The Absolute Best Crawfish in Chicago [Updated 2024]

I've been on a mission to try them all, from the fancy seafood joints in River North to the hole-in-the-wall spots on the South Side. After sampling 12 different places, I can confidently say that I've found the cream of the crop when it comes to crawfish in Chicago.

So get ready to dig in, pinch those tails, and suck those heads - here's my list of the best crawfish in Chi-town!

Lowcountry South Loop

Highlights
Hand washing
Create own bucket
Friendly service
Spicy options
Good atmosphere

Upon entering the restaurant, I was impressed by the friendly service and prompt hand washing station. As a germaphobe, this was already a plus in my book. The menu offered various options for crawfish lovers, but what caught my attention was the option to create your own bucket with different seafood options and spice levels. This gave me full control over my meal and allowed me to experiment with different flavors.

As someone who enjoys spice, I opted for one of their spicy options and boy did it deliver! My mouth was on fire but in the best way possible. The atmosphere of Lowcountry South Loop added to the experience as well. It felt like I was transported to a seafood shack near the beach but still in the heart of Chicago.

Overall, I highly recommend Lowcountry South Loop for anyone looking for some delicious crawfish options in Chicago. With its great atmosphere and ability to customize your meal, it's definitely a top contender on my list of best crawfish in Chicago.

You might also want to check out the best fish and chips in Naperville.

Two Fish Crab Shack

Highlights
Seafood Boil
Fried Lobster Tail
Outstanding Gumbo
Attentive Waiter
Delicious Crab Legs

First of all, let me tell you about the seafood boil. It was a mouth-watering feast that included crawfish, shrimp, andouille sausage, corn on the cob, and potatoes all boiled in a flavorful broth. The combination of spices gave it an amazing aroma and taste that lingered in my mouth long after I finished.

I also tried their fried lobster tail which was cooked to perfection. The breading was crispy on the outside while the meat inside was juicy and tender. It was served with a side of creamy garlic butter sauce that complemented it perfectly.

The gumbo at Two Fish Crab Shack is outstanding! The thick and hearty stew had chunks of chicken, sausage, and shrimp with okra adding a unique texture. The flavors were complex yet balanced with just the right amount of heat.

Our waiter was attentive throughout our meal ensuring that we had everything we needed without being intrusive. He made excellent recommendations including trying their delicious crab legs which were meaty and succulent.

Overall, Two Fish Crab Shack is a must-visit for seafood lovers. With its outstanding food quality and exceptional service from its attentive staff, this place is definitely one of the best crawfish spots in Chicago!

You might also want to check out the best fish and chips in Schaumburg.

Lowcountry Lakeview

Highlights
wonderful experience
great weekday offer
delicious Double Double with everything sauce
best shrimp/crab leg boil place
excellent staff

First of all, I must say that it was a wonderful experience. The ambiance of the place is perfect for seafood lovers like me. The best part was their great weekday offer, which made my pocket happy and my taste buds even happier.

Now let's talk about their crawfish! I tried their famous Double Double with everything sauce, and oh boy, it was an explosion of flavors in my mouth. The crawfish were cooked to perfection and the sauce was a delightful blend of spices and herbs.

But they don't just excel in serving crawfish; this place is also the best shrimp/crab leg boil place in Chicago. They have a variety of seafood options that you can choose from.

The staff at Lowcountry Lakeview is another reason why I highly recommend this place. They are attentive, friendly, and always ready to help you out with your order. Their customer service is top-notch.

In conclusion, if you're looking for the best crawfish experience in Chicago, then Lowcountry Lakeview should definitely be on your list. Don't forget to try their Double Double with everything sauce - it's worth every penny!

You might also want to check out the best tamales in Aurora.

Ina Mae

Highlights
Best gumbo ever
Large portions
Buttery biscuits
Live music
Great value

First off, I must say that this place has the best gumbo ever! It's not too spicy, but it definitely packs a flavor punch that will leave you wanting more. The crawfish are fresh and cooked to perfection. And let me tell you about the portions! They are so generous that you'll have plenty to take home for leftovers.

But wait, there's more! The buttery biscuits served with your meal are simply divine. They melt in your mouth and perfectly complement the rich flavors of the crawfish. And if that wasn't enough, there's live music playing in the background as you dine.

In terms of value, Ina Mae is a great option. For what you get, the prices are very reasonable. This is especially true given the large portions and quality of food.

Overall, I highly recommend Ina Mae for anyone looking to satisfy their crawfish cravings in Chicago. From the delicious gumbo to the buttery biscuits and live music, it's an experience worth having.

You might also want to check out the best thai food in Schaumburg.

Crab King Cajun Boil & Bar

Highlights
Amazing food
Friendly staff
Reasonably priced
Fresh and crisp corn
Great portion sizes

First and foremost, the food was absolutely amazing! The crawfish were cooked to perfection with a perfect balance of spices that made my taste buds dance with joy. But it wasn't just the crawfish that impressed me, the corn was fresh and crisp which perfectly complimented the crawfish.

The staff was incredibly friendly which made my dining experience even more enjoyable. They were attentive to our needs and checked in on us frequently without being intrusive.

What I appreciated most about this restaurant is that even though they serve high-quality food, their prices are reasonably priced which made it an affordable option for anyone looking to indulge in some delicious crawfish.

Lastly, the portion sizes were generous which left me feeling satisfied without feeling too full.

Overall, if you're looking for some great crawfish in Chicago at a reasonable price, then Crab King Cajun Boil & Bar is definitely worth checking out. Don't miss out on experiencing their amazing food and friendly staff!

You might also want to check out the best sushi in Naperville.

The Crab Pad

Highlights
Flavorful boil
Delicious platter
Friendly service
Affordable pricing
Great dining experience

Firstly, I have to say that the crawfish boil was absolutely flavorful! The spices and seasoning were just right and it made me lick my fingers after every bite. The platter was also very delicious, filled with juicy crawfish, corn on the cob, and potatoes.

The service was another highlight of my visit. The staff were so warm and welcoming, making me feel like I was part of their family. Their friendliness added an extra layer of enjoyment to my meal.

What's even better is that the pricing is quite affordable! For the quality of food you get, it's definitely worth every penny. It's hard to find such delicious crawfish at this price point!

Overall, I had a great dining experience at The Crab Pad in Chicago. From the flavorful boil to the friendly service, everything was just perfect. If you're looking for a fun and tasty crawfish adventure in Chicago, The Crab Pad should definitely be on your list. Trust me, you won't regret it!

You might also want to check out the best sushi in Schaumburg.

The Boil Cajun Seafood

Highlights
Delicious seafood
Fast service
Friendly staff

First of all, I have to say that the delicious seafood was the highlight of my visit. The crawfish were cooked to perfection and had just the right amount of seasoning. They were so good that I even ordered a second plate! But it wasn't just the crawfish - the shrimp and crab legs were also top-notch.

What made my experience even better was the fast service. My food came out quickly and hot, which is always appreciated when you're hungry. And despite how busy it was, the staff remained friendly and attentive throughout my meal.

Overall, The Boil Cajun Seafood is definitely a must-visit for anyone looking for some amazing crawfish in Chicago. Don't let the long lines deter you - it's worth the wait!

You might also want to check out the best tacos in Elgin.

Spicy Fingers Seafood Kitchen—Asian Cuisine & Seafood Boil

Highlights
Beignets better than New Orleans
Not too salty dishes
Ping pong table available
Great for date night
Complimentary dessert

First of all, let me tell you that their beignets are better than what you can find in New Orleans! They're fluffy, crispy and the perfect amount of sweetness. But let's focus on the crawfish, shall we?

I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that they didn't oversalt their dishes like some other places I've tried. Their crawfish had a nice spicy kick to it but it didn't overpower the taste of the seafood. It was cooked perfectly and easy to peel off the shell.

What's even more interesting is that they have a ping pong table available for those who want to burn off those calories after indulging in some delicious seafood. It's a great spot for a date night too, with dim lighting and cozy ambiance.

To top it all off, they gave us a complimentary dessert which was a pleasant surprise. Overall, I had an enjoyable experience at Spicy Fingers Seafood Kitchen—Asian Cuisine & Seafood Boil and recommend it to anyone looking for some delicious crawfish in Chicago.

You might also want to check out the best steak in Schaumburg.

Madison Crab House

Highlights
Affordable and delicious seafood
Friendly service
Cajun fries

Note: Only three highlights were mentioned in the given reviews.

First off, let me tell you that this place is a hidden gem! I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of their crawfish. For starters, the prices are very reasonable and won't break the bank. But don't let that fool you, because the taste is anything but cheap.

What really stood out to me was how friendly and accommodating the staff were. They made sure we had everything we needed and even gave us recommendations on what to try next time we visit. It's always great when service goes beyond just taking your order.

Now let's talk about the star of the show - their crawfish! The seasoning was spot-on and not too overpowering. It didn't take away from the natural flavors of the crawfish itself which is a sign of a good Cajun cook. And if you're looking for something to pair it with, I highly recommend trying their cajun fries which were perfectly crispy.

Overall, I had a fantastic experience at Madison Crab House and would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves seafood or simply wants to try some of the best crawfish in Chicago without breaking the bank.

You might also want to check out the best sushi in Evanston.

Buffet City/Cajun Seafood Boil

Highlights
Delicious food
Excellent service
Cool atmosphere

First off, the delicious food here is a must-try. The crawfish was cooked to perfection and served with just the right amount of spice. They also have other seafood options such as crab legs and shrimp that were equally satisfying. The best part? You can get all-you-can-eat for a reasonable price!

The excellent service is another highlight of this restaurant. The staff was attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about their menu. They even helped me navigate through the different sauce options for my crawfish.

The cool atmosphere here made my dining experience even better. The restaurant has an open kitchen where you can see the chefs busy at work, which adds to the excitement of your meal. Plus, they have flat-screen TVs showing sports games so you can enjoy your crawfish while watching your favorite team play.

Overall, Buffet City/Cajun Seafood Boil is definitely one of the best places to satisfy your crawfish cravings in Chicago. With delicious food, excellent service, and a cool atmosphere, it's worth checking out – especially if you're looking for a fun night out with friends or family!

You might also want to check out the best seafood in Naperville.

The Angry Crab Wicker Park

Highlights
Fresh seafood
Delicious sauce
Generous portions
Variety of seafood

Firstly, I was blown away by the freshness of the seafood. The crawfish were plump and juicy, leaving me wanting more with every bite. But what really set this place apart from the rest was their sauce. It was a perfect blend of spices and seasonings that left my taste buds dancing with joy.

The portions were also very generous, which is always appreciated when you're craving some delicious seafood. And it's not just crawfish they offer - there's a variety of other seafood options to choose from as well.

The atmosphere at The Angry Crab Wicker Park is lively and fun, making it a great spot for a night out with friends or family. The staff were friendly and attentive, making sure our experience was top-notch.

Overall, if you're looking for the best crawfish in Chicago, look no further than The Angry Crab Wicker Park. With its fresh seafood, delectable sauce and generous portions, it's sure to satisfy any seafood lover's cravings. So come on over to satisfy your hunger like never before!

You might also want to check out the best seafood in Schaumburg.

New Orleans Seafood Inc

Highlights
Authentic flavors
Friendly staff
Amazing boils

From the moment I walked in, I was hit with the authentic smells of Louisiana. My taste buds were already tingling with anticipation! The staff were so friendly and welcoming, which made me feel right at home.

I decided to try their crawfish boil, and let me tell you, it was an experience like no other. The seasoning was perfectly balanced, with just the right amount of heat to give my mouth a little tingle without overpowering the delicate flavors of the crawfish. Each bite was succulent and juicy, bursting with flavor that took me straight back to NOLA.

But what really blew me away were their amazing boils! They had everything from shrimp to crab legs to corn on the cob - all cooked to perfection and full of flavor. It's no wonder they've earned such high praise from locals and visitors alike.

Overall, I have nothing but great things to say about New Orleans Seafood Inc. If you're looking for an authentic taste of Louisiana in Chicago, this is definitely the place to go. Don't miss out on their amazing boils either - they're truly something special!

You might also want to check out the best seafood restaurants in Schaumburg.