Leon's Steakhouse & Saloon

Leon's Steakhouse & Saloon sits on South Eastman Road and earns a three-star "very good" rating in the Texas Monthly Dining Guide. The magazine describes the vibe as "Gilley's meets Bonanza" — pool tables, live local bands and a nonsmoking area toward the back. Owner-manager Suzy Simmons transformed the former Leon's Steakhouse and Grill into the current saloon and added a full bar, which the earlier incarnation lacked. Steaks are the draw. On the menu, "Southern" denotes a 24-hour prep — a buttermilk marinade with onion, garlic, a dash of cayenne and paprika. Texas Monthly called the chicken-fried steak above par, served with white pepper gravy, grilled tomato and asparagus, and also ordered a ribeye with twice-baked potato and fried okra, noting that Leon's is known for its standard steaks. Live music runs most weeks, though the schedule moves — call ahead if you are coming for a particular night.