People are attracted to food from the ocean and other bodies of water for a variety of reasons. Perhaps it’s the apparently infinite range of delights, or perhaps it’s the brininess of each taste that conjures up visions of sandy beaches and bright sky.
Chefs have a plethora of options for creating unique and complicated cuisine. Despite its distance from the East and West Coasts, Chicago nevertheless has some of the top seafood restaurants in the nation since several locations fly in fresh fish every day.
Brown Bag Seafood
One of the best seafood restaurants on our list and generally a restaurant where you can get a prime steak of tuna from the whole fish market.
Brown Bag Seafood has established itself as a reputable restaurant for tasty fresh seafood, making it a wonderful alternative for those looking for a healthy lunch option.
Brown Bag adds a twist to the build-your-own-meal approach. There are also fried alternatives available for those who prefer a little crispy delight.
Lure Fishbar
The lure is the ideal location for a sophisticated seafood date night. While having a great beverage, you may relax at the bar and watch the chefs produce wonderfully prepared sushi rolls.
The branzino and sea urchin bucatini are two of the restaurant’s most popular dishes, and the sushi rolls are to die for.
Lure Fishbar is the place to go if you’re searching for fresh fish in a warm, but classy setting. Great mariscos are served here without too many questions asked. Visit website for more information.
The Angry Crab
Angry Crab was the Chicago restaurant that helped kick off the Asian-inspired Cajon seafood boil fad. Customers choose flavors, spice levels, and seafood before devouring the messy packaged feast. There are two sites to choose from. Food may also be taken away.
Great fish tacos and oyster bah are available here for a small price. You won’t find better service and great food with the addition of flavorful drinks in most places, but this great place The Angry Crab got you. Similar to the previous place, get your tummy ready, order lobster, and enjoy.
Half Shell
Half Shell Oyster Bar has the feel of a dive pub, but the cuisine more than makes up for it. Since 1968, the Lakeview oyster bar has served diners bivalves, king crab legs, soft shell crabs, and fish at a fraction of the price of similar establishments.
During the summer, the front terrace is a popular gathering spot. It’s cash only, so bring some bucks. It is like a little village on the border of Chicago. A great choice for big spenders in the city of Chicago. We recommend the grilled baguette.
Ina Mae Tavern & Packaged Goods
At this New Orleans-inspired corner store pub, Chef Brian Jupiter takes customers down to the swamp. The Louisiana native serves soul food filled with seafood, drawing on his ancestry and traditions handed down from his grandmother.
The fresh catch may be cooked (Gulf shrimp, snow crab, clams) or fried (Gulf shrimp, snow crab, clams) (catfish, oysters, crawfish). Order the seafood towers, which are huge enough to serve many people, to get a taste of everything.
Mfk
One of the hidden gem restaurants with a great head chef and awesome gt fish. Stop for a quick drink and you will find the tastiest dishes. One of the few public places restaurants that are awesome in food and in service also.
This modest Spanish restaurant in Lakeview, hidden below ground level, preserves the flavor of seaside dining with coastal treats like crunchy prawn heads, boquerones, seafood fideos, and Basque cake.
The Fish Keg
The Fish Keg is a seafood shack on the Chicago-Evanston border that embraces fish and chips in all of its varieties. Shrimp, oysters, calamari, catfish, cod, perch, and much more all get a turn in the deep-fried before being served with a side of fries. Its neon sign is a local landmark as well.
Try out some house specialty and enjoy the full communal experience of Western Mexico on the East Lakeview.
Leña Brava
The flavors of Baja California shine through on responsibly sourced seafood at Lea Brava. It’s served cold in oysters, ceviche, and aguachile, as well as hot in meals cooked over an open hearth or in a wood-burning oven.
The entire striped bass, butterflied and grilled in one of four distinct Mexican glazes and spices, is a must-try. Wines and mezcals from the state are also included on the beverage menu. Rick Bayless, a former partner, and famous chef, departed the company in 2020.
Lowcountry South Loop
Prepare for a Southern boil at Lowcountry by donning a bib. Shrimp, snow crab, mussels, clams, crawfish, and lobster tails are ordered by the pound and cooked in a bag with various sauces and add-ons like corn and sausage.
It’s a shared meal that involves eating straight off the table. Beignets and deep-fried Oreos round off the meal. Check out their website and their menu which is in alphabetical order.
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