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Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
8.8
Vibes:
Luxury Dining Elite
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Joe's brings the Miami-born stone crab legacy to River North, pairing a deep seafood program with a serious lineup of prime steaks. Diners mix bone-in filets and ribeyes with chilled shellfish towers in a clubby, white-tablecloth room that runs packed with business diners, special-occasion groups, and out-of-towners chasing a classic Chicago meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
16 oz bone-in filet mignon, Florida stone crab claws, Hash brown potatoes
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: A stone-crab-focused steakhouse where shellfish towers rival the prime beef.
Who should go: Surf-and-turf fans and big-night business or celebration diners.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or early weekends before the room peaks.
What to order: Stone crab claws, bone-in filet, signature hash browns.
Insider tip: Solo diners do well at the bar, where you can mix small plates and a steak.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available in the evening (pricing may vary); street parking is limited and garages nearby are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jackets and dresses are common; jeans are acceptable if polished.
Noise level: Moderate to loud — conversation is possible at smaller tables, but peak dinner hours feel energetic.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–75 minutes without a reservation during peak hours, especially for larger parties.
Weekday lunch: Generally minimal wait, though prime business lunch windows may see short delays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable — salads, sides, and a few composed plates can be adapted.
Vegan options: Very limited — most offerings are seafood or steak-focused; request modifications in advance.
Gluten-free options: Good support — many seafood and steak dishes can be prepared gluten-free on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a polished, impressive setting — it feels formal and celebratory rather than casual or intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — the bar and lounge are your best bet, but peak dinner hours usually require a reservation for a table.
Is it kid-friendly? Appropriate for older kids and special occasions; the vibe is upscale and not designed for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Classic steakhouse-meets-seafood occasions, business dining, and celebratory meals where service polish and shellfish offerings matter.
Skip if: You prefer casual pricing, quiet dining rooms, or menus with extensive vegan/vegetarian flexibility.
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
8.9
Joe's is the definitive Rush & Grand surf-and-turf house, pairing Florida stone crab and Alaskan king crab with Chicago-style steakhouse service. Diners lean on shellfish platters, crisp hash browns, and a deep wine list for business dinners, celebrations, and pre-theater meals just off Michigan Avenue.
Must-Try Dishes:
Florida stone crab claws with mustard sauce, Alaskan red king crab legs, Chilean sea bass
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 9.1
Consistency: 9.5
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: An iconic downtown surf-and-turf institution where Florida stone crab meets classic Chicago steakhouse polish.
Who should go: Seafood lovers planning special-occasion dinners near the Mag Mile.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings for peak buzz and full menus.
What to order: Florida stone crab claws, Alaskan king crab legs, Chilean sea bass.
Insider tip: If stone crab is seasonal or limited, ask about off-menu shellfish platters tailored to your table’s size.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet service available at the Rush & Grand entrance (typically paid); street parking is scarce, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jackets and dresses common; jeans are acceptable if polished.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively — conversation is possible at most tables, but peak weekend dinners run loud.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during prime hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated with little to no wait, though larger groups should book ahead.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable — salads, sides, and a small number of non-seafood entrées can be tailored.
Vegan options: Very limited — expect to rely on modified salads and vegetable sides; best to call ahead for accommodations.
Gluten-free options: Good coverage — many seafood and steak preparations are naturally gluten-free, and staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s classic, polished, and feels celebratory, especially if you want a traditional steakhouse-style experience. It’s less ideal if you’re looking for something casual or quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly — the bar and limited walk-in tables may open up, but waits can be long on weekends. If you’re flexible on time, arriving early or late improves your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for well-behaved kids at earlier dining hours; high chairs and simple menu accommodations are available, but the room skews adult and formal during peak dinner service.
Best For
Better for: Special-occasion seafood and surf-and-turf, polished service, and iconic stone crab with a classic Chicago steakhouse feel.
Skip if: You want a quiet or casual meal, trend-forward cooking, budget-friendly pricing, or spontaneous prime-time seating without a reservation.
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
8.8
Vibes:
Luxury Dining Elite
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab is a white-tablecloth surf-and-turf institution where stone crab claws, prime steaks, and classic sides fuel power dinners and celebrations just off the Magnificent Mile. Multiple private rooms handle everything from board meetings to rehearsal dinners, with polished service that keeps large-format meals moving smoothly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Florida Stone Crab Claws, Alaskan Red King Crab, Bone-In Ribeye
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9.3
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Iconic surf-and-turf house with polished private dining suites.
Who should go: Business diners, families, and groups celebrating classic Chicago meals.
When to visit: Weeknights 6–8pm for smoother pacing and attentive service.
What to order: Florida stone crab claws, Alaskan king crab, bone-in ribeye.
Insider tip: Ask events team about off-menu seafood towers for private rooms.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available at dinner; nearby paid garages and limited metered street parking in River North
Dress code: Business casual to dressy; jackets common but not required
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is possible at tables and easier in private rooms
Weekend wait: 45–90 minutes without a reservation; private rooms require advance booking
Weekday lunch: Short waits or none with a reservation; walk-ins may wait 10–20 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable — salads, sides, and a few pasta or vegetable-forward plates
Vegan options: Very limited — customization often required; confirm with server
Gluten-free options: Good support — many seafood and steak dishes can be prepared gluten-free on request
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for formal or milestone dates — the white-tablecloth setting and polished service feel classic and impressive, but it’s better for conversation-forward, seated dinners than casual, playful first dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — the bar and limited walk-in tables may open up early or late, but prime weekend times usually book out. Call ahead or join the wait list if you’re nearby.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older children and family celebrations — staff is accommodating and portions are shareable, though the space skews formal and may feel less suited to very young kids.
Best For
Better for: Large-format celebrations, business dining, and private rooms with coordinated service, classic seafood towers, and consistent steakhouse pacing
Skip if: You want trendy or experimental menus, a quiet budget meal, or a highly casual environment — lighter, modern spots may be better fits