Half Shell
Company Details
Monday: 4-10PM
Tuesday: 4-10PM
Wednesday: 4-10PM
Thursday: 4-10PM
Friday: 4-10PM
Saturday: 12-10PM
Contact Information
Chicago, Illinois, 60614
United States
Half Shell Reviews
Submitted by Nanc Wagner on 09/13/2022
Nanc Wagner 5 stars rating.
We were in Chicago (from Columbus OH) for an Eric Clapton concert and stayed at the Versey Hotel. We saw the Half Shell on our way in and were immediately taken with the signage!! OYSTERS!!
We sat at the bar and Alex took care of us. What a wonderful experience! The seafood was great! I had smelts which I had not had in years. Awesome! Service was outstanding with the owner, Anthony jumping in to chat.
The oysters were great and the crab legs were perfect.
Highly recommend!! Cash only, but there is a convenient ATM located inside. We will be back next time we are in Chicago!!
-Nancy and Denise Wagner
Submitted by Rick Sunderman on 08/22/2022
Rick Sunderman 5 stars rating.
Great place, great food, can get pricey if your not careful. Don't let the setting deter you.
We had (2 people) calamari, the king & snow crab leg combo, and 2 sodas. The bill came out to be $110 (tip included). Place is cash only but there is an ATM inside.
Submitted by Lajetarra Davis on 08/14/2022
Lajetarra Davis 5 stars rating.
There King Crab, fried shrimp, and shrimp and corn chowder soup was great day and the price was right!!!
Submitted by NK on 08/10/2022
NK 4 stars rating.
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!
Submitted by Mark Devino on 07/11/2022
Mark Devino 5 stars rating.
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.
Submitted by Erik Smith (Rky.Mtn.Warlord_) on 07/04/2022
Erik Smith (Rky.Mtn.Warlord_) 5 stars rating.
Great seafood! The cocktail sauce is an out of body experience. Bring cash. No credit or debt cards.
Submitted by P S (P S) on 10/27/2021
P S (P S) 5 stars rating.
Had a fun time visiting this place. Had to wait for table but the food was worth it. My favorite was the crab cake and our king crab. So good!
Went back the second time on weekday! Even better! No queue and no wait.
Submitted by Cait C on 10/20/2021
Cait C 5 stars rating.
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.
Submitted by Barb A on 07/22/2021
Barb A 5 stars rating.
This place has been a favorite for at least 20 years. It's a great no frills hole in the wall with the best food.
Our favorite, the king crab legs and beef tenderloin are always cooked perfectly. An absolute must on the north side.
Submitted by Chad Svastisalee on 07/18/2021
chad svastisalee 5 stars rating.
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.
