Oceanaire Seafood Room, The

Upscale and accessible, this Galleria seafood restaurant has soaring ceilings, ample portions and a menu updated daily.

With two stories and a prime location, this upscale casual eatery melds white tablecloth service with cheeky seaside touches like tabletop Old Bay and oyster crackers. Horseshoe-shaped booths and well-spaced tables comprise the spacious dining room done in tasteful, supper club styling. Diners can sip classic cocktails in the adjacent lounge ideal for solo dining.

Though a national chain, the daily printed menu bears distinct Gulf Coast flavors, from the baked oysters Creole appetizer to crab-filled Cajun seafood toppings. Fish is flown in daily from across the U.S. and around the world, including swordfish, red snapper, tuna, marlin and wahoo and can be enjoyed as a chef's daily specialty or simply grilled or broiled. An ever-changing selection of oysters on the half shell, classic appetizers (try the jumbo lump crab cake), lobster, decadent a-la-carte sides (like truffled mac and cheese) and steaks round out the varied menu.

Dessert features heart-warming classics like Dixie ice cream cups, warm cookies and milk, and root beer floats.

Reserve the 10-person captain's table on the open-walled second floor for private dining with all of the downstairs ambiance.

The wine list includes a number of by-the-glass selections, sparkling and champagne, and Captain's Reserve List bottles.