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.
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Sarah Elizabeth
Google
a month ago
5.0
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.
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Riah B
Google
a month ago
5.0
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!
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George Parker
Google
a month ago
5.0
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.
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Kisha Johnson-Smith
Google
a year ago
5.0
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!!!
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Mark Devino
Google
a year ago
5.0
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.
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thomas howe
Google
a month ago
5.0
Stopped in for Dinner with a couple buddies, appetizers awesome, oysters, cocktail peel and eat shrimp & fried scallops outstanding, but the King Crab is memorable. Mike our waiter , top notch. Thanks again.
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Hannah A.
Google
a month ago
5.0
Came here with my mum for the first time! Everything about this place is prefect — food, drinks, atmosphere, staff! Anthony, the owner, it very attentive and kind. Will definitely be back :)
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Nat T
Google
a year ago
4.0
The clam chowder, fried calamari, and oysters were yum! We sat outside and the lights make it such a cute dinner spot. Loved the blue berry mule! Easy street paid parking parking. My only gripe was the grilled shrimp with garlic sauce was over done, and one of the shrimp was so gritty, I could not swallow it for fear of sickness. The service was pain staking and I would say slow but that doesn’t quite describe the lack of awareness. we never were asked if we wanted a second drink. There was a woman outside who was clearing tables who was either hyper focused on doing said job, and or, is not aware staring at people is uncomfortable and strange. Wouldn’t acknowledge any thank yous from me, only my partner. Very strange. I’ll be back for the food though!
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Ahsia Spencer
Google
5 days ago
5.0
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.
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Candy Kiebel
Google
3 weeks ago
5.0
My daughters & I love this place. We live in Minnesota and fly in to eat here. My husband discovered this spot a few years before he died and my girls and I eat here to remember him and because everything is amazing here.
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Keith Becker - Becker Home Advisors
Google
2 months ago
5.0
First, I need to say this is a cash only establishment. Now that I got that out of the way....this place was cool.
Great food and a must for seafood lovers. We had a wide variety of selections. The tomato salad is simple but tasty, and the Thirty Two Pointer was a massive pile of shrimp, classic, froglegs and perch.
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joe
Google
3 months ago
5.0
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.
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Junior V
Google
5 months ago
4.0
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!
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Butch Moberly
Google
6 months ago
5.0
Absolutely dinner destination in Chicago. Easy to locate, king crab legs are great. Cash only. Great place!
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Brandon
Google
11 months ago
5.0
Very low-key, chill place. Great service, fair prices, and just an all-around relaxing place to hang out. If you can get the muscles in garlic cream sauce, you definitely should do it!
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chad svastisalee
Google
2 years ago
5.0
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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Cait C
Google
2 years ago
5.0
Decent little seafood bar. The crab legs were huge! That makes you paying $42 a meal worth it. They had other things like po boys but my wife and I went for the crab legs. The service was good. It is CASH ONLY. I wish the meat was seasoned just a little more but it definitely wasn’t bad. When the crab legs came out they were served on top of fries which surprisingly weren’t soggy lol. I would go back.
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Erin Lane Escher
Google
5 years ago
5.0
"This place has not changed in years, not one bit!" My mother stated this as we are walking in the front door of Half Shell from a day at the beach. Taking a step into the past; you walk into an old 1970s bar, with a fire place in the corner, low ceilings, and dim lighting, you feel right at home and in your comfort zone. The beers are ice cold just the way we all like it. Now, one thing about the seafood here, the food is down-right fantastic. Oysters, shrimp, king and snow crab legs, frog legs, scallops, you name it. And what's even better, the price! The price is just right to get a bang for your bucks. But beware, the bar has yet to change in forty years and that means no modern day payment methods, this place is cash only! However, the freshness of the food, the experience of past life and ice cold beers could have in there for a few hours. Give half shell a try, you will not be disappointed and I can guarantee that!
