AMERICAN CUISINE

Barfly’s Sports Bar & Grill Lunch served during the week. 5006 I-35E, Lake Dallas. Lunch 11am-2pm Mon-Fri; 4pm-2am daily. 940-498-0920.

Dusty’s Bar and Grill Place serves old and new bar entrees and a plethora of appetizers among its pool tables, dart boards, video games and TVs. 119 S. Elm St. Daily noon-2am. $-$$. 940-243-7300.

The Loophole Square staple has charming menu with cleverly named items, like Misdemeanor and Felony nachos. Decent range of burgers. 119 W. Hickory St. Daily 11am-2am; food served until midnight. Full bar. $-$$. 940-565-0770. www.loopholepub.com.

Rocky’s Sports Bar Big games on big screens plus some pretty big tastes, too. For finger food, roll chicken chipotle and battered jalapeno and onion strips are standouts. Home­style burgers; savory Caesar salad with chicken. Full bar. 2000 W. University Drive. Daily 4pm-2am. $. 940-382-6090. 1/04.

Sweetwater Grill & Tavern It may claim a place among the world’s other memorable pubs, rathskellers, hangouts and haunts where the food satisfies as much as the libations that wash them down. 115 S. Elm St. Tues-Sat 11-2am, Sun-Mon 11-midnight. $-$$. 940-484-2888.

BAKERIES

Davis Purity Bakery Denton’s oldest bakery has sculpted but simple and flavorful cakes, soft egg bread, cookies and more. 520 S. Locust St. Mon-Sat 5am-5:30pm. 940-387-6712.

Ester’s Bakery, Panaderia & Tortilleria Mexican bakery offers panoply of scents: cakes, pastries and sweets, lunch-able entrees, and tortillas in bulk. 710 Elm St. Mon-Sat 6am-9pm, Sun 6am-2pm. 940-591-9105.

Ravelin Fine Pastries & Artisan Breads Gourmet bakery offers fresh-baked bread, mouth-watering sweets and a fine cup of coffee. 416 S. Elm St. Tues-Sat 6:30am-5:30pm, Sun 8am-5:30pm. 940-382-8561. 11/02.

Panera Bread Upscale fast-food chain is a full bakery and cafe. 1601 Brinker Road, #117. Mon-Fri 6:30am-9pm, Sat 7am-9pm, Sun 7am-9pm. $. 940-483-9800. 3/04.

BARBECUE

Hickory Creek Barbeque “Home of the Biggest Pig in Texas” has some of the biggest servings as well. Worthy sides and desserts accompany heaping piles of tasty meats. 8656 I-35E. Mon-Sat 11-9; Sun 11-8. $-$$. 940-321-0524. 6/03.

Metzler’s Bar-B-Q Much more than a barbecue joint, with wine and beer shop, deli with German foods and more. Smoked turkey is lean yet juicy; generous doses of delightful barbecue sauce. Tender, well-priced chicken-fried steak. Hot sausage sampler has a secret weapon: spicy mustard. Beer and wine. 628 Londonderry Lane. Daily 10:30am-10pm. $. 940-591-1652. 6/05.

Pappa’s Homestyle Restaurant Pappa’s — pronounced “paw-paws” by some — dishes up heaping plates featuring barbecue house staples, fresh coleslaw and potato salad, outstanding mac and cheese. Barbecue sauce is sweet and smoky. Huge array of desserts. No smoking. 1031 Hickory Creek Blvd. in Hickory Creek. Mon-Sat 11am-9pm. $-$$. 940-498-0327. www.pappashomestyle.com. 9/07.

The Smokehouse Denton barbecue joint serves up surprisingly tender and juicy beef, pork, chicken and catfish. Good sauces, bulky sandwiches and mashed potatoes near perfection. Good pies and cobblers. Beer and wine. 1123 Fort Worth Drive. Sun-Thurs 11-9, Fri-Sat 11-10. $-$$. 940-566-3073. 3/02.

BISTROS AND CAFES

Banter Traditional Spanish tapas (small savory dishes), gourmet sandwiches and salads, breakfast items, coffee and espresso. Free Wi-Fi. Beer and wine. No smoking inside. 219 W. Oak St. Thurs-Sat 9:30am-midnight, Mon-Wed 9:30am-10pm, Sun 12:30pm-10. 940-565-1638. 4/06.

Bochy’s Bistro Fusion menu grabs elements of European cuisines with many salad and sandwich selections. Winning Greek chicken lisi panini. Artful desserts: tuxedo cake, cream cheese brownie. No smoking. 2430 I-35E, Suite 136. Mon-Thurs 8-3, Fri-Sat 8-8, Sun brunch 8-2. $$. 940-387-3354. 9/03.

The Chestnut Tree Salads, sandwiches, soups and other lunch options served in back of small antique store on the Square. Chicken pot pie is stellar, with painstakingly made crust and thick, tender stew inside. Tasty quiche. Decadent fudge lava cake and rich carrot cake. No smoking. 107 W. Hickory St. Mon-Sat 11-2:30 (breakfast 9-11; des­serts 3-5). $-$$. 940-591-9475.

BRUNCH

Le Peep Grill Breakfast/brunch/lunch chain restaurant pushes the limits of the morning meal with exotic choices like omelets with chicken, spinach, mushrooms and cream cheese. Also on menu: panini, pastas, salads. No smoking. 1435 S. Loop 288, Suite 117. Mon-Fri 6:30am-2pm, Sat-Sun 7am-2:30pm. $-$$. 940-381-5357. 3/04.

CAJUN

Cooking With Style Cajun and Creole-style cuisine, featuring po’ boys, catfish, Creole red beans, gumbo, jambalaya and more. Daily discounts available. 1800 S. Loop 288, Suite 393. Mon-Thurs 11-9, Fri-Sat 11-11, Sun 11-6. 940-380-2999.

Frilly’s Seafood Bayou Kitchen Plenty of Cajun standards and Texas fusion plates. Everything gets plenty of spice — sometimes too much. Sides like jalapeno cornbread, red beans and rice extra. Beer and wine. 1925 Denison St. Sun-Thurs 11-9, Fri-Sat 11-9:30 $$. 940-243-2126.

CHINESE

Chinatown Cafe Bountiful buffet guarantees no visit need taste like another. Good selections include cucumber salad, spring rolls, orange chicken, crispy pan-fried noodles, beef with asparagus, steamed mussels. Beer and wine. 2317 W. University Drive. Mon-Thurs 11-9, Fri 11-10, Sat 11:30-10, Sun 11:30-10 $. 940-382-8797. 11/03.

J.C. China Fare shines at casual eatery. For appetizers, try egg rolls, crab rangoon and nice soups. Good main dish selections: cashew chicken and beef with broccoli. Top-notch fried rice. Quick service. 7650 I-35E, Suite 108, Corinth. Daily 11-9. $. 940-269-1110.

Golden China Small restaurant boasts quick and friendly service. Nice selections on buffet tables include wonton and egg drop soups, teriyaki chicken and hot pepper chicken. Beer and wine. 717 I-35E, Suite 100. Daily 11-10. $. 940-566-5588.

Mr. Chopsticks This pan-Asian eatery does a little Chinese, Japanese, Thai and even Indian food. Offers a plethora of tasty appetizers and entrees. Many vegetarian dishes (some with egg). Beer and wine. 1633 Scripture St. Mon-Fri 11-10, Sat 11-10, Sun 11:30-9. $-$$. 940-382-5437.

Rice Boxx Area chain’s Denton location yields tender Szechuan beef with crunchy vegetables, shrimp fried rice with light, fresh taste. No smoking. 1400 S. Loop 288. Sun-Thurs 11-9, Fri-Sat 11-10. $. 940-383-8838. 8/04.

COFFEEHOUSES

Art Six Coffee House Coffee, espresso, tea and other drinks, plus snacks, sandwiches and soup in a spot where lounging is encouraged. It’s an arts venue to boot. No smoking. 424 Bryan St. Mon-Fri 10am-midnight, Sat noon-midnight. $. 940-484-2786.

Chisholm Trail Coffeehouse, featuring sandwiches, dessert and salads. 250A E. FM2449 in Ponder. Mon-Thurs 6am-8pm; Friday 6am-10pm; Sat 7am-10pm; Sun 7am-3pm. $. 940-479-2060.

Jupiter House All-night coffeehouse offers espresso, coffee, smoothies, shakes, teas and other drinks, as well as pastries and snacks. Open 24 hours, except for major holidays. No smoking inside. 106 N. Locust St. 940-387-7100.

ECLECTIC

The Club at Gateway Center Three-course meal for $7 at restaurant run by hospitality management students. For schedule, menu and reservations, visit www.smhm.unt.edu/theclub. Located in Gateway Center across from Fouts Field on the UNT campus. No smoking. No credit cards. 940-565-4144. Mon-Wed and Fri, with seating 11:30-12:30. $. 940-565-4144.

The Greenhouse Restaurant Savvy dinner menu begins with the magic of mesquite: From the smoker, pork loin or baby back ribs; and from the grill, chicken or N.Y. strip. Along­side burgers and sandwiches, even vegetarian selections get a flavor boost from the woodpile. Delectable desserts. 600 N. Locust St. Mon-Thurs 11-10, Fri-Sat 11-11, Sun noon-9 (bar stays open later). $-$$. 940-484-1349. 5/03.

Hannah’s Off the Square More room, more mid-price items and more casual atmosphere. Fish tacos filled with grilled tilapia, key lime sauce and mango salsa. Steaks, with any of 10 sauces or toppings, get A-plus. Tempt­ing desserts. Full bar. No smoking inside (smoking OK on terrace). No checks. 111 W. Mulberry St. Sun-Mon 11-9 (brunch until 2pm), Tues-Thurs 11-10; Fri-Sat 11-11. $$-$$$. 940-566-1110. 10/04.

The Wildwood Inn Elegant dining room tucked away in a bed and breakfast. Excellent food like hearty soups, Angus ribeye, meal-size salads and daily specials. Beer and wine. No smoking inside. 2602 Lillian Miller Parkway. Thurs-Sat by reservation only; seating starts at 6pm. $$$. 940-243-4919. www.dentonwildwoodinn.com .

GREEK

Michael’s Kitchen Family-owned restaurant offers a Greek/Lebanese menu — hummus, gyros, dolmas and kafta — plus American food, for all three meals. Breakfast buffet weekdays. BYOB. 706 Fort Worth Drive. Daily 5:30am-10pm. $. 940-382-3663. www.michaelskitchengreek.com . 12/07.

Yummy’s Greek Restaurant Small eatery with wonderful food. Tasty salads, hummus, falafel, dolmas and kebabs. Good veggie plate and gyros. Yummy cheesecake and baklava. BYOB. 210 W. University Drive. Mon-Thurs 11-9, Fri-Sat 11-10, Sun noon-9. $-$$. 940-383-2441. 3/03.

HAMBURGERS

Cool Beans Funky atmosphere in old building. Menu offers foodstuffs that go well with a cold beer — fried things, nachos, hamburgers, etc. Veggie burger too dependent on salt, but good fries are crispy with skin still attached. Full bar. 1210 W. Hickory St. Daily 11am-2am. $. 940-382-7025. 10/03.

Denton County Independent Ham­bur­ger Co. Custom-built burgers with a juicy, generous patty, fresh fixings on a worthy bun. Also available: chicken sandwich and limited salad bar. 113 W. Hickory St. Mon-Sat 11-3. 940-382-3037. 2nd location: 715 Sunset St. Mon-Sat 11-8. 940-382-3037. $. No credit cards. Beer at 2nd location. 12/02.

Frosty’s Drive N Old-timey joint has all your fast-food faves but with homemade quality, including its own root beer. Atmosphere and jukebox take you back to the ’50s. 1002 Fort Worth Drive. Tues-Sun 11am-11pm. $. 940-387-5449. 8/03.

J’s Burger Barn Diners can count on hearty, satisfying portions for their money. Breakfast is one of the Barn’s strong points. Burgers (with veggie version available), chicken-fried steak, sandwiches, etc., beat anything from a drive-through. Quaint place with regular crowd of old-timers. 324 E. Mc­Kin­ney St. Mon-Fri 7am-3pm, Sat 7am-2pm. $. 940-387-9498. 11/04.

HOME COOKING

Betty’s Cafe Diners get buffet selections of homestyle standards: catfish, fried chicken, meatloaf and barbecue ribs. Homemade rolls and pie are available to go. Also: Mexican dinner buffets on Thursday. Breakfast buffets made to fill you up, and kids ages 1-5 eat for $2. 921 S. U.S. Highway 377 in Aubrey. Mon-Sun 6am-2:30pm, Wed-Fri 5-8pm. $. 940-365-9881. 11/05.

Krum Diner Offers homestyle cuisine, seafood and Italian food, along with Greek and assorted desserts, and sandwiches, burgers, dinner plates and more. 145 W. McCart St., Krum, Mon-Sat 7am-8pm, Sun 9am-2pm. $. Call 940-482-7080.

Lake Dallas Cafe This family-oriented cafe serves up farm-style breakfast and lunch. Smooth coffee and friendly service are bonus when compared to down-home good food. Hearty biscuits, chicken-fried steak and breakfast items. 321 Main St., Lake Dallas. Mon-Fri 6am-2pm, Sat 6am-1pm, Sun 6am-noon. $. 940-497-2925. 3/03.

Old West Cafe Second location of Sanger restaurant serves stick-to-your-ribs b’fast and lunch to fuel body and spirit. Hash browns come crispy outside, soft inside. No-nonsense service. No smoking. 1020 Dallas Drive. Mon-Fri, 6am-2pm; Sat 6am-1pm; Sun 7am-1pm. $. 940-382-8220. Sang­er location: 711 N. Fifth St. Mon-Fri 6am-2pm, Sat 6am-1pm, Sun 7am-1pm. 940-453-7353. 10/03.

Prairie House Restaurant Full bar. U.S. Highway 380 and FM720, Aubrey. Daily 11-10. $-$$. 940-440-9760.

Ruby’s Diner Hearty breakfast and lunch buffets have made regulars for more than two decades. Buffalo burgers, ostrich steaks, quail and alligator entrees grace the menu for diners whose mommas got game. 111 N. Elm St. Sun-Wed 6am-3pm, Thurs-Sat 6am-9pm. $-$$. 940-387-7706. 2/03.

ICE CREAM

Beth Marie’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream and Soda Fountain Parlor with lots of yummy treats, including more than 40 ice creams made on premises. Soups and sandwiches at lunch. 117 W. Hickory St. Mon-Thurs 11-10, Fri-Sat 11-11, Sun noon-10 (lunch daily 11-4). $. 940-384-1818.

ITALIAN

Don Camillo Garlic gets served straight up at family-owned restaurant that freely adapts rustic Italian dishes with plenty of American imagination. Lasagna and chicken, eggplant parmigiana bake in wood-fired oven with thin-crusted pizzas. 1400 N. Corinth St., Suite 103, Corinth. Mon-Wed 11-2:30, 5-9; Thurs & Fri-Sat 11-2:30, 5-10. 940-321-1100. 7/04.

Fera’s Excel­lent entrees served bubbling hot. Rich sauces, firm pastas and billowing garlic rolls. Dishes served very fresh. Desserts don’t disappoint. Beer and wine. No credit cards. 1407 W. Oak St. 940-382-9577. Mon-Thurs 11-10, Fri-Sat 11-11. $-$$. 4/02.

Genti’s Italian Restaurant and Pizza 4451 FM2181, Suite 125, Corinth. Mon-Sat 11-10, Sun noon-9. $-$$. 940-497-5400.

Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant Ro­mantic spot in bed and breakfast serves Northern Italian and Southern French cuisine. Beer and wine. 821 N. Locust St. Mon-Thurs, 11-2, 5-9, Fri 11-2 & 5-10, Sat 5-10. Sun 10:30-2. $-$$. 940-381-2712. 7/04.

Luigi’s Pizza Italian Restaurant Family-run spot does much more than pizza, and how. Great New York-style pies plus delicious southern Italian dishes, from $3.95 pasta lunch special to pricier meals. Nifty kids’ menu. Tira­misu is dynamite. Beer and wine. 2317 W. Uni­ver­sity Drive. Sun & Tues-Thurs 11-10, Fri-Sat 11-11. $-$$. 940-591-1988. 7/04.

Tina’s Italian Ristorante Toned-down atmosphere, attentive and eager-to-please wait staff, and very fair prices. Offers pizza and pastas, plus specialties like Linguini Modomio, with shrimp and clams in herb-infused white wine marinara sauce. Cappuccino ice cream pie is so tasty it’s hard to share. BYOB. 1125 E. University Drive. Tues-Sun 10-10. $-$$. 940-591-9212. 8/04.

JAPANESE

Keiichi Sushi chef Keiichi Nagano turns eel, fluke, squid, salmon, yellowtail and tuna into sashimi. Daily fish specials and pasta dishes served with an Asian flair. Homemade tiramisu and fruit sorbets. Reservations recommended. Wine and beer. 500 N. Elm St. Tues-Sat 5-11. $$. 940-230-3410. 9/07.

Royal East Hefty Japanese offering (including sushi bar) plus Korean and Chinese dishes. Pleasing Fire Moun­tain Roll. Fish tastes very fresh and firm. Mochi ice cream is a dessert unlike anything else. Beer, wine and sake. No smoking. 1622A W. Uni­ver­sity Drive. Mon-Sat 11-10. $-$$. 940-383-7633, 940-483-1173. 7/04.

MEXICAN/TEX-MEX

Cafe Garibaldi A mom-and-pop shop with an Italian name, run by a Peruvian, serves good authentic Tex-Mex and Peruvian meals. 1813 N. Elm St. Mon-Sat 11-3 and 5-9. $.

Casa Galaviz Comfortable, homey atmosphere at small, diner-style restaurant that caters to the morning and noon crowd. Known for homemade flour tortillas and authentic Mexican dishes from barbacoa to menudo. No credit cards. BYOB. 508 S. Elm St. Mon­-Fri 7-7; Sat-Sun 7-5. $. 940-387-2675. 10/02.

Casita Vara Long lines are testament to good food. Well-fried beef flautitas and pleasing borracho beans. One of the best items: big green mint basil salad. Sopapillas are hot and crusty. No smoking. No checks. 1400 N. Corinth St., Suite 111, Corinth. Mon-Thurs 11-9, Fri-Sat 11-10. $-$$. 940-498-1220. 1/04.

Chilitos Delicious guaca­mole; albondigas soup rich with chunky vegetables and big, tender meatballs. Standout: savory pork carnitas. Atten­tive, friendly staff. Menudo on weekends, breakfast anytime. BYOB. No smoking. 619-623 S. Denton Drive, Lake Dallas. Mon-Fri 11-9, Sat 10-9. $-$$. 940-321-5522. 1/05.

Chipotle Mexican Grill Fast-food chain sells large burritos featuring fresh ingredients and well-seasoned meats. No smok­ing. 1800 S. Loop 288. Daily 11-10. $. 940-565-0990. 12/03.

El Chaparral Grill Restaurant serves a healthy duo of American and Mexican-style breakfasts, lunches, entrees and sides. 209-B W. Hickory St. Sun 8am-2pm; Mon-Thurs 7am-6pm; Fri 7am-8pm. $. 940-243-1313. 1/08.

El Guapo’s Huge menu encompasses Tex-Mex and Mexican standards as well as ribs, brisket and twists like Santana’s Supernatural Quesadillas (fajita chicken and bacon) and jalapeno-stuffed shrimp. Ilada Parilla Asada steak with avocado was a little salty; enchiladas are very good. Full bar. 419 S. Elm St. Mon-Fri 11-10, Sat-Sun 11-11. $$. 940-566-5575. 6/04.

El Pariente Roadside grocery and music store serves exemplary Mexican fare. High scores for authenticity and freshness of ingredients. Fajita asada burritos and shrimp cocktails aren’t appetizers but do the trick. Cabrito falls off bone in a spicy broth. 2523 Louise St. Daily 9-8. $. 940-380-1208.

Hooya! Fun spot makes its point with huge California-style burritos. Delightful quesadillas and tacos, too. Collegiate atmosphere; friendly service. Beer. 1007 Ave. C. Daily 11-9. $-$$. 940-381-0272.

La Mexicana Strictly authentic Mexican with enough Tex-Mex to keep locals happy. Chili relleno is a winner, with earthy beans and rice. Chicken enchiladas are complex, savory. Also available: more than a dozen seafood dishes, and menudo served daily. Swift service with plenty of smiles. Beer. 619 S. Locust St. Daily 9-10. $. 940-483-8019. 11/03.

Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant Authentic Mexican dining includes worthy chicken enchiladas and flautas. Fine standard combo choices and b’fast items with reasonable prices. Quick service. Beer and wine. 1928 N. Ruddell St. Tues-Fri 11-9:30, Sat 8am-9:30pm, Sun 8-4. $. 940-566-1718.

Mi Casita Mexican Food Fresh, tasty, no-frills Tex-Mex at good prices. Tacos, fajitas, quesadillas, chalupas and more plus daily specials and b’fast offerings. Fast and friendly service. Beer and wine. 110 N. Carroll Blvd. Mon-Sat 7am-9pm. $. 940-891-1932. Mi Casita Express: 905 W. University Drive, Mon-Sat 7am-3pm, 940-891-1938. 6/03.

Miguelito’s Mexican Restaurant The basics: brisk service, family atmosphere and essential selections at a reasonable price. Sopa­pillas and flan are winners. Beer and margaritas. 241 W. Mc­Cart, Krum. Tues-Thurs & Sun 11-9; Fri & Sat 11-9:30. 940-482-7007. 1/03.

Mi Ranchito 122 Fort Worth Drive. Tues-Thurs 11-3, 5-9:30; Fri-Sun 11-10. $. 940-381-1167.

Raphael’s Restaurante Mexicano Not your standard Tex-Mex — worth the drive. Sampler appetizer comes with crunchy chicken flautas, fresh guacamole. Pechuga (grilled chicken breast) in creme good to the last bite, and beef fajitas are juicy and flavorful. Full bar. 26615 U.S. Highway 380 East, Aubrey. Tues-Sat 11-10, Sun 11-9. $-$$. 940-440-9483. 1/04.

MIDDLE EASTERN

International Foods & Restaurant of Denton Family-owned res­tau­rant/mar­ket does it all from scratch, and with speed. Meats like gyros and succulent Sultani Kebab, plus veggie combo and crunchy falafel. Superb saffron rice and sauteed vegetables; im­press­ive baklava. BYOB. No smoking. 609 Sunset St. Mon-Sat 11-9; Sun noon-8. $-$$. 940-591-6530. 2/05.

NATURAL/VEGETARIAN

Cupboard Natural Foods and Cafe Cozy cafe inside food store serves things the natural way. Win­ning salads; also good soups, smoothies and sandwiches, both with and without meat. Wonderful breakfast including tacos, quiche, muffins and more. No smoking. 200 W. Con­gress St. Mon-Sat 8-9, Sun 11-6. $. 940-387-5386. 10/03.

PIZZA

J&J’s Pizza Pizza lovers can stay in touch with their inner-collegiate selves through cold mugs of premium draft. Bountiful, homemade pizza pies, in N.Y. style or deep-dish Chicago style. Salads, hot and cold subs, calzones, lasagna and spaghetti. Beer. 118 W. Oak St. 940-382-7769. Mon-Sat 11-midnight. $-$$.

MVP Pizza place with above-average pies and other fare. Good cheese bread and lasagna. Try the most valuable pizza pie. 100 Country Club Road, Suite 115, Argyle. 940-464-9899. Mon-Thurs 11-9, Fri-Sat 11-9:30, Sun 11-8. $-$$.

SANDWICHES

Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches Denton location of regional chain offers subs on fresh-baked French bread and club sandwiches. 107 Ave. A. Daily 11am-3am. $. 940-484-5466.

New York Sub-way $. 906 Ave. C. Mon-Sat 10-10, Sun 11-10. 940-383-3213. Second location: 305 W. Uni­ver­sity Drive, 940-566-1823.

New York Sub-Hub Franchise location of local restaurant offers bread baked daily and fresh ingredients, even avocado. Broccoli and cheese soup is impressive; “All Stops” features almost every cold-cut imaginable. 1400 S. Loop 288, Suites 102-2, in Denton Crossing center. Mon-Sun 10:30am-10pm. $. 940-383-3233. Second location: 4271 Swisher Road, Suite 308, in Corinth; Mon-Sat 10:30-9, Sun 11-7; 940-497-2530

SEAFOOD

Sneaky Pete’s Restaurant 2 Eagle Point Drive, Lewisville. Sports bar hours: 11am-midnight weekdays, Fri-Sat 11am-1am, Sun brunch 10-2. $-$$. 972-434-2500.

Three Fins Seafood Grill Fish cooked the way you want it — chargrilled, blackened or panbroiled. Crab cakes could be famous one day; gumbo is rich and dark. Fish turns out heavenly, especially with Dijon cream sauce. Full bar. No checks. 2303 I-35E. Sun-Thurs 11-9, Fri-Sat 11-10. $$. 940-898-1404. 10/04.

STEAK

Ranchman’s Cafe Legendary cafe sticks to old-fashioned steaks and tradition. Oversized steaks and delicious chicken-fried steak. Homey meringue pies; order baked potato ahead. BYOB. 110 W. Bailey St., Ponder. Sun-Thurs 11-9, Fri-Sat 11-10. $-$$$. 940-479-2221.

Trail Dust Steak House Informal dress (neckties will be clipped). Dance to live C&W. 600 Lincoln (U.S. Highway 380), Aubrey. 940-440-3878. $$. 3/97.

THAI

Andaman Thai Restaurant Extensive menu continues trend of good Asian food in Denton. Fried tofu is a homerun. Pad Thai noodles have perfect amount of sweetness. Homemade coconut ice cream, sweet rice with mango. Beer and wine. No smoking. 508 S. Elm St. Mon-Fri 11-9, Sat-Sun noon-9:30. $$. 940-591-8790. 3/05.

Siam House Thai Restaurant Fresh flavors set curries apart at comfortable dining spot. Winning starters: shrimp satay, Tum Yum Gai and Tom Kah soups. Excellent Thai seafood, including tilapia fillet. Beer and wine. 909 Ave. C. Lunch, Mon-Fri 11-2; dinner, Mon-Sat 5-9. $-$$. 940-382-5118.

Thai Ocha Dishes that are as tasty as they are pretty. Lunch specials can be made with chicken, pork, vegetables or beef; hot and spicy sauce makes even veggie haters go after fresh veggies with zeal. Quiet setting. BYOB. No smoking. 1509 Malone St. Mon-Fri 11am-3pm, 5-10pm; Sat 11:30-10; Sun 5-9. $-$$. 940-566-6018. 7/04.