Jasper's Big Dog Saloon, Lakeway

The namesake staff member at Jasper's Big Dog Saloon has an infectious smile, weighs 130 pounds, and blinks through a shaggy mass of blond hair. The fact that he happens to be a dog has not deterred Jasper's career one bit. Even without opposable thumbs, Jasper is an integral part of the Saloon's environment. "He embodies all of the characteristics of our bar," Jasper's coworkers say on their web site, explaining, "He's a social butterfly that loves everyone and just wants to have fun."

This focus on fun is an important one. The kitchen may calm hunger pangs with Cuban sandwiches, pear and blue cheese salads, tacos, and personal pizzas topped with fresh mozzarella. But Jasper's isn't just about the food and drink. The restaurant's also got the space—and a packed event calendar—to host everything from games of darts and pool to karaoke nights, trivia, and poker tournaments.