Shaw's Crab House Reviews

We went on a Wed. night for early dinner and they were crowded. We called ahead as there were 5 of us. The wait staff had on masks. They were very friendly and prompt. The meals are excellent and large. My husband and I split the Shaws seafood platter. They did the split and it was arranged pleasingly. I didn’t think what we ordered was out of range in price. We split because we don’t eat so much.

Arrived early for a session at Andy's Jazz next door and popped in for a drink. We were made extremely welcome. There was no fuss about our having neither a booking nor an intention to eat, and we were ushered to a perfect high round table near the bar. Excellent cocktails (margarita and bloody mary), and in the end we were so impressed by the waiter, the service and the general ambience we had a quick snack of sushi as well, which was excellent especially the tuna. Next time I'm back in Chicago I will dig out Shaw's for a meal proper.

My wife, teenage daughter and I had dinner here in August. All of us really enjoyed our dinner. I ordered scallops and crab cake and some truffle mashed potatoes. My wife and I also ordered the same cocktail which was really good. I can’t remember what my wife and daughter ordered but whatever it was they liked it. I don’t have anything negative to say about this place, it was great and the staff was really helpful and friendly. We will go back again some day.

Nice romantic place to spend on date night. Food good service better. Had apps and dinner. Drinks reasonable and strong

I had my best brunch at Shaw's. The decoration is unique and the service was top notch. The food was awesome from the eggs to the seafood to the desserts.

Good food and lovely staff the disappointment was the service was so so slow not just for food drinks too. Also, if you go off the recommendations ask for the price we didn’t and the recommendations are the most expensive things on the menu without being on the menu. So all in all an expensive night which didn’t match up to what we had.

We ordered lobster that should have been 1lb and half priced at $160.00 but got maybe half pound of crab legs... very outdated restaurant and wont be going back...

We were greeted very friendly at the entrance and escorted to our table. The ambience is very dignified and pleasant. The service employee with a lot of experience was very understanding because of my two “food intolerances”. On several occasions he consulted employees in the kitchen. We ordered sushi and tacos with lobster as starter and a fish from Lake Michigan with tartare sauce as main course “Berch” as well as tuna with rice noodles and leek onions. The food had a lot of flavor and was deliciously prepared. We also love the nostalgic decor.

This was the best dinner I've had anywhere in a while. The fish was perfectly cooked and the lobster roll was sweet, buttery perfection. We added the brussel sprouts and they were crispy and delicious.

This restaurant is very popular and in a good location downtown. We made a reservation on Open Table. Very nice inside, fine dining, very good service, quiet for easy talking. Although we saw two preschoolers, this is really an adult restaurant. Many customers were dressed very nicely. We were tourists and had been out in the rain all day. They were very nice about allowing us in the dining room as the bar section was full. I am rating the clam chowder, lobster bisque and lobster tails as a 4 instead of 5. The food was very good but not excellent. You are paying for atmosphere and service.

While in Chicago, we looked for a seafood and steak restaurant and stumbled upon this one. It's pretty brilliant. It feels like it's been here for a century or more, still has a valet stand outside... that was attended when we arrived, and also when we left, even on a slower Sunday evening. Dark wood lining the walls, old school black and white tiles, old chandelier lighting. Even live lobster tanks, but not right up front. Servers are knowledgeable and well trained and not pushy. Food was very good, I had a mixed thing of scallops and steak and they were delish, but I bumped up the review just for the atmosphere.

Typically, we do not go to the restaurants with $$$. But, it was recommended. This was our first time here, and getting late and they could take us right away. Taking us was amazing and so, we gave it a try. It was also our anniversary. Well, from the moment we sat down, the service was impressive. My wife ordered one of the few gluten free dishes, a huge salad with lots of seafood. I tried their lobster bisque and a sushi roll. The sushi was a spicy crunchy salmon roll. Both we on a level that I was not used to. The roll had 8 pieces, and the bowl of soup was large and very rich. So we both felt that for the money, they were all well worth it. So the value was there as the food was fantastic! Then, add in the extra water service and table straightening throughout and it was a fabulous experience! At the end, we were given a crème brûlée, which was large and over the top creamy. This was a gift for our anniversary and loved it. There are some $$$ restaurants that do not deliver their value. Shaw’s, totally was outstanding in every way!

Fantastic night with great service, food and atmosphere. We had oysters and their wedge salad. Looking forward to another visit soon. We will be back!

As soon as you enter Shaw's Crab House, you immediately relax, knowing you're in for a fantastic culinary experience. We don't tend to sit at the bar to eat in the the UK, but Shaw's lends itself to this perfectly and did not disappoint with its spacious seating areas and relaxed atmosphere. The oysters to start were delicious, and a great precursor to Shaw's Signature Seafood Salad - a huge plateful of avocado, egg, cucumber, tomatoes and lettuce mixed with generous portions of crab shrimp and lobster. One of the best seafood dishes I've ever eaten. I had the perfect accompaniment of a very amiable and attentive bartender and few pints of local IPA to wash it down with - a very memorable afternoon, and would certainly seek out the place again if i head back to Chicago.

Once again, we had a beautiful experience and meal at Shaws crab House. We had the lobster bisque and their signature salad and it was fabulous, as always. Beautiful environment, and great service.

I visited Shaw's about 30 years ago and it looks the same. Old school Chicago with music from the 40s and 50s. I liked the Maryland crab cakes and loved the lobster roll. I asked our wonderful waiter about how Shaw's prepared this specialty lobster roll and he explained all the details.Brioche grilled first, Lobster sliced and diced. And so on. From the first bite: perfection! MY wife had a huge seafood salad that she liked, too. Great restaurant and worth the price.

A big part of the Shaw's experience is the retro atmosphere. The food is very good, too! By the time we ate here, I was sick of trendy food and just ordered chowder and a side of broccolini. Both were excellent, and my fellow diners enjoyed their fish dinners as well.

We always look forward to a dinner at Shaw's when we visit Chicago. We have been going to Shaw's for decades. Tonight we sat at the bar instead of the dining room. Our dinners were fantastic! Scallops and the Seafood Platter and cocktails were on point. We asked for our bill and I looked it over only to find an erroneous charge for an expensive glass of wine. The bartender saw me checking the bill and came over with a lame excuse and apology. Baloney! He corrected the bill. I guess the moral of the story is - check your bill and trust no one. This is the first time I have had a sad experience at Shaw's. I hope it isn't a thing of the future.

We got there without reservations on a Thursday night delicious oysters at the bar then dinner in the dining room. I had the scallops which were perfectly done and spiced. The bartender was very knowledgeable about the oysters and e decided we like the fat boys the best and then e Green Bay ones.

Thanks again Trip Advisor for a great recommendation! We ate here last night as it was a short walk from our hotel. I had the Alaskan King Crab meal and it was delicious.

Shaws's was absolutely amazing!! From beginning to end! Our service was fantastic (thank you Tina and Cleaver) and the food was beyond delicious. Especially the Maryland Crab Cakes. Our family of 15 went to Shaw's on our family vacation and everyone is still talking about this was one of their favorite parts about our trip. We had people from 7 to 77 and everyone found something they wanted to eat and everyone walked away very happy.

We, 3 adults, dined at 7pm on a Saturday night. The joint was bustling but even so, we were seated at the time of our reservation and found the decibel level not too loud to enjoy conversation. The menu is huge with lots of appealing choices; service was smooth and competent. Everything we ordered was well-prepared and tasty. We spent about 2 hours at the table and did not feel at all rushed. We each had a cocktail, two courses and the 3 of us split 2 desserts. With tax, tip and the 3.5% surcharge, the bill was just under $100pp. This is a good place to take out-of-town guests. Due to the River North location, it seemed there were also a lot of tourists dining there and more patrons with gray hair than we often see at other River North spots we patronize.

Wonderful decor and atmosphere. Our waitress had an amazing personality and was pleased to offer recommendations to our group. The food, from appetizers to dessert, was so delicious! Definitely recommended as a must while in Chicago .

We've been to Shaw's multiple times and usually never really disappoints. Food is always VERY good, service top notch and lively atmosphere. Cosmo was much more tart than it usually is and the volume of french fries on the plate was at least 3/4 of the plate; totally overtook the shrimp on the plate. Clam chowder excellent, fish cooked perfectly and dessert trio just what we needed to end the night. We'll definitely come back as it's one of our favorite places.

My husband and I always pay a visit to Shaw's when we are in Chicago and always go to the raw bar side of the restaurant. There is a list of 6 or more varieties of oysters with a full description of each. The available crabs are also listed on their board. I had the Harvest salad that was dressed with apple cider vinegarette. It was delicious. Beer , wine and cocktails are in the menu. It's a fun place to enjoy a meal.

We stopped in on the recommendation of a mini-bus tour driver. The location is convenient to the river tours. What a treat this place is! Very warm and "old school" inside. The interior has the feel of a family restaurant venue that dates from the 30s or even 20s. LOTS of seating. We were there at an off-time, so it wasn't busy. Very accomodating waiter, who made us iced coffees on request. We had a seafood stew lunch, which was excellent. Again, even though we did not order a full meal, the waiter treated us in a 5-star fashion. 'an excellent memory for an other wise chilly, gray day. Why it doesn't appear on Google Maps is a mystery.

We had lunch in a booth in the oyster bar portion of the restaurant (the other side is more fine dining). Our server Luis was very friendly and checked on us regularly. My mom had the seafood platter and loved it. I had the parmesan crusted haddock and found it to be extremely salty, which I dislike. The overall vibe was vintage diner and it seemed like they have a lot of regulars. Menu was pretty large and they have a good selection of sushi too.

The whole experience was good, the oyster was really fresh, and the lobster roll was tasty. The service was good, and the price was reasonable. Good place for couples!

Excellent food, Excellent service and incredible atmosphere! Our waitress was on top of everything and the help that she had was always timely but not overbearing.

We found this place by accident, and we are happy we did. Service was great! Very friendly and fast! Food was good, though a little hit and miss. Overall very happy we found the place.

Asked a cab driver while I was vacationing in downtown Chicago if he knew of a good seafood restaurant where he would go himself to eat, and he told me of Shaw's Crab House. So I did check it out, and I was NOT disappointed! The staff was attentive and friendly, but the food was delicious! The first dinner I ate was a Seafood Fettuccini which had lobster, shrimp, mussels and tomatoes in a garlic in a white wine and garlic sauce; and as I enjoyed it so much, I returned there for my last dinner in Chicago, which was oysters, lobster bisque, and a soft-shelled crab with mashed potatoes on a bed of sauteed spinach, and I was not disappointed at all. And the staff was great. I loved the ambiance and decor...I felt right at home. I will be returning the next time I visit the "Windy City"! Thank you, Shaw's.

Shaw's is one of our favorite places to eat when we come to Chicago. And it did not disappoint this trip. We sat in the Oyster Bar area which is much more hectic than the main dining room. It's loud and our server barely stopped to say "hi." But no matter. We had a dozen mixed oysters which were terrific. My wife had the shrimp cocktail for dinner. I had the Shaw's Fish and Chips which was great. Another successful visit to one of our favorite places.

Shaw’s is one of our favorite places to visit in Chicago, and it is consistently excellent. The wait staff is knowledgeable and helpful. There is usually a server paired with an assistant who keeps the water glasses full, and plates cleared after you finish. The food is A#1. We went there with another couple, who arrived before we did, and were seated at the bar. Before we could be seated, the couple had to close their tab, which happened quickly. We requested a quieter table due to some hearing loss with one of our party, and we were accommodated well (we included that request when we made our reservation). Drinks were served, and the couple we were with ordered an appetizer. The Maryland crab cake was super; it was one large crab cake, seasoned just right! They ordered the seared scallops and the seafood combo platter for dinner. We ordered the halibut and the tuna dinners. Everything was hot, fresh and tasted great! (I think that we all made little “yummy noises” at some point) I’m serious, the food was excellent. The server checked in on us, but let us enjoy our meal. We had the raspberry pie a la mode, and peppermint ice cream with hot fudge sauce for dessert. (Note, the peppermint ice cream was two good-sized scoops…we could’ve shared it, rather than ordering two servings.) We split the ticket, so when presented with the bill, we just gave the waiter both credit cards, and it was easy. We love Shaw’s and will always come back whenever we are in Chicago. Old time, Chicago dining at its best.

Took a few coworkers here after work, we were absolutely blown away with how delicious everything was. We started with a dozen oysters and ended up ordering a few more dozen as we couldn't get enough! Would not pick anywhere else for some of the best seafood in Chicago!

This is a very busy place. With that said, we were 5 adults and a baby in a stroller. They found a wonderful table that would allow for the stroller. However, I thought it took rather long for Brock to bring our menus or even ask us if we would like a drink. We waited for @ 20 min until we stopped someone for them to say that Brock would be with us soon. Waited some more. When Brock showed up, he was patient with us. Food was great, the boys loved their old-fashions, loved the salads. My seafood salad was outstanding.

The quality of the seafood was top notch. I guess the only negative is that some things on the printed menu were not available and we didn’t find that out until we ordered it. Nonetheless the experience was very good and I’m looking forward to going back soon!

I love every food we ordered. I appreciate the effort of the server giving me advice on what to choose. Would definitely comeback here!

Skip Shaw’s and go to Joe’s! We were excited for Shaw’s as per the reviews and the recommendations from our friends in the city. The drinks were great and apps ( cocktail shrimp + nigiris rolls were also tasty). The mains were really lacking. Salmon was dry, clam chowder tasted like it was from a can, and Halibut was lacking flavor. Service also matched the liking of our food started off great then slowly declined. Toward the end rarely re-filled our water glasses or came around. On a bill that was $300+ I just expected more and better food. Joe’s was incredible and I would have replaced our evening here with another time at Joe’s. Incredibly fresh, amazing service, and mains really were so flavorful and well thought out. (Also not to mention their $1 oyster happy hour with the best oysters we could find!). Again I know what a negative review means and I don’t write this lightly.

We have visited a couple of times some years ago and I remembered Shaws positively. Nevertheless our recent visit here for dinner was somewhat underwhelming. Our waitress was inattentive at best and rushed us through the meal. We had not finished our starters when the entrees arrived. Food tasted good - especially the Tuna and the cobbler- but was awkwardly presented. The price tag for food and wine here is too high in my opinion, especially compared to the following evenings with great dinners at other restaurants at comparable cost.

All time classic always consistently awesome for menu, specials, food, service, atmosphere. Makes any occasion special

We went to Shaw’s on a whim because it was close to our hotel, and it was so good, my wife brought her work team back two nights later. The restaurant has an “old school” feel, but the food was modern and delicious. Oysters, steak, crab cakes, wedge salad, and the Chicken Milanese were consumed, and enjoyed by all. My wife had the seafood Alfredo on the next trip, and loved it. Service was attentive. A great experience.

This place is amazing!! Sit in the Oyster bar area - incredible experience! Best oysters and lobster I’ve ever had! Must go!!

Very friendly wait staff. They were very helpful and knowledgeable about their menu. Excellent service. Large variety on the menu. Everything we had was outstanding.

Big menu, excellent service and cool decor. Not much not to like here, if you are staying river north area def pop in and head over to andy's jazz club next door after.

Great! Just great! We had two starters, which were quite large, and one main course, which was normal in size. One better than the other

We’ve been going to Shaw’s as a family for about 10 years now. It’s a Chicago staple, so for those who haven’t been I would recommend. However, it can be hit or miss with food/service. If you go on a calmer day I think you’d have better luck with both.

Top notch seafood and great service. I had the scallops and they're the best I've had in years. Key lime pie for dessert was amazing.

Shaw’s was highly recommended to us by several people when we visited Chicago for the marathon. I don’t eat seafood so had the Parmesan chicken which was good. Daughter had sushi, which she liked. However, my sister had the lobster bisque that did NOT have ANY lobster in it, and her crab cakes were mostly filler. For a seafood restaurant known for crab, it fell way short! Very disappointed.

Always love this place. Dont find much in Crab offerings but have quiet a bit of seafood offerings. Love their Calamari, mussels and crab cakes. Not a great fan of sushi. their Seabass is simply out of the world. Very delicious. I normally love King Salmon but prefer Canadian King over NZ. Hope chef take note. Neverthless always enjoy dining here when ever we come down here.

Went for a Birthday brunch. The food was good, but this is the third time I’ve been in four months. The brunch selection is good except fir the broccoli dish. It’s always dry, and never flavorful. I would highly suggest changing the last course of the brunch to something other than Mac and cheese and broccoli

Shaws has seafood and steak so I got air and turf. They also have oysters and sushi. Separate oyster bar looked cool. Multiple eating areas, we were in the main dining room. Last ate here in 2017. Able to book on open table this time. Lobster was good. Side order of brussel sprouts was a little vinegary. And not balsamic. Different. Overall a nice experience. There is valet in front but we took a Lyft.

We saw the great reviews on TripAdvisor and were so happy we chose to dine here. We booked the table as “bar” which means you are in the oyster bar section- we actually had a two-top table it wasn’t belly up at the bar. It’s more casual in the oyster bar, tv’s with sports. The other part of the restaurant is more formal/white tablecloth. We loved our food - started with lobster bisque. For a main we shared the halibut in a beurre blanc sauce seasoned with sambal Olek, which gave it the slightest hint of spice at the finish, fantastic. Crispy Brussels sprouts might have been our favorite bite. Potatoes au gratin very nice. Our server, Jesus, was excellent, allowed us to take our time, no rush at all, super friendly. I highly recommend Shaws, it’s a great experience, we will recommend to friends.

Shows is a Chicago staple. Seafood is what they do. We ordered a light dinner: Maryland crab cakes and a lobster roll. We should have asked more questions about the style of crab cakes. The cake had bits of shell and was a doughy. The shell, we were told is common. But it threw off the person ordering the cakes. To the waiter’s credit he offered another Ute on the house. The manager brought our bill, removed that meal completely. The lobster roll was perfect. In their version it’s served in a single piece of Texas toast instead of a hotdog bun. I would also recommend the lobster bisque. We asked for a quiet table and they came through. Overall, I’d go back.

Shaw’s was recommended to me by a friend. Had lunch there and was pretty exciting. Old style dinner like. Fish restaurant but they had a very lively burger.

Lovely setting in the dining room with friendly staff. Tables are spaced out nicely too. Food was delicious. We had the lobster Mac n cheese to share as a starter only the lobster was very minimal. Also had crab cakes which were delicious just a little disappointing the chips served with them were over cooked. Overall we enjoyed and would visit again.

Shaw’s Crab House was absolutely iconic. Everything about this restaurant just reeks coolness. But being in the oyster shucking dining room, that was such an extra fun experience. Their oysters are shucked perfectly, rinsed well, no shell in them, chilled perfectly and with delicious sauce. Perfect!!! We did the sampler, and it was so good that we had to order another one. Every single oyster we tried was just as good as the one before. We also ordered the cocktail sampler which was delicious. I do wish we would’ve gotten more shrimp because they were extra good too. The service was, excellent. We so enjoyed our evening and cannot wait to get back there.

Came here on a Monday night and it was packed! Food is tasty and lots to choose from. We got a few dishes to share and all were excellent.

Food is just as good and service will always be top notch..Oysters excellent. outside dining was cozy and warm under the bridge. Didn't lack any quality nor service..Could wear a tshirt in 20 degree weather

Husband loved the clam chowder and fish n chips. I had surf and turf. Excellent service in an elegant space. We recommend!

We were searching for a different restaurant when the cold rain intervened and literally forced us into Shaw’s. They were immediately welcoming and we were lucky enough to be seated immediately. The service was top-notch when we quickly had our drinks and oysters. I opted to combination plate of petite filet, sea scallops and garlic shrimp. All I can say is that I’m hoping we can come back tomorrow! Also, don’t skip the scrumptious raspberry pie with ice cream. I would have taken a pic but we tore into it too fast.

We ate here for our anniversary on April 30th. It was a wonderful experience the ambience is old school almost like an old steak house it was warm comfortable and the food was just delicious. I had the Shaw's sampler which gave a good mix of all the seafood it had shrimp, scallops, a crab cake and rice every single item was absolutely delicious. My husband had the surf and turf so filet and a lobster which he said was delicious and then we shared a dessert sampler which came with all sample sizes of a chocolate cake key lime pie creme brulee and vanilla ice cream. Service was top notch our server was attentive yet not overbearing and the busers were on point never an empty glass or empty plate that they didn't remove within seconds. We will definitely be coming back.

It is now, and always has been top notch. Tired of shiny things out there that are all smoke and mirrors. Look no further. Shaws always delivers. We started with the seafood tower. No skimping on the Lobster and crab. Crisp, not salty or rubbery, utterly delicious. Entries of shrimp and grits (my fave), others raved about scallops, jambalaya and Halibut. Side favorites, au gratin potatoes, both spinach dishes. Hot fudge sundae to guild the Lilly. One person in our party has celiac. They were extra careful to accommodate her. Cocktails - always made and served properly. Andres at the bar delivered perfection!

We had Manny and his team as waiters. It was our 55th anniversary and from the host to everyone that contacted us during our dinner wished us Happy Anniversary! From the oysters to the fabulous desert the food was fantastic! Thank you Manny.

Chicago old school staple. Profesional servers, top cocktails, incredible food. Hey do a great job with all the surrounding city Mayham - all very relaxing. Top place for steaks and seafood.

Nice place , with fresh and traditional flavors. Nothing special but quality price are right and the lobster trio is rich!

A classic crab house restaurant. We have dinner at the bar and the service was 10 out of 10. A very big list of oyster options, the wedge salad was great and the lobster roll was perfect.

We recently went to Shaw's for a family dinner. We got there ahead of our reservation and were able to seat us right away. They had a nice selection of wines. The oysters were fresh and delicious. Our fish of the day was nicely prepared. While we were happy with the food, the attentive of the server was a little too much. We found it somewhat difficult to carry on a regular conversation. We felt like the server was imposing.

We wanted a known restaurant in the area of Howl at the Moon so landed at Shaw’s Crab House. Loved that we didn’t need a reservation and they have a dressier side and a casual side of the restaurant. Oysters galore too. I enjoyed their haddock and it was melt-in-your-mouth!!! Delicious! Will definitely keep this on our list when visiting Chicago!

One of the most disappointing dinners I have had in a long time. My wife had reservations but we had to while others were seated before us. This was a special occasion. Not only 5 days before Christmas but a personal event. My wife was dressed in a beautiful red dress and was wearing very nice jewelry. I had on a suit a tie. To start winter in Chicago have a coat check room. We had to go find it. It is an embarrassment that the first thing is that no one cared enough to welcome us into the restaurant. The hostess was so rude I wanted to leave. She should never work in the restaurant industry again. Her attitude was disrespectful towards us. She sat us in the bar. We are celebrating fully dressed up with theater tickets and she put us in the bar. We did not want to listen to “Bear down Chicago Bears” an “ Go Pack go”. On the jumbo screen tv was TCU football. Coming on know your audience. The waiter did not know what a wine list was so he was useless. My wife order red wine. He brought champagne. Ok red wine is the one that is red!!! Steak and sea food for me. Three shrimp and a very very small steak. There was some green stuff on the plate. Could have been spinach or sea weed. My wife had to order a burger because that was the only thing that sounded good. The waiter kept knocking into my wife. He even spilled her purse at one point. Did not even bother to help. I went to use the men’s restroom before we left. No impressed with framed the soft core PORN pictures in the restroom. Way over priced, horrible service, bad attitude, loud and their advertising on the web is a LIE. Don’t ever go there. It is not business casual. It was jeans and sports shirts. This place was horrible. DO NOT GO THERE!1111

Our new favorite place to dine when we come to Chicago for great food, great service and amazing atmosphere. I think we ordered one of everything just bc we couldn’t make up our minds. The oysters were beyond delicious and you could definitely tell they were fresh. We tried three different ones. If you seriously want to eat at a true Chicago restaurant with amazing food and atmosphere this is the place to go.

We had nor eaten in this restaurant for a number of years, We sat at a high top table in the main restaurant bar and had an enjoyable lunch, The large crab claw and a cup of the New New England Clam Chowder were very good, A dozen mixed oysters (which are a bit expensive) were enjoyable, Cocktails and service from Marco G were excellent,

Excellent restaurant, mainly fish but also have other dishes. The atmosphere is very nice. We have claw chowder, crab cake and some Tacos with prawns. Everything was delicious and the value for money is excellent. Highly recommended

We went for dinner, it is very expensive but great food and drinks, excellent service, and a wonderful dining experience!

Just visited for lunch and had an amazing experience. Everything was top notch. The ambience, the music, the food, the service! Jose is just fantastic and went thru all the options of the menu for us - and when we ordered 2 plates to split, he brought both already divided in 2 plates each, making our lives even easier. Definitely recommend, everything was great - and we will come back as we visit Chicago in the future.

Every time we come to Chicago Shaw’s is a must for us. The atmosphere and ambiance is a throw back and it’s great. Food is always great also. This time the scallops seemed a little under cooked, at least the thick ones, for my taste. Oysters were great, wife loved the her crab cakes. Will always be one of our favorites.

Not very impressed, but then again we didn't get the king crab. We got appetizers, sushi, soups, and dessert. The best thing was the appetizers- oysters Rockefeller and burratta bread. Gumbo was smoky flavored. Key lime pie was wrong consistency. Carrot cake kinda bland. Sushi wasn't good.

Our family of 7 including a teen and tween enjoyed our dinner here. Nobody exclaimed their food was amazing, but it was all good. Crab leg option was pricey and I’m pretty sure the only option so my kids were disappointed. Crème Brûlée was excellent! We were in dining room but the oyster bar side looked fun and more kid friendly.

In 1971, Rich Melman opened his first restaurant, R.J. Grunts, in Chicago's Lincoln Park. Today, his Lettuce Entertain You empire remains a family-owned business that owns, manages and licenses 130 restaurants in a dozen states, including Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, Florida, Virginia and Texas. One of the most successful eateries is Shaw's Crab House. Located at 21 East Hubbard Street in Chicago's bustling River North neighborhood, between State and Wabash, Shaw's currently is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The one-time newspaper warehouse is open from 11:30 to 9 Sunday through Thursday and 11:30 to 10 on Friday and Saturday. Known for its famous oyster bar--Shaw's has sold more than 10 million oysters--and its iconic L-shaped bar in the center of the 1,400-square-foot first floor, Shaw's is a go-to destination for seafood lovers, like me. No, I'm not into oysters, sushi, caviar, lobster or King crab. I have my favorites. I start with a bowl of New England clam chowder, a classic jumbo shrimp cocktail with chilled cocktail sauce and a Caesar salad with parmesan cheese, croutons and white anchovies. For an entree, I choose griddled garlic shrimp with jasmine rice or blue crab stuffed flounder with lobster brandy sauce or sauteed Mediterranean Branzino with Kalamata olives and fennel. With sides of mashed potatoes or au gratin potatoes and coleslaw or sauteed spinach. For dessert, the choice is easy. Key lime pie every time. Dinner at Shaw's Crab House is never disappointing.

We had dinner here one night while on a business trip and it was a great experience. It's like an old school steakhouse. Our server was fantastic. I had the lobster bisque and sushi and was very pleased. We spilt a dessert sampler to finish off the evening. Everyone in our party enjoyed the meal. I wouldn't hesitate to come back.

Shaw's was an excellent choice for an early dinner to beat the crowds and noise. We were in a booth that allowed 6 feet between tables, and had a fabulous server, Luis. My husband and I shared the stone crab appetizer which was sweet and very good, though pricey for just two pieces. My husband enjoyed his softshell crab entree, and my seared tuna was delicious. My only wish is that I had been forewarned about the heat of the dish as I'm very sensitive to hot spices, and the sauce definitely tasted of wasabi. Overall, both the food and the service were excellent.

Recommended to us by a friend so 7 of us went. It's a cool place with an old speak easy vibe to it. We were seated right away per our reservation. We were attended to right away as well with drink orders and our food order. That is where things went downhill. The waiter spilled a coke on my niece. He was being fairly flippant with his duties. I believe he apologized though not profusely. The manager came over and never apologized and made no attempt to assuage the situation but comping her meal or a table appetizer. My niece had Coke on her long coat and they made no mention of that. They had to change out the tables cloths on our table which was the only part that was tolerable and the gentleman that came do that was very nice and funny. It's hard to know if the food experience was tainted by the spillage but most of us were pretty unimpressed with the meal quality, especially given the price. A lot of people seem to have a great experience here so I guess ours was an outlier but you never get a 2nd chance to make a 1st impression and we'll never go back.

Let's begin with the drinks. I ordered a margarita on the rocks, no salt. A simple enough order which the waiter accepted without further ado. No questions: would you like a top shelf liquor? Nothing like that. What arrived irrespective of the liquor poured into it was an over-complicated concoction. Perhaps a mixologist was involved ("concoction"), but not a very adept one ("over complicated"). Taste and satisfaction-wise, it was not worth the surprise $20 I was charged. Never before have I paid so much for a mediocre margarita. I haven't even paid that much for a superb one. Fail #1. Against my better judgment, I stayed for dinner. I ordered the fish and chips. Another mistake. The best fish and the best chips arrive piping hot. Both arrived lukewarm. The failure here was likely split between waiter and kitchen. The kitchen might have been at fault if it made both the fish and the chips in batches then positioned them under the warming lights waiting for an unsuspecting customer. Or it could have been the fault of the waiter who let the dish languish under the lights after they were fried. Whatever the case the waiter deposited the very sad fish and the very sad chips, then was nowhere to be found while the disappointing meal was consumed. No: "how's the meal tasting?" Instead, I had to hunt the waiter down and call him over to complain. Fail #2 and #3. Would the fish have been better served piping hot? Theoretically yes. The best fish is fried in beer batter which forms a crispy crust. Once your fork pierces that crust, you can see the steam from the fish rise. Not at Shaw's. This fish was not fried by an expert chef. It arrived doughy and lifeless. Being lukewarm was the least of the cooking sins. If I were a cod, I would not want to spend my final day served on a Shaw's plate. It would be a deflating end to my life. Fail #4. When I complained to the waiter, he did provide a new plate of hot chips. Which I happily shared with the table. But overall, Shaw's was a huge disappointment. I'll not be returning.

Very much enjoyed our dining experience in this classy restaurant. We were looked after by an excellent waitress in Racheal from Boston . Friendly , personable and professional, she is an asset to the restaurant. Great value in having the 38$ lunch menu with 3 courses. Lobster bisque , chicken Parmesan and crème brûlée were as good as any I’ve ever had .

Every time we come to Chicago, either on business or pleasure, we always make sure to dine at Shaw's. The food is fantastic and the service is even better! Kevin, who manages this location, is always a wonderful host who makes certain you have everything you need for a beautiful evening. He always finds a few minutes to chat with guests. Make sure you arrive with enough time to sit and relax at the bar with the amazing artistry of the "healing water" created by Pat. No visit to Shaw's would be the same without Pat's expert mixology. Pat is truly the main reason for all the memorable evenings we have spent at Shaw's!

For our last dinner during our visit to Chicago, we went to Shaw's and were very glad we did so. We had some of their famous oysters as an appetizer and they were beyond good....they were delicious. I had a seafood combo entree and my wife had whitefish...both of us were quite happy with our selections....well prepared and filling. If you try the sides, make sure you share since they are large...we had the potatoes au gratin - fabulous.

Anyone who thinks you need to be on a coast to have good oysters hasn't been to Shaws. I'm def over 100 visits in >30 years and Shaws always brings their A-game. Prefer the bar, but you will def have the best visit no matter where you sit.

On August 29, 2020, I decided to end my husband’s 40th Surprise Birthday Day full of adventure with a delicious dinner at Shaw’s. Due to Covid-19 and nice weather we dined outside. The food was reasonably priced, the plated portions were filling, and the waitstaff were awesome. The alcoholic drinks were made just right. We will definitely be returning to Shaw’s again. Thanks for making my husband’s 40th birthday awesome.

A favorite place in Chicago. Vonderful atmosphere, good service. Crab cakes recommended. A vit pricy but value for money.

My wife and I headed to Shaw’s for lunch as soon as we arrived in Chicago for a business conference in July. I like the retro old school atmosphere. I had the fish tacos and my wife had the crab cake lunch special. Both entrees were very good. Shaw’s has a well deserved reputation for delicious seafood.

The place is magical, we got there without a reservation and we got very lucky to be seated at the bar in the right side of the restaurant (not the fancy saloon), it was great for us to have that experience, the food was amazing, the clam showder soup my favorite, the lobster roll was very food to and my husband got some raw oysters. Is a very classic restaurant that I recommend so much as a must in Chicago

Had an awesome evening at the Oyster Bar at Shaw’s Crab House. Food was epic, service was friends and professional, I would say epic but never use the same word twice in a paragraph, it was fab. Delicious food, fresh and very tasty, well worth booking for a great night out.

The food was only surpassed by the service; not sure I have ever been the beneficiary of such personal, friendly and efficient service. All of our dishes were excellent; especially the halibut and fried shrimp.

Great food! Fiancé had the oysters and loved them (I don't eat oysters), ad well as the seafood platter! She thought everything was really good! I had the warmest crusted halibut and it was soo good! We ended with the blueberry and peach cobbler and that was to die for! Would recommend!

We had a business dinner at Shaw’s. The seafood tower appetizer was fantastic. All of the entrees came out incredibly and the service was top notch. Will make Shaw’s a regular stop on future trips to Chicago.

We enjoyed eating at this restaurant. We dropped in after a long flight to Chicago and went to Shaw's afterwards. A nice table was served with varieties of seafood and Crab with a good champagne. We felt as we were in Europe with a touch of American style. Sauces were excellently matched to the food.

We had reservations at 8pm on a Thursday night for a party of four. We were seated right away. The tables were very close together and the ambiance was buzzing. It looks like a vintage steak house, and the servers all wear fancy vests. We like that! However, the table was so cramped with dishes, drinks, and food that it made it hard to relax and enjoy the meal like we should have. Our server, Franky, took excellent care of us. He was professional and friendly. When we returned the Halibut dish for being way overcooked, he brought us a new one that was perfectly cooked and stayed at the table to make sure it was to our liking. After explaining that "we never send back food, but we had to for the price ($50)", he said we should always say something to the kitchen. They would rather remake the dish than the customer be disappointed. Other than that little hiccup, the food and drinks were excellent. My dirty martini with mignonette tincture was SO good. We had the Tuna Tartare, Yellowtail Yuzu sushi roll, and Lump Crab Cake for appetizers - YUM! The steak on the Clubroom Combo was cooked perfectly, as were the shrimp and scallops. And I thought the Sea Bass was the best dish of the night. Our generous side of sauteed spinach was garlicky goodness and fed all four of us. And because the Halibut didn't come out correctly, Franky brought us a complimentary dessert sampler. It was also delicious. Next time we are in Chicago, Shaw's will be on the dining list for sure. I wish we had a place like this is Cincinnati.

3 couples, reservations had been made. Seated immediately on arrival. Service prompt. Ordered cocktails which came before our appetizers. Oysters and Calamari were quite tasty. I had the Chilean Sea Bass which was amazing. My spouse ordered Halibut but it was overcooked which the server returned. Instead my spouse changed his entree to the Chilean Sea Bass since mine was so delicious and the serving was huge. The manager came over later offering free dessert due to the overcooked fish. We declined due to full stomachs. Definitely a happy experience. The rest of our group enjoyed their dishes too.

Great dinner, great service in Chicago. Service & ambiance was excellent. We really enjoyed our dinner especially the oysters. Yum!

Absolutely delicious! The service and Seafood was top rate! They had six different types of oysters-all were fantastic. The soft shell crab & crab legs taste like they had just come out from the water ! The Sancerre & Portuguese Red with a strip steak completed a excellent friend’s weekend!!

Sometimes restaurants that have been in business for a while begin to coast or go downhill. Not the case here. One of our best visits ever. Food was outstanding - yummy lobster bisque, bay scallops cooked perfectly, service right on point. A great time was had by all and we can't wait to return.

I stayed at the LondonHouse and Shaw’s was a quick walk across the street. We visited on our last night in Chi and I’m glad we did. This was my best meal in Chicago. The seafood was fresh and hot. The sides were yummy and more than enough for 2. I would definitely visit again. Everything was tasty and I left stuffed.

Drove to Chicago w/ my daughters to thank them for helping me at Our Cafe this Christmas 🎄. Time together is well over due! So I really wanted to treat them to an amazing dinner in Chicago. I chose SHAWS. Because I’ve had gone here numerous of times years ago & loved it!! ❤️My daughter loves crab legs & my other steak. Well I can’t begin to say what an excellent choice!! From checking in to being seated! And of course our amazing server Brittany was so sweet & attentive! Our experience here was beyond exceptional! The food was So delicious! Lobster Bisque yum, my Gumbo wow! Of course had to split the amazing crab cake! Yum! My daughter ordered the Crab legs ! So meaty great suggestion from Brittany! ❤️ my other daughter the superb steak! Great flavor! The table next to us one had the lobster roll which I had to have! Definitely amazing & full of love! ❤️We were so full but not full enough! Lol had to have a Birthday dessert for my daughter Alexandra creme brûlée her fav! And it was wow! Yummy! Took home the chocolate cake but had to have bites lol All homemade! Had to have & it’s definitely homemade goodness! ❤️❤️ Peppermint ice cream from Homers omg w/ hot fudge!! ❤️ If only it traveled well lol !! This is our first beyond amazing experience I’ve had! They definitely stepped up their game since I’ve been there years ago!! Definitely will be back!! And highly recommended! Thank you Brittany and SHAWS staff for an exceptional end to our perfect day in Chicago!!❤️❤️

Visiting my son who is stationed at Scott AFB.. thoroughly enjoyed our dinner both times. The king crabs were excellent.. cocktail and ambiance wonderful. Service on par..

Food is very expensive. The lobster and cheese was horrible. I thought I scored big when I got a big piece of lobster. It was horribly fishy. The halibut was hot, however, the corn puree it was on was lukewarm. You could tell it was pre-made sitting in pitchers waiting to be poured. The waiter walked by and saw us eating the halibut, however, never asked us how the food was. Will not go to another Lettuce Entertainment Restaurant.

One of the great seafood restaurants in Chicago providing a classic dining experience. Pricey but always worth it.

We dined here last night, after figuring out where it was since Hubbard Street goes under Wabash. it was very nice. It has an old time atmosphere, which we like. The waiter was super and helped choose items to eat and drink. My wife had the fish and chips and liked it a lot. There were a lot of fries and fish served. I had their combo meal with shrimp, scallops, and a crab cake. It was very good and not over filling. I added a half dozen oysters afterward and liked those as well. I can see why they have a good rating here.

Family was visiting, and one of them loves seafood, so we were excited for a visit to Shaw's Crab House, a Chicago institution. We ate in the "crab house" section of the restaurant, near the bar. Mixed experience. On the plus side, our server was personable, and water was refilled attentively. Additionally, we ordered a dozen oysters -- a specialty of Shaw's -- and they were all fresh and delicious, with a really nice range of flavors. On the neutral side: While nice, service was not particularly nuanced or knowledgable. For example, the server was not knowledgeable about the oysters on offer (so he was unable to offer much guidance as to which of the offerings might best suit a palate). And when the oysters were delivered, we had to prompt staff to even explain which oyster was which. For the *VERY* expensive price point of this restaurant, service felt like an assembly line -- too busy to really provide much beyond the basics. On the negative side: The rest of the food. I'd stick to the raw seafood here. The entrees were *very* expensive -- we're talking steakhouse-level prices -- and the flavors and presentation did not justify the cost, particularly in a city with so many great restaurants. A seafood pasta was a gloppy mess. A tuna tartare with avocado totally undelivered on the flavor; it all badly needed salt. A crab cake, supposedly a house specialty, was a dry lump. I can see why people like the atmosphere -- it's noisy and people are having fun. And if you're just there to down some oysters and alcohol, it'll do the trick. But if you actually like food and want something other than assembly line service while out for a nice menu, you'll be disappointed, particularly for what you're paying.

I was a little confused by the vibe here at first because it appeared more like a diner upon first entry and to the right was the oyster bar. However, we turned left to our table and were immediately immersed in a more upscale atmosphere, with dressed-up diners and dim lighting set for the mood. The dinner was four courses, which I was very excited about, and included complimentary bread, always a plus. For the first course, we ordered the tuna tartare and the crab cake. The tuna was very fresh and served atop mashed avocado, which made the entire dish a nice refreshing start. However, the crab cake was the tiniest crab cake I had ever seen! It was about the size of a flattened golf ball. Though the crab cake had a great flavor, the size was a little disappointing and really threw us off. For our second course, we got the clam chowder. The chowder was rich and thick, but not overly so, and it was the perfect amount for a second course. My only complaint is that I wish there were more clam bits in my bowl, but the dish itself was very satisfying. The entrees we opted for were the twin filets with garlic shrimp and the swordfish. The filets were juicy, and the shrimp was akin to lobster with the way it was drowned in butter, which I loved. The similarity of the shrimp to lobster made the dish feel more elevated as well. As for the swordfish, though the seasoning was unique with an Asian citrus flair and a side slaw, I thought the tang didn’t pair as well with the swordfish as a different flavor might, so I would say I enjoyed the filets more. We ended our meal with the chocolate cake. At first, I was hesitant to order this because I can get cake anywhere, but boy am I glad I went for it because it was heavenly! The dark chocolate frosting and moist interior were to die for. A little large after having eaten three other courses, but you can bet I didn’t leave a crumb on that plate. Overall, I would give Shaw’s Crab House 4 spoons out of 5. I thought the protein was all high quality and, for the most part, enjoyed the various dishes.

Excellent seafood, quality ingredients well prepared. Best crab cakes I have had anywhere. Service very good but some room for improvement there.

Arrived for lunch in a very vey cold Chicago day, greeted by a lovely lady who explained both dining options, went with the more casual oyster bar experience, walked straight In to a seat at the bar, really good service from the bartender, really nice oaked Chardonnay, menu extensive very hard to choose so I had a couple of appetisers , calamari and lump crab cake which were superb . Lovely atmosphere, I think I’ll be back! Loved it! Thank you

Beautiful restaurant w/ oyster bar seating, regular bar, dining room, and private dining all available. Clam chowder excellent. Large Louie seafood salad packed w/ seafood and other tasties but chopped lettuce texture and quality somewhat marred the complete gustatory experience. Service well above average. Restaurant not busy early and mid-afternoon on a Saturday, FYI.

We visited for dinner early December while staying at The Langham Hotel just round the corner. We tried to get a table on the off chance when passing, it was busy but we were seated in a booth in the main dining area. The service and ambience were great. Food delicious and reasonably priced. I can recommend blackened shrimp and grits!

Visited during a work trip. The atmosphere, food, and staff were all amazing. We were served by Pat who took excellent care of us, and made some helpful recommendations. It’s a shame I don’t live in Chicago as I would love to visit this place more frequently!!

Great ambience, food and service, old school bar/restaurant, apparently a land mark in Chicago. Very busy but walked in for a late lunch. Highly recommend.

We were there on a Sunday, and we arrived early and were seated in the main dining room. We were going to get the crab however it was priced much higher than anticipated. I opted for perch however our server claimed that they had just served the last perch they had. We inquired about South African lobster, and the server claimed it was sweeter than normal lobster, (we didn't find this to be true) and considered the lobster just okay. *** Beware, when the bill comes Shaw's puts on a fee they don't tell you about. They expect you to pay extra to help cover their costs? Most restaurants just add this to the costs they publish on the menu. On the bill you can ask to have it taken off, which I did, and the waitress seemed to be miffed that I should request not to pay their extra fee for the honor of dining at Shaw's.

Being in Chicago for a conference, I have lined up some great dinner options and night #3 was Shaw's Crab House, I was psyched and really looking forward to it; unfortunately, I was quite disappointed in the entire experience.....perhaps it was the other two restaurants (Eddie V's and Swift & Sons) that set the bar quite high but wow, what a let down. To begin with, there was no pleasant greeting, or welcome (like at the other restaurants), almost like they were doing us a favor by having us eat there. Then we were seated in the oyster bar area (a less formal, noisier location). The waiter was far from great, he was ok. The food was average but paid very above average prices; I started with the Maryland crab cake, it was ok but tasted like something I would get in a lower-end restaurant, not a crab house. The lobster bisque was also average and nothing special at all. I then got the 1.25 pounds of Alaskan King Crab legs (for $150) and sadly, quite a disappointment, it did not appear to be 1.25 pounds and it certainly was not the best legs I have seen nor tasted, so to pay $150 for that was another disappointment. The lobster mac-n-cheese was fair, I think there were two tiny pieces of lobster in it and it was like Kraft mac-n-cheese. The best part of the meal was the dessert, Shaw's Raspberry Pie with vanilla ice cream, quite good. So, overall for what I paid $250 and what I got (lacking quality, quantity and dismal service), I would recommend you go someplace else, I know that I will, the next time I am in Chicago.

I am very please to see that this resttaurand is back on track. We have visited this restaurant on several occasions in the past years and a few years ago we had a quite different experience. We visted the restaurant once and the Raw Bar three time last week and was very happy with the service, food quality and prices.

The food was good, fresh and generous portions. The service was ok, had to wave down the server a few times, however, was attentive when they did come over. A very a nostalgic and authentic decor.

This is a great seafood place. Very large menu and many options to choose from. Tried a bunch of appies. Crab cakes were outstanding. Liked the Calamari too. My Favourite was the Seabass. Perfectly cooked. Was very juicy and flavorful. Will be returning soon

I wish I could give 3.5 stars. King crab legs were yummy. Scallops also were good. Crab cake was just ok. Shrimp were over cooked and still had the shells on (they were butterflied and grilled). Service was quite nice. Polite. Attentive. Host came across as uncaring and pompous. I’m sure he’s a sweet guy but that’s how he greeted me. The 4% covid charge was total crap. I wouldn’t have minded paying if they were doing something additional that cost real money. There was nothing additional done at all to require the 4% charge. You can ask for it to be removed. I didn’t feel like fussing, so I just lowered my tip. I’ve been tipping 25% off the full total during covid to help out the waitstaff. I just tipped less so it was there same out of pocket for me.

Me and my fiancé came to celebrate our anniversary last night and we got more than what we ordered. I want to give credit to the atmosphere and wait staff as they were extremely attentive and was what we would expect from this upscale restaurant. We love oysters so we ordered a half dozen east coast oysters for an appetizer and then surf and turf and surf and surf meals. The lobster was definitely over cooked but we don’t like to complain so it wasn’t a huge deal. We had a great experience at the restaraunt but a couple hours after we got home we both started to feel sick. Now it is the next day and we are both spending considerable time in the bathroom and are feeling nausea. It is very disappointing to feel like this after spending the time and considerable money to go to shaws crabshack. Looking at the reviews it seems like others have had the same problem after ordering oysters. I am hoping by posting this review that shaws will look into their process of raw seafood handling so that others do not have the same experience we had.

made reservations based upon a recommendation from a family member. Arrived and were warmly greeted and seated in a comfortable booth. Ordered cocktails while we looked at the menu. They arrived along with bread and butter. The house old fashioned was excellent and my gimlet was properly made. We split the tuna tartare which was excellent. Then I had the soft shell crabs and my husband had the walleye. We also ordered mashed potatoes as a side. Along with 2 glasses of pinot grigio (it's a nice big pour). Everything was absolutely fresh and delicious. The mashed potatoes were more like mashed butter with potatoes, unbelievably rich. Service was lovely throughout, water replenished, etc. This is not an inexpensive place, but for what you gt the prices are more than reasonable. We have spent more and gotten less. Highly recommence and will return when we come back to Chicago.

Excellent old style seafood house. Felt like Frank Sinatra could walk in at any moment. Food and service were excellent. Thoroughly enjoyed sitting in the oyster bar. Waitress “Chuckie” was great

Actually visited 2 times on our 4 day trip. First visit was just to the oyster bar for drinks and apps. Second visit was for a celebratory dinner and our server (Cory?), he was amazing! Went above and beyond and was honest about what he recommends. I had the bone in Ribeye and the cheese potatoes. It was perfect. Also made some great drinks.

Absolutely top notch..the quality of the oysters and fish is incredible. Rene was assisting me, he is very attentive and gave me great tips on food and drinks, superb service. A must come back location in Chicago!

Very, very disappointed in this establishment!! We had 8:00 dinner reservations and when I looked at the open table, they had PLENTY of reservations that you could make for that evening. We got to the restaurant approximately 44 minutes prior to our reservation hoping to get seated earlier. We got there and were told it would be closer to 8:00 before they could seat us. I was able to go on open table and make a reservation for 7:30. However, my spouse would not let me go to the host stand and tell them this. We had to check on our reservation, they NEVER came to check on us. However, they DID sit people that came in off the street. Once we got seated, it took over 10 minutes for the server to acknowledge us. We were served water by the assistant prior. Once we wet finally able to place our order the list of entrees that they were out of was EXTENSIVE!! Granted, I was only visiting the area. However, I will not be back or recommend. Was hoping for something so much better since it had been recommended by a good friend.

Not worth the money. The food here is good, not great, but they rush you through the meal. My husband and I are not ones to spend hours in a restaurant, but this was ridiculous We had three courses and were served all three and ate in under an hour. Also, we sat in the pub side and they were all hihg tables. THey had a coulld booths open, but when I asked to change, I was told those tables were reserved. Well, since they served everything so quickly, the booths were still open when we left. When I mentioned this to the host, he told me he was "following the rules". Not sure what rules or who made them, but the high-top chairs are not comfortable When you pay these prices, you expect better time management and a comfortable seat. There are lots of restaurants in Chicago, try another one.

Great food and wonderful service. I had the soft shell crab appetizer, a wedge salad, and the tuna entree. All were excellent, as was our waiter. Great old-school Chicago vibe, but not stuffy or snobby. We had a terrific evening.

We really enjoyed our dinner experience! Upon entry, the staff was very welcoming and accommodating and our waiter was attentive. The food we ordered: Rolls on the table were fresh, fluffy and delightful. Linguine with Fresh lobster tails and assortment of seafood. Fried shrimp with caesar salad and a beautiful slice of birthday cake and some delicious choices of red wine. The ambience and atmosphere is set for all occasions and we will be returning. Thank you!

Shaw's used to be one of the best restaurants in Chicago; a Lettuce Entertain You special. When we went three weeks ago, it was terrible. I'd rather go to McDonald's. The appetizers were so tiny as to be almost invisible. Two of us ordered the "pan-fried Walley Pike". The server brought 2 gray sponges instead...obviously inedible. So we ordered fried shrimp and soft-shell crabs. They were fine but took 30 minutes to arrive at the table. By that time, our husbands had eaten (& digested) their food. Thirty minutes??? They offered nothing; no coffee, dessert, after-dinner drink, nothing. The bill was $200/couple...for mediocre to inedible food. We will not return, Melman family. I hope this review will encourage other diners to dine somewhere besides a "Lettuce" restaurant. Just terrible!!!

This is a two-part review: Part 1: My wife and I took a close friend here to celebrate her birthday. We had a delightful evening. Attentive service, excellent food, an outstanding Oregon pinot noir, and a complimentary slice of chocolate cake adorned with a candle. Tab came to nearly $600 and worth every penny of it. Five stars ***** Part 2: My wife left her phone at the restaurant--not the first time--and went back this morning to retrieve it. Phone, driver's license and credit cards were all there. Unfortunately, someone on Shaw's staff had helped them to the roughly $140-160 that was in the phone case. One star* I won't be back.

Service was good and genuine. Wine by the glass also has good selection. Starter was half dozen of oysters which tiny. The 5 piece salmon with ginger was very good. I'd the whole fish which was deep fried - is good. Partner had Scallop main - presentation was poor and scallop size is pretty small. Their dessert ice cream 2 huge scoop which was too much. Overall is a nice place with good service.

After put architecture cruise, stopped by to get some rally dinner. Delicious. From the shrimp cocktail to the oysters on the half shell, clam chowder, bread and even sushi. It was all amazing! Service was phenomenal as well. Go earlier, as Rese's are hard to come by.

This place is perfect if you like seafood and fish. It is very central and the service was very good.

We came with several colleagues to celebrate an award. Overall, pretty disappointed. Crabcakes were okay, but no lump crab at all. I wonder if it was canned. And they were very small, max of 3 oz each. More than half the platter was French Fries. Husband had tuna which was overcooked. Was served with a vegetable that he never figured out what it was. Raspberry pie was a huge disappointment. Crust was good, but filling was raspberry jam with so etching lime gelatin to firm it up. Apple pie was excellent. Then they told us that for this group of 10 people on expense accounts, they would only divide the bill three ways. I don’t think we will return.

I can’t not express enough how wonderful this restaurant is! I took my boys there for dinner and we were all blown away by how good everything was. The staff were super friendly & helpful with all our questions. The atmosphere is so classic. So much to look around at & take in. The Christmas decorations were classic & warm. The food was simply amazing!!!

Great fresh and varied sea food in a cozy and vintage location in Chicago down town. Fresh crab and oysters, lobster as some creative sushi opciones.

Really good restaurant, simply put. It has a lively feel to it. The food is good. The atmosphere is a lot of fun. That being said, you want the best food, do yourself and go over a few blocks to Joe’s.

Incredible clam chowder! Ask for the big one, the difference between the big and the small is not that much and it’s totally worth it! We had the lobster tacos , which were fine but the lobster sandwich is the best ! It’s called New England lobster roll . Really really good. The chilled Caribbean stone crab by pice were okay . My tops will be the clam chowder and the lobster sandwich!

Amazing experience! Absolutely to die for oysters and crab cakes. Service was top notch. We are Chicago natives but this was our very first visit and we were extremely impressed with the quality of food and the service. We will definitely be returning to try some of the other items on the menu as they all sounded amazing. Service again was great, our server was very very friendly and on top of everything but sadly I didn't get her name. Next time! Please go and try the Crab cakes here, it is an experience you won't forget!!

Had dinner reservations for a Saturday 5pm. Service was incredible from the walk to the table. Our server was very knowledgeable about the food options. The support staff were incredible with filling water and removing plates. We had the oyster sampler, and then I had the tuna. The food was fantastic. I would highly recommend this place!

My first time dining here and it was just a wonderful evening. We started off with great cocktails. The Oysters Rockefeller and the Louisiana Gumbo are delicious. They have really delicious fresh fish daily specials. My husband really enjoyed his fresh catch entree and I got the fabulous Seafood Salad. The salad is loaded with seafood. We also had the dessert sampler and specialty coffee, a great finish to the meal. We will be back.

Wonderful historical ambiance. The lobster bisque was best we have ever had anywhere. The clam chowder was also superb. Lobster roll with real crispy fries and a maryland crab cake and Brussels sprouts rounded out our sampling of the menu. We will return!

though i'm a Lettuce member, this is first trip to Shaw. we weren't able to get main dining table for our party of 6 even w/a reservation, so we sat a a table with high chairs in the bar which was ok. our service Jesus was friendly and attentive enough. dishes was had were soft shell crabs, fried calamari, lump crab cake, oysters, lobster tails, halibut, brus sproutes, asparagus, lobster mac/cheese, desserts samplers and complimentary birthday chocolate cake..... every was enjoyable, but the lobster mac/cheese could've been better. .

I had their seafood salad specialty for lunch one day and it delivered. LOTS of shrimp, lobster and crab in a creamy dressing on top of a nice chopped / mixed salad.

What an experience for a vacation to the Windy City! Shaw's is a must-try restaurant for those who seek exceptional service and food. My wife and I made a reservation a week before our trip for the main room, but we arrived a bit early and decided to dine in the main bar area and received phenomenal service from barkeeps Pat and Arold. It was "Restaurant Week" in Chicago and we selected from the special 4 course menu along with two items from the Raw Bar - all dishes were excellent and each presentation was superb. From first cocktails (Old Fashion and Manhattan highly recommended) to a final surprised cordial from Arold (Espresso Martini - FABULOUS), our culinary experience from Shaw's rates among the best in our life. We will go back and not soon enough!

Shaw's is an institution, we don't make an all-night big deal of it because it's $$$ but we stopped in for a tray of the best oysters ever and the bisque, which my children fought over. The staff is always so professional and seem thrilled to have kids eating oysters!

We went to Shaw's for a birthday dinner on our first night in Chicago! Our meals were delicious. My husband had a warm lobster roll. I had the crab cakes. Both were perfect! My favorite part was the dessert. The lemon sorbet was to die for!!

Excellent food, service, and atmosphere. IMO, it is important to make reservations because this place was packed the whole time we were there (Sunday evening). Great seafood and fish and the steak was delicious and perfectly prepared, as well. Definitely a repeater!

Love coming here in our yearly visit near St Pat’s day for a conference. Very good food every time. This year had lobster and filet. Both were cooked perfectly and tasted delicious. Side of macaroni you can’t beat.

Very nice atmosphere, server very knowledgeable and gave excellent food recommendations. Louie salad was delicious lots of crab and lobster meat. Would definitely recommend!

This is a great place to go celebrate a special occasion or a romantic night for two. The food was amazing and the service was good. It was the best scallops I’ve ever eaten and everything was tasty. Highly recommend.

Excellent!! Loved the seafood salad - chunks of quality seafood. The fettuccine was amazing! Great energetic atmosphere.

As you can see from my prior review the last time I ate here was for dinner pre-COVID. This is my first time to return here for a nice family of 4 lunch post-COVID. I started with a Floridita with milagro repasado tequila, wild berry, lime, and sparkling wine for $16. Then I changed to their Spring old fashioned with very old barton bourbon, aperol, brovo orange, and angostura for $14, which tasted stronger. We also shared and enjoyed some lobster mac and cheese. I enjoyed my seafood combination. Service here was again above average. We agreed that this continues to be one of our top favorites in the city. We will continue to return here for lunch or dinner.

A vibrant, old-school Chicago seafood place. Food was excellent. Server was horrible. She made us feel bad that we were not going soup to nuts. We ordered drinks, entrees, sides, but no seafood towers or dessert. We spent a lot of money, but not crazy money. This place should make all patrons feel welcome and not like chopped liver. Won’t be back.

Dining here is like turning back the clock with white tablecloths, booths around the sides, wood decor, soft background music and attentive staff. The food was excellent and the meal unrushed. Prices are in line with the experience but worth it. The seafood chowder was our favorite- thick, creamy and flavorful.

This restaurant was recommended by our hotel and they were right on. We were able to get in with no problem at 6 pm with an online reservation. The service was spot on and more importantly the food was top drawer. My wife had the grilled garlic shrimp. There were more than just a few shrimp and they were very good. I had the Halibut on a bed of zucchini and an excellent sauce. This had to be one of the best tasting fish dishes l have had in sometime. We were both very impressed with this restaurant and its high quality operation. A highly recommended place when you’re in the area.

Absolutely fantastic food and service. Great seafood, many specials, great oysters, old school service with waiters and waitresses that are friendly and know the menu inside out. Fresh seafood, my fav is seafood salad. One of our fav places to eat in Chicago

Dinner did not disappoint. We began with piping hot Oysters Rockefeller and very fresh Caesar salad with white anchovies. For our main courses, we ordered the Shaw's Signature chopped seafood salad (and now we know why it's so famous) and grilled Atlantic yellowfin tuna with crispy rice noodles and peanuts. The tuna was beautifully grilled and the portion was generous. We ordered two beers and apple cider. For dessert, we asked the server if we could have an affogato (vanilla ice cream with espresso) and he was amenable. Dinner tab was $150, including a 3% Covid-related surcharge.

First trip here for a few years. As good as I remember, if not better. Attentive staff, amazing food and reasonably priced. Went for the lobster tacos and, of course, the soft shell crabs. Highly recommended.

We'd been looking forward to trying this place as we both love fish / seafood. When we arrived, we were initially sat at one of the high tables (that require you to perch on a stool). I have a bad knee, so it wasn't going to work. I asked if we could be moved, and happily we were given one of the booths, which was far more comfortable. Service is slow (or at least our server was - as others seemed to be rushing around). For a starter, we tried the New England scallops and the clam chowder, both of which were delicious. For the main, my husband had the crab cake BLT, which he enjoyed, and I had the tuna steak which was more underdone than I normally like it, so it wasn't a hit for me. We'd certainly go back when we're next in Chicago ... but I think I'll give the tuna a miss.

Indeed this restaurant is expensive but my other half wanted to surprise me with some crab cakes choices I love so much here in the USA, after doing a river cruise on the 4th of July weekend. This restaurant is located on a rather quiet street and reminds me of so many UK/EU restaurants where the major chains as you find here in the USA, are yet to arrive. This place has old music in the style of Sinatra/Garland all the way to Bubble and the staff was very nice as we arrived in our holiday attire mid day - in London, Paris or Rome they might not allow you to enter a similar restaurant if you were wearing sleep ons/flip flops as I was, although a rather expensive holiday dress. We chose the area on the left, after the bar as we could sit at a table in a relaxed environment. As opposed to the area on the right where apparently the atmosphere is a bit livelier. We started with complimentary chollah style breads with butter and then I had the 2 crab cake meal which still I could not finish so my other half jumped in to fill his belly besides having a soup and a mixed sea food platter - we were joking if this restaurant would allow us to take 'doggy bags' as Red Lobster would for example. Great food, great environment if you like the old school and not only crazy lively places and yes, I would come back. On the downside, our older server was very slow in taking our payment, so we had to wait some 15 minutes just for that - and I told her about featuring their place on the social media: talk about ungratefulness. I hope she will be faster next time.

I discovered this place thirty years ago on my first trip to Chicago. The quality and choice of the oysters and seafood is outstanding! The wait stave are great. The bar is my favorite spot, but the dining room is great if you want a more formal setting.

The occasion was my youngest son's 21st birthday. Shaw's did not disappoint. We chose the dining room. Our party of five was seated promptly per our reservation. Our table well situated in a room where conversation was possible without having to shout. Tablecloths and waiters in white jackets. My kind of place! We ordered a variety of appetizers, salads and entrees. All were very good! Then Shaw's surprised my son with a beautifully plated large slice of double chocolate cake, complete with candle, a dollop of whipped cream, a green leaf garnish and a 'Happy 21st Birthday Matthew' inscription in chocolate syrup on the plate's white edge. Shaw's is not inexpensive but the service is excellent, the ambience fitting and the food very good. These days, that is a rare 'hat trick' when dining out.

Old school seafood restaurant. My favorite dish was the lobster bisque. I enjoyed the variety of oysters and the signature seafood salad (but I would have preferred less fennel and less Italian dressing). We also had shrimp cocktail (excellent) and horseradish crusted cod with broccolini (excellent). The dessert that comes with the Lunch Special is truly mini.