09:29 AM CST on Thursday, December 15, 2005

AMERICAN CUISINE

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

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

The Loophole Square staple has charming menu w/ cleverly named items, like Misdemeanor & 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.

No Frills Grill & Sports Bar Busy, blinking, hardcore sports bar atmosphere, w/ more than 40 TVs. 1200 S. I-35, Sanger. Full bar. $-$$. 940-458-1900. 9/02.

Rocky’s Sports Bar Big games on big screens plus some pretty big tastes, too. For finger food, roll chicken chipotle and battered jalapeno & onion strips are standouts. Full bar. 2000 W. University Drive. Mon-Fri 4pm-2am, Sat-Sun noon-2am. $. 940-382-6090. 1/04.

Sunset Grille Laid-back spot with 45 varieties of beer and food that isn’t gourmet, yet pleasantly and surprisingly good. Beer, wine and full bar. 809 Sunset St. Mon-Sat 11am-2am. $-$$. 940-484-4165. 2/04.

Sweetwater Grill & Tavern It may claim a place among the world’s other memorable pubs, rathskellers, hangouts & 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-mdnt. $-$$. 940-484-2888. 1/99.

BAKERIES

Davis Purity Bakery Denton’s oldest bakery has sculpted but simple and flavorful cakes, soft egg bread, cookies & more. 520 S. Locust St. Mon-Sat 6am-5:30pm. 940-382-6712.

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 8am-5:30pm. 940-591-9105.

Panera Bread Upscale fast-food chain is a full bakery and cafe. 1601 Brinker Road, Suite 117. Mon-Fri 6:30am-9pm, Sat 7am-9pm, Sun 7:30am-8pm. $. 940-483-9800. 3/04.

Ravelin Fine Pastries & Artisan Breads Gourmet bakery offers fresh-baked bread, mouth-watering sweets & a fine cup of coffee. 603 N. Locust St. Tues-Sat 6:30am-5:30pm, Sun 8am-3pm. 940-382-8561. 11/02.

Southern Fried Pie Co. Mmmm … pie. Vintage recipes have stood the test of time, including individual fried meat pies; slices of chicken pot pie, shepherd’s pie; and desserts. No smoking. 911 Sunset St. Mon-Fri 9-7, Sat 9-6. $. 940-484-PIES (7437). 3/05.

BARBECUE

Colter’s Bar-B-Q Locally owned location of franchise serves brisket, ribs, chicken, turkey & sausage. Live West­ern swing music for some Sunday brunches. Beer. 2229 S. I-35E. Daily 11-9. $. 940-383-1577. 6/04.

Hickory Creek Barbeque “Home of the Biggest Pig in Texas” has some of the biggest servings as well. Worthy sides & 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 & more. Smoked turkey is lean yet juicy. Beer & wine. 628 Londonderry Lane. Daily 10-10. $. 940-591-1652. 6/05.

Papa’s Homestyle Restaurant Papa’s — pronounced “paw-paws” by some — dishes up heaping plates featuring barbecue house staples, fresh coleslaw and potato salad, outstanding mac & cheese. Huge array of desserts. No smoking. 630B S. Denton Drive, Lake Dallas. Tues-Sat 11am-8pm. $-$$. 940-498-0327. 7/05.

Ron’s Bar-B-Que 219 Main St., Lake Dallas. Tues-Sat 11-8. $. 940-321-7326.

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

BRUNCH

Le Peep Grill Breakfast/brunch/lunch chain restaurant pushes the limits of the morning meal. No smoking. 1435 S. Loop 288, Suite 117. Mon-Fri 6:30am-2pm, Sat-Sun 7am-2:30pm. $-$$. 940-381-5357. 3/04.

CAFES & COFFEEHOUSES

Art Six Coffee House Coffee, espresso, tea & other drinks, plus snacks, sandwiches and soup in a spot where lounging is encouraged. No smoking. 424 Bryan St. Mon-Sat 6:30am-mdnt. $. 940-484-2786.

Bochy’s Bistro Fusion menu grabs elements of European cuisines w/ many salad & sandwich selections. Winning Greek chicken lisi panini. Artful des­serts. No smoking. 2430 I-35E, Suite 136. Mon-Wed 8-9, Thurs-Sat 8-10, Sun brunch 8-3. $$. 940-387-3354. 9/03.

Cappuccino Cafe Great cup of coffee accompanied by biscotti, cakes, muffins & cookies, sandwiches & other light lunch choices. 707 Sunset St. Mon-Sat 9am-6pm. $. 940-565-1808.

C’est La Vie Some of the best Euro­pean/Mediterranean-style sandwiches, salads and desserts in Denton, with all items less than $10. Hot Latino Cuban sandwich is perfect combo. No smoking. 2416 Lillian Miller Parkway, Suite 180. Mon-Thurs 10:30-9pm, Fri-Sat 10am-10pm. $. 940-387-4445. 1/04.

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

Jupiter House All-night coffeehouse offers espresso, coffee, smoothies, shakes, teas & other drinks, as well as pastries & snacks. Open 24 hours, except for major holidays. No smoking inside. 114 N. Locust St. 940-387-7100.

Kharma Cafe Quintessential college town coffee bar offers a bottomless decanter of coffee, deli sandwiches & atmosphere by the mile. 103 Ave. A. Daily 8am-3am. 11/02.

KoiNonia Cafe Located inside Dove Chapel, 1001 Masch Branch Road, half a mile south of University Drive. Colle­giate Christian hang-out serves coffee, iced coffee, soda, snacks. Live music. 7 p.m. to midnight Fridays. No charge for students. 940-239-0109.

The Cup offers free coffee to college students and others. Music, TV, pingpong, games. Coordinated and run by College Life, a ministry of Denton Bible Church, 913 Ave. C. Mon-Thurs 9-5; Fri 9am-1pm. 940-243-5433.

CAJUN

Frilly’s Seafood Bayou Kitchen Plen­ty of Cajun standards & Texas fusion plates. Everything gets plenty of spice — sometimes too much. Beer & wine. 1925 Denison St. Sun-Thurs 11-9, Fri-Sat 11-10. $$. 940-243-2126.

CHINESE

China 1 Wok serves pho & egg foo young in addtn to Chinese fare. 1633 Scripture St. Sun-Thu 11-9:30, Fri 11-10. $. 940-566-5589.

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

J.C. China Fare shines at casual eatery. For appetizers try egg rolls, crab rangoon & nice soups. Good main dish selections: cashew chicken & beef w/ broccoli. 7650 I-35E, Suite 108, Corinth. Daily 11-9. $. 940-269-1110. 8/01. 

Golden China Small restaurant boasts quick & friendly service. Nice selections on buffet tables include teriyaki chicken, & hot pepper chicken. Beer, wine. 717 I-35E, Suite 100. Daily 11-10. $. 940-566-5588. 12/00.

Mr. Chopsticks This pan-Asian eatery does a little Chinese, Japanese, Thai & even Indian food. Offers a plethora of tasty appetizers & entrees. Many vegetarian dishes. Beer & wine. 1120 W. Hickory St. Mon-Fri 11-10, Sat noon-10, Sun noon-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 10-11. $. 940-383-8838. 8/04.

ECLECTIC

The Greenhouse Restaurant Savvy dinner menu begins w/ the magic of mesquite: From the smoker, pork loin or baby back ribs; & from the grill, chicken or NY strip. 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. Steaks get A-plus. Tempt­ing desserts. Full bar. No smoking inside (smoking OK on terrace). No checks. 111 W. Mulberry St. Sun 10:30am-10pm (brunch until 2pm), Mon-Thurs 11-10; Fri-Sat 11-mdnt. $$-$$$. 940-566-1110. 10/04.

Wichita Grille Menu honors both a want for comfort foods & the occasional desire for adventure. Black Angus ribeye is well-aged, expertly grilled. Full bar. No smoking. 2211 N. I-35E in Radisson Hotel. Mon-Fri 6:30am-2pm, 5-10pm; Sat 6:30-11am, 5-10pm; Sun 6:30am-1pm, 5-10pm. $$-$$$. 940-565-8499. 9/03.

The Wildwood Inn Elegant dining room tucked away in a bed & breakfast. Lunch menu includes excellent food like hearty soups, Angus ribeye, meal-size salads & daily specials. Beer & wine. No smoking inside. 2602 Lillian Miller Parkway. Lunch: Tues-Sat 11-2; $. Dinner Thurs-Sat by reservation only; seating starts at 6pm; $$$. 940-243-4919. www.denton-wildwoodinn.com.

GREEK

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

HAMBURGERS

Big Time at Bob’s Burgers Pretty impressive for a burger joint, with everything from miniature burgers to the Big Time Burger (a 3-pounder), on moist, flavorful buns. Veggie black bean burger with corn. No smoking. 2430 S. I-35E. Mon-Thurs 11-9, Fri-Sat 11-10, Sun 11-8. $-$$. 940-891-2627. 4/04.

Cool Beans Funky atmosphere in old building. Menu offers foodstuffs that go well with a cold beer — fried things, nachos, hamburgers, etc. Full bar. 1210 W. Hickory St. Daily 11am-2am. $. 940-382-7025. 10/03.

Denton County Independent Ham­burger Co. Custom-built burgers w/ a juicy, generous patty, fresh fixings on a worthy bun. 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 w/ homemade quality, including its own root beer. 1002 Fort Worth Drive. Tues-Thurs 11am-11pm, Fri & Sat 11am-mdnt, Sun noon-11pm. $. 940-387-5449. 8/03.

J’s Burger Barn 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. 324 E. Mc­Kin­ney St. Mon-Fri 7am-3pm; Sat 7am-2pm. $. 940-387-9498. 11/04.

RJ’s Old Fashion Homemade Ham­burgers Bright little shop cooks up well-seasoned bacon burger (best we’ve had in Den­ton) as well as fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs and fried catfish. Toothsome sweet potato pie. No smoking. 501 E. Prairie St. Mon-Thurs 10:30am-10pm; Fri-Sat 10:30am-mdnt; Sun 2-10pm. $. 940-484-4569. 12/03.

HOME COOKING

Betty’s Cafe Diners get buffet selections of homestyle standards: catfish, fried chicken, meatloaf and barbecue ribs. Mexican dinner buffets on Thurs­day. 921 S. U.S. Highway 377 in Aubrey. Mon-Sun 6am-2:30pm; Wed-Fri 5-8pm. $. 940-365-9881. 11/05.

Cowboy Cafe Restaurant blends the food and ambience of a hunting lodge and the Old West. Good, grease-free fried onions; fresh Gulf crab cakes with tasty slaw. Hearty desserts. BYOB. No smoking inside (OK on patio). 421 S. U.S. High­way 377, Ar­gyle. Sun-Thurs 7am-9pm; Fri 7am-3pm. $$-$$$. 940-240-5500. 7/05.

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

Mudd’s Good Eatin’ From the two-inch-thick pork chop to the delectable, juicy fried chicken, Mudd’s clearly chooses and cooks its meats well. Peach bread pudding does New Orleans proud. Beer and wine. No smoking. 2652 E. FM407, Suite 100, Bartonville. Wed-Thurs 4:30-9; Fri-Sat 4:30-10; Sun 11-9. $. 940-455-7200. 6/04.

Old West Cafe Second location of Sanger restaurant serves stick-to-your-ribs b’fast & lunch to fuel body and spirit. 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. 380 & FM720, Aubrey (6 mi E of Denton). Daily 11-10. $-$$. 940-440-9760. 6/99.

Ruby’s Diner Hearty breakfast & lunch buffets have made regulars for more than two decades. Buffalo burgers, ostrich steaks, quail & 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.

Tierney’s Duck Inn Popular, small-town place mixes delightful, 21st-century camp w/ a flair for homespun recipes. Fried fish & other seafood selections are highlights. Live entertainment on some weekends. Full bar. 503 Main St., Lake Dallas. Tues-Thurs 4-9pm; Fri 11am-2pm, 4-9:30pm; Sat 4-9:30; Sun 11am-8pm. $-$$. Bar often open later. 940-497-2412.

ICE CREAM

Beth Marie’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream and Soda Fountain Parlor w/ lots of yummy treats, including more than 40 ice creams made on premises. Soups & 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. 2/00.

Chuggy Bear’s Sweet Treat Factory Spot serves what’s best about going to the county fair — Tropical Sno cones, Blue Bell ice cream & other sweet novelties. 2416 Lillian Miller Parkway. Sun-Thurs 1-9; Fri-Sat noon-10. $. 940-484-6400. 9/03.

ITALIAN

Bagheri Italian Restaurant Solid Italian food, including pasta and pizza, plus late-night hours and hookahs (large flavored tobacco pipes). 110 Fry St. $. 940-382-4442. 11am-2am daily (food served until about 10pm).

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

Don Camillo Family-owned restaurant that freely adapts rustic Italian dishes w/ plenty of American imagination. Lasagna & chicken, eggplant parmigiana bake in wood-fired oven w/ thin-crusted pizzas. 1400 N. Corinth St., Suite 103, Corinth. Mon-Thurs 11-2, 5-9; Fri-Sat 11-2, 5-10. 940-321-1100. 7/04.

Genti’s Italian Restaurant and Pizza 4451 FM2181, Suite 125, Corinth. Mon-Sat 11-10, Sun noon-9. $-$$. 940-497-5400. 3/99.

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

Joey’s, A Taste of Italy Place has both upscale and casual options. Dining room offers flavorful pesto, sumptuous Maiale al Balsamic (pork tenderloin in balsamic reduction). Tira­misu is luscious, thick. Pizza parlor has generously topped pies, crispy crusts. Beer and wine. No smoking. 420 E. McKinney St., Suite 100. Mon-Sat 11-10. $$$. 940-323-1155. 3/05.

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

Milano’s Italian Restaurant Romantic & quiet setting w/ good French onion soup, Caesar salad; worthy chicken Alfredo, lasagna & blackened snapper. Cherries jubilee a hit for dessert. Full bar. 911-A Ave. C. Mon-Sat 5:30-10. $$. 940-383-2021. 2/01.

Neal’s Italian Restaurant Italian eatery’s best bets include shrimp, scallop & crab-claw scampi; chicken Maria; blackened salmon & fettuccine primavera. Top-notch spumoni for dessert. BYOB. 721 Hundley, Lake Dallas. Tues-Thurs 6-9, Fri-Sat 5:30-10. $-$$. 940-321-4560. 11/99.

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. BYOB. 1125 E. University Drive. Daily 10-10. $-$$. 940-591-9212. 8/04.

JAPANESE

Japango Excellent sushi served beautifully. California rolls are fresh & flavorful. Miso soups, salads w/ ginger dressing are zippy & fresh. BYOB. 917 Sunset St. Mon-Sat 11-10. 940-891-6060. $-$$. No smoking.

Royal East Hefty Japanese offering (including sushi bar) plus Korean and Chinese dishes. Fish tastes very fresh and firm. Beer, wine & sake. No smoking. 1622A W. Uni­ver­sity Drive. Mon-Sat 11-10; Sun noon-7. $-$$. 940-383-7633, 940-483-1173. 7/04.

MEXICAN/Tex-mex

Cafe Garibaldi (HHH1/2) Authentic Mexican/Peruvian cuisine w/ uncharacteristic lightness. Excellent mole, homemade tortillas. Delicate, pastry-esque sopapilla. No smoking. Beer, wine. 1813 N. Elm St. Mon-Sat 11-3, 5-9. $-$$. 940-591-1131. 2/02.

Casa Galaviz Comfortable, homey atmosphere at small, diner-style restaurant that caters to the morning & noon crowd. Known for homemade flour tortillas & authentic Mexican dishes. No credit cards. BYOB. 508 S. Elm St. Mon­-Fri 7-3. $. 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. 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. Menudo on weekends, breakfast anytime. BYOB. No smoking. 619-623 S. Denton Drive, Lake Dallas. Mon-Fri 11-9, Sat 10-9, Sun 8-3. $-$$. 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 Cantina & Grill Large daily buffet w/ American & Mexican food. Seafood. Beer, wine & margaritas. DJ nightly in the bar. In the Ramada Inn at 820A S. I-35E. Mon-Sat 6:30am-2 pm, 5-10pm. Sun 6:30am-1:30pm. $-$$. 940-243-1313.

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 & bacon) and jalapeno-stuffed shrimp. Full bar. 419 S. Elm St. Mon-Fri 11-10, Sat-Sun 11-11. $$. 940-566-5575. 6/04.

El Pariente Roadside grocery & music store serves exemplary Mexican fare. High scores for authenticity & freshness of ingredients. Fajita asada burritos & shrimp cocktails aren’t appetizers but do the trick. 2523 Louise St. Daily 9-9. $. 940-380-1208.

El Zarape Great Mexican dining atmosphere at family-owned business with locations in several states. Worth it for dessert. Full bar. 1815 W. Uni­ver­sity Drive. Sun-Thurs 11-10; Fri-Sat 11-11. $-$$ 940-387-2295. 3/05.

Hooya! Fun spot makes its point w/ huge California-style burritos. Delight­ful quesadillas & tacos, too. Collegiate atmosphere; friendly service. Beer. 1007 Ave. C. Sun-Wed 11-9, Thurs-Sat 11-10. $-$$. 940-381-0272. 12/00.

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. Beer. 619 S. Locust St. Daily 9-10. $. 940-483-8019. 11/03.

Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant Authentic Mexican dining includes worthy chicken enchiladas & flautas. Fine standard combo choices & b’fast items w/ reasonable prices. Beer, wine. 1928 N. Ruddell St. Tues-Fri 11-3 & 5-9:30, Sat 11-9:30, Sun 11-4. $. 940-566-1718. 2/01.

Mi Casita Mexican Food Fresh, tasty, no-frills Tex-Mex at good prices. Tacos, fajitas, quesadillas, chalupas & more plus daily specials & b’fast offerings. Beer, 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 & essential selections at a reasonable price. Sopa­pillas & flan are winners at $2.25. Beer & margaritas. 241 W. Mc­Cart, Krum. 11-9, Tues-Thu & Sun; 11-10, Fri & Sat. 940-482-7007. 1/03.

Mi Ranchito 122 Fort Worth Drive. Tues-Thurs 11-3, 5-9:30; Fri-Sat 11-10; Sun 11-9:30. $. 940-381-1167. 3/99.

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. Full bar. 26615 U.S. Highway 380 East, Aubrey. Daily 11-10. $-$$. 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 felafel. 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 & sandwiches, both w/ and w/o meat. Won­derful breakfast. No smoking. 200 W. Con­gress St. Cafe: Mon-Sat 8-9 (b’fast served until 10am), Sun 11-5. Store: Mon-Sat 8-10, Sun 11-6. $. 940-387-5386. 10/03.

PIZZA

J&J’s Pizza Bountiful, homemade pizza pies, in NY style or deep-dish Chicago style. Beer. 118 W. Oak St. 940-382-7769. Mon-Sat 11-mdnt. $-$$.

MVP Pizza place w/ above-average pies & other fare. Good cheese bread & lasagna. 100 Country Club Road, Suite 115, Argyle. 940-464-9899. Mon-Thurs 11-9, Fri-Sat 11-10. $-$$. 6/01.

Texas Jive Atypical pub and pizza place in Fry Street area. Entrees range from a creative mahi mahi plate to hardly ordinary burgers. Full bar. 1206 W. Hickory St. Daily, 11am-mdnt. $. 940-566-5483. 5/03.

The Tomato Funky atmosphere caters to college crowd. Stuffed pizzas are hefty, deep, chunky. Beer, wine coolers. 1226 W. Hickory St. Mon-Thurs 11am-1am, Fri-Sat 11am-2am, Sun 11am-mdnt. $. 940-383-1111. 5/03.

SANDWICHES

Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches Denton location of regional chain offers subs & 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. 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. 1400 S. Loop 288, Suites 102-2, in Denton Crossing center. Mon-Sun 10:30-10. $. 940-383-3233. 3/04.

Roly Poly Sandwiches Interesting combinations of nontraditional sandwich stuffings at this chain wrap place. 1800 S. Loop 288, Suite 101-3. Mon-Sat 11-9, Sun 11-6. $. 940-383-5777. 2/04.

SEAFOOD

Saltwater Cafe Swanky, lively place with impeccably fresh seafood choices; plus specials and “Not Fish” menu items. Coconut caramel pie is a confectionary utopia. Full bar. No smoking. 209B W. Hickory St. Mon-Thurs 11-10; Fri 11-11; Sat 5-11pm. $$-$$$. 940-382-3888. 2/05.

Sneaky Pete’s Restaurant 2 Eagle Point Drive, Lewisville. Wed 6-9, Thurs 5-10, Fri-Sat 5-10:30, Sun 5-10; Sun brunch 10-2. $-$$. 972-434-2500. 7/99.

T-C’s Catfish Mom-and-pop shop known for its fresh, never frozen catfish & homemade tartar sauce w/ special herbs & spices, a highlight of ea visit. 1607 E. McKinney St., Suite 800. Tues-Thurs 11-10, Fri-Sat 11-mdnt. $. 940-891-3663. 8/02.

Three Fins Seafood Grill Fish cooked the way you want it. Crab cakes could be famous one day; gumbo is rich and dark. Full bar. No checks. 2303 Interstate 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 & tradition. Homey meringue pies; order baked potato ahead. BYOB. 110 W. Bailey St., Ponder. Sun-Thurs 11-9, Fri & Sat 11-10. $-$$$. 940-479-2221. 12/99.

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. Beer & wine. No smoking. 508 S. Elm St. Mon-Fri 11-9, Sat-Sun noon-9:30. $$. 940-591-8790. 3/05.

Oriental Garden Restaurant Thai stir-fried dishes, w/ some Japanese & Chinese specialties. Homemade ice cream: coconut, green tea, Thai tea & lychee. 114 Ave. B. Daily 11-9. $-$$. 940-387-3317. 5/03.

Siam House Thai Restaurant Fresh flavors set curries apart at comfortable dining spot. Winning starters: shrimp satay, Tum Yum Gai & Tom Kah soups. Excellent Thai seafood. Beer, wine. 909 Ave. C. Lunch, Mon-Fri 11-2; dinner, Tues-Sat 5-9. $-$$. 940-382-5118. 6/01.