This place is my current favorite daytime beach spot. Haven't tried much variety of the menu because I know a good thing when I taste it and the chicken strips here are so legit. They also have sweet potato fries. One day I'll try a burger. It's a great place to hang out and wait for that perfect beach sunset....which can be viewed from inside too. The second time I ever walked in I was greeted by name. Some bartenders are just awesome like that! #Patrick. There's always sports playing on the TVs and the place is clean. Weekends and some evenings get kinda crowded so I try to avoid those times. Definitely has that diveyness that makes it feel comfortable and unpretentious. Has a jukebox, tables, booths, and standing tables. Just missing bar games. The restroom issue from previous reviews seems to have been resolved and it's been clean and stocked every time I've ever seen it. Always meeting interesting people here. read more

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Mikey is the best bartender there everrr was, he keeps my cards safe when I forget them and is always taking care of everyone!

Great spot to have a beer and enjoy the beach after. Located in the heart of The Strand in Manhattan Beach. I've been coming here for years and have brought so many friends along with me. Tip: Don't order food on weekends with an empty stomach... you'll either starve or be drunk by the time the food arrives read more

Love coming to Shellback! Tons of good food and drink options, and great service. The food is always delicious. Super fun bar to hang out in. They are currently offering outdoor seating, which is really fun! read more

I'm going to start another new blog...stuff I hear at Shellback. Priceless. With all these reviews, I can't really add much. One of the best beach bars in these United States. For MB it is a steal of a deal...and you get sunsets, some nuttines, oh, and bathrooms that have not been updated in about 50 years. That's fine, tho. Almost all of my entertainment industry peeps (the non-douchy ones) all want to come have a beer(s) at Shellback. Even my local buds (the non-douchy ones) love the place. Don't listen to Cowherd. Props to Patrick, my favorite cynical Northeastern bartender. read more

Great, laid-back place. Overrun with teenagers, though. Do they even check for ID? It's still Old Faithful, but I can't help but miss the chill, local beach vibe this place used to have. read more

This place is awesome! Very friendly folk, good drinks, fast service and Mikey is the man!

Very cool/divey pub/bar right beside Manhattan Pier. Great atmosphere and vibe, friendly helpful bartenders and lots of interesting people. Sports on TVs behind bars, and one of the nights we were there they were playing the movie Slap Shot! Decent prices especially given the location, and good food menu, though I haven't eaten there yet. read more

Simply one of the best beach bars in all of Southern California. I've been to (way too) many from San Diego to Monterey, and this place is still top 5 after 20 years of travel. read more

Was in town for one night on 27AUG 21. Had been to Shellback a few times before and always enjoyed it...Cool place, good food. This night was more of the same, only tonight My credit card was stolen by the Asian waitress who was waiting on me. She then proceeded to charge over $500 worth of merchandise (women's clothes and shoes) on my card. I know it happened here because that was the only time I used my card while in LA. Left her a nice tip too. Beware! read more

We stopped here for lunch before going to the beach. It is right across the street from Manhattan Beach Pier, which was nice bc we were dragging our suitcases with us. We wanted something reasonably priced and good- this place delivered for sure. The carne asada and fish tacos were great. The waitress was friendly and quick. She let us keep our luggage by our table since it wasn't crazy busy. I would recommend coming her for sure. read more

My go-to beach front dive bar! Tap always ice cold at 30 degrees, tv and ocean view from every seat, and laid back vibes. I come for the ridiculously good tuna melt on rye with grilled onions and fries. Done, son. read more

This door man really sucks, it's cold as hell outside and we are inside the door freezing and we ask if we can close the door and he pushes it back open and says "not my problem" read more

Shellback Tavern - Shitty aforementioned door man - Dive Bars Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

If you want a bar that plays 'pop' music from "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" (Poison) to "Humble" (Kendrick Lamar), then this is the bar for you! Staff was nice & friendly, but go in LOW with your food expectations. I ordered the jalapeno poppers but was told by the bartender that they ran out. Wanting to stick along the same theme, I went with zucchini sticks, which came out piping hot and crispy, but was quite boring and bland on the flavor side. Give this a pass. read more

It says its a gastro pub, food is terrible ad drinks ugh! They are nit for outdoor dining which was their best asset. One time I loved the place but price gouging is too much! read more

Do not expect great food from this bar. Probably the worst bar food I've ever had. Chicken nachos so-so. Daughter's​ boyfriend not happy at all with the patty melt, but wasn't about to send it back! Margaritas...meh. Location is the only thing this bar has going for it. read more

Shellback Tavern - Patty melt with American cheese?? - Dive Bars Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

Really nice owner and bartender working they very nice to serve me in this tough time good taco great tequila amazing location

The platonic ideal of a charming local beach Sports bar. Gorgeous beach views from the entire bar and sitting area, and reasonable, regular prices for great bar food and drinks. The "Last Great American Cheeseburger" on their menu lives up to its name. The patty melt version with sweet potato fries is my favorite variety. Plenty of charging spots too. I visit on average every couple weeks, always after a long bike ride from Santa Monica, and on my second visit, after three weeks Inbetween, my previous server Sarah remembered me, my name, and my order down to the condiment specifics, and I'm kind of a picky nutjob. This isn't just the kind of place that makes a good compromise among your friends out on a Saturday, this is truly a great-service- focused place that is very good to those who make themselves regulars. I highly recommend becoming one. It's not a fancy minimalist aluminum and glass monument, it's a hearth-ey fun football & olympics-watching-strong bar that swaps a little bit of sandle and sand for what otherwise would be sawdust on the floor any other place like this if it wasn't overlooking the mighty Pacific. They sell pitchers. I Unreservedly recommend with one tiny exception: in the men's room: not very good of ya gotta take a seat, no door, ya dig? But otherwise 9.99999 outta ten. read more

Shellback Tavern - Yup. - Dive Bars Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

Number 1 stop on our pub crawl, I do remember The Shellback Tavern as being very fun. I love the giant tallboy beers and all the surf decor. The cool vibe throughout the place was inviting, service was fast and altogether a fun experience. This is one of those places where you want to be a regular, everyone is having so much fun. I suggest Spiderman undies cause you're gonna want to swing from the ceiling. read more

I'm gonna give Shellback Tavern 4 stars because, although it's a dive bar, it's a pretty fun one! It was super crowded when we went the other night, but everyone there was super friendly and the bar had a fun, totally unpretentious vibe. We had shots and beer, so I wouldn't be able to comment on their mixed drinks. But I bet they're strong and get the job done! read more

Long time resident and haven't liked this place in the past, surprisingly snooty/unfriendly. Tried again for the chicken tacos recommended from a friend. JENNIFER food server was extraordinary and super enthusiastic and friendly. Martin's the cook from Ercoles the best read more

Views - A1 Drinks - Half and half. If you like those bars that give you more alcohol than mixer, this is NOT the place for you. Food - Costco freezer isle galore. Idk why the cook kept passing by us with frozen food to take back to the kitchen but when we order popcorn shrimp and you see him walk by with frozen, Costco type food, its kind of a downer. Service - Only dealt with one host BUT she was on top of everything. Crowd - Mixed? Locals, people stopping by for a drink, people catching up etc. read more

Pretty fun place if you're blonde, dumb, and ridiculously good looking. For us regular people, not so much. Way too crowded, rude bartenders, and for making me wait 15-20 minutes to get a beer. I found it rather funny that if the patron was white, they took their order immediately, if not they played the waiting game with you, often ignoring you while you try to wave them over. Other than the location and excess of drunk hot chicks, this place was pretty much a bust for me. *Random Thought: ::Someone Rubs Against Me:: "Is that a boob?" (thinking to myself) Upon examination, it was a boob. A giant man boob. =( Fin. read more

Great little dive right by the Manhattan Beach pier. This is a great stop for a pub crawl in my opinion. Or a pub pedal (Bike crawl). They have mostly fried food here and it's pretty good. The fish n' chips are my favorite. For being such a dive the drink prices aren't that cheap. The beers are kinda pricey but I'll blame that on the awesome location since it's across the street from the ocean! My only real complaint about the place is that there is only ONE women's restroom. Why do they design bars with one bathroom for girls? It's a crying shame. Fun place to stop by for a couple beers but wouldn't stay here all day or night. read more

Ok. I grew up in the South Bay and have been to Shellbacks many of nights. Unfortunately, this is a go-to place for some of my friends, leaving me no choice but to hang out here...and every time I say to myself "This is my last time in this shit hole," but that damn alcohol always convinces me otherwise. But for reals...my last experience involved this inebriated crop-dusting guy filling the bar with this god awful smell--and the bathroom's filth nearly made me throw up, and that's not the alcohol talking. Considering how many 20-something year old college bros and selfie-taking girls walk into this bar, the management needs to get a grip on their bathroom. Until then, I recommend to all bar patrons to breathe through your mouth and bring your own hand sanitizer. read more

Shellback Tavern - guuh----ross!!! - Dive Bars Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

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I asked the bartender if they make skinny margaritas and he says yes. I order the drink and it taste like syrup then I ask him if it is a skinny margarita and he rudely tells me they only have one mix. I tell him I can't drink it because it's too sweet and he replies - "then you will have to buy another drink", . I asked him -- "why did you say you have a skinny margarita when you don't?", he walked away and never answered. The bartender is about 300 pounds so I shouldn't be surprised. There are so many great places around here so I will not be going back to this place. read more

Loved it. Great beach vibe. Amazing Mai tai to go with an awesome tuna melt and seasoned fries.

I've been a customer here for 20 years. It's clear that Shellbacks is under new ownership or new management since the last time I was there. I didn't recognize any of the waitresses or bartenders. My friends came in from out of town and I insisted we go to Shellbacks for "the worlds best Bloody Mary and chicken tacos." I've had both of these items 200 times at Shellbacks. Today -- we had the WORST bloody Mary's I have ever had anywhere. It was a total joke. Short glasses full of Ice with no mix in it and zero flavor. I sent the first set back to the clueless waitress and bartender. No one that has worked there a long time would have served us drinks like that. They tried again pointlessly. A total waste of time. None of us drank any of those drinks and they charged us for them all. The chicken tacos were a C-. Not at all like they used to be. No idea what's up Shellbacks but you need to get it together!!! read more

On one hand, I know if for whatever reason I feel like Brewco isn't fulfulling the beer needs I got, I check this place out. It's been hit or miss for some time now. I guess the issue here is that it does have the dive bar feel, but the prices are anything but. Mind you, they're not serving up bud and coors like your typical dive-y bar. At least they compensate it by throwing some Lagunitas brews your way and they do have shock top for all you beginner craft beer drinkers just getting into it. I guess it's probably my third or fourth option when I'm in MB on were to drink. Again, the feel of the place and the prices don't really match up. Especially the service. Though on the flip side it's probably closer to most other places to the beach, so if you can't walk all that much further after a long day in the sun. At least they got you covered. read more

Totally glad we stopped in! LOCATION/AMBIANCE: Overlooking the ocean and pier (w/a slight view of some parking lots lol), this bar and restaurant is a cool little spot. Very casual inside (even if some of the other local spots are a bit more classy) and full of volleyball and Manhattan Beach-style events. It felt a little warm inside for a hot day (not super refreshingly cool), but was good enough to not be uncomfortable. SERVICE: Very nice server who seemed attentive to both us and her other customer's needs. Helpful in answering menu questions and giving tips on which she'd recommend over other items. THE FOOD & DRINKS: The burgers and the fish & chips were definitely good... and they provide A LOT of food. We originally only planned to find a spot for a tasty beverage (i.e. beer) and, again, we were totally glad we ended up stopping here. Good selection of drinks and full bar, so a good spot for a bloody, beer, mixed drink, or ... water, if you're recovering from the night before, haha. Bottom Line - We will totally be back to stop in again! read more

Hands-down one of the best dive bars in America, fight me if you don't agree!! THIS PLACE IS AN ICON!! Nothing better than coming off the beach and being able to go in there barefoot and have an ice cold drink and some delicious crispy chicken wings. American bar/pub vibe at its finest read more

Super fun place. Great drinks! We're enjoying people watching. Doesn't get better than this. read more

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The Shellback Tavern was the perfect end to a great, hot day on the beach. We figured we had one hour left bfore Woo, our cabi was coming back for us to fly home. So being St. Patty's day we had to have a green beer and some jameson. Mel was so great, very friendly and just made my final thought of the area a good one. She should be proud that she does her job well and the bosses should know as well. There are lot's of places to go in that area and thhe only place I will ever go back is this place, because of Mel. Great vibe, fun spot too. The guacamole was to die for as well! read more

Wait, so you're saying your food happy hour ended at 6pm but your bar happy hour ends at 7pm? Weak... well, except they do serve their beers at the ripe temperature 28 degrees. Maybe I am bitter about their HH hours, or the fact that we sat near the women's washroom and every time that door opened it smelled like urinal cakes. The $11.99 steak on Tuesday's are a bargain but everything is else is just regular bar food. The waitress was nice enough but seemed a bit stressed out as the rift rafts and scallywags poured in. Hopefully they get the girl some back up and we all can enjoy the attentive service that we long for. read more

My go-to spot for drinks near the beach! The staff is super friendly, no matter how busy it is. I love the chill dive bar vibes, especially when Lauren and Rob are working! read more

Stopped in today for a drink and some food. 3 of us, lackluster service. (WAIT WAIT WAIT) Waited over 1/2 hour for appetizers. 20 minutes for beer. Nasty bathrooms. Ok, so you can look at the beach, but the food/service is not good. Food was not as described, but did not dare send it back. Stay away unless you can tolerate service like this. read more

Shellbacks is Manhattan Beach as far as I'm concerned. If you are in the South Bay and you don't go to Shellbacks with some regularity I doubt your commitment to the South Bay Community, and to sparkle magic. Shellbacks during the day is a typical SB bar, fun, friendly, and totally decent and acceptable. On the evenings this place turns into a total meat market, mostly for recent USC alums as far as I can tell. It can be a little intimidating if you don't have, oh say, 20 people you know there, but you only need to go a couple of times to make friends. Missing out on Shellbacks during the evenings is a crying shame, it just gets ridiculous! Additionally, the bar staff are truly awesome, they work hard, and you'll never go thirsty. The bathroom situation sucks, but what do you expect, its a dive bar. read more

Dive beach bar. Came on a Friday nite was jam packed. Came with a group so really didn't mingle with others. Would have been too packed to anyway. Decent place to start off the nite and by 11 I would say head elsewhere. Pros: Near beach, near other venues, decent priced drinks, more of a happy hour/pre game spot. Good for groups. Cons: Small, too packed. Wouldn't recommend for 2-3 people. read more

Opened during the surfing safari days of the '50s, the Shellback has become a first stop for those hitting the nightlife scene in MB as well as a last stop for thirsty cyclists, skaters and volleyball players. On the 4th of July it was party central as more and more people poured in from off the beach to celebrate the holiday. I couldn't really tell you how much the drinks were or how the backroom looked since I basically stayed in one spot all night having drinks served to me. The place was too packed to move. However, I can say that the margaritas were heavy on the mix and light on the tequila and the bar staff was awesome in that they seemed to keep their calm amid all the chaos. Also, the buffalo wings and fries smelled awfully good. We didn't bother ordering any since it would have been hard to eat with passers-by smacking our elbows every time we tried to dig in. It would have been better if we were able to snag one of the few wooden booths located near the front of the bar where it was less crowded. The kickback crew at the Shellback consisted of lots of 20- and 30-somethings all in varying degrees of beach-bumness, from bikini tops and bottoms to Local Motion T-shirts and frayed shorts. Everyone enjoyed themselves despite being packed in like sardines and even managed to cheer Italy's soccer team and throw up their hands and dance whenever a good song played on the jukebox. read more

As my first review, I chose one of my favorite spots in LA... Say what you like about it, but Shellback is always a good time. Whether for a cold beer after the beach in the summer or your average Thursday, Friday, Saturday (or any night of the week) night out, there's always a good crowd! I'm definitely biased because I just love this place and everyone who works there, it's like a Cheers. But the food isn't bad (try the pizza), especially after a few Fanta shots! read more