Pappas Bros. looks and feels like quintessential steakhouse elegance: dark walls, soft lighting, white tablecloths, a piano bar up front. Leather seats are soft and sumptuous, like the Prime beef and most of the 36,000 bottles of wine in their cellar.

The kitchen is top-notch. Pappas dry ages its own beef on the premises while turning out terrific versions of steakhouse classics like crab macaroni and cheese, creamed spinach, and baked potatoes that could pass for footballs—not surprising given the number of Dallas Cowboys players spotted here. Vegetarian? The chefs are happy to accommodate you with something special. Watching your waistline? Order the salmon. But what’s the point when you could just pop another Lipitor and tuck in to the city’s best steak?

The service, too, is without equal. On any given night, up to four certified sommeliers—including one of the country’s few Master Sommeliers—roam the dining room. If you’re feeling adventurous (with this list, you should be), point to a price on the wine list and ask the sommeliers to surprise you. Be assured they will. A meal at Pappas is always a special occasion.