Military personnel and aviator clubs frequent the spot

Located within the David Wayne Hooks Memorial Airport in Tomball, Aviator's Grill is a restaurant that takes advantage of its unique environment.

"We're kind of a diamond in the rough," said owner Rory Duffy, of the grill's location.

Though locating Aviator's Grill the first time can be a challenge, Duffy said the experience of eating there more than makes up for it.

"The biggest draw, besides the food, is the unique environment and view for aviation," she said. "There are people who live out here who eat here every single day."

Rory and her husband, Jim, opened Aviator's Grill in 1995. The previous owner ran an Italian restaurant that was struggling to bring in customers to the unconventional location.

When the Duffys took over, they decided to play up the airport theme. They decorated the place with pictures and models of various planes, and they filled in the walls with huge, colorful panels of a comic starring a character they call "The Aviator." The frequent flyers who come to the grill regularly know it well and have come to expect certain menu items to be around when they arrive, according to Duffy. The blackened catfish with lemon butter sauce, which is prepared every Friday, is the most popular dish, she said.

"We ran out once, and people were flying in looking for it," she said. "If we don't have it, they get really upset."

Even though it caters to travelers, the grill is community driven, Duffy said. Many of the people who eat and work there are people the Duffys know from the area school and church. A lot of the grill's money is made from catering roughly 250 lunches every day for the Salem Lutheran School.

In addition to its regulars, Aviator's Grill welcomes many aviator clubs and airplane enthusiasts.

"They come in and talk about their airplanes," Duffy said. "They love to share their stories with each other."

The grill is a popular place for military personnel landing in the area as well. They stop in so often the owners started what they call the "Wall of Honor." Any military member who comes in has a photograph taken, which they sign and hang on the wall. They also post their patches next to a large star near the entrance.

"We just really wanted them to know that we support them," Duffy said. "Now when they come in, they recognize each other and each other's patches."

Many famous people have visited the Aviator Grill, including former President George W. Bush, and singer Lyle Lovett. Harrison Ford, actor and aviation enthusiast, once stopped by with the renowned aviation group, the Air Aces.

Even though the restaurant business is not always easy, Duffy said she and her family have no regrets.

"[Opening Aviator's] was the best decision we ever made," she said.

Aviator's Grill, David Wayne Hooks Memorial Airport, 20803 Stuebner Airline Road, Tomball, 281-370-6279

Hours:

• Sun.–Mon. 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
• Tues.–Fri. 7 a.m.–7 p.m.
• Sat. 7 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Owner recommendations

• Blackened Catfish with Lemon Butter Sauce: Catfish filet served with rice pilaf, vegetable of the day and a roll. The special is only available on Friday ($9)
• B52 Burger: 1/2 pound of ground beef with fixings on the side. It is served with or without cheese and French fries. ($8))
• Nose Dive Sandwich: Turkey, ham, bacon, and swiss with lettuce, tomato, mayo on three slices of toast, served with chips ($7)
• Wrong Way Corrigan Salad: Diced spicy grilled chicken, black beans, roasted corn, tortilla strips and pico de gallo on a bed of lettuce with choice of dressing ($9)

Airport History

The David Wayne Hooks Memorial Airport started off as a single runway built by Charles Hooks, Jr. for personal use

Hooks opened the airport publicly in the 1960s after adding terminals and hangars.

The airport is named after his son, who tragically died in a training crash with his instructor several days before turning 16.

Hooks Airport has grown to serve pilots worldwide with more than 600 daily takeoffs and landings.