Half Shell Raw Bar

When planning our trip to Key West, in addition to searching for hotels, I also did research on restaurants because I don’t want to visit tourist traps spots, we’d like to go where locals eat. And that’s how we found this place.
The restaurant is about 4 to 5 blocks from our hotel, which is a comfortable walking distance. As I was told most restaurants in Key West are pet-​friendly, I still was not 100% sure after our horrible experience at Alabama Jacks (well, it was Key Largos.). I found a table in the patio and start reading through their menus. Unfortunately when we arrived, we had just missed their happy hour, which runs from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. I then said to myself… uhm maybe we just have to come back here again tomorrow (and yes we did just that the next night).
Their happy hour appetizer looked pretty good. Between the two nights that we visit, we pretty much had everything we liked. Oyster on the open shell for $ 9.00 is a pretty good deal. The oysters tasted sweet and fresh. The conch fritters were pretty good too. Some places deep fried the hell out of them, but theirs was light and delicious. Of course we also had their fried calamari. The batter was not too thick and the calamari was soft. Mom loves seafood, so we also tried their Bucket Steam Clams. 18 steam clams for $ 9.50 was a pretty good deal. My favorite was their Buffalo Shrimps. It was lightly friend with good flavor in the beer batter. Too bad it only comes 6 pieces per order. It’s still a good deal for only $ 5.50.
Over all we were very happy with our experiences. We got good food and service on both nights that we visited. And they treated our fur babies pretty well too by bringing them water. We’d definitely come back the next time we visit the Keys again.

I love oysters and this was one of the rare occasions I was let down. I ordered a dozen and they got to the table super fast which would normally be a good thing, but with oysters not so much. You could tell they had been shucked and were just sitting there because they were not very cold. Also there wasn’t much liquid in the shell which is one of my favorite parts. It was cheap for a dozen which is why I sought this place out, but even at a good price I wouldn’t go back there again. Afterwards I went to another restaurant to find quality oysters to fill the craving. I really wanted to like the place, but just based on the oysters I had I wouldn’t return.

Excellent seafood, unique atmosphere. On the water. Happy hour is the best time to come!

Relaxing and not over-​priced. Good peel and eat shrimp.

This place is the perfect place to have a great seafood meal at sunset. Perfect location on the docks with a great breeze coming in off the water.
Amazing atmosphere and very laid back feel. This is the way island dining is supposed to be done.
Kimberly was our server and out of all the places we have eaten while here she was hands down the best server. She was on top of everything and gave perfect food recommendations.
Bring your beach attire and grab some great food and strong drinks.

one of the best meals we had during our week in key west. beautiful view of the sun setting over the pier!
service was overall super friendly and the fish was super fresh and prepared perfectly.
the cocktails were on the very weak side though, i’d suggest sticking with beer.

Excellent food! Raw bar food selection awesome. Great drinks. Guys had a green tea shot with Jamison. Local service… The bartender catered to the locals that’s why only 3 stars.

Had a late lunch here. Good burger and excellent conch ceviche. They have a great staff and are dog friendly.

If you’re looking for a loud, touristy place in Key West to drink beer and eat seafood then this is the place for you.
We got seated right on the water and our server was friendly, knowledgeable, attentive and loud. In this case I will use loud as a compliment because it was clear what she was telling us. We ordered beer and a seafood sampler platter. The beer was cold and replenished on demand. The seafood (oysters, clams, peel and eat shrimp etc.) were all fresh tasting and yummy.
Next time I’m on Key West I will likely return.

…not sure how to start this one… but I did enjoyed our appetizers looks like almost everything was done in house… I wasn’t very happy with the fact that there was a bird or 2 flying around while you eat but is kinda like an open space you can’t control that. I didn’t like the fact that to me my plate wasn’t presentable enough at least for the amount of money you have to pay for it… the waitress was ok but she didn’t suggest anything for us to try and it was our first time there. I’m not sure if I will go back there but is an ok place to go is just a little expensive.

Peel and eat shrimp in beer broth were the best.
The Grouper sandwich wad the freshest tasting in KW. Nice bread to fish ratio. Most places serve it on a hamburger roll. This one is on a soft hoagie type.

I’m a fan of HH pricing! We stopped mostly because I needed to sop for some oysters and I’m glad we stopped here. I grabbed 2 dozen oysters and a friend got a bucket of clams. For the price of $ 7 for a dozen, you just can’t beat it. I could sit and eat here all day! Everyone got beers which were also HH so everyone all around was pretty happy. The service wasn’t too amazing, but in the Keys everyone is so laid back, we really didn’t mind. It was a tad bit slow.

THE HAPPY HOUR! No really, I may have OD’s on oysters. So fresh and good, and the drink specials were great too. Right on the water and was the perfect seafood experience. Great job guys!

Lots of fresh seafood choices.
Another seafood restaurant in the marina area. One edge opens up right to the water where Sabrina B suggested we feed the fish while we ate too. Mission accomplished, man they were thick and really battled it out for the scraps. Hubby had the fried shrimp basket that he really liked how tender they were. I can never find mussels the way I like them. Bingo !! Found them in a white wine, garlic and butter sauce. I enjoyed a big plate of those good sized delicious bad boys with the most interesting grilled toast.
Service was great and atmosphere good. Thanks for the recommendation Sabrina and Nicole.

Stopped by this place because we heard decent things about it and saw it on one of the food shows on TV — which doesn’t always mean it’s good.
We had oysters on the half shell, steamed mussels and a hogfish sandwich. The oysters were excellent, the mussels were big and succulent, and the hogfish was light, flaky, and fresh.
This place is right on the water at a marina and we saw fish swimming past us as we sat at our table. The overall experience was very good, the food was excellent, and our waitress was attentive and knowledgeable. If anything, the prices may be a bit high for my liking — but I guess it is Key West, and it is a seafood joint.

Turns out I’m a glutton for punishment…
It’s either that or I just keep holding onto memories of the past; back when the happy hour was arguably one of the best on the island…
It was never a top-​notch foodie joint; no, it was more of the better of your popular dive bars with mostly touristy clientele during the lunch and dinner hours but catered to the locals during happy hour (as many of the happy hours around town do). And for a long time (and I mean years, not months), I was a regular… almost always for the happy hour and on occasion for dinner service… loved to dig down on those happy hour drink discounts and happy hour menu…
But if you read my previous reviews, you know things changed over time (starting with the change of ownership)… I’m no longer bitching to bring back dishes that were removed or exclude dishes that feel out of place at a raw bar… I stopped returned for a good 9 months and then said, it”s been a long time, maybe it’s time to give them another chance but I should’ve known better…
Not only did I see zero improvement, but instead I was shocked that service had deteriorated (something I had no complaints of in the past). I had a waitress that definitely was having a bad day and service us was not something she wanted to be doing… and to make matters worse, when I got my bill I had drinks that were not discounted for happy hour and when I questioned the bill she said those drinks are excluded because of this or that (I don’t remember the exact details) but I showed her on the happy hour menu it had a picture of a drink similar to mine and she looked stumped… she had to go ask and when she returned she had a whole new set of why it wasn’t discounted…
So bottom line is… my hopes of them returning to greatness are long gone and the days of me hoping and giving them more and more tries are done… best of luck but I’m out for good

Step by here for a quick snack during happy hour (4:30−6:30pm), variety was limited, but good place for fresh seafood and a cold beer.
Fresh raw clams: $ 9/​dozen; Raw gulf oysters: $ 9/​dozen;
cute décor and good vibe.
the only con I can think of is the oysters are a bit small.

Quality food from happy hr (4:30−6:30pm), not much variety, but the best out of the 3 I have been to by the pier (Turtle Kraals, Boathouse).
Food:
Dozen raw oysters: $ 9/​dozen fresh gulf oysters from Louisiana, cheap and good! I’m personally an oyster fan and will vouch for their freshness! My husband and I alone can consume up to 5 dozen oysters (well, no oysters for us after couple months lol). I have tasted oysters from Boston, Tamales bay (by far the best, yay cali), humbolt bay, bad ones from Puerto Rico (diarhea)…you get my point :). Damage done today: 3 so
Fresh raw clams: $ 9/​dozen, fresh with a drop of lime, horseradish, seafood cocktail sauce, hmmm hit the spot!
Fried calamari: $ 5.50, again well done, breaded evenly and deep fried to perfection, crispy yet juicy, by far the best fried calamari you can get at happy hour! You can actually taste the calamari, unlike others it was fried too much that it’s chewy like rubber! And did I say, I’m also a serious calamari lover? Ordered calamari everyday that I was here in keys (5 total)!
Corn: $ 3 for a juicy steamed corn, feed some to the fish if you are sitting by the pier side, they just hang around in the water, cool to watch!
Drinks: ½ well drinks, wine, beers
Price: very reasonably inexpensive with great quality of food!
Will def go back for more OYSTERS & CALAMARI! Yummmm

I have been here quite a few times so I’m starting from ground zero since joining Unilocal this year and will go from here.
Half Shell is the first spot I think of when I have a hankering for raw oysters and a cold beer. The oysters are always shucked and prepared nice and clean, without any bits of shells. At $ 4.50 for a half dozen gulf oysters, it’s pretty hard to beat. I can also almost guarantee a seat at the bar without waiting in a crowded area, which I like.
This weekend’s visit was no different. We sat at the bar as we usually do, and ordered up some drinks and a ½ dozen oysters for me. Our bartender was wonderful! He heard me whining that a few of my oysters were way to large for my liking, and he magically appeared with another tray and switched out a few for me. I was so happy!
Next my husband ordered the blackened dolphin (mahi) sandwich and fries for us to share. The fish was fresh and nicely prepared, though rather skimpy in portion size as far as the actual piece of fish was concerned, compare to other places. The fries were the thicker cut ones (similar to Wendy’s) which I love. The platter also came with a pickle and a cup of slaw. We gobbled up the entire plate.
COCKTAILS — Yes, you will get your cocktail served in a plastic cup.
ACTIVITIES — There is a shuffle board table by the back corner bar before the bathrooms which always seems to get quite a bit of attention.
HAPPY HOUR — 4:30 to 6:30 — 2-​for-​1 beer and well drinks with select happy hour menu items.
SPECIAL EVENTS — There is always something cooking at the Half Shell throughout the year. Check the website to see if there is anything going on during your visit.
See you there on my next oyster binge!

I love shrimp.
I love beer.
I love Old Bay Seasoning.
Combo those and it’s pure culinary delight. Heaven in my mouth.
Half pound or pound orders are available and they are always quick to fulfill the order so you can decide mid bowl that you want another order. Before you reach the bottom of the bowl the next order has arrived.
The beer selection is fair but on this visit they were out of the first 3 I tried to order. I found an alternative after a bit of frustration but nothing was going to get in the way of my beer steamed shrimp and I.
We had a group of 5 of us — all with very different preferences. My Dad and brother were able to find fish options (maui maui and hogfish) and my sister was able to find a salad with a slice of cuban bread and butter on the side. My wife and I opted for the beer steamed shrimp. This is always my go to.
I also like to take the seat closest to the window so I can drop the fishtails out the window and watch the fish come hunt for them. Sitting and watching the sunset across the pier and marina is always a nice treat too. Parking is a lot easier than downtown near Duvall as there is a pay lot and several meters right out front of the entrance.
The license plates from around the US that adorn the walls are a hilarious touch as they all have tongue in cheek phrases on them.
They also have a cut out wall where you can snap your picture with your head on top of a bikini clad server offering up a tray of seafood.
The service was great even as the table began to fill in and our server was taking on more tables. My beer was never empty before a new one arrived. Our waters were refilled constantly which is a huge plus for my wife and sister who only drink water.
You must go and on your way out grab an «Eat It Raw» bumper sticker or t-​shirt to give to someone at home who missed out!