This place was jammin! We stopped in for a quick bite while exploring Covington. It was Father's Day so it was busting at the seams with people BUT the service was top notch even with the busy crowd! Our food was so good too! Drinks were great. We actually sat at the bar because we didn't want to have to wait to be seated. Glad we did because the bartender, Ashley, was quite the entertainment. She was getting out drinks like I've never seen and they all looked so pretty and mine tasted great. She was also super attentive despite and very friendly. I definitely want to return and try different dishes and drinks! read more

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This was our 3rd time going there and disappointed yet again! I wanted a Hurricane like I've gotten previously and was told they don't have them. I ordered the seafood pot pie with broccoli and hush puppies. I get my plate and it looks like a peice of old brown drywall on my plate. Needless to say, NOT what I expected! I had fries which I did not order and burnt hush puppies. I sent it back and just opted for a cup of crawfish soup which was probably from Sysco. I will never go back. Third strike and out. Plus it was so HOT I was sweating inside. They dimmed the lights we were basically in the dark. read more

Half Shell Oyster House - Seafood pot pie [SENT BACK] Terrible looking - Seafood Near Me - Covington, Louisiana

Nice aesthetic restaurant but all smoke and mirrors. Fairly cheap drinks but you'll need about 10 to feel anything. Oysters not what you'd expect from a place with Half Shell in its name. Entrees decent however nothing exceptional. For a town with so many good seafood places this place will have to regroup their execution to match the building they are in. read more

3 pm and great service. Food was fast and delish. Lovely ambiance. Able to accommodate a wheelchair easily. read more

Hailee was amazing! I can't believe how amazing her suggestions were. Definitely a must stop on the map ! read more

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Awful service as per usual. My wife and I will not be back! Food is good (4 stars) and service is bad (1star). Takes forever to get drinks/ food and no one ever checks back in on us. I don't not like it when drinks stay empty. Bartender had to bring us our food and get us a refill. I give it a year until this place finally shuts its doors. read more

This is my second time to pop in for a glass of wine and a bite to eat at the bar. Ashley B was behind the bar and super friendly and accommodating. Both times she recommended good red wines. She was always smiling and laughing with customers. I do like the decor here as well. Kind of a French Quarter vive without being cheesy or tacky. I'll be back! read more

Half Shell Oyster House - Ashley B behind the bar - Seafood Near Me - Covington, Louisiana

Ask for Andy, the BEST and sweetest server! Julia Roberts works here, too (Vanessa)! Love, love, love the food and staff! You absolutely cannot go wrong visiting Half-Shell Oyster House! read more

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Very disappointed in this place. Although they have signs on their doors that masks are required, they don't even try to enforce it. My mother passed of COVID and I really don't appreciate it. Although we have eaten here every week for sometime I will not be returning. Which is sad because the food is good. read more

I'm not sure where they got the pictures for the 'Inside Northside' magazine. It is so FAR from the truth it made me laugh. The food looks nothing like the pictures. We ordered apps and 2 meals from an empty bar seating. The bartender forgot the appetizer, the food took almost 45 minutes to arrive, and the place was empty except for 3 or 4 tables in the dining room and an empty bar area. All that aside the food was horrible. There bad and then there's the 'half shell' All we could say was WOW that Su*ked. And the prices were extremely overpriced. I guess they thought they were in the caliber as Del Friscos. Needless to say we'll NEVER be back and save your hard earned money. This place is not worth the drive, the wait and especially your time. read more

Food was excellent. Our waiter was very professional and very attentive to our needs. The entire atmosphere is very conducive to having a good time. When we are back down in the area we will return. read more

This was absolutely the most watery flavorless awful gumbo I've ever had to eat!! And they used nothing but frozen cheap popcorn shrimp in it. They broiled oysters were terrible too. Greasy slimy mess. read more

One of my favorite oyster restaurants on the Northshore. We have enjoyed this spot several times. The restaurant is clean. Service is good. The oysters are amazing! They are sapid! The shrimp and crawfish dip is absolutely delicious. I was once obsessed with the dip. I will say turnover is frequent here but overall nice place. read more

Half Shell Oyster House - Crab and shrimp dip - Seafood Near Me - Covington, Louisiana

I got the New Orleans style surf and turf! It was very good and cooked exactly how I wanted it, I got the sweet potato creme brûlée as well but it definitely wasn't a creme brûlée it was more of mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar crumbles on top still good but definitely not what it was advertised as read more

Half Shell Oyster House - Seafood Near Me - Covington, Louisiana

Went here on a date a week ago. We order oysters and I had the savory beignets. Over all the food was delicious along with my martini that tasted like watermelon candy. Social distancing in the restaurant was pretty good. Also our waitress was pretty solid and friendly. The only issue was there was no one at the hostess station and we waited quite a bit until we went to the bar to find someone to seat us. read more

My hubby and I eat here often Food is wonderful and service is always good. Dessert changes unfortunately. The one I really loved was gone next time, but we love it overall. read more

Went here for the first time for a birthday lunch with 2 other friends. The server was friendly and attentive. I ordered the seafood portobello mushrooms, it was a very small portion for the price, it tasted good but nothing special. My friend ordered the shrimp poboy, it was actually good sized, the third thing ordered was the seafood pasta, again it was a small portion. The drinks were good, and the birthday girl received a free dessert and the waiter even gave a military discount. Overall it was ok, inside was clean and inviting and it wasn't freezing. Not sure if the dinner portion is bigger, but lunch would've been better with a bigger portion. read more

The food at this restaurant is so freaking good. The manager Henry is super nice. The people are very nice here. The service was excellent and I'll definitely be back. Our server name was Brooke she was on point. read more

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Birthday dinner celebration for long time friend . Great service Great food. Especially enjoyed the half and half tray of Oysters Rockefeller and Oyster Bienville. The cake cake appetizer was excellent ... and they are soon bringing back the appetizer "crab cake balls". All in all a successful and very pleasant birthday dinner. Crab Cakes, Chicken Alfred, Redfish Orleans. read more

Very poor service and terribly mismanaged restaurant. The chargrilled oysters were not much larger than a peanut. SMALLEST OYSTERS I'VE EVER SEEN!!! After being informed the manager would be visiting our table, he never came. Living close to this place was hoping it would be better. Will not be back! read more

It just depends. Sometimes food is great & sometimes it's just okay. Same with service sometimes the server is catering & sometimes not so much. Has a New Orleans style vibe. Drinks are always good. read more

Living in South Louisiana, I'm Use to high quality seafood with plenty of flavor... We have now tried this restaurant twice and both times it has lacked any major flavor !!! I also find their prices high for what they are serving ... The recipes need to be redone ... Just blah read more

Have been dying to try this place for sometime now, however, most of my friends don't like oysters, so the name caused a knee-jerk reaction! But the surprise is that the menu is varied and well-thought out...even gluten-free and Keto friendly. We let our friendly, knowledgeable server, (Serena), know up front that we had certain challenges. My friend can't have nuts/seeds and I follow the Keto WOE. We discussed sone choices, such as the sesame seared tuna, but since the dish is prepared before the final searing rather then made to order, we had to pass. We opted for the Chicken Half Shell with sun-dried tomatoes, capers and artichoke-hearts in a creamy Creole Alfredo sauce. And as the two sides that come with the dish, we decided on side salads. The chicken dish was amazing! Tender, savory and fork-tender. My only regret is there wasn't more of it to share! The side salads were a very good choice. Mixed greens, red onions, grape tomatoes with the house vinaigrette. You won't see a photo because we literally inhaled it. The other entree we split were a pound of the Royal Reds with drawn butter. Tender, easy-to-peel, meaty and well-seasoned. Highly recommended! As a last minute addition, we were envious of the next table's collard greens and decided to try them. Best we've ever tasted. The overall atmosphere here delighted the senses if you have an appreciation of architectural reclamation. Vintage doors, the inner chandeliers over the tables were unique pieces, stained glass and even antique metal ceiling tiles framing an alcove. Very cool. One of those places where every time you visit, you learn something new. Lastly, although they didn't offer any sugar-free desserts, worth special mention is that they had a separate gluten-free menu. Very considerate and most of those items were also Keto. Worth the $, eclectic, great service just wish the portions were larger. read more

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Came in since my wife insisted that I'd love it... and she was right. We came in late on a Tuesday night, but they were gracious and inviting. My wife loves the shrimp and grits... the drink of the month knocked her out of the park.Not many IPAs for me... but the local Hopitpulas was exactly what I needed. I had the filet and royal red mornay... also a special item. Everything was as I expected it to be. Even the steak was correctly cooked. I'd have rated it a 4 as I felt it didn't have that extra something, but the wife put the shrimp and grits at the top of her list... so a 5 it is! Definitely recommend a visit and we'll be back. Loved the New Orleans music and decor too! read more

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This was the worst service. From the server to the manager. The food was ok. The whole experience was crap. We definitely won't be back.

I love the location and my visits have always been good food good service and very comfortable atmosphere.

This is my go-to place for amazing grilled oysters! I have taken many friends there and the other seafood dishes are delicious as well. They are usually packed at peak times, but I have been able to get a table right away after the lunch rush. Update for COVID-19: I really, really wanted my oysters, but was dubious if they could be done take-out. Called and was told they could. Drove to the front door and this wonderful came out. I opened the passenger window, she put the sack in, and I paid with Apple Pay, just tap the card, no need to touch the screen. Peeked inside the sack and saw a large, flat foil container. Rushed home and devoured 12 plump grilled, hot, oysters. Yummy! And just what I needed. Top marks for the Half Shell during these tough times as well. read more

Excellent food and great team service!!! Better than expected. We will definitely be back soon. Had everything from raw oysters, yellowfin tuna dip, fried shrimp and grits (kids loved it), fried green tomatoes with crab cakes topped with a perfect sauce (mouth watering), seafood stuffed portobellos (large plate), and some of the best fish even compared to high class restaurants on the beach was the redfish Orleans. Ended it with the cinnamon roll bread pudding. Perfect for 4 and 2 kids to have a bite. It satisfied all our senses and couldn't stop saying how good it was even after Also great deals on beers and wine and specialty drinks were top notch. Favorite restaurant on the Northshore for us now and maybe everywhere. read more

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Ordered a shrimp po-boy. That sandwich was an insult to po-boys. The bread was disgusting, dry and crumbly. I ordered the sandwich dressed. Stuffed between these two halves of terrible bread was shredded lettuce, two slices of tomato and fried shrimp. No mayonnaise, mustard, or anything else was spread on the bread. I cannot recommend this place. read more

First time eating here and have to say it's dam good! We had sautéed crab claws awesome! Oyster Orleans was little over cooked but still good! And the Royal Redfish and fried green tomatoes!! was awesome!! Mmmm Charbroiled Oysters Crab Claws read more

For an oyster house was not too impressed. Had 1/2 dozen chargrilled oysters , nothing really great about them. Very little cheese , butter etc... Restaurant is nice and clean the staff was very nice just not a huge fan of the food . For the price I expected a bit more . Grilled shrimp and gumbo were just ok. read more

We went before the COVID. The food was ok, not great. We went for lunch on a Saturday. Our server would not leave us alone. I know there were not many customers but we just wanted to have a quiet lunch. She must have came to our table 15 times in an hour! Geez, we couldn't wait to leave. read more

1st time at this restaurant in Covington, La and they are open now approximately 2-3 weeks, it takes time to get the kinks out. Greeters at front desk were very professional and friendly. Seated at high-top in bar area (which is seating area that a host/hostess must seat you at, not a 1st come 1st served, but actual bar seats are 1st/1st). Waiter took about 5 minutes to arrive and promptly took drink order. Returned about 2 minutes later with 2 waters (we ordered water). We had already looked at lunch menu and were now ready to order and waiter took the order. I had Shrimp Orleans, which is shrimp in a house made sauce, and side order of Cheddar grits. My wife ordered Blackened Grouper with jalapeno hush puppies. All the food tasted good, not exceptional, but the portion sizes were surprising considering the cost, each was $14. My shrimp consisted of 9-#30 shrimp (slightly larger than bait) and the grits were way too runny (now I dont like sticky grits, but they poured). The grouper was about 6oz, and the hush puppies were the size of large marbles we played with as kids. Needles to say we were still very hungry when we left and the bill was $31.83 for lunch. Add to this the waiter had zero personality, and offered no refill of water, and seemed bothered that we asked for butter for the hush puppies. All in all, not at all what I expected after reading the reviews for their other locations. I will give 2nd chance, perhaps dinner to see if the service and food (amount) is better. There are lots of restaurants (other choices that are better) in our area, they need to step up, or they will be empty in the future. Maybe they need to read what lagniappe means in the dictionary of Louisiana food. read more

In the time of COVID, we were not able to dine in but we did grab lunch to go as we drove through town. The lunch special with fried shrimp and gumbo was amazing! The ladies who took our order and brought our food out were very nice and took the right precautions to keep themselves and us safe. We might stop on our return trip. read more

I went there for lunch and the portion size was good for me but very small. I know my husband with his big 6'4 frame would need more for lunch. I haven't been there for dinner so I'm not sure how their portions are at that time. The service was sub par. The food was good but I probably won't go back. I have been in this business far too long and I notice a lot! read more

I've been to this restaurant (3) times and each time it was exceptional! The wait staff is so sweet and the food is so delicious! My favorite is the Crème Brule sweet potatoes, super good! read more

Went there for lunch for the first time. There were 6 of us. First off, the acoustics are awful. Yes, it was busy but we had to yell at each other to be heard bc it was so loud. Some I was happy with my tuna steak on brioche. It tasted good. My husband ordered the seafood pot pie and was very disappointed in the portion size. It was pricey for basically a small plate type portion. My daughters each ordered chicken Alfredo and shrimp Poboy. Both were average in taste. Service was good. I'll go back again when I can sample the oysters (and maybe on a slower evening). Overall, we came away feeling that the portions were small for average tasting and higher than average prices food. Update 9/9/18 Well tried it for dinner tonight. Same result. The $24 seafood sampler was 5 shrimp, 4 oysters, frozen fish and a limp crab cake. I was really shocked. We also had the oyster sampler and while they did taste good, they were small and a lil dry. It's just way overpriced and the servings are under sized. So many other better choices in Covington. I think this is a MS based company that is gonna have a tough market in LA. read more

We dined in for lunch and everything was just ok. Nothing special. Brought my parents home a shrimp poboy and an oyster poboy both with gumbo. They said don't bring us anymore food from there. Her exact words were it was horrible. read more

I gave this place 5 stars because I liked the atmosphere as far as going there to sit at the bar with some friends and watch the game. I really liked that they had eagle rare because I'm a bourbon fan. The yellow fin tuna dip was pretty good. I think they should come out with a new way to dip it other than captain wafer crackers, that just looks cheap. The oysters weren't very big but I think that might be Louisiana wide due to the spillways being open. Get the fried green tomatoes and crab cakes for sure!!!! They were amazing. read more

The food and the service plus the atmosphere are top notch. I will be going back. I don't usually give a restaurant 5 stars because no one is perfect. This restaurant is. Yelp is not right by writing "This review is shorter than most" and won't post it to the review, so I'm writing about them! read more