Shaw’s Crab House is every pescetarian’s dream. Which is why I had the most enjoyable experience at this beloved River North restaurant, recently. I met with their PR Manager Susie Riskind over lunch, and had been anticipating our meeting for quite sometime. My anticipation was pleasantly met with some phenomenal food and wonderful service.
I walked into a bustling restaurant that has two dining rooms & features an oyster bar. We were seated in the more casual section of the restaurant, given the time of day.
While the restaurant offers classic fare such as fish sandwich and tacos, unbeknownst to many, the menu also has many hidden creations such as lobster popcorn and warm crab rolls.
We started our seafood journey with a half dozen of their fresh, shucked East Coast oysters. The oysters I ate were divine; salty to perfection with cups deep enough for me add tiny mounts of rocksalt & cocktail sauce they were served with. Every bite left a cool, briny taste in my mouth, and it took all my willpower to not ask for more.
Next came a platter of their Chilled Blue Crab Fingers, which were definitely my favorite from the meal. These claw fingers come with the meat attached and were served as an appetizer. Along with it came a remoulade sauce that paired so well that I just couldn’tstop eating these feathers-like delicacies. They were ready to eat without any shells to mess with. The blue crab itself was succulent with a sweet flavor. Although blue crab is my favorite, it is a treat to eat it in the winter season, when these crustaceans are hard to harvest. But there is no stopping Shaw’s, as the restaurant serves this very delicious appetizer year round. I’m not sure I’ll be able to visit again without ordering a round of these crab fingers. This dish is a must try!
Already impressed, Susie further introduced me to their marvelous sushi selection with two colorful, platters of their spicy shrimp, salmon and lemon maki, spicy tuna maki, and their yellowtail temaki. The temaki had the fish intricately wrapped in a soy wrapper with shiso and yuzu mayonnaise. Once again, I was pleasantly astonished to find such an elaborate selection of maki rolls and sashimi at this restaurant. Personally, what stood out for me was the tuna, which was so tender that my teeth sunk into every bite.
And as if this wasn’t enough, I also got to try their new Lobster Popcorn and the Alaskan King Crab Roll. The former comprised of tender pieces of lobster fried in a tempura type batter, so light and fluffy, you could definitely lose count of your consumption. The crab roll was served on a soft, buttery broche roll with a delicious slaw.
And even though I had way overeaten at this point, I wasn’t going to leave without trying the Maryland Style Crab Cake, they are so well known for. Somehow I convinced my belly to make room for one more dish. And I am glad I did, because it was magnificent. The lump crabmeat was bound in a mild spice blend and just the perfect amount of mayonnaise. The meat was high quality and so juicy that it kept the cake moist and provided a creamy taste.
What amazing food! Makes me wonder how I missed out on Shaw’s all these years. A Lettuce Entertain you product (enough said J), regardless of what stage you are in your Pescetarian journey, Shaw’s has something for you!
Shaw’s Crab House
Neighborhood: River North
Address: 21 E Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (312) 527-2722
Website:http://www.shawscrabhouse.com
Hours:: M-TH 11:30AM-10PM, F-SUN 11:30AM – 11:00PM
Price: $3- $88