Half Shell

Name: Half Shell
Address: 2020 Western Ave, Seattle, WA, United States, 98121-2109
Telephone: (206) 829-7535
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

4.7 (122)

$31 to $50

Seafood

2020 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98121-2109

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 27 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Great for happy hour
Charming
Neighborhood gem

Oysters | Steak | Sea Bar | Martinis

Nestled just north of the Pike Place Market, we focus on serving seafood fresh from the Pacific Northwest waters with West Coast flavors.
Our menu includes oysters, crab, salmon, fresh local catch plus steaks and a really great burger.
Icy martinis, bubbles and spritzes center the Pearl Bar.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Seafood, Oyster Bar, Steak
Hours of operation
Mon–Wed 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Thu, Fri 12:00 pm–9:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 3:00 pm–6:00 pm
Phone number
(206) 829-7535
Website
https://www.halfshellseattle.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Chef Chris Schwarz

Location
2020 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98121-2109
Neighborhood
Belltown / Pike Place Market
Cross street
Western and Virginia
Parking details
Public Lot
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Half Shell, Full Flavor: $2 Oysters from 3pm - 6pm
Multiple dates available
Happy Hour Every Day 3:00pm – 6:00pm Freshly shucked oysters, craveable small bites, and a really good cheeseburger. Pair it all with icy martinis and drink specials – it’s the perfect way to unwind after a day in the city or a Pike Place Market stroll. Ask your server about our happy hour deals – we can’t wait to see you!

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What 122 people are saying

Half Shell reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.5Service
4.6Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Seattle / Eastern Washington
Seafood
Seattle
Seafood

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Half Shell offers an "outstanding" dining experience with a variety of fresh, local oysters praised as "perfect" and "amazingly fresh." The Dungeness crab roll and scallop ceviche are highlights. Friendly, attentive service enhances its "lovely setting and ambience." A "great happy hour" and creative seafood dishes make it a must-visit in Seattle.

122 Reviews

C
Catherine
San Francisco Bay Area13 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Wonderful food and drinks. Pricey but not outrageous. A bit loud.
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B
Blair
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill3 reviews
2.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Meh minus. I came for the oyster happy hour, too bad the oysters weren’t good. Had a clam dip with ritz crackers….it was ok. Wife had a “small plate”, which was just a snow crab legs, son had the king salmon, which he said was ok (should be better than ok for 50 bucks), but there were very little sides, in quantity. After the awful oysters, very buttery (told waitress I didn’t like them and she asked if I ever had west coast oysters, I said no, and she said well, there you go and walked away), and if that’s how all west coast oysters taste, I’ll stick to upper east coast oysters. I had a burger for dinner. 3 of us, total bill 230 bucks. I guess the worst part is our waitress was just so full of herself and condescending, yet never answering our questions. Hmm idk, maybe the worst part was the crappy expensive food, and terrible “happy hour”. Flip a coin.
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A
Alexis
Seattle / Eastern Washington3 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Lovely setting and ambience in the restaurant as well as the view outside the windows! 4 types of local oysters with delicious mignonette and hot sauce. Scallop ceviche was a real winner and perfect spicy kick! We had the black cod with a side of Half Shell's awesome fries! We did not have room for dessert but the Triple Coconut Pie is the THING! Half Shell is OUTSTANDING!
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a
allyson
Seattle / Eastern Washington1 review
5.0
Dined on July 5, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Service was excellent. Red crab portion was good value. Fried green tomatoes had a nice sauce with crab
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H
Harvey VIP
Fort Lauderdale24 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 27, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Being from the east coast and visiting before our vacation cruise we were recommended to Half shell by one of the staff in the hotel where we were staying. I can happily say that it was amazing and a great recommendation being somewhat of a foodie. I had some of the most delicious and best oysters that I have ever eaten. The Dungeness crab roll was simply amazing and being used to lobster rolls was a welcome and delicious change. The service and food were excellent and some of the best French fries that I have had the opportunity to eat. I would not miss the opportunity to dine here while in Seattle
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K
Karin VIP
Chicago / Illinois18 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 25, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We went for happy hour because my husband loves oysters! The oysters, crab roll, hamburger and drinks were all delicious. Service was warm and friendly with just the right balance of attentive service and letting us dine in peace.
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M
Mario
Orange County3 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 22, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
perfect oysters, killer dunginess crab roll, spectacular strawberry shortcake. 10/10.
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J
Jennifer VIP
Atlanta11 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 21, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Amazingly fresh oysters. Yummy burger. But those homemade potato bread rolls…..insane. Loved it!
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G
Gregory VIP
Seattle / Eastern Washington72 reviews
2.0
Dined on June 19, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
Ordered medium rare salmon, specified on the rare side-opaque. Exactly as I used to order at its' predecessor, Etta's, as well a many other Seattle restaurants. Fish came medium to well. I sent it back, the server misunderstood, thought it wasn't done enough. I found this out after waiting another 20 minutes and server said it took a long time to cook. Eventually, the hostess came over and we got it "fixed". The salmon was at best fair. The oysters were great. My colleague loved his Dungeness crab stuffed bread. Wines were mediocre. Even though they comped the salmon, I won't return.
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L
Lillian
Portland / Oregon1 review
5.0
Dined on June 14, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
I love this place! A regular spot that we visit weekly.
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FAQs

Half Shell is rated 4.7 stars by 122 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 27 times today

Experiences are available.

2020 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98121-2109

Additional information

Cross street
Western and Virginia
Neighborhood
Belltown / Pike Place Market
Hours of operation
Mon–Wed 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Thu, Fri 12:00 pm–9:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 3:00 pm–6:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Seafood, Oyster Bar, Steak
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Public Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Chef Chris Schwarz
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://www.halfshellseattle.com/
Phone number
(206) 829-7535

Half Shell

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Experiences

Half Shell, Full Flavor: $2 Oysters from 3pm - 6pm

Ask Concierge
AI Beta

Menu

Pearls

Fresh Oregon Bay Shrimp$18.00

What 122 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is Half Shell restaurant rated?

Is Half Shell currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information