Wonderful dinner last night at Half Shell Dockside. The Grouper sandwich is the best. You also need to try the fish dip as an appetizer. Sit inside or outside, but either get there early, it is very popular. read more

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Would have been a five if not for the tasteless overpriced ($8!) cheesecake along with the overall lackluster dessert menu. That being said, the location, atmosphere and grouper were great! read more

Half Shell Dockside - Shrimped passing by. - Bars Near Me - Apalachicola, Florida

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The best place in Apalach for seafood....or anything else for that matter. I honestly think that the other restaurants in town are counting on tourists not bothering (or knowing) to drive about a 1/2 mile from the tourist trap area down to the Half Shell, because if they did those places would have to lower their prices, improve their menu and provide better service. After going to a couple other places in Apalach, Half-Shell is the only place we'll be going back to. We sat dock-side (adjacent to the bar) and enjoyed a great lunch, a dozen oysters and a couple of draft beers for perhaps a little over half of what that same meal would have cost at another place. The food was great, and so was the service. read more

What a fun spot in Apalach! We swung through because one of our favorite bartenders locally (Erica) moved over here and it looked awesome. It is! Erica knows how to pick them, and Half Shell is a really good bar and also serves some solid food. We swung by on a Saturday, and it was PACKED on a really cold and crummy day in January. This matters, because they have a TON of outdoor seating that no one was at all interested in. In good weather, the patio here is killer, sitting right on the Apalachicola River. We squeezed in at the bar, though, and managed to have some drinks and food. They serve a number of Oyster City beers on draft, which is great, but have some fun specialty cocktails, too. They're also starting to produce their own flavored vodka and rum, which we tried - delicious! As for food, we split a dozen raw oysters (very good and fresh) and a grouper basket with fries. That grouper is SO GOOD - try it if you're so inclined. We saw some other food come out that looked amazing and people devoured, so I think you'll have no trouble getting some tasty snacks here. Great location, good food and drinks, and staff is awesome. What's not to like? read more

Decent food, terrible service. Wouldn't go back. They promptly seated us- everything was very clean and the atmosphere was nice. Our waitress came by to take our orders, and then began the long wait. Our appetizers came out after about 20 minutes. We had fried pickles, cheese bites, and onion rings, all of which were delicious. They also brought the oysters that some of our party had ordered as their entrees. The Rockefeller oysters were not great- needed some more seasoning in our opinions. The steamed oysters were delicious. We had to ask multiple times for refills while we waited on the rest of our food. The rest of the food came about 45 minutes later. The members of our party who had ordered oysters were stuck eating their side dishes while we ate our main dishes, as they had already finished their oysters. To be fair, everything but the grilled chicken salad was delicious. The salad had rubbery, inedible chicken. The Creole King's bowl and all the rice dishes were delicious, as were the shrimp dishes, tacos, and oysters. We had to chase down the waitress for our checks. A local had recommended this restaurant to us out-of-towners, so we had high hopes, but with the long waits and awkward pace of service (and lack of service for large parts of the meal), I wouldn't plan to go back. read more

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While on vacation we decided to try out Half Shell Dockside. It was amazing the moment we walked up. True feeling of Florida's panhandle. The boats and huge wall of buoys and nautical memorabilia sets the tone of the restaurant. Our server angel was prompt, knowledgeable of the menu and overall a delight. Recommended the grouper sandwich. It was amazing! Oysters both raw and Rockefeller were outstanding. read more

Half Shell Dockside - Half shell dockside - Bars Near Me - Apalachicola, Florida

Our server was exceptional. The Oysters were fresh and cold, the only way to eat them raw. Great atmosphere with live music on a Saturday night. read more

Great food and drinks, rude hostess, filthy bathrooms. Would be good for a bunch of guys after fishing, but not for bringing the ladies.

Stumbled on this restaurant looking for grub in a Sunday afternoon. A selection of typical seafood fare on the coast, had to try the Jalapeño Pork Poppers- anything pork and jalapeño should be good- right? Right. It was good. I also ordered up a cup of oyster stew- cream based with three stewed oysters, diced onions and specks of dill- real tasty! For lunch, crab cake sandwich- can't complain when they serve it on a grilled bun with red onion, lettuce and tomato- side of fries as well! Good atmosphere- real dockside feel- the view, can't complain. read more

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Fettuccine Alfredo w/ Gulf Shrimp is phenomenal! We also had oyster Dockside & Crab cake sandwich. Must go! read more

Half Shell Dockside - The Fettuccini w/ Gulf Shrimp is phenomenal! - Bars Near Me - Apalachicola, Florida

People go to Apalachicola to escape tourist traps like Destin. It's a small town. Take the late-night club scene elsewhere. Your place is a quaint marina on the water, not Studio 54. A group of friends were trying relax and chit-chat on the patio of our nearby amenities and all we could hear was your obnoxious thumping beats. read more

Honestly, we've never been more disappointed. My family has been eating here since it was Papa Joe's 20 years ago. We were so happy that the Half Shell opened in the old building. Tonight, we knew we'd never be back. So many menu items had been removed, and many more had been 86'd. Seafood baskets had VERY little seafood, and sides were cold. Management was absolutely deplorable. Extremely rude, and repeatedly yelled at wait staff. Seems the only thing they're interested in is becoming the best "hot spot" and are pouring all their effort into the patio bar. Hate to see a place we've loved for so long go to the dogs. read more

Sat at the bar and very much enjoyed the fresh and delicious oysters and the shrimp gumbo. Service was fast and friendly, beer cold and cocktails generous. They even broke out their signature rum, vodka and beer and gave us free samples. Only downside is that the smell seems a little strong (fishy) when you first walk in the restaurant but it isn't noticeable in the bar. I think it's from the smoked fish, because the oysters and seafood are very fresh and good. Our second time here and will go back again. read more

I like docking at scipio creek marina but I love eatin at half shell. The inside kinda reminds me of my time in the pen but the back dock is heaven. I did see me a gator gliding by and I love gators so ambiance was through the roof. I started with 3 OCB IPAs and a doz oysters and finished with 3 OCB mangroves and a flounder basket. A gr8 light lunch and 10/10 will be back read more

We had medium wings, chicken fingers and fries, and a side of coleslaw. We also have a pice of triple layer chocolate cake for later. The wings were spiced just right, where you get the tingle but your pallet isn't destroyed! The chicken fingers were fresh and juicy just the way you want chicken fingers to be! The fries were fresh and crispy and yummy! The coleslaw was delicious but in the fridge for later! Great food, great service, price as to be expected for the area! Will have to go back and try a Bloody Mary! Yum! read more

While this restaurant has had good reviews we were disappointed by our visit. The food and the service was mediocre. Our meal was not worth the price we paid. I don't think we will return. read more

Informal place - walk-up to order, but great food. Oysters were excellent but the coconut shrimp were the best I think I have ever had!

This is probably my 3rd or 4th timing coming here while in the area. Previous times the crowd got rowdy after dinner or they were out of what I went there to eat. Today they were out of the cuban and "had been for a while", so I ended up getting oysters rockefeller and the grouper ruben. Must have been a twist of fate because these were the best oysters I had this trip. They use what I would assume is a spinach soufflé on the oysters which was amazing. The grilled fish was fresh and eating it on a "reuben" was a great twist. I will come back, just more of a lunch crowd gal I suppose. read more

BEWARE. BEWARE. This restaurant kept my credit card and now claims it can't find it. When i called the manager he became belligerent. They apparently stole my card and got caught. Also, the shrimp basket had 6 small shrimp for $19. I live in north alabama and cannot drive back. Getting the runaround. Will not be eating here. BEWARE!!!!! read more

One of the best seafood places we ate at while at St. George island. The blackened shrimp was great and there oysters were the freshest I had on the island. The cheese curds were a good little appetizer too. Our server was very nice and friendly. Would highly recommend eating there. read more

This is a great place for casual dining. It has become our favorite restaurant in Apalachicola. Fresh seafood, delicious fried asparagus and awesome cocktails! Friendly Staff.... ask for Brittney, she has a wonderful spirit about her and a contagious smile!!! read more

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We really enjoyed this place. We sat outside on the water and enjoyed a nice selection of beers and cocktails and a dozen baked oysters (the triple trae) that were delish. All the fried baskets were yummy as were the sandwiches. Our server was really attentive, would definitely be back next time we're in town. read more

Fantastic. Fried Grouper is awesome!! Good friendly service. Great raw oysters. Plenty of parking. I will be back! read more

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We had a great lunch today at Half Shell! Hubby had the grouper sandwich and chose the potato salad as his side. He thoroughly enjoyed it! I had the beef chimichanga. Holy cow, it was huge and was SO good!! Service was excellent, too! read more

Sitting outside overlooking the water was the best part of this restaurant. I ordered a fried oyster Poboy, and it only had five small oysters on it. It was a nice day outside, so it was busy. read more

We were looking for a place to watch some TV last Sunday because our boat broke down. We ended up at the outside bar at Half Shell Dockside Bar and Grille and are glad we did! The ambiance can't be beat! They have happy hour specials everyday from 3-6 PM. We enjoyed bar food, chicken wings and potato skins. Both were good... no surprises. We got the mild wings, which were mostly large sized drummettes. They came in a little sauce, not too messy. The potato skins were medium sized, about 3-4 inches long with cheddar cheese and bacon (bits). The food came out quickly. We also ordered sandwiches. I had the mahi reuben, which was excellent. A single mahi steak was pan seared and filled out the bread. It was dressed with a special sauce... like 1000 island sauce. Very tasty! A lot of fish!! My husband had the cheesy bacon chicken sandwich on a bun. He said it was tasty. The breast was not too thick and hung put over the sides of the roll. Bright green lettuce and tomato dressed out the sandwich. The fries are seasoned and very good! I looked at the salad bar-The lettuce was iceberg and brown on the edges. There were about 10-12 toppings. After looking at the lettuce, I would pass on the salad bar. We sat at the bar, the bartender, Rachel, kept our drinks coming, but wasn't pushy and got our food out in a timely manner. The deck has tables with umbrellas and a large sun sail to keep you out of the direct sun. I didn't notice any seagulls but some blackbirds were hovering around the deck but didn't get close to any customers. It is dog-friendly. I will go back next time we visit!! read more

Half Shell Dockside - Mahi mahi Reuben with collard greens. Both were very good! - Bars Near Me - Apalachicola, Florida

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Probably the worst meal that we've had on our trip. Charged my husband $15 for about a cup and a half of oyster stew. My shrimp seven of them were $17 and the oysters in my husbands soup did not appear to be fresh. The meal is kind of like a roadside stand. It is a hang out for local folks so when you go in on Wednesday night, there's a loudspeaker, that's blaring and they're having all sorts of cultural questions. One was regarding a wet T-shirt contest. One The place is not terribly clean. The net lampshade over the bar must have 20 years of greasy dust on it. read more

This is such a great addition to Aplachicola !!!!! Love an older waterfront restaurant like this with wandering rooms of indoor and outdoor dining !!!!! Just a great place and I had a great grilled fish dinner too !!!!! read more

On the far outside of Appalachicola but fun music and good fish dip and of course good cold beer. On the water with view of marshes with brown pelicans flying by...... read more

Excellent Service. Overall excellent food but the crawfish was not good. Fish camp atmosphere...great view of the river.

Wonderful food - adult and kids. A bonus to watch the pelicans on the deck. We ended up eating here twice on our week long trip to St. George Island. It was that good. read more

The staff is welcoming and the food is fresh! We were seated on the screen porch and could see where all the fish are caught. This is the first time in a long time I've eaten all the fried shrimp I ordered. I'd definitely come here again. read more

Half Shell Dockside - Screen porch with a water view - Bars Near Me - Apalachicola, Florida

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Excellent food great atmosphere and delicious drinks. My husband and I had the blackened scallops I had a side salad which was delicious nice and fresh very crisp and then I had the cheese grits which I'm not usually a big cheese grits friend but these were very good. My husband had the collard greens and cheese grits and he said they were delicious so we are very pleased with our choice and if we are ever up this way again we will make sure we come here. read more

Half Shell Dockside - Sampler with pork bites (slap your mama good) fried green tomatoes and cheese curds...DELISH!!! - Bars Near Me - Apalachicola, Florida

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Really good. Cold draft beer. Good scallops. Good okra and collards. They sadly sold out of crab claws and fried green tomatoes but what was left was pretty good. Kids liked the fries. One negative is the Caesar salad was super heavy handed with dressing. My 13 YO daughter did not like it but i did. Hubby's Cubano was good. Such a fun atmosphere with the native birds flying over and squawking on the dock. Loved seeing them all. read more

This was such a fun place to come eat and drink! We came twice during our stay last weekend. The first time we sat inside and the second time we secured a spot outside to watch the live music. I will say the downside for me was the two things I ordered, the grilled shrimp and the ahi tuna. The shrimp was cold when it arrived and the ahi tuna was just okay. I wish they had a bigger side of the seaweed salad. With that being said, both times we brought some redfish that we caught earlier in the day and asked for it to be fried up for nuggets as an appetizer and it was delicious! It was so well done and had great flavor to it. If you do any fishing, I definitely recommend bringing it in. We also really enjoyed the live music and atmosphere outside. It was lively and fun. The margaritas were tasty and the bar staff was great. Also the painted oyster wall, cool lighting fixtures and the buoy wall out front all made for a great photo spot. I for sure see ourselves returning here again read more

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Quick service. Friendly staff. I had bbq ribs and they were great. Tv in back section to watch games. It's at the marina so beautiful boats to admire. read more

The food was great and the service and atmosphere were also fantastic. Sitting outside and watching the fishing boats come in was enjoyable. read more

The people were very nice (hence the one star) but I have never in my life wanted my money back on a meal. I am so mad I paid $81 (including a little over 20% tip) for a meal barely worth $20. Portions small, food barely seasoned, grouper was rubbery & mashed potatoes were gummy & meh. The second picture is 1/2 of a $28 grouper meal, the first pic is the steamed oysters. read more

Half Shell Dockside - Bars Near Me - Apalachicola, Florida

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Very nice place on the water. The grouper sandwich and the grouper Reuben both were delicious. Our waitress was very friendly.

We always have to stop here to get a couple dozen raw oysters. We love to sit outside and watch the boats come in from a day out fishing in the Gulf. The staff is very friendly. Oyster hour is always at the right time to be outside enjoying a wonderful meal. read more