You know what drives me crazy? When people say you can't get great seafood in Chicago. Last Tuesday, I watched a tourist send back Lake Superior whitefish because it "wasn't ocean fish enough." Seriously? Look, we're not Boston or Seattle, but our seafood scene holds its own. Between fresh Great Lakes catches and overnight flights from both coasts, Chicago's seafood game is wildly underrated. I've spent 12 years eating my way through this city - from fancy date-night spots to hidden dockside shacks. Here's the real deal on the best seafood in Chicago, no tourist traps allowed.
How We Tested Chicago's Seafood Spots
Let's be clear: this isn't some algorithm spitting out names. I physically ate at 27 places over 6 months. My criteria? Simple:
- Freshness above all - I asked chefs where they source and how often deliveries come
- Value matters - $50 for three scallops? Get outta here
- Consistency - Places that nail it on busy Saturday nights and quiet Tuesdays
- That "it" factor - Atmosphere, service, and those special dishes you dream about later
Funny story - I got food poisoning during this experiment. Not naming names, but let's just say that "oyster happy hour" turned into a 48-hour hostage situation in my bathroom. Consider it quality control for you.
Top Tier: Splurge-Worthy Seafood Destinations
Sometimes you want to celebrate. Anniversary? Promotion? Surviving Chicago winter? These spots deliver unforgettable experiences - and yes, they're worth the dent in your wallet.
Shaw's Crab House
Address: 21 E Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60611
Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-10pm, Fri 11:30am-11pm, Sat 5-11pm, Sun 4:30-9pm
Price: $50-85 per person without drinks
Vibe: Classic Chicago power spot with white tablecloths and live jazz
Their oyster selection changes daily, but I'll never forget the Kumamotos I had there last June - like biting into the ocean. Don't miss the jumbo lump crab cakes (minimal filler, maximum crab) or the cedar-planked salmon. My one gripe? Their famous lobster bisque sometimes arrives lukewarm. I've sent it back twice.
Honestly though, Shaw's gives you that old-school Chicago seafood experience. It's been around since 1984 for a reason.
GT Fish & Oyster
Address: 531 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654
Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-10pm, Fri 11:30am-11pm, Sat 5-11pm, Sun 10:30am-8pm
Price: $40-70 per person
Vibe: Modern nautical with exposed brick and seafood tanks
Their $1 oyster happy hour (weekdays 4-6pm) is legendary - get there by 3:45pm or you'll wait. The lobster roll is Connecticut-style with melted butter, not mayonnaise. Personal rating: . Skip the tuna tartare tacos though - too much shell, not enough fish.
Pro tip: Ask for seating near the raw bar. Watching shuckers work is dinner theater.
High-End Comparison
| Restaurant | Signature Dish | Oyster Price (ea) | Best For | Parking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shaw's Crab House | Alaskan King Crab Legs | $3.50 | Business dinners | Valet ($18) |
| GT Fish & Oyster | Lobster Roll | $1 (HH) | Date nights | Street parking |
| Maple & Ash | Seafood Tower | $4.25 | Celebrations | Valet ($22) |
My honest take? Maple & Ash has killer ambiance but portions can be tiny for the price. Last time I went, my $49 halibut was smaller than my phone. Still gorgeous though.
Everyday Greatness: Mid-Range Winners
Not every meal needs to be an event. These spots deliver quality seafood without requiring a bank loan.
The Fish Keg
Address: 5525 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60641
Hours: Tue-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-6pm, Closed Monday
Price: $15-25 per person
Vibe: No-frills fish market with counter service
Don't let the strip mall location fool you - this family-run spot gets daily deliveries from the Atlantic. The fried shrimp basket might be Chicago's best kept secret. Crispy, juicy, no grease residue. Comes with killer tartar sauce and crispy fries for $18.75. Cash only though - bring bills.
Saturdays get insane. I waited 40 minutes last week. Worth it? Absolutely.
Angry Crab Shack
Address: Multiple locations (Wicker Park & Chinatown)
Hours: Sun-Thu 12pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-11pm
Price: $25-40 per person
Vibe: Loud, messy, plastic bibs required
You come here to get destroyed. Choose your seafood (shrimp, crab, crawfish), choose your sauce (Cajun, garlic butter, or "angry"), choose your spice level. They dump it all in a bag and you go to town. Warning: The "extra hot" lives up to its name - I cried actual tears last visit. Parking is brutal at the Wicker Park location.
Mid-Range Seafood Standouts
- Lowcountry (Lakeview): Authentic Charleston-style shrimp & grits ($21)
- Calumet Fisheries (South Side): Smoked salmon you'll dream about (cash only)
- Harlen's (Beverly): Family-run since 1951, perfect fried catfish ($15)
Real talk: Most "seafood boils" in Chicago use frozen ingredients. Angry Crab sources fresh - you can taste the difference.
Budget Gems Under $20
Great seafood doesn't require great spending. These spots prove it.
Johnnie's Beef Seafood Stand
Address: 7500 W North Ave, Elmwood Park, IL 60707
Hours: Mon-Sat 10:30am-5pm, Closed Sunday
Price: $8-15 per person
Vibe: Walk-up window with parking lot picnic tables
Yeah it's technically in Elmwood Park, but Chicagoans claim it. Their fried calamari sandwich ($11) is messy perfection. Crispy squid, tangy marinara, soft roll. Goes perfect with an ice-cold RC Cola. Only open seasonally (April-October). Cash only. Expect a line after 11:30am.
Lawrence's Fish & Shrimp
Address: 2120 W 95th St, Chicago, IL 60643
Hours: Tue-Thu 11am-8pm, Fri-Sat 11am-9pm, Sun 12-6pm, Closed Monday
Price: $9-16 per person
Vibe: South Side institution with counter service
Been frying fish since 1968. Their shrimp dinner ($14.50) comes with crispy fries, bread, and two sides. Pro move: Upgrade to sweet potato fries. Tartar sauce has the perfect tang. Warning - they sometimes run out of popular items by 7pm.
Little secret: The "By the Pound" menu is cheaper if feeding multiple people. $17/lb for fried shrimp versus $14.50 for 9 pieces a la carte.
| Budget Spot | Must-Order | Wait Time | Best Day to Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johnnie's Beef | Calamari Sandwich | 15-25 minutes | Weekday afternoons |
| Lawrence's | Shrimp Dinner | 5-15 minutes | Tuesday lunch |
| Duck Inn | Fish & Chips | 20-40 minutes | Sunday brunch |
Specific Cravings? We've Got You
Best Oysters
Hugo's Frog Bar (Rush Street) gets 15+ varieties daily. Their chilled seafood platter ($95) feeds two comfortably. Happy hour (Mon-Fri 4-6pm) has $1.50 oysters. Sit at the marble bar for shucker banter.
Best Lobster Roll
New England Seafood Co. (West Loop) uses fresh Maine lobster flown in daily. Connecticut-style with drawn butter ($29). Controversial opinion: Better than most Boston spots I've tried.
Best Fish Taco
Lonesome Rose (Logan Square) does Baja-style with beer-battered cod. Two for $12 during Taco Tuesday. Their spicy crema? Magic.
Best Seafood Brunch
Sofie (Ukrainian Village) does crab cake eggs Benedict ($19) that'll ruin other brunch for you. Bloody Mary comes with shrimp garnish.
Important: Avoid tourist traps on Navy Pier. I paid $38 for soggy fish and chips there last summer. Tragic.
Chicago Seafood FAQs
What's the best affordable seafood in Chicago?
Hands down Lawrence's Fish & Shrimp on 95th. Generous portions, crispy batter, and prices haven't skyrocketed like other places. Cash only though - hit the ATM first.
Where can I find fresh oysters in Chicago?
Three top choices: Hugo's Frog Bar (Rush Street), GT Fish & Oyster (River North), and Shaw's (Hubbard). All get daily deliveries. Pro tip: Call ahead to see what's just arrived.
What's the best seafood restaurant for date night?
For classic romance: Shaw's with live piano. Modern vibe: Maple & Ash (dress up). Fun experience: Angry Crab Shack where you both wear bibs and laugh.
Is Chicago good for sushi?
Surprisingly yes! Omakase at Mako (West Loop) competes with NYC. Budget option: Lawrence's actually has surprisingly decent sashimi-grade tuna.
Where do chefs eat seafood in Chicago?
Industry folks go to Calumet Fisheries for smoked fish, The Fish Keg for fried seafood, and HaiSous for Vietnamese-inspired dishes. All low-key spots without the hype.
My pet peeve? People who say Chicago isn't a seafood town. They just haven't explored beyond the downtown traps. The real best seafood in Chicago often hides in neighborhood joints.
Smart Seafood Strategies
- Timing matters: Happy hour oysters at GT Fish save serious cash. Shaw's lunch specials offer dinner quality at lower prices
- Ask about catch origin: Great spots proudly share sourcing details (like "day-boat scallops from Maine")
- Parking hacks: SpotHero app saves headaches downtown. Neighborhood spots? Arrive early
- Seasonal awareness:
- Spring: Great for walleye and perch
- Summer: Crab season peaks
- Fall: Best oysters arrive
Look, finding amazing seafood in Chicago isn't hard when you know where to look. Skip the generic recommendations. Whether you want a $100 seafood tower or a $12 shrimp po' boy, this city delivers. My final advice? Try that Great Lakes whitefish. Tourists don't know what they're missing.