The Dallas based seafood restaurant Shell Shack opened in Houston this summer. Though many of my blogger buddies visited during its grand opening phase, my first visit was a couple weeks ago! The popularity of Shell Shack Houston stems from their boiled bags of succulent and perfectly seasoned seafood. Specifically crab, shrimp and crawfish (when in season). Not a fan of Shell fish? Shell Shack Houston also serves other seafood items like fried catfish and shrimp platters. You can also find wings, burgers and salads scattered about the menu. Read all about my seafood filled lunch visit to Shell Shack Houston below.
Shell Shack Houston is know for their signature infused wet marinades and offerings of shellfish. Other options like fried fish and shrimp are available, as well as a few land options like burgers and wings. Unless you have a seafood allergy there is no reason you should be eating either of the latter options at Shell Shack. Their bags of boiled seafood are served at peak temperature with whole red potatoes, corn and sausage mixed in.
SEAFOOD, EAT IT!
My lunch dates and I ordered a little bit of everything. We started with the crab stuffed tater tots, wings and fried calamari. Followed by two platters: “The Boss” and “The VIP” – one of their custom boils. The tater tots come six to an order and are little perfect pockets of smoking hot tots stuffed with crab. As a fan of both tater tots and crab, they were winners in my book. The calamari was easily some of the best I’ve had. It was fried to perfection and served with THE MOST delicious tartar sauce on the planet. The tartar sauce was so good I took some home to put on other stuff.
The Boss consisted of two fried catfish fillets and eight, large, golden fried shrimp, Fresh Hand Cut Fries and Hush puppies that all platters are served with. I specifically ordered The VIP because I wanted to try one of their signature wet marinades. To build your custom boil you simply select your choice of seafood, flavor and heat level. I love snow crab and opted for their mild “kitchen sink” flavor which is a mix of Cajun, garlic and lemon pepper. While we waited for our food I was adorned with a cute bib, a bucket for shells and my crab cleaning utensils. By the time I was done I had crab on my neck, in my hair, down my wrists and under my nails! Luckily Shell Shack has automatic hand washing machines. I was thrilled that I didn’t have to use 78 of those little wet wipe packets.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Shell Shack Houston is a massive restaurant, but the parking doesn’t match its size. We were able to snag two spots during the lunch rush, but I have feeling you may not be so lucky during their peak times. There is street parking behind the restaurant, but make sure you read all signs. Houston is notorious for towing. The restaurant has an amazing two story patio that is certain to be LIT. Lastly, Shell Shack Houston is open LATE. The kitchen closes at 1 am and the restaurant closes at 2 am.
The next time you’re on the hunt for seafood in Houston, make sure to give Shell Shack Houston a visit. In addition to their delicious seafood, they also have a full bar, specialty cocktails and desserts. You can read more about them over at BlackGirlsWhoBrunch!
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
WASHINGTON AVE
2412 Washington Ave
Houston, TX 77007832-998-8000
Hours: 11am-2am
(kitchen closes at 1am)
