our oldest tradition
When you walk into the Sea Shanty, the first thing you’ll notice is the ceiling—covered in thousands of hats, each one different and completely unique, just like the people who’ve come through and left them behind. Some date all the way back to the 1980s, each holding its own little piece of history. It’s a one-of-a-kind sight that instantly sets the tone: laid-back, a little quirky, and full of character. It’s not just a detail—it’s part of what makes the Sea Shanty feel like home.
how it started
It all started at Chuck’s Steak House in Orange County, where Sea Shanty owners Billy and Carol first met—she was behind the bar, and he was in the kitchen. Back then, all the chefs wore tall traditional chef hats…except Billy. He stuck to his signature baseball caps. Regulars quickly caught on and began bringing him new hats, and before long, he had collected hundreds.
When Billy and Carol opened the Sea Shanty over Memorial Day weekend in 1983, Carol decided those hats weren’t coming into the house—so she put them on the ceiling instead. What started as a simple solution turned into a tradition. Ever since, customers have continued to bring in hats and leave their mark.
Today, the collection has grown to thousands of hats, each one with its own story. And the best part? You can still bring one in and add to the ceiling yourself.
