This place was good, but we expected to be amazingly good based on reviews. They need some Improvement. The crab cakes taste like turkey stuffing, no flavor very meh(they did take it off the bill, swordfish over cooked very dry..
The shrimp excellent
Calamari good
French fries great
Oyster great
The sauces are very interesting taste and unique great job.
And the service was a 10 they make sure to know we was comfortable thanks guys!
I hadn't been here for a long time, probably decades, so I came here with my niece last night. My first visit here was in the '80s. We both ordered clam chowder. I had the fried breaded smelt and she had the po'boy. The chowder was very hot and pretty good although the clams were hard to find. The smelt was very hot--right out of the deep fryer--and about what you'd expect. Kind of like home cooking really. We both agreed the fries were good, very thin, fresh and done just right. Portions were generous. We sat indoors which was cozy with a lot of character and the bar ran the entire length of the restaurant. The waiter was attentive. There were many kinds of seafood we didn't try so it might call for a return trip.
Out of towners looking to try oysters, took a second to realize the restaurant was on the lower floor. The vibe is nice, the oysters were great. Luckily there’s an ATM because it’s cash only.
The service was awesome and super fast!! I had the soft shell crab and mussels and they were AWESOME!! I LOVED their house dressing as well!! Our server was very sweet and so was the bartender. They gave it a very comfy and chill atmosphere. 10/10 recommend would definitely go back!! If i lived in Chicago I would definitely be a regular!
Moving from the East coast 10 years ago, I can tell you these are THE freshest crab legs I've had in 10 years. When I saw the "cash only" sign, I knew it was going to be good. Anytime I come back up to Chicago, I will be sure to make this a regular stop.
Enjoyed my experience today at Half Shell. I had the fried Clams as well as the fried scallops. Both were well fried and tasty. I did think that for the price, the portions were a bit small so that's something yo consider but overall the service was good, it's a small place but honestly never felt cramped. I will definitely come back again but admittedly, I'll have to adjust my expectations when ot comes to how large my meal will be.
This will forever have a special place in my heart. I’ve been coming here for 18 years- never had a bad experience. Service is always so good. I usually have the same server- He’s always so sweet. I love the crab combo- Half snow- half king. Oysters are always fresh. Great frog legs. Love it.
FANTASTIC!!! Very unassuming initially. IFYKYK! This restaurant has been around for decades! I’m new to this! 😳 Definitely return visits will occur. Enjoy the patio or head inside! Grab a table or have a seat at the table! The drinks were decent. The clam chowder is highly recommended. I saw a few shrimp 🍤 dinners pass by. The shrimp were large and present on the plate…with the standard accompaniment…fries! But, for this visit, the star of the show was the KING CRAB LEGS! If you enjoy crab, you gotta do it. I can’t wait to return. If you are looking for good seafood in a comfortable, relaxed setting. A neighborhood spot with great seafood…this is your place! Oh…and…CASH ONLY!!!
Half Shell is a throwback, sort of divey but nice. Old school decor and really good seafood, what more could you ask for? It is still CASH ONLY so prep for that. The shrimp, scallops and clams are only fried but there are tons of other choices. Portions are more than generous. Get something unique like the oyster shooters. With cocktails lunch for two was just over a hundred bucks.
Talked about going for oysters and crab legs and Half Shell won hands down. Tables outside are comfortable and allows a more comfortable family experience. The bar and indoors space is low key and lively. Started with a Manhattan and dozen oysters. Recommend ordering the Fresh Blue points along with Crab Cakes, tasty hand made patties without much filler. Dinner was King and Snow Crab legs, Frog legs and a Cheeseburger just for kicks. Crab legs were delicious, served with house tartar, garlic butter and cocktail sauce on a bed of fries.
Frog legs are just as remember, crunchy and well spiced like bone-in wings. Servers were on the ball, delivering food and cocktails and never empty-handed. Half Shell is cash only so prepare to spend about $45-60 a person with drinks.
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