Chicago, the Windy City, might be known for its deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs, but it also boasts a vibrant seafood scene. For shrimp aficionados, the city offers a diverse range of restaurants, from upscale dining establishments to casual eateries, all vying for the title of best shrimp in Chicago. This comprehensive guide explores 23 of the top contenders, helping you navigate the culinary landscape and discover your new favorite shrimp spot. We'll cover various styles, price points, and atmospheres to ensure there's something for everyone.
Diving Deep into Chicago's Shrimp Scene: Top 23 Restaurants
This list is curated to offer a variety of experiences, reflecting the breadth of Chicago's culinary offerings. We've categorized them for easier navigation based on style and atmosphere:
Upscale Experiences: Indulge in Exquisite Shrimp Dishes
These restaurants offer a more refined dining experience, perfect for special occasions or a truly memorable meal.
- The Purple Pig: Known for its Mediterranean-inspired tapas, The Purple Pig offers creative shrimp dishes with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Expect innovative preparations and a sophisticated atmosphere.
- RPM Italian: This stylish restaurant delivers elegant Italian cuisine with a modern twist. Their shrimp dishes are expertly prepared, showcasing the best of seasonal ingredients.
- Monteverde: This Michelin-starred restaurant provides a more refined Italian experience. While not exclusively focused on shrimp, their occasional shrimp specials are exceptional. Expect impeccable service and a higher price point.
- Smyth: Another Michelin-starred gem, Smyth offers a tasting menu experience that often includes exquisite seafood preparations, frequently featuring shrimp in creative and unexpected ways. Reservations are highly recommended.
- Oriole: This highly acclaimed restaurant pushes boundaries with their tasting menu. Shrimp may appear unexpectedly, showcasing surprising flavor combinations and impeccable technique.
Casual & Lively: Enjoy Delicious Shrimp Without the Fuss
These options provide a more relaxed and informal atmosphere, ideal for a casual dinner or a quick bite.
- Shaw's Crab House: A Chicago seafood institution, Shaw's offers a classic menu with various shrimp preparations, from simple boiled shrimp to more elaborate dishes.
- Bohemian House: This stylish spot features a globally-inspired menu with some surprisingly delicious shrimp dishes.
- Andros Taverna: Enjoy a taste of Greece with flavorful shrimp dishes cooked in traditional ways.
- Pequod's Pizza: While known for pizza, Pequod's surprisingly features shrimp on some of their menu items, often in a unique, Chicago-style context.
- DMK Burger Bar: This burger joint may not be your first thought for shrimp, but their shrimp dishes are a tasty surprise. Expect fun, casual vibes.
Hidden Gems: Discover Unexpected Shrimp Delights
These lesser-known restaurants offer exceptional shrimp dishes that might not be on everyone's radar.
- Lonesome Rose: This Tex-Mex cantina offers some unexpectedly well-executed shrimp dishes alongside their traditional fare.
- Big Star: Known for its tacos, Big Star also offers some excellent shrimp options, often in a fun, casual setting.
- Bavette's Bar & Boeuf: This steakhouse has surprising shrimp dishes that complement their beef-centric menu.
- RPM Seafood: Sister restaurant to RPM Italian, this spot delivers more seafood-focused shrimp dishes and a vibrant atmosphere.
- Summer House Santa Monica: This California-inspired restaurant has some excellent shrimp dishes that capture the essence of California cuisine.
Ethnic Flavors: Explore Shrimp Around the World
Chicago's diversity shines through in its varied ethnic restaurants; here are some top choices for shrimp with a global flair:
- HaiSous Restaurant: This Vietnamese restaurant features some of the best Vietnamese shrimp dishes in the city.
- Lao Sze Chuan: This Sichuan restaurant has some impressive shrimp dishes, full of spice and flavor.
- The Girl & the Goat: Stephanie Izard's award-winning restaurant features innovative small plates, with shrimp often making appearances in unexpected and flavorful combinations.
- Dusek's Board & Beer: This brewery and restaurant offers some uniquely paired shrimp dishes, highlighting local ingredients.
Fast Casual & Takeout: Quick and Delicious Shrimp Options
For those on the go, these places offer delicious shrimp without the wait:
- Portillo's: While famous for their Chicago-style hot dogs, Portillo's offers a surprisingly tasty shrimp option.
- Garrett Popcorn Shops: Surprisingly, certain locations might offer shrimp-flavored popcorn, a unique and fun snack!
Seafood Markets with Prepared Dishes: Freshness Guaranteed
- Wicker Park Seafood Market: Some markets prepare shrimp dishes in-house using their fresh stock. Call ahead to check availability.
- City Fish Market: Similar to Wicker Park, this market might offer prepped shrimp dishes for a quick, fresh meal.
Choosing Your Shrimp Adventure: Factors to Consider
When selecting your shrimp destination, consider these factors:
- Budget: Prices vary greatly between restaurants.
- Atmosphere: Do you prefer a fine-dining experience or a casual setting?
- Cuisine: Are you looking for classic shrimp dishes or something more innovative?
- Location: Choose a restaurant convenient to your location.
- Reviews: Check online reviews to get an idea of the quality and service.
This guide serves as a starting point for your shrimp exploration in Chicago. Remember to check menus and make reservations where necessary, especially for popular spots. Enjoy your delicious shrimp journey!
