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Seafood restaurant in New Haven, Connecticut
What should I order at Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill?
What to order
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Clam Chowder
Mentioned multiple times as a standout dish, praised for being rich, flavorful, and one of the highlights of the meal.
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Lobster Roll
Recommended in several reviews for being delicious and tasty, including the Connecticut Style Lobster Rolls and the Lobster Roll With Caviar.
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Oysters
Praised for being fresh and beautifully presented, with reviewers specifically saying they would come back for more oysters.
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4
Crab Cake
Repeatedly highlighted as excellent, with reviewers calling it one of the best they’ve had and noting it was perfectly done.
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5
Dessert
Frequently recommended as fantastic or worth saving room for, with specific praise for items like the Xanadu Split and lime pie.
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6
Seafood
The restaurant is widely recommended for seafood overall, with many reviewers saying the seafood exceeded expectations and was outstanding.
Details
Hours
| Monday | 12 to 10 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 12 to 10 PM |
| Wednesday | 12 to 10 PM |
| Thursday | 12 to 10 PM |
| Friday | 12 to 11 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM to 11 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM to 10 PM |
About Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill
Seafood eatery perched on New Haven Harbor offering steaks, water views & a seasonal deck.
Amenities
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Fireplace
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Live music
- Serves local specialty
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
- Private dining room
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
Planning
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- On-site parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
Frequently asked
What is Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill known for?
It is best known for seafood with harbor views, especially the clam chowder, oysters, and Connecticut-style lobster rolls. Reviewers repeatedly mention the waterfront setting and say the food and service make it a strong dinner spot, especially when the harbor is lively in summer.
What dishes are most recommended at Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill?
The most frequently praised items are the clam chowder, oysters, lobster rolls, crab cake, and steamed lobster. Reviewers also call out the baked ricotta with truffle oil, seafood pasta, and desserts, with several saying the chowder and oysters are standout orders.
What is the atmosphere like at Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill?
The vibe is described as casual, cozy, romantic, trendy, and upscale, with a strong waterfront focus. It suits groups, couples, and solo diners, and reviewers mention outdoor deck seating, sunset views, and a lively but attentive service style.
Is Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill good value?
The price range is $50 to $100, and reviewers describe it as expensive but often worth it for the view, service, and seafood quality. One review even noted $360 for two people, while another said the prices felt very reasonable for the experience.
When is the best time to visit Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill?
Reservations are recommended for brunch, lunch, and dinner, and the restaurant is often busy enough that there is usually a wait. Reviewers suggest going in the evening for sunset and harbor views, while later hours can be easier, with one guest finding no wait around 9:30 pm.
Is parking available at Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, On-site parking, Paid parking lot, Paid street parking, Usually somewhat difficult to find a space is available.
Does Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill have vegetarian options?
Yes, Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill offers vegetarian options.
Is Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill kid-friendly?
Yes, Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill is good for kids.
