Shells Seafood Restaurant

Local spot, recommend! Best clam chowder! Had I known how good, just ordered big bowl instead of other dishes. We’ll be back!

There’s something comforting about a classic, no-frills seafood spot by the water, and Shells Seafood delivers exactly that. This is the kind of place that feels like it’s been around forever, in the best way. Spacious for the area, lively without being chaotic, and backed by attentive service that keeps things moving even when it’s busy. The menu is extensive, and then just when you think you’ve seen it all, there’s a specials board tucked away with even more to choose from. If you can time your visit right, Tuesday is the move. They run a buy one pound, get one pound half off deal on snow crab legs, and it’s easily one of the best values around. The snow crab legs are fresh and satisfying, and the Dungeness crab holds its own as well. Both pair perfectly with their rich, drawn butter, simple but done right. Portion sizes here are no joke. The shrimp skewers are almost excessive in the best way. Three skewers loaded with roughly eight shrimp each, so you’re looking at around two dozen shrimp total, all a solid medium-large size. It’s the kind of dish that makes you pause when it hits the table. The shrimp pasta is another standout and clearly a house favorite. It’s packed with flavor and easily one of the more memorable dishes on the menu. Good enough that ordering a second one to-go actually makes sense. The clam chowder, though, was the one miss. While it’s loaded with plenty of clam meat and has a hearty base, there’s a slightly smoky flavor that throws it off. If you’re a chowder fan, it might not hit the mark. Probably something to skip next time. As for the crab cakes, they passed a pretty tough test. A Maryland native at the table gave them a strong approval, which says a lot. Pro tip: Get there early, ideally around lunch, if you want to lock in that snow crab deal. It’s popular, and you don’t want to risk missing out. Overall, this is a reliable, crowd-pleasing seafood spot that leans into big portions, solid execution, and a relaxed coastal vibe. Whether you’re a local or just visiting St. Pete Beach, it’s an easy recommendation and definitely worth a return trip.

Highly recommend this awesome local spot! The service was great, the food was amazing, and the prices were incredibly fair. The trout was only $15.95 and absolutely delicious, and the Mezzo Mezzo pasta was just as amazing. The crab looked so good that I'm already wishing I'd ordered it, but I was craving pasta! It's not right on the beach, but it's definitely worth the visit. Don't judge a book by its cover. This place is a hidden gem!