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Half Shell, Seattle, WA

Half Shell

4.6 (106)
$31 to $50
Seafood
2020 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98121-2109

Make a reservation

2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
7:00 PM
Booked 19 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Great for happy hour
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
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
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Chef Chris Schwarz
  • 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!
    Half Shell, Full Flavor: $2 Oysters from 3pm - 6pm Photo

What 106 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

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Seattle

    Seafood

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Half Shell delights with "absolutely fantastic staff" and fresh, flavorful seafood near Pike Place Market. Standout dishes include black cod, shrimp sliders, and oysters. The ambiance is "fun" and "pleasant," making it perfect for groups or date nights. Happy Hour is a hit, highlighting "local oysters on the half shell."
106 Reviews
  1. Keri

    Seattle2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Loved the black cod. Also fried green tomatoes with crab. Really nice waiter with our group of six.

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  2. Amanda VIP

    Seattle30 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on May 5, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    Sat outside on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon, just as HH wrapped up. I was able to score my Oysters, Shrimp Slider, Fries, and Bubbly. The Oysters did not seem right. Not sure why they were not up to par. I thought they were farmed and would be great but maybe I do need to follow the golden rule of not eating them during months not ending in R. Noted! The Shrimp Slider comes with this beyond the grave, absolutely fabulous cucumber salad. I could be dramatic about it, because I think its just slathered in Chili Oil - But I am, nonetheless in love. It comes with a soft potato bun, and the shrimp flavor comes through very nicely. This is an all star in my book. Fries were very bland and did not live up to the hype I had for them in my heart. After seeing them countless times, I expected flavor, but was left with a greasy, boring bite. Bubbles and beer were great, and for the area priced within reason. HH pricing is not all you'd think, but it is a tourist hot spot. With that, I think being in a tourist spot, maybe my server decided I was a visitor and just did not serve all that well. I felt ignored for one, and she kept looking at the person I was sitting with to ask questions like how's the food, or do you want a refill. I was left behind at the table and it was kind of sad. I actually can't believe I am saying this, but I am a local, a foodie, and a people person. I love to hang at restaurants on nice days and eat, drink and be merry. This was pretty lame and I did not see why she was like this. She was also very abrupt but did not seem overly busy. I am also empathetic to service workers because it's not an easy job. Everyone else was great, and shoutout to the host who did come and check on me, get me a 2nd drink, and smile like I was a human. Ok, Half Shell and Mr. Douglas, we got this, lets keep going and being a standout spot at the Market :)
    Half ShellResponded on May 10, 2025
    Hi Amanda, Thank you for your feedback and understanding of the restaurant business. I am thrilled you checked us out but am sorry for the lack of service and the food that was not what you expected. Your insight is helpful and appreciated - we aim for delicious food with gracious service. I'd love to send you a gift card to use at any of our joints but best if you came back to see us. Sincerely, Gretchen Geisness

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  3. paige

    Seattle2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 30, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    first time here and i cant wait to come back! service was wonderful, food was absolutely outstanding and the overall atmosphere was very pleasant.

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  4. Laurie VIP

    Seattle26 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Food is always amazing! You know going in it will be fresh and amazing.

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  5. Haley

    Seattle3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful place by the market to enjoy fresh oysters & seafood but other amazing options. The cocktails and top notch as well. Great for a group or date night

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  6. David

    Seattle6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Bilini Sunday brunch was excellent. Unique and very tasty.

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  7. Liza VIP

    Los Angeles62 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 10, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Came for happy hour and enjoyed our oysters and cocktails. Had a seat with a view. Service was quick.

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  8. Holly

    Seattle2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 3, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I love the new space. The service is always incredibly warm, knowledgable, and not intrusive. We had a lovely lunch. The hama hama's + martini dip were as good as ever. Shrimp cakes and mushrooms were divine. One of the burgers walked by and looked incredible.

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  9. Evelyn

    Seattle7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent oysters and accompanying drinks. Service courteous and responsive

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    Oxford4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Our server Matt was attentive and personable! Great guy!

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FAQs

Half Shell is rated 4.6 stars by 106 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Seattle / Eastern Washington
  4. Seattle
  5. Belltown / Pike Place Market

Make a reservation


Booked 19 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Half Shell

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
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  • Terms of Use
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  • Cookie Preferences
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