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Half Shell

Seafood Restaurant$$$$
Lake View East, Chicago
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8.3/10
157
ratings
  • Stars
  • Stars
    The experts at Time Out Chicago and Redeye Chicago recommend this place
    • Time Out Chicago
    • Redeye Chicago
  • Tips
    Marcella
    "Best crab legs in town you can go causal but it cash only"(23 Tips)
    Derek K.
    "Amazing king crab legs and just about everything else."(13 Tips)
    Adam R.
    "Little dive seafood place with great music and amazing snow crab."(4 Tips)
    Matthew G.
    "I personally love the fried clams and oysters on the half shell"(10 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon60 Tips and reviews
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  • mulligan stew
  • great value
  • outdoor seating
  • casual
  • cute
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  • Serra G.heart icon on user image
    Serra GerisMarch 8, 2014
    You have to go. Super dive-y, good southern feels. Best King Crab legs in the city - worth the $35! I heard the outdoor patio is clutch in the Summer. Looking forward to my next visit!
    Upvote3Downvote
  • Patty K.heart icon on user image
    Patty KernanOctober 9, 2014
    Can't beat the king crab legs! Best I've had and you cannot beat the price! I'll definitely be back. Great service as well!
    Upvote2Downvote
  • Matthew G.
    Matthew GarchikMarch 31, 2016
    It's a great cute authentic seafood restaurant where basically everything on the menu is great. I personally love the fried clams and oysters on the half shell
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Nichole .
    Nichole 📚May 18, 2014
    Get there on Fridays right before 8 if you're only 2 ppl. Anytime after that you'll have to wait. Also cash only but they have an ATM. It was a maxing definitely want to go back.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Redeye Chicago
    Redeye ChicagoAugust 3, 2014
    This divey basement seafood house started shucking oysters more than 40 years ago, way before trendy hangouts such as The Publican and GT Fish & Oyster made it cool again. Read more
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  • Katherine M.
    Katherine MeyerJuly 13, 2013
    Looks like a dive but their food is surprisingly good. You can't go wrong with the snow crab, their oysters or their crab cakes.
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Time Out Chicago
    Time Out ChicagoMay 11, 2012
    Grab a table in the tiny, Christmas light–strewn room, and start with the Mulligan stew. For more fried goodness, have the “Thirty-Two Pointer”--a crunchy pile of frog legs, perch, clams and shrimp. Read more
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Derek K.
    Derek KucyndaJune 21, 2019
    Amazing king crab legs and just about everything else. Mulligan stew also the best in the US. Cash only.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • James C.
    James CAugust 22, 2014
    Really good seafood that is fairly priced. Located off the beat. Totally worth the time. Get the crab it's so sweet.
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  • Sean M.
    Sean MallorySeptember 14, 2013
    Crab cakes were awesome! Staff was really nice. Definitely worth another visit!
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Melissa E.heart icon on user image
    Melissa EJune 4, 2016
    Amazing crab legs and clam chowder. Cash only so come prepared.
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Allison K.heart icon on user image
    Allison KaminskiJanuary 3, 2015
    Cash only, but the crab and calamari are the best!! Try to sit outside on the patio in the summer!
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  • James K.heart icon on user image
    James KeoborakotMay 4, 2014
    Recommend the King Crab! The best and most chunkest crab meat you ever had. Wow! Simply amazing!
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Jenn L.heart icon on user image
    Jenn LeFloreMarch 17, 2015
    Been here 5+ times
    Crab legs!!! The 1/2 snow 1/2 King is my go to. Paired w/a cold beer!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Sue M.
    Sue MaherAugust 4, 2013
    Cash only!!! Stick with the crab legs...it's what they do best. Don't get the mussels. Shrimp is good.
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Adam R.
    Adam RichardsonFebruary 19, 2014
    It was amazing. Little dive seafood place with great music and amazing snow crab.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Joshua K.
    Joshua KerbisMay 16, 2012
    Try going on Tuesday for the $20 Snowcrab legs. They give you over a pound and a half w tons of fries!!! Ask for the horseraddish sauce to!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Meredith B.heart icon on user image
    Meredith BahuriakAugust 7, 2014
    King crab legs & snow crab legs combo for $30 Amazing!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Katie
    KatieJune 29, 2012
    Oysters were great! I also cleaned my plate of the crab legs! My fiance go the Thirty-Two Pointer and did not care for it at all.
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  • Sheila C.
    Sheila ChengAugust 13, 2010
    Have a meal here before walking out. Don't judge the moment you get in. BEST crab legs in the city for a great price. The lollipop is AMAZING too.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Ambra R.
    Ambra RobertsJuly 31, 2012
    The crab legs are the best thing here!
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Noah M.
    Noah M.March 2, 2014
    Been here 5+ times
    Start with some clams or oysters, then get the combo. Can't go wrong.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Arash A.heart icon on user image
    Arash AnsariJune 11, 2015
    Simple and delicious menu, and the ambiance is great in the summer.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Time Out Chicago
    Time Out ChicagoMay 25, 2012
    For fried goodness, have the “Thirty-Two Pointer” for an entrée—a crunchy pile of smelts, perch, frog legs, clam strips and fat shrimp. -JJ Read more
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Mike G.
    Mike GJanuary 30, 2010
    Classic dive bar atmosphere. Beer in plastic pitchers. And absolutely INSANE king crab legs. Save the bed of white bread and fries for the end - after they've soaked up the delicious butter sauce.
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  • Samantha K.
    Samantha KuhnSeptember 25, 2013
    If you want a casual, cost effective place to indulge in crab legs, this is the place for you.
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  • Lauren E.
    Lauren ErnestNovember 16, 2011
    Oysters, Fried Oysters, Fried Catfish and Crab Cakes! Next time were going for the King Crab Legs... Amazing!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Time Out Chicago
    Time Out ChicagoJune 4, 2012
    For fried goodness, have the “Thirty-Two Pointer” for an entrée—a crunchy pile of smelts, perch, frog legs, clam strips and fat shrimp.
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Mia T.
    Mia TallasiangrlAugust 6, 2013
    Make sure to get the special king & soft crab legs ... Worth every penny!!! Yum
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Sam P.
    Sam PizzoAugust 29, 2013
    Incredible, fresh seafood! Alex the bartender makes a damn good Long Island!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Garrett J.heart icon on user image
    Garrett JeffsJanuary 7, 2022
    Oysters and martinis baby. Great place to get both on the cheap
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Marcellaheart icon on user image
    MarcellaJuly 12, 2013
    Been here 5+ times
    Best crab legs in town you can go causal but it cash only
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Amy G.
    Amy GuthDecember 4, 2011
    The clam strips are crazy delicious and come with a selection of different, delicious sauces.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • jmm
    jmmAugust 24, 2012
    You get a lot of more than decent food for your money. Try the catfish!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Daniell G.
    Daniell GriffinApril 21, 2014
    King crab legs are to die for!
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  • Jon B.heart icon on user image
    Jon B.September 10, 2022
    Cash only seafood joint that was good, but a bit expensive.
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  • Jack S.
    Jack SalzmanJuly 8, 2012
    The sweet and sour is soo good that if u ask them what's in it, they won't tell u
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  • Stephan G.heart icon on user image
    Stephan GermainMay 7, 2015
    Very good lunch specials
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  • Paul M.
    Paul MorganMarch 7, 2012
    King and Snow crab awesome - this is the reason you come.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Steven S.
    Steven SpringerDecember 7, 2011
    Best deal for crab legs on this side of the Mississippi!
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  • Shane F.
    Shane FrostMarch 16, 2012
    B careful of the Great LONG Islands - they will dot ur ahrse!
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  • Chris B.heart icon on user image
    Chris BanghamDecember 1, 2017
    Been here 10+ times
    Get crab legs!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Tom K.
    Tom K.February 27, 2011
    Great King Crab legs and fresh oysters in the city.
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  • Tim P.
    Tim PJune 17, 2011
    Can't go wrong with the soft shell crab on a bun
    Upvote1Downvote
  • 👑Dawn N.
    👑Dawn Noir👑August 11, 2014
    The king crab legs!
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  • Jeff B.
    Jeff BinfordMay 10, 2012
    Don't be afraid of the huge tuna steak!
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Randall E.
    Randall EierieSeptember 19, 2020
    I hate to even give this place 1 star. Our experience was Terrible from beginning till end. Our drinks were messed up & the fries were cold. Awful server & mangment!!
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  • Tyler M.heart icon on user image
    Tyler McPheetersJanuary 13, 2012
    Been here 10+ times
    Don't forget to eat your bubble gum sucker.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Valerie D.
    Valerie DanzigJune 24, 2013
    Cash only, no credit cards
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  • Eamon M.heart icon on user image
    Eamon MurphyApril 20, 2010
    Go for the King Crap legs. You can eat like a king, and pay like a pauper. Read more
    Upvote1Downvote
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