CHIReview
Included In
We’re always looking for new and exciting places to eat. But from time to time, we need to take a step back. Trendy restaurants aren’t always the best choice. Say, when your parents are in town, and you need familiar food, reliable quality, and a plethora of alcohol. You need Hugo’s.
Hugo’s is a fish house that shares a kitchen with its turf counterpart, Gibsons. Both restaurants cater to Gold Coast socialites, out-of-towners, and anyone else willing to spend a lot of money. It’s just the setting you need to keep the wheels greased as you motor through whatever birthday, business dinner, or family get-together in which you may find yourself.
photo credit: Christina Slaton
Yes, you can order off the Gibsons menu, but this isn’t the time for steak — get something nautical instead. Go all in on the oysters, Alaskan king crab legs, and, since this is technically a frog bar, dabble in the frog legs. There’s a 100% chance you won’t like them without garlic butter, so don’t hold back.
Hugo’s is perfect for eating delicious food on another person’s dime without answering “what’s that?” for the thousandth time. It’s neither the hippest, nor the cheapest, but it’s just the kind of place visitors might think is “pretty neat.” Overall, we have no complaints, and everyone is guaranteed to leave happy.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Christina Slaton
Oysters
We’ll be honest, outside of East Coast or West Coast, deciding which oysters are right for us can be difficult. We love Hugo’s because the servers are knowledgeable and their suggestions will turn out much more favorable than our shots in the dark. A full-blown cold seafood platter wouldn’t hurt either.
photo credit: Christina Slaton
Frog Legs
It’s their namesake dish, so go for it. They come with a lot of garlic butter and we’re fans.
photo credit: Christina Slaton
Crabmeat Avocado
Same appetizer as Gibsons—it’s crab stuffed in an avocado with a mysteriously addicting vinegarette on top. It’s more filling than you’d expect, so we suggest sharing.
Alaskan King Crab Legs
We prefer them chilled over steamed, but listen to your heart.
photo credit: Christina Slaton
Pan-Fried Lake Superior Walleye
Here’s the problem with basic fish dishes: they sound boring, and they look even more boring. So when you bite into this fish, the flavor is that much more surprising—in a good way. This is one of our favorite fish dishes around.
Pan Seared Georges Bank Sea Scallops
Crispy potato, king crab, and black truffle hollandaise. These are some of our favorite foods in one dish.
Hugo’s Lobster Tail
Fancy folk know that smaller lobsters are usually more flavorful. What you’re forgetting is that we’re in Chicago, and that’s not the ocean, it’s Lake Michigan. This lobster tail is a sizable, impressive looking specimen. It’s not like “the one you had in Maine,” but it’s one of the best you can find here. We’ll take it.
photo credit: Christina Slaton
Alaskan Red King Crab Mac & Cheese
This mac & cheese is the side dish you need.
photo credit: Christina Slaton
Planked White Fish
Basic, but good. Never a bad choice.
photo credit: Christina Slaton
Dessert
Same situation as Gibsons. Cake as big as your head. The Meaning of Life Cake is definitely the move, with carrot coming in at a close second. Black forest chocolate cake, pictured here, is always a good option too.