"Key West's original raw-bar landmark — Half Shell has shucked oysters and ladled red conch chowder in an old shrimp warehouse on the Historic Seaport since 1972."
About Half Shell Raw Bar
Half Shell Raw Bar is a harbourside seafood landmark at 231 Margaret Street on the Key West Historic Seaport in Key West. It opened in 1972 in a warehouse the shrimp industry left behind when it moved to Stock Island, and the salty, dock-side character has never left: weathered timber, license plates on the walls and the boats tied up just outside. It trades on fresh local catch handled simply, served fast and cheap by Key West standards.
For the island's other seafood tables, compare the dockside Hogfish Bar & Grill, the courtyard institution Blue Heaven and the clifftop Louie's Backyard. It anchors the city's seafood scene.
The Kitchen
The kitchen keeps it honest and local: a raw bar of oysters on the half shell, chilled peel-and-eat Key West shrimp and steamed middleneck clams, plus fried baskets and sandwiches. The signature is the red conch chowder — the dish the bar is best known for — with the conch ceviche the other must-order. Prices stay low for the location: conch chowder runs about $16, the conch ceviche around $8 and a fish-and-chips basket near $23, so a full meal lands around $20 to $35 a head.
The Room
The room is pure old Key West: an open, warehouse-turned-raw-bar on the seaport boardwalk, with deck seating looking out over the harbour and the shrimp boats. It is loud, casual and walk-in friendly — no dress code, no reservations, just a stool at the bar or a table on the dock. The setting on the Historic Seaport, steps from the charter fleet, is half the appeal: this is where the catch comes in.
Best for a Team Lunch
A walk-in raw bar on the seaport boardwalk makes Half Shell an easy team lunch or casual group meal in Key West. The loud, low-key deck also suits a relaxed first date over oysters or a laid-back birthday by the water.
Not for
Not for a quiet, dressed-up dinner or anyone after table service and a wine list — Half Shell is a loud, walk-in raw bar built for casual seafood on the dock, not a special-occasion night.
Frequently Asked
What is Half Shell Raw Bar known for?
It is a 1972 seafood landmark on the Key West Historic Seaport, set in a former shrimp-packing warehouse and known for its red conch chowder, conch ceviche, oysters on the half shell and peel-and-eat shrimp.
What should I order?
The red conch chowder is the signature, with the conch ceviche the other must-order; the raw-bar oysters and chilled Key West peel-and-eat shrimp are the classics.
How much does it cost?
It is good value for the location — conch chowder runs about $16, conch ceviche around $8 and a fish-and-chips basket near $23, so a full meal lands around $20 to $35 a head.
How old is Half Shell Raw Bar?
It opened in 1972 in a warehouse left empty when the shrimp industry moved to Stock Island, making it one of Key West's original seafood spots.
Where is Half Shell Raw Bar located?
At 231 Margaret Street on the Key West Historic Seaport, on the boardwalk beside the charter and shrimp-boat fleet.
