Top 20 Oysters In Chicago

Nathan Jahnke

2 min read

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22-12-2024

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Chicago, a city known for its deep-dish pizza and towering skyscrapers, also boasts a surprisingly vibrant oyster scene. For seafood lovers, navigating the city's diverse culinary landscape to find the perfect oyster can feel like a treasure hunt. This guide aims to simplify your search, highlighting twenty of the best places to indulge in this briny delicacy. We've considered factors such as freshness, variety, preparation methods, and overall dining experience to compile this list.

Note: The order presented does not reflect a ranking; each establishment offers a unique and worthwhile oyster experience. Availability and oyster selections may vary depending on the season and supplier.

The Top 20: A Diverse Selection

This list showcases the breadth of Chicago's oyster offerings, from upscale restaurants to casual seafood bars.

1. RPM Seafood: Known for its sophisticated atmosphere and extensive raw bar.
2. Shaw's Crab House: A Chicago institution offering a wide array of fresh seafood, including an impressive oyster selection.
3. Osteria Langhe: While primarily known for its Italian fare, Osteria Langhe consistently features high-quality oysters on its menu.
4. Monteverde: Another Italian-focused restaurant, Monteverde surprises with its carefully curated oyster choices.
5. Andros Taverna: This Greek taverna offers a Mediterranean twist on oyster preparation.
6. The Purple Pig: This lively tapas restaurant offers a diverse selection, including oysters with unique accompaniments.
7. Bavette's Bar & Boeuf: This steakhouse unexpectedly features a refined oyster selection to complement its meat-centric menu.
8. Summer House Santa Monica: This Californian-inspired restaurant brings a West Coast sensibility to Chicago's oyster scene.
9. Smyth: A Michelin-starred restaurant offering a creative and sophisticated approach to oyster preparation.
10. Rosebud on Taylor Street: A classic Italian-American restaurant with a consistently impressive raw bar.
11. Acadia: Another Michelin-starred establishment renowned for its focus on local and seasonal ingredients.
12. North Pond: This fine dining establishment offers stunning views along with a remarkable seafood selection.
13. RPM Italian: While primarily Italian, RPM Italian complements its menu with a curated oyster selection.
14. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse: A classic Chicago steakhouse that includes oysters on its extensive menu.
15. Blue Door Farm Stand: This casual spot offers a farm-to-table approach to oysters, emphasizing fresh, seasonal selections.
16. Beatrix: This trendy spot offers a lively atmosphere and a strong oyster selection to complement its broader menu.
17. Catch 35: This seafood-focused establishment in River North offers a comprehensive range of oysters.
18. Fulton Market Kitchen: This restaurant offers a variety of fresh oysters in a lively Fulton Market setting.
19. Little Goat Diner: Stephanie Izard's vibrant restaurant offers unique and creatively prepared oysters.
20. Intro: This elegant establishment offers a sophisticated approach to seafood, showcasing premium oyster varieties.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Oysters

When selecting your oysters, consider the following:

• Origin: Oysters from different regions have unique flavor profiles. Ask your server about the origin and characteristics of each variety.
• Seasonality: Oysters are best enjoyed during their peak seasons. Ask about the current best options.
• Preparation: Oysters can be enjoyed on the half shell, grilled, fried, or incorporated into various dishes. Consider your preferred method.

This guide offers a starting point for your Chicago oyster adventure. Remember to explore, experiment, and discover your personal favorites amongst this city's diverse and delicious offerings. Happy shucking!