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Legal Sea Foods - Chicago
Master Critic Review
Legal Sea Foods - Chicago
7.7
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Legal Sea Foods’ first Midwest location brings a Boston-born seafood institution to Marina City, with New England clam chowder, lobster rolls, and a broad raw bar served over two levels facing the river. It functions as an upscale-casual catchall for business lunches, pre-theater dinners, and tourists wanting classic East Coast seafood in River North.
Must-Try Dishes:
New England clam chowder, Legal Lobster Roll, Fisherman’s Platter
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Bi-level New England seafood house with chowder, lobster rolls, and full raw bar overlooking the Chicago River.
Who should go: Groups or travelers craving classic East Coast seafood.
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early evening for smoother pacing.
What to order: Clam chowder, Legal Lobster Roll, Fisherman’s Platter.
Insider tip: Target river-level terrace seating in nice weather and time it for happy hour oysters when offered.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid garage parking available within the Marina City complex and nearby River North garages; street parking is limited and competitive, especially evenings and weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual — business-casual attire fits the room; jeans are acceptable if neat.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak hours — conversation is possible at most tables, quieter at lunch or earlier seatings.
Weekend wait: Typically 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak times, shorter if you’re flexible with bar or terrace seating.
Weekday lunch: Often little to no wait with a reservation; walk-ins are usually seated promptly unless during convention or tourism surges.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable — a few salads, sides, and pasta-leaning options depending on seasonal menus.
Vegan options: Very limited — expect to assemble a meal from sides or salads; confirm with staff for modifications.
Gluten-free options: Good support for gluten-free diners — many grilled seafood and raw bar items can be prepared gluten-free upon request; ask your server to flag cross-contact concerns.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a polished, riverfront setting with classic seafood — the atmosphere leans more professional and bustling than intimate, so it’s strongest for relaxed conversation rather than a hushed, romantic tone.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — the bar and lounge areas are good bets for walk-ins, but prime weekend evenings and nice-weather terrace periods fill quickly. Reservations are recommended if timing is important.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids and families comfortable in an upscale-casual dining room; high chairs and simpler seafood or grilled items are workable, but the atmosphere is more adult-leaning at dinner.
Best For
Better for: Reliable, classic New England-style seafood, a broad raw bar, and a riverfront setting suited to business meals, travelers, and groups seeking familiar staples.
Skip if: You want chef-driven or hyper-local seafood, bargain pricing, or a quiet, intimate dining room — in those cases, a smaller neighborhood seafood spot may be a better fit.