Carrabba's Restaurant

This casual Sicilian-American chain's flagship location has been a Houston favorite since 1986.

Decorated with family photos of founders Damian Mandola and Johnny Carrabba, the open dining rooms pack groups of friends and extended families into four- and six-person tables and booths. Smaller parties or couples can grab stools at the open kitchen's adjoining bar to watch chefs make dinner.

The traditional southern Italian menu offers grill specialties like steak Marsala and fire-roasted chicken breast with sun-dried tomatoes; pasta dishes include fettuccine Alfredo and garlic-sauteed shrimp with linguine.