Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse   

The Brennan family dynasty never disappoints with its classic collection of New Orleans eateries. From Commander's Palace to Palace Cafe to this gem in the heart of the quarter, the food is local, the service extraordinary and the ambience -- well, you be the judge. The steakhouse has an amber glow throughout that makes you look as good as you feel, and the rooms are swanky and inviting. Mahogany and brass mix nicely with soft, cushy furnishings. The atmosphere here is clubby and decidedly male, but ladies, you must take a seat, as well. Why? Because of the divinely executed USDA prime choice steaks and chops. Everybody needs a good steak now and then, not to mention a sweet bananas foster bread pudding. And this is the place to have it, amidst rich leather furnishings. You can even smoke a cigar in the bar and nobody will yell at you. Dickie Brennan is regularly present in the dining room and oversees his domain with panache. Chef Gus Martin is a local treasure. -- Paul A. Greenberg