Maple & Ash
Raw oysters to start your meal, simple sashimi to add a pop of color, or a seafood tower to accompany your entrée. These simple, fresh touches can elevate any dining experience. Raw seafood is an acquired taste, often seen as a special treat or delicacy. Which makes the holiday season the perfect time to enjoy them! Here are some of our favorite raw seafood offerings to try this month…
Photo via Carnivale
Carnivale {702 West Fulton Street, Chicago; 312.850.5005}
Start your seafood tour south of the border with Carnivale’s series of ceviches. You can try Blue Crab Ceviche with key lime and avocado or even Gulf Shrimp Ceviche with roasted pineapple, gochujang, and coconut. If you have a large group full of seafood lovers, you can also order a Tasting Menu of all four of their ceviches.
Photo via Rosebud Restaurants
Rosebud Prime {1 South Dearborn Street, Chicago; 312.384.1900}
Had a long day in the office? Then you deserve a special treat! Luckily, in the heart of Loop, Rosebud Prime is serving up delicious chops, steaks, pastas, and (of course) chilled seafood. Classics include Oysters, Cold Water Lobster, Alaskan King Crab, and more.
Photo via BITES
BITES {3313 North Clark Street, Chicago; 773.270.5972}
Known for their small bites (hence their name), this inconspicuous Lakeview spot has some of the best plates in the city. Every dish is made for sharing, so it gives you the opportunity to try a number of fresh fish options. From Tuna Tostada with chili-ponzu to Salmon Ceviche, it’s the perfect place for a large group to dig in together.
Photo via Maple & Ash
Maple & Ash {8 West Maple Street, Chicago; 312.944.8888}
You might know Maple & Ash as a steakhouse, but they also take the surf in their surf and turf seriously! Aside from their caviar menu, raw options include Hamachi Crudo, Alaskan King Crab Legs, and more indulgent options. The fire-roasted Seafood Tower is definitely worth every bite!
Photo via Mastro’s
Mastro’s {520 North Dearborn Street, Chicago; 312.521.5100}
Maybe you’ve had a Shrimp Cocktail or two in your life, but have you ever had Dungeness Crab or Lobster Cocktail? Mastro’s has all of them, as well as caviar, Alaskan Red King Crab Claws, a whole sushi menu, and more! There are almost too many options to choose from—and that’s just their chilled and raw menu!
Kamehachi {1531 North Wells Street, Chicago; 312.664.3663}
Chicago’s original sushi restaurant is celebrating 50 years in the Windy City, and they haven’t missed a beat in decades of service. Their nigiri and sashimi menus are unparalleled, with options like Tobiko (flying fish roe), Uni (sea urchin), Masago (smelt roe), and more. Not to mention a sushi menu with classics, as well as specialty rolls you can only get at Kamehachi. The chefs also make custom rolls and raw fish artwork that’s beautiful and delicious.
Photo via Hubbard Inn
Hubbard Inn {110 West Hubbard Street, Chicago; 312.222.1331}
You might not think of a River North nightlife hot spot when you think of not-to-miss raw bars, but you should! Hubbard Inn’s amazing Seafood Platter comes with six oysters, six crab legs, six poached shrimp, six shucked clams, and half a Maine lobster. Or, pair their raw oysters with a glass of rosé or one of their custom cocktails. You can also get an Oyster Shooter to start your meal with a kick!
By Kaleigh Glaza | Online Editor
The post Chicago’s Best Raw Bar Offerings appeared first on DiningOut Chicago.