Jimmy Buffet once sang, “Give me oysters and beer, for dinner every day of the year, and I’ll feel fine.” We couldn’t agree more. Which is why we rounded up some of the top spots for the best oysters in Chicago. These 7 places offer the absolute best in plump, springy, sometimes briny, sometimes salty pearls of the sea. Let’s dive in!
400 N Clark Street Chicago, IL
For incredible oysters at a great price, don’t miss this gem. For $3.25 each, get little shells of happiness from Cotuit Bay in Cape Cod, Island Creek in Duxbury, or the surprise oyster of the day. We’ll take 50, please.
21 E Hubbard St Chicago, IL 60611
This classic American seafood restaurant features oysters from all along the coast–from Maine to Washington and Rhode Island to Nova Scotia. Freshly shucked to order in the heart of Chicago! Enjoy a half dozen at $21 or a full dozen for $42.
676 W Diversey Pkwy Chicago, IL 60614
Good brew. Good oysters. Good times. Check out this neighborhood pub serving up a solid seafood menu with oysters, clams, sashimi, shrimp, and crab legs. Try their six Blue Point oysters which come with house cocktail, lemon, and saltine for $11.90. And bring cash (no cards accepted!).
1933 S Indiana Ave Chicago, IL 60616
Looking for some serious eats? For $112, the Atlantic Platter features 2 east and 2 west coast oysters, ceviche with 2 lobster claws, 2 shrimps, and 1/2lb Alaskan Red King Crab Legs. Not that hungry? Try their oyster shooters which is a fresh oyster served with quail egg yolk, scallion, radish, Tabasco and citrus soy for $6.
1962 N Halsted St Chicago, IL 60614
Yep, it’s “Bah” not “Bar.” This New England inspired location offers a rustic nautical ambiance with the freshest seafood to boot. Slurp down oysters on the half shell with mignonette, cocktail sauce, and horseradish for $3.50 each.
531 N Wells St Chicago, IL 60654
Delightful, fresh seafood? Uh huh. Stop into this modern location for beautifully plated oysters (hello Instagram). Their selection rotates daily but there’s a good chance you’ll have the choice between east or west coast. Or choose both coasts. At $3.25 to $3.50, you can go wild.
2956 N Sheffield Ave Chicago, IL 60657
This intimate, casual restaurant dishes up sustainably sourced seafood that’ll make you do a happy dance. You know the drill: at $3.50 each, you can choose between east or west coast oysters served with mignonette, lemon, and cocktail sauce. Hungry yet?
Featured Image Credit: Louis Hansel on Unsplash