10-03-2025
Shuckers fans confused by Clevelander plan to revive "subpar" menu
Shuckers Waterfront Bar & Grill was beloved for its laid-back vibes, bayfront views and historic status as a Miami staple before it closed last year.
But the food? Many would say that came a distant second.
Why it matters: An attempt by the Clevelander South Beach to revive classic menu items from the shuttered sports bar has received mixed reactions from longtime fans.
"Nobody ever went to shuckers for the food," Miami food writer and editor Laine Doss wrote on Facebook.
Catch up quick: Shuckers, which had a 35-year run in North Bay Village, closed last year after its parent company, Jesta Group, sold the property to make way for a mixed-use development.
Shuckers was replaced by the Palm Tree Club, a restaurant and music venue, which received noise complaints from neighbors even before it opened.
The latest: The Clevelander, which is also owned by Jesta Group, announced last month it would begin selling "beloved Shuckers favorites" like grilled wings, coconut shrimp and loaded nachos.
The goal, a spokesperson tells Axios, is to honor Shuckers' legacy and attract its loyal customers.
Between the lines: The revived menu items are more expensive at the Clevelander than on Shuckers' online menu.
Five grilled wings will cost you $18, compared with $14 at Shuckers. A 10-piece is $35, compared with $24.
What they're saying: Many Shuckers fans who responded to an Axios Miami callout on Facebook said Shuckers' secret sauce wasn't on the menu; in fact, some didn't like the food much at all.
"I only went to Shuckers for the view. The food was overpriced and subpar," resident Sharon Weiss said.
"The best part of Shuckers wasn't the food but the atmosphere," Alexandra Bassil wrote, adding that it was one of Miami's last oceanfront staples.
Friction point: Some locals said customers who preferred Shuckers' laid-back atmosphere would probably avoid visiting the Clevelander, known for its touristy day club.
"If Shuckers literally picked up and moved to Ocean Drive, I'm sure many locals would consider it," Christopher Jon Uriarte wrote. "But I'm sure the prospect of going to Clevelander just for a Shuckers Grilled Cheese is a hard 'no' for most people."
"No local is going to the Clevelander unless they just moved into town," Joey Willig wrote.
The other side: Some Shuckers fans said they enjoyed its wings and coconut shrimp and would stop by the Clevelander to check it out.
"Shuckers was too far of a trek with Miami Beach traffic," South Beach resident Valerie Owen wrote.
Caroline Gray, who also lives in the area, wrote that the Clevelander is "a great place for sports" and she's glad it's changing its menu.
"I really liked Shuckers coconut shrimp, happy to see them back."
