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Best Seafood Restaurants In Chicago

Seafood dishes are some of the healthiest you can eat, since they're packed with important nutrients. But that's not the only reason to dine on fresh seafood. Restaurants around Chicago have found wonderful ways to serve these delectable creatures from the sea. While some dishes are less healthy -- particularly of the fried variety -- they're no less delicious. In addition to these best seafood restaurants in Chicago, here are five more places to sink your teeth into.
GT Fish & Oyster
531 N. Wells St.
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 929-3501
www.gtoyster.com

For a fine dining seafood experience at an affordable price, get thee to the Michelin Bib Gourmand rated GT Fish & Oyster. One of the many reasons to choose this Near North Side hot spot is Chef Giuseppe Tentori's ability to offer an interesting, and always changing, seafood menu that is paired with various sauces, whether for brunch, lunch or dinner. Since many of the dishes are small plates, it's also a wonderful opportunity to try a whole slew of different flavors, which go with the local beer menu.

The Fish Keg
2233 W. Howard St.
Chicago, IL 60645
(773) 262-6603
www.thefishkeg.com

What this West Rogers Park family-run joint lacks in space -- there isn't any seating -- it makes up for in flavor. Whether you have a hankering for shrimp, clam strips or fish and chips, it has you covered. Baked dinners and party trays of seafood platters are also available for those with extra-hearty appetites. Just looking for some seafood to bring home and make yourself? The Fish Key often has fresh seafood available too, like lobster tails, King crab legs and cocktail shrimp. In other words, build your own menu at Fish Keg, and that includes choosing from an array of sides and desserts -- such as Sara Lee pies.
Shaw's Crab House
21 E. Hubbard St.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 527-2722
www.shawscrabhouse.com

It's all about the seafood at Shaw's, whether you're dining in the downtown Chicago location or its sister restaurant out in the suburbs. If you're looking for a fine dining experience, get a table in the sophisticated part of the restaurant. For something a little bit more casual, and not as pricey, grab a stool in the oyster bar. Whichever option you choose, you'll be presented with a feast. After all, Shaw's doesn't just serve fresh oysters, fish and shellfish; it also has a wonderful array of sashimi and sushi. For sporting events, keep up to date on its website, as it often serves all-you-can eat feasts.

Related: Best Fish And Chips In Chicago

Half Shell
676 W. Diversey Parkway
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 549-1773
www.halfshellchicago.com

While this basement bar has a handful of beef and steak options on its menu, the Lakeview bar/restaurant is known for its delectable and hefty portions of seafood. If dining "underground" isn't your thing, stop by in warmer weather and enjoy everything from jumbo shrimp to whole red snapper and dungeness crab outside on the wonderful patio. But do give the basement bar a chance; after all, no one here will care how you tear apart your lobster or how messy you get. Be sure to bring cash no matter where you dine at Half Shell, because it doesn't take cards.

New England Seafood Company
3341 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 871-3474
www.neseafoodcompany.com

While this Lakeview restaurant is still a relative newcomer to the seafood scene in Chicago, it never fails to impress between its seafood platters, either enjoyed in in the casual sitting area or taken out, or its seafood counter where you can grab the freshest catch of the day. The fried dishes are perfectly fried, the lobster roll wonderfully dressed and the swordfish a delectable treasure. While New England Seafood Company was previously BYOB, it now serves both beer and wine to pair with your food.

Related: Chicago's Best Fish Tacos

Elizabeth SanFilippo is a freelance writer, who enjoys trying new foods from all over the world. But her favorite city for culinary treats will always be Chicago. When not writing about food, she's scribbling novels, and TV show reviews and recaps. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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