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Chicago Oyster House
Master Critic Review
Chicago Oyster House
7.6
Since 2013, Chicago Oyster House has been a Prairie District corner spot for oysters, sushi, and prime steaks a short walk from McCormick Place. Locals and convention-goers alike use it as a compact bar-and-dining-room stop where shellfish towers and big-ticket cuts anchor dinner before or after events.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prime Filet Mignon Steak, Prime New York Strip Steak, Fresh Oysters on the Half Shell
Scores:
Value: 6
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Neighborhood oyster bar that also grills serious prime steaks.
Who should go: Seafood-and-steak diners near McCormick Place.
When to visit: Early evening for oyster deals and pre-event dinners.
What to order: Start with oysters, then Prime Filet and New York Strip.
Insider tip: Bar seats are best for solo steak nights and faster pacing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Prairie and nearby side streets; limited availability on event nights. Nearby paid garages around McCormick Place are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and nice tops are fine, but most diners lean slightly dressy for date nights and convention dinners.
Noise level: Moderate — the compact room can feel lively at peak hours, but conversation at the table is still workable.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer during major convention weeks.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; varies with McCormick Place event traffic.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few salads, sides, and sushi rolls, but the menu skews seafood and steak-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited — may be able to build a meal from sides or salads; confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Several grilled seafood and steak options can be prepared gluten-free on request, but there is no fully separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the cozy space and seafood-and-steak focus create a slightly upscale feel without being formal. It works best for dates who appreciate shellfish and richer entrées.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes on non-event nights, especially early evening — but during convention weeks or weekends, reservations are strongly recommended and the bar fills quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Occasionally — families do dine here, but the menu and price point skew adult. Best for older kids or teens comfortable with seafood and steakhouse dishes.
Best For
Better for: Surf-and-turf dinners near McCormick Place, oyster starters before steaks, and a smaller, neighborhood feel compared with larger downtown steakhouses.
Skip if: You want a grand, white-tablecloth steakhouse experience, broad vegetarian options, or a large dining room with spacious seating.