For a taste of the tropics in landlocked Houston, one needs to only go as far as River Oaks, where the Backstreet Café features some of the best alfresco dining in town. The lush canopy provides an idyllic backdrop for sipping on the sangria of the day or a selection from their extensive wine list. Or if you choose to eat indoors, there are three dining rooms on two floors in the 1930’s era house, which creates an upscale yet casual atmosphere. Some of executive chef Hugo Ortega’s most celebrated entrées include pecan-crusted chicken, the “Killer Veggie Platter” (reputedly one of the best veggie plates in town) and the Meatloaf Tower, quite an achievement in vertical meat. An immensely popular jazz brunch on the weekends (11 am–3 pm) offers French toast stuffed with bananas and topped with caramel sauce, chicken and andouille hash with hollandaise, and brunch cocktails such as flavored mimosas and apple rum tea. Full bar. Serving lunch and dinner daily. Sat–Sun brunch.