About
Welcome to Half Shell Dockside, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Apalachicola, Florida. Located at 301 Market St, this charming eatery offers breathtaking views of Scipio Creek, making it a perfect spot for both locals and travelers alike. With a commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients, Half Shell Dockside provides a delightful dining experience where each dish tells a story.
As I stepped into the rustic yet welcoming ambiance of Half Shell Dockside, I was greeted by the friendly staff who embody the essence of Southern hospitality. The food here has garnered rave reviews, and rightfully so. Diners have praised the grouper nuggets and fried shrimp, which are not only fresh but cooked to perfection. One patron enthusiastically mentioned the fish spread as a stellar appetizer, setting the tone for an unforgettable meal. And let’s not overlook the dessert; the bourbon pecan pie and key lime pie have left patrons buzzing with admiration.
What makes Half Shell Dockside truly unique is its focus on locally-sourced ingredients. Customers have noted the freshness of their salads, which eschew the bland iceberg lettuce found in many establishments. Instead, vibrant dark leafy greens along with homemade dressings enhance each bite, a point highlighted by guests who appreciate the care and craftsmanship that goes into every meal. The oysters are also a highlight, showcasing the restaurant’s dedication to serving only the finest seafood.
Moreover, the atmosphere at Half Shell Dockside is invigorating, with the sounds of nature creating a serene backdrop for a memorable meal. Dining here feels like joining a welcoming family, as indicated by reviews praising the owners’ hands-on approach, even assisting in busy times to ensure guests have a wonderful experience.
Half Shell Dockside isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a destination for those who appreciate good food, great service, and a fun environment. It's particularly delightful for those who enjoy watching the local wildlife put on a show while they savor their meals. If you find yourself in Apalachicola, this place is a must-visit. With its delicious offerings and inviting atmosphere, your taste buds—and heart—will be sure to thank you.
Don’t miss out on experiencing Half Shell Dockside for yourself. Call them at +1 850-653-1211 for reservations or just stop by to enjoy a meal that you won’t forget!
“ Great place to eat at if you’re passing through or staying for a while. The beers were cold, food was delicious, and everyone was friendly. We had the grouper nuggets and fried shrimp for our meals and the fish spread for an appetizer. We topped it off with bourbon pecan pie and key lime pie. Everything was amazing. ”
“ Our favorite place in Apalachicola to eat!!! Beautiful view!!! Service is always wonderful! Food is amazing!!! Awesome Bloody Mary!!! ”
“ They were so busy on Saturday night the owners got up from their table having dinner with friends to help. Our server Angel was amazing , Angel makes the desserts and they were awesome. I’ve been in the restaurant business all my life and that place felt like a real family owned and run business. Thank you it was our second trip in a long time and we were glad to see you open and thriving be patient people they are great people!! Take care of those servers they are busting their asses. Tip them well. Food was amazing. Fried shrimp was exactly what I wanted!! Thank you Beth Kavanagh Gainesville Florida ”
“ Loved this place!! It’s a gem on Scipio Creek. My boyfriend and I just finished building and furnishing a beach house in SGI so, we are always looking for new and nice places to go with healthy food options, great service and a fun environment. This place ticked all of our boxes. We ate right on the water. The birds put on a spectacular live “National Geographic” type show for us!! The food was really fresh and especially the salad was really crisp with dark leafy greens compared to A LOT of the other restaurants around that offer bland iceberg lettuce with freeze dried veggies and sicky sweet or over processed dressings with the store bought shredded cheeses and just ruins the whole point of ordering a salad. Their salad was on point as it was all fresh ingredients and the pecans (although candied) were made fresh in their kitchen as well as the dressing and it was super yummy and lovely!! We had oysters as well that were nicely prepared and fresh and delicious. So we will certainly be back and recommend this place to our guests!! ”
“ This is a great restaurant with very good food, service and atmosphere! The grouper is very fresh and they have a good variety of sides like collards and Mac and cheese along with the regular ones. My wife loves the grouper Ruben and their gumbo is also great. The menu has been shrunk in the last few years, but they do a good job. There's a new brewpub in the same building. ”
“ This was our second visit in a Year's time. We were traveling and enjoy stopping here. We sat at the outside bar with very friendly bartenders. They happen to have a band playing that night which was excellent. The food is always good we ended up having oysters that evening ”
“ Food was amazing. I had never heard of a Grilled Grouper Ruben sandwich, but you have to try it. It was fantastic. The location is good as it's right on the water, but since it's at the marina parking was plentiful. Food was very good, service was great, and the desserts are homemade. We had the key lime and the banana cheesecake and they were both amazing as well. Definitely will be a place we revisit. ”
“ We stopped at this restaurant while traveling through. The food and atmosphere was amazing! Danitza was our server, you could not have asked for a better server, super sweet and attentive! I don't eat seafood so she recommended the Cuban sandwich, probably the best sandwich I have ever eaten! My husband had the tuna and loved it Great big kudos to the cooks! The live music was the icing on the cake!! We will definitely be back next time we are in the area. ”