Lunch At The Shell Oyster Bar

We were looking forward to going to our grandson Will's first high school baseball game Saturday morning.  It was a practice game to prepare the team for their first game of the season with another local team across town.  

Thank goodness the days have turned warmer and we were able to enjoy watching the game with 65 degree temperatures.   The team looked good and hopefully they are as ready as they will ever be for the match-up with the rival team.

After the game we were all very hungry.  We all decided to go across town to a little seafood restaurant we have only recently heard about.  Apparently this little restaurant has been in operation since 1945.  Somehow we missed knowing about this extremely popular local restaurant.

Shell Oyster Bar

114 Oakland Avenue

Tallahassee, Florida

The reviews on this restaurant were amazing.  We can't imagine how we did not know anything about this restaurant until a couple of our friends told us not to miss going there.  This restaurant is located just about four blocks south of the downtown Tallahassee Capital Building. 

The outside of the Shell Oyster Bar is plain and simple.  We were told it was originally a gas station which was turned into a restaurant.  

Walking into the restaurant was bright and cheerful.

The dining area is relatively small with very plain decor.  There are no windows and the dining room looks like it can accommodate about 50 customers.  There are two TV sets, one in the front and one in the back of the room.  The TVs were tuned to sports channels.

The painting on the wall shows the original Shell Oyster Bar.

In 1945 the Oyster Bar was a tiny gas station with oysters and fish served in the back.

The decor in the restaurant is plain and simple with paper place mats and plastic silverware.

 We heard the dress code is very casual.  One write-up about the restaurant dress code said:  "Just wear something."   Reviews also called this restaurant an "old-time fish house."  Some called it a "Tallahassee Tradition."

The Menu Cover.

The Menu

We came at a good time when the restaurant was not crowded.  We understand it usually is extremely crowded.  Interestingly,  they do not take checks or credit cards, only cash. 

The below photos show the delicious food we ordered.  We were surprised how fast our order arrived and how efficient our waitress was.  She also made sure our drinks were re-filled often.

I ordered Fried Shrimp, Cole Slaw and Potato Salad with Hush Puppies

Grandson Will ordered Fried Shrimp, Fried Grouper, Cheese Grits and Hush Puppies

Grandson John Scott ordered Chicken Salad because he is watching calories.

My husband ordered Fried Grouper, Cole Slaw, Baked Beans,  and Hush Puppies

 Are you hungry yet?

Our fish and shrimp was as fresh as any fish we have ever ordered anywhere. We were told the delicious Cocktail Sauce served with our shrimp and fish was homemade.  The  sides that arrived with our dinner were also very good.

We all enjoyed our lunch at the Shell Oyster Bar.   When all those calories wear off we want to go back so my husband can try some of those delicious oysters everyone talks about.

If you are ever in the Tallahassee area and have a taste for fresh seafood we would highly recommend this restaurant.

I hope you enjoyed your visit to the Shell Oyster Bar with us on a Saturday afternoon.  Hope you are having a good week wherever you may be.