Half Shell

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.