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Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House
Master Critic Review
Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House
8.5
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Trendy Table Hotspots
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Tucked beside Gibson's on Rush, Hugo's runs a lively Gold Coast room where crab cakes, seafood towers, and its namesake frog legs share space with steaks and martinis. It’s a go-to for upscale seafood that still feels clubby and high-energy late into the evening.
Must-Try Dishes:
Maryland-style crab cakes, Hugo's seafood tower, Sautéed frog legs
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A Gold Coast seafood house with frog legs, towers, and steakhouse-level energy sharing one block with Chicago’s power-dining institutions.
Who should go: Couples and groups wanting lively, upscale seafood and martinis.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings when the bar is full and Rush Street hums.
What to order: Crab cakes, frog legs, shared seafood tower.
Insider tip: Book a later reservation and ask for a table near the windows to people-watch Rush Street while you linger over dessert.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared valet on Rush Street with Gibsons/Hugo’s; expect premium valet pricing and limited nearby street parking, especially evenings and weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual that leans dressy — jackets and dresses fit the room, but polished jeans are acceptable.
Noise level: Loud and high-energy during peak hours — conversation is possible but not intimate near the bar.
Weekend wait: Often 45–90 minutes without a reservation during prime hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal to no wait, though larger groups should book ahead.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few salads and sides can work, but it’s primarily a seafood-and-steak menu.
Vegan options: Very limited — expect to rely on modified salads and vegetables; best to call ahead for accommodations.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — many grilled seafood and steak preparations can be made gluten-free on request; inform your server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want an energetic, classic Chicago power-dining vibe — it feels celebratory and lively, but not ideal for a quiet, intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — the bar and patio seats may open up if you’re flexible, but weekend evenings usually require a reservation to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids and teens comfortable in a busy steakhouse-style setting; high chairs and very young children are less common during peak dinner hours.
Best For
Better for: Upscale seafood with a lively, clubby steakhouse atmosphere — great for celebrations, group dinners, and martini-and-seafood nights.
Skip if: You want a quiet, minimalist seafood experience, strictly vegan options, or casual, budget-friendly dining.
Hours
Monday3pm - 12am
Tuesday3pm - 12am
Wednesday3pm - 12am
Thursday3pm - 12am
Friday3pm - 12am
Saturday3pm - 12am
Sunday3pm - 12am