Shaw's Crab House image

Shaw's Crab House

Restaurant American restaurant Bar and grill Seafood restaurant Crab dish restaurant

One of the Most Reviewed Bar and grills in Chicago


Address

21 E Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60611, United States

Website

shawscrabhouse.com

Contact

+1 312-527-2722

Price rating

$$$ $

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (4.7K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 11:30 am to 9 pm
  • Monday: (Washington's Birthday), 11:30 am to 9 pm, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: 11:30 am to 9 pm
  • Wednesday: 11:30 am to 9 pm
  • Thursday: 11:30 am to 9 pm
  • Friday: 11:30 am to 10 pm
  • Saturday: 11:30 am to 10 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: service (21) good (20) Chicago (17) seafood (17) time (16) delicious (15) oysters (13) restaurant (12) amazing (11) dining (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Jeff T. 1 year ago on Google
    The food was amazing. We started with delicious crab cakes and then moved to the salmon sushi and salad. But all was not well! They forgot to bring bread to the table out of the gate. Then they brought us in a wrong dish. It would have been no big deal except our waiter would literally disappear for 10 minute increments. I had to get up from the table and point out to the waiter that we had also ordered blackened shrimp and grits, which were probably delicious when they were cooked but now they were 15 minutes cold and a little more chewy than they should have been. Three times we had to ask other staff to fill our drinks. While they graciously took off the dinner we did not order, it seemed like the staff was a little discombobulated. But for me, the straw that broke the camel's back is when they brought my girlfriend her blackened shrimp and grits, to make a place on the table, he grabbed the mistaken fish and chips and actually asked her to grab her fork from her plate instead of just bringing a fresh one. Seriously? It was my first time at this establishment. My girlfriend has been here many times before and assured me this was highly unusual. Time will tell.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nicole Y. 1 year ago on Google
    This should be on the list of Chicago’s must try/eat/do. Such traditional feels and food is really good! The manager is so knowledgeable about the oysters and the food. The waiter was so warm and friendly. It checks every box for a perfect dining experience! I had the lobster roll and it was delish. I like that they used toast and not a bun. The oysters! Oh my…. So so good. I think I can just have the oysters for a meal… the key lime pie was nice, too. It didn’t have that over the top sour zing which I think makes it more enjoyable. If I ever come back to Chicago I will revisit.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Albert S. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice seafood food place too visit. Oysters were very delicious and lobster bisque was so tasty. Waiters were very attentive and friendly. I've been to quite a few seafood restaurants and I must say prices here are bit high here. Overall, very friendly establishment and very tasty good. Thank you Shaw's Crab House.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mark L. 6 months ago on Google • 3031 reviews
    Step back in time to the 40's at this eclectic seafood restaurant with a two dining areas - the more casual look and feel of and old-fashioned diner and the traditional dining room. The food is made fresh to order and is very good. The service is also wonderful. The garlic shrimp has the right amount of garlic and flavor. The fish tacos, although fried, are very light and tasty.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shannon C. 1 year ago on Google
    We we thankful to get a table straight away on Saturday night holiday weekend. Sat at high top in bar area which is open to the regular dining area with white tablecloth. We started with chop salad and I think this may be their specialty. It was very nice. Shrimp cocktail amazing. our waiter asked if we wanted bread. iWarm potato’s bread. We had 5 or 6 different wait staff tend to us. Crab cakes great! Shaw platter and found the Scallops to be a little small but good very very well. Asparagus has a nice dip. The vegetable is from a local farm, It needed a splash of lemon, oil. s/p. This place is next to Andy’s Jazz club so it’s the perfect dinner before your show but I recommend a reservation. Finally, not sure why, but we were surprised with a free desert. Raspberry pie and it was out of this world!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stephanie N. 1 year ago on Google
    I have nothing but good things to say about everything here, from the food, to the service, to the absolutely fun and stunning interior and the attention to detail to making so many areas of the restaurant look interesting and nostalgic with the art and fixtures, etc! The food was fantastic!! We had oysters, sushi, salad, and a bottle of wine. There wasn't a bad item in the entire bunch. I would love to come back here next time I am in Chicago.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vann 9 months ago on Google
    We arrived without reservation and they offered sitting at the bar where first come first served, and we had no waiting at all since there were available seats. We ordered New England Clam Chowder and then a variety of Oysters recommended by the waiter. Each Oyster had different flavours and they tasted fresh and delicious. We complimented the oysters with drinks also recommended by the waiter, spot on!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 ben l. 1 year ago on Google
    It's OK...portions were quite small and I definitely have had much better lobster roll for less. The Chilean sea bass was under seasoned and for being the highest priced fish I expected better. All in all... Its just OK where it needed to be really good. I do have to say that the oysters were EXCELLENT. The options and variety is good.. From sweet to briny. This was the best part of the meal.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 SC C. 2 years ago on Google
    The quality of service and seafood at Shaw's Crab House is top notch. We didn't have a reservation when we arrived shortly before 5pm on a Saturday. It was already crowded. The lady at the front desk said all their tables were "fully committed" and suggested us to try the bar. A bartender quickly helped us secure a table. The food arrived quickly. The taste was wonderful - very fresh and well prepared. We particularly liked the house platter with crab cake, sea scallop, and shrimp; the mashed potato with truffles; and clam chowder. After having the clam chowder and feeling the nice atmosphere there , we felt it's like a celebration of our anniversary, which is a bit more than a month away, so we told our waitress so. At the end of our meal, she brought a sumptuous chocolate cake with "congratulations" on the plate! And it's on the house! Overall, we really enjoyed this place, its people and food, and will visit again.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mark J. 5 months ago on Google
    I was recommended this place by a friend and it didn’t disappoint! Great food. Fun vibe. Highly recommend if you’re in the area.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 T A. 8 months ago on Google
    This is a place for a nice night out. Either it could be romantic with low tables and chairs seating or the second side with high chairs and tables with sports screens. Either way, you will enjoy the atmosphere. I do not remember my waiter's name, but he was very delighted to help us with the option on the menu and had great suggestions. Yes, it was my first time attending. With that great service, I'm happy to be able to leave a well-deserved tip. Awesome service.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tanya K. 5 months ago on Google • 117 reviews
    Come here for one of the best seafood salads in Chicago and in general. Love sitting at the oyster bar where you can always find attentive & quick service. They also seat later than the dining room on Sundays (up to 9p vs 8:30). Josh & Jorge are so friendly and cocktails were on point (With or Without) & (Monkey See). Grilled calamari was cooked to perfection but the sauce was a little too sweet for our taste. Stone crab was ok, def had a frozen texture to it. I found the crab in the salad to be much tastier. The sourdough is perfectly chewy, tangy, with the right amt of crunch on the crust.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Chosani M. 4 months ago on Google • 85 reviews
    Great time had here. Our waiter was exceptional and really made our experience lovely. The food was very delicious, first time having a lobster Wellington and it was pretty good. The potato au gratin was very delicious. The hot sea food combo was wow wow wow! Great food, great ambiance playing some smooth jazz in the background that wasn’t overpowering conversation. Marking a star down cause some of the portion sizing like the lobster tacos and the hot sea food combo could be bigger! For the steep price one pays, Shaws could definitely up the plate sizing! But all in all lovely time had here!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ivo d. 6 months ago on Google • 24 reviews
    It was our first lunch in Chicago and we found Shaw's very close to our Hotel. Some friends had that restaurant on their "must go" list but we didn't know if it was good. It was 3pm and the manager told us that would be possible to sit on the "fine" area but we could sit on the bar area that was exactly what we were looking for. The waitress was just unbelievably amazing, always smiling a ready to serve. We ordered some beer and wine. On the food side, we were looking for some appetizers and quick bites and we had the FRIED CALAMARI that was OK, the OYSTERS ROCKFELLER that we didn't like much since we had it in NOLA and it was a lot better, the FISH AND CHIPS that was good, and the best of the best was the STEAMED MUSSELS with white wine & garlic cream sauce... that sauce was amazing and we had to ask for some more bread just to finish that. We loved. We didn't stay long since we had a big dinner later that day, but we would try it again for the lobsters and crabs.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Delaney A. 1 year ago on Google
    It's an extremely beautiful building, which had be enjoying my time here right off the bat. I feel like I was transported back to the glam 1930s or something, the interior is just spectacular! The food was very good! Maybe overpriced, but I think that's what you get in downtown Chicago. I would love to go back and try the oysters, every table about me had them! I enjoyed the clam chowder immensely, it was absolutely delicious.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Paul P. 6 months ago on Google
    Without a doubt a 5 star experience. From the atmosphere to the food to the service everything was top notch. Let’s be clear, this is an expensive very nice place! It’s definitely fine dining! But the seafood is phenomenal and fresh, the crab cakes are die for! Would absolutely recommend to any seafood lover!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 T B. 7 months ago on Google
    This restaurant was absolutely great! The food was delicious, the service was exceptional! Everyone I was with thoroughly enjoyed their meals. I would highly recommend this location if you visit Chicago!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Megan B. 10 months ago on Google
    We went for lunch on a Thursday ar around 1:30 and did not have a reservation. They seated us right away in the oyster bar area. We ordered oysters that were fresh and delicious. The service was not as good as it typically was in the past. Maybe the server was busy because it took a while for him to bring bread and take the drink order. He was friendly, though. Other dishes were very good. We had the oysters Rockefeller, crab cakes, and the fries smelt. This place is always wonderful. We will be back!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Long D. 2 years ago on Google
    Good place to have steak and seafood. Seafood tower is a must have for sure. Creme Brulee is a hit. It is so creamy, not too sweet or too bland. Great service as well. Their lime cake is a bit sour so be careful. I recommend to get their 5 courses menu for $149. It's a great deal. I will definitely come back for more.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Krysten H. 3 months ago on Google • 13 reviews New
    Absolutely incredible experience! Had dinner here for a special night out. The service was phenomenal - very few restaurants provide this level of service anymore. We had our 18 month old with us which made me nervous since it is a fancy place but the entire staff welcomed her and made sure she was having a lovely time as well. The food was phenomenal from appetizers through to dessert. The lobster wellington is unique and very well done (so much lobster!) but only order if you really like the taste of spinach. My husband’s family has come here for years and we will be continuing the tradition.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chadwick R. 2 years ago on Google
    Not a huge seafood fan, but definitely enjoyed my time at Shaw’s. This is one of those places that brings you back in time a bit. When things were slower, better, and just done right. I can say that they are still doing it the same as I’ve heard they’ve done it for at least 20 years. Food was all delicious and staff was super attentive.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Markus I. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent service and the ambiance of the place is amazing. The main dining room seems fancy and often booked full. We ate in the oyster bar which was nice as well and casual clothing friendly. Buffalo shrimp appetizer is excellent and a must try. The seafood salad is amazing as well. Big enough to split for two with appetizers. We also tried the lobster bisque, which disappeared quickly. Oh, and the pretzel like soft bread they served in the beginning was delicious 🤤
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Desmond G. 5 months ago on Google • 242 reviews
    Oyster bar was amazing, from the service right down to the whole decor, feels like I was brought back 50 years. Food was amazing, I love the oysters, steak was one of the best I had in Chicago, and even the sides was meticulously prepared to the extent that I could go back solely just for the sides itself. Also the crab cake here is literally a cake filled with crabmeat, unlike some fancy brunch places where they add flour and what not into the mix.

  • 3/5 Alexander W. 1 month ago on Google • 37 reviews New
    Went here for Valentine's Day - long story short, not impressed. I've picked food up here before and did not appreciate there is a whole other room called the "Oyster Bar" - booked the table and thought we were sitting in the main dining room area (which has a more refined aesthetic). When booking on OpenTable the restaurant should give you a choice of room because they are very different. The Oyster Bar is much more casual and feels like a diner. Further, it feels like it hasn't been renovated in some time, feels a bit beat up. For the price we paid, would not go back. You get better bang for your buck elsewhere in Chicago. Food overall was pretty good. Ordered the filet, which was acceptable but $65.00 and didn't feel right in the down-scale setting. The other entre we ordered was the Seafood Salad, which was nothing special and definitely not worth $37.00. Service was good. We also had a member of our party with a gluten allergy and they handled that very effectively (and confidently). Only change I would make is to print off new menus and clean up a little more. When we sat down there were crumbs all over the seats and the menus were bent up.

  • 5/5 Steve C. 2 months ago on Google • 22 reviews New
    Incredible dining experience. The dining room made me think of an old style restaurant from the 1950’s. The pretzel bread was so soft and delicious. We ordered the clam chowder, which rivaled the best I’ve had in Boston. Our dinner was crab cakes and charred mahi. Both were wonderful. Plan to eat here again next time I’m in Chicago.

  • 5/5 Yan L. 6 months ago on Google
    Vibrant atmosphere. Had no complaints about any of our choices. I’m not much of a seafood person but my partner is and it was his birthday. Im very critical of fried calamari and this was bellisimo! We both had soup - He ordered lobster bisque which he enjoyed. I tried it, not my thing. I ordered the clam chowder which reminded me of my summers in Maine. We ordered the New England Lobster Roll and the Parmesan crusted chicken (I know this is a seafood restaurant and secretly I thought it’d be mediocre) buuuut this was really good! (And now I’m hungry 😫). He didn’t seem to want a cake after dinner but I had already arranged through OpenTable that he would get a plate with his name on it but we needed him to choose an option…I was a little bit disappointed about this part of the surprise but the server came with a cake anyway and surprised us both (despite his name not being on the plate…I’m grateful that the server showed intuitiveness)😊Overall really great experience - gave 4 for service cause we did wait at our table for a while. Atmosphere is for all ages but mostly young & older adults ok our night. Dinner for 2 was about $120

  • 5/5 Serge S. 8 months ago on Google
    I have to thank our Uber driver Marco for the tip! This was perfect date night dinner with my wife. She enjoyed oysters, which were representing both East and West coast. I followed house recommendation and went with Chilean Sea Bass with mushrooms. I don’t think I ever tried bass this tender and delicious. Table service was great with timely suggestions and knowledge of offerings. With also indulged in strawberry pie with ice cream. Great culinary experience!

  • 4/5 leesa t. 6 months ago on Google
    Hands down one of the best seafood restaurants in Chicago! This restaurant offers so many options for those who want to try a bit of everything. The cold appetizer combo was so worth it. It came with lobster, two jumbo shrimp cocktail and two oysters. The sushi roll was also really good and the club room combination. Thought the tuna tartare was okay, didn’t stand out.

  • 5/5 Jory S. 1 year ago on Google
    Always an excellent experience at Shaw's. The food is 5 star and the server (not the hostess)was great. Solid choice every time. Brunch is a must!!!

  • 5/5 Jorey S. 2 years ago on Google
    Shaw’s Crab House was one of the best dining experiences I have ever had, and most of that is due to the fantastic service from Neiko. Neiko told us all about the history of Shaw’s and how important the relationship is between the restaurant and their seafood sources. Everything she suggested (from the sushi to the wine) was on point and she was not lying when she said we would be eating the freshest seafood in the Midwest. She truly made our experience special. Everyone on staff at Shaw’s were real hospitality professionals from the hostess to the bus boys. We will certainly be back again!

  • 3/5 AC B. 2 years ago on Google
    Fancy place but nothing spectacular. Food was good and cooked well. We ordered the Shaw’s seafood platter and blackened shrimp with grits. Nice but for some reason not memorable. It wasn’t even the prices (because it was expensive), it was just missing the awe factor. But I will say if you go clearly the items to order is oysters and a martini. Oysters aren’t my thing but almost all of the tables had an order or two. Also they need to WARM the raspberry pie. No one wants cold fruit pie.

  • 5/5 siesha a. 2 years ago on Google
    This restaurant was absolutely beautiful, romantic, and a perfect place for any celebrations. The food and drinks were delicious, the customer service was great, and the ambiance of the setting was far beyond my expectations. Definitely recommend this and will visit again when in the area.

  • 5/5 Amanda T. 5 months ago on Google
    This restaurant was a very enjoyable experience; I felt very welcomed, the food was phenomenal, the service was prompt, and the atmosphere was unique. I dined after 8PM as a single and was given a choice of my own table or to eat at the bar. I was obviously there alone and the bartenders were welcoming and one professional spoke to me for a lengthy period of time about my work trip. It's worth it!

  • 5/5 Bill F. 2 years ago on Google
    One of my go to spots in Chicago! I just missed the $55 brunch that closes at 2:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays. We enjoyed some appys and cocktails today. If you are visiting downtown Chicago. I would recommend checking out this place!

  • 4/5 Hitomi S. 2 years ago on Google
    Very classy and authentic. They have fresh Oysters, Clams and all sea food! Their cocktails, appetizers and entre were an amazing too. but a little pricey.

  • 4/5 Demond D. E. 4 months ago on Google
    First time - the crispy Brussels and truffle mashed potatoes were amazing. The lobster tail really good. The crab legs were the least favorite, they didn’t seem kingly enough.

  • 5/5 pamela h. 2 years ago on Google
    Best service ever. Nico paid attention to every need in detail, she is on point. She is the ONLY server who noticed that my sister & I used only the brown raw sugar. She took away all the sugar and gave us a bowl of just raw sugar for us. I love that the butter for the bread was soft. The food was excellent. The music level is perfect. If you're hard of hearing this is the quietest place so far that we ate in Chicago. The background music is there just not blasting where you have to yell at anyone.

  • 5/5 Bill Flagg Real E. 2 years ago on Google
    A go to spot for me on every trip to Chicago! I'm a foodie and a seafood lover and their Sunday Brunch for $55 per person is an amazing experience!! Their staff and service are great, as well as their cocktails from the bar!! I would definitely recommend a visit when in the downtown Chicago area!! I visited on my birthday and received a generous and very delicious piece of chocolate cake!! Thank you Shaw's!!

  • 5/5 Diego O. 2 years ago on Google
    By far the best meal we had on our week stay in Chicago. We had: • Oysters • Clam chowder • Jumbo crab cake • Lobster tails Can’t emphasize enough the quality of the food! We were seated at the bar, loved the ambiance as well! Will sure return to restaurant on each visit to the city.


Call +1 312-527-2722 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Valet parking
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
    • ✓️ Paid street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Organic dishes
    • ✓️ Happy-hour food
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Happy-hour drinks
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ No-contact delivery

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