If I can remember a sober memory from Shellbacks, that would be the day. Although, I do remember last year when they turned away our crawl. Our jaws dropped to the floor and our joint reaction was "...but, you're a dive!" In short, it's a fair bar with a great location. read more

We came during their BOGO burger deal. I had their shepherds fries, cheese burger, and their version of a moscow mule (forgot the name)? The drink was weak, burger was overcooked, but fries were amazing. The fries were my favorite thing for sure. The service was fast, and friendly. Just wish the drink was better, and the burger wasn't tough. read more

This review is just for the bar. I've never eaten here... which as I'm typing I find pretty odd as I've been coming here for years. May have to give their kitchen a try next time! Five stars for good and friendly service and being consistently awesome. 100 stars for not charging some ridiculous cover on New Years. I ended up having one of the best New Years Eves I've ever had in a long time cause I didn't spend the whole night sad/bitter that I had to dole out tons of $$$ to go to a place I would normally get into for free. It was the usual crowd, down to earth peeps, good energy and great fun. Very happy my friend and I decided to walk across the street and ring in the new years with the awesome folks at Shellback. read more

Always a fantastic time. You can catch me playing golden tee or the bowling game in the back room. The crowd is a kick. Drunks. Hornies. D list celebrities. I went in there one Saturday morning (the bartender asks "forget your card here last night, Sweetheart?" Surprisingly, no, just needed quarters for the meters) and the place was filled with old dudes eating breakfast and drinking vodka. Hmmmm. I took one star away because it always smells like pee there. I have grown to love it, but I can see how other people might think that is odd for a drinking establishment. If you want to have a fun time, go with Adri (below in the red). read more

I guess it's a good thing when a few dozen visits to this place over a span of 25+ years reveals little or no change in the crowd, decor, strength of drinks and frigidness of their beer (it really is the coldest draft around btw) and of course...attitude. OK it's a fucking dive bar less than 75' away from the beach that is known for world class volleyball players, future porn/USC cheerleaders/Laker girls/Hip Hop video girls and other top tier body professions. Of course it's gonna be full of the "beautiful people" but what's the problem with that huh? After an afternoon of sun, a little VB's and a good salt water wash an almost-frozen Coors Lite (& bikini clad 19 y.o. with fake boobs & ID) is welcome sight. read more

I love that I can come here when I'm either all sweaty after beach volleyball or when im all dolled up on a friday night. I ALWAYS have fun here, no matter what. Super chill. and its packed with hot dudes, yeah, all the time. read more

Let me start by saying that I am from AZ and a taco fanatic, aficionado, and lover. I don't joke about them and the "crispy" shell fish taco at Shellbacks is probably the best I've ever had. Nicely grilled and moist fish. Plenty of it. I strongly suggest NOT getting them with sour cream or guac. Keep in mind that I adore both condiments, but with any truly great taco, you need to keep it simple with a little sauce, cabbage (or lettuce if not a fish taco) pico and cheese. This place does an outstanding job. The kicker on this lovely gem is the "crispy" shell. I love crispy shells but prefer them on a machaca taco and generally stick to soft corn on fish tacos. This was a lightly pan fried tortilla that wasn't greasy at all, not really soft any more, but not crispy to the point of crunchy. Really good job guys. Oh, and its divey, but clean, too. Perfect. read more

Proceed with caution. You may receive a handwritten check with a total written on it. A tip may be included in this amount however unclear, as it was in my case. So, this establishment got us for a few extra bucks. Food was mediocre. read more

Uh, it's a college fest. If you are into that sort of thing then this is the PLACE TO BE! 1. My boyfriend and I came to meet friends and we got there before them, we had JUST entered, and stepped outside at the back to make a call since there was NO cell service inside, we tried to get back in and the bouncer at the back door said too bad, we had to wait in line again because he did not see us come out.. I was annoyed but after a few mins he decided to go ahead and let us back in.. haha in a way I wish he hadn't 2. It was HOT. Prepare for your hair to frizz and your armpits to sweat. DON'T wear long sleeves no matter how cold it is outside! 3. The drinks were good, we had some kind of Sunkist Orange Soda shot. 4. It was CROWDED! I'm talking, elbows clipping your chin, people banging into your back, rowdy boys pushing their way to the bar and my personal favorite... guys lifting girls up to the ceiling to do pull ups on the rafters. NICE. 5. You can't hear your friends talk. Forget having a conversation, you will leave with no voice if you attempt to talk over the music and the loud ruckus. If you want to reminisce about your college days, then by all means make it a night to remember at Shellbacks! read more

Seriously, you can't go wrong here. Best fish tacos I've ever had, an amazing view of the Manhattan Beach pier and ocean, plus it is far cheaper than any other place around. Friendly staff, lots of locals. If you are looking for fine dining, this isn't the place, but if you want an old fashioned dive bar with great food, you can't go wrong with the Shellback Tavern! read more

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

This place is amazing!!! The burger was freakin great!!! The atmosphere was fantastic. Everyone was really nice and watching the game there was perfect! It is seat yourself and you have to just wait around for the waitor, but if you get a spot at the bar then, you won't have to wonder when you'll be able to order. It's small and cozy, and a great sports bar. I certainly intend on returning every chance I get. read more

Shellback Tavern - Bacon & cheese burger and game time with my bestie Erica!!!! I'm in heaven!!! Best burger I've had since the counter! - Dive Bars Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

Our flight arrived a half hour early and my mother in law's flight was seven hours late. Sooooo, we had some time to explore the area in between. I checked our GPS and it showed that Manhattan Beach was only a few miles from the airport... and off we went. This was the day before Christmas Eve so it was pretty cool and quiet in town. We pulled up to the pier and parked in the spot on the end of the street right next to the pier, and across from Shellback Tavern. We walked out to the end of the pier and enjoyed a beautiful sunset. With still plenty more time, we thought we would check out the little dive pub across from where we parked. It was packed. And really loud. Apparently they serve Mexican food on the main street entrance and the back entrance opens to the bar. We ordered drinks and were entertained by the bar staff and patrons alike. Make no mistake about it. This IS a dive bar. If you don't like dive bars, don't come here. If you just want to take in the local color and have a cocktail, go for it! read more

stopped for a drink while waiting for a couple of friends to catch up to us on our bike ride from ES to HB. nice divey type location. cozy and beachy. kind of quiet for an early Memorial Day Sunday. found a spot right at the bar. nice bartendress got out order quick. glass of champagne for mama and a bud light draft for me. hung out for around 10mins. just enough time to down the two drinks, use the pretty old and decrepid restroom and pay $13.90 for our 2 drinks. 2 drinks. for $13.90. one of which was bud light draft. and the other was not Cristal or Veuve or Moet. for $13.90. that was one pretty expensive bud light. might come back on our next bike ride. maybe i'll save some money and order champagne too. read more

Stopped here on a Wednesday afternoon for a quick lunch. Walked in around 1:00 and the place was dead so we were able to sit right away. Sat at a table near the window so the view was okay. We just kind of sat down somewhere because there was no host and the sever was just sitting a table. Once she came over we had a pitcher of shock top($17.00) then an order of zucchini fries which I'm pretty sure were frozen but, not horrible. We each then had the fish taco lunch special(9.50) for to 2 decently sized tacos. They were not impressive, the fish tasted like canned tuna, and there was not much seasoning at all. There are tons of places to eat in this area so if you're looking for fresh great food try somewhere else. read more

This place is absolutely disgusting I don't know how to have a good rating! There are so many better spots in the surrounding area, not to mention the service is horrible and employees are rude! read more

This is definitely the perfect place for all those Manhattan Beach alcoholics. Based on my sunday afternoon here, I think I would become one quickly if I lived in Manhattan beach with the weather was the way it was yesterday. This was the first of about 7 stops on my drunken post-graduation Sunday. I also realized that hanging out with 24 year olds when you are thirty can be hazardous to your health, unless you realize you're not on their level anymore. The drinks are cheap, and they make them pretty strong, so nothing to really complain about. The weekend nights tend to be packed, but I've only been there once or twice on a weekend night. read more

This is the best spot in Manhattan Beach. This is a bar that embraces the vibe of Manhattan Beach, and that's beach volleyball. It's a beach volleyball/surfer centric crowd that's down to have fun and get some drinks in. You don't necessarily come for the drinks or food, which are both quite normal, but the vibe. The vibe here is absolutely excellent. No better place to grab a drink or a bite by the beach. read more

This is my absolute favorite place to go when I'm in the area. This place is so down to earth and unpretentious (definitely just people here to have a good time). This is the place to be if you just want to hang out in your jeans, flip flops and wifebeater and grab some beers with your friends (and of course people watch). You definitely meet some interesting characters here! If you're going to stop in, make sure to try the orange Fanta Shots! They definitely get the job done! And they taste so yummy. :) read more

I came here to celebrate my brother in law's birthday. Everything went well and was fun at first, but when my friends approached the bar and asked for a drink, they specifically stated "sorry, you're part of that table and we won't serve you". Sorry we weren't aware that having fun and laughing meant that you couldn't be served any alcohol in a bar. I will never again return here, and advise anyone who expects to have a good time to refrain from coming here also. read more

A typical dive spot with too much tacky decor but isn't that mandatory in these places? The service was outstanding and the food was great. I really appreciate being served the appropriate amount of food. read more

On a sunny weekend, there's no better place to go for lunch after a day of beach volleyball. A pitcher of Hefweizen and their Baja Philly Cheesesteak and fries is the perfect way to pass the day before my afternoon nap. Trouble is, lately, even when it's not crowded, the service has been slow. Slow to bring menus. Slow to take order. Slow to deliver food. Better hope there's a good game on the TVs to pass the time. Bartenders are always cool to switch channels on a nearby TV if your preferred game isn't on any of the nearby screens. read more

forced by 2 friends to go in for a drink, something I dont waste money on, alcohol. More power to those that do, its just not my cup of tea, never has been or will be. Bloddy mary...yikes I said lemme be a good sport and drink what buddies did, wow thats the nastiest shit Ive ever drank in my life. Anyways, ordered stella on tap, got served apple cider (nasty shit). Waitress replaced. Had a bowl of chips and salsa (decent, chips were hotter than the sun, but I like them warmed up). Rest of menu looks interesting, just will suffocate if near the middle or back. Poor ventilation smells like hops and a gym sock. Not for me. Almost 70 bucks for 3 bloodies, 3 beers, and one bowl of chips and salsa. Not cheap. Have a few scattered screens of sports on. Hot ass chicks getting plastered the hell up though, and you know what will follow. Anyways, back to the beach. read more

If you like being back in college this is your spot! The mix of people: Underage tweens, bros who mommy and daddy still pay for them, girls who are drinking out of a pitcher, then you have really old locals who still think it's 1992 and Metallica is still in style. Service: basic Drinks: basic and well prices Pro: good spot to grab 1-2 drinks max Con: gets really crowded on the weekends after 10 it's when all the college kids come out to play It would be better if they didn't let little kids in read more

As a local, Ive been here a few times. Bartender at the time was pretty rude. Unfriendly AND served us a beer at last call and then forced us to down it on the spot (pre Covid). Crowd is mainly mid-life divorcees and desperate bar trash. read more

Cool little dive bar. Had some seating in alley but literally the only thing open late during covid . I'm so over this but at least you can find a gem like this place with a cool vibe and a cool view with some sense of normalcy read more

Beware of the change scam: today (4/12, 6:30 pm) we got $5 less change than we're supposed to, then there was even a handwritten "revised receipt " to the new total. So it's all clearly planned for. read more

By far my favorite place in Manhattan beach! Awesome dive bar vibes right by the beach !!

First of all I love this place !!! Hasn't changed one bit in the 40 years I've known it. The foods great but I love stopping off after my walks in the afternoon for a quick drink. I have to say their bartenders are on point but my all time favorite is Patric!!! This guy is on his bar talks to everyone and knows how to keep the conversation flowing remembers everyone's drinks and makes it a great experience. That takes real skill!!! Thanks !! read more

This was our second time here. Our first visit was great. This time I shared my steak with my son who found a hair in his portion of the steak. It was long back hair, I have blonde couldn't of been my hair. I told the waitress about it. Melissa told me they would make me another steak. When it finally came it was only half of a steak. I asked her why she told me that was what she told the kitchen and what they gave her. So for hair in my food, I got half a steak replaced. Are you kidding me?!?!? No offer to comp the meal in any way. I will never go back there. That is disgusting!!!!!!!!!! read more

Yes, we've all been drinking in Shellbacks since we turned 21. Pretty much a rite of passage if you live in or grew up in the South Bay. But, recently through my brother-in-law exploring Man Beach while i was at work, we discovered BREAKFAST. This is an undiscovered gem for breakfast and pretty much still a secret. The last few Saturday's mornings I've gone there I've been in the place alone at 9am. Manhattan Beach breakfast without an hour wait. Unbelievable! And, ocean view tables without the Strand House prices. I prefer the scrambles (have it with bacon...live a little) with a bloody mary (half spicy). The pancakes look excellent too. read more

place is doing a great job during this outdoor eating period A+ work by all of the staff and employees

Very cute dive bar we heard from a friend who lives in the area. Decided to give it a try on a Saturday, took a Uber there (parking is tough so I recommend doing that) and there was a line to get it. It didn't take too long before we got in. Pretty small but it's a great vibe in there, everyone is dancing and having a blast. They only had 2 people at the bar serving so you do have to grab their attention for a drink. The prices were pretty good, and they are known for their "Fanta shots" everyone was drinking them and they were good. They have an outside where you can smoke but make sure to tell the bouncer your going out because they weren't letting some people back in. The music there is loud by it's all classic music that everyone knows the lyrics to. I would definitely go back to have fun again. read more

Looking for good beer and a good time near the beach with friends? Don't mind crowded dive bars as long as the people are friendly? Well, this is the place for you. Usually a locale I choose to end my night of drinking with, Shellbacks always delivers what I am looking for. Reasonable drink prices and fun young people are always to be expected. I've never eaten here, but I can't imagine that after midnight there is too much food to be had. The staff is cool and laid back and there are always interesting drunk people to meet here. read more

best joint on the strand in front of the pier. their fish tacos are really good. I sometimes go for tuesday night because they have a steak dinner for like 12 bucks,. and the steak is good. It always seems to be hopping on the weekends and during the summer. it is a cool place to escape the beach for a few minutes and grab a drink. plus if i am going to go in the water, i only go to this beach. santa monica warns you not to swim there as the sewer lets out into the water, but manhattan beach is clean, and they have a place where they process the water so it is safe to swim. Shellbacks is literally on the strand and across the street from the beach. great location, the bartenders are friendly and i think they have been there for like ever. read more

The absolute best bar in town. Staff is down to earth and attentive. Food is bar food but good. But mostly atmosphere is 10 of 10. We go here once a week sometimes more. read more

I've been here twice and it's a great little dive bar. Never too crowded. Both times I've gotten the burger with the sausage on top and that's probably all I'll every order anytime I go back (I've definitely paid for it the next day but whatevs). It's really a solid 4 stars but the last time I was there we ran into Mark Cuban who was a pretty cool dude so gotta give a +1 for the experience. read more

It seems like a fun, chill spot for happy hour and then you get the bill. For the price I could have gotten much better food and certainly a better attitude from the server. Like the jukebox music though! read more

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

Good: Crowd. Wide variety of music (Peaches, Madonna, White Stripes, house, etc). Attentive bar tender. Drinks mixed right. Bad: The parking meters ONLY take quarters. read more

It really is a 4 star place but I wasn't a fan of the scene. The only way I would come back would be if: A. I came in with 4 of my friends or B. I were a tall blonde. That said, great music-- think college nostalgia classics sprinkled in with old school hip-hop (Snoop Dogg anyone?), dive-y feel even though it is located in a wealthy area, and tons of people. But seriously, if you want to pick up tall blonde chicks come here, my little five foot self could not compete. read more

Best place to grab a beer in town. Come down around sunset and get a drink with your closest friends. read more

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