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Shaw's Crab House
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Shaw's Crab House
8.8
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Happy Hour Hotspots
Shaw's splits the room between a white-tablecloth dining side and a livelier oyster bar, making it equally useful for business seafood dinners and casual plates. Guests come for seasonal oysters, steamed mussels, and king crab, plus an old-school dessert cart and a jazz-leaning soundtrack.
Must-Try Dishes:
Daily oyster selection on the half shell, Steamed mussels with garlic and white wine, Alaskan king crab legs
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: A classic Chicago seafood house pairing a serious oyster program with a split dining room for both suits and seafood fans.
Who should go: Business diners and groups wanting polished but relaxed seafood.
When to visit: Weekday lunches and early evenings for easier seating and oyster deals.
What to order: Raw oyster flight, steamed mussels, king crab legs.
Insider tip: Target the oyster bar side for walk-in seating and better access to happy hour seafood specials.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking is limited in River North; most guests use nearby paid garages within a 1–2 block walk. Valet is sometimes offered during peak dinner hours — confirm when booking.
Dress code: Smart casual — business-casual attire is common in the dining room; jeans are fine if neat.
Noise level: Moderate — the oyster bar side runs livelier; the dining room is quieter and generally conversation-friendly.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, typically shorter if you choose the oyster bar side.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, especially for smaller parties.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable — a few salads, sides, and occasional pasta or veggie plates depending on season.
Vegan options: Very limited — expect to rely on salads and basic sides; best to call ahead if strictly vegan.
Gluten-free options: Good flexibility — many seafood items are naturally gluten-free, and staff can help guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — choose the main dining room for a calmer, classic Chicago steak-and-seafood feel; the oyster bar is better if you want a livelier, more casual vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes — the oyster bar side holds walk-ins and is your best bet. For the white-tablecloth dining room, reservations are strongly recommended on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids and family dinners — staff is accommodating, portions are shareable, and the dining room is structured; the oyster bar can feel loud for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Classic seafood traditions, a polished but comfortable business-dining setting, and one of the stronger oyster programs in the neighborhood.
Skip if: You’re looking for trend-driven, chef-experimental seafood or a very quiet, intimate setting — consider more boutique or fine-dining alternatives instead.
Shaw's Crab House
8.6
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Birthday & Celebration Central
Comfort Food Classics
Shaw's Crab House is a long-running seafood institution pairing an old-school oyster bar and king crab feasts with a maze of private and semi-private rooms upstairs. Groups lean on it for seafood-focused business dinners and celebrations where platters, towers, and classic cocktails are the main event.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oysters on the Half Shell, Whole King Crab Served Tableside, Grand Seafood Tower
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Classic Chicago seafood house with dedicated upstairs private dining floors.
Who should go: Seafood lovers hosting business dinners or seafood-centric celebrations.
When to visit: Weekday happy hour for oysters, then early dinner.
What to order: Oysters, whole king crab, signature seafood tower.
Insider tip: Book the Blue Crab Lounge for semi-private cocktail-style receptions.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available most evenings; nearby paid garages along Hubbard and Clark; street parking is limited and competitive after 5pm
Dress code: Smart casual — business attire common for private events; jeans acceptable if neat
Noise level: Moderate to lively downstairs; quieter in private and semi-private rooms where conversation is easier
Weekend wait: Typically 30–60 minutes without a reservation; longer during peak convention or holiday periods
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; reservations recommended for larger groups or private rooms
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable — salads, vegetable sides, and a few pasta or appetizer options depending on season
Vegan options: Very limited — best to call ahead for accommodations
Gluten-free options: Good support — many seafood preparations are naturally gluten-leaning and staff can guide substitutions
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re going for a classic, polished Chicago seafood vibe — it feels more formal and occasion-oriented than casual or intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes at the oyster bar or lounge during off-peak hours, but prime-time dinner and larger parties usually require a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Appropriate for well-behaved older kids and family celebrations; high-chairs are limited and the tone skews adult and business-dining.
Best For
Better for: Seafood towers, king crab platters, and private or semi-private group dining with reliable service and classic Chicago nostalgia
Skip if: You want cutting-edge seafood, a quiet date-night atmosphere downstairs, or extensive vegan/vegetarian choices