Although the menu and seating capacity has continued to grow over the years, Live Oak Grill has remained focused on affordable prices, big portions and community involvement. More than nine years ago, Bob Donnelly opened his restaurant as a family-friendly, casual restaurant to serve up home-cooked classics to area residents and visitors.

"We have a great spot here," Bob said. "When we were looking to open, we wanted a restaurant that people could come get a quality product, a fair price and good service."

Bob, along with his daughter and manager Heather Donnelly and his business partner Donna Cook have worked to establish Live Oak Grill as a meeting place for city officials, business owners, nearby employers and employees and the everyday customer. With a casual atmosphere and country-style cooking, guests are able to relax with other familiar faces, Heather said.

"The diversity of the people who come here is amazing," she said. "People come here to meet, sit, eat and stay. There's a line of people out the door every day, and they all come back. Pretty much anyone who comes here comes about three times a week. We know most people by name."

The restaurant is family-friendly with outdoor play equipment, large oak trees out front and an extensive selection of jukebox music. For the adults, the menu offers several domestic and imported beers by the bottle, a selection of wine and frozen margaritas.

In addition to traditional menu items—such as the grilled pork chops ($13.99) and the Live Oak old fashioned burger ($5.59)—Live Oak Grill offers several healthy and vegetarian options, including vegetable quesadillas ($7.99) along with fresh seafood and salad options.

"Since we have been here, we have expanded our menu a lot," Heather said. "It's important to prepare new dishes with what you have. [Our menu] is constantly growing, and we work with what we already have."

As a locally owned restaurant, Live Oak Grill has added new, fresh fare to the menu. Some of the regular clientele have asked for specific modifications and entirely new items in the past. Heather and her team said they are usually happy to accommodate, creating new dishes with existing ingredients that continue to grow in popularity.

"We used to serve catfish twice a week, but it became so popular that we now offer it every day," Heather said. "We don't ever want to say 'no' to anyone. One day, my dad made himself a salad with sliced apples, walnuts and fresh fish. A customer sitting nearby said, 'Hey, I want that.' Well, now it's on the menu."

Having spent more than 40 years in the restaurant business with established eateries such as Mason Jar and Faijta Flats, Bob has become a well-known face in the community. A majority of Live Oak Grill patrons stop and talk to Bob as he makes his rounds to each table during the lunch and dinner rushes. He said the relationships with his guests are an important part of his business, and that providing a neighborhood hangout where customers could bring their friends and families several times a week was one of his primary goals when he opened Live Oak Grill in Sugar Land.

"We want to always remain a family-friendly place," Bob said. "This is a place to bring the entire crew."

Owner recommendations

• Seafood Platter—This guest favorite comes with fresh catfish filets, jumbo shrimp and a choice of two sides ($12.99).
• Turkey Sandwich—A healthier alternative to traditional burgers, the smoked turkey sandwich is served with honey mustard, Swiss cheese, bacon and a choice of fixings ($6.99).
• Salmon Salad—This recently added item that has grown in popularity is served with mixed greens, grilled salmon and choice of dressing ($10.99).
• Chicken Fried Steak—Breaded by hand to order, this classic is served with mashed potatoes and green beans topped with a cream gravy ($12.99).

Live Oak Grill

12935 S. Dairy Ashford Road, Sugar Land

281-491-5253

www.liveoakgrillsl.com

Hours: Mon.–Thu. 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Fri. 11 a.m.–10 a.m., Sat. 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–8:30 p.m.