Kemah’s go-to comfort food icon sits right on TX-146, serving plates big enough to make you grin before the first bite. Locals swear by the chicken-fried steak and those legendary Armadillo Eggs, and you’ll smell the smokers long before you spot the neon. Whether you want live music on the patio or a laid-back lunch, T-Bone Tom’s keeps it casual, friendly, and affordable.
Come hungry, leave happy, and maybe with leftovers for tomorrow.
1. The Legendary Chicken-Fried Steak
You come to T-Bone Tom’s for this plate. The chicken-fried steak arrives with a shattering crunch and a tender center, swimming in creamy pepper gravy that clings to every bite. Order regular if you plan to graze, or go large if you brought a Texas appetite.
Onion rings ride shotgun, thick-cut and ranch-dippable, while corn or green beans round out the comfort. Ask for white and brown gravy to compare, then crown your winner. Prices stay fair, portions stay generous, and leftovers are basically guaranteed.
The vibe is friendly, fast, and unpretentious, with staff checking in like neighbors. If you crave classic Gulf Coast comfort, this is your fork-and-knife moment.
2. Armadillo Eggs Appetizer
Start with Armadillo Eggs and watch the table go quiet. These jalapenos are stuffed with smoky brisket, battered, and fried until the crust turns perfectly golden. Dip into cool ranch and you get heat, smoke, crunch, and cream in one glorious bite.
Locals call them a meal on their own, and they are not wrong. Pair with a cold draft and enjoy the live music drifting from the patio stage. If you like extra kick, ask for sliced jalapenos on the side or a tangier sauce.
They set the tone for the menu: playful, bold, and proudly Southern. Order early, because once they land, hands move fast and sharing gets real competitive.
3. Tom’s Choice Ribeye And Steakboard Hits
When you want straight-up steakhouse satisfaction, Tom’s Choice Ribeye steps up. Nicely marbled, grilled to order, and seasoned with a confident hand, it delivers that flame-kissed edge and buttery bite. Pair it with a loaded baked potato or fries, plus a crisp side salad.
If doneness is off, staff happily fix it fast without fuss. That hospitality is part of why regulars keep coming back. You can taste the pride in the sear and the simplicity of solid ingredients done right.
Bring a friend and split appetizers, then let this ribeye be the main event. It is classic, hearty, and dependable, exactly what you hope for from a Kemah landmark with steak in its name.
4. BBQ Plates: Brisket, Sausage, And Ribs
Craving smoke? Go for the two or three meat plates and build your feast. Marbled brisket, juicy sausage, and sticky ribs show off that pit character, best with pickles, onions, and a swipe of sauce.
Some nights hit perfection, others vary, but portions always satisfy.
Green beans, potato salad, or fried okra anchor the tray with familiar comfort. Ask which meats are shining that day and lean into the answer. A light sauce touch lets the smoke speak, though dunking is encouraged.
It is Texas barbecue with a music-loving soul, ideal for patio bites and cold beer. If you like a heavier bark, request end cuts. Your napkins will earn their keep.
5. Seafood Comforts: Catfish And Shrimp
This spot leans Southern, so seafood is always nearby. Fried catfish with hushpuppies and tartar sauce scratches that coastal itch, while coconut shrimp brings sweet crunch for the table. Ask for blackened catfish if you want spice without the fryer.
Quality can vary by rush and timing, so visit earlier or ask your server for the freshest pick. A squeeze of lemon and a pinch of salt wake everything up. Pair with coleslaw or rice and spinach for a lighter tilt.
When you want a break from beef, these plates still feel right at home. You are minutes from the boardwalk, but the value here is hard to beat and the vibe stays local.
6. Live Music Patio And Tiki Bar Vibes
The patio is where Kemah gathers. String lights glow, bands cover Texas favorites, and the tiki bar keeps drafts, cocktails, and good times flowing. On cool nights the heaters kick on, and suddenly you are at the best backyard party in town.
It is first-come energy, so arrive early on weekends. Grab apps like fried mushrooms or zucchini and settle in for a set. TVs play the game without stealing the show, and service keeps the pace lively.
When the music hits, conversation pauses in the best way. You feel part of the neighborhood, visitors included. It is casual, loud, friendly, and exactly where that second basket of onion rings disappears without guilt.
7. What To Order If You Are New
First visit playbook: share Armadillo Eggs, then split brisket queso if your table skews cheesy. For mains, chicken-fried steak is the no-brainer, with onion rings and corn or green beans. If someone prefers smoke, add a two meat plate with brisket and sausage.
Ask for both gravies to sample, plus ranch on standby for dunking. Drinks stay simple: iced tea or a patio cocktail. Portion math says you will take leftovers home, which is a feature, not a bug.
If crowds spike, sit outside for space and quicker vibes. The staff is friendly and direct, happy to guide you. This lineup nails the greatest hits and shows exactly why locals keep returning.
8. Insider Tips: Hours, Value, And Service
T-Bone Tom’s is open daily, usually 11 AM to late, with Fridays and Saturdays stretching to midnight. Call +1 281-334-2133 or check tbonetoms.com for music and specials. Parking is straightforward, and the boardwalk is a short stroll away if you want to wander.
Prices land in the sweet-spot $$ range and servings lean big, so budget wins. Service trends warm and attentive, and managers fix issues fast. On peak nights, expect waits, but the patio energy makes it easier.
Aim for earlier dinners if you are picky about timing. Ask your server what shines that day, from steaks to sides. Do that, and you will feel like a regular by dessert time.