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Brown Bag Seafood Co. - Gold Coast

1 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60610
$
Seafood

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Master Critic Review

Brown Bag Seafood Co. - Gold Coast 7.7
Gold Coast
A fast-casual seafood counter that’s most useful as a clean, efficient lunch move—simple plates and bowls built around straightforward proteins and sauces. It’s not a destination dining room, but it’s a reliable way to get fish-forward food quickly in the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes: Salmon plate/bowl, Fish tacos, Shrimp bowl/salad
Scores:
Value: 8.2 Service: 7.5 Consistency: 7.8 Food Quality: 7.8 Atmosphere: 6.1 Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Fast, fish-forward bowls and plates built for a reliable lunch routine.
Who should go: Quick lunch people and seafood-for-one diners
When to visit: Weekday lunch for maximum usefulness
What to order: Salmon plate, fish tacos, shrimp bowl
Insider tip: Go bowl + side instead of two mains—better value and pacing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots nearby, can be tight during weekday lunch rush.
Dress code: Casual—workday attire, athleisure, and jeans are all normal.
Noise level: Low to moderate—counter-service room with light background noise.
Weekend wait: Typically no wait; brief line at peak times.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes during the rush, often faster off-peak.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some vegetable-based bowls and sides, but seafood is the focus.
Vegan options: Very limited—possible with custom bowl builds and no sauces.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many plates and bowls are naturally gluten-free; sauces vary.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—this is quick, counter-service dining better suited for solo meals or casual lunches.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations; order at the counter and grab a seat if dining in.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—simple bowls and tacos work well, but there’s no kids menu or table service.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable seafood that feels lighter and cleaner than fried-heavy lunch spots.
Skip if: You’re looking for a sit-down seafood experience, date-night atmosphere, or full-service dining.