Imagine, if you will, a restaurant adorned like a quaint fish shop one might find by a sun-drenched bay. Pictures of fisherman posing with their largest catch of the day adorn the walls, a subtle reminder of the journey the food takes before landing on your plate. Here, I embarked on a culinary adventure guided by the friendly and knowledgeable staff. My main course was a revelation - a white fish burger! This succulent patty, perfectly cooked, was nestled between fresh veggies and a soft bun. Accompanying this was a revelation of another kind: tater tots, delightful little fried potato morsels that proved surprisingly addictive. A special sauce, its flavor both tangy and creamy, elevated both the burger and the tots to new heights. But wait, there's more! A side of fried shrimp arrived, each piece boasting a light, tempura-like batter that yielded to the tender flesh within. Alongside them were an assortment of lightly-fried vegetables - a delightful textural and flavorful contrast. The same wondrous sauce served with the tots proved equally delightful with the shrimp and vegetables. As for my companion, they embarked on a journey of their own with a crisp, chilled wine that perfectly complemented the seafood feast before us. Everything, from the impeccably fresh ingredients to the perfectly cooked dishes, spoke of a deep respect for the ocean's bounty. The staff, ever-attentive and brimming with knowledge, ensured our exploration of American seafood was a resounding success. So, if you find yourself in Chicago with a yearning for the taste of the sea, I urge you to seek out 3rd Coast Fish Bar. It is an experience that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you yearning for more.
Shizar H.
Overall great experience. Crispy oyster po boy was delicious. And the smoked salmon dip was as well. Service was good once we were seated but definitely felt a bit unwelcome when I first walked in, staff just looked at me and no one greeted me. Other than that nice vibes. Would give five stars if not for the initial greeting and the saltine crackers
Patrick B.
First time here. Came with my boyfriend and my brother. My brother got the salmon and LOVED it. The boyfriend got the seafood po'boy. He said it was OK. I was trying to decide between three things and unfortunately chose the wrong one...the "crispy" fish and chips. Crispy in quotes since it was not at all crispy. The batter was mushy. More like leftovers you heated up in the microwave the next day. After one bite I removed all of it to eat just the fish. It wasn't firm like cod should be. It was also a bit mushy...a mealy texture. We also each ordered clam chowder which was delicious. We started with oysters which were fresh and perfect, but as the person delivered the oysters, another was right behind her delivering the entrees, and right behind her was the waitress asking how everything was. I told her we literally just got it, but also that the clam chowder hadn't come so at this point we didn't want it anymore. She returned with the soup with instructions from the kitchen she had to deliver it since it was already made. And by "made" I guess they meant ladled into a cup. Another note, the soup by itself is $8 but as an add-on to an entree was supposed to be $5 extra. It appeared on our check as $8. So make sure you check that if you add soup to your meal. I pointed this out to the waitress and she chose to remove all the soups from the bill. Sweet! The waitress through all of this was wonderful, so 5 stars to her, but otherwise just an OK experience. I do think it's worth another try though ordering something else, so I'll do that.
Girl Scout Troop 19394
Get the Protein bowl! It was absolutely delicious. From the first bite I was sold, then halfway through the bowl I had a bite that was so perfectly seasoned, lemony and tasty…it made me want to just keep eating. Bite after bite the delight continued! OMG!Vegetarian options: My protein bowl could have easily been completely vegetarian or vegan friendly and still been amazing!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cherie H.
I don't recommend. Food was meh, uncreative and unsatisfying. We waited a long time to be seated, watching numerous people who came in after us be seated first and one additional thing that bothers me is when you read the low reviews, the owner or person who responds blames the customer.
Doreen Nordman
Came here while visiting family and had a great experience, slightly loud but to be fair we came during rush hour.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Marie T.
Friendly place. I did take out. The Ceviche was good and the jambalaya was good not the best I ever had. I would go back to try other food from the menu.
Al B.
Have not been to Fish Bar in a few years, last time was just after the pandemic. Glad to see how good this place is. Had the clam chowder, it was good not the best I have had but very good. Wife and I split the fish and chips and it was fantastic. Hard to do well, and they did a great job. Great value for a very nice meal with a fantastic atmosphere and real nice service. Will go back. Don't forgot this place and make sure to leave a nice tip.
William Hanzel
The staff and food were great but they were incredibly understaffed. They had one poor woman running the entire front of house - making drinks, taking orders, busing, and handling take out. I felt so bad for her.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 5
Cat Petrescu
I would not eat here again. The oysters had no flavor and were watered down, I think they were frozen and still dethawing. The potatoes were overly fried and very hard. Unfortunately I had some of the worst tacos of my life. The whitefish was good but the mix of bad ingredients and just a sad sad soggy tortillas was not pleasant. The tacos came out full of oil and as I picked it up they immediately fell apart. Nothing was seasoned!! It was just wet and gross. The margarita for some reason was also unpleasant- I watched the more seasoned staff show/tell my waitress how to make it for the first time and no one even checked her, tasted it, nothing. $150 on this dinner and for what?? My poor fiancé was in the toilet all night after this meal. The one thing I will say was good was the clam chowder it was delicious nothing else.
I legit loved this place. Every dish was awesome. Oysters , soup, fried shrimp, and a fantastic seafood pasta.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tom Barnard
Really nice people. Po boys are very different than what you have consumed in NOLA. 2 oysters?
Rafal
Lobster sandwich is usually standard everywhere. This one was not. The mayo was overpowering, would recommend asking it on the side. Salad was seasoned well and overall very happy!
Jim Lai
Had a great late
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
AmyD
Friendly staff, superb service, really good food. The crab bisque is one of the best I've had. More of a broth than a cream soup with the addition of rice. My only complaint is there aren't many big tables. Their tables for two are too small.
Imagine, if you will, a restaurant adorned like a quaint fish shop one might find by a sun-drenched bay. Pictures of fisherman posing with their largest catch of the day adorn the walls, a subtle reminder of the journey the food takes before landing on your plate. Here, I embarked on a culinary adventure guided by the friendly and knowledgeable staff. My main course was a revelation - a white fish burger! This succulent patty, perfectly cooked, was nestled between fresh veggies and a soft bun. Accompanying this was a revelation of another kind: tater tots, delightful little fried potato morsels that proved surprisingly addictive. A special sauce, its flavor both tangy and creamy, elevated both the burger and the tots to new heights. But wait, there's more! A side of fried shrimp arrived, each piece boasting a light, tempura-like batter that yielded to the tender flesh within. Alongside them were an assortment of lightly-fried vegetables - a delightful textural and flavorful contrast. The same wondrous sauce served with the tots proved equally delightful with the shrimp and vegetables. As for my companion, they embarked on a journey of their own with a crisp, chilled wine that perfectly complemented the seafood feast before us. Everything, from the impeccably fresh ingredients to the perfectly cooked dishes, spoke of a deep respect for the ocean's bounty. The staff, ever-attentive and brimming with knowledge, ensured our exploration of American seafood was a resounding success. So, if you find yourself in Chicago with a yearning for the taste of the sea, I urge you to seek out 3rd Coast Fish Bar. It is an experience that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you yearning for more.
Overall great experience. Crispy oyster po boy was delicious. And the smoked salmon dip was as well. Service was good once we were seated but definitely felt a bit unwelcome when I first walked in, staff just looked at me and no one greeted me. Other than that nice vibes. Would give five stars if not for the initial greeting and the saltine crackers
First time here. Came with my boyfriend and my brother. My brother got the salmon and LOVED it. The boyfriend got the seafood po'boy. He said it was OK. I was trying to decide between three things and unfortunately chose the wrong one...the "crispy" fish and chips. Crispy in quotes since it was not at all crispy. The batter was mushy. More like leftovers you heated up in the microwave the next day. After one bite I removed all of it to eat just the fish. It wasn't firm like cod should be. It was also a bit mushy...a mealy texture. We also each ordered clam chowder which was delicious. We started with oysters which were fresh and perfect, but as the person delivered the oysters, another was right behind her delivering the entrees, and right behind her was the waitress asking how everything was. I told her we literally just got it, but also that the clam chowder hadn't come so at this point we didn't want it anymore. She returned with the soup with instructions from the kitchen she had to deliver it since it was already made. And by "made" I guess they meant ladled into a cup. Another note, the soup by itself is $8 but as an add-on to an entree was supposed to be $5 extra. It appeared on our check as $8. So make sure you check that if you add soup to your meal. I pointed this out to the waitress and she chose to remove all the soups from the bill. Sweet! The waitress through all of this was wonderful, so 5 stars to her, but otherwise just an OK experience. I do think it's worth another try though ordering something else, so I'll do that.
Get the Protein bowl! It was absolutely delicious. From the first bite I was sold, then halfway through the bowl I had a bite that was so perfectly seasoned, lemony and tasty…it made me want to just keep eating. Bite after bite the delight continued! OMG!Vegetarian options: My protein bowl could have easily been completely vegetarian or vegan friendly and still been amazing!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I don't recommend. Food was meh, uncreative and unsatisfying. We waited a long time to be seated, watching numerous people who came in after us be seated first and one additional thing that bothers me is when you read the low reviews, the owner or person who responds blames the customer.
Came here while visiting family and had a great experience, slightly loud but to be fair we came during rush hour.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Friendly place. I did take out. The Ceviche was good and the jambalaya was good not the best I ever had. I would go back to try other food from the menu.
Have not been to Fish Bar in a few years, last time was just after the pandemic. Glad to see how good this place is. Had the clam chowder, it was good not the best I have had but very good. Wife and I split the fish and chips and it was fantastic. Hard to do well, and they did a great job. Great value for a very nice meal with a fantastic atmosphere and real nice service. Will go back. Don't forgot this place and make sure to leave a nice tip.
The staff and food were great but they were incredibly understaffed. They had one poor woman running the entire front of house - making drinks, taking orders, busing, and handling take out. I felt so bad for her.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 5
I would not eat here again. The oysters had no flavor and were watered down, I think they were frozen and still dethawing. The potatoes were overly fried and very hard. Unfortunately I had some of the worst tacos of my life. The whitefish was good but the mix of bad ingredients and just a sad sad soggy tortillas was not pleasant. The tacos came out full of oil and as I picked it up they immediately fell apart. Nothing was seasoned!! It was just wet and gross. The margarita for some reason was also unpleasant- I watched the more seasoned staff show/tell my waitress how to make it for the first time and no one even checked her, tasted it, nothing. $150 on this dinner and for what?? My poor fiancé was in the toilet all night after this meal. The one thing I will say was good was the clam chowder it was delicious nothing else.
Food: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
I legit loved this place. Every dish was awesome. Oysters , soup, fried shrimp, and a fantastic seafood pasta.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Really nice people. Po boys are very different than what you have consumed in NOLA. 2 oysters?
Lobster sandwich is usually standard everywhere. This one was not. The mayo was overpowering, would recommend asking it on the side. Salad was seasoned well and overall very happy!
Had a great late
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Friendly staff, superb service, really good food. The crab bisque is one of the best I've had. More of a broth than a cream soup with the addition of rice. My only complaint is there aren't many big tables. Their tables for two are too small.