Restaurant Review 30a: Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar

After hearing rave reviews about Shunk Gulley we decided to make the trip to check it out for Mother's Day 2024. We arrived at around 2pm, and were seated immediately with no wait. We wanted to sit upstairs, however they didn't have a gulf view available so we sat on the downstairs patio with a gorgeous view of the Gulf of Mexico over the beach access across the street.

First thing I noticed, while they had a large tent next door with a stage, they didn't have anyone performing or any entertainment of any type for Mother's Day, at least downstairs. They also didn't have any type of complimentary gift or special for moms. For all practical purposes, this was a normal Sunday trip, although we did receive a few Happy Mother's day wishes from the staff. To get down to business, we started off with a few cocktails. They had a decent selection of drinks of every liquor type, with a lot of quality brands and different offerings outside of the typical Titos and Bacardi. The drinks were also reasonably priced for 30a. I kicked around the idea of the Deep South Tea, which was Sweet Tea vodka, Grey Goose citron and lemonade with a splash of Coke but I ended up settling on the Tropical Paradise - Picker's Pineapple Vodka, sour, pineapple juice, lime, mint, simple and soda. Basically a pineapple vodka mojito. My companion opted for the Blood Orange Mojito, which was Blue Chair Bay White rum, Blood Orange Puree, lime, mint, simple and sprite. It did take our server long enough to come to the table that the manager came over with waters right after she grabbed our drink order and apologized and said that she would be right over. I definitely appreciate management that is proactive and helps the staff as opposed to just being there. The drinks came, and they were served in large plastic cups as opposed to the smaller glasses served at some places. I again appreciated the value here, I hate purchasing a drink that is 4oz of liquid that is gone in 2 seconds when its hot outside. The Tropical Paradise was good, the pineapple came through and it was a good ratio of sweetness. The Blood Orange Mojito was also very good, now quite as sweet which surprised me as it was made with Sprite instead of soda. I would have liked a little more mint flavor in either drink, maybe more muddling or a few more leaves.

Photo byDavid Wendt

For an appetizer we chose the Crab Bisque. Lump Blue Crab, Roasted Corn, Sherry, Butter and Croutons. The bisque came out in good time before the entrees and I was glad we got it. Full of crab flavor and rich and creamy, with just a touch of sherry we both enjoyed it and if I come back i'll definitely order it again.

Photo byDavid Wendt

For entrees we chose the Blue Chair Bay Key Lime Shrimp Tacos with the Duck Fat Gulley Fries and the Gulf Coast Fish which was Blackened Grouper served with the coastal slaw. The tacos were very large, two tacos filled with fried shrimp, coastal slaw, pico and lime sour cream on blackened flour tortillas. the shrimp was hot and juicy. We upgraded to the Duck Fat fries, and we're glad we did - these were the absolute star of the show. Hand cut fries with Duck Fat, Garlic Olive and Truffle oil, parsley, sea salt and parmesan served with spicy ketchup and garlic aioli. I would literally come here just to eat these fries, I havent had better fries on 30a.

Photo byDavid Wendt

The Blackened Grouper was served with the piece of fish aside a hearty pile of Coastal Slaw. This entree didn't shine as much as the tacos. The blackened grouper was good and cooked perfectly, but not overly flavorful. the lemon butter sauce helped it out but wasn't very lemony. The Coastal Slaw was an absolute disappointment. Not sure exactly what the intent was, but it was shredded cabbage with tortilla strips absolutely devoid of any type of flavor. We actually sent this back and the waitress said that it didnt look right and sent another batch which was slightly betetr but still very bland. I ended up ordering some salad dressing for it. I was a good crunch in the taco but I'm not trying to eat a pile of unseasoned cabbage so I'd defintiely recommend opting for the fries.

Photo byDavid Wendt

Overall I'd give Shunk Gulley 4 of 5 stars. I'd come back here just for the fries. something to point out, despite being a large building their menu is actually kind of limited. The only side dishes they offered were fries and slaw. I'd definitely expect a few more sides and possibly more entrees for a place billed of this caliber.