Whether you’re craving sweet West Coast oysters, saltier, brinier varieties from the East Coast, or globally sourced jewels of the sea, these Chicago oyster restaurants deliver full-bodied flavor, freshness and a clean finish on the palate. We’ve rounded up the 10 best restaurants for indulgent, top-quality oysters in Chicago.
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2700 W. Chicago Ave. / Website
This luxe restaurant has a hefty array of oysters. On the menu, find up to three varieties from the likes of Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Virginia. Add a bit of flair to your oysters by adding one of Heritage’s chef reserve caviar from Rare Tea Cellars and Polanco caviar. Visit Heritage’s daily happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. to snag a dozen oysters and a glass of bubbly for $28. Reservations can be made here.
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1024 N. Rush St. / Website
Head to this iconic seafood hot spot for chill elegance and a truly massive selection of seafood. Oyster lovers will be pleased to indulge in oysters from Cape Cod and Puget Sound, though specific oyster varieties vary as the seasons change. Snag enough seafood for your whole table with the over-the-top platters, complete with oysters, shrimp, crabmeat avocado salad and lobster tails. Or, take advantage of the oysters Rockefeller special, elevated with spinach, hollandaise and paprika. Reservations can be made here.
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616 N. Rush St. / Website
With locations in Chicago, NYC and South Beach, this upscale seafood spot is known for its unique oyster options. The joint’s signature oyster pairings include North American selections, including Beau Soleil New Brunswick oysters with pineapple relish, Kusshi British Columbia oysters with jalapeño ponzu, Kumamoto Washington oysters with a wasabi leaf and Blue Point New York oysters with caviar and cream. For happy hour, hosted Monday to Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m., indulge in a dozen Blue Point oysters for just $24. Reservations can be made here.
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8 W. Maple St. / Website
Visit two Michelin-star chef Danny Grant’s upscale steakhouse for stellar wine selections and tasty oysters on the half-shell. Served with horseradish, cocktail sauce and Champagne mignonette, the raw bar’s oysters can be ordered as a meal or a la carte. Add a touch of luxury to your oyster with the steakhouse’s golden Kaluga, classic Siberian and Royal Osetra caviar varieties. Reservations can be made here.
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222 N. LaSalle Blvd. / Website
Head to this locally loved steakhouse for a romantic night out, complete with two kinds of aphrodisiacs. Enjoy oysters from both the East and West Coast, served with lemon ginger mignonette and cocktail sauce. Add a touch more luxury to your table spread with the addition of the grilled king crab, Kaluga caviar potato skins and chilled half Maine lobster. Swing by for happy hour, hosted Monday to Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sundays from 4 to 9 p.m., for $1.50 oysters. Reservations can be made here.
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317 N. Clark St. / Website
For upscale waterfront dining, RPM Seafood is your spot. Indulge in oysters harvested from right here in the U.S. with the RPM Prestige oysters from Lilliwaup, Washington, and the RPM Pearl oysters from New Brunswick, Canada. Come with a group and order the burgeoning seafood towers. Available in two sizes, each seafood tower contains prawns, Maine lobster, Alaskan king crab legs and both East and West Coast oysters. Seeking more seafood? On top of the menu’s loaded seafood offerings, they also serve four unique caviar varieties, from Diamond Ossetra to Golden Kaluga. Reservations can be made here.
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21 E. Hubbard St. / Website
This seafood spot has been a Chicago institution for almost four decades. Shaw’s features six varietals daily, so give the restaurant a call anytime for specifics on which oysters are in this week if you’re curious. Sample an array of offerings with the grand seafood platter, which includes oysters on the half shell, along with jumbo shrimp and Maine lobster tails, crab claws and tuna tartare. Reservations can be made here.
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837 W. Fulton Market / Website
For a truly diverse selection of oysters, head to The Publican. The menu features six different varieties of oysters, all of which are harvested in North America. Order a few of each a la carte, or let the chef team choose a lineup of oysters for you. Visit for happy hour, hosted Monday to Friday from 4 to 6 p.m., to enjoy oysters on the half shell for $2 each, served with cocktail and mignonette sauces and oyster crackers. Reservations can be made here.
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400 N. Clark St. / Website
With locations in NYC and DC, The Smith has gained a reputation for its abundant seafood offerings, and its River North location is no exception. On the menu, find oysters from Cape Cod, Prince Edward Island and Block Island Sound. Can’t get enough oysters? Order one of the over-the-top seafood platters, complete with oysters, chilled shrimp and spicy salmon tartare. All of the oysters are available during brunch for those who like to start their day with a slurp of luxury. Or, opt to visit during martini hour, hosted Monday to Friday from 3 to 6 p.m., to score a half dozen oysters for just $13. Reservations can be made here.
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224 N. Michigan Ave. / Website
Head to this luxe brasserie and oyster bar for exciting oyster specials and spanning varieties. Venteux features oysters from the East and West Coasts and serves each platter with a lemon, mignonette and cocktail sauce. Or, order the ‘fruit de mer’ for your oysters nestled with mussels, clams, shrimp, lobster and king crab. Stop in for happy hour, hosted Monday to Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m., to score a dozen oysters for $24. Reservations can be made here.
Looking for more luxe stops in the city? Check out our picks for The 10 Best Italian Restaurants In Chicago.
Photography by: thesomegirl / Getty Images
