ZipPicks Awards
Best Seafood in West Ridge
Master Critic Review
El Calamar
7.7
A spacious Mexican seafood-and-cocktails dining room where the menu leans coastal—bright ceviches and broth-forward mariscos staples—paired with a lively bar energy. It works best as a focused order: pick one cold seafood starter and one hearty soup-style main instead of scattering across categories.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ceviche, Caldo Siete Mares, Caldo de Camarones
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Mexican mariscos built around coastal soups, ceviche, and a full bar.
Who should go: Cocktail crews and groups splitting seafood starters.
When to visit: Weekend evening for the full vibe.
What to order: Ceviche, caldo siete mares, caldo de camarones.
Insider tip: Go one cold mariscos dish plus one caldo—skip extra mains.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking on/near Devon Ave; easiest approach is to circle one block off the main strip for faster spots. Expect tighter parking Friday–Sunday nights.
Dress code: Smart casual with a going-out lean—jeans are fine, but date-night fits and dressy tops don’t feel out of place.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively — you can talk, but it’s more vibey than quiet (especially near the bar on weekends).
Weekend wait: 30-60 min without a reservation (later nights can push longer).
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or 5-15 min.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options exist, but it’s not the focus—look for salads/sides and ask about veggie-forward appetizers.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications, but mariscos dominates the menu and sauces may contain dairy/seafood-based ingredients.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free seafood dishes are likely available, but cross-contact is possible—ask the server to steer you to safer ceviches, soups, and grilled items.
Best For
Better for: Mexican mariscos that feel like a full night out—bright, citrusy starters plus comforting, broth-forward seafood soups paired with strong cocktail energy and a big-group dining room.
Consider Alternatives If: You want quiet conversation, a fast casual seafood bite, or you’re dining with picky eaters who won’t touch bold coastal flavors—choose a calmer, simpler spot instead.