Bob Chinn's Crab House

I live in Memphis but get to Chicago 3-5 times a year, and I go to Bob Chinn's at least twice on each visit. No doubt, it is the best, freshest seafood in Chicago. I've never had anything bad there. The steaks are terrific too. Sure, the ambiance leaves a lot to be desired, but the wait staff is always great. I go there for the wonderful food not for fine china and crystal... Pros: Seafood, seafood, seafood... Cons: A little too noisy. more

I've visited Bob Chinn's approximately 5-6 times in the past few years. I agree with most of the reviews already listed here....HOWEVER...=) The food is the best around - I know it's a crab place, but let loose a little bit and try the steak - it's WELL worth the try. In fact, you can add a strip steak to most seafood entrees for approximately $6. The taste can't be beat!! When I've went, it was a party of 2 or 4 - I've never had to wait more than 20 minutes. I strongly suggest calling ahead - they have reservations all days of the week except Saturday when they have preferred seating. Just a warning though - this place is a little louder than your typical fare - but the ambience can't be beat - will go back many, many, many more times. Pros: Steak, Seafood, Ambience Cons: Parking can be dicey, Usually packed more

I have been going to Bob Chinns since they opened. I grew up in Wheeling and I have never had better seafood anywhere. They have a wonderful staff. I love it!!! I would kill to have thye Hawaiian Luau cake recipie it is to die for!!! We usually go early to beat the crowd! We are not the only ones that love this place! Pros: Very fresh fish, lots of parking, great staff more

Visited Chicago and saw this packed...wondered how good can their seafood be? And well it wasn't that great...Just lacked taste..had the crab...my guests had some fried fish..maybe we picked the wrong thing or are used to quality seafood (we live in New England).... more

Take the money you would have spent here, and bring it somewhere with ambience and real plates. The seafood is fresh, but for the price I prefer Pappadeaux or a place where the chef has more flair with his recipes. Here the service was average, the dining room so crowded that my neighbor's elbows were practically on our table, the food disappointing and the ""tableware"" made me think we were at a high-school cafeteria. There were 4 of us (no picky eaters) and none of us were pleased with the food. I had crab au gratin and it was swimming in grease. The food was no better than Joe's Crab Shack where everything is deep fried (but much cheaper). Also, the waitress spilled a drink in my lap and kept hinting that I had done it (!) I don't see why people are so crazy about this place. Pros: Fresh Seafood Cons: , SUPER Overpriced, Loud and Crowded more

Bob Chinn's is a seafood carnival. Larger than life in many ways, the restaurant is a true experience. Almost every seafood fancy can be accomodated here, and the freshness of the fish is a certainty given the daily air deliveries. Service tends to be pleasant and efficient, and typically unhurried. Only drawback are the lines during the weekends and the summer, but then passing the wait with the Mai Tais in the bar is always a good option. Pros: Good food, good value, Mai Tais! Cons: Crowded weekends, parking more

I strongly recommend Chicagoans or tourists experience this famous crab house at least once. That said, let me succinctly explain why I have not given any 10s for such a fun restaurant. Yes the crab, lobster and catches of the day live up to Chinn's storied reputation (10s here.) Still, 10s across the board would require me to overlook so-so cole slaw and potoato sides (-1), extortionate pricing (avg. $55 per person)(-6), long wait-time, and most annoying, Chinn's efficient but turn-table-over-asap mentality on waitstaffs part (-2). I always feel rushed in & out the door when eating here unless arriving after 9 pm. Despite these minor aggravations, Chinn's is still worth the fun and memorably large, delicious crab & lobster. Pros: 1st rate King Crab, fun for large groups, Lobster&catchs vrygd Cons: Rushed in and out, expensive, side dishes so-so more

BOB CHINNS IS THE BEST SEAFOOD RESTURANT END OF STORY NOTHING ELSE NEEDS TO BE SAID... AND THE HAVE GOOD PRICINGS JUST LOOK AT OTHER SEAFOOD RESTURANTS AND COMPARE THE PRICES FOR WHAT YOU GET AND THE QUALITY OF FOOD YOU GET ... NOTHING ELSE COMES CLOSE!!! more

Great king crab legs! I love the steak medallions! whatever you like, there's lots to choose from. And how could you not like the complimentary cups and crab leg cutters they give you! more

This place has a really delicious seafood with quite a bit to choose from. Their combos are a great choice if you want to try more than just one dish. And the average price is not $41 and up!! With an appetizer and expensive dishes in our selection, the average price per head in our 5-person group was just under $30. I would certainly recommend! Pros: Delicious food, Great value, Prompt seating more

We go to Rosemont for convention shows 4 times a year and Bob Chinn's in Wheeling is always a Must Go for us! The best seafood AND steak I have ever had! Try the Kona or Dungeness Crab in garlic style! But try not go on a weekend--the line is always long. more

Their dinner prices are a little high but lunch really nice portions and reasonably priced,fast service not really personal,wholesome food................ more