The top dishes to eat at the 6 best seafood restaurants in Chicago
obster, crab, shrimp, and a dash of Chi-Town charm – we're about to dive headfirst into the bubbling cauldron of delectable delights that make up the best seafood restaurants in Chicago.
In the heart of Chicago, seafood restaurants serve up a taste of the ocean’s best. From timeless classics to innovative creations, these culinary destinations will leave you hooked with the following dishes tracked on the dish rating app Wadju, downloadable on the App Store or with Google Play.
What to eat when dining at the best seafood restaurants in Chicago
Indulge in the ultimate seafood delight at Shaw’s Crab House in Chicago with their Crab Cake BLT.
Crafted to perfection, it combines succulent crab cake with crispy bacon, and a zesty mustard mayonnaise for a symphony of flavors that will blow you away.
Served alongside crispy french fries and classic coleslaw, this dish offers a perfectly satisfying balance of textures and tastes.
The Broiled Jumbo Shrimp and Beef Tenderloin at Half Shell
Half Shell in Chicago beckons diners in with their exquisite offering of broiled jumbo shrimp and tender beef tenderloin – a truly delightful pairing of land and sea.
Served with grilled onions, peppers, and tomatoes smoked to perfection, it comes with a generous helping of crispy fries to round out the perfect surf and turf flavors and textures.
The Shrimp Po’ Boy at Hagen’s Fish Market
As the name implies, Hagen’s Fish Market started as a family-run seafood market on the outskirts of Chicago in 1946 – and has been a treasured Chicago staple ever since.
Their dedication to serving the freshest fish and creating a welcoming atmosphere set the foundation for a business that would thrive for nearly 73 years.
Today, two Hagen granddaughters and their husbands continue the tradition, operating one of Chicago’s last natural hardwood smokehouses.
The shrimp po’ boy, a true crowd-pleaser, stands as their most celebrated dish: the succulent, perfectly fried shrimp, served in a soft baguette with a symphony of flavors, embodies the rich history and enduring charm of Hagen’s Fish Market.
The Lobster Roll at Bar Mar
Bar Mar, a celebration of seafood and a vital part of José Andrés’s theatrical chain of restaurants called The Bazaar, offers guests a truly unique dining experience.
The lobster roll is a standout dish, with a delicate balance of butter-poached lobster, light mayo espuma, pickled celery, and a soft brioche bun.
It perfectly encapsulates the fusion of traditional and avant-garde Spanish influences in a relaxed yet creative atmosphere.
The Lobster Roll at Luke’s Lobster
Luke’s Lobster takes pride in serving the freshest, most delectable seafood, with an unwavering commitment to sustainability and quality.
Their lobster roll stands as the shining star on their menu, and for a good reason: it’s made with lobster harvested using sustainable practices, and processed at their Maine facility to ensure impeccable flavor and texture.
The dedication to transparency means you know exactly where your food comes from, but beyond that, it’s a testament to the restaurants’ commitment to preserving our oceans and supporting coastal communities – making this dish not just a delicious choice, but a responsible one, too.
The Shrimp de Jonghe at Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House
A cherished Gold Coast establishment since 1997, Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House continues to reign as one of Chicago’s premier seafood destinations.
Their Shrimp de Jonghe – featuring plump shrimp, a rich dijon sauce, and garlic-infused bread crumbs – is the standout dish on their menu.
Served alongside fragrant basmati rice, it embodies Hugo’s commitment to top-notch seafood and the restaurants’ enduring legacy.
Think you know some spots that should be counted among the best seafood restaurants in Chicago?
Better yet, do you know what people should order at them?
Download Wadju on the App Store or with Google Play, and start rating seafood restaurants and their top dishes.