Chicago Seafood (Bachelor Party)

[bourj]

As well-versed as I am in all things beef, hot dog, and pizza related, I'm afraid my knowledge of Chicago's seafood establishments is scarce, at best. So I hope you all can help me.

I am trying to organize a bachelor party for a Saturday night in August, in or near Chicago. It's a small group (probably 10-12), and the groom-to-be has requested seafood.

I know McCormick & Schmick's, and I've been to Davis Street Fish Market, and that's about all I know. I have heard of a few other places (Catch 35?), but I'm not sure where to start looking. The attendants will almost all be in the 30-35 range. Price is not really an object, although in this economy, avoiding anything obscene (like Tru, for example) will be necessary.

In addition, if the restaurant you like is near a fabulous place for after-dinner drinking, that is also appreciated. (No clubs or Wrigleyville meat markets, please...let's keep it classy...)

Thanks all!

[bourj]

Thank you for all the recommendations, everyone! It looks like, after running the options by the groom, he wants to do Shaw's. (I think the expansive drink selection won him over.) But I will definitely be trying the other ones you mentioned. (Particular thanks for Oceanique, since I work in Evanston.)

I was thinking of Andy's Jazz Club for afterwards, but I have a feeling that it's not the sort of place where a bunch of half-drunk 30 year olds should be having loud conversations and being generally self-involved. (I doubt you'll be able to get anyone to sit quietly and listen to jazz after a few hours of eating and drinking.)

[ms. chow]

There's a bunch of other options down the street. Rockit, perhaps. Or Hub 51. Just not Howl To The Moon. Blech. ;-)

[bourj]

I was looking at Rockit and Hub 51. Hub 51 looked intriguing, but it seems to be a bit geared more towards the young ones, and it seems to get lukewarm reviews on its service. I'm also waiting to hear from District.

[viafaenza37]

Hub51 is a great place for drinks. I had dinner there a few times. All were pleasant. Food is fairly good. Just beware of the super slippery floor in the back, and make a note of its crowdness and loud noise...

[rubinow]

How young? It is run by young people, but when I was there, it seemed like a hot spot for empty nesters and people on expense accounts.

[weinstein5]

It is a cab ride from Shaws but I would suggest Buddy Guy's Legends - had the start of my bachelor party pub crawl start there and it was great - http://www.buddyguys.com/ and nothing beats the Blues!

[gls_junk]

I really C-House.

[viafaenza37]

Best seafood in the Chicago area is... Oceanique in Evanston!!!
It's a great cozy little place that's definitely worth checking out. I'm not sure if it fits for bachelor's party... It's quiet, relaxing and classy.

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Oceanique
505 Main St, Evanston, IL 60202

[weinstein5]

The recommendatins you have been getting are great - IMO Catch 35 has the bet seafood in the city -

[ms. chow]

I will trot out the old standby and recommend Shaw's. The place is always bustling and i think it would be appropriate for the occasion. Plenty of after dinner places close by. Andy's Jazz Club is right next door.

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Shaw's Crab House
21 East Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60611

Andy's Jazz Club
11 E Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60611

[vrollings]

I think Joe's Seafood Prime Steak & Stone Crab fits the bill. There are any number of good after dinner drinking places nearby. Enjoy!