Shaw's Crab House
Jim Beletti · 130 Google reviewsShaw's Crab House — River North american that sets the standard. Good energy here, especially on weekends. The cocktail program is serious. "And I thought the Sea Bass was the best dish of the night" — Amy Dunlea [$$$]
What 5,716 diners keep saying
What 5,716 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“Sooo Delicious! Lumpy crab cakes, superb shrimp cocktail, walleye topped with lobster, and of course crabs. Impeccable service. I'll be back soon.”
“시카고 첫날 호텔에서 가까운 오이스터바를 찾다가 방문하게 되었어요. 상당히 미국스러운 인테리어덕분에 오자마자 와 잘 찾아왔다! 이랬고 굴도 싱싱하고 배가 불렀지만 파스타 넘 먹고 싶어서 시켰는데 아주 탁월한 선택이었습니당! 사실 꼭 방문해야 할 레스토랑 정도는 아니고 싱싱한 굴과 캐쥬얼한 분위기속에 간단히 저녁 먹고싶을때 방문 하면 좋을 것 같아요. 서버 아저씨가 좀 웃겼는데 영어를 하지 않고 약간 추임새 같은 소리로 의사소통하는데 다 알아들음 ㅋㅋㅋㅋ몇십년 일하셔서 그런지 그 특유의 추임새가 있어요”
“One of my absolute favorite restaurants in Chicago. Excellent seafood and even better live blues music! UPDATE 3: just celebrated our anniversary here and they were so incredibly thoughtful!! We had an absolutely lovely night! UPDATE 2: Have been here twice during this COVID19 pandemic. Shaws is being safe and welcoming and we feel great supporting this restaurant. The outdoor seating on Hubbard works great, and despite not being to enjoy the amazing atmosphere inside, the food is every bit as amazing!!!! UPDATE: Just returned again for New Year's Eve! One of the absolute gems of Chicago! Not only do they have some of the best seafood around, but the menu is creative and has something for everyone. We accompanied a rather traditional seafood dinner (calamari, oysters, crab, lobster) with absolutely wonderful burrata salad, where the "salad" was made of crispy brussel sprout leaves! It was amazing. Very highly recommended for special occasions (e.g. New Year's Eve!)”
“This place was outstanding! This was my second time coming to Shaw's and I will definitely be back. The service was incredible both times, and the attention to detail made the experience that much better. The food was clearly put together with thoughtful expertise! The rolls tasted like my mom's growing up, and the seafood gumbo was piping hot and flavorful. The seafood fettuccine was prepared perfectly and the sauce and detailed additions had such wonderful flavor! The drinks were excellent too! Add all this to the fact that the decor and atmosphere made you feel like you were in some kind of a classic movie! I see why my friend brings everyone to Shaw's... definitely a classic upscale experience!”
“You’re reminded the moment you walk in why this place has lasted as long as it has. Shaw’s is one of those rare Chicago institutions that manages to feel both polished and genuinely welcoming, the kind of restaurant where the staff moves with quiet confidence and everything just… works. Service is attentive without hovering, friendly without slipping into tourist‑patter, and paced like they’ve been doing this for decades — because they have. What makes Shaw’s especially great is that you get to choose your mood. The main dining room is spacious, classic, and quietly elegant — white linens, warm lighting, and that timeless supper‑club energy that makes any meal feel like an occasion. Step over to the oyster bar side and it’s a completely different vibe: lively, relaxed, a little louder, a little looser, and perfect when you want great seafood without the formality. Two personalities, both done well. The food still has that old‑school precision newer spots try to imitate but rarely match. The Buffalo Shrimp appetizer is one of those sleeper hits — crisp, sauced just right, and carrying a real kick without overwhelming the seafood. The Jumbo Lump Crab Cake is a must whenever it’s available: big flakes, minimal filler, exactly what you want from a classic. Seafood Gumbo is hearty and well‑seasoned, and the French Fried Shrimp have that nostalgic, home‑kitchen charm — the kind that reminds me of the ones my grandmother used to make. For the undecided, the Club Room Combination is an excellent way to sample around without committing to just one thing. And don’t overlook the Lobster Macaroni & Cheese — it’s loaded with more lobster than you’d expect, rich without being heavy, and one of the most quietly indulgent sides on the menu. If there’s one thing longtime regulars still miss, it’s the Grand Buffet Brunch Shaw’s used to run on weekends. It was a Chicago ritual — seafood towers, carving stations, breakfast classics — and its absence is still felt. Here’s hoping it finds its way back someday; it was one of the city’s great brunch traditions. Shaw’s remains the kind of place you can bring a visitor, a coworker, or someone you’re trying to impress, and it delivers every time — no drama, no surprises, just a Chicago classic doing what it does best.”
“Absolutely first rate perch; possibly the best I've ever had. The atmosphere in the place is very old school. The place is ozzing with traditional class. The bar was really cool. The service was top shelf and everything ran smoothly; my water glass never ran dry. I would recommend this establishment to anyone.”
“Everything was delicious 😋 Brittany provided excellent service as well.”
“Good vibe, fine bivalves, the 3-5 happy hour is the deal!”
“Took my friend here for dinner for her birthday. Service here is excellent. Food was ok. The best thing was the birthday desert flight. It was amazing. Get a slice of key lime pie for sure”
“Great experience, awesome food, so fresh pysters and variety, po bpy was also very good. Loved the atmosphere of the restaurant that stopped the time.”
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