For years I operated under the assumption that Bryan was just an extension of College Station, more or less dependent on its neighbor to the south-and Texas A&M University-for its identity. I had figured that of the two cities, College Station was the one with something to offer in the way of delicious dishes, trendy drinks, and exciting entertainment. After all, it’s a college town. But I’m happy, and humbled, to report that I was absolutely, unequivocally wrong. Yes, Bryan is proudly part of Greater Aggieland, but no, it doesn’t exist in the shadow of the university. The town, founded in 1871, five years before A&M was established, has a distinctive personality and history. The 90,000-person city is home to more than its fair share of fantastic restaurants, bars, entertainment, and hotels. In fact, the problem with Bryan isn’t that it’s hard to find something there to do; it’s knowing where to start.