The Early Word on Johnny’s Half Shell

On Columbus Day weekend, Johnny’s Half Shell made a splash in Adams Morgan, reviving the missed Capitol Hill restaurant in a brand new neighborhood.

Inside the old Cashion’s space, mains range from $16 for the Nicoise salad with imported tuna to $40 for the grilled New Frontier dry aged beef ribeye with sides. There’s also a spiced rubbed whole Maine lobster. Oysters on the half shell are $2.50 each. Many items are similar to Ann Cashion's old menu, with more affordable options for the new neighborhood as well.

Co-owner Johnny Fulchino calls the space "bright and fun," thanks to touches like fish and seahorse wall hangings and a mermaid painting. Waiters in white suits and ties, classic jazz tunes, and reclaimed beach wood walls add to the retro-coastal vibe.

Read on to hear what customers are saying about the weeks-old space.

The Great Green News: For Yelper Jose P., “One of the things about [co-owner] Ann that I love is that she sources her ingredients from good/local farms so we trust the food—especially since we know several of the farmers and get a little inside scoop from the other end of the business.” [Yelp]

The Cocktail News: Instagrammer @funstuph asked for “One Day a Lion, please” with Gin Lane 1751, and he’s “so excited to have Johnny’s back in the hood.” And Twitter user @rachnacDC recommends the root beer champagne cocktail. [Instagram, Twitter]

The Reminiscing News: Instagram user @rocketjohnnyk was happy to see some remnants of its former life: “So pleased the #birdcage bar was kept.”

The What’s the Same News: According to Washingtonian, “Old favorites from Johnny’s early days are back in the fold, such as “Sartin’s style” jumbo hardshell crabsAnd “longtime staples like the barbecued shrimp, Chesapeake seafood stew, and crab imperial aren’t going anywhere.” [Washingtonian]

The Cheaper Menu News: Writes Washingtonian, “Prices are designed to be neighborhood-friendly, with new wallet-friendly options like afritto misto of fall vegetables or chicken braised with late-summer chilies; such items are mixed in with date-night splurges, including spice-rubbed Maine lobster.” [Washingtonian]

The Oysters and Seafood News: Yelper Michelle M. thought the oysters “were fresh and perfect” while the grilled squid was “so well done. The accompanying kale, lemon zest and crunchies really made a unique and delicious dish. The crab cake here is spot on, coleslaw perfect, and taramosalata (fish roe spread) delightful.” And Yelper Jose P. had shrimp and grits and his wife has a seafood stew: “Basically everything was great.” [Yelp]