Half Shell Oyster House, Pelham - Pelham, Alabama

italica 2012

Muy buen sitio para comer diferente a la tradicional comida anémonas americana, ostras, pescado y buena carne con anclajes acompañamientos muy ricos.

Blackhawkcpt

I really enjoyed our dinner here! The food was great and the atmosphere was unique and welcoming. Everything we ate tasted really good. I especially liked the smoked tuna dip, hush puppies, sweet potatoes crème brûlée, and the special tonight, a pecan bacon redfish. My mango sunset Martini was very smooth and delicious. Although service was very friendly, it was a bit slow at times.

It’s hard to believe at first it is in an old school building because of how beautifully it is decorated. There is also a large bar area you can watch sports. You are brought back to grade school when you enter the hallway to the bathroom. I look forward to my next visit!

JuOuttaHTown

I was really hoping this place would be good. It wasn't.

When I was seated.. the girl layed 2 small saucers on my table. One was cleanish-ish, and the other one was nasty, grimey. It took 10 minutes for anyone to acknowledge me and take my drink order.

The food took a very long time to arrive. The oysters rockafeller were sad, not plated well..A small fork, a lemon wedge might have helped a little... just sort of lame in my opinion. They tasted ok.

I enjoyed the crab, shrimp & corn bisque the best I think. I also ordered the redfish and it was really tough, overcooked. It was mostly like fish flavored jerkey. It was lousy. When my waiter asked how it was, I told him I was having a hard time cutting through the fish. He asked me "if I wanted a different knife". I should not require a steak knife to cut through my flaky fish.

I didn't like the price I paid for my lousy experience either. If anyone asked me... I wouldn't recommend this place based on my very first visit.

J Shay

We were on our way through Birmingham from a work trip and remembered that we had been wanting to try Half Shell at the recommendation of my little sister.

The location is very convenient and the ambience walking into the restaurant is very inviting.

We both are seafood lovers so diving right into the raw oysters was certainly on the agenda. They prepared them very well. There was no grit and each oyster was meaty. Michi may have eaten 7 or 8 to my 5 or 4 - but that happens.

I chose the Tuna Esplanade. They prepared it to perfection (the way I asked for it). It was garnished with jalapeno lime hollandaise topped with fried artichoke hearts, red onions and Parmesan cheese. *Side note - I had never tried fried artichoke hearts and now I wonder where they have been my entire life. I am also not sure why this isn't an appetizer or regular side on anyone's menu.

Speaking of side dishes - It was recommended that I try the sweet potato creme brulee and 🤯 - it was probably the first time I had ever wanted seconds of a side and I wish I had ordered some for later. This side complemented everything on the table.

Michi enjoyed the redfish with a side of turnip greens and garnished with jalapeno hush puppies. Now, before I talk about the meal we are the harshest judges on hush puppies (because you've never had my mom's) but Half Shell didn't halfway make these hush puppies - they were great. They were not dry nor were they overly pumped full of jalapenos. The fish was perfectly seasoned, the turnip greens were given 2 thumbs up because she was eating and making noises and the remoulade was prepared to perfection.

Now, after all of this we didn't necessarily need a dessert but my sister was constantly texting asking about the meal and told me I could not leave without trying the BLUEBERRY MASCARPONE CHEESECAKE - 🤯🤯🤯🤯

The first bite sent me into another dimension and I may have had an outer body experience. This dessert is usually a limited time selection so keep that in mind. I took the pleasure of taking a picture of the menu to give you the details.

I'm glad we didn't have to sing after eating here because it would have been nearly impossible.

Our server (and I told her I would probably mess her name up) Mareena was exceptional - she was not only serving us but other tables and knowing that I was going to do a review I wanted to see how she was keeping up with her section. She never seemed pressured, stressed or rushed - and she was always available to answer questions or give suggestions.

The manager - Heather, to the Asst Mgr Yessie and our server Mareena - thank you for an amazing experience and helping us find our new favorite seafood restaurant.

If you are 90 miles from Pelham, Al you'll want to give them a try!

Michelle S

Amazing food and service!! We don't normally like cooked Oysters, we prefer raw, but had to try their sampler. They were great. Had the Redfish Orleans with the asparagus w/gorganzola (Amazing!!) Also had the Blueberry cheese cake with lemon curd...sooo good!!

Google Google

First time visit on a date. No crowd at all. It was couple’s night…not really but it was only 3 other seated tables and they were couples/date. The ambience very nice, jazz melody romantic, and our server Marcella was super kind. When my entree arrived, our server
said, here you go Madame’. Bayou & Creole southern flare, it was the experience for me☺️
The host and all other staff were very nice too. Awesome first-time experience!
I actually like small crowd it added more to the experience, seemingly.
Oh my goodness…the entree’s were flavorful. Bisque and gumbo yummy.

If you don’t like spice make sure you tell them to hold the spice.

I felt the Louisiana vibe🎼🍽️

Lori Nix

Absolutely wonderful! I highly recommend dining here. The atmosphere is great, it is beautifully decorated, the service is excellent in the food will delight any seafood lover.
They have a variety of fresh oysters and shrimp to choose from and an excellent selection of wine and cocktails. I recommend the oyster sampler. You can try a variety of charbroiled and baked oysters. It might be on the high-end, but the quality is there. You definitely get what you pay for. You won’t be disappointed.

Kimberly Simmons

My husband and I love this restaurant!
I love the simplest thing, a garden salad with extra ranch. But my husband loves the crab claws fried, crab claws in Orleans sauce, the catfish dinner and I dare not forget the oysters baked!!!! Server Matt is amazing. However , the Management in this establishment I know for the last year where do I begin….Heather is outstanding in service and Bo is personable as well. If it’s not right they makes it right.

I recommend this establishment maybe not for a party larger than 12.

KS