I'm so glad we have a good seafood spot in Tuscaloosa! Honestly, I'm from Destin, FL, and it's hard to trust inland seafood restaurants. But Half Shell pulls it off! (Try Chuck's, too!) If I had to order a last meal, it would be chargrilled oysters! Chargrilled Oysters are a delicacy like no other!! It is hedonism at its finest. This place serves up a variety of seafood, especially oysters, and other seasonal offerings on the speciality menu. Our server, Nicola, was just fantastic, always around, but never hovering, great recommendations, and you could just tell she was there for you! I love popping in to grab a cocktail as well. Austin at the bar makes a mean martini! read more

First time here, we stopped by for a late lunch/early dinner on a Tuesday. We were seated quickly at a window table with a great view of downtown Tuscaloosa. Our server, Austin, greeted us right away and promptly took our drink order. This is where the experience dropped to three stars. The menu lists O'Doul's, but they no longer carry it. Austin mentioned they now offer Heineken 0.0, but they were out of that as well. My wife then tried to order the nonalcoholic Mint Julep without mint, followed by the Basil Margarita without basil, but ultimately settled for water. Everything else we ordered was very good. The Oysters Bienville were excellent, as were my Red Fish Orleans and my wife's shrimp pasta. One thing we did notice is that the menu identifies whether seafood is sourced domestically or imported, and unfortunately, too much of it appears to be imported. read more

We walked in and were greeted by a great hostess -- friendly, welcoming, and a strong start to the evening. We asked to sit at the bar and were seated right away. Unfortunately, that's where things went downhill. The bartender walked toward us, awkwardly looked at the couple next to us as if he thought they were the new guests, then realized we had just sat down. He stumbled a bit and said he'd be right back. That would've been fine -- except he then proceeded to take care of everyone else at the bar before even acknowledging us again. A guest who sat down several minutes after we did -- on the other side of the bar -- received a menu before we ever got one, even though we had already been sitting there for five minutes. No greeting. No water. No menu. Then a group of girls gathered near the bar and a manager came over. The manager made a beeline straight for them and started chatting, completely ignoring the rest of the bar -- especially those of us who hadn't even been given a menu yet. At that point, we decided the night wasn't starting the way good service should. First impressions matter. We quietly got up, walked out, and headed across the street to Chuck's Fish -- where we had a delicious dinner and were genuinely grateful we chose to leave. Service sets the tone. Unfortunately, this one missed the mark. read more

Half Shell Oyster House - The outside where i thankfully walked to after lousy service! Walked across the street to Chucks and didn't regret a thing! - Seafood Near Me - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Solid seafood choice right on the corner or busy downtown. We've been coming to Half Shell for years! It's fairly easy to pop in for lunch and sit at the bar. They serve one of the best drinks in town: the Pink Pearl martini- which is fabulous! I have always loved their Half Shell salad and usually order their blacked fish of the day. Overall, a solid choice and pretty popular in town. read more

Half Shell Oyster House - Blackened Redfish - Seafood Near Me - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

'Twas the night after Christmas, and all through the city, not a creature was stirring--not even the patrons. Being a local has its advantages, and on nights like this, we pretty much have the city and its good restaurants to ourselves. With UA still closed for Winter Break and most folks either traveling or tied up in family gatherings, it was likely the least busy Friday night of the season--and a perfect time to eat downtown. We make it to Half Shell a dozen times a year, usually when the students are gone, and this visit reminded us why. The interior remains one of my favorites in downtown Tuscaloosa--an old building full of character, stairs leading up to additional seating, and an open dining layout that feels both relaxed and inviting. The restaurant was clean and quiet, with only a handful of tables occupied, and best of all, we didn't have to lace up our Lewis and Clark shoes and explore half the city looking for parking. A win-win all around. On previous visits, we've enjoyed the chargrilled oysters and gumbo, but tonight we skipped the appetizers and went straight to the main course: the Seafood Pasta. This comfort dish features Gulf shrimp, crawfish, and mushrooms tossed with linguini in a Creole Alfredo sauce, topped with crab meat and Parmesan cheese. Rich, flavorful, and satisfying, it's the kind of dish that makes you slow down and enjoy every bite--exactly what a quiet winter evening calls for. Service was excellent from start to finish. Our waiter was attentive and on point, even bringing our side salads out ahead of the entrée, which is always appreciated and rarely overlooked. By the time we finished our meal, it felt less like dining out and more like enjoying a well-kept local secret. Half Shell continues to reward those who know when to show up--when the students are gone, the parking cooperates, and the kitchen isn't in a hurry. Because good food is always better when you don't have to elbow your way to it. read more

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Food was absolutely amazing here along with drinks! If I'm ever back in Tuscaloosa I'll definitely be going back here for sure read more

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We arrived at 2:30pm. The atmosphere is pleasant with jazz playing. We were immediately taken to a table. We started with gumbo. I grew up in Mobile, I know gumbo, theirs was spot on. Our redfish was perfect as well. The service was great. read more

Half Shell Oyster House - Seafood Near Me - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

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Alex was amazing, he was knowledgeable about the menu and made super suggestions. We will be back to dine with him!

I have been there twice and so far each time has been amazing the food is great the portions do not disappoint. The service is great. I can't wait to go back. read more

Service was a bit slow but pleasant. We started with the oyster sampler. Just get it. Yum. Then I had the corn, crawfish something chowder or bisque and half shell salad. Also just get it. Yum. Hubs got the gumbo and said it was bland. It's super dark in there but nice. read more

Half Shell Oyster House - Oyster sampler - amazing. Yum but chew lightly so you don't break a tooth. - Seafood Near Me - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Joey was an awesome server! Food and service was amazing! Large portions and came out at appropriate intervals-app, salad, soup, meal! Which is a great skill for it to not all overlap! Great meal! read more

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Absolutely delicious experience! Highly recommend and would go back in a heartbeat. One of the best I've tried in Tuscaloosa.

Joe provided an outstanding service ! First time at this great place and a great server !

Hands down some of the best food in Alabama. The Oysters Orleans are addictive, the sweet potato brûlée is worth the drive on its lonesome, the pastas are exquisite, the fish, crab, shrimp are all incredibly well prepared, and the bar will shock you with how well endowed it is. The atmosphere is wonderful, you really feel as though you're just a hop and a skip away from the real New Orleans. If you have one thing in Tuscaloosa, this might be it. read more

Me and my wife dined here for Valentine's The service was outstanding. The food was amazing and we had such a great time. We look forward to coming back. read more

Half Shell Oyster House - Fresh and hot! - Seafood Near Me - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

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Amazing meal, even better drinks. Great service & atmosphere. Perfect place to eat and enjoy a night downtown, or for a gameday. read more

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Joey was so patient and helpful with our order! The food came out hot, fast and delicious! My bisque and chargrilled oysters were perfect and definitely something I would order again. My husband's redfish was cooked perfectly. What an amazing place with yummy food and fun atmosphere! read more

Great spot in Tuscaloosa. We were here on business and it came highly recommended. I am gluten free and the menu was clearly marked but I was also easily able to make modifications and the waiter was very knowledgeable on what could be made gluten free that wasn't marked. We started with the broiled oysters which were perfectly cooked and I got the modified redfish royal with grits and a half shell salad. The salad was lacking a little but the rest was delicious. My dining companions got the brûlée sweet potatoes which they loved. My only complaint is that their wine list is very basic. read more

This establishment is not dog friendly! As soon as we walk in the rude manager couldn't shove us out the door fast enough.

This place is amazing! The food is top-notch and the staff is incredible! Our hostess, Lauren, was so sweet! I definitely recommend this restaurant. Best seafood in the Tuscaloosa area! read more

Everything was amazing!!! The wait was half the time they said but the best part was the Waitor Brayden!! He was awesome very attentive and we never had to wait on anything! read more

Great food, great drinks & overall great ambiance for dinner. I would highly recommend this restaurant. read more

Half Shell Oyster House - Bar area - Seafood Near Me - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

I would highly recommend the Cajun charbroiled oysters!! Delicious!! We only ordered 6, but should have gotten a dozen! Service was great, prompt, and knowledgeable. It's a busy place, doesn't take reservations so we went late but still exited about 45 minutes for a table. Otherwise, a nice casual place to come and enjoy some delicious food! read more

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Nice restaurant. The top shelf LI Teas, perfectly prepared. The oysters were small and salty exactly as I like them. I normally visit the restaurant twice a month. Get there early on game weekends to avoid a long wait. Oh yea the gumbo is great! Absolutely great place! read more

Half Shell Oyster House - Dozens of oysters! - Seafood Near Me - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Allison was the best waiter we have had so far! She was very kind, quick and very attentive to our needs! We look forward to coming back very soon! Thank you Steve for hiring this star of a worker!! read more

food is always incredible, the raw oysters and seafood gumbo r my favorit. Nicola was our waiter and she is the best, we love her!

The food was good and service was great. The baked oysters and hush puppies were a great start but I have to admit the Redfish Orleans was pretty oily. The food was good although very heavy. read more

Half Shell Oyster House - Redfish Orleans - Seafood Near Me - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

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Food was awesome. Love the environment and ambience!! I was pleased with how it's a great value! Definitely will be back often. read more

Half Shell Oyster House - Seafood Near Me - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Great food, drinks and ambiance. The service was great and even though the store was busy I got everything exactly how I wanted it. We got the oyster sampler, Royal Redfish, Southern Pecan old fashion and the special golden hour sangria. read more

Our party of 8 called ahead and was sat upon arrival. The oyster sampler is one of my faves. The drinks are pretty good too.

Great food, great drinks, just a touch understaffed for Sunday night. It did take me a while to get things. read more

Half Shell Oyster House - Bar area - Seafood Near Me - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

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We waited an hour for a table for 5 on a Friday night. The online waitlist feature was not working so we couldn't add our names in advance. We were fine to wait and headed inside once we were second in a line. After waiting inside for another 15 minutes, another party of 5 walked in and inquired about a table and then stepped aside to figure out if they wanted to wait. As they were about to leave, the manager walked up to them, winked and said "come with me" and sat that at a table. Lovely gesture for the new party of 5 but not a great move to give away our table right in front of us. No apology. No offer of a free app or drink. In fact the manager never came back to the front while we were waiting. Once we were seated, we were seated without menus. Food was great but apps all came out at different times and the bar forgot a cocktail. Food was great but as we were leaving there were 4 tables around us where food had been scraped off plates by bussers and left in piles all over the tables. I assume the bussers would be coming back to roll up the paper coverings and dispose of it but piles of half eaten food all over the tables was a disgusting way to end our meal. Despite the good food and cocktails and very kind hostess and server, we won't be back. read more

Back just two weeks later from my first visit. The inside of the restaurant was very comfortable and not the freezing cold experience of my last visit. I sat in the bar area at a high top. I started out with a half dozen Oysters Bienville and they were excellent, albeit quite rich. Next, I had some seafood gumbo, this, too, was superb containing generous chunks of seafood. For my entree I had the Refish Orleans, very good but the Cajun sauce, although it had great flavor, was overdone with the amount on the plate; I believe that the kitchen attempts to give the fish another life by creating an environment for which the fish could swim. Bottom line, food here is very good, downtown setting is convenient and comfortable, and my service tonight was excellent (thank you Trey!). read more

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I ate my entrée so fast I didn't remember to take a picture. So I guess I'll have to give you the 1000 words. Here are some of the things I loved about this restaurant: The food was delicious. The Louisiana style crab claws were perfectly cooked and so flavorful. The garlicky sauce was the perfect touch. The service was excellent. The staff was friendly and attentive, and they were happy to answer any questions I had about the menu. The atmosphere was warm and inviting. It was a great place to relax and enjoy a meal with friends or family. I also wanted to add that I really enjoyed the community feel of the restaurant. I met some amazing patrons while I was there, and we all chatted for a while about our experiences in Tuscaloosa. It was a great way to learn about the city and meet some new people. Sorry no picture of the entree I was too busy talking and eating...At least I did remember to post the margarita! read more

Half Shell Oyster House - Top "Shell" Margarita - Seafood Near Me - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

We were able to walk in as a family of 6 around 8pm on a summer Saturday and sit right down--a win as the tiniest ppl were about ready to crash. The staff was nice and the decor/design of the restaurant is fun. The food was lacking in flavor. If you're truly into Cajun food or love New Orleans cuisine, this place likely isn't going to cut it for you. We had to add salt to just about everything that came out. The only items with no complaints were the shrimp poboy and the children's cheeseburger. read more

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I'm low key upset that I didn't discover this place earlier. We came here on a date night just to try out some oysters and ended up having one of the best oysters AND the most juiciest and cooked to the perfection stakes!!! Actually I take that back; I had the best stake in my whole life tonight at the Half Shell Oyster House, Tuscaloosa! We also ordered some shrimps which were alright, and got fried okras and French fries as our 2 sides that came with the stake. I also tried their grilled pineapple jalapeno margarita which was amazing! All the staff were so nice and the atmosphere was so cozy and gorgeous. Overall this place made our date night one of the most memorable ones and I can't wait to visit this restaurant again in my next trip to Tuscaloosa!! read more

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I got the pecan crusted Mahi with grits & sweet potatoes creme brûlée. My husband got the fried Catfish & fries . read more

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My experience at Half Shell was okay. They offer a good selection of food, and I've visited several times. However, on each visit, I noticed a sour or dishwater-like smell in the facility. It may just be my sensitive nose, but it's been enough of a deterrent to make me think twice about returning. read more

Great recommendation from my coworkers in Tuscaloosa! I needed one last dinner to complete my trip, and I definitely was not disappointed. Start the experience with an ice-cold Lazy Magnolia Southern Pecan. So tasty, so cold; I had it about half gone by the time the waiter sat it down to take my order! (It was 92 degrees outside...lol). I decided to go with 2 of their signature menu items: the Oysters Orleans (when at an oyster house) and the Voodoo Shrimp Po'Boy....wow! Saving the best for last, let's start with the Po'Boy. The voodoo sauce is awesome, and there had to be about 25 shrimp on it. The French bread was warm on the inside and had a nice flaky crust. I would suggest no lettuce, tomato, or pickles. The additions just got in the way. Now, what I should have ordered a couple dozen of and made my entire course: the Oysters Orleans. I usually enjoy raw oysters, but I thought I'd try these charbroiled oysters topped with cajun sauce and parmesan cheese. I added some additional hot sauce and then enjoyed the most delicious oysters I have ever tried. I would go out of my way to stop here just for the oysters! Very quick service, very good food, and I think a relatively inexpensive price for an upscale restaurant. I definitely recommend (get the oysters!). read more

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Everyone was nice, friendly and helpful. I like the food. It ''tis fresh and well seasoned. My favorites include the Oyster Bienville, Royal Reds, sweet potato crème brûlée, asparagus with Gorgonzola, and garlic toast. We need this alternative to dining. read more