LANSDALE-Located in the heart of the borough right at the intersection of Main and Broad, seafood restaurant Shell Fish Sue is Lansdale’s newest gem, or more fittingly, its pearl. Combining elements of innovation with the casual comfort of a coastal café, Shell Fish Sue is a perfect place to forget the season by enjoying the seaside ambience and excellent menu choices–all while staying close to home.

With its charming décor and personable service, Shell Fish Sue struck the right chord even before we saw the menu. The restaurant is owned and operated by Rene Worrell who recently moved to the area after living in the Bronx for his entire life. Shell Fish Sue is named after his girlfriend Sue who he has known for more than 20 years.

Shell Fish Sue’s menu has many great options, both unique and classic, which are all very reasonably priced. All ingredients are purchased fresh from local markets.  As an appetizer, I chose the Shellfish Bisque ($10) which was perfectly creamy and filled with lots of fresh lobster, shrimp, crab, and herbs.

For entrées, Shell Fish Sue has a wide variety of options including fish and chips ($12), salads such as the Teriyaki Glazed Salmon ($15), and sandwiches like The Cod Father ($14). The restaurant is known for both its Chesapeake and Baltimore style crab cakes (each $12) and the lobster mac and cheese (varies with market prices).  For pickier diners, there is a “Make it Your Way Fish” option ($16) where you choose tilapia, cod, flounder, or grouper and customize the panko crust and kind of sauce.

Most entrees are complemented with sides of “Sue’s Slaw” and “Sue’s dirty fries” made from hand cut potatoes. The fries were one of my favorite elements of Shellfish Sue because each diner chooses their own unique seasoning salt. The types of salts offered are Jurassic Salt, Hakanai Flake, Amabito No Moshio (seaweed salt), Antarctic Sea Salt, Fiore De Sale Di Trapini (Italian Salt), and Murray Darling.

Instead of overpaying for mediocrity at a chain like Red Lobster for your seafood dining experience, support our local businesses and give Shell Fish Sue a try. I guarantee you will fall in love with the quaint atmosphere as well as the excellent food and unique options.