July 25, 2009 My wife and I dined at Shaw’s Crab House Sat night, and it was fantastic. We have eaten out at a lot of seafood restaurants, and we can honestly say that Shaw’s (either Chicago or... More

July 25, 2009 My wife and I dined at Shaw’s Crab House Sat night, and it was fantastic. We have eaten out at a lot of seafood restaurants, and we can honestly say that Shaw’s (either Chicago or Schaumburg) still has it going on, and is top of our list for consistent, quality seafood and shellfish. The food is always prepared right, with great service, and the dining room is comfortable, where you can relax and enjoy your meal. Here was our dinner/all worthy selections: Start with their hand-shucked dozen assortment of oysters (Chicago Magazine just voted “the best” oysters), then their famous jumbo lump crabmeat crabcake (North Shore magazine voted “best crabcake”), then their wonderful Lobster Bisque soup, then split an order of their steamed Alaskan King Crab legs with side of melted butter, then try the in-season special, three delicious soft shell crabs sautéed in lemon, garlic butter, all with great veggie sides, and end it all with Key Lime Pie and Homers Peppermint Ice Cream with Hot Fudge sauce. Hot Intelligentsia coffee drinks and specialty tea capped it all off, and we were very happy. Shaw’s has the seafood dining experience down to a perfect science. Pros: Shellfish, seafood, service
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The 4-6 1/2 oyster special is one of the best Ive ever been to in any city. Very good atmosphere and attentive, excellent service. Great raw bar with chalkboard specials for fish in season. Front... More

The 4-6 1/2 oyster special is one of the best Ive ever been to in any city. Very good atmosphere and attentive, excellent service. Great raw bar with chalkboard specials for fish in season. Front dining room is very classy and very nice bar too. Def. worth your time. Pros: Oyster happy hour special, raw bar, nice bar in front Cons: Premium drink prices
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This is one of my go-to late afternoon lunch spots downtown. Nothing better, in my opinion, on a cold winter late afternoon than a bottle of white wine, a dozen oysters and a bowl of lobster bisque.... More

This is one of my go-to late afternoon lunch spots downtown. Nothing better, in my opinion, on a cold winter late afternoon than a bottle of white wine, a dozen oysters and a bowl of lobster bisque. Love it. Cannot wait to go back. Pros: Great food, casual scene, great service Cons: Mmmm ...
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We went to Shaws twice during our 5 day stay in Chicago and loved it. The oyster menu has some of my favorite Northwest oysters, including the Kusshi from BC. The prices are average at $13/dozen. ... More

We went to Shaws twice during our 5 day stay in Chicago and loved it. The oyster menu has some of my favorite Northwest oysters, including the Kusshi from BC. The prices are average at $13/dozen. They had just received some bay scallops from Nantucket and we thought they were very good, albeit xpensive at $34 for the entree. We also tried the spicy crab/salmon roll covered with thinly sliced lemons. It was very tasty. Overall the atmosphere is relaxed and the bartenders are very friendly and know their stuff. I'd definitley go there again. Pros: fresh PNW oysters and other great sushi Cons: None that I could see
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Shaw's, which is just down the street from the Billy Goat Tavern, has a dual personality. The main restaurant brims with old-fashioned ambience: muted lighting, wood accents, etc., and is plenty... More

Shaw's, which is just down the street from the Billy Goat Tavern, has a dual personality. The main restaurant brims with old-fashioned ambience: muted lighting, wood accents, etc., and is plenty respectable for a dinner with mom or grandma. A power meal with the boss would work here, too. But if mom, grandma, or your boss is a drinker or cusser, then you want the other half of Shaw's, which is the adjacent oyster bar. Most recently, I ate at the oyster bar, which I prefer for the relaxed atmosphere. (The patrons tend to be more relaxed and convivial as well.) I went late (9pm), so I can't attest to the crowds. The bartender was solicitous to a fault. In addition to all the conventional fresh seafood in this place (the daily catch -- both fish and shellfish -- is posted on the wall), they have sushi, which is like having a second menu of appetizers. I had a dozen oysters and some sushi, chased with a beer (OK two) and a shot. The bartender helped me select oysters that I like (sweet and plump, not too briny) which on this occasion were the PEIs from Canada. They were delicious, though I was a bit disappointed with their size -- I used to think this was a seasonal thing, but an oysterman in Seattle once explained to me that it has more to do with who the restaurant buys its oysters from. I also like an oyster bar that gives a baker's dozen; this one does not. The sushi was very good and fresh, and the rice had the right su mixture (the sweet vinegar mixture that is folded into the rice). Drinks are pricey, but nothing unexpected for an old-time downtown seafood house. Good place for a date. If you want a more down-to-earth seafood house, head for the Half Shell on Diversey. Pros: oyster bar, solicitous service Cons: a bit pricey
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On our first night in Chicago, I wanted to surprise my boyfriend with a nice seafood dinner. We arrived at Shaws and sat at the bar to wait for our table (Make reservations - even with reservations,... More

On our first night in Chicago, I wanted to surprise my boyfriend with a nice seafood dinner. We arrived at Shaws and sat at the bar to wait for our table (Make reservations - even with reservations, we had a 10 min. wait) We each ordered a Goose Island beer -- the ta came out at $22 -- are you serious?! For two local beers - we already were worried. We were presented with a corner table with only one table about a foot away from us. The layout of the restaurant isn't the best - the tables are too close together for comfort. About 10 minutes into dinner the "pride" of Chicago walked in and were sat next to us. For the rest of our dinner we had to hear these three individuals swear, sing, yell and be very condescending to the waitress. Quite honestly, it ruined dinner and we knew we had no chance of being reseated. On the positive side, our server Lindy was delight. She was very knowledgeable of the dishes and really took care of us. The food was average - I think a little too expensive for the prices. My boyfriend had Pike while I had the house specialty Alaskan King Crab Legs. We split a scalloped potato side which was horrible. The fish was ok. I don't recommend this restaurant for anyone looking for a romantic dinner. Quite honestly, we went to Hugo's Frog House the next evening and had an excellent dinner for about the same price. It was a shame that the food didn't trump the annoying company we had next door to us.... Pros: great service all around Cons: tables too close together - feels stuffy, food average and overpriced
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I loved this place. The atmosphere is classy. On the right side is their casual dining, but during my visit we sat on the formal side. It was a Monday night so it looked like a lot of business... More

I loved this place. The atmosphere is classy. On the right side is their casual dining, but during my visit we sat on the formal side. It was a Monday night so it looked like a lot of business dinners. We couldn't decide between the jumbo fried shimp or the popcorn shrimp app so the waiter suggested a half order of each. The jumbo were far superior. They were enormous and full of flavor. I had the crab stuffed haddock that was so soft and butter i thought i was eating sea bass! The sauce was light and delicious. But my favorite part of the dinner was dessert. I couldn't decide so i picked the sampler. A small piece of Key Lime Pie, Pecan Pie Rasberry Pie and Creme brulee. The Pecan Pie was the winner - i loved the creamy center. The creme brulee was a little undercooked and watery. Service was fantiastic - i recommend Robert.
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Shaw's is a classy establishment that is not at all uppity. Recommend the crab-stuffed lobster and the classic iceberg wedge salad. Also has an oyster bar with specials.

Shaw's is a classy establishment that is not at all uppity. Recommend the crab-stuffed lobster and the classic iceberg wedge salad. Also has an oyster bar with specials.
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I always eat and drink in the Oyster Bar. The service is professional, knowledgeable, and can always recommend something delicious to eat or drink. I've never had to wait longer than 20 min for a... More

I always eat and drink in the Oyster Bar. The service is professional, knowledgeable, and can always recommend something delicious to eat or drink. I've never had to wait longer than 20 min for a table or for food, so if you're in a rush, eat in the Oyster Bar. I love the crunchy BBQ eel rolls, I seriously recommend them! Pros: valet, great food, friendly service Cons: busy
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This place was great. I took my mom here while she was in town. We both loved the seafood dishes we ordered. Service was great and helpful. I would definitley recommend trying it .

This place was great. I took my mom here while she was in town. We both loved the seafood dishes we ordered. Service was great and helpful. I would definitley recommend trying it .
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