Oysters are back in season, and there's no better place to get them grilled or on the half shell than at Tommy's Restaurant Oyster Bar. Throughout October head out to Tommy's on Tuesdays and Fridays, 4 p.m. to close, and savor oysters on the half shell for a mere 5 bucks a dozen.

Other popular oyster favorites include Tommy's grilled oysters, prepared with butter, garlic, shallots and white wine, topped with Parmesan cheese; and iced oysters Mignonette, prepared with Champagne-vinegar, white wine, crushed white peppercorns, diced shallots, diced jalapeños, and cilantro, served ice cold. In the mood to drink? Try the oyster shooter – one oyster on the half shell with a shooter of Creole Bloody Mary mix with Vodka.

Speaking of drinking, happy hour at Tommy's is a classy way to spend a few hours after work with friends and coworkers. From 4 to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, pull up a stool at the beautiful horseshoe bar and enjoy $2.75 domestic beers, $4 house wines and well cocktails, and plenty of menu items from $4 to $9. Fish tacos are always a good choice, and for something daring, try the Drunken Shrimp – shrimp sauteed in garlic, ginger, lemon juice and cilantro, fired off with Tequila.

Tommy's has been around for roughly 16 years now, serving the Clear Lake area. Last year, they remodeled the restaurant and revamped the menu, and it's worked out great. Lately there's been an influx of new concept restaurants – many of them chains – but they come and go. Tommy's is here to stay.

“We are family owned and operated,” said owner Tommy Tollett. “We've been here since 1994, and we want to let people know we're here, and we're going to continue serving fresh, scratch-made seafood and USDA prime beef.”

But high quality doesn't end with the food. Tommy's has a truly upscale atmosphere and cool vibes all around. Dark hues color the walls, accented with brightly lit orange glass and low hanging lamps. The entire space is meticulously clean and everything is well placed. Perfect for a second date or even a family outing, Tommy's provides an elegant setting and mouthwatering delicacies – and it won't break the bank!

The layout of the restaurant makes Tommy's an excellent scene for a corporate banquet, wedding rehearsal or just a large group of friends getting together. The restaurant boasts two private facilities, the Wine Room and the NASA Room, each seating 40 to 45 people and available for both lunch and dinner. Preset menus are available and custom seating configuration is a snap. Got a party of 200 to 300? Rent out the entire restaurant.

Tommy's is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and Saturday from 5 to 10:30 p.m. They are closed on Sundays, except for special occasions and some holidays. Call in orders to-go at 281-480-2221, and visit their website at www.tommys.com for more information.

- Adam Donaghey

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