Four Seasons Hotel Houston
A downtown mainstay for 25 years. When Houston temps soar, take advantage of the recently revamped rooftop pool. 1300 Lamar St., 713/650-1300, www.fourseasons.com.

Hotel Derek
Stylish and sleek interiors and a great restaurant, Bistro Moderne. “A lot of people like Hotel Derek because it’s so convenient to The Galleria,” suggests Powers. 2525 West Loop S, 713/961-3000, www.hotelderek.com.

Hotel Icon
“It’s located in an old brownstone building, and every room is different,” says Herring. 22 Main St., 713/224-4266, www.hotelicon.com.

Houstonian Hotel
“Very ‘Houston cozy,’ ” says Herring. “And the spa is great.” 111 North Post Oak Ln., 713/680-2626, www.houstonian.com.

St. Regis, Houston
“I don’t like the jostle of hip or quirky hotels,” says Barden. “My visiting friends agree and choose the stately St. Regis located in a wooded park about a mile from The Galleria. Include the traditional afternoon tea, with butler and harpist, in your stay.” 1919 Briar Oaks Ln., 713/840-7600, www.stregis.com/houston.

Armandos
Suggests Thrash: “Order the Patrón Silver margaritas and the queso flameado. It’s so good that you could bathe in it.” 2630 Westheimer Rd., 713/520-1738, www.armandoshouston.com.

Avalon Diner
“Fun for kids,” says Herring. “Great omelets and burgers.” 2417 Westheimer Rd., 713/527-8900, www.avalondiner.com.

Brennan’s of Houston
The highly regarded New Orleans restaurant family brings Texas Creole to Houston. 3300 Smith St., 713/522-9711, www.brennanshouston.com.

Cafe Annie
“I like to eat at the bar of Cafe Annie,” says Powers. “The thing I order the most is a salad of tuna and beets. I crave it. They also have the most amazing french fries coated in Parmesan cheese, and their lamb chops are unbelievable.” 1728 Post Oak Blvd., 713/840-1111, www.cafe-annie.com.

Catalan Food & Wine
Spanish-influenced menu. “Order the foie gras bon bons,” suggests Herring. 5555 Washington Ave., 713/426-4260, www.catalanfoodandwine.com.

Da Marco
“The best Italian restaurant. Period,” says Thrash. “If it weren’t on Westheimer, it would be on the Via Del Corso in Rome.” 1520 Westheimer Rd., 713/807-8857, www.damarcohouston.com.

Frenchy’s Chicken
“An aesthetic movement,” says Powers. This fast-food joint isn’t necessarily known for fall-all-over-you service, but with chicken (and fries and red beans and rice) so good, who cares? 3919 Scott St., 713/748-2233. For other locations, visit www.frenchyschicken.com.

Goode Company Barbecue
The barbecue may be famous, says Powers, but it’s the pecan pie that makes it trip-worthy. 5109 Kirby Dr., 713/522-2530. For other locations, visit www.goodecompany.com.

Gravitas Restaurant
“Jason Gould turns out a consistent but creative menu,” says Thrash, describing the place as having a New York vibe. “Get the trout amandine.” 807 Taft St., 713/522-0995, www.gravitasrestaurant.com.

The Grove
Launched by chef Robert Del Grande (of Cafe Annie fame), this new restaurant sited downtown in a grove of oaks serves an American rustic menu. The terrace offers great views of the Houston skyline. 1611 Lamar St., 713/337-7321.

Hugo’s
“Great Mexican with the best quesadillas,” says Herring. 1600 Westheimer Rd., 713/524-7744, www.hugosrestaurant.net.

Mark’s American Cuisine
“Mark Cox manages to dazzle a full house most every night with food that’s inventive but never too fussy,” says Barden. “The restaurant is located in a renovated 1920s church with gold ceilings.” 1658 Westheimer Rd., 713/523-3800, www.marks1658.com.

Monarch Restaurant & Lounge
In the over-the-top Hotel Zaza. For the best restaurant view in Houston, Thrash suggests reserving the table in front of the Mecom Fountains. 5701 Main St., 713/526-1991, www.hotelzaza.com/houston.

Ninfa’s on Navigation
Herring recommends the margaritas and nachos. 2704 Navigation Blvd., 713/228-1175, www.mamaninfas.com.

Onion Creek
Casual, neighborhood joint in the Heights community serving salads, sandwiches, and burgers. On Saturdays, a farmers market is held behind the café. 3106 White Oak Blvd., 713/880-0706, www.onioncreekcafe.com.

Paulie’s
“For a neighborhood feel, go to Paulie’s,” says Powers. “They are famous for their shortbread cookies.” The salads and panini are tops too. 1834 Westheimer Rd., 713/807-7271, www.pauliescookies.com.

Shade
“I order the Shade Caesar salad with chicken,” says Herring. Chef Jeb Stuart tops it with fried capers, grape tomatoes, hearts of palm, and garlic croutons. 250 West 19th St., 713/863-7500, www.shadeheights.com.

Sugarbaby’s Cupcake Boutique
Va-Va-Vanilla, Velvet Rouge, Black Forest, Chocolate Covered Strawberry—skip your main meal and have your just desserts. 3310 South Shepherd, 713/527-8427, www.ilovesugarbabys.com.

T’afia
Chef Monica Pope, a 2007 James Beard Award nominee, is a champion of local farmers and producers. Make reservations for Friday’s prix fixe lunch. 3701 Travis St., 713/524-6922, www.tafia.com.

Tiny Boxwood’s
Thompson + Hanson’s charming new café boasts lovely environs and great espresso. 3614 West Alabama St., 713/622-4224, www.thompsonhanson.com.

Tony’s
Powers describes it as a “see and be seen” kind of place where the service is top-notch and French and Italian flavors are combined. 3755 Richmond Ave., 713/622-6778, www.tonyshouston.com.

Voice Restaurant and Lounge
A preview tasting prior to its grand opening left Barden raving about executive chef Michael Kramer’s new “Houston-centric” venture in Hotel Icon. 220 Main St., 713/224-4266, www.hotelicon.com.