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Welcome to Shells Seafood - Brandon

At Shells Seafood - Brandon, we celebrate over 40 years of culinary excellence in seafood dining. Nestled in Brandon, Florida, our restaurant is renowned for its fresh and flavorful offerings, especially the clam chowder that has garnered national acclaim. The casual yet vibrant atmosphere welcomes families and seafood lovers alike, making it a staple in the community. Highlights include our hand-breaded buffalo shrimp and delectable calamari, both celebrated by guests for their quality and taste. With a commitment to exceptional service and a diverse menu catering to all diets, Shells promises a memorable dining experience for everyone.

Shells Seafood - Brandon: Reviews & Ratings

Julie D.
Julie D.

We drove an hour and 45 minutes for this clam chowder. It is absolutely the best we have EVER tasted!! Ari, our server, was terrific!! We sat in the back section of the restaurant. It was very busy, but not noisy at all.

Christopher M.
Christopher M.

Service was wonderful. Ari was very impressive and cheerful. She made us feel welcomed and appreciated. She was prompt on refilling our beverages and made sure we had everything we needed for our meal. I recommend a bowl of the delicious clam chowder. Shells has MORE clams than any other recipe. The kids love the shrimp pasta. Our youngest loves the "shark attack" it's a sprite with a shark toy which contains grenadine "cherry" syrup. She loved pouring the "shark blood" into the sprite. It's the small things that make lasting memories. My favorite dish is Salmon Felix. It has a lobster sauce with lump crab meat on top of the Salmon. I always get a side of their delicious Parsley potatoes. Shells has been around for 40 years and I love supporting small businesses such as Shells Seafood.

Tim F.
Tim F.

Once again, out to dinner with a group of RV'ers, thus the trend continues. One of our colleagues has eaten here many years ago and wanted to see if it was still as good as they remembered. I can say that, even though it was the first time for us, it was excellent. A party of 6, we were seated immediately and our server arrived for drink and app orders. Mama and I split a bowl of some of the best clam chowder we've ever had, hands down. Clams, bacon and potatoes in an amazing chowder base. We also split the shrimp and scallops pasta with a side of shrimp skewers, all of which was delicious, with great tasting marinated grilled shrimp on the skewers and an outstanding cream sauce on the pasta. All of our group had nothing but great things to say about all the meals, which speaks volumes to the quality of every dish served. The service was awesome from our team of one experienced server training a less experienced one. Beer selection was passable, with a decent draft selection. I faced the back wall, which is a giant blackboard with specials and numerous funny sayings on it. Another place to put in the Tampa rotation for future shows or other events in the area. One minor flaw was that it did take a little longer than normal to get our meals to the table, but I can't blame our servers for that. Also have a military discount, but only on the entree and not the entire check.

David A.
David A.

Shells in Brandon is a consistent stop for us, especially around the holidays. Great fun, casual atmosphere with consistently great service and good seafood. They especially excel at their fried creations and appetizers. They also do New Orleans spice rather well. The service here is always impeccable. Our waitress on Christmas Eve for our large party was simply amazing. I recommend you give this place a try if you're in the Brandon area. It is one of the long standing staples that won't disappoint.

Logan A.
Logan A.

Joined family for Christmas Eve Dinner here and the staff was incredible! Our server especially made it a night to remember. Really enjoyed the Fried Calamari and Seafood dip alongside a very cheesy and creamy Shrimp Tortellini. Only things bringing the experience down was the drinks. Many in my party, myself included ordered Red Sangria which tasted watered down and extremely sugary. One member of our party had to send a glass of wine back because it was so watered down it didn't even taste like Pinot. Overall, I'd be happy to go back, but maybe just stick to Soda and Beer for drinks.

Kevin M.
Kevin M.

So while do a bit of comforter laundry mat cleaning, there is a few hide-and-way store in the back. One was smelling wonderful!..popped in the waitress was very nice. So i said imma coming back for dinner with some people. Overall, they are right, they sever the BEST, im mean top tier New England clam chowda...when its worth ever 4.5 stars..It would ve 5 stars if it came out hot and not luke warm...plus i would have love to have some sprinkled on top (Old Bay)...but great place Dunkin Noodle: No drink list but.they have an open bar, so go crazy!

Selmy B.
Selmy B.

Yes, this one is 5-stars for the consistency of our favorite pasta dishes that we know are always fresh and generous. Happy hour drinks with a full bar at reasonable prices is appreciated. Plenty of parking in front and behind restaurant. Servers are friendly, informative, and attentive. This is totally a casual seafood restaurant that the whole family can enjoy. Relax, eat, and know you will have plenty of leftovers to take home. I love their Shells shrimp pasta in a white wine garlic sauce that melts in my mouth. Entree is served with a slice of perfectly toasted garlic bread that you can use to soak the sauce. Yum. Hubby loves the baby lobster pasta in a pink sauce. He never can finish it and loves having the leftovers on the next day. Miss them for those closed their Sarasota location and we will drive the hour to this location when we need our pasta dish fix. So worth it, unpretentious and predictable.

Erica W.
Erica W.

First, we didn't know it was a chain and we meant to go to the one closer to our Airbnb in Tampa but ended up in Brandon! Either way, we had a good experience. Greeted as soon as we walked in Our server Raul was thorough! We didn't have to wait too long for our meals. We ordered half dozen oysters & steamed shrimp (not pictured) and some cocktails to start. The oysters were HUGE! I've always had medium or small sized so this was different. We had to cut them in half because trying to slurp them was out of the question - they were ok but I wouldn't order them again at that size. My mom had the fried snapper dinner - she said it could've used more seasoning - though it was fried, it was bland and she was expecting the whole fish not just a filet. My cousin enjoyed her crab cakes and said the shrimp was spicy. I had the snow crab legs which were delicious! I prefer mine seasoned in old bay (they weren't) but I ordered a side of it and was good to go! Overall the food was better than expected and it satisfied the craving we had.

Lisa W.
Lisa W.

Years ago I visited a Shell's Seafood Restaurant in Ocala, Florida and was obsessed with the delicious soups, seafood, and pasta. I visited every time I was in town. Sadly, they closed and I was left with only memories of their wonderful food. I am visiting Tampa and saw that there are three Shell's Seafood Restaurants nearby with the same logo and same menu from my memories. I chose the Brandon location for a takeout order after checking reviews and health inspections, never expecting things to taste the same. My Goodness, I've never been so happy to be wrong in my life! We started with lobster bisque and it was creamy, full of lobster, and probably the best cup of soup I've ever had in my entire life. I followed that up with a Caesar salad, which was a huge portion of crisp, fresh romaine lettuce paired with the tastiest dressing. Finally, I had a side of linguini with cream sauce. The pasta was perfectly al dente and the sauce was plentiful and almost brought tears to my eyes, it was so delicious. I felt like I was transported 25 years back in time and eating the amazing food at the Shell's I remembered. Things are never as good as remembered, but this meal was even better than I remembered! My husband had fried fish, parsley potatoes, and steamed vegetables. He didn't talk much while eating, so I knew he loved it. I placed my order over the phone and the person who took my order was so patient, answering any questions I had. I picked up inside and the place was packed on a Sunday at 2 pm. Still, it looked clean and inviting. Service was quick and friendly. Thank you, Shell's, for memories old and new!

Location

Welcome to Shells Seafood - Brandon, a hidden gem located at 115 E Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511. For over 40 years, this beloved establishment has provided a delightful seafood dining experience, earning a devoted following of seafood enthusiasts and families alike.

Shells Seafood prides itself on its casual atmosphere, accessible for all with features such as outdoor seating, wheelchair accessibility, and a welcoming environment for well-behaved dogs. Whether you're in the mood for a family dinner, a casual meal with friends, or a celebration, this venue caters to all with a robust menu and thoughtful service.

The extensive menu is filled with mouthwatering seafood options that highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients. Start your culinary journey with their Oysters On The Half Shell, perfectly served raw or steamed, paired with cocktail sauce and lemon. For a taste of the deep-fried delights, the Fried Calamari and Buffalo Shrimp are must-tries, receiving rave reviews from guests who appreciate the quality and flavor that Shells is known for.

One of the standout dishes, as noted by regulars, is the clam chowder—a creamy concoction bursting with clams, potatoes, and smoky bacon. Many guests, including Julie D. and Christopher M., have traveled considerable distances just for a taste, claiming it's the best they’ve ever had. This dish alone showcases the mastery of the chefs behind the scenes.

Shells Seafood also excels in crafting meals that cater to all dietary preferences, with many vegetarian and vegan options available. The drink menu features a full bar, where you can unwind with an Alamos Malbec from Argentina or a refreshing Pinot Grigio from Italy. The restaurant even offers Happy Hour specials for those looking to enjoy a little indulgence without breaking the bank.

For those planning to bring the family along, children will love the imaginative “shark attack” drink option, while parents can indulge in signature dishes like the Salmon Felix, topped with a luscious lobster sauce and lump crab meat. The atmosphere is designed for groups and families, making it a perfect spot for quality time and memorable meals, as emphasized by satisfied customers.

You can easily enjoy your meal at Shells Seafood either through dine-in, takeout, or even delivery, accommodating busy lifestyles and celebrations. Don't forget to take advantage of the free Wi-Fi and takeout services, which include options for catering your next event.

In summary, Shells Seafood - Brandon isn’t just a meal; it’s a complete experience. With knowledgeable staff, a cozy ambiance, and an impressive selection of seafood and other dishes, it is a perfect choice for anyone seeking quality food in a friendly setting. Stop by for a delightful meal that is sure to leave you planning your next visit!