Dining in Texas requires an adventurous spirit. An appetizer of diamondback rattlesnake cakes coiled on a pool of spicy chipotle cream is the kind of unusual, seriously spicy cuisine found at the Hill Country eatery Hudson’s on the Bend. Chefs Jeff Blank and Shanny Lott serve up dishes such as pecan wood-smoked rib-eye doused with poblano horseradish cream and punctuate the experience with decadent desserts like caramel pecan pie dipped in chocolate.

Hudson's on the Bend Information:

• Southwestern menu. Dinner. Bar. Casual attire. Reservations recommended. Outdoor seating.