Served Up Are the Best and Cheapest Crab Legs In Town-Half Shell, Inc.
(773) 360-5713
676 W Diversey Pkwy
(Orchard Street)
Chicago,
IL
60614
41.9327
-87.646
Neighborhoods: North Side, Lincoln Park
Hours:
Mon-Sat 11:30am-10:30pm
Sun 12pm-10:30pm
Price:
$$
Last updated 11.20.09
What People Are Saying About Half Shell
The Owner
Half Shell, Inc
Owner
Half Shell has been a feature Diversey dive since 1968, and still today, they bring to the plate some of the most succulent seafood selections at prices that can't be beat. This hometown-feeling pub and oyster bar features favorites such as King Crab legs, fried catfish and jumbo shrimp, as well as lunch specials from 11:30 am - 4:30 pm including crab cakes, po boys, burgers and beef entrees. This Chicago seafood restaurant offers diners a great outdoor patio, full pub and laid-back atmosphere. Try one of their appetizers such as steamed oysters or fried eggplant before moving to your…
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene – Set back from the street and down a narrow flight of stairs, Half Shell hides in a dark, low-ceilinged room decorated with Christmas lights and nautical-theme bric-a-brac. Regulars drink steins of draft beer at the bar--Chicago accents abound--while straight-talking servers nonchalantly go about their business. – – The Food – If you don't know about Half Shell, it's because Chicago seafood lovers know how to keep a good secret. And who wouldn't be protective of such huge, perfectly fried shrimp and succulent king crab legs? The menu also features scallops,…
Great food - great local ambiance
by abescott at Citysearch
As the other reviewers state- this place has great food. Fried oyster appetizers were clean and crisp. King crab legs were GREAT seemed like every table had an order. Huge pieces of succelent meat. The fried shrimp were A+ as well. Great portions with both being served on bed of french fries.
Very small dining area and cramped tables- I wouldn't exactly call it romantic more of a dive bar that would be uninteresting if not for the food.
Total bill was $75 for appetizer, 2 entrees and 4 beers.
- Pros: Great value
- Cons: Parking- cramped seating
I've been here more than 200 times. I WORSHIP this seafood dive bar, best value in town
by katherinedonald at Citysearch
My Pop used to sneak me in here when it was a biker dive bar in the 70s/80s when I was a youngster and The Turk was the Boss. So aside from many fond memories it is one of my favorite value-for-money places in Chicago AND the best seafood place I have been to and I have been everywhere, from up to downscale. When you enter the Half shell you think you are going into a cave--it is in a basement and has a few tables with Christmas lights left up year round. The service is no frills, and luckily the menu doesn't change much. The shrimp are large and excellent and when softshell crabs are in season (usually in June) they actually prepare them correctly which is saying something about their seafood know-how since most restaurants I have been in (even ridiculously overpriced Loop and river North places), do not prepare them properly. The women's restroom has a bathtub in it. May this place stay open forever. My favorites--softshell crabs in season (usually June), fire roasted clams, and the crab specials. If you don't like seafood don't go--aside from a few side dishes (decent house salad), it's seafood served with a lollipop and lettuce leaf, and there aint much else (there's tenderloin & shrimp too). It's a romantic place, but also they will accommodate kids (but they have to like seafood AND not run around since it is dark!).
- Pros: great prices, tasty seafood, nice relaxed atmosphere
- Cons: for me there aren't any, but be aware the waitstaff won't hover, CASH ONLY
They wash their oysters before serving! Absolutely horrible.
by xkmasada at Citysearch
I went one day at lunch time and ordered a dozen raw oysters at the bar. The oysters were the worst I've ever had.
The kitchen actually *washed* the oysters, removing all of the nectar!
I've never ever seen this done at any restaurant before. The oysters were rendered plain, with hardly any taste. They were fairly fresh, but were so bland that I ate 3, paid up, and left. I will never ever go back to this place again. Absolutely horrible.
- Pros: Casual
- Cons: They wash their oysters after shucking them, rendering them tasteless
The Details on Half Shell
Know Before You Go:
Hit the ATM before you hit Half Shell--checks and credit cards are not accepted.
Category:
Payment Methods:
Cash
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Romantic Dining, Date Spot, Brunch, Hidden Find
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
At Bar
As Seen In…
Message from Half Shell
- Chicago Seafood Restaurant
- Great Neighborhood Pub
- Oyster Bar and Take-Out
Half Shell has been a feature Diversey dive since 1968, and still today, they bring to the plate some of the most succulent seafood selections at prices that can't be beat. This hometown-feeling pub and oyster bar features favorites such as King Crab legs, fried catfish and jumbo shrimp, as well as lunch specials from 11:30 am - 4:30 pm including crab cakes, po boys, burgers and beef entrees.
This Chicago seafood restaurant offers diners a great outdoor patio, full pub and laid-back atmosphere. Try one of their appetizers such as steamed oysters or fried eggplant before moving to your steamy entr�e and cold draught beer.
Great for friends, family, fantastic seafood and brews, Half Shell on Diversey in Chicago welcomes you to eat, drink and have a great dining experience without busting your budget.











Join Us on Facebook
Follow Us on Twitter