Shaw's Oyster Bar

Shaw's Oyster Bar, and it’s more high falutin’ adjacent crab house, is a Chicago Institution. It’s been around since the early 1980’s, but it’s old school vibe has you believing it’s been there since the 1940’s. There are hand lettered menus and signs adorning the walls, a live lobster tank, and old school staff and patrons who look like they came straight from central casting. The staff are of the white shirt, black vest variety, and the patrons are of the Mad Men business lunch variety by day and bring me another martini by night.

Shaw's Oyster Bar has sold more than 10 million oysters by the way!!! … and we ate 12 of them! 

We sat in a raised booth which was perfect for the excellent people and oyster watching. Martinis were flying out of the central L shaped bar, and oysters weren't far behind. People were sitting at the bar eating clam chowder, and oysters were being shucked in the dining room. Apparently, they have live music in there on occasion as well.

If you enjoy your old school glamour in the shape of a shrimp cocktail, we highly recommend Shaw's Oyster Bar.

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Midwest USA No. 3 - last visited October 2023