Best Seafood in Chicago?

Hi, I'm new to the board, so I'm sorry if this has already been discussed ad nauseam.

A friend posed an interesting question to me. Where can I get some great seafood in Chicago? Now, I'm not talking about a steak place that also serves some lobster, but a real seafood place. Any suggestions? Nick's Fishmarket and Bob Chinn's come to mind, but anything else?

It really depends on what you are looking for in seafood and where you're looking to get it. From your post, I gather you're not talking about sushi, and I suspect (although I could be wrong) that you're not looking for deep fried seafood.

Two of my favorites for seafood are Scylla and Spring, which do much more with seafood than just saute, boil or steam. Shawn McClain of Spring recently was named best chef in the midwest.

Here you'll find thoughts on Scylla and more Scylla.

One other spot that I have not been to, but others have talked quite fondly of, is Glenn's Diner.

In terms of more typical, but upscale seafood options, I think that Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab, Shaw's Crab House and McCormick & Schmick's are all solid and reliable, if not overpriced, options.

If it *is* fried seafood you're looking for, I can highly recommend two places:

Don's Dock, 1220 E Northwest Hwy, Des Plaines, 60016 - (847) 827-1817
Great shrimp and fish, crunchy crust. Remember to ask for spicy sauce. They're big Door County fans there -- lots of nautical stuff on the walls and tourist info for Door County.

Captain Porky's Inc, 39210 N Sheridan Rd, Zion, IL (847) 872-4460
It's been discussed here a couple times, and they've got great, huge shrimp, quite good pulled pork, occasionally fried gator nuggets, and ask about their house-made goat cheese (The Captain owns his own goats). No place to eat here, strictly carry out, but the beach is nearby.

Closed early June, 2010:
Captain Porky's Inc
39210 N Sheridan Rd
Zion, IL
Phone: (847) 872-4460

Open June, 2010:
Captain Porky's - established 1984
US 41 & Wadsworth Road
38995 Route 41
Wadworth, IL
Phone: 847/360-7460
Fax: 847/360-7461
http://www.CaptainPorky.com

Thanks for the suggestions. I live so close to Glenn's Diner and didn't realize that they were a seafood place. I've only been there for breakfast.

I'm curious why no one has mentioned Oceanique in this thread.

It's come up for discussion several times on this board:

http://lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?p= ... ique#66420

http://lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?p= ... ique#51865

http://lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t= ... =oceanique

Well I think the challenge is sort of the question - I for one hesitate to say any place is the best. Trohas and Goose Island both offer pretty good fried shrimp and fish - of the cheap carry out style.

Chinn's Pier 34, here in the western burbs, gets wonderful fresh fish, oysters and other seafood and prepares it simply. Good value too, though not cheap. This is Copper River Salmon season, by the way - check it out and enjoy the difference from the ubiquitous farm-raised standard. The Bride would gladly eat it every day of the week.

Hugo's Frog Bar has some good seafood.

Katsu has exquisite fish, and I would not discount the sushi places even if one does not want raw fish. They have great seafood and usually an interesting selection of cooked options.

I did not link to threads on these places, but if you search you will find a number of them.

Can't say which is the best, or even my favorite (Grouper & Chips in Naples, Fl might be my favorite if I was forced to choose but I have no one fave in Chicagoland).

It's been a couple of years but Catch 35 has always been my choice for fresh seafood, simply prepared, at a downtown location (not cheap tho).

Website below:

http://www.catch35.com/

I was at Nick's Fishmarket years ago after one of those mad dashes to find dinner in the downtown area and was pretty impressed.

I was also very impressed by the quick fish sandwiches at the Fishguy Market on Elston. You pick your fish out and they cook it for you... darn good.

I have had nothing but poor experiences at Oceanique, unfortunately. Both my meals were very average. My first experience, the food was so-so and the service was less than desirable. My second visit was lackluster at best. They somehow messed up a very simple fish preparation; I could have made it better at home. Due to these two experiences, I have steered away from this seafood restaurant.

Catch-35 is good but I don't find them overly creative. I really enjoyed my Spring experience; the ambiance is an added benefit...serene and modern. I would very much like to try Scylla one of these days...

Without a doubt, teh best seafood place in Chicago is Spring on North Ave

There's a small Midwest chain called the Fishmarket in Glenview..affiliated with the Columbus, OH Columbus Fish Market. I haven't been but, if it's anything like the original (and others in Ohio), you'll find some pretty superb, very fresh seafood...flown in every day. Think Shaw's, but about 1/3 less $.

My favorite....the Old Bay peel and eat shrimp...a true Baltimore classic, and the only place anywhere in the midwest I've seen this sumptously spiced dish.

If anyone else has found Old Bay anything served elsewhere in Chicago, I'd sure love to hear about it..

Gotta get some sleep, but Scylla by far and away...

J

was @ spring sat pm. the skate and the potato ravioli/scallop/truffle combo were standouts but it really was excellent all around. not one misstep.

Might also consider the Cape Cod Room for a more old school experience.