HIGHLAND PARK. Fresh, excellently prepared cuisine is served by a white-jacketed waitstaff at this Highland Park treasure. The menu options range from grilled seafood accompanied by tasty dips to more substantial items like goat cheese-stuffed rack of lamb. The chef's signature creation, fried shredded sweet potatoes, is complimentary and delivered at the start of every meal. Pecan Bowl, the signature dessert, perfectly ends any meal. Excellent wines at reasonable prices are an added bonus. The interior is stately with black and white marble floors and vintage-style café curtains.

ADDISON. This classy steakhouse draws guests time and again with consistently prepared steaks, seafood, and prime rib. Starters include dishes like smoked salmon with capers, red onions, and lemon cream cheese; entrees include Kobe sirloin sliced tableside. Prime rib comes in 8-, 12-, and 20-ounce portions, and an extensive wine list features French, Italian, and American wines, many of which are available by the glass. Chocolate-brown walls, dark woods, soft lighting, and starched linens distinguish the interior.

GREENVILLE AVENUE. Lobster Madness specials, stuffed shrimp and ­ without question ­ the best lobster bisque in town! All of the dishes on the menu come from Jack's family recipes, so you know they'll be good. For "landlubbers," steaks and vegetable pasta dishes include no fish, so rest easy. At this casual seafood place, the staff is jovial, and the atmosphere is festive. Great family ambience too.

ADDISON. Elegant and classy, this Dallas steakhouse majors in service, USDA Prime beef and Australian cold water lobster tail. The combination of these three elements proves dynamite every time. Hearty beef cuts, like their famous filet, arrive alongside fresh lobster tail and steaming side dishes ­ all served family-style. Dark woods, gleaming marble, mirrors, gold accents and crisp linens set a sophisticated, romantic backdrop.

GREENVILLE AVENUE. When the urge for Cajun food strikes, head to Dodie's. The family-run restaurant is a favorite with local college students, who love to sit on the patio, people-watch, and dig into spicy treats like Cajun tamales (crabmeat-stuffed jalapenos), jambalaya, the zesty house coleslaw, and Dodie's famous "swamp fries," which come smothered in gravy and cheese. Non-seafood eaters, take heart ­ Dodie's has roast beef po' boys, blackened chicken, and red beans and rice. Only one dessert is on the menu, but regulars agree that you must save room for it ­ a fantastic bread pudding!