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Brown Bag Seafood Co.
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Brown Bag Seafood Co.
8.2
Brown Bag Seafood Co. in Roscoe Village is a fast-casual counter where grilled salmon, crispy cod, and shrimp bowls are built to order with grains, greens, or tater tots. It’s a reliable, lighter-feeling seafood option with sustainable sourcing, patio seating, and quick service that works for weeknight dinners or lunch near the Brown Line.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salmon Powerbox with grains and greens, Fish and chips, Crispy cod tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Sustainably sourced seafood served in customizable bowls, boxes, and sandwiches at counter-service speed.
Who should go: Din ers wanting lighter, build-your-own seafood with patio seating.
When to visit: Lunch and early dinner for easy counter service and patio space.
What to order: Salmon Powerbox, fish and chips, crispy cod tacos.
Insider tip: Use the build-your-own option to pair seared fish with grains and extra veggies for a healthier plate.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking in Roscoe Village; metered spots along main corridors and limited residential side-street availability, generally easier on weekdays and earlier evenings.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed — everyday attire, athleisure, and jeans are all appropriate.
Noise level: Low to moderate — conversation is easy at most tables, especially on the patio.
Weekend wait: Usually minimal; brief queue at peak hours but turnover is quick due to counter service.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with occasional short lines during school pickup and commuter windows.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options via bowls and salads without protein; sides and tots help round out a meat-free order.
Vegan options: Limited — can build a veggie bowl or salad, but most core items are seafood-focused.
Gluten-free options: Several items can be made gluten-conscious when paired with greens or grains; breaded fish and tots should be avoided if strict.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure meetup than a long sit-down dinner — counter service and patio seating make it feel informal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s fully counter-service with open seating; arrive a bit early at peak meals for best table choice.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — flexible seating, quick food, and mild seafood plates work well for families; patio tables are easiest with strollers.
Best For
Better for: Quick, lighter seafood meals with customizable bowls and dependable counter-service pacing, especially for casual lunches and weeknights.
Skip if: You’re seeking upscale seafood, raw bar selections, or a longer, reservation-driven dining experience.
Brown Bag Seafood Co.
8.0
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Quick Bites Champions
Healthy Haven
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Brown Bag Seafood Co. in Roscoe Village is a counter-service seafood spot where grilled fish, crispy cod, and build-your-own bowls move quickly at lunch. It’s designed for efficient, healthier-feeling meals that can be eaten on-site or brought back to a desk without feeling too heavy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salmon Powerbox, Crispy Cod Tacos, Brown Bag Salad
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Quick-service seafood bowls and tacos with enough freshness and variety for repeat weekday lunches.
Who should go: Professionals wanting lighter, fast seafood without full table service.
When to visit: Weekday lunch rush when turnover keeps the seafood freshest.
What to order: Salmon Powerbox, Crispy Cod Tacos, Brown Bag Salad to share.
Insider tip: Order online for pickup, then grab a window seat if you need a short, laptop-friendly working lunch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Roscoe and nearby residential side streets; typically easier before peak lunch hours.
Dress code: Casual — office-casual and jeans are common.
Noise level: Moderate during lunch rush — conversation is possible but not ideal for long meetings.
Weekend wait: Usually no wait — this location functions more as a daytime/lunch stop than a dinner destination.
Weekday lunch: Short line during peak hours (5–10 minutes); mobile pickup is typically ready faster.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — salads, sides, and build-your-own bowls can be configured without seafood.
Vegan options: Very limited — a few sides and greens-only builds; confirm sauces before ordering.
Gluten-free options: Several items can be made gluten-free on request (grains/greens bowls, grilled fish), but cross-contact is possible in a fast-casual setting.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — it’s counter-service and geared toward quick meals rather than lingering conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is first-come, first-served; tables turn quickly, and takeout is a reliable fallback during peak lunch.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for casual daytime meals — simple fish and tots options work for older kids; space is limited, so strollers may be tight during rush hours.
Best For
Better for: Fast, lighter-feeling seafood bowls and boxes you can take back to the office with minimal downtime.
Skip if: You want a full-service seafood dinner, raw bar selections, or a long sit-down business meeting environment.
Brown Bag Seafood Co.
8.1
Brown Bag Seafood Co. in Roscoe Village is a counter-service seafood spot where grilled, crispy, or blackened fish can be built into bowls, boxes, and salads at family-friendly prices. It’s a practical option when parents want something lighter than burgers but still need kid-approved sides like tots and fries.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salmon Powerbox, Crispy cod fish and chips, Lobster roll
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Fast-casual seafood bowls and boxes with plenty of grilled and crispy options plus kid-friendly sides.
Who should go: Families wanting lighter seafood without full-service formality.
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner for easy counter service and patio seating.
What to order: Salmon Powerbox, crispy cod fish and chips, lobster roll.
Insider tip: Ordering a mix of Powerboxes and a tots or fries side lets health-minded parents and picky kids share from the same spread.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Roscoe Village; availability varies by time of day and can be tighter during dinner and weekends.
Dress code: Casual — families, strollers, and athleisure are common and completely appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate — conversational at lunch, slightly louder during early family dinner hours but still manageable.
Weekend wait: Typically minimal wait; brief lines during peak early-evening family rush.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, especially outside of school dismissal hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options — salads, sides, and build-your-own bowls can be customized without seafood.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with select sides and custom bowls, but menu skews seafood-forward.
Gluten-free options: Many items can be prepared gluten-free on request, but cross-contamination is possible in a shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups than a first date — counter service, bright lighting, and family traffic keep it practical rather than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter service with open seating; during busy times you may need to wait briefly for a table to open.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — ideal for families with elementary-age kids; high chairs and kid-friendly sides like tots and fries make ordering easy.
Best For
Better for: Lighter seafood meals, customizable bowls and boxes, and quick family dinners where adults want something healthier than burgers.
Skip if: You’re looking for a full-service seafood restaurant, elaborate preparations, or a quiet, date-night atmosphere.