I'm somewhat embarassed to say I spent 3 1/2 days in Pittsburgh and had 5 meals at the porch, each of them excellent. It is near the Art Museum U of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon. Had the burger twice and it was as good as you will get anywhere with homemade roll. Had the roast beaf sandwich on their sour dough serve with a ham and bean soap. One evening I enjoyed a superbly prepared pork shank and another their chicken roti. Deserts were excellent. Prices are reasonable. Not the fanciest resturant in town, however for excellent food, a family freindly atmosphere and a comfortable setting, this one can't be beat. I have no complaints.

http://www.theporchatschenley.com/

Two in central Texas.

In Sattler, a new place, Wild Tyme Tea Room. All organic and made on premises. Wonderful, soups, salads, sandwiches, deserts, etc. Your tunny will be happy. Irish Creme cake was sinful.

Driftwood. http://trattorialisina.com/ This place is out in the sticks between Austin and San Antonio. Don't go unless you like really good Italian food, great service and a beautiful view. Oh, and you will need 2 plus hours to enjoy you meal.

That would be their Capelline Marinara and it is my "go to" dish at Ninos.

I've been to a number of the Diner's, Drive-in and Dives places and have had great luck with a few and not so good at a couple. The Cove had OK food, however because it is outside or open to the outside I was bothered by the number of flies trying for a taste of my food. I might go back, however my wife wouldn't join me again in this lifetime.

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The Cove
606 W Cypress, San Antonio, TX

Best steak I've eaten in Texas and I've eaten a few over the past 66 years.

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Myron's Prime Steakhouse
136 N Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130

La Fogata on Vance Jackson has good mexican food and an interesting atmosphere. If it isn't too hot in the evening, sit outside.

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La Fogata
2427 Vance Jackson Rd, San Antonio, TX 78213

One of the things that helps to make a meal memorable for me is the atmosphere/surroundings. Some places are worth going to just for that. Others combine food and atmosphere to provide a great dining experience. As one who use to drive to the border and enjoy visiting the resturants in Mexico, I find La Fogata on Vance JAckson a very pleasant dining experience. I like sitting outside and it does, in my opinion, replicate the most enjoyable parts of dining across the border.

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La Fogata
2427 Vance Jackson Rd, San Antonio, TX 78213

Hmm, first suggestion would be to spend your client's money as if you were spending your own. Why in the world would you do differently? Next. Any idea about in what part of town you will be staying.

Palmer's has changed hands and now has a Sunday Brunch. Tried the brunch for the first time this past Sunday. Shrimp and Grits. Portion was a little light, however I'd order it again. One of the best of many meals I've enjoyed at Palmer's.

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Palmer's Restaurant
218 Moore St, San Marcos, TX 78666

Well, it isn't Houston, however if you are in the Dallas/ Austin/ San Antonio areas, Freddy's is a place that must be tried. Their frozen custard is the best of this type of product I've had. Their burgers and fries are great also. Feels like an old time hamburger place to me. Good service and good food. I call it Fat Freddy's because I'm sure that is what it will make me if I visit too often. Oh, and it is clean.

If you find yourself in Sugar Land, this is a not to missed place. Great menu and wine list.

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Post Oak Grill
4524 Highway 6, Sugar Land, TX 77478

Nino's has been a favorite of mine for close to 30 years. One of my favorites is their Capelline Marinara. Always a winner. Can be easily tempted away if they have Osso Buco on their specials for the night. Other great choices would include their Veal Chp "Best in Town" and the Salmon Peperonata. The chicken mentioned before is good however I'm a little like you and would prefer something else when driving the distance from my home for a special meal. Downstairs gives a friendly neighborhood atmosphere. The upstairs, if open, can be a little quieter. Always good service. I'm moving away from the area soon and this is one of the places about which I will always have fond memories of nice meals in a very friendly setting.