Sunday, 7/23 2:20 p.m., After being seated for half an hour with not so much as a drink request I got up and left

The restaurant was nice and customer service was excellent thanks to our server, Chris he was magnificent. The food was great and the bottlenose wine delightful as well... I like secluded tables and candle light as our food was being served... This was first visit to the Half Shell and I enjoyed it very much. I would recommend it. Great overall experience... read more

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I can certainly dig a late night spot that has really good food--Half Shell definitely qualifies! First off, our server, Heather was awesome with the way she was friendly, came with great suggestions and had a can do attitude. She was about making things happen but didn't hover over you. We ordered the half and half to share with the Oysters Bienville and Rockefeller... both were outstanding coming to the table sizzling hot and absolutely delicious... almost too delicious for late night eats. I ordered the side salad with white balsamic dressing (completely amazing dressing). I loved it. The only issue was the Voodoo Amberjack which was overcooked and dry but Heather snapped into action to get a remake--shrimp this time and it was everything she described. I can't wait to get back to this place. Every city needs a place where you can get this kind of food and service after the normal hours. read more

Half Shell - Half and Half - Seafood Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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Visited with a large party (15). We had reserved the party room Service was superb and the food was marvelous. Everyone ordered a range of appetizers and entrees with no disappointments. Food arrived promptly. I highly recommend this Memphis icon. Do be aware, they DO Add 18% gratuity (we were aware, and even added a little more for the great service and to help out during these hard times). I look forward to going back. read more

I came here today with my daughter. It took an inordinate amount of time to even be acknowledged once we were sat. When the server did come, she was very nice and recommended a drink from cocktail menu at my request. I asked for a tequila that was of a better quality to be substituted. They did not have that particular liquor and she recommended one they they did have. The drink was horrible. I returned the drink. They also brought out horribly torched/burnt grilled oysters that they knew were burnt and still served. I did not return them and ate the very rubbery oysters. Long story short, they still charged me for the drink and the oysters (although they did send more home with me that I did not request). I spoke with the manager, Mike, about this and he is probably the most incompetent manager I've ever contacted. All in all, go across the street to a better restaurant but the service is lacking here folks. Do better. read more

Would not suggest the Po boy. In NOLA or any place with great po boys it's the bread. I think they just went to Kroger and got some buns. Sorry. The gumbo is good and I'm sure other items. But the fried combo is "meh". read more

Went here for our 9 year anniversary the other day.... pretty disappointing. I'm not the biggest fan of seafood but I'll eat it on occasion if I'm in the mood. We ordered the shrimp and lobster bruschetta first. It was more of a dip than a bruschetta and we had to ask for more bread. It was ok, wouldn't get it again though. Too fishy for me. My husband got the catfish with a side of mushrooms. He liked it, said the catfish was nice and flaky. It came with the same sauce that was on the Cajun pasta which I myself ordered. It was alright. I should have ordered it without the crawfish tails though.. once again too fishy. Also got a baked potato on the side which was terrible! It was dried out or old or something with weird cheese. Yuck. The side salad was great though with lots of little bacon bits and housemade thousand island. If you like seafood you would probably enjoy this place more than I did, but even my husband agrees we probably won't be returning.. oh well. read more

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Excellent dinner tonight. Ambience was on point as well. From the hostess Grace to our server (name eludes me) but we were a 5top that had the following food items to follow. Thank you Half Shell. read more

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This was a wonderful experience. The staff were very friendly. They have the best shrimp and grits I've ever tasted... and I've had several! They were family friendly. My kids said they had the fanciest grilled cheese around. We will be back! read more

It used to be that 15% tip was the standard for good service. Over the years it's migrated to 20%. I'm fine with that. What I'm not fine with is an automatic 20% gratuity added to a take-out order. They don't tell you...but it's there. PLUS they have the nerve to add a tip line on the bill. Are you kidding me? Someone carried the food from the kitchen to the front. That does NOT earn you 20%. 20% is more than the typical delivery fee. I picked this up myself. If I could throw Curse words at you on this app I would. Last time I get food from here. Just FYI, I arrived after the 20 minutes they told me it would take. I've typed thus entire review while waiting for my food...so add slow to my complaint above. read more

Love the food, staff, not so much. Maybe they have been here so long and have such a thriving business they don't care. As for me and my friends, there are too many comparable offerings in Memphis to not enjoy the WHOLE meal. read more

This was a disappointing visit for my first time their at Half Shell! I just couldn't believe that I paid $16 with tip for 1 piece of catfish and a bland bush of broccoli. Literally a damn bush. I would not recommend the catfish. They need to take it off the menu. read more

Half Shell - Who! Gives a customer a whole bush of broccoli for a side? $15 bucks for 1 piece of catfish and this side of broccoli. - Seafood Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

This is my first time in Memphis and my first time at this restaurant. I heard a lot about it so I made sure I went. The first thing I noticed was the terrible smell upon entrance. The smell never left. The carpet is kinda old and so are the seats. It can use some upgrading. So after I got past all that I went to the bathroom that had an out of order sign on it. I was like ughhhhhhhh. Still used it anyway. At least it was clean. So I ordered a cup of gumbo and crab cakes. The gumbo was actually pretty damn good. The crab cakes were ok. I ate both of them but wish I just got a bowl of gumbo instead. I wouldn't say this is a must stop in Memphis just because of the smell. It's really strong in there. read more

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This is an interesting spot. I highly recommend the oysters. I had the Rockefeller was pretty good. The Oysters Bienville were different but good. The plates they're served on are very very hot which is kind of odd since oysters are generally served on rock salt and not a scorching hot plate. So be careful. The entrees were pretty good and the mimosas were also good. The only thing I found confusing was the ambiance. It's almost like this place really wants to be high end seafood restaurant but can't quite find their footing between the sports bar type bar surrounded by the diner-style booths and the ranch-like decorations and some type of tiki decor. But hey, who cares about confusing ambience when you have good food, good drinks and and good service. read more

Half Shell - Mimosas - Seafood Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Once again a wonderful meal at Half Shell. We wanted oysters and we got great oysters . Ordered a dz Raw that were fresh & tasty, we ordered dz Fried that were plump & crisp and we ordered dz Grilled that were delicious . Waitstaff on point . And just a lovely lunch read more

I came here with family Sunday night after listening to the orchestra play at Germantown Performing Arts Center. Food and service were pretty good. It's been about 3 or 4 years since I've been here. I distinctly remember there being signs at the entrance prohibiting firearms and I vowed never to return. My mom really wanted to come here and I chose to drink anyway so it didn't affect me, but those signs were gone. I looked for them and they just weren't there anymore. So that's cool. The table we got was near the bar. It was really tight walking between the tables and especially when the bar filled up and we had people just standing between the bar and our table watching football. There is king crab on the menu but no snow crab. I'm sick of catfish being on every menu and being sold as seafood. I'd have gotten the sampler had it not had catfish. I'm sure their catfish is pretty good, but crappie and bream are my freshwater fish. They do have salmon and tilapia. I decided on the New Orleans pasta. It was really good, but there was none left to take home. Also, a small salad wasn't an option for a side. Wtf? It's $3 more for salad and you still get the side. I just stuck with the twice baked potato and it was good. I ordered the cheese dip which was also pretty good. The chips were warm and the salsa had a BBQ sauce taste, but in a good way. I noticed the description of the cheese dip had fresh jalapeños. I asked for some to go with my pasta. First they brought me pickled peppers that tasted so strongly of vinegar that they were nasty. Then they did bring some fresh jalapeños, but they had no flavor at all. I've never had peppers this bland. They didn't even have one single scoville. All the capsaicin has been removed like non alcoholic beer. It's like how Coca Cola extracts the narcotics from coca leaves. My sister can't stand one degree of heat and even to her it tasted like bell pepper. The strawberry shortcake and brownies were really good. The mirrors in the bathroom face each other so you can see infinity. It would be cool to drop some acid and spend an afternoon staring into them. I'm gonna do a UYE where we do that. They do graciously add their own gratuity even if you split your party up. Wasn't a problem and I'd have tipped better than they tipped themselves, but since they did, I took all my change. They even gave me 18 cents back! If there was a problem, I'd have just contested it. At least they didn't charge sales tax on the gratuity. They don't even have one single beer on draft. What's up with that? Charging $4.50 per bottle of Sam Adams? Come on, that's ballpark prices. And then they charge gratuity on top of that! That's $5.75 per bottle after tax! They don't have Killian's Red either. All the food was good. All the food was hot. We all had fun. read more

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My relationship with this restaurant started 10 years ago!!! Some say I'm bias but I say, I'm excited!! It's definitely geared to satisfy any hunger tooth you may have, but for me; STEAKS are what they were made to do. I've never had to send a steak back. Never. I always have my steak cooked in the style of voodo. My steak is seared to the heavens! The tender and juicy levels are indescribable. Stop by. Take a jacket. Go in and have the best steak you've never imagined!! read more

Disclaimer: The only reason my rating is a 4 and not a 5 is because the parking is a hassle, and I think they used a lot of butter it seems in the mushrooms. Now that that's stated, I would like to say that the customer service was amazing! I did a to-go order while sitting in the parking lot. My server was Paige. I asked her to give me a call when it was ready. She did, and she even threw in some free mushrooms! She was so nice throughout the entire exchange that I asked to speak with the manager to share my appreciation. Oh, and my food was overall good too! I ordered the Royale with salmon. The salmon was crisp but not overcooked. The crawfish were kind of blah, but the complimentary mushrooms were delicious and made up for the crawfish. All in all, it was a great experience! God bless Paige for her customer service! read more

We ordered a salad "to go". The salad was plentiful and delicious. The restaurant and bar were very crowded but finally someone asked me what I wanted. I ordered the same last week and could not read the bill due to my aging eyes and low light. I left a nice tip but later realized that the restaurant had already added a gratuity because it was a "to go" order, so the tip and gratuity added up to more than an entire salad cost! read more

It took a little bit to get seated at the bar. I was drinkIng and dining solo, and didn't want a table (could've gotten seated quicker if I wanted a table). Bar staff was super friendly, answered my questions and was pleasant. A definite local crowd here - they knew everyone's name. It was not uncomfortable despite the 'local vibe'. I ordered the gumbo (crazy good) and had char broiled oysters and then some raw - all of which was outstanding! I'll definitely Italy be back next time I'm in Memphis. Definitely worth a try! read more

I ordered the king crab bisque, crab cakes and grilled oysters. The grilled oysters were small, overcooked and rubbery with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top. The crab cakes were all bread with little crab. The king crab bisque was good but only a small lump of crab added to the top. We were in a room where another party just left and they never cleared the dishes. The drinks were weak. I had one of my friends wings and it was good. My friend also got the shrimp nachos. She like them but there was not enough cheese on them. She was told it would cost an additional 6 dollars to add more. read more

Half Shell - Seafood Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Crappy food. I can make a much better crab cake! I have been here twice and it doesn't get better the second time around!

A friend of mine ordered us a take-out dinner and it was delicious! We both requested the blackened fish meal which came over rice pilaf. I chose a side of steamed broccoli which could have used -at least- some salt and pepper. Pico de Gallo and a yeast roll accompanied the meal and it was my first taste of Half Shell so I was quite impressed! read more

Great hospitality. The food was amazing. Good service. Even during a snow storm. Had the Oyster Rockefeller and a Po'Boy. Both were great.

My family and I went to half shell for my cousins graduation. For my first experience it was okay. Most of our food was pretty good. My husband on the other hand wasn't. He ordered the "FAT" boy, but unfortunately it was no where near that. It was pretty much a bread sandwich. It was supposed to have fried shrimp and oysters well it did. The sandwich only had about 6 "smedium" shrimp and one oyster. The service was not that great either it seem as though the server was all over the place and overwhelmed, but he was funny. It was a long wait for the food as well, which I could expect because there was only one server working the back area. All in all it was a little disappointing, but we would come and try again and be hopeful for a better experience. read more

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First visit here. Cute decor and nice private tables with partitions when seated against the wall. Busy but got seated quickly. Waitress took a bit to get our drink order and and too long to come back and take our food order. However, the food was really good. Good portions and tasty. I'd definitely come back again when in town. read more

Half Shell - Seafood Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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I've been coming here for over 15years now and it's good had also been consistent. My usual is a Catfish Pauline that can't do any wrong.

This restaurant is sad. I arrived at 11 47 for a 11 45 last call on food and they refused to accomodate me. Ive been a loyal customer for decades. So much for loyalty. read more

This goes out to the negligent owners. I arrived at 10:55 and was denied service because "they stop seating at 10:45" your hours on google say you close at 3am?? You're wasting my time and gas either change your hours or live up to them. read more

This is my fiancé's fav place. The whole family had gone here for years. But the last two times the hostesses have been snarky and rude. Tonight's was a straight up B to our party and the two after us. Food'a great. Hostesses need to learn to use more kindness. read more

I wanted to eat local and I love seafood (grew up in Florida) so I decided to try Half Shell after checking the reviews. I didn't expect Florida seafood but was hoping for fresh seafood! The prices were reasonable anywhere from $10-$30 depending on what you are getting. There was three of us and our bill was $57, no alcohol, no appetizers and no desert. So the price wasn't bad. The good wasn't bad but it didn't taste like fresh seafood. It tasted like frozen seafood. The shrimp was fried hard, the crap cakes didn't have much flavor, the best thing was the catfish. The king crab bisque was ok. The restaurant area we were sat in was a little run down but I'm ok with a little dive feel. The server we had was sweet but the service was mediocre at best. read more

Half Shell - Seafood Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Frequent this location reguarly and was sad to report the service was not very good. Missed getting items, waiter didn't know there was salt & pepper packets literally right behind our booth at the wait station and he spent more time talking to staff than at his tables. Another big point to make is the Half Shell is 18% gratituity on all take out orders which we overheard as a customers questioned this practice which is not listed anywhere they could find, but charged to each there To Go Orders which was just 1 meal. Also if you eat after 4pm we were told that there is a 18% automatic gratiuty regardless if you are 1 person eating or a group. I understand times are tough its been beyond dificult for workers, management & owners, but charge 18% without warning even if the service is poor should be customers choice and not mandated by Half Shell. read more

I will make this short and sweet , the voodoo shrimp Was awesome. The sauce and the breading that it was over were delicious. I also got a smothered potato and delicious roll. Our waitress was attentive without bothering us. I will come back to try more stuff. read more

I have eaten here many times before. Always I have been with groups or in a hurry. Tonight. I took my time. After enjoying a nice Abita, I ordered the shrimp and lobster bruschetta on recommendation of my waiter, Chris. Good call. Get this. The bread is delicious. And the shrimp and lobster mixture has a perfect blend of creamy and spice. I then had the seafood combo with Italian spinach. Great meal. I finished the meal with a Woodchuck and the strawberry shortcake. These smooth creamy layers complimented with the sweet and sour pucker of the strawberries. Touché. Good job. I will be back. And I nearly forgot... The music. Thank you. I love America and I love my country. It is nice to hear some good American music. read more

I went here & LOVED the grilled oysters. Everything else was bleh. The crab cakes had a sour taste to them. The rice wasn't seasoned. I'll come back for the oysters though. read more

My husband & I try to make it every Friday for lunch!! Half Shell has the best Fried Catfish!! Well, everything is delicious!! I love how they deliver my mimosas - a large glass of orange juice & and cut little bottle of champagne that will give you 2 nice drinks!! read more

The Half Shell is one of my favorite places to visit for bar food. This location seems to always serve up pretty consistent food and how many bars in Memphis offer pretty darn good oysters! On this particular day I just happened to be in the area and decided to stop by for - wait for it - oysters! They were excellent; plump and juicy on the larger side, nicely chilled followed by the fish tacos made with tilapia. Recommendations: The oysters are always good, especially their Oyster Rockefeller. The peel and eat shrimp are also very good and the price is good as well. They make very good Po Boy's and I'd have to recommend either the Oyster Po Boy or their Soft Shell Crab Po Boy. Overall, good food at a great price and nice "locals" bar atmosphere. read more

What can I say The Half shell is a Memphis institution has been consistently good for over 30 years, there are not many restaurants that you can say that about. The food is always spot on, I have never had a bad meal here, Lunch, Dinner or Brunch. I urge everyone to try the Brunch just once and you will be hooked (cheap mimosas). The cheese burger sliders are so good, the perfect combination of cheesy, beefy and a little kick! The Pain Perdue is amazing, I almost felt like I was in New Orleans (almost). The Lunch Specials during the week are very reasonable and tasty. Fresh veggies as sides and the Homemade rolls are Yummy! The Patio Salad with grilled shrimp is one of my favorite salads anywhere ( I actually crave one right now). Mixed greens, dried cranberries, spiced walnuts, blue cheese and balsamic vinegar dressing. read more

Very disappointed in our experience last Sunday. Our party of a dozen relatives had reserved the back room for a family reunion lunch... out of town visitors as well. Needed a quiet space for those with difficulty hearing in a crowded restaurant, and had called 2 days prior to confirm the reservation. When we arrived, the room had been given to another party. No heads up phone call, just no room. We were offered a table by the bar, frankly way too loud to have our gathering. Our group had to make a last minute alternate plan. Wouldn't go there again. read more

Ate here while we were on a business trip, 8-8-18 Wayyyy overpriced, food portions wayyy too small.4 shrimp on a shrimp Po boy, not happening. My amberjack was ok, just really small for $19.00. This place needs to decide if it's a seafood place or just a bar. Much better places in memphis to eat. Avoid... read more