For a great Cajun meal, try Calliope’s Po-Boy. In business for more than 15 years, Calliope's makes their New Orleans’ Style Po-Boys with fresh baked French bread and house-made dressings. Wine, beer and liquor welcome. No corkage fee. 

It's hard to beat the pizza at this old-school favorite. It is a good option for low key, low cost Italian.  Wine and beer only.  Corkage fee: $1 per person. Same goes for Collina's locations at 502 W. 19th St. in the Heights and 8800 Katy Fwy.

The staff at this family-run restaurant is friendly and the atmosphere is lively. Menu options include spring rolls, rice plates, noodle bowls and other fresh traditional Vietnamese dishes. Wine, beer and liquor welcome. Corkage fee: $2 per person.

Located in Memorial, and somewhat hidden, Jonathan's The Rub may be tiny, but the menu packs a punch.  There are several down home favorites including a pork chop with country gravy, pork tenderloin and garlic mashed potatoes. Wine, beer and liquor welcome. Corkage fee: $7 per bottle.

Andrew Rebori is the chef/owner of this white tablecloth Italian restaurant. Reared and educated in Rome, Italy, Rebori has a flair for the cuisine. Situated in a small house in Montrose, you may drive right past if you're not looking. Wine, beer and liquor welcome. Corkage fee: $8 per bottle.

For an intimate dining experience with friends, La Vista is a long-time favorite. We recommend the beef tenderloin with port wine apricot and cherry sauce. Wine only.  Corkage fee: $6 per bottle.

Located in the historic Art Warehouse District, Latin Bites Cafe offers South American Cuisine such as Peruvian-style cebiche, arepas, and churrasco.  Wine and beer only.  Corkage fee: $5 per wine bottle and $0.50 per beer bottle.

Located next door to Gravitas, don't overlook Lucio's BYOB and Grill.  It's small and when there is a crowd, seating can be tight, but the casual atmosphere and service make up for it.  Recommendations include the crab cakes and roasted pecan salmon. Wine and beer only. Corkage fee: $5 per bottle.

Sophia is a restaurant whose small kitchen provides market driven and wine-friendly food in a casual atmosphere. The menu changes often to take advantage of seasonal ingredients purchased from local growers. The prosciutto pizza is a favorite. Wine, beer and liquor welcome. Corkage fee: $5 per bottle.