» Ruggles Grill

Anchoring Lower Westheimer's restaurant row, this energetic New American eatery delights with jumbo portions and jazzed-up fare.

This wildly popular restaurant has been satisfying diners since the mid-1980s with rich food, reasonable prices and bustling surroundings. The energy level in this smartly remodeled house is brisk and upbeat.

Chef-owner Bruce Molzan's extensive, eclectic menu is notable for oversized portions and aggressively robust flavors. A goat cheese salad starter could serve three. Entrees, like grilled lamb chops or an over-sauced snapper meuniere, are surrounded by a veritable garden of side vegetables. Pizza, pasta and chicken variations are available in abundance. A dozen or so desserts--freshly made by co-owner-pastry chef Susan Molzan--are available daily.

An on-site club with live jazz is perfect for drinks before or after the meal.

Reservations are pretty much a must, even for the casual Sunday brunch.