DOWNTOWN. A graceful, mirrored dining room provides an elegant accompaniment to Bohanan's top-notch steaks and seafood. Noted for serving Akaushi beef ­ three grades above Prime ­ and dramatic flaming desserts, the restaurant has a loyal contingent of regulars and attracts new customers nightly. Try a juicy filet from the mesquite grill, or split a massive double center-cut pork chop with someone special. Unusual seafood dishes like fennel pollen-crusted blue fin tuna and Chilean sea bass au gratin provide a welcome change of pace.

RIVER WALK. Culinary inventiveness and use of fresh, local ingredients help make this restaurant popular. Its delicious frozen margaritas are made with swirls of crimson prickly pear juice, and the menu revels in dishes like black lacquered duck leg, papaya-marinated flank steak, mesquite-grilled Texas quail, and shrimp and crab enchiladas. Book a table on the barge and enjoy a river tour and a prix fixe meal, or sit by the window and watch life float peacefully by while you indulge your appetite.

AIRPORT. In a city full of Tex-Mex, Pappadeaux's offers an appealing change of pace. They serve tasty Cajun favorites like traditional etouffee and gumbo, and non-seafood eaters can opt for a savory chicken dish or a steak. Portions are usually enormous, so ask your server if it's advisable to split a dish with someone else in your party. On weeknights,#13;#10;"boiled shrimp happy hour" is very popular.

RIVER WALK. Reel in some of the area's freshest wild seafood at Pesca. Feast on clams and ceviche at the glass-and-stone oyster bar in the center of the restaurant, or try crab and asparagus soup or Prince Edward Island mussels with chorizo. Subtle flavors are coaxed out through roasting, steaming, and grilling; if you're looking for fried popcorn shrimp, go elsewhere. The nautically-themed space features a rooftop cafe and a 10-seat private dining room.

DOWNTOWN. A side project of the chefs behind Le Rêve, this tiny spot brings in big crowds eager to try freshly-caught seafood. Variety is the menu's hallmark ­ lobster rolls with avocado, ceviches, sashimi, an array of oysters, and a hearty New England clam chowder are among the choices. Savory side items, a more-than-token key lime pie, and a small but thoughtful wine list increase Sandbar's appeal.