Executive Chef Hugo Ortega serves up authentic fare from his native Mexico at this elegant eatery located in a lively part of Houston. Popular menu items include the staple mole dish and signature chocolate desserts. Locals also rave about the Sunday brunch, which features an all-you-can-eat buffet.

unknown

At this burger joint and beer garden, Chef-Owner Richard Hartman’s creativity shines through in dishes like the Fried Apple Bacon Blue Cheese Burger that Michael Symon stopped in to try. An 8-ounce beef patty comes loaded with crisp bacon, grilled onions, fried apple slices and a homemade blue cheese dressing. Michael is a fan of the tart-salty combo, calling it “one mean burger.”

Locals flock to this San Antonio fixture for the menu of reimagined comfort-food classics. Michael Symon’s favorite sandwich here features a slab of meatloaf that’s made from a pork and beef blend to ensure maximum juiciness and seasoned with a spicy dry rub for kick. The meatloaf comes wrapped in strips of applewood bacon and topped with a fried egg that “adds another layer of richness,” Michael says.

Duff's plate of barbecue could have been served in a galvanized bucket. As he says, The Salt Lick BBQ has it all, including pork ribs and sausage. The giant pit in the middle of the restaurant is what makes them special — it's also what makes the best beef ribs Bobby has ever had. As for Michael, he couldn’t get enough of the tender brisket and its “crispy, caramelized bark.”

This family-friendly spot is sure to tease a smile out of even the tiniest food critic, as the menu is filled with comforting dishes that make dining out with the kids a cinch. Along with Kansas City-style barbecue — including ribs and burnt ends — there are plenty of satisfying sides, such as jalapeno cheese grits and collard greens that can be ordered in family-size portions.

Owners Kyle Noonan and Josh Sepkowitz created a simple restaurant complete with good food, good music and good times. Their food and products are locally sourced and they feature a constant stream of live perfomances and events that encourage patrons to enjoy themselves and each other.

Bite into a one-of-a-kind burger at this joint that lets you make your own creation. Michael Symon invented the 50/50, which stars a cheese-covered meat patty stacked on a spicy veggie one (with crispy bacon and hot peppers to boot). This combo makes for a tasty blend of beef and barbecue flavors.

Hattie B’s serves the fiery local favorite known as hot chicken in five heat levels, from Southern (no spice) to Shut the Cluck Up (not for the faint of heart). Round out your meal with draft beer, a comforting Southern side like pimento mac and cheese, and blackberry cobbler for a sweet finish.

Michael Symon stops by to visit his friend Chef Jonathan Waxman and learn the secret behind his showstopping burgers. A wood-fired cooking technique locks in the juices and adds smokiness, while a layer of onion marmalade hidden beneath a blanket of melty cheese gives a hint of sweet flavor.

The crowds flock here for comforting Southern eats with an international flair. Michael Symon enjoys the Beer Belly Taco, which stars hickory-smoked pork piled onto a corn tortilla and finished with Asian-inspired toppings like pickled carrots. Classic dishes like chicken-fried steak are also a hit.

This bike-themed restaurant has familiar fare, like their Bicycle Times BLT, The Bike Lane Burger and Chicken Fenders. It's casual style invites patrons to visit (bonus if you arrive on a bike!) any of its three locations.

August Henry's has a selection of burgers, sandwiches, wings and hotdogs in a relaxed dining room.

Smoke prides itself on making all components of their dishes from scratch: their condiments are made in the kitchen, their meats are smoked in-house and their tortillas are handmade. What's more, in addition to a wide selection of tacos, there is a secret taco menu!

Pittsburgh Tortas is a simple food truck specializing in tortas, a Mexican sandwich served in a crusty bread. Their menu features chicken, beef, eggplant and mushroom options with fried potatoes on the side.