Chicago is a food lover's paradise, and there's no shortage of seafood restaurants in the city. Among the many seafood dishes, shrimp cocktail has become a staple for many restaurants in the city.
The classic appetizer is simple yet delicious, consisting of boiled or poached shrimp served with a tangy cocktail sauce.
Finding the best shrimp cocktail in Chicago can be a daunting task, especially for those who are new to the city or seafood cuisine.
With so many restaurants offering this classic dish, it can be challenging to determine which ones serve the best shrimp cocktail.
In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best places for shrimp cocktail in Chicago. We'll take you on a journey through the city's seafood scene and highlight some of the top restaurants that serve this classic appetizer.
Whether you're a tourist or a local, this guide will help you discover some of the best shrimp cocktails in the city, so you can satisfy your cravings and indulge in some of the best seafood Chicago has to offer.
1. Joe's Seafood
Joe's Seafood is a must-visit for anyone looking for a great shrimp cocktail. The restaurant boasts outstanding service and a vibrant atmosphere.
The seafood is fresh and cooked to perfection, and the cocktails are delicious. Whether you're looking for a casual dinner or a special occasion, Joe's Seafood is the perfect choice for seafood lovers.
The restaurant is well-priced and offers generous portions, making it a great value.
The staff is knowledgeable and attentive, ensuring that your dining experience is top-notch. Don't miss out on trying the famous key lime pie, which is a crowd favorite.
2. Shaw's Crab House
Shaw's Crab House is a must-visit for seafood lovers looking for an upscale dining experience. The restaurant offers top-notch service and a wide variety of seafood options, including their delicious shrimp cocktail.
The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, making it a great spot for a date night or a special occasion.
While the prices may be a bit high, the quality of the food and service make it worth the splurge. Guests rave about the fresh seafood, attentive staff, and overall dining experience.
If you're in the mood for some of the best shrimp cocktail in town, Shaw's Crab House is the place to be.
3. Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House
Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House is a must-visit place for shrimp cocktail lovers. The oysters and shrimp are fresh and delicious, while the lobster tail is average.
The service is hospitable, but slow. The drinks are amazing, especially the cosmo and manhattan.
The atmosphere is cool and inviting, perfect for a date night. The restaurant also offers a nice selection of wines, beer, and cocktails.
The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the seafood is cooked to perfection. Prices are reasonable for the area, making this a great spot for a special occasion.
4. Maple & Ash
Maple & Ash is a posh steakhouse and seafood eatery that offers a delightful shrimp cocktail.
The ambiance is chic and upscale, with white-tablecloth dining and a choice wine list. The service is top-notch, and the staff is attentive to the diners' needs.
The shrimp cocktail is fresh, succulent, and well-seasoned, making it a must-try for seafood lovers. The restaurant's lounge area is perfect for enjoying a drink before or after dinner.
Maple & Ash is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-end dining experience with delicious shrimp cocktail.
5. RPM Seafood
RPM Seafood is a chic and upscale restaurant that serves a variety of seafood dishes. Their shrimp cocktail is a must-try, with a spicy cocktail sauce that packs a punch.
The restaurant offers breathtaking views of the river, making it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a business meeting.
The staff is attentive and knowledgeable, ensuring a seamless dining experience. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list and craft cocktails that are worth exploring.
If you're looking for a fancy seafood restaurant with a great shrimp cocktail, RPM Seafood is definitely worth checking out.
6. Half Shell
Half Shell is a neighborhood pub and seafood restaurant that serves up a variety of raw bar selections.
Known for their delicious shrimp cocktail, the jumbo shrimp are lightly breaded and definitely worth trying.
The outside seating is perfect for enjoying the fresh seafood and low-key bar atmosphere.
The friendly staff and great service make for a pleasant dining experience. Keep in mind that Half Shell is cash only, so be sure to bring some bills.
7. Fisk & Co
Fisk & Co is a stylish gastropub that specializes in mussels, frites, oysters, and craft beer.
While they have a small menu, their shrimp cocktail is a must-try dish. The staff is friendly and professional, and the atmosphere is hip and modern.
It's a great spot for dinner before a show at the Chicago Theater or for a happy hour with friends.
If you're in the mood for some delicious seafood and a great selection of drinks, Fisk & Co is the place to be.
8. Venteux Brasserie, Cafe & Oyster Bar
Venteux Brasserie, Cafe & Oyster Bar is a stylish spot for French cuisine. They offer classic small plates, mains, and sides, plus specialty cocktails and wine.
Their shrimp cocktail is a must-try, with fresh and perfectly cooked shrimp served with a delicious cocktail sauce.
The oysters are also a knockout, served with an immaculate cocktail sauce.
The atmosphere is chic and the service is friendly and knowledgeable. This is a great spot for a date night or a night out with friends.
9. Mariscos El Abuelo y Yo
Mariscos El Abuelo y Yo is a must-visit spot for seafood lovers.
This Mexican seafood restaurant serves up fresh and delicious shrimp cocktails, along with other seafood dishes such as ceviche and whole fish.
The restaurant has a low-key atmosphere with comfortable booths, making it a great spot for a casual meal. The staff is friendly and provides excellent service.
Prices are reasonable for the quality of food served. If you're in the mood for some tasty seafood, Mariscos El Abuelo y Yo is definitely worth a visit.
10. Mastro's Steakhouse
Mastro's Steakhouse is a top-notch restaurant that offers an abundance of meat and seafood options.
Their shrimp cocktail is a must-try, with plump and juicy shrimp that are perfectly cooked and served with a tangy cocktail sauce.
The ambiance is posh and elegant, with live piano music adding to the overall experience. The service is impeccable, with attentive staff ensuring that every need is met.
If you're in the mood for a luxurious dining experience, Mastro's Steakhouse is the place to be.
11. McCormick & Schmick's
McCormick & Schmick's is an upscale seafood and steakhouse chain that serves a delicious shrimp cocktail. The restaurant's clubby atmosphere and attentive service create a memorable dining experience.
The shrimp cocktail is fresh and flavorful, with a tangy cocktail sauce that perfectly complements the succulent shrimp.
The dish is a great starter to any meal and is perfect for seafood lovers.
Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner or a business lunch, McCormick & Schmick's is a great choice for shrimp cocktail and other seafood dishes.
