**Landmark Hospitality Group**, Houston

If you ever just want to dig into a pound of meat, The Republic Smokehouse & Saloon will oblige you. Its culinary team happily piles plates high with succulent brisket, jalapeño sausage, St. Louis pork ribs, and more, all priced by weight. However, they're just as happy to take southern barbecue's hearty, homestyle feel in creative new directions, hence their smoked duck quesadilla and their Texas-style Philly cheesesteak with brisket instead of steak.

Really, the pit masters here love barbecue in all its forms, and serve it the way it tastes best—with cold bourbon drinks, beer, and other libations. And like any self-respecting saloon, The Republic features a dance hall where guests can boogie to live music and work on their celebratory dances for when J.J. Watt successfully wins the Super Bowl as the only Texans player on the field.