14 of the Best Places to Get Seafood in Chicago
Chicago is an amazing city with lots to offer in terms of things to do, places to visit and restaurants to try. The city offers a diverse array of food options and has some of the best restaurants in the country. Chicago has some of the best seafood restaurants as well. Here are nine of the best places to get Seafood in Chicago.
1. Half Shell Oyster Bar
676 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614
Half Shell Oyster Bar is a great restaurant in Chicago that prides itself on its no-frills approach to dining. Half Shell specializes in great seafood–without having to hide behind fancy techniques or ingredients. The restaurant is family owned and has been passed down through generations. Half Shell is the longest running crab house in Chicago. To this day, the grandson of the founder4 works to exemplify the dining experience his grandfather wanted; an experience that is simply food and nothing else. Half Shell does not take reservations or cash. If you are looking for great dining without the frills, Half Shell is the restaurant for you.
2. GT Fish & Oyster
531 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654
GT Fish & Oyster is another great seafood joint in Chicago. GT Fish & Oyster opened its doors in 2011 and its Head Chef has always aimed to redefine the seafood experience by pairing rustic with refined and innovative with traditional. Guests can enjoy the daily options of fresh oysters or other small plates. GT Fish & Oyster is more than a restaurant, as it offers an extensive drink list with endless options to pair with each meal. GT Fish & Oyster recognizes the power of artfully paired drinks and meals and strives to make each dining experience memorable.
3. Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
60 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Another great restaurant is Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab. Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab prides itself on its elegant dining experience. The restaurant goes so far as to have staff wear tuxedos to illustrate the fine dining experience. In 1913, the original Joe of Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab set up shop. Ever since then, the restaurant is hailed as one of the best dining experiences. If you are looking for an upscale establishment for business with a top client or for a special anniversary, Joe’s Seafood, Prime Rib & Stone Crab.
4. Shaw’s Crab House
21 E Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60611
Shaw’s Crab House is a restaurant that offers a wide variety of options, such as sushi and other classic options. They offer the highest quality of seasonal crab options, along with top-shelf sushi, oysters and shellfish options. Additionally, they offer creative meal options, like innovative sushi and sashimi combinations. Shaw’s Crab House always uses the freshest fish on the market. Each season, the crab options change. Shaw’s Crab House carefully selects each crab variety, while keeping in mind the environmental impact of their purchases. Additionally, Shaw’s Crab House offers live music for its guests. If you are looking for a jazzy place to eat, check them out.
5. Alegria’s Seafood
1024 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Alegria’s Seafood offers Mexican-style seafood cuisine for guests to enjoy. Alegria’s Seafood is a well-known establishment in Chicago and has been serving for over 15 years. The restaurant is regarded as a must-see for both Chicago residents and tourists. Alegria’s Seafood is snug and cozy, offering an intimate dining experience that allows guests to feel at home. Additionally, the restaurant does not serve alcohol, but allows guests to bring their own drinks. If you are looking for a no-frills Mexican-style seafood experience, Alegria’s is the place for you.
6. Lowcountry South Loop
1132 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
Lowcountry South Loop is another one of the best seafood restaurants in Chicago. Lowcountry South Loop specializes in Southern-style seafood and offers a wide variety of Cajun cuisine. Additionally, the restaurant encourages guests to wear a bib and get messy when eating their meals. The restaurant strives to create a relaxed and family-like environment. Lowcountry South Loop’s interior is styled like a backyard to recreate the environment of outdoor family gatherings around a seafood broil. Additionally, the restaurant offers cocktails and beer for guests to enjoy.
7. King Crab House
1816 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
King Crab House Chicago is another restaurant in the Chicago area that offers outstanding seafood options. King Crab House Chicago is a seafood staple and is one of the oldest crab houses in the area. Additionally, the restaurant has a diverse menu that will please any guest. King Crab House Chicago offers other dining options, such as steaks and pastas. The restaurant offers a full-service bar as well. If you are looking for a place to grab a meal or drink, look no further than King Crab House Chicago.
8. Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House
1024 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611
Another great option for seafood in the Chicago area is Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House. Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House receives fresh seafood daily. The restaurant is a destination for anyone seeking the best and freshest oysters, crudos, lobster, fish and even frog legs. Additionally, the restaurant offers Gibsons Prime Angus steaks and chops. There is an extensive wine and cocktails lists available that is expertly paired for each dining option. If you still have room for dessert, Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House offers fantastic dessert options.
9. Boston Fish Market
1225 Forest Ave, Des Plaines, IL 60018
It’s casual, it’s delicious, and it’s usually crowded by seafood lovers that keep coming back. It’s the Boston Fish Market! They’ve got everything and more to fix your seafood craving, and in generous portions, too. Whatever you get, plan on getting a to-go box because you are sure to leave full and satisfied and still have some food left on your plate. The clam chowder is all the rage and everything else on their menu is top notch. Once you go Boston Fish Market, you never go back.
10. Mfk
432 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614
Mfk is a comfy little seafood spot in Lake View East that serves Spanish tapas style dishes with more of a seafood focus. Although the portions are a little more on the smaller side, the flavor of the dishes fully makes up for that. You have to order the crunchy prawn heads as an appetizer for the table, however you might not want to share once you try them. The razor clams are also to die for, but make sure you save room for their delicious cocktails like the Lion’s Tail with rye, allspice dram, lime and angostura.
11. Brown Bag Seafood
340 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
This seafood spot is probably not like one you’ve ever been to before. It is a quick, casual place where you go up to the counter and pick what combination of fish and sides you are in the mood for. You can get yourself tacos or a sandwich, or you can design your own meal. Start with a protein, maybe salmon or shrimp, and then you have the option to make it into a salad, a protein or veggie box, or just order it straight up. So many delicious options to mix and match! If you’re looking for a quick, inexpensive way to cure that seafood fix, check out Brown Bag!
12. Lure Fishbar
616 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611
Lure is the perfect little spot for a classy all things seafood date night. You can sit at the bar and watch the chefs prepare beautifully made sushi rolls while enjoying a nice cocktail. The branzino and sea urchin bucatini are wildly popular entrees here and their sushi rolls are divine. If you’re looking for fresh seafood and a cozy, yet elegant atmosphere, Lure Fishbar is the spot for you.
13. Ocean Prime
87 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601
Ocean Prime is equally as proud of their steaks as they are their seafood. There are so many amazing menu items from crab cakes, oysters and sushi to pork and steak options. The restaurant also has a gorgeous view of the city. The service is great, they have a nice selection of alcohol and the ambiance is everything. Ocean Prime is a great spot for a business lunch or a sweet night out with your significant other.
Editors Note: This article was originally published on November 23, 2020 and last updated on November 17, 2021. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
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