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Half Shell Seafood House in Sarasota
Restaurant
Open
5231 University PkwySe 109Sarasota FL 34201, Sarasota
Overview
Cuisine
- American
- Seafood
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Gluten Free Options
- Vegan Options
Restaurant Hours
Monday
11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Tuesday
11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Wednesday
11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Thursday
11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Friday
11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Saturday
11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Sunday
11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Review
KB
Kymberli Baker
google
03.31.2025
We never have a bad meal here. The seafood tacos are to die for. Also try a wild berry martini they are just wonderful.
KS
Kaitlyn Strecker
google
11.07.2018
Coming from someone who does not like seafood, it is always hard to eat a meal in those types of restaurants. I was extremely pleasantly surprised to not only smell NO fishy smell, but to also eat one of the BEST filet steaks I've had in quite some time. I will come back here just for the steak. The large party I was with all got seafood plates and loved them as well.
HS
Helen Sandburg
google
10.17.2018
HH is awesome! ! Food is remarkable and just enough for a snack. Service is impeccable! Ty Shane. Royal reds yummy!!
JR
John Rausch
google
10.16.2018
All 3 of our meals were top notch. My Reddish Orleans was excellent. Desserts were great too
CV
Crash Va
google
08.13.2018
A little pricey but the food is DELICIOUS. Had a New Orleans native say the Po' Boy was good almost as if she got it at home.
nh
neal hughes
google
08.10.2018
Markus took very good care of us tonight. The foods were piping hot and delicious.
RP
Ron Phillips
google
08.07.2018
We had our first visit today. All three of us were impressed and thoroughly enjoyed our meal. Our server, "Sam" took care of us. We'll be back!
SM
Scott Murphy
google
07.10.2018
If you want bad food..go somewhere else because THIS PLACE IS AWESOME!!! Actually awesome, filled with subtle flavors throughout and service that actually had me tipping above normal on a 5 course ticket. Wow on the salads and all the seafood was spot on. I'm from New England and a former pro cook so trust me when I say that this food delivers and we were thrilled. Thrilled. Go and check it out, I order high off the menu at high end places to let them get their chef on , they did.
DS
Dave Sykes
google
06.19.2018
Superbly authentic New Orleans style seafood restaurant with a very diverse menu and absolutely outstanding food!
Chievan
google
06.15.2018
Great food and had live music!
js
julie smith
google
06.01.2018
Was in the area and thought we would give this place a try. Restaurant was clean and very welcoming. We sat at the bar and where greeted quickly . The bartender was very attentive and helpful with the menu. I chose the special which was a light fish with crusted parmesan coating I chose okra as a side. My husband ordered the red snapper with red new potatoes. We both had a salad. The salad was decent. We were anxious for the entrees. I took one bite and it was covered with salt. The okra seem to have garlic salt covered on it to the point where I chose not to eat anything. My husband was experiencing the same thing with his dinner. It was very obvious that Chef had little training and everything was way over seasoned. The bartender must have known because he never asked how our meal was when he offered a to-go container we said no and he still didn't ask . I would not recommend this restaurant for dinner maybe a few drinks but I definitely would not suggest eating there.
KH
Kimberly Hudson
google
05.18.2018
Great place! Great good! Great drinks! Great service! #detroitchic
VM
Vincent Manning
google
04.01.2018
Great food and good drinks. Prices are reasonable for the amount of food. Food is good. The place lacks a bit in atmosphere.
VP
Vicky Polston
google
03.07.2018
The food and service was great... although I would skip the Risotto.. We would definitely go back.
TW
Tha Win
google
03.06.2018
Mel made terrific mojitos. I got to eat a dozen oysters and seared ahi plate in peace and quiet.
BP
Blue Phoenix
google
03.02.2018
1st time visit very good experience. Even the two hosts were so friendly and actually smiled when you walked in. Marcus was our server and he kept us well entertained while giving awesome service, we will definitely ask for him when we go back! Nice selection of items on the menu, food was great.
RF
Robert Fields
google
02.24.2018
Expected More, got less. My wife and I went there last Friday night, September 29th. She ordered the lobster roll. The bread was soaked like it had been frozen, then thawed out retaining the moisture from frost crystals. She ended up scrapping the lobster off of the roll, and pushing the roll aside, as it was too soggy to hold on to. She sure didn't get much lobster with it either. I ordered shrimp and grits. Shrimp were great, but the grits left a lot to be desired. The bottom of the bowl had at least a quarter inch of liquid in it. Someone in their kitchen knows nothing about preparing grits. Service was adequate. I don't believe that I could recommend this place to anyone else. Most unfortunate, as we paid for and expected a good meal.
BF
Brianna Fleury
google
02.18.2018
Good service, the food was very good. We enjoyed the fried green tomatoes and crab cakes. The crab cakes were mostly crab meat. The sampler player was very good. Nice atmosphere.
DK
Dani Kirk
google
02.14.2018
Food was great.
JL
Jessica L. Hess
google
02.04.2018
I was absolutely caught off guard by how great the food was. I am quite a foodie and often eat only at local places. I live right down the road and drive by everyday yet never stopped in thinking it would be to "corporate." (Judging by its location) I was definitely wrong!!!!!! The menu had an abundance of creative southern dishes. The food was fresh and prepared perfectly. Our server was Shane who was so professional. It was a wonderful experience. I definitely suggest this place and will be back for sure!
JY
Janice Young
google
01.11.2018
Our place to be every Wednesday. New July special - Grouper Half Shell - definitely 5 star. Service by Josh - also 5 star!
rk
ronda kohan
google
01.03.2018
Really great, forgot to take pics before we tasted, but great food, a little pricey but well worth the splurge, great service. Live jazz band. I sipped my drink before I took a pic. Delicious bloody Mary. Definitely, will be back.
AS
A S Patterson
google
11.23.2017
Outstanding! I had the oyster sampler while my companion had the coconut crusted mahi mahi....both were done to perfection! Our server, Chelsea was attentive, but didn't hover....this our "go-to" seafood restaurant from now on!
KD
Kathleen Depugh
google
11.13.2017
New Orleans style food. Something for everyone on their large menu. Food is absolutely fantastic! Very good service and friendly staff.
al
art lasanta
google
09.07.2017
Great Seafood in a relaxing atmosphere the oysters are just phenomenal the Royal Red Shrimp are not to be missed
NW
Nolan Woods
google
09.07.2017
The best seafood place around the Sarasota area. The great food quality can't be beat as well as the good dinner and drink prices. The layout of the restaurant is beautiful with a jazz like feel. It was a real New Orleans like experience.I highly recommend this place to travelers coming through the city to visit as well as locals whom haven't heard about this place. The trip will be well worth your time.
KV
Kaylan Vogele
google
08.19.2017
Great seafood in the New Orleans teaspoon, including a surprising solid works brunch menu. Oysters are, appropriately to the name, very good and come in a variety of styles. Cocktails are impressive both in price and quality; the half shell bloody Mary with house infused vodka was especially sublime and unique. Even in an area packed with good seafood options, this place manages to stand out, offer something new, and impress after multiple visits.
WW
William Weber
google
06.19.2017
Great food, good service, but music distracting
HT
Heather T
google
05.21.2017
BLT came with no lettuce or sauce. Really?! Shrimp grits gross. Delayed drink refills. Nothing like eating without drinks!Crab thank God came although it was half dropped on floor looking like a crab. $42 Bill and we would never return! We have much better places for seafood in county!!
BM
Belinda Metelko
google
05.17.2017
Love coming to this restaurant for seafood. I especially love their Voodoo Shrimp Seafood Tacos. They are delicious! The absolute best I have had at any restaurant. I also love their Wild Berry Infusion Martini. Really good restaurant, give it a try.
jc
john campbell
google
04.01.2017
Food was great and Chelsea K gave us great service. Always a good experience
NM
Natalia M
google
03.22.2017
It's a nice chain. But in a good way: clean, reliable and tasty food. My food was very good, the other 3ppl with me also said that their meal was delicious, and one person said that the Vandaloo shrimps were dry and not good, just ok. Cocktail selection liked good as well as beer/wine. We tried 2 cocktail (mango martini and top shelf margarita) and they were good. Sadly can't comment on desert but would love to try some next time.
JS
Jerry Solomon
google
03.02.2017
The name of this place is misleading..I was expecting to walk into a generic seafood restaurant that caters to retirees and un-discerning hungry people, but I was surprised to find this is a Louisiana style Cajun place! I had a tough time deciding between the shrimp and grits and the crawfish etouffee..I went with the etouffee, and was not disappointed.
RF
Ryan Ferguson
google
02.26.2017
Amazing food. Amazing service and everyone works to make you satisfied. A definite must try for seafood lovers.
CG
Cynthia Gonzalez
google
01.02.2017
Markus was a great waiter! He was funny and his personality was great. The food was all awesome. The half shell grouper with shrimp was delicious.
IS
Ilene Skeen
google
11.26.2016
We've been twice for Sunday brunch. The over easy eggs on fried green tomatoes are simply amazing and delicious. The live jazz completes the experience.
DF
Dmann Florida
google
11.14.2016
Always have great food here. Love the charbroiled oysters. Remind us of New Orleans. The lobster roll is yummy. Seafood gumbo was good. We've eaten here 6 times and never have we been let down. Great staff that is very attentive.
JH
Jennifer Hoffmann
google
11.11.2016
Food was AMAZING! Waiter was okay, he could have made my Mother's Day a little more special if he had shown a little more enthusiasm. I wasn't offered any of the mother's day specials and saw the ad on other tables after I ordered.
NJ
NeSharri Jones
google
11.10.2016
Food is good. Beware crab cake tends to have little shell pieces,but good flavor. Lobster bisque soup is the best I've had.
KT
Kelly Thebom
google
10.08.2016
The food is fantastic. The service is fantastic. Jazz brunch is amazing. A definite must!
VG
Vince Gambacurta
google
09.27.2016
Over rated. Outrageous pricing for the food and drinks. Have had better food and service at Applebee's. Save your hard earned money.
TL
T L
google
08.23.2016
Good food we enjoyed everything. The ambiance is nice. Great cocktail & beer deals at happy hour! The service was great & very friendly!!
IB
Ida Blanck
google
08.22.2016
This place was awesome Food was the best.Oysters were to die for.Just like in New Orleans oh so good.Bloody Mary was so refreshing.All food served was. Top of the line.Wait staff was. So help full
LH
Liz Hanson
google
08.17.2016
Amazing!!! Our server Josh was great! Very attentive, recommended the Redfish Orleans which was mouth watering. That's lump crab meat on the fish in the picture. My mom ordered the Fried Green Tomato BLT which was huge! She said it was just wonderful. I'm glad we were adventurous with our selections. If you're not, there are several other items to choose from that look equally delectable. There was no wait and ample seating when we arrived at 9pmish on Saturday. Definitely worth a visit!!
KD
Kathy Delancey
google
07.27.2016
The seafood gumbo is literally loaded with seafood and perfectly seasoned for the Cajun food lover. The Royal Reds are divine. Add an outstanding service experience. It doesn't get much better
MS
Michael Smith
google
07.09.2016
Even off hours between lunch and dinner the food and service was awesome!
MR
Martin Rodriguez Castells
google
05.26.2016
Love it. Always with a smile and knowing what they are talking. The suggested Scotish salmon was excellent and also the Half Shell salad.
TJ
Ty J
google
04.15.2016
Best NOLA kitchen I've found so far in South Florida. Everything we ordered was tasty and a great atmosphere. Shrimp and grits 5 🌟
BM
Bruce MacDonald
google
02.08.2016
Was a great time. Good atmosphere. My steak was undercooked but the manager there handled the situation very well. I will come back just because of the manager.. Good work Sam! The Oysters were amazing!
AD
Amariah Dawes
google
02.02.2016
Local favorite! Fresh seafood. I've sampled just about everything on their menu and loved everything I've tried. My favorite is the oysters rockafellar