The 27 best seafood restaurants in Chicago

What is it? A smoke shack that was born when the steel industry was thriving and the area was populated by hungry day laborers. 

Why we love it: Set at the base of the famous Blues Brothers bridge, this little white box brings in customers from all around for smoked shrimp, trout and sable, which are always on offer. The fish is marinated in brine overnight and smoked over a fire started with special oak logs in order to bring out the full range of flavors.

Time Out tip: You’ll see folks sitting in their cars eating their picks out of paper bags, a quintessential part of the experience. You'll want to do the same.

Address: 3259 E 95th St, Chicago, IL 60617

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 10am-8pm; Fri, Sat 10am-9pm

What is it? One of the Midwest’s largest processors of salmon and whitefish, which also doubles as a restaurant.

Why we love it: Arguably the freshest seafood around can be found in the suburbs (Des Plaines and Wheeling) at Boston Fish Market. The kitchen offers an expansive list of choices, which range from Chilean sea bass, mahi-mahi and swordfish to Georges Bank scallops, lobster tails and Alaskan king crab legs. A number of items can also be prepared Cajun-style. 

Time Out tip: When it’s alfresco dining season, try to snag a table on the bustling patio for the finest experience.

Address: 1225 Forest Ave, Des Plaines, IL 60018

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 8am-9pm

What is it? One of our go-to spots for seafood downtown.

Why we love it: Shaw's Crab House has been a Chicago classic since opening in 1984. Choose from two seating experiences: the traditional white-tablecloth-equipped dining room or the lively oyster bar, where you'll find us sucking down bivalves, cracking open crab claws and dunking lobster tails in butter. The menu also includes a terrific lobster roll, bound up with the barest hint of mayo, and sushi and sashimi. 

Time Out tip: Pair your seafood feast with a local beer or a classic martini, which goes perfectly with oysters.

Address: 21 E Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60611

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 11:30am-9pm; Fri, Sat 11:30am-10pm

What is it? A massive Chicagoland seafood institution in Wheeling.

Why we love it: Bob Chinn's Crab House packs in crowds every day of the week, and serves up massive quantities of crab, shrimp, lobster and fish. The meal begins with super buttery, garlicky rolls, but don't have too many, since there's a lot more on the menu worth eating. King crab bites come served with butter or citrus crab sauce; plump shrimp come prepared in a variety of ways, including tempura fried; and sweet Mai Tais are served in plastic tiki mugs that practically resemble buckets. 

Time Out tip: Bob Chinn's now offers a menu of gluten-free dishes like penne pasta with veggies and white-wine garlic sauce.

Address: 393 S Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling, IL 60090

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun noon-8pm; Fri, Sat noon-9pm

What is it? A longstanding Northwest Side fish market that’s been around since 1946.

Why we love it: Hagen’s Fish Market is notable for being one of the last remaining hardwood smokehouses in Chicago, and you’ll see choices like salmon, shrimp, sable and trout in the display case. There’s also a menu of deep-fried specialties— order the spicy popcorn shrimp.

Time Out tip: The shop offers a smoking service for customers who want their own seafood smoked.

Address: 5635 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60634

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 10am-8pm; Fri Sat 10am-10pm

What is it? A more than 50-year-old subterranean seafood restaurant in Lincoln Park

Why we love it: “We close when we feel like closing” and “Nothin’ but cash, no exceptions” are among the oh-so-perfect-for-the-setting sayings we overheard in just one night at Half Shell. Stake out a table in the tiny Christmas light–strewn room, and start with the half-shell Mulligan and an order of deep-fried oysters. For more crispy goodness, order the “Thirty-Two Pointer” for an entrée—a crunchy pile of smelts, perch, frog legs, clam strips and fat shrimp. 

Time Out tip: If you’re looking to crack some crab, splurge on the massive, meaty king legs.

Address: 676 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 4-10pm; Fri 4-10:30pm; Sat noon-10:30pm; Sun noon-10pm

What is it? Part of José Andrés and Gibsons Restaurant Group's two-pronged concept in the Bank of America Tower.

Why we love it: On the building’s ground floor sits Bar Mar, an upscale, seafood-centric restaurant that catches your attention with a giant octopus sculpture hanging over the main bar. The luxe food lineup features a selection of small snacks, such as caviar and hamachi cones, and hearty items like a buttery lobster roll and sea scallops.

Time Out tip: If you're trying to impress a client or treat someone for a special occasion, this is the place to go.

Address: 120 N Upper Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am-11pm; Sat 3pm-11pm; Sun noon-8pm

What is it? An intimate, basement spot in Lakeview that provides a throwback to a time of unfussy cooking.

Why we love it: mfk. allows great ingredients to shine through a less-is-more approach. Here, boquerones come with piperade and fennel slaw on a grilled baguette, and a seafood "fideos" features toasted capellini noodles and shellfish in a saffron cream. At mfk., you can take a trip to the Catalan coast without ever leaving Chicago. And it doesn't hurt that the restaurant has earned the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand designation annually since it opened in Lakeview East in 2014.

Time Out tip: There are specials running most days of the week, and if you're here on a Friday, check out the featured fish of the week.

Address: 432 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago IL 60614

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 5-11pm; Sun 4-10pm

What is it? The seafood king of the RPM restaurant empire.

Why we love it: Take in views of the Chicago River from the terrace or through one of the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows while you dine on miso black cod or charcoal-grilled black bass at Lettuce Entertain You’s RPM Seafood. Start your meal in spectacular fashion by ordering a seafood tower featuring prawns, Maine lobster, Alaskan king crab legs and East and West Coast oysters. The drink menu emphasizes tequila and mezcal cocktails but also offers plenty of bubbly by the glass if it's a festive occasion.

Time Out tip: If the weather permits, you'll want to reserve a seat on the outdoor patio. The views of the river from the prime location between the Clark and Dearborn bridges are unmatched.

Address: 317 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

Opening hours: Mon-Wed 4-9:30pm; Thu noon-9:30pm; Fri, Sat noon-10pm; Sun noon-9:30pm

What is it? A luxe River North seafood and steak restaurant.

Why we love it: You should feel like a king when you’re paying through the nose for a steakhouse experience, and you will here at Joe's Seafood. Start with an order of the sweet, cool stone crabs, the sugar prawns (Madagascar shrimp) and a delicious chopped salad that could easily feed two. Go straight to the top with the bone-in ribeye, perfect when ordered charred medium-rare, or the Alaskan king crab legs served chilled. 

Time Out tip: Key lime pie is puckeringly sweet for those who like a hit-you-over-the-head finish, and the fried chicken is the best secret in town.

Address: 60 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 11:30am-9:30pm; Fri, Sat 11:30am-10pm

What is it? A high-end seafood restaurant with locations in the Gold Coast and in Des Plaines.

Why we love it: Seafood fave Hugo's Frog Bar not only shares the kitchen of Gibson’s Steakhouse but also the slick tie-and-blazer crowd that loves them both. The boardroom-meets-Rat-Pack decor is full of dark wood, leather booths and career servers hoisting huge trays spilling over with succulent and sweet Alaskan king crab legs, giant Australian lobster tails and massive porterhouses. 

Time Out tip: Old-school classics are prepared well; a few even qualify as addictive. We like the frog legs with lemon butter.

Address: 1024 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611

Opening hours: Daily 3pm-midnight

What is it? A Mexican-style seafood spot from the team behind Obelix, Taqueria Chingon and Le Bouchon.

Why we love it: Order individual cod or shrimp tacos or build your own from whole crispy snapper or dorade served with tortillas and salsas. Oysters are served cooked with achiote butter or chilled with passionfruit mignonette and you’ll even find them garnishing the michelada. 

Time Out tip: Mariscos San Pedro is a great place to grab a bite before a concert, but also worth the trip by itself.

Address: 1227 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608

Opening hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 5-9pm; Sat 11am-3pm, 5-10pm; Sun 11am-3pm, 5-9pm

What is it? A Baja-style Mexican restaurant on Randolph Street. 

Why we love it: Baja-style wood-fired seafood is the specialty at Leña Brava, and you don’t have to choose a favorite when you order a platter of shrimp, scallops, mussels and lobster seasoned with lemongrass-infused white wine. The menu also features chilled oysters and grilled octopus, but our favorite is the whole butterflied striped bass covered in red adobo, green mojo or lemon mojo and served with tortillas so you can make your own tacos.

Time Out tip: Going with a larger group will sit you at one of the larger tables in the middle of the dining room, which is ideal given the size of the plates. 

Address: 900 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 11:30am-10pm; Fri, Sat 11:30am-10:30pm

What is it? A lively Baja-inspired Mexican joint in West Town that's open late on weekends.

Why we love it: Chef Stephen Sandoval put himself on the map in 2022 with Sueños, a Baja-inspired concept that operated out of Soho House for over a year. He’s since found a permanent home in West Town with the opening of a bar and restaurant, Diego. The menu focuses on street fare from the Baja region, so expect plenty of seafood options like ceviche and pescado tacos. Everything is best paired with a light and breezy cocktail, and if you grab a seat on the patio, you can almost imagine yourself on a beach south of the border.

Time Out tip: In our opinion, the absolute must-try is the tuna tostada—we suggest ordering multiple because it’s a dish you won’t want to share. 

Address: 459 N Ogden Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

Opening hours: Tue-Thu 4pm-midnight; Fri 4pm-2am; Sat 11am-2am; Sun 11am-midnight

What is it? A modern Mediterranean restaurant inspired by Greek taverns.

Why we love it: Chef Doug Psaltis showcases the bounty of the Aegean Sea at Andros Taverna, presenting diners with the chance to gape at a tray of fresh fish when making their selections. Start with an order of oven-roasted sardines, nibbling the crispy skin and flaky meat with a glass of Greek wine before sharing simply seasoned grilled wild-caught whole fish with a side of lemon potatoes. 

Time Out tip: The selection of seafood priced by the pound changes daily, so it's the closest you can come to shopping at a Greek market in Chicago.

Address: 2542 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 4-10pm; Fri 11am-11pm; Sat 9am-11pm; Sun 9am-10pm

What is it? A family-run, Mexican-style seafood restaurant.

Why we love it: If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, it’s hard to beat Mexican seafood eatery Alegrias Seafood. Diners are given complimentary ceviche tostadas to munch on (careful with the habanero salsa—it’s extremely spicy) as they look through the extensive menu. You’ll definitely want to bring a group because the massive portions are meant to be shared. Options include king and snow crab legs, stuffed lobsters, shrimp, langoustines, whole fried fish and more. 

Time Out tip: There’s a generous BYOB policy, so come prepared.

Address: 1024 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 11am-9pm; Fri, Sat 11am-10pm

What is it? A Chinatown spot serving inventive Vietnamese fare.

Why we love it: Go beyond Vietnamese staples like pho, bun and banh mi at Chinatown’s Ocean Grill & Bar, which offers all of those favorites plus a wide selection of seafood dishes you won’t find elsewhere in the city. Crack into Dungeness crab stir-fried in tamarind sauce, fresh oysters grilled with scallion oil and sea snails steamed in lemongrass.

Time Out tip: The dishes are all affordable, making it easy to try a few new things with a group.

Address: 1826 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60616

Opening hours: Daily 11am-10pm

What is it? A Japanese/Chinese/Peruvian fusion newcomer in Old Town.

Why we love it: The influences of Chinese and Japanese cooking traditions on Peruvian fare are on display at Kayao, which opened in Old Town in June 2024. A rotating selection of fish is served as ceviche along with sweet potato emulsion and Peruvian corn, or rolled into sushi with shrimp tempura and acevichado sauce.

Time Out tip: Come for brunch to sip passion fruit mimosas while noshing on crispy whole red snapper or red miso-glazed salmon.

Address: 1252 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 4:30-9:30pm; Fri 4:30-11pm; Sat noon-11pm; Sun noon-9:30pm

What is it? Chef John Manion's (El Che Steakhouse & Bar) live-fire cooking restaurant in West Town.

Why we love it: At Brasero, the grilled fare includes plates like branzino with salsa verde, harissa, chili aioli and micro-mizuna. Curious diners might opt for the Leap of Faith, a personalized menu for $90 or $115 per person.

Time Out tip: A meal here is best enjoyed with something from Brasero’s extensive selection of South American wines.

Address: 1709 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Tue, Wed, Sun 5-9pm; Thu-Sat 5-10pm

What is it? A New York and South Beach import with a prime location in River North.

Why we love it: A jack of all trades when it comes to seafood, Lure Fishbar serves oysters, caviar, lobster rolls, tuna tacos and a crispy Asian snapper for two. Lure also boasts an expansive sushi menu (all prepared at a dedicated sushi bar), including a selection of signature rolls and platters laden with sushi and sashimi. 

Time Out tip: If you're looking for something a bit different, opt for the crispy sushi rice, which places spicy tuna or yellowtail jalapeño atop fried rice patties.

Address: 616 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 7am-10pm; Sun 7am-9pm

What is it? One of the best classic seafood boil spots in the Midwest.

Why we love it: This isn't a hoity-toity seafood restaurant—prepare to get your hands dirty at Lowcountry, with outposts in Lakeview, Chinatown, The Yards and the South Loop. Steam-filled bags are stuffed with shrimp, snow crab clusters, mussels and other sea treasures and tossed with sauce and veggies. 

Time Out tip: All of the combos come with some honey butter jalapeño cornbread, but you can also add on Cajun waffle fries and beignets for a proper feast.

Address: 3343 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657

Opening hours: Wed-Sat 5-10pm; Sun 4-9pm

What is it? DMK Restaurants' Lincoln Park seafood spot inspired by the casual seaside shacks of the East Coast.

Why we love it: Though the menu changes seasonally to highlight the freshest sustainable products, 3rd Coast Fish Bar's reliable favorites like the lobster roll and the crabby patty—a crispy blue crab cake sandwich—shouldn’t be missed. 

Time Out tip: The lovely outdoor patio is a nice amenity when the weather permits.

Address: 2956 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 11:30am-9pm; Fri, Sat 11:30am-10pm

What is it? A quick-service seafood restaurant with multiple locations throughout Chicago.

Why we love it: Seafood and fast food don't typically go hand in hand, but the folks at Brown Bag are changing that. Simply pick your protein (salmon, crispy cod, grilled shrimp, seared tuna, etc.) and a base (veggies, grains, salad, tacos, etc.), and you'll be on your way in no time. The seafood here is deliciously fresh, whether you go with the seasonal special or the grilled shrimp. There’s tofu and chicken for those who aren’t feeling like seafood. 

Time Out tip: If you're dining on a budget, you can't beat the price: Most meals ring up under $20.

Address: 414 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654

Opening hours: Daily 11am-8:30pm

What is it? A bright seafood restaurant along the Chicago River, located near Goose Island, with a patio, rooftop and boat dock.

Why we love it: Enjoy Latin takes on seafood such as shrimp ceviche, lobster and cheese empanadas or seared ahi tuna tacos at Azul. Share a pitcher of spicy mango margaritas or white peach sangria while checking out murals from Mexican artist Senkoe. 

Time Out tip: The full menu is also available in the restaurant's rooftop space, which takes on a lounge-like feel after dark, complete with bottle service and shot trees.

Address: 1177 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Thu 5-11pm; Fri 5pm-midnight; Sat 4pm-midnight; Sun 2pm-midnight

What is it? The Chicago outpost of New York-based lobster shack Luke's.

Why we love it: Luke's Lobster serves a solid lobster roll for $26 to more than $45. Four to six ounces of meat is lightly dressed with both lemon butter and mayonnaise, sprinkled with spices, then tucked into a well-buttered bun. For a real deal, order the seafood roll flight, which includes half rolls of crab, lobster and shrimp.

Time Out tip: If you’re extra hungry, add on a bowl of clam chowder or lobster bisque.

Address: 134 N LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 60602

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 11am-7pm; Fri, Sat 11am-8pm

What is it? A unique tavern in the heart of Wicker Park, known for its classic Southern comfort fare.

Why we love it: Louisiana native Brian Jupiter brings a taste of the bayou to Chicago at corner tavern Ina Mae in Wicker Park. The chef’s frying skills are on full display with oceanic treats like crackly shrimp, catfish and lump crab cakes. Start the meal with crab & artichoke dip or oysters topped with Creole butter, breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.

Time Out tip: Drink in the New Orleans flavor with a hurricane pitcher or try the tableside absinthe drip.

Address: 1415 N Wood St, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Tue-Thu 5-11pm; Fri 4pm-1am; Sat 11am-1am; Sun 11am-9:30pm

What is it? An upscale Michigan Avenue spot popular for both business gatherings and celebratory meals.

Why we love it: Ocean Prime serves a mix of traditional fare like jumbo shrimp cocktails and crab legs, along with more novel seafood preparations like a "Surf N Turf," featuring scallops and braised short rib in gremolata, and blackened snapper accompanied by corn spoon bread and Swiss chard. 

Time Out tip: Visit on Fridays for $5 off cocktails, $8 wines, and discounted bites like oysters and sushi rolls in the lounge.

Address: 87 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 4-9:30pm; Fri, Sat 4-10pm; Sun 4-9pm