Updated 2/8/2018 10:10 AM

The expansion of Interstate 35 took away the front parking of Dani Raes, which was a major factor in their decision to close. The property had no plans to be torn down and was put on the market with the expiration of the lease. 

Dallas Hale, Owner of Shell Shack, was reached out to by his Real Estate Agent. " [Denton] Is one I had my eye on, I used to live in Aubrey. I always kind of kept my eye on it and all the sudden my realtor was like hey this is available."

Hale has no concerns about the construction taking place and appears confident that this new location to the Shell Shack family will see the same success as the other locations. "No, not at all, I did my research. There is still plenty of parking," said Hale. 

"That’s been one of my spots that I have been looking at for awhile, I love Denton and always have. I love that feel of Denton. It’s always been in my head to look at it and stay on top it as an option." 

Hale's favorite Denton food stop? "Any chance I get to go to Denton I go to Mi Casita, been eating their 12-13 years." 

Shell Shack's first Dallas location hit the scene in 2013. Since then, three more locations in the metroplex have opened, with a fifth coming to Denton this spring.

Shell Shack will be in the former building of Dani Rae's Gulf Coast Kitchen, at 2303 S. Interstate 35E. Once completed, the building will be totally revamped with the vibrant interior common to other Shell Shack locations, including chalkboard walls, white tables, and pops of color. 

Seasonal offerings of crab, shrimp, and crawfish fill out the food menu, with flavor choices including Cajun, garlic, lemon pepper, the kitchen sink and naked, and heat variations of mild, medium, hot, and diablo. If you are not a huge seafood eater, burgers, chicken sandwiches, and wings are available, along with sides like hushpuppies and hand-cut fries. 

Expect a full beer, wine, and cocktail menu as well. From the Mi Shellada (featuring Dos XX and Shell Shack's own bloody mary mix) to the Shell Shack Tea, these creative cocktails hold their own.

After dinner and drinks, turn to the dessert menu. Whether you're feeling the warm, caramel goodness of bread pudding or a cool trio of gelato (chocolate hazelnut, sea salted caramel, and raspberry sorbet, oh my!), you won't be disappointed with their offerings.

Denton's Shell Shack will be serving food until 1 a.m. and drinks until 2 a.m., making it a perfect spot for plans any time of day. Familiarize yourself with their menu, and be ready to make this restaurant one of your regular haunts this spring.

Header image photographed by Brittany Keeton
Header image layout designed by Mateo Granados