Charlotte

Upscale Oyster and Raw Bar Opening in Charlotte

Half Shell will offer multiple oyster varieties, lobster rolls, seafood plates, and a sparkling wine–driven bar program.

Image from Half Shell on Instagram

CHARLOTTE, NC — Half Shell, an upscale oyster and raw bar from restaurateur Jeffry Van Dyke, is set to open Jan. 31 at 2161 Hawkins Street Suite 130A, Charlotte, NC 28203, Van Dyke told Business Debut.

Van Dyke is a veteran in the industry and is a founder and partner in several longstanding restaurant brands, such as Brixx Woodfired Pizza (which has 20+ locations) and Boardwalk Billy’s Raw Bar and Ribs in Charlotte.

What to Expect

Half Shell is a full-service restaurant centered on oysters and seafood. Van Dyke said the restaurant will feature five to six varieties of oysters daily, including selections from the West Coast, New England, Prince Edward Island, and boutique oyster farms on the North Carolina coast.

The space spans about 3,200 square feet with 81 seats inside and another 50 seats on the patio.

In addition to oysters, the menu will include lobster rolls, shrimp rolls, a tuna burger, grilled fish specials, crab cakes, ceviche and a couple of poke bowls, Van Dyke said. The menu will also include a couple of steaks.

The bar program will feature a strong focus on sparkling selections, including champagne, prosecco and cava by the glass. Van Dyke said the wine list will be about 40 bottles and built around seafood pairings, including classic oyster wines and wines meant to work well with lobster, plus a section of red wines selected to pair with fish.

Half Shell will also emphasize classic martinis alongside a small lineup of craft cocktails.

Opening Timeline

Half Shell plans to open Jan. 31.

Hours

Van Dyke said Half Shell expects to operate lunch and dinner long term, but will likely open with dinner service only during its first week. Planned hours are 11 a.m.—11 p.m. most days, with 11 a.m.—12 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.