Martini Blu, Houston

You might think people line up at Martini Blu for the classy drinks. That's true—to a point. Cocktails are just one element of the restaurant's three-part equation. First, there's the chef's mastery of pan-seared crab cakes and fried catfish with red beans and rice. Then there's the live and video DJ music offered five days a week. Third, top local talent and national touring artists set toes tapping throughout the low-lit dining room.