Chooser:  Seamus Ryan (sryan@moranindustries.com)

RESTAURANT CLUB – WEEK #519
FRIDAY, MARCH 12TH @ 7:00 PM
Half Shell
676 W. Diversey Pkwy.
Chicago, Illinois  60614
(on Diversey a block west of the Clark/Broadway/Diversey intersection) 
773-549-1773
www.halfshellchicago.com

DRUNK CLUB - WEEK #519
FRIDAY, MARCH 12TH  @  5:45 PM (approx.)
TBD

When I used to live in the beating heart of Chad-and-Trixie-ville, I really liked this place - it's basically a dive that serves tremendously good seafood, and it has the added bonus of looking disreputable enough that the see-and-be-seen crowd tends to avoid it.  As seafood goes, it's reasonably priced and most items are delicious, especially if you stick with dishes that are either steamed or fried.  Consider yourselves warned: since Matt Lango had a great pick last week at Leo's Coney Island, I'm taking a similar risk and choosing a place that doesn't take reservations.  I called yesterday and was told that if I give them an hour's notice, they'll try to save a few tables near each other for us, but that's about the best we can hope for.  I figure Drunk Club will likely be at the Hidden Shamrock or Durkin's or some other place I'd usually avoid, but it will certainly be within a block's walk or so of the restaurant. 

You know, reading over what I've just written, it sounds like I'm not as enthusiastic about Half Shell as I actually am - you really should give it a shot if you can.  It's totally worth the effort.

RSVP by noon on Thursday, please.

Cuisine:
Seafood
Price Range: $$ (moderate, $11-$30)
Metromix: http://chicago.metromix.com/restaurants/seafood/half-shell-restaurant-lincoln-park/139485/content

Yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz/half-shell-restaurant-chicago