Top 20 Seafood restaurants in Chicago
Chicago, a city renowned for its vibrant food scene, is home to an impressive selection of seafood restaurants. These establishments offer a diverse range of fresh catches, expertly prepared by skilled chefs, and presented in inviting atmospheres. Whether you're in the mood for classic dishes or innovative creations, Chicago's seafood restaurants are sure to delight. Come explore the city's thriving seafood culture.
- 1. Shaw's Crab House
- 2. Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
- 3. Catch 35
- 4. Half Shell
- 5. Lowcountry Lakeview
- 6. RPM Seafood
- 7. Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House
- 8. McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks
- 9. Lowcountry South Loop
- 10. Ocean Prime
- 11. Lawrence's Fish & Shrimp
- 12. Chicago Oyster House
- 13. King Crab House Chicago
- 14. The Angry Crab
- 15. Brown Bag Seafood Co.
- 16. Alegrias Seafood
- 17. Two Fish Crab Shack
- 18. Luke's Lobster City Hall
- 19. Lure Fishbar - Chicago
- 20. Madison Crab House
1. Shaw's Crab House
Live Maine Lobsters flown in daily, extensive raw bar selection

The food at this establishment is described as average, with a mix of reviews regarding its taste. Some dishes are noted to be excessively salty, while others receive positive comments. However, there are complaints from some customers that the food did not meet their expectations set by the pictures, and premium toppings were missing.
On a positive note, the seafood selection is abundant, with options that are considered fresh and generously portioned. The oyster sampler platter, specifically, is praised for its elegant presentation. The seafood dishes, in general, are regarded as delicious.
TOPICS
- Waterfront
- Dinner
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2. Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
Known for their signature seafood dishes and prime steaks

The service at this establishment is generally regarded as being of high quality, with some guests even going so far as to label it as excellent, proper, attentive, and impeccable. The staff is frequently commended for their ability to provide top-notch service, making guests feel welcome and well taken care of throughout their dining experience.
The steaks served at this Chicago restaurant are particularly noteworthy, having received rave reviews from many customers. In fact, several guests have gone so far as to declare them the best they've ever had, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is simply unparalleled. Whether you're a steak connoisseur or simply enjoy a well-cooked piece of meat, this restaurant is sure to impress.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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3. Catch 35
Seasonal outdoor seating, creative cocktails, fresh fish flown in daily

On New Year's Eve, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner. Our meal started off with a selection of appetizers, including oysters, Spanish octopus, and seared tuna. Out of the three, the Spanish octopus stood out as the highlight of the course.
The menu offered an extensive range of choices for the main course, dominated by fish and shellfish dishes prepared in various ways. These methods included grilling, searing, and baking.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- High-End
- Waterfront
4. Half Shell
Serving sustainable and ethically-sourced seafood

The seafood at this establishment is highly regarded for its quality, freshness, and value for money. The menu offers a diverse selection of seafood, including shrimp, softshell crabs, fire-roasted clams, and crab specials. It is a great place to enjoy a wide variety of delicious and fresh seafood at reasonable prices.
The service at this restaurant is exceptional. The staff are friendly, attentive, and dedicated to providing top-notch service. They serve high-quality food at reasonable prices, making it a great dining option for anyone who loves seafood. The attentive and friendly service, coupled with the delicious and fresh seafood, make this a must-visit destination for any seafood lover.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- American Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
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5. Lowcountry Lakeview
Offers a variety of locally-sourced seafood and Southern-inspired dishes

Lowcountry offers a variety of seafood options, including seafood boils with multiple sauce and spice level choices. The restaurant is known for its sizable mussels, shrimps, and crab legs, which are praised for having a generous amount of meat. Crab legs and shrimp are particularly popular choices among customers, often ordered with Cajun, lemon pepper, or garlic sauces, and noted for their delicious taste and large size.
The portions served at Lowcountry are described as generous, with fresh and flavorful seafood. The snow crab legs are a standout menu item, often enjoyed with tangy Cajun, lemon pepper, or garlic sauces. Diners appreciate the ample amount of meat in each crab leg and the fresh, delicious taste of the shrimp and mussels. Overall, Lowcountry's seafood options have received positive feedback for their quality and satisfying portions.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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6. RPM Seafood
Located in the heart of Chicago's business district with outdoor seating

The Sea Bass, blackened to perfection, was the star of the meal. Its delicious flavor was complemented by the two delectable sides that were shared. The Crab and Mixed Grill were also part of the meal, and they too were delicious, adding to the overall delight of the dining experience.
The Sea Bass, Crab, and Mixed Grill were all expertly cooked, providing a wonderful medley of flavors and textures. Shared sides accompanied the main dishes, contributing to the meal's overall deliciousness. The excellence of the cooking and the quality of the ingredients made for a highly satisfying gastronomic experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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7. Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House
Live Maine Lobsters flown in daily, dry-aged steaks

Crab Cake, a dish with 33 photos and 196 reviews, is a popular choice. The Alaskan King Crab, with 22 photos and 56 reviews, is another seafood option that catches people's attention. On the other hand, Sauteed Frog Legs are not as frequently ordered, but they still have 43 photos and 140 reviews, suggesting a niche following.
Speaking of seafood, tuna and grouper were specifically mentioned as excellent choices. These options might not have as many reviews or photos, but their quality stands out to those who have tried them. Overall, it seems that seafood is a star category at this establishment, with a variety of options to choose from.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- High-End
- Downtown Spots
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8. McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks
Fresh seafood flown in daily, sustainable sourcing

Happy hour at the establishment offers a wide selection of drinks, according to reviewers. Some guests found the drinks to be delightful and flavorful, while others were not as impressed. The service received mixed reviews, with some guests mentioning slow service as a downside. However, other guests reported positive experiences with attentive treatment from the staff.
In summary, happy hour drinks at this location receive mixed reviews, with some guests praising the variety and taste, and others finding them lacking. Service during happy hour is described as generally good, with some guests noting slow service but others praising the staff for their attentiveness.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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9. Lowcountry South Loop
Live music on weekends, sustainable seafood, and craft cocktails

The service provided by the establishment is commendable, with customers having the choice to add a 18% gratuity or serve themselves. The food offered is of fresh and high quality, and the service is generally good.
The food is largely enjoyed by customers, with particular praise for the seafood boil and cornbread. However, there are a few negative reviews about the food being served cold or having too much seasoning. Despite these isolated complaints, the overall impression of the food is positive.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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10. Ocean Prime
Features a lively bar and raw bar with live music on select nights

Ocean Prime is a restaurant known for its stunning views of the city and intimate dining experience. The restaurant has tables arranged in smaller rooms, providing a cozy and private atmosphere. Additionally, Ocean Prime features a roof top bar, which offers a great place to relax and enjoy a drink while taking in the sights of the city.
The service at Ocean Prime is highly regarded by customers. Servers are praised for their friendliness and attentiveness, with guests consistently describing the service as excellent, great, amazing, impeccable, and on point. The staff at Ocean Prime is dedicated to providing a top-notch dining experience for every guest, ensuring that they feel welcomed and well taken care of throughout their visit.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Waterfront
11. Lawrence's Fish & Shrimp
Family-owned, Casual atmosphere, Cajun-style seafood

Lawrence’s is a long-standing shrimp shack located on the Canal Street bridge in Chinatown, established in the 1950s. The restaurant specializes in fried seafood, making it a unique dining destination for seafood lovers.
According to reviews, the food at Lawrence’s is delicious, fresh, and satisfying, with attentive customer service. Seafood and wings are highly recommended by some reviewers, indicating the quality and variety of offerings at the establishment.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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12. Chicago Oyster House
Sustainable seafood, locally sourced ingredients, and knowledgeable staff

Chicago Oyster House is a hidden gem that offers exceptional food and service. The fresh oysters are a must-try, with their sublime taste that truly delighted the palate. Another standout dish is the seafood boil with Cajun spice, which was full of flavor and cooked to perfection.
Moving on to the WAGU steaks, they were cooked perfectly and had a rich, buttery taste that made them a true culinary delight. The service at Chicago Oyster House was also top-notch, with staff who were friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. Overall, it's a restaurant that should not be missed for anyone who loves great food and excellent service.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
- Celebrations
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13. King Crab House Chicago
Fresh seafood flown in daily, wide selection of wines

Crab is frequently described as fresh and delicious in customer reviews, although some criticisms include small or over-cooked crab legs, as well as cold crab legs in certain instances. The seafood's quality is generally consistent, with a good deal on king crab legs mentioned by some reviewers.
The food offered is mostly regarded as good, fresh, and clean with consistent quality. While many customers are satisfied with the portions, some suggest that the flavor could be improved. Overall, the restaurant's seafood offerings, particularly crab, receive mixed feedback.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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14. The Angry Crab
Customers wear bibs and roll up their sleeves to dig in

The Angry Crab is a lively restaurant that specializes in seafood served by the pound, featuring a variety of mild to hot sauces that add a kick to the dishes. Shrimp is a standout menu item, prepared in several ways such as steamed, grilled, fried, or even raw, all with the option of Cajun seasoning.
Diners can expect a fun and unpretentious dining experience, with the food served in bags to emphasize the casual and laid-back atmosphere. One standout menu item is the Garlic Cajun option, which packs a punch of flavor. The service at The Angry Crab is also noteworthy, with staff who are friendly and attentive, making for a memorable dining experience. Overall, a solid 4.5 rating is deserved for the delicious food and excellent service.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
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15. Brown Bag Seafood Co.
Casual counter service with indoor and outdoor seating

The popular dish featured at this establishment is a lobster roll, consisting of generously sized portions of fresh Maine lobster stuffed in a tasty roll. Accompanying this delectable seafood sandwich are sides of crunchy coleslaw, leafy salad, lemon, and tartar sauce, adding a refreshing and tangy contrast to the rich lobster meat. Additionally, diners can indulge in crispy tater tots seasoned with the luxurious flavors of truffle and Parmesan cheese.
Customers rave about the lobster rolls, complimenting the sweet and tender lobster meat. With many positive reviews, patrons highlight the freshness and generosity of the lobster portions. The accompanying toppings and sides receive accolades for complementing the lobster's rich flavors, and the truffle-Parmesan tots are praised for their irresistible crunch and indulgent taste. Overall, the satisfying and well-crafted lobster rolls and tantalizing sides contribute to the restaurant's strong reputation for serving high-quality seafood dishes.
TOPICS
- Corporate Events
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
16. Alegrias Seafood
Committed to sustainable and locally sourced seafood

The decor of the restaurant does not particularly stand out, but the food is a different story. The menu is based on recipes from the Mexican state of Nayarit, which is famous for its seafood. Guests have raved about the fresh and delicious traditional Mexican seafood dishes that the restaurant has to offer.
However, there have been some guests who were not completely satisfied with their dining experience. Some have mentioned that the food did not meet their expectations, while others have had issues with the customer service. Overall, while the restaurant has its flaws, many guests continue to enjoy the unique and tasty Mexican seafood dishes that it offers.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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17. Two Fish Crab Shack
Seafood market and raw bar on-site

Seafood is a popular choice among customers due to its high quality and delicious preparation. The menu offers a variety of options including fried oysters, shrimp, catfish, lobster tail, and gumbo.
The prices for these seafood dishes are reasonable and leave customers satisfied with their meals. This combination of quality, selection, and affordability has made the seafood a hit with patrons.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Hidden Gems
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18. Luke's Lobster City Hall
Committed to sustainable seafood; Located in the heart of Chicago

The soft opening of Luke's Lobster was a success, offering delicious and high-quality lobster. The service was outstanding, and the atmosphere was comfortably stylish. A notable menu option was the shrimp roll combo with clam chowder, crackers, and a coke for $18.00, which provided a satisfying meal.
The lobster served at Luke's Lobster was plentiful and fresh, contributing to the overall positive dining experience. The quick service made the meal even more enjoyable, especially since the restaurant was not crowded during the holiday eve. However, patrons were responsible for busing their own tables during and after their meals.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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19. Lure Fishbar - Chicago
Sustainable seafood choices, extensive wine list

Lure Fishbar is a renowned seafood restaurant that provides a diverse selection of fresh fish from around the globe, a complete raw bar with a variety of oysters, and a top-tier sushi program. The food offerings at Lure Fishbar are outstanding, including oysters, clams, crab roll, Black Sea bass, and a delectable chef-created dessert.
Although the service at Lure Fishbar was decent, it could use some improvement. Despite this, the delicious food was able to make up for the subpar service, resulting in a positive dining experience overall.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Waterfront
20. Madison Crab House
Live Maine lobsters, raw bar, happy hour

Crab dishes are highly favored for their delicious and well-cooked taste. The quality of the crab is top-notch, leading some guests to find it expensive but worth the price. The food offered is not only flavorful but also served with a savory sauce that enhances its taste.
Guests have given positive feedback about the delicious and well-cooked food, highlighting the quality of the ingredients used. Although some have mentioned the high cost of the dishes, they agree that the exceptional quality of the food justifies the expense. Overall, the crab and other dishes are a hit among guests, providing them with a delightful and satisfying dining experience.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings