two. Luckily, this classic Creole restaurant in Midtown offers Happy Hour Tuesday to Friday from 4 to 7pm exclusively at the tree-lined brick courtyard bar. For only $7 each, you can have a glass of wine, a house cocktail, or an appetizer like cajun pepper seafood campechana. Or enjoy $1 Gulf oysters, served by the half dozen. " - chelsea thomas, gianni greene