Tommy’s Restaurant Oyster Bar

A True Pearl of Clear Lake

Written By & Photos By: Patty Andrew

he landmark Tommy’s Restaurant Oyster Bar of Clear Lake has been

Ta favorite of those who enjoy seafood for all its 27 years. Louisiana native Tom Tollett, owner and chef, is a legend in his own right, mixing high standards for food and service with the restaurant’s welcoming ambience that is simultaneously upscale and casual. His longevity in the industry demonstrates an unwavering dedication to quality in both cuisine and customer experience. Tommy’s buys fresh, local seafood when they can. The oysters come from Smith Point in Galveston Bay. Shrimp is from the Gulf Coast and fish from Palacios. The restaurant’s consistency is attributed to Tom’s active involvement, longevity of his staff, and his personal attention to customers, a trait that he ensures all emulate.

As patrons enter Tommy’s, their eyes will be immediately drawn to the curvy bar that invites them to sit and enjoy dozens of oysters with creative house cocktail beverages. Oysters are the obvious specialty of the house; they serve 6000 on the half-shell every week. Tommy’s offers these local delicacies in a variety of delicious ways: freshly shucked, Rockefeller, grilled, and more. It is not surprising that regulars flock in for the nightly happy hour ready to feast on these platters of pure deliciousness.

Tommy’s is a full-scale restaurant with well-trained servers who make every visit a true delightful occasion. Large trays of succulent pecan-crusted redfish, tasty grilled wedge salads, and generous bowls of seafood gumbo are just some of the popular dishes that staff encourage guests to try. Don't miss the Black & Blue Tuna, lightly seared sushi grade tuna subtly blackened served on a bed of greens with roasted shallot vinaigrette, topped with tortilla strips plus soy sauce, fresh ginger and wasabi on the side for a dish with true taste explosion.

Over the last couple of years, Tom’s son, Nikolas, joined the restaurant staff and is bringing new ideas as the beverage manager. He graduated from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Austin where he was in the top of his class, and then excelled at the University of Houston Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management where he earned his next degree. Nikolas brings the same attention and professionalism to the bar that is present in the kitchen. Try one of his creations like Basil #7 with vodka, fresh basil, lime juice, and jalapeño. The basil hits the nose with an earthy fragrance just before the fruity tartness and subtle pepper sting wake up the taste buds.

Tommy’s is an excellent place for all types of events both business and personal, hosting over 300 per year. Staff advise those interested to call weeks in advance to make reservations. Tommy’s hosts rehearsal and wedding dinners, board of directors luncheons, office holiday celebrations, and birthday parties in each of their three private dining rooms year-round. Tommy’s staff will gladly assist you for all event planning, large or small.

Tommy’s is beautifully flooded with natural light from the large windows surrounding the main dining areas. A recent sleek remodel earned the Slovack-Bass Design Firm a Ruby Award from the American Society of Interior Designers in the category Commercial Small Firm – Hospitality in 2021. The new look adds polish with inventive light fixtures and wall décor. Both the wall divider by the bar and the back wall in one of the private dining areas sport oyster-inspired designs in contemporary styling. Take some time to also study impressive map of the Galveston Bay Oyster Reefs that Tom had a direct hand in designing.

Tom is an active board member of the Galveston Bay Foundation (GFB), the nonprofit organization dedicated to restoration, conservation, and protection. Tom worked with the GFB to create a recycling program for oyster shells to rebuild the reef system in the bay. He works tirelessly on behalf of the Bay to continue its balanced vitality for sea life, coastal wetlands, and local communities.

Tommy’s is a popular place for both regulars and those seeking a destination restaurant. Tommy’s is open Monday – Friday, 11 AM to 10 PM, Saturday 4 PM to 10 PM. It is closed on Sundays. Dinner reservations are recommended. Tommy’s is located at 2555 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX 77058. Contact them at 281-480-2221, follow them on Facebook, and find them at tommys.com.

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BELLE LEES BOUTIQUE 355 COLUMBIA MEMORIAL PARKWAY KEMAH, TEXAS 77565 281.532.6255 BELLE LEES ON THE STRAND 2326 STRAND ST. SUITE 110 GALVESTON, TEXAS 77554 409.497.4654

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