What should I order at The Half Shell SSI?
The Half Shell SSI
Oysters
Frequently praised as amazing and the best tasting oysters in a long time, recommended multiple times for starters and enjoyed with Bloody Mary style shooters.
Shrimp Ceviche
Described as delicious and flat out amazing, often recommended as an appetizer, and enjoyed on fried wontons.
Butter Cake
Highly recommended dessert, described as delightful and the best dessert some reviewers have ever had, often brought as a complimentary treat.
Blackened Fish (including Blackened Mahi and Flounder)
Praised for being cooked to perfection with flavorful seasoning, with several positive mentions specifically of blackened mahi and blackened flounder.
Crab Cake (including Blue Crab Cake and Crab Encrusted Fish)
Frequently recommended and described as absolutely amazing, delicious, and a perfect start or main dish, including crab encrusted trout and flounder.
Shrimp & Grits
Mentioned multiple times as a must-have and one of the best grits experienced, with smoky and flavorful BBQ sauce noted in some variations.
Bacon Wrapped Green Beans
Highly praised side dish, described as dangerously good with a sweet, salty, and earthy flavor, and grilled perfectly.
Onion Rings
Repeatedly described as amazing and crispy, often recommended as a side.
Hours
| Monday | 5 to 9:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 5 to 9:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 to 9:30 PM |
| Thursday | 5 to 9:30 PM |
| Friday | 11:30 AM to 10 PM |
| Saturday | 11:30 AM to 10 PM |
| Sunday | 11:30 AM to 10 PM |
About The Half Shell SSI
Down-to-earth joint providing seafood & American mains amid nautical decor, plus a patio.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Serves local specialty
- Sports
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Groups
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Frequently asked questions
What is The Half Shell SSI known for?
It is especially known for crab cakes and oysters, with reviewers also calling out the butter cake and bacon wrapped green beans as standout items. People mention that the seafood tastes fresh and flavorful, and that the portions and service make it a place worth returning to on St Simons Island.
What dishes are most recommended at The Half Shell SSI?
The most frequently recommended dishes are the crab cakes, crab BLT sandwich, oysters, butter cake, bacon wrapped green beans, shrimp and grits, and tuna tacos. Reviewers also mention the crab bisque, grilled shrimp, and flounder, with the oysters often singled out as a strong value at about $13 a dozen in some specials.
What is the atmosphere like at The Half Shell SSI?
The vibe is casual, cozy, and a little trendy, with nautical decor and a patio or covered outdoor seating area. Reviewers describe it as welcoming for groups and families, and it also works for solo dining because service is fast and attentive even when the restaurant is busy.
Is The Half Shell SSI good value, and what is the price range?
The price range is $20 to $30, and reviewers often say the food and portions justify it. People specifically mention good prices on oysters, generous servings, and meals that leave them full without feeling too heavy.
How busy does The Half Shell SSI get, and when is it easiest to go?
Reviewers say it can get busy during peak summer, but off-season visits may have little or no wait. Even when there is a wait, people report quick seating and fast kitchen times, with one review noting about a 30-minute quote and a meal that came out in about 13 minutes.
Is parking available at The Half Shell SSI?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Usually somewhat difficult to find a space is available.
Is The Half Shell SSI kid-friendly?
Yes, The Half Shell SSI is good for kids.
Restaurants like The Half Shell SSI in St Simons Island
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