Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Experience the Original Key West Seafood Restaurant
Established in 1972, Half Shell Raw Bar is Key West's original seafood restaurant rooted in the island's maritime heritage. Housed in a former shrimp warehouse, we offer an authentic dining experience where guests witness local fishermen unloading their daily catch directly into our Fish Market. Our menu showcases the freshest Gulf oysters, peel-and-eat shrimp, conch ceviche, and other regional specialties prepared using time-honored techniques. Diners enjoy casual waterfront seating with panoramic views of the harbor and daily sunsets, creating a laid-back atmosphere that embodies Old Key West charm.With decades of experience serving both locals and visitors, our team prioritizes quality ingredients, traditional preparation methods, and genuine hospitality. Our Happy Hour features discounted fresh seafood and drinks in a vibrant setting that reflects our deep connection to the Florida Keys fishing community. The adjacent Fish Market extends our commitment to quality by providing take-home seafood options sourced from local waters. Through consistent service since the 1970s, we maintain our reputation as a trusted culinary landmark that celebrates the region's seafood heritage.
Services
Raw Bar
Seafood Entrees
Private Events
Fish Market
Happy Hour
Waterfront Dining
Takeout
Delivery
Catering
Local Catch Specials
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- Established in 1972 as Key West's original seafood restaurant
- Daily fresh catch unloaded directly from local fishermen
- Waterfront dining with panoramic harbor views and sunset vistas
- Happy Hour featuring discounted fresh seafood and drinks
- Adjacent Fish Market for take-home seafood selections
Services
Raw Bar
Our Raw Bar features freshly shucked Gulf oysters, cold water oysters, and peel-and-eat shrimp served with traditional accompaniments. Guests can watch shrimp being steamed on-site while enjoying chilled seafood selections prepared to order. The menu includes clams casino, oyster Rockefeller, and seafood towers for shared dining experiences.
Seafood Entrees
We offer grilled, fried, and broiled seafood entrees featuring daily catches like snapper, grouper, and tuna. Signature dishes include blackened fish, seafood pasta, and shellfish combos with lobster, crab, and mussels. All entrees come with choice of two sides highlighting traditional Southern and Floridian flavors.
Private Events
The Sailfish Bar and dining venue accommodate groups of 12-40 guests for special occasions. We provide customizable menus, buffet options, and passed appetizers while maintaining our authentic Key West atmosphere. The space features waterfront views and flexible seating arrangements for corporate events or celebrations.
Fish Market
Adjacent to the restaurant, our Fish Market sells fresh local seafood including pink shrimp, stone crab, and hogfish. Operating daily 11 AM-5 PM, we offer home delivery until 8 PM with seafood packed in ice. Customers find seasonal specialties and house-made sauces while supporting local fishermen's daily catches.
Happy Hour
Seven days a week from 4:30-6:30 PM, we feature half-priced well drinks, house wine, and beers alongside discounted seafood appetizers. Specials include $2 Gulf oysters, 30% off raw bar items, and half-off Ketel One vodka flavors. The Happy Hour menu changes seasonally while maintaining core discounted favorites.
Questions
What are your regular operating hours?
We're open daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, including weekends and holidays.
Do you offer private event hosting?
Yes, our Sailfish Bar and dining venue accommodate groups of 12-40 with customizable menus.
Is seafood available for takeout or delivery?
Our Fish Market offers take-home seafood with free delivery available until 8 PM daily.
What Happy Hour specials do you provide?
Daily 4:30-6:30 PM with $2 oysters, 50% off drinks, and discounted seafood appetizers.
Can I view the harbor while dining?
All seating provides waterfront views of the harbor and daily sunset vistas.
How fresh is your seafood?
Local fishermen deliver daily catches directly to our Fish Market each morning.
