The best barbecue places - with Franklin shut down - are La Barbecue, Mickelthwait, Stiles Switch, Freedmans, and, if they want fancy sit down barbecue - Lamberts. They are all very good.
The problem is La B and Mickelthwait are going to have long lines. I always highly suggest Stiles Switch - its just a notch below Franklin with at most a 10 minute wait. (And its right next door to the Yellow Rose).
As for other restaurants - HIGHLY recommend reservations.
- Sushi - Uchi and Uchiko - some of the best sushi I've ever had
- Red Ash Italia - Italian steakhouse. Really good food and a great scene.
- Launderette - Great small plates place but they don't take reservations.
- Sway - Thai/Asian fusion type place. Also don't take reservations.
- Trulucks - Texas chain but really good seafood, especially if you want crab.
There're a ton of other places, but those are just some off the top of my head that I really enjoy. If you have any specific requests, let us know.