Seafood is a nutritious and delicious option for people looking for an alternative to meat and poultry. There are many different types of seafood available, so there is something to suit every taste.
The Windy City of Chicago is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in the country. From casual seafood shacks to upscale seafood bistros, there’s something for everyone.
Check out our list of the best seafood restaurants in Chicago to get ready to get filthy in the most pleasurable way.
Several of the town’s more well-known locations, like Ocean Prime and Shaw’s Crab House, are included on the list.
The best part is that you won’t have to spend much money because the selections are all very reasonable.
The seafood restaurants listed in this article have websites that list their menus, so you can get an idea of what’s offered before you even step inside.
That said, here are our 10 favorite seafood restaurants in Chicago:
The 10 Best Seafood Restaurants in Chicago USA
1. Shaw’s Crab House
Shaw’s Crab House is one of the best seafood restaurants in Chicago. This popular seafood spot has been serving fresh seafood for over 80 years. This iconic American seafood restaurant serves more than 40 seafood dishes, including their famous Alaskan King Crab Legs and a range of freshly shucked oysters and sushi cooked to order.
The menu features a wide variety of seafood, from crab legs to oysters, as well as steak and chicken dishes. Shaw’s also has an extensive wine list, making it the perfect place for a date night. Shaw’s crab house is one of the best seafood restaurants in Chicago.Â
2. Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
Joe’s Seafood is located in the heart of downtown Chicago, Illinois. The restaurant was founded in 2013 by Joe Bastianich and is a part of his restaurant group, Batali & Bastianich Hospitality Group. Joe’s Seafood is known for its fresh seafood, prime steak, and stone crab. The menu at Joe’s Seafood is extensive and includes something for everyone. Starters include dishes such as oysters Rockefeller and crabcakes. For the main course, there are a variety of seafood, steak, and pasta dishes. Joe’s Seafood also offers a wide selection of wine and beer.
The restaurant has a modern interior and offers a wide variety of menu items. Whether you are looking for a light starter or a hearty main course, Joe’s Seafood has something for you to try.
3. Ocean Prime
As the name suggests, Ocean Prime is a seafood restaurant. The menu features fresh and salt-water fish, shellfish, and other seafood items. The restaurant also has several land-based options, such as steak and chicken, for those who are not seafood lovers.
In addition to the main menu, Ocean Prime also offers some specials that change regularly. These specials typically feature a particular type of seafood in season or a specific preparation method. For example, the restaurant might specialize in grilled salmon or roasted lobster.
The restaurant also has a large bar area where guests can enjoy a pre-dinner drink or cocktail.
4. Acadia
There are many seafood places to choose from in a city like Chicago. But if you’re looking for a seafood restaurant with a view, Acadia is the place to be.
Located on the top floor of a downtown high-rise, Acadia has floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views of the city skyline. But the real star of the show is the food.
The menu features fresh, local seafood that is expertly prepared. The lobster is a must-try, but there are also plenty of other seafood options. And if you’re not in the mood for seafood, there are also great steak and chicken options.
No matter what you order, you’re sure to have a dining experience you’ll never forget.
5. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood is a chain of seafood restaurants owned by Darden Restaurants, Inc.
The restaurant is known for its fresh seafood, which is flown daily from both coasts, and its extensive wine list. The menu features a wide variety of seafood-centric dishes, including lobster, crab, and sushi. The restaurant also offers many land-based options, such as steak and chicken.
Eddie V’s has received several accolades over the years, including being named one of the “100 Best Wine Restaurants in America” by Wine Spectator in 2009. In 2010, Zagat gave the restaurant a food rating of 26 out of 30, and in 2012, Eddie V’s was named one of the “10 Hottest Restaurant Chains in America” by Forbes.
6. The Signature Room at the 95th
The restaurant is located on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Center, one of the world’s tallest buildings. The Signature Room at the 95th has a casual atmosphere and is known for its city views. The restaurant serves American cuisine and is known for its signature dishes, such as the Signature Room Burger and the Signature Room Steak.
The Signature Room at the 95th is open for dinner Monday through Saturday and for lunch Monday through Friday. The restaurant is closed on Sundays.
7. GT Fish & Oyster
GT Fish & Oyster is a seafood-focused restaurant by chef Giuseppe Tentori. The menu features a wide variety of seafood, from oysters to crab legs. GT Fish & Oyster also has an extensive wine list, making it the perfect place for a date night.
8. Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse
Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse is another Chicago classic, having opened its doors in 1976. Gibson’s is located in the River North neighborhood and is known for its dry-aged steaks and fresh seafood.
They’re open every day from 11:30 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. on weekends. You can make a reservation by visiting their website.
Gibson’s menu offers a variety of starters and appetizers, salads, soups, seafood, pasta, sides, and of course, steak. Their starters and appetizers include a variety of classic dishes like escargot, calamari, crab cakes, and shrimp cocktail. For salads, you can choose from classic Caesar and Greek salads, along with a variety of other unique options.
For soup, Gibson’s offers their famous lobster bisque and several other options, including French onion soup and soup of the day. For seafood, you can choose from a variety of options like lobster, scallops, salmon, and more. For pasta, Gibson’s offers dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, fettuccine Alfredo, and more. Gibson’s Bar is one of the best seafood restaurants in Chicago.Â
9. Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House
There’s something for everyone at Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House. With a menu that features fresh seafood, steak, chicken, and pasta dishes, and an extensive wine list, there’s sure to be a dish that will please your palate.
If you’re looking for a delicious seafood meal, try the crab cakes made with fresh lump crab meat and served with a remoulade sauce. The lobster risotto is another fantastic seafood dish with creamy Arborio rice and fresh lobster meat.
For those who prefer land-based dishes, the filet mignon is a must-try. The steak is cooked to perfection and served with a red wine sauce. So head on over and enjoy
10. Oyster Bah
Oyster Bah is one of the best seafood restaurants in Chicago. It is located in Lincoln Park, at the corner of Clark and Diversey. The dining room is bright and airy, with large windows and an open kitchen. The restaurant also has a patio, which is open seasonally.
The menu at Oyster Bah changes seasonally but always features fresh seasonal seafood. Dishes are meant to be shared, and there is a wide selection of small plates and large entrées. The menu also includes a selection of meat and vegetarian dishes.
The cocktail menu at Oyster Bah features classic cocktails and modern twists on classics. The wine list includes a mix of old and new world wines, and the beer list features a selection of local and craft beers.
Oyster Bah is open for dinner seven nights a week. Reservations are accepted, and walk-ins are welcome.
Conclusion
If you love seafood, you must check out at least one of these seafood restaurants in Chicago.
Whether you’re looking for a casual seafood meal or an upscale dining experience, these 10 seafood restaurants are sure to please.
With so many great options, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for a seafood feast.
