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photo credit: Christina Slaton

Shaw’s Crab House image
7.5

Shaw's Crab House

AmericanSeafood

River North

$$$$Perfect For:Big GroupsBirthdaysBusiness MealsClassic EstablishmentDate NightDinner with the ParentsEating At The BarImpressing Out of TownersPrivate DiningSpecial Occasions
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Life comes at you fast. One minute you’re watching people get Slimed on Nickelodeon, and the next you’re trying to figure out how to contribute more than $0 to your 401K. So as we get older, it’s nice to hang onto a few things that manage to stay the same. Shaw’s Crab House is one of those places - a classic restaurant that continues to be the exact same great place in River North.

Shaw’s is basically the seafood version of a steakhouse. It has big red leather booths, white tablecloths, and a wait staff dressed in black pants, white dress shirts, and black vests. It’s expensive, but not stuffy. And while it’s nice, there are also often random tourists wandering in off the streets in their finest Hawaiian or I ❤️ Chicago shirts. Being locals, this means Shaw’s falls off our radar at times. All that said, it’s still really good.

We appreciate Shaw’s for the right occasion, which can actually be any occasion as long as you’re willing to spend a bunch of money on seafood like oysters, crab legs, and sushi. It’s great for date night, dinner with family, or an all-out gathering of friends. Shaw’s isn’t innovative or exciting with a constantly changing menu, but it’s comforting. You know exactly what you’ll get, and when you’re here that’s exactly what you want.

Food Rundown

Shaw’s Crab House image

photo credit: Christina Slaton

Oysters

Shaw’s has an excellent oyster selection. You 100% need them if you’re in the oyster bar, and you probably do in the dining room too.

Shaw’s Crab House image

photo credit: Christina Slaton

Cold Shellfish Platter

What’s better than a couple oysters? A tower of seafood with oysters, shrimp, crab, and lobster. Normally we skip things like this at restaurants, but Shaw’s is the kind of place where you order the seafood tower.

Shaw’s Crab House image

photo credit: Christina Slaton

Sushi

There’s a limited amount of sushi here, but it’s always good. We’re into a little tuna, salmon, or hamachi to start things off.

Shaw’s Crab House image

photo credit: Christina Slaton

Lobster Tacos

Something a little different. Crispy wonton shells with lobster, avocado, and an Asian vegetable salad.

Shaw’s Crab House image

photo credit: Christina Slaton

Pan Seared Whitefish

Keep it simple if you’d like. Whitefish is our go-to if you’re interested, but a basic piece of haddock, perch, or snapper always works. Light, healthy, and tastes great.

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photo credit: Christina Slaton

King Crab

Live a little and splurge on the king crab. It’s the specialty here, and we usually have a plate of them on the table when going big in the dining room.

Shaw’s Crab House image

photo credit: Christina Slaton

Sides

Think steakhouse sides: mashed potatoes, au gratin potatoes, hash browns with onion, creamed spinach, mac & cheese. All awesome, large, and meant for sharing. Go nuts.

Shaw’s Crab House image

photo credit: Christina Slaton

Raspberry Pie

All of the desserts here are large and in charge, but the raspberry pie is their special. Get it.

Brunch

Looking to go all out on Sunday brunch? Shaw’s has an unbelievable buffet for around $59. There’s French toast, eggs benedict, Do-Rite donuts, oysters, sushi, crab claws, crab cakes, shrimp, and about 25 other things. And that doesn’t even take into account a sweets table that’s nothing short of ridiculous. Pricey, yes, but worth it every now and then or for a special occasion.

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FOOD RUNDOWN

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