On the surface, Half Shells Oyster Bar & Grill may not seem any different from the myriad of other oyster bars of the world. But dig a little deeper and you'll find that the tasty offerings here are a cut above the rest, and represent an outstanding value for the money.
The menu is what one might expect for a place called Half Shells. Starters include oysters on the half shell, fried oysters, peel and eat shrimp, crab cakes, soups, and salads. Entrees such as catfish, shrimp, and oyster dinners, pasta dishes, po-boys, and sandwiches are the order of the day. For the non-seafood lover, the menu also features a few selections that fall under the "Things That Don't Swim" category. Everything on the menu is under $10, with most entrees in the $7-$9 range.
They also offer exceptional daily specials. On my most recent visit, roasted jalepeno soup was on the specials board, and it was wonderful: creamy, flavorful, and with just the right amount of zip without too much heat. And one of my dining companions selected the miso glazed sea bass for her entree, which she said was delicious. I ordered one of my favorites: the blackened chicken po-boy, served with Monterey Jack cheese and three olive pesto; as always, it was excellent.
Inconspicuously tucked away amid the boutiques in Snider Plaza near the SMU campus (just west of Hillcrest Ave.), Half Shells has a loyal regular following. The interior in this small mom and pop establishment is typical seafood joint without being too cheesy: A mixture of exposed brick and yellow-painted walls with dark green trim, and an assortment of signs with humorous tidbits painted on weathered wood. The narrow dining room has a row of booths on one side, and two rows of tables. A bar is at the rear near the kitchen, and features a few esoteric brews and a small selection of wines.
There can be a moderate wait during peak times, particularly for parties of four or more, since there are only a handful of booths and tables capable of seating larger parties.
The food here is consistently excellent, and the service is always efficient and friendly. The manager will usually stop by your table and make sure everything is okay. It's a shame that this little gem has been open since 1995, yet it didn't show up on my radar until a couple of years ago. I didn't know what I was missing. I find myself returning to Half Shells again and again.
Hours are:
Mon-Thu 11:00am-10:00pm
Fri-Sat 11:00am-11:00pm
Sun 11:00am- 9:00pm
My 1-10 ratings:
Food - 8; Service - 7; Atmosphere - 6