T-Bone Tom's - Kemah, Texas

T-Bone Tom's is a local Kemah institution. It's a smokehouse that has a little bit of something for everyone on their menu.  It's been a local fixture here since 1974. We were there for their version of that perennial bar favorite, the jalapeno popper. T-Bone Tom's features a couple of unique varieties billed as Shark Eggs and Armadillo Eggs. The Shark Eggs are poppers filled with a shrimp and crab and the Armadillo Eggs are filled with smoked brisket.

"Shark" Egg and "Armadillo" Egg Jalapeno Poppers

While both of these versions were good my favorite was the brisket popper. I'll be back for that one.

Tom's is, for the most part, a BBQ joint and they feature all of the usual suspects; brisket, ribs, pork and sausage. They also do steaks and fried chicken. We'll get back there to try their BBQ and other items but on this visit it was all about the jalapeno poppers and the burgers.

Jalapeno Cheeseburger

Cheeseburger

The meat for T-Bone Tom's burgers is ground fresh daily on premises. The care they take with the meat definitely comes through in the burgers. Perfectly grilled half pound burgers on a really great toasted bun. A surprisingly good burger and one we'd go back for again. To top off the great burgers we had the homemade bread pudding with hard sauce. Perfect note on which to end our meal.

Homemade Bread Pudding

While the space is nothing fancy it's comfortable and what you'd expect from a homey place like this one.

Tom's is also a live music venue. Tom's Backyard is located alongside the restaurant and features live music several days a week.

A lot of the local touristy beach areas are filled with chain restaurants. T-Bone Tom's is a bright spot in that landscape. If you're in the Kemah, TX area looking for a good lunch or dinner option give this place a try. It won't disappoint.

Note: This place was featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives back in 2009.