NORTH AUSTIN. A steakhouse with lots of Texas attitude, this appealing restaurant offers spiced-up versions of traditional fare, like Oysters "Tex"efeller, fried mushrooms with chipotle sauce, and kicky stuffed green chiles. Perfectly broiled steaks are the main draw, and while accompanying sauces are optional, the jalapeno-blue cheese version is awe-inspiring and highly recommended. The place does a fabulous job with seafood too, so if you're craving shrimp or fish, go for it. The laid-back Texas vibe attracts casual jeans-and-t-shirt types as well as professionals, and if you're in a hurry, know that the bar serves great burgers.

SPICEWOOD. Owned by former caterers who fed well-known acts like ZZ Top and Willie Nelson, Backstage offers quite an incentive to visit the little town of Spicewood ­ framed memorabilia alone is worth the 45-minute drive from Austin. But if the star-studded decor doesn't hold much allure for you, the stellar food will. Prime steaks are given a dose of salt and freshly ground pepper, then grilled: a purist's dream. Alternatively, try pan-seared drum with yellow tomato-jalapeno-lime cream sauce, or pork chops with red chile jus and pineapple-ancho chutney. Live music several nights a week, too.

NORTH AUSTIN. At over 24,000 square feet, Cool River is one of the biggest restaurants in Texas. Enjoy a leisurely dinner in its upscale dining rooms, and then visit the cigar and cognac lounge to indulge in its offerings or take in live music or shoot pool in the bar. Portions on the extensive menu are hearty, and aged Angus steaks are the big draw, whether you choose a simply grilled rib-eye or a marinated or stuffed filet. Adventurous diners can opt for Devil Creek Shrimp ­ bacon-wrapped, stuffed with pepper jack cheese, and grilled with chipotle sauce.

6TH STREET. This elegant restaurant is adorned with dark woods and polished brass, and features handcut steaks, cut to size. Fish, chicken, ribs and sauteed mushrooms are also featured, as well as a nice selection of wines.

DOWNTOWN. Upscale, glamorous Finn & Porter ranks as one of the absolutely best places in town for fresh seafood and prime steaks. The menu changes daily, but rest assured that you'll find superb preparation and a creative approach to cuisine. Begin the adventure with hot-smoked Pacific oysters Rockefeller or pan-seared foie gras, and then agonize over dishes like vanilla butter-poached whole lobster, grilled diver scallops, and teriyaki-glazed Japanese yellowtail hamachi. An ocean's bounty of fresh sushi is also sublime, as are sizzling steaks and chops. Thanks to Finn & Porter, you'll be reconsidering what a hotel restaurant can be. Good wine list, too.