Houston lies so far east, there's no wonder it picks up the influence of Louisiana, its Cajun cousin. Crawfish are plentiful and, when in season, can be found all around town. But don't be fooled - Houston is still part of Texas, so it knows good barbecue better than anyone. Here are some of the city's top crops of special southern restaurants.

Ragin' Cajun
4302 Richmond
713-623-6321
www.ragin-cajun.com

Sit down at the communal tables of Houston's favorite low-country cooking joint. The menu lists fresh fish, e'touffee, gumbo, po-boys, and other Cajun specialties. There's even a popular raw bar where people go for the area's best oysters. Those lucky enough to come during mudbug season can settle in with a large old fashioned crawfish boil, complete with potatoes, corn, and lots of spicy seasoning. With multiple locations around the city, there's no excuse not to try Houstonians' favorite Cajun cuisine.

Goode Company Barbeque
5109 Kirby Dr
713-522-2530
www.goodecompany.com

The Goode Company runs a slew of restaurants and a catering outpost in the Houston area, and the Goode Company Barbeque restaurant is one of the group's best known. Served cafeteria-style, diners can choose from straight meat with a slice of bread or combination dinners, with two sides and Goode's homemade jalapeno bread. Beef brisket, lean pork ribs, and honey baked ham are de rigeur, but the company also has a list of sausages - including Czech, pork, and turkey. Cool your palette with a cold beer and some cole slaw, and it's Texas BBQ fit for a king.

Swinging Door Barbecue
3818 FM359
281-342-4758
Richmond, Texas
www.swingingdoor.com

This family owned and operated restaurant has been around for over 30 years, and continues to draw crowds from Houston (it's about an hour from the city). The pecan-smoked meats are always cooked in real pits, never over gas, and can be served with the classic "cowboy" beans, potato salad, and slaw. If there's room left in your stomach after all that fine food, saddle up to the infamous blackberry cobbler. With a scoop of vanilla ice cream, of course. Should the urge to two-step arise after dining on all that swine, go on a Saturday night - the restaurant's dance hall features a weekly country band 'til after midnight.

Thelma's Barbecue
1020 Live Oak St
713-228-2262

Locals are probably sad that more people are discovering this BBQ joint near downtown. But the secret is just too good to keep. Thelma is often present at her soul food/BBQ dive where brisket, yams, dirty rice, and ribs are served on paper plates. Most people know that the best fork is your fingers, and although the wait for food can be a bit long, it's all worth it in the end. Most likely the crispy-on-the-outside, moist-on-the-inside meats will have you stuffed before you know it, but if not, there's always Thelma's sweet potato pie to finish you off. Insider's tip: Go earlier in the day (she opens at 11am), because sometimes everything's been eaten by the evening hours. No kidding.

Floyd's Cajun Kitchen
6013 FM 1960 Rd W
281-580-6500

The usual suspects still exist, and everyone raves about the fresh oysters, fried fish, gumbo, and jambalaya. But head to Floyd's for the familial ambiance (The Floyd family really works there) and the alligator - a true Bayou classic. For a real treat, go on Sunday when Floyd's serves up an irresistible brunch.