What a great dive bar! Mikey our server was really friendly and funny. The outdoor seating on the alley was cool. Great ground beef tacos. Staff rocks. Would highly recommend and definitely come back! read more

The Shellback Tavern is hands down my favorite spot to have drinks in Manhattan Beach. I hadn't really ever been down to MB that much before last summer but some new friends that I made were from the South Bay and started bringing me down regularly. It's quickly grown into my favorite part of LA and Shellback is always a place I enjoy going! Literally located right next to the pier and a 150 yards or so from the ocean, Shellback Tavern may not be the biggest bar in town but it sure is an awesome one! A long, narrow bar with a unique vibe/atmosphere due to it's quirky decorations and beach feel. Cheap drinks and good food makes me a fan of any bar and The Shellback has just that! Not too mention all of the beautiful volleyball players and women in general that live in the area that frequent this awesome bar! read more

Absolutely one of my all time favorites. Shellback is a perfect beach bar with an incredible view and even better vibe. The staff is always super friendly and very attentive (It's obviously a well managed establishment). The food and drinks are always on point. And you just can't really beat this type of scene. Every true beach town needs a place like this. I always recommend this spot to friends and family visiting Manhattan Beach and I have yet to be disappointed. Five stars all around! read more

nearly empty place. Enjoy the company of close friends. attentive waitress. large tortillas and fresh salsa

Worst place in the world, chip the bartender is the most awful human being I've ever encountered. Decided I wanted to close out my tab and got harassed and accused of saying that I wasn't going to tip, I assured him I would tip and he continued to threaten me, tried to explain I too was a bartender he told me I wasn't so I left without tipping please don't support this place, total waste of money, guy was clearly drunk or over emotional/irrational. Had one beer from the place and still ended up being the worst experience of my life. read more

Narrow, pack 'em in like sardines type of bar. But the beer service is fast, even though there's nothing but B-level options. The food is greasy but yummy, even if the food itself is C+ level options. The people watching is ridiculous, with the guys being douchebaggy and the girls being either trampy or veiny in the right places. Nobody goes all the way to Manhattan Beach just to go to "Shellback." There's nothing classy here. It's only there as a Plan-B. #goodtimes read more

This bar is a great way to meet local drunks! The drunk population inside is rarely police and frequently coming off the beach after several hours of drinking in the sun. I've been going to this place for years, off and on, and it's a great place when it's not super busy to grab a super casual beach beer. I love the location, it's as close to the water as you can get for a bar and generally the first stop for volleyball players. This also comes with the caveat that during volleyball season, this place is frequently overwhelmed to capacity and even if you get in, you'll find yourself shuffling towards the bar over a 20 minute. Just to grab a drink. It's difficult to move and even when you do get a drink, making it back to your chair without spilling it is almost impossible. They don't seem to care how drunk people are inside so you'll find the people who have spent all day in the sun randomly bumping into strangers. As it turns out, several hours of drinking in the sun doesn't make for a moderately buzzed bar crowd later on. It makes for a scene where everywhere you walk is sticky. There's only one stall in the women's bathroom, so it's not uncommon to wait several minutes for that either. And the food; what can I say? It's very typical barfood and I've never been impressed by it. Everything is very standard, frozen and deep-fried, and I've probably tried at least 10 different items on the menu. The wings are disgusting, they taste frozen and it's not uncommon to have freezer burn noticeable. The salads are exactly made from fresh produce, they really taste like something that came out of the bag. But this isn't really a bar you go to for the food. This is a bar you go to because it's conveniently located one block off of the water. I like the bar staff, with the exception of the guy who's been working the front door for years. While he's great about not letting people in that are super drunk, no one seems to care about the super drunk people inside. The line can range anywhere from a 20 minute wait to a 40 minute wait depending on when you go. Summary: if you're not a local or recently moved here, this is a great place to get in touch with the locals, especially during the summer. The weekends off and make this bar packed to the point where you're waiting ages for a drink and the food is almost inedible. This is really only a place to go when it's not busy and you're not hungry. One star just for being a bar and because I can't give less than that, the second star for having an awesome location, and three missing stars for inedible food, A constantly drunk population, and the inability to get a drink in less than 20 minutes and less you shove people out of your way to the bar. read more

A few of my coworkers and I came here after a meeting in El Segundo. It was a nice day so we wanted somewhere near the beach and we decided to come in here because the reviews seemed decent and we didn't have time to look around. (We probably should have just gone somewhere down the street from our meeting.) Anyway, our server didn't give off a good first impression although she ended up being very nice and gave good service. Appetizers arrived - cheese fries, chips and guacamole, and calamari - everything was delicious. Two of us ordered iced teas and there was something strange tasting about it. I ordered a pina colada and it was okay but in the smallest cup ever. Main meals arrived and two of my friends did not enjoy their meals at all and left half (Philly cheesesteak and tacos but not sure which ones). I ordered Mahi Mahi fajitas and they were pretty good . . . until I decided to take my leftovers home since I had at least half of the plate left. I was scraping the food off the plate and there it was - a hair - underneath the food. Disgusting. So I let the server know, she apologizes and takes the plate. The bill comes out and the hair fajitas are still on there. Okay so, in any other restaurant, that meal would have been removed from the bill with no question. I asked the server and she said she couldn't take it off but I could talk to the manager at the bar. She wasn't rude at all and I let her know that her tip wouldn't be affected. I approach the manager and as I explain what happened, he is just staring at me with a "what do you want me to do about it?" face . . . I offer to at least pay for half of it if he can't remove it from the bill and he agrees. I was appalled that he didn't immediately apologize and offer to remove it. He says it was $10 and says it will be $5 then notices it was actually $12 and it will be $6 - I tell him to stick with $5 and he responds with "okay, whatever." Is this guy serious ? I know things like this happen in restaurants but at the end of the day, it's disgusting and a customer should not have to pay for a dish with hair in it. He apologizes after everything and we part ways. I appreciate that he worked something out with me but it was definitely because I pushed for it and not by choice. Regardless of whether you are a 2 star restaurant or a 5 star restaurant - the management should take initiative to rectify the situation and not have the customer literally request to not pay for a dish with something inedible in it. Although our server wasn't at fault - I feel that she could have approached the manager and ask him to remove it because of what happened. Two stars because appetizers and table service were good. read more

Over the weekend, I was here celebrating a birthday party and I had such a great time! It's your average beach dive bar but with super cheap drinks, great bar food, and excellent bartenders. They also have a juke box that I had so much fun with...you had to have been there. It was an all around good time. Btw, you have to try the Fanta Bombs....so good and does the trick! read more

Sara is simply my favorite! Love having my lunch here, she handles multiple tables with grace! Always, taking great care of me and getting me back to work on time, whilst serving the entire dining area- including holidays when it's super busy! Cheers to her, the location, food/drinks and the good vibes! Love this bar! read more

Ehhh...Shellback has an awesome location right off Manhattan pier, lots of beers on tap, & cute paintings on the outside of the building...but I really didn't dig the vibe. The bar tenders seemed a little stuck up, the crowd was a little too fratty & everyone looked exactly the same (which kinda freaks me out), and even though it's decorated beach-style I just wasn't feeling a very nice beach vibe. read more

Shellback Tavern has surprisingly good food. Upon entering, I assumed it would be typical bar food, but everything was great. I asked our server, Melissa, "What is the very best thing to order?" She said, "Probably, the prime rib soft tacos." So, that's what I got. Prime rib, she wasn't kidding. That steak in those tacos were bursting with flavor. 3 comes in one order and is just the right amount to satisfy you. I really loved the atmosphere. It was outlined with a very tropical feel- which is very fitting considering you can walk about one tenth of a mile west of the restaurant to get to the beautiful sands of Manhattan beach. The beer was very good and affordable. They have that deal advertising how cold their draught is at that moment. I enjoyed 27 degrees Fahrenheit of bud light which actually made it awesome. read more

DO NOT GO HERE!!! Walked by and this HUGE cockroach was crawling on the door open to the restaurant... Also the man that is at the door at night is so rude to people walking by... Wish I could give it ZERO! read more

If you are visiting Manhattan Beach, this is the one place you absolutely must check out -- the very soul of the city is embedded in its stools, tables, and crowded floors. To miss coming here would be to miss out on the true Manhattan Beach experience. So, what should you come to this "up-scale" dive bar for? Well, one of the best things about the Shellback is that there are actually three distinct environments that manifest throughout a regular (weekend) day here: 1) The Morning. Unbeknownst to many (even locals), the Shellback actually has the best breakfast in town (weekends only, though). Some will try to sell you on breakfast at Uncle Bill's (which is good), The Kettle (which is disgusting) or Hennessy's (which is just like all the other Hennessy's you've been to), or, if they are more learned, they may even offer the suggestion of the lesser known Koffee Kart (which is also good); but, to those who truly know their way around this town, there is one breakfast spot that is in a league all its own: and that's the Shellback... It's not only that you can get a beer with your breakfast, that the wait staff is awesome (well, at least Sarah is...), or that they have four different kinds of eggs benedict (all but one of which will most certainly do the job [don't get the one with turkey, though {I believe it's called the Eggs California} -- it's bland and kinda nasty]), but it's the laid back atmosphere, the slow waking morning, and top notch view of the beach, the ocean, and the Manhattan Beach pier, that you're coming here for. Add in the best place to people watch in the city, and immediate access to the beach, pier, and the rest of downtown MB, and you've got yourself a 5-star breakfast! Recommendations: the Jalapeno poppers (to begin), the Eggs Manhattan (w/ avocado!), and a pitcher of Hefeweizen or Shock Top to be shared amongst friends. Trust me, you won't regret it. :) 1.5) Intermission. After your morning beer and breakfast, I recommend taking a nice, relaxing stroll down to the beach (which is just a block away). Check out the pier, the boardwalk, the great houses along the strip, and maybe go and get your feet hot/wet in the sand/water, if it's warm and you're feeling a little frisky. Alternately (or afterward), you can go in the other direction, and check out all the great shops Manhattan Beach has to offer: there are a ton of nice boutiques for the ladies, a great ice cream/candy shop just a block east of the Shellback, and a smattering of coffee shops (Starbucks, Coffee Bean and Peet's) and other places (Jamba Juice, Noah's Bagels, Manhattan Meats) just another block up from there. 2) The Afternoon. Now, once you're done with this pleasant intermission (or, if it just happens to be between the hours of 2 and 4), I cannot recommend highly enough that you come back again and check out the place that previously served as your breakfast delivery location (even if you didn't come for breakfast that particular day, you really gotta swing by around this time, especially if it's a nice sunny Saturday or Sunday, just to get a feel for the great vibe at this spot at this time of day). You'll hopefully have already spent some nice time in the sun, and so should be clamoring to fill your stomach and whet your palate, and, lucky for you, the Shellback has the best tacos in town (and, to be completely honest, some of the best tacos anywhere), the requisite bar staples (buffalo wings, mozzarella sticks, burgers and fries), and a solid selection of beers. On the right days, when the weather is good (and, c'mon, this is southern California), and you're with the right company, it is often said that an afternoon at the Shellback can be mistaken for heaven. 5-stars for lunch and some afternoon beers! Oh, and lest I forget, the bar has plenty (although, not an obnoxious amount) of TVs, so it can be a great place to catch a game with some friends as well. For big games, there's almost always a healthy contingent rooting for each side, and fun, healthy rivalry almost invariably ensues... Recommendations: the carne asada tacos, and a pitcher or three amongst friends (as a reminder: Shock Top, Hefeweizen, and you were all designed to be drunk on a sunny day). 3) The Night Life. As you can see, I've touted the Shellback pretty highly when it comes to the breakfast and afternoon environs on a nice weekend day, but, to be completely fair, I can't tout it as highly when it comes to the night time environment. While still enjoyable on most nights, it's definitely the weakest of the three environments. It can get too crowded and loud pretty easily, but the vibe is fun and upbeat, and everyone's just looking to have a good time. It might not be the best night life spot in the world, but it's one of the better places in the South Bay, and you definitely need to stop by at least once on a Friday or Saturday night (you need not spend the whole night there, but it would be a mistake to not at least check it out). read more

My girlfriend and I came in on a Saturday afternoon for some lunch. We sat at the first table in the restaurant, and politely waited for our server to come over to us. After 10 minutes, it didn't seem like anyone was working in the restaurant. I walked to the bathroom to wash my hands, and low and behold, 2 servers chatting in the server station. I sat back down and waited another 5 minutes, and watched as our server wiped down a table right next to us, and proceeded to ignore us. Five more minutes went by (that's twenty minutes if you're counting at home ) and we finally decided to leave. 10 years in the hospitality industry, and I've never seen anything like it. Just pure negligence. I rarely rate on Yelp, but was so annoyed I had to write a comment. Very disappointing. read more

I'm sorry when did dive bars require Louis V purses, popped collars, Jimmy Choos, Ed Hardy shirts on frat boys and drunk sorority girls? Maybe I'm missing something since I'm not a local but my boyfriend and I literally walked in and walked out of the over crowded, hot, sticky, gross and drunken sloppy college hangout on a Saturday night. We're from Nashville and San Francisco in our mid 20s and my boyfriend is a musician for chrissake and WE felt classy walking into a place where within the first 5 steps there was vomit on the floor and a girl going "oh my God i have to eat salads for the rest of the week." Line, no joke for this clearly overrated beach scene out the door and up the block. Not really sure why, they were just letting everyone in and no one was leaving. If the Manhattan Beach fire marshall were to walk into that place when we did, he would have shit frisbees (but then let it go since if the place lit up it'd probably be natural selection at it's best). This was absolutely by far a place that I will never ever venture to ever again, and I'd urge anyone who wants to just go to a dive and hang out NOT go to this place at all. Not worth the prices, crowd, in convenience and designer sunglasses (at night) with too loud Black Eyed Peas playing. Thanks Shellback for making me appreciate the San Francisco nightlife just that much more. read more

AMAZING!! Fish and chips is the way to go. The service was great the environment was great as well. Also recommended the baja philly and patty melt. Half the price and just as good as next door. read more

Bathrooms were disgusting - not only was there no toilet paper, but there was vomit on the floor. And to add insult to injury, the service was slow, the food was not good and the doorman was very rude. I would recommend that you skip this place. read more

Divey, great service and on the beach! You can't go wrong! Go Kings Go!

It's crowded, stuffy, smelly, and hot! The drinks were mediocre strength and the music wasn't very good from what I remember. Fun to be with a group so you tune out how lame the surroundings are. read more

I have been here a few times and have never been a big fan of the environment, the bouncers (especially) or the bartenders. But my experience on my last time in has insured I will never return. I had ordered 5 drinks for my roommate and myself, and when I went up to pay my tab, it was $10. Being slightly drunk, I realized it was too low and tipped the bartender $10. When he made his way back over I said, "hey, you didn't charge me for everything, but I left you a pretty good tip." I've been in similar situations in the past where the bartender usually says, "cool, our little secret" or something to that effect. Not this guy. Most places I know don't punish you for the bartenders stupidity, but this place did. The guy said he had to charge me for the rest of the drinks, so I gave him my card back. I asked him to void out the first transaction and just charge it all together. I definitely wasn't going to give him that large of a tip if I had to pay my entire $30 bill. He said the slip was already lost in a cup with all of the others and it would be impossible. So basically, I got charged $10 and a $10 tip, and then another $20 because of this bartenders IDIOCY. When I told the owner/management on the way out, they couldn't have cared less. Be careful of a rip off at this place. read more

Worst bar in Manhattan Beach. No AC nor open windows means stuffy air that's suffocating. First waitress came by and offered to bring menus. Fifteen minutes later...no menus. Second waitress had to bring them. Then we asked to change the TV near us to show the sports game we came to see. Waitress gave some BS answer that the TV near us didn't have the satellite to show the game, but it was showing on another TV. Really?! Do we look that dumb?! SMH. read more

Fun spot close to the pier! Service isn't exactly fast, but the food was good. I had the steak tacos, yummy but not exquisite. Divey sports bar atmosphere, laid back South Bay kind of vibe. read more

What a dump! The food is crap and the happy hour sucks! I ordered a corned beef sandwich on wheat and a Diet Rite. Everything was served in plastic cup and baskets. The drink had so much ice in an 8oz cup there was little beverage. Our wine tasted like it was from a box and was in a small glass and cost $6 at happy hour! My sandwich was a thin piece of toast, lettuce, tomato, and meat. Wow! A side salad (served in plastic) was cheap and crappy! Stay away! Walk up the block to a better restaurant. read more

I spent 8 hours hiking up Mount Whitney yesterday and all I could think of on the way back down was the cheat meal I was gonna enjoy at...Shellbacks. There is a lot to complain about in LA, especially when you aren't from here, but occasionally something happens that restores your faith in this crazy place. Like when you finish your fantastic bacon cheeseburger and Navy Grog(s) and are so satisfied that you walk out leaving a couple hundred in cash and your debit card on the table. Then when you realize the stupid thing you've done and sheepishly walk back in a half hour later the bartenders laugh at you and your favorite server just smiles as he hands it all back to you. Why do I like Shellback so much? It's the best bar food I've ever had, the bartenders happily accommodate my obscure cocktail requests, and the servers are not only good solid people, they have also become friends. Thanks guys. Wade. read more

Very cool older waterfront bar. Love this joint for a cold beer and a fun time. I will return.

Great spot for a beer and enjoy the sunset! Our beers were cold and the bar tender was great!

The crowd gets younger every time I come here or I am just getting older. Later is more true most likely. Food is always good and beer always cold. Cant beat the location but it gets pretty loud and packed. read more

Prototypical beach dive bar - I love it! The bathroom is the single worst bathroom I have even had to use - and I still love it. Went here for the first time 15 years ago and I still love it.....what more can I say? Come here for cold beer, shots of Tequila or Jaeger, cheap greasy bar food and, most of all, to enjoy the beautiful view of Manhattan Beach while you reflect on how good life can be (as the sun sets). read more

This was my first time coming to the restaurant as I wanted to enjoy a nice evening with my boyfriend. I ordered a drink, took a sip and I was not pleased with the taste. We asked the bartender to switch to another drink that was the exact same price and was told we would have to pay extra because "we should have known what we were ordering when we first ordered" will never come back!!!! read more

Great place next to the beach, but may never come back. Server looked angry. I only tipped her two bucks, A for effort right?!

I am partial to dive bars, and this is one of those that definitely fits the mold. Great old spot that is hidden away in the alley in Manhattan Beach right off the pier. Great for lazy summer days and dive bar nights. If you are a fan of dive bars, this is one of your only bastions in the more yuppy ridden city of Manhattan Beach. read more

Really just a basic pub grub kinda place. The waitresses are friendly and fast and the food is basic bar food but done well. We had the fish and chips. We liked it. The chips were like shoestring style and the fish was BIG! Its a very small place and you'll have to cross your fingers on parking as its street and on a very steep hill. read more

Came in on a Saturday. Place was full, not an open table or two seats together at the bar. Ordered a couple of beers from the bar, stood around. Table opens up. We sat down. Well, god help you if you order from the bar and take it to the table! The waitresses acted as if we were invisible. Dirty table, previous drink glasses, etc... I know they work on tips but WTF? If the place is full, you kind of have to order at the bar. What they fail to comprehend is that we would have spent $50 on food and more beer but instead we left. Yes it is a dive bar but don't insult me or my money by treating me as the invisible man! read more

Reading some of these reviews, I'm not sure where these people thought they were going? If you like cheap drinks, getting weird, the dive bar atmosphere, excellent people watching and fun in general, you will like this place. If you're a simpleton that wants their $12 vodka served in a martini glass, there are many options up the street that will cater to you. read more

Do not come here with a group if you know you'll have multiple checks. The waitress we had split our food checks up individually but gave us one large check for all our drinks. When we asked why, she said "That would be a lot of work." read more

Another great dive bar! Pitchers of beer, a jukebox, sports on TV, good-looking women, close to the water, good bartenders. What more could you ask for? I've been to dive bars all across the US. This is one of my favorites. read more

Right by the beach, literally within steps from the pier. I had a few beers and enjoyed the sunset. Great evening.

This place was great. The owner/manager was really great about engaging with you and offering up some of his favs. We went in here to start our day and ended up back at it because it was the best place in the area. Great selection of drinks and really great food. Love their apps and even fish and chips were bomb. Really nice people and love the funky coastal vibe! Will for sure go back and hang out! read more

The Shellback is one of the last old school beach bars/restaurants left in Manhattan Beach. THE place for us local "Beach Trash". All the über rich can head across the street and pay a fortune. I'll stick to Shellback thanks! read more