The French Quarter–inspired interior drips with charm here, but the real fun is in the kitchen. Date Night Cooking Classes and Open Kitchen Nights allow diners behind the scenes to learn and observe the creation of Brennan’s innovative Texas-Creole dishes. Chef-for-a-Day gives aspiring chefs the opportunity to spend a day in the kitchen to ultimately prepare a dinner to share with five friends that evening. For a less hands-on approach there’s the Kitchen Table, a private dining room that seats you in the heart of the action.

—HILARY BURNS-LARICHE