Shells Cafe

Shells Cafe

Someone from this business manages this listing.
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+353 71 912 2938+ Add website
Hours
Sun
9:30 - 20:00
Mon
9:30 - 19:00
Tue
9:30 - 19:00
Wed
9:30 - 19:00
Thu
9:30 - 19:00
Fri
9:30 - 20:00
Sat
9:30 - 20:00
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What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles
Travellers' Choice 2024

RATINGS
Food
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.4 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.3 of 5 bubbles
Atmosphere
4.5 of 5 bubbles
Is this location primarily known for Bars & Pubs?
CUISINES
Irish, Cafe, European
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, After-hours
FEATURES
Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Mastercard, Visa, Digital Payments, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Waterfront
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles1,427 reviews
Excellent
942
Very good
323
Average
87
Poor
35
Terrible
40

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Rita S
18 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2024 friends
Busy always ! Great atmosphere . Sometimes you will need to wait in line for 10-20 minutes, particularly at the weekends and when the weather is bad and cannot use the outside tables. Note they close promptly at 6pm but are open on Sunday and Monday where a number of Sligo eateries are not.
Written 3 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Smyck1
41 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023 couples
The setting on the shore front boasts spectacular views of the ocean. Immediately on entering there is a real sense of atmosphere and the staff greeted us with enthusiasm and politeness. The decor is charming and the tables are well laid out allowing small groups of up to at least 6 and cosy tables for families or couples. Everything is cooked on site and the home made soup that day was delicious as well as the home made wheaten bread that went with it. Despite it being the middle of winter there was a queue to get access to the place. The queue was well managed and people were content to sit outside and wait their turn. There were hearty people who chose to sit on the benches outside while enjoying the food and uninterrupted views of the raging ocean. I would highly recommend a visit to this place at any time of year as it will be a pleasure to return. It was such a pleasure to be greeted by the staff in such a pleasant manner and as cited previously, the home made food it absolutely gorgeous. Looking forward to going back soon.
Written 12 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

dadandcab
28 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 solo
This was a perfect spot on a cold windy day for a bacon and egg roll and a hot drink. I had a takeaway which was delivered promptly and was absolutely delicious with lots of good quality bacon and a yummy soft egg. Staff were friendly and efficient. Recommended.
Written 2 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Yana
Ireland105 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 family
When we were in this cafe for the first time last fall, I thought everything was very tasty and wanted to eat a delicious taco again. But I was very disappointed... maybe the cook is different, maybe it’s not tasty at all, I don’t know. The difference between the children's burger and the adult one was strange - the adult one had added tomato and we thought it was strange, since the price was different. The service is also not great, because there are a lot of visitors, they are not invited to sit down, but there are dirty dishes on the tables. The view is beautiful, the birds entertained the children...
Google
Written 1 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dee
6 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2024 family
We went as a family and I had the seabass. I have to say it was one of the nicest pieces of fish I have ever had BUT what destroyed my meal was I given 5 cubes of potatoes with it. Yes, 5! I reread the menu to see if I was mistaken but No. It said crispy potatoes with it. By the time I started eating, it was too late to order a side and at €18 for the seabass, if I ordered a side...you're looking at restaurant prices into the low €20s for a lunch! No thanks. Also, €6 for a kids cheese toastie- basically 2 slices of bread and some cheese. Total rip off...At least give some fruit on the side to feel. We are officially at the point of rip off that I just don't feel comfortable paying those prices any more. I understand running a business is so hard and expensive in the current climate but do not let customers walk away feeling like they're still hungry and being ripped off. I am at the point I am voting with my feet and sticking to cafes that I know I will get value for money.
Written 18 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lucia D
1 contribution
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 couples
We paid a visit to Shells,yesterday 11th of August.As always the food and coffee were excellent. To say the service was appalling is an understatement. I ordered coffee and had to ask for a spoon to stir it.Our food ,which was delicious, then arrived and we had to ask for cutlery and napkins. On finishing our food ,I ordered another coffee ,as it was so good,but all the dirty plates were left on our table and the obviously untrained waitress walked away empty handed.The waiting staff seem to gather in the middle of the room and stand staring in to the abyss.Obviously training of staff is not a priority here and the appalling customer service is non existent. We had lunch in Yeats Tavern the previous day and to say the service was top notch is an understatement ,Shells you could learn so much from them. So disappointed, would love a reply,please.
Written 12 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jpavalanche
67 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2022 family
For a restaurant that prides itself on sourcing fresh local produce I am staggered to learn that the fish used in their "fish and chips" is 'River Cobbler' as it's called in Ireland. This fish is sold under many other names for example 'Panga' in Spain, 'Basa' in UK. But it's real name is 'Vietnamese Pangasius' which is a species of catfish intensively farmed in some of the world's most polluted rivers across China and Vietnam. It's the very definition of 'not local fresh fish'. Our waitress seemed to take pride in telling us it was Cobbler' advertising it as a 'sustainable' but the reason to use this product is more about profit than any sustainability credentials claimed by their supplier. I cannot understand why you would not identify the fish used on the menu driving the need to enquire with the staff. You would not order 'meat and chips' and not identify the meat used so why is it acceptable to do so with fish? Always question an unnamed ingredient on a menu. As long as you avoid any unidentified fish on the menu you really can't go wrong. I recommend the Bakewell tarts accompanied with a late. You won't find 'fresh local fish' at Shell's and if that's what you want to eat then pay a visit to Beech Buns (only open a few days a week not 50m away from Shell's Cafe). Shell's Cafe should be avoided at weekends for anything other than takeaway as it's an unpleasant experience when over crowded with rude city folk pushing past you and also service suffers for the inconvenience. Lot of merchandise is over priced much like the dreadful 'modern art' on the wall also for sale at crazy prices! It's a lovely cafe but an unpleasant experience at peak times and prices are unreasonable.
Written 7 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tommy
Dublin3 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2022 friends
Have been here many times over the years and think the quality has declined. Last time I was here was left standing at the door for a member of staff to seat us despite only a handful of tables, chicken sandwich was extremely bland and dry. Drink that I ordered I never received. Its OK but nowhere near what the reviews would suggest. Wouldn't be in a rush back.
Written 4 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nola
Dublin1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 family
Really lovely cafe vibes in this place. I went with my children and the staff were really lovely and friendly to us all. I had the breakfast Buddah bowl which was fresh and delicious, and the kids had mini avo and toast with a smoothie, all devoured. Their outdoor space is great as it’s covered so if the rain arrives you have shelter. Loved it here.
Written 14 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mayo22!
Sligo82 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 friends
Fabulous coffee and food with an amazing view of the sea. Very friendly staff. Good brunch and lunch menu, portions size very decent of brunch I had (avocado toast) , fabulous choice of deserts , gluten free Brownie was delicious - best brownie in general even compared to non gluten free. Lovely Shop to browse, nice place to spend a morning.
Written 3 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Hollie H
1 contribution
2.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 friends
I’ve been here on multiple occasions and im sad to say that this would probably be the last time i visit this establishment. The hostess (which we later found out was the manager) was incredibly rude and was not helpful one bit. they brought out the wrong drinks and when corrected kindly the waitress was rude.the burger my friend had ordered was black and charred, the fish i ordered was mushy and barely any chips came out on the plate. The chips i got were clearly old and refried. The fish was soggy and extremely salty. i loved this little cafe and i’m very disappointed.
Written 9 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Doris D
4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2024 family
Just loved our lunch. The small portion of soup without bread just perfect - and loved the crispy roast potatoes as a side. My daughter had the chicken broth and loved it - all very filling - and proper food. Just perfect on a wet and cold afternoon.
Written 19 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nathan Q
5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2024 couples
A busy cafe with a great atmosphere. We arrived on a sunny day and were able to enjoy amazing views from the outside terrace. Pricing is really reasonable too. The best coffee I’ve had in the area also, not burnt or rushed and served in modern unchipped cups! They also have a great selection of treats with gluten free and vegan options too! Staff are all friendly and polite also
Written 25 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

we2k
Greater Sydney57 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2024 couples
Called in for coffee on my own, then returned later in the day with my coffee snob husband. The coffee was that good I wanted him to try. Big tick of approval! The other delight is that they bake their own bread and the gluten free version is delicious. All it needed was butter and marmalade. Yum! The staff were busy, yet friendly and attentive. Good to know this business isn't just resting on the stunning location. Wish we could stay longer and return.
Written 24 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Hals123
New York City40 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 friends
Was looking for somewhere to have lunch in Sligo and selected Shells based on the number of glowing (and believable) reviews. Service was outstanding, menu catered well for vegetarians and food arrived quickly and was top quality. Everyone left happy. Thoroughly recommend - kudos to owners, management and staff.
Written 25 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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SHELLS CAFE, Strandhill - Restaurant Reviews, Phone Number & Photos - Tripadvisor

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