Established, old-school BYOB joint specializing in oysters, plus sandwiches & other seafood plates.
gordon devoss
Food was excellent (fried shrimp and crab cakes, coleslaw slaw, cheese grits) as was the service.
Im giving 5☆ for the atmosphere because Shells is a local mainstay and hasn’t changed at all since I can remember.
Food also came out super fast.
Highly recommend but fair warning, parking kinda is terrible once the lot is full.
… moreerica kimble
Extremely Disappointing Visit to Shells Oyster Bar
I visited Shells Oyster Bar with a friend, and unfortunately, our experience was extremely disappointing. I ordered the catfish lunch, and my friend got the full platter. She didn’t receive any hush puppies with her meal, so we brought it to the staff’s attention, and they brought her just two. Meanwhile, the hush puppies I received were hard as a rock. I bit into one, immediately spit it out, and let our server know.
Instead of offering to remake them, they suggested microwaving them—something I found completely unacceptable, especially in a seafood restaurant. Who microwaves hush puppies and serves them back to a customer? That alone was enough to make me lose my appetite.
Beyond the food, the service was unsettling. When I asked for a drink refill, the server walked over toward me, then turned around and assisted a white male customer first, handing him ketchup while completely ignoring my request. I don’t want to immediately call it racism, but the difference in treatment between Black and white customers was hard to ignore. The energy in the restaurant felt off, and I didn’t feel welcomed or valued.
I originally thought Shells was a solid, local family-owned spot, and I was excited to try it. I don’t mind supporting white-owned businesses—but I expect fair treatment and decent food. Sadly, neither were provided.
I won’t be back and cannot recommend Shells Oyster Bar to anyone who values good food and respectful service.
… moreJoe Manausa
Shell Oyster Bar is hands down one of the best spots in town! My son and I split a dozen garlic-nuked oysters (amazing!) and both had the Shrimp Dinner Plate—everything was fresh and full of flavor, and you have to try their homemade cocktail sauce (perfect mix of horseradish and hotsauce). The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, and the service was excellent. Everyone there was super nice. If you’re looking for a classic Tallahassee Oyster Bar or just want the best seafood in Tallahassee, this is the place to go!
… moreAmy Kay Furtys
This is a wonderful local restaurant! I just recently found it. The crab claws and the grouper are my favorite. The shrimp is good as well. My husband loves the raw oysters. The homemade cocktail sauce is amazing! It has such good flavor! The food has always been hot and fresh! The service has always been great!
… moreFarah Nawaz
Absolutely delicious! The fry on everything was so light and didn’t make you feel weighed down by fried food. Had the best experience. The shrimp burger was so fresh and yummy, the fries too! The catfish also was so tender and melted in your mouth.
… moreVanessa Mallard
My family and I came here a few weeks ago while we were in town. My sister wanted some oysters, and I had read some decent reviews. It’s a small space, but we were seated pretty quickly. Please know that they only take cash. My sister, niece, and nephew all ordered some oysters (nuked). The girls also ordered a side salad with their meals. Between our table, we had a good mix of seafood. The wait staff was friendly, but what I didn’t particularly like is that they only gave the girls 1 oz of salad dressing. They asked for another side of dressing. The waitress seemed to be slightly bothered that they asked for more. She informed us that that’s a .50 charge for extra. At this point, we were like okay (what were we supposed to do/ say). I’d advise you if you’re gonna order a salad and don’t like it dry, to be prepared to pay extra or bring your own salad dressing. The fried crab claws were good but REALLY tiny. The size surprised me. I don’t think I’ve ever seen claws that small. My niece ordered the steamed shrimp, but they were cold. We asked if she could get some more, the waitress told us they didn’t replace the shrimp, and if she warmed them in the microwave, they’d overcook. That’s really unfortunate, especially since they were served cold. After looking at the plastic bowl that the shrimp were served in, it appeared that they had already warmed them over before serving them to us in the first place. I wouldn’t advise ordering the steamed shrimp. It’s one of the easiest and fastest ways to prepare shrimp, and they seem to not know how to do it properly. So, we had to pay for my niece to get some fried shrimp. The shrimp were fried good, as well as the fries. My fish was really salty, but, at this point, I was OVER IT and was ready to go. If there is some place other than this restaurant that you can go for seafood; then I’d suggest going there first. If it’s oysters you crave, then perhaps, this is the place. I’m pretty sure this was my first and last visit.
… moreThe Real Kimberly Thomas
Great food, great chef the oil way very clean and everything was wonderful! The server was great and we will return!
… moreErin Clark
Heading to Mt. Dora, FL. My husband decided he wanted oysters for lunch… I picked well, oysters couldn’t have been fresher! The onion rings were homemade and monstrous and the grouper sandwich was delicious.. I had a hard time putting it together for a sandwich, but I managed! We also hadan the bowl of crab claws, 12 bires but good. The place is definitely not fancy…. but everyone is friendly and the prices are great. Order a dozen oysters and they’ll shuck them right in front of you! Don’t forget to bring CASH!!!
… moreAmber Green
This place is a hidden gem in Tallahassee. The food is amazing! I visit during lunch and am in the door as soon as they open as the place is small and they fill up fast! Once you’ve had their nuked oysters, you’ll see why. As you’re walking in, the waiters are taking your orders and by the time you’re seated, you have drinks and apps served. This place moves fast. But you don’t feel rushed. Everyone is super friendly. Don’t come in expecting fine dining. Your food is served in reusable baskets, with packaged silverware and paper cups. But who cares when you’re being served fresh, hot seafood and great sides! The only downside is that they are CASH ONLY which can be a bit inconvenient for those of us who rarely carry cash. Other than that, I have no complaints. Love this place!
… moreSeth Horne
This is a dime. Keeping it simple never tasted so good. I will never grow tired of this yummy spot. The oysters and shrimp are to die for good.
If there is a food institution in Tallahassee, Shell Oyster Bar is it. It has been around for years and for damn good reason. Fresh is all you need to know. Every darn item on the menu is delicious .
There is nothing like gorging on freshly shucked oysters and fried shrimp . It just doesn’t get any better, anywhere close.
Another great feature is the BYOB policy. We roll in with a bottle of bubbles and a few beers, sit at the bar and just enjoy.
The folks that run the joint are super hospitable. You cannot help but leave completely satisfied. Enjoy!
… more