One of my favorite restaurants ever! As a couple, we just walk in and pull up at the communal table or the bar, knock down some drinks and demolish some oysters. The sliders are amazing, solid (albeit small) beer selection and The Waitlist is delicious (my wife's favorite.
(5)
CJ G.
Food was great, drinks were wonderful. Service was fantastic. Our bartender, Kristen, was awesome. Good conversation, and suggestions. If we lived in this town we would be regulars
(5)
Kathryn R.
I loved this place. We had a 9:45pm reservation on a Friday night but walked in to sit at the bar around 9:15pm. The service was impeccable, we had a lovely waitress who was so friendly and spot on with her oyster recommendations. The oysters change nightly, so make sure to ask, we tried 3 different ones, the sauce that you can put on them was so refreshing and the oysters were clearly just off the boat. After that we had the tuna poke, again very fresh and light. Finished up with the fish tacos (comes with 3 but we got 4), they were actually the best thing we had, the fish was tender and there was a little crunch on top (I got a side of the avocado mouse to add to it.. yumm). For dessert we split the key lime pie and got vanilla ice cream instead of the ginger. All around great meal, cool atmosphere and awesome staff.
GT lives up to its reputation and then some. An amazing meal during restaurant week. The food was superb, (of course the fish was fresh and beautiful to see, but the deserts were outstanding, too.). My group tried every choice and no one could decide which was best for each course. Giuseppe Tentori, the chef/partner extraordinaire was charming and definitely making sure all was running smoothly. His staff is first rate and subtlety present and efficient. My only complaint was that our car took a little bit longer than it perhaps should have from the valet.
(5)
LaurenSerena K.
We loved the oysters. I liked the octopus, but the fish and chips were just ok. Way over priced for the food, but great atmosphere. It was disappointing every whiskey we asked for was out.
(3)
Jordan E.
This place is one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago and a go-to when I have friends visiting. It is fairly easy to get a reservation, even for larger groups. Their food is amazing and the staff has always been friendly. The fish tacos are my favorite in the city! I have been to GT's for small intimate dinners, large corporate dinners, and brunch. The corporate dinner was a huge success. The space downstairs is very cool! It is decorated like an old ship and can fit around 30 people seated. The service was awesome and they helped me put together a menu to fit everyone's needs. They also provided multiple options for anyone with dietary restrictions. My only recommendation is to start offering their full lunch menu during brunch! I was craving the fish tacos one morning and was unable to order them.
(5)
Mindy B.
The service and the food was outstanding. I was impressed completely by absolutely everything and everyone there. Thanks for a great evening, I'll be back.
(5)
Fakhar K.
We had a solid time here. Came around 5pm on a Sunday night. Seated alright away. Very good waiter who was able to describe the differences between the oysters on the menu. This is a small plates restaurant so you need 4-5 dishes for two people. We ordered the octopus, fish tacos (no pork per my preference), fish and chips, lobster Mac and cheese. We also got a couple of oysters. The good is brought out very timely. I think most people who had a bad experience here was because of lost reservations or having to wait a while. That's probably because this place is awesome and things get busy. Will recommend highly to others.
(4)
Andrew B.
Well-shucked oysters, great variety, decent presentation, tasty if not world-beating accompanying sauces. Dinged by disappointing shrimp & foie gras terrine, so-so ceviche, so-so cocktail. Very busy on a Wednesday at 6:30 PM, stayed packed when we left almost two hours later. Rather louder than expected (sitting at bar). Valet parking was parking some very expensive vehicles outside the door, but the atmosphere inside wasn't overly snooty. Some after-work business crowd, some after-work happy hour crowd, a few casual dressers but mostly business-dressy or date-dressy.
(4)
Chris G.
Absolutely one of the best gnocchi dishes to be had. Seriously. GT's basil gnocchi with delicate bits of lobster and well-seasoned mussels certainly would allow the chef to walk out in the middle of ground zero in Chicago at Madison and State during rush hour and justifiably pat him or herself on the back, if they so desired. I didn't catch what the fish batter-crumbly parts were but they provided a great texture balance to the almost-too-buttery spinach-green gnocchi pieces that would be edible, fluffy clouds in another lifetime. This of course was supposed to be our supplemental tapas style lunch pick to go with the succulent and pudgy lobster roll with french onions, but it upstaged and definitely stole the show. All of this was great with a glass of cold Cava. While the dining room feels a bit like sitting in a would-be cafe portion of an Aromatherapy boutique location with splashes of the old Carson Pirie Scott in intense daylight, I would imagine that it's a much more suitable space after dark. We soon forgot about that as the key lime pie served in a small mason jar with crumbled ginger snaps and the lightest meringue came to the table. The lime was very intense and coupled with the ginger snap took on a pleasant lick of a rusty, outdoor handrail of an old leather club, but in a wonderful culinary way. The ginger should have been much more intense to match the complex taste of the lime, but we understand that most people would find that *too* intense. It's just that we didn't mind goin' cruisin' for a bruisin' after they started the whole thing with their smarmy, domineering key lime flavor. :)
(4)
Jennie C.
Super-fresh oysters, and the grilled eel appetizer was amazing: the eel soft and fatty, and the cubes of potato & celery provide a fresh-counterpoint to the rich eel. There were also tender pieces of octopus in the dish. I'd order this again. Crabcake was beautiful to look at, and I liked the dill, which gave it some character and elevated it from your run-of-the mill crabcakes. Only disappointment was fish 'n' chips, which was very bland. I'm definitely up for returning and trying more dishes!
I took my boyfriend here for his birthday dinner - needless to say we were above and beyond impressed with the meal and our service. We selected the Clos Cibonne Rose, which paired perfectly with every dish we ordered. We started with oysters (amazingly fresh), then had the smoked platter, the crab legs (steamed), and the mussels. Everything had incredible flavors and exceeded our expectations. We cannot wait to return!
(5)
Cate S.
Great service. The food came out quickly and was delicious. The shrimp bruschetta was our favorite meal.
(4)
Alan M.
This was my third trip to GT and it never disappoints. Great food and staff.
(5)
Amanda Z.
I went here for my Dad's 60th birthday dinner with my family and was so impressed with the service, food, and atmosphere. Standouts...you MUST try the Oyster Po Boy Sliders. They are the perfect combination of savory, crunchy, salty, and satisfying. We ordered another round after we were full because they were that good. Oysters were delicious, so was the Tuna Poke and Sunfish Ceviche. I could have done without the Fish Tacos....they weren't very exciting and there are many other out of the box items on the menu. The mussels were also delicious...my only complaint was you needed more bread to soak up the delicious gravy. We loved our waiter and mentioned my parents were from out of town and they ended up giving us a free dessert and a gift card to come back on their next visit in town. Talk about customer service! They just made a customer for life.
(5)
Sarah R.
Really loved this place! Fresh and delicious seafood. Great atmosphere. Really helpful and engaging service.
(5)
Ania W.
Had oysters here for the first time. Great experience!!
(4)
Mel A.
Went here last night for restaurant week. LOVED the oysters we ordered. Seriously. So good. I'd go back just for them. My favorite out of the Restaurant Week dishes was the Clam Chowder, which some people seemed to have not liked per the reviews (I checked before I went here). Listen guys, the chowder was great. Yes, it wasn't as thick as other chowders but not all chowders have to be thick with starch and flour. I loved the slight spiciness of it too. Anyway, the menu for restaurant week was great, and the staff was super friendly and attentive. YES, disclaimer: the portions are smaller (they are supposed to be), but if you want a giant trough of food, then go to Cheesecake Factory instead.
(4)
Sarah L.
Grabbing a seat at the bar makes for the perfect Friday night, cheers!
(4)
John H.
Great food and service in an engaging atmosphere. There were 4 of us so we had many items across the menu and each one was excellent. Very fresh and nicely plated. Even the desserts were great. Fairly priced for what you get. I recommend highly. Fit for foodies and all.
(4)
Betsy P.
Woohoo! Yes, late night at its best. Can I hear a What What. Everytime I go out to dinner especially the city, I always turn to Yelp to help me make a delicious choice. I thank all of the Yelpers out there, because this place was awesome. I'm a foodie and having worked in the restaurant industry, food, service and ambiance are important. When it came to service, our female server was the best. Made recommendations and was very accommodating. Food was outstanding. My friend had the Clam Chowder and he said it was light, and packed with flavor. We tried the Fish Tacos - AAAAAMMMAAAAZING! Crabcakes & GT Crudos delcious. Looking for a place to eat, especially late at night. Head on down to GT Fish & Oyster. They will not disappoint.
(5)
Elise P.
Everything here is so delicious. I'd come here every night if it was normal behavior. The drinks at the bar are also excellent. They know how to make a real cocktail. This is a fun place to come on a weekend and order dinner at the bar. It's always packed, and I can understand why.
(5)
Brooke A.
We came here for an office dinner while the CEO was in town. This was my first experience with Tapas seafood. It was amazing! We ordered just about everything off the menu to share. We didn't have one bad dish. From the fish tacos to the lobster rolls, everything was bursting with flavor. I can't say enough about the lobster macaroni...Delicious! It got a bit loud towards the end of the night, but that it usually normal for most hot spots downtown. I would definitely recommend this place for a great group dining experience!
(5)
Ali S.
This is currently my favorite place to have high-quality seafood in Chicago. As soon as I walked in, I could tell this is a really classy and hip place. The ambiance is wonderful and the restaurant is designed so well. You also see a lot of young professionals and couples eating there. I went on a Tuesday the first time, so I was seated right away. The second time was on a weekend, so I had to get a seat at the bar. This place is packed on the weekends, so make a reservation because average wait times are 1-2 hours. I was absolutely amazed by the dishes presented to me. This is the type of restaurant you go to if you want to enjoy the flavors and textures presented to you. I thought the food was filling, but for others that might not be the case. The first time I went I had the fish & chips; it was unlike any fish & chips I've had before. The fish was perfectly cooked, very light and flaky, and the crispy batter complemented the fish well. They give you a grilled lemon on the side, which gives you a smoky lemon flavor to add to the fish. The "chips" were very delicious potato wedges, they were seasoned really well and had a spicy kick to them. The dish was served with a variety of house-made sauces, malt vinegar, and tartar sauce. Overall, I highly recommend the fish & chips. The dish was $13 and it's definitely worth it. The second time I went, I had the seafood platter, which was $50 and serves two people. It was indescribably delicious and artfully presented. You could tell the oysters, clams, mussels, crab, lobster, and shrimp are really high quality and prepared well. It came with seaweed salad and a variety of sauces, ranging from spicy to sweet. The service was great, my waitress was friendly and took the time to explain the dishes. Overall, I really love this place and will definitely come here again.
(5)
Carolyn M.
Have been here for dinner a few times, and a couple times for Sunday brunch. Food never disappoints, and the cocktails are amazing. Interesting spins on classic dishes. Biscuits and lobster gravy was great, added a second poached egg because, well, has it ever been wrong to add another poached egg to anything? Oysters are always, always, always fresh. Chicken and waffles....yeah, sinful perfection. Lobster roll...same, and just try to not eat all those crispy straws. Amazes me how different the experience is for brunch vs dinner, and hitting all the right notes for both occasions. Service is always spot on. Great atmosphere, one of my favorite spots.
(5)
Harry L.
Great place, great oysters too (not to be confused with oyster stew, but they do serve clam chowder) This is one of the few places in town where I can go and be sure that I'm going to get good oysters. All of the food I have tried is really good and high quality. The tab can add up here -it's easy to put away a couple dozen oysters -but the quality still makes it a good value for the money.
(5)
Roger A.
Found GT as I searched for a place to eat while we stayed in Chicago. Tapas style eating Shrimp bruschetta - delicious Oyster po'boy sliders - brought back memories of Nola. Fish tacos - some of the best I've ever had Lobster roll - melts in your mouth Octopus -
(5)
Kori E.
Came back again on Friday night and had another wonderful experience. I ordered the Clam Bake again, because its that delicious, and once again it did not disappoint. We ordered 6 oysters and they were probably the tastiest oysters I've had all summer. The mac n cheese was probably the least favorite of what we ordered, but dont get me wrong, its still good. Everything is executed so well here from the food to the service. This is probably one of my top fave restaurants in Chicago...
(5)
Sunshine C.
A-OK... sounds about right. Me and the person I ate with ordered 6 dishes in total and only 1 wow-ed me, 2 were good, and the other 3 were ehhh. I do suggest that you try the GT crudos and the crab cake. I would, however, ask you to pass on the octopus and prawn (oh goodness, especially the prawn). The prawn had a funky taste to it and the octopus was a bit too oily for me. But again... not great but A-OK.
(3)
Jon L.
Fantastic brunch spot. Good drinks, great service, and an inventive menu. Fried oyster slider with kimchi and sesame aioli was a highlight.
(4)
Elisa F.
The place has a great atmosphere nice decor. When we arrived for our reservation they said we had to wait a few minutes bc we had 5 people vs 4 from the res. 45 minutes later they sat us at a 4 top table with a chair pulled up - I was less than impressed. Overall it was okay. The portions are small and pricey so it's not a good place for dinner. I would suggest only going for drinks and a snack at the most.
(2)
Steve V.
Best Brunch that we have had anywhere. The duck chilaquiles were perfect.
(5)
Amy D.
Bottom line: Variety of fresh oysters for your choosing. Time: Early dinner around 6:45PM Occasion: Friend came to visit. Party of 3. Service: Attentive. - Knowledgeable. - Good recommendations from our server. Food: Fresh. - Their oyster selections is fresh. - Seafood options were all very tasty. - My favorite was the clam bake. Big enough to share, this pot of delicious goodness was filled with various seafood. Best part of it all was soaking up the wine sauce with the bread. Only wish they gave us more bread! - Dessert: CARROT CAKE!!! Still thinking about it.
(5)
Jennifer N.
Dropped in on a Sunday afternoon to a near empty restaurant to be told that they were all booked up and that the bar was open. We were fine with sitting at the bar. The bartender/server seemed a bit aloof but that was okay just seemed off for such well reviewed restaurant - maybe it was the way we were dressed? Ordered: tuna poke, oyster slider, lobster roll, fish and chips, gnocchi, couple of beers The lobster roll was very good. The oyster slider was okay - we kept thinking good bread so that probably means we missed the point of the filling. Tuna poke had "not red" tuna which called into question the freshness. The fish and chips were greasy - the fish fell apart when I picked it up, then I had to peel away all the oily crust; the "chips" were potato wedges - not much to comment (didn't eat them after first bite). So we then ordered the gnocchi which actually called into question all our years of dining. Why is this gnocchi firm/hard? It was not crunchy but it was not pillowy - it was like biting into a piece of broiled potato mixed in a green sauce and little chunks of shrimp and mussel. My palate just told me it was the wrong texture. Maybe it was off night - I don't know.
(2)
Nick L.
Best clam chowder I've ever had!!! And the lobster roll was great. It was a little expensive, but worth it. I'd go back.
(5)
Alicia K.
I came here last Friday for a birthday dinner in the Whale Room - a hidden chamber in the basement of GT Fish & Oyster. It had a really great rustic/seafarer decor, with wood-paneled walls all around. There were about 20 people in the party. The menu was prix fixe and looked excellent - though because I am preggers was unable to have most of the items as it was raw seafood. My husband said that the raw oysters were phenomenal, as was the tuna poke and ceviche. Also on the menu were oyster po 'boys. I was a little bit peeved with the fact that my separate dinner was, for all intents and purposes, vegan - even though I didn't ask for that. My only request was no shellfish and everything cooked well-done. I feel that they should've done a better job accommodating people with DIFFERENT TYPES of dietary restrictions - especially in a private dining setting. That is the one thing that I was really annoyed about; every diner with dietary restrictions was basically given a vegan meal. And when I walked in to ask the server what would be on my menu, there were no notes. The chef was going to come up with something on the fly. Definitely an area that needs improvement. Overall, the food was delicious and I cannot complain at all about the freshness/quality of ingredients. I would definitely go back, but probably would be wary to host a private event there.
(3)
Linda T.
OMG salted caramel tart=the bestest and most delicious thing ever! butter crispy crust with thick caramel, crunchy saltiness, topped with chunks of banana and creme fraise to make it all light and airy! i can eat 10 of those!! sticky toffee pudding was good as well. soft fluffy cake with sticky toffee, pecans and dates that were a bit tart. YUM! i believe the pastry chef brought out our desserts and described it to us...very pro! friend and I were in scrubs...totally not dressed for this romantic, classy place...but no one gave us the "look!" have not tried the food/oysters..but desserts definitely won me over!
(5)
Nichole F.
My husband and I went here for restaurant week this week. It was our first time here and you better believe that we will be back! The look inside is very cool with these sweet looking lights everywhere. It is also a lot bigger than you think when you first walk in. For our first course, we both had the clam chowder. It was so delicious! Seriously the meatish clam chowder that I have ever had. It had a little bit of a kick to it too, which I loved! The second course that I had was the mahi which was very good, however, when I had bite of my husband's lobster sandwich, I demanded that we split our entrees! Oh man! I don't think my words can describe how delicious that lobster sandwich was. I want another right now! For dessert, I had a lemon coconut thing....amazing!! It was something that I would never order, but I enjoyed it so much!! My husband had chocolate cake with peanut butter. I don't love peanut butter on desserts, but this was really good too! Our waiter, Juan, was awesome! I loved this place and was so impressed! We are going back!
(5)
Michael U.
I arrived to GTF&O minutes prior to my confirmed reservation and with both the patio and the dining room busy but not jammed packed I was greeted by the hostess and quickly led to a table on the cusp on the patio but out of the sun - a prime spot save for the fact that waiters seemed incapable of avoiding my chair as they carried plates in and out the door and after sitting for a few moments one of these servers approached-a man named Kevin who quite liked the phrases 'my friend' and 'bro' when addressing both my table and the one next to me. With the menu already present on the table before Kevin arrived he asked if I would like a cocktail and on declining he persisted in suggesting I take a look at the list to see if anything changed my mind...which it did not. Left to my decisions for the better part of fifteen minutes despite knowing what I wanted within a couple I spent some time perusing the scene-a vivacious bar crowd even at lunch indulging in a large platter of iced oysters, dark wood floors, ivory wood walls plus obvious nautical influences largely dominating my view then and later replaced by a large party of eight at the banquet next to me. A pleasant space overall and bathed in natural light I have to admit I was surprised that the restaurant was rather quiet, but seeing it at only half-capacity I imagine the nighttime scene is quite different. When Kevin finally returned I inquired about a couple of items failing to list the specific fish utilized and with the explanation that this changes depending on what is fresh I made my choices-3 savories and a sweet-while sticking with water as my beverage of choice, and with no bread service it would be perhaps fifteen to twenty minutes before the Clam Chowder with Neuske's Bacon and House Made Oyster Crackers arrived in a flip-top jar. Certainly not GT's most adventurous option but amongst the most celebrated I quickly took a bite and despite it being a bit too hot I was impressed, the creamy potage wowing with a smooth and buttery body, tender clams balanced by ample potatoes, and a smoky note that perfumed the palate. Generally not one to use crackers in soup but intrigued by the "house made" connotation I'll additionally note that while I'd have simply preferred some table bread to go with the soup the rosemary tinged brioche nuggets were quite good, though really unnecessary as the soup was quite textural even without. At this point with an empty water glass as back-waiters seemed clueless and Kevin had disappeared my empty bowl was collected after perhaps ten minutes and with my water then refilled I would wait...and wait...and wait for nearly thirty minutes before I flagged down a young lady and asked what was going on - an answer I never received, but to my best guess was either a computer or service glitch that led to my subsequent dishes never being prepared; a situation that was rectified with only a "sorry about that" after a nearly forty-five minute gap between appetizer and my 2-dish main course that the kitchen felt compelled to serve simultaneously despite both dishes being warm. Beginning first with the Rock Fish Tacos with Garlic Marinade, Chipotle Aioli, and Chicharron I was served two of Tentori's house made hot sauces - smolder and burn-which Kevin suggested I add a 'dash' of if the tacos weren't spicy enough. Generally not a fan of too much heat and wanting to taste the tacos at face value first I picked up one of the doubled soft corn tortillas and, well, generally not being a fan of bland-but-briny I ended up with more than a dash of sauce on each subsequent bite which helped to smooth out the salinity of the chicharron but did little to help the under-portioned dry fish. Faring better than the tacos, another dish that has become sort of a GTF&O signature was the GT Lobster Mac and Cheese with English Peas, a shallow but indulgent bowl of tender orechiette loaded with buttery nuggets of lobster and a twist of lime bathed in breadcrumbs and a blend of well balanced cheeses. An excellent dish already I'm rather uncertain as to what inspired Tentori and team to add the tender early season peas to the dish, but adding a splash of color and a touch of sweet it was a lovely choice. At this point quite full and a tad miffed at the lackluster service but committed to trying dessert as the menu contained one of my very favorite options I was offered coffee, which I declined, and nearly 115 minutes after walking through the doors the "Date Cake with Rum Toffee Sauce, Pecans, and Crème Fraiche" arrived to slightly mixed feelings. Beginning first with the good-if you like sticky toffee pudding or sweet desserts in general there is no denying that this steamed round was exemplary; a lovely sponge rife with fibrous dates and saturated with boozy toffee sauce as the crunchy pecans served as both a textural foil and a slightly bitter balance. Moving on to the not so good-the quenelle of Crème Fraiche...far to sour, far to much.
(3)
Justin O.
Tried GT during restaurant week. The claim chowder and lobster sandwich were both great. The interior is pretty cool as well. I would go back.
(4)
Shivika J.
Although the portion is small, the clam chowder was amazing!
(4)
Stephanie L.
AHHHHHHHH, swing and a miss. So went here on Saturday night when it was BEAUTIFUL in Chicago. We were able to snag a table outside without a reservation. Nice. However, like many others mentioned, the gaggle of hostesses at the front is intimidating. I was kind of confused at the crowd standing there. The patio was great people watching. Service was good. Our girl was helpful in suggesting wines and dishes. Also, they were really on top of water, wine, and clearing the plates. Food was meh to A-OK. We had the oyster sliders. These were probably our favorite. However, I have to say, it was a fried little mess. How could it be bad? Next up, the lobster roll. While it was good, it wasnt anything special and definitely A-OK for the price. There wasnt any special flavor on it. It kind of reminded me of deli lobster salad?? The fish tacos had a pretty good flavor, although because of the corn tortilla, they tasted dry. I am not a fan of corn tortillas so that kind of took away from the dish. Lastly, we had the mussels. Again, they were just OK. I really like white sauce when it comes to mussels so these just didnt do it for me. There was just something missing in the creamy, red sauce. The salted caramel tart dessert was pretty good and we had a side of ice cream. YUM! Roll it all up and drop $300 for two after wine, plates, dessert and tip=not really worth it. I would have rather went somewhere else for that price. Its definitely pricey and nothing too exciting. I think one time here is enough for me. I just didnt think it was worth the price tag in all honesty. It was A-OK. It might be that I had high expectations because this has been on my short list for awhile now??
(3)
Lorena P.
They boil the shell fish and seafood alive that's horrifying. I will never go back. But here is my review: The service is absolutely excellent! Which is most important to me. The Mac and cheese was creamy but nothing special, a little bland, also the noodles were not al dente they were soggy. I also had soba noodles they were magnificent, super heaven on a plate! The salad was good. Cheese cake was just ok my husband didn't like it because it was too much chocolate gnash. The wine and drink selection is amazing. The decor is beautiful, the bathroom was a little sad. So service excellent, food ok.
(3)
Fredric S.
Tonight's dinner may have been one of my best ever. Based on the Yelp reviews, my SO and I took the cab ride from The Blake to eat at GT. Thanks to Derrick, the meal and the service were memorable. We started with a smattering of oysters on the half shell (fantastic) and moved in to the best chowder I have ever tasted. On Derrick's suggestion we shared the grilled octopus, fish tacos and (as a gift from the Kitchen who mistakenly made an extra) scallops with Lobster cannoli. Each dish had its own complex flavors (such as the roasted corn, seaweed and miso aioli with the octopus) which worked incredibly well together. The salted caramel tart to end the meal was amazing. An excellent meal at a very affordable price.
(5)
Steven L.
I am a little torn about my review due to the food versus the staff. I went have lunch here today and as soon as I walked in, I felt I caught everyone off guard. Then, the hosted acted a bit smug about me not having a reservation, which throughout my meal proved to be a moot point since I was one of two tables in attendance. Then she suggested I sit at the bar due to my solo visit, however, I asked for a booth, which also seemed to be a burden but satisfied my request nonetheless. I ordered the lobster roll, which was quite good, although much smaller than the lobster roll, I had a Chicago Cut but it was far superior in flavor and presentation. It also was $9 cheaper but I think it is worth it even though it is much less food to devourer. Where things got bad for me was the busboy and the food, water, and flatware station positioned in the center of the room. This employee proceeded to cough relentlessly without covering his month while cleaning and preparing flatware in napkins. In addition to the germs he is putting on the silverware, he was positioned right above four carafes of water that were sans tops. I found this to be disgusting and refused their several attempts to refill my water from the same germ infested carafes. If you want to be high-end and smug, then act accordingly and teach your staff to mind their P's & Q's. I do not think I will be back.
(2)
Adam G.
We went to GT for brunch. Sat at the bar and had good, attentive service from the bartenders. Everything was fine. We had the lobster roll which was filled with nice meaty chunks. The crab Benedict was a tad bit bland. We like GT, but the dinner menu is much better than the brunch.
(3)
Jeremy A.
Went there for the first time on our last trip to Chicago. Loved all of it -- food, service, and setting. Service was friendly, attentive, and super-sensitive to my son's allergies. Food was delicious. We appreciated the small-servings approach, which encouraged us to share plates. Well worth doing, because it was all so good. We enjoyed oysters, shrimp bruschetta, lobster roll, lobster mac & cheese, and I forget what else. We'll gladly go back.
(5)
Coleman B.
Well first and foremost the oysters are great. Really delicious, interesting and well described flavors by our server. The drinks were also pretty good. Its definitely a pricey place to eat and is very very difficult to get a table here. We sat at the bar, which wasn't unpleasant but I felt like they kept looking at us to give up our seats. Like are you done yet? otherwise one of my favorite dishes was the cold soba noodles. Wasn't too crazy about the squash blossoms, and everything else in between was very enjoyable. I would definitely like to come back here to explore a bit more on the menu (I just have to save up for it). Haha kidding, as if money was ever a problem.... :(
(4)
Diane M.
GT Fish & Oyster is a very cool-looking restaurant. Very hip and trendy. The menu is impossible to read! Even with reading glasses, a spotlight lamp above the table and a flashlight. Terrible menu. However, once you finally figure out how to place an order, the food is all amazing. The oysters were good. The tuna poke was great. I would not recommend the gnocchi -- the smoked salmon was not a good flavor to add to it. The best thing about this restaurant -- the service. Emily was our server and she was fabulous -- she answered every question and knew everything about the menu. There was constant attention to our table -- so much so, that it seems almost like too much. We would barely eat the last crumb and the plates were swept away. It was a little too quick, if that makes sense. I still would return here. Great vibe.
(4)
FatmanStan F.
Really nice layout, love the subway tile floors, lots of light. Very chic modern but slightly rustic decor. Friendly staff from the hostesses to the bar tenders and servers. I had the kimchi oyster mini slider, VERY good, I think I had three. We also got a half dozen oysters, 2 of 3 different varieties. I thought they were very good and the mignonettes were very good too. They don't do happy hour menus, so the prices kind of are what they are, and in all fairness it's fresh oysters in the middle of the country, so you can't complain too much. I would definitely come back here. Oh and they had a VERY impressive wall of bourbon, albeit I did not try it that day.
(4)
Heather D.
Delicious good in relaxed but fun atmosphere. We were told 2-3 small plates per person, but this proved to be way too much good. I'd start with one per person plus an extra. If they come with three prices they will prorate a fourth if you are with a party if 4.
(4)
Just Y.
Where the heck is the front door? Well, no problems finding the bar seating for this brunch. And boy were we happy we did. Delish. Three words - Smoked Whitefish Quiche. Great flavor, great texture, good serving size. It caused a bit too many fork fights with my dining companion, but worth it. Other side of the order had the Bagel and House Cured Lox, which had really nice seasoning and great salmon, but I wanted something a little more traditional than crème fraîche. Certainly not a show stopper, but I might explore the menu a bit more on my next visit. Great service as well - Always nice to see a bartender/server that knows when someone will want the holy triangle of morning drinks: coffee, OJ, and a Bloody Mary, and understands the correct order to get them to you.
(4)
Kristin L.
Came here for brunch and ordered oysters immediately. One was better than the next! My boyfriend ordered the fried chicken and waffles, also fabulous! My only complaint is that the "brunch" menu was really only breakfast, with the exception of the lobster roll. I wished they had a few more lunch items on the menu, as our reservation was 1:30pm.
(4)
Jenna L.
I really enjoyed the chilaquiles and monkey bread here for brunch! Paired with a bloody mary, it was perfect! The service and ambiance were wonderful - feels like a Pottery Barn store. I recommend going after 11am for brunch, it's a bit empty before then.
(4)
Christy L.
Delicious! My friend and I arrived at 6:30 on a Saturday night in the hopes of getting seated at the communal table. We scored! It, however, was the Saturday before Easter and downtown, in general, was less crowded than normal. I'm not sure we'd have been so lucky during a non-holiday weekend. My friend started with a round of oysters; I passed as the slimy texture does nothing for me. She said they were tasty. We then shared the Tuna Poke, Oyster Po'Boy Sliders, Mini Lobster Roll, and Lobster Mac and Cheese. All were delicious, but our favorite was the Oyster Po'Boys followed closely by the Tuna Poke and Lobster Roll. The Mac and Cheese was still good - the lobster within the dish was generous, and the sauce not heavy at all (like an Alfredo) - just not as good as the rest. Our waiter told us the Oyster Po'Boys were featured as one of the top 10 dishes in the country, and I believe it. They were AMAZING! For dessert, we had the Deconstructed Key Lime Pie and the Salted Caramel Tart. The Key Lime Pie won hand's down! Be sure to save room for it. I love salted caramel, but the salt in the tart could have been stronger. Service was excellent, and the food, given where the restaurant is located, was reasonably priced. I am already looking forward to my next visit to GT Fish & Oyster!
(5)
Sherry F.
Great loungy/upscale place. Definitely pricey - but great once in a while. I've had better everything I ate but I would recommend this place easy. Oysters = great Tuna poke = tuna was fresh, but standard, nothing too exciting Shrimp Bruschetta = delicious! We had to order it again, small bites but great flavors Crab cake = good, but could have used more crab and less "cake" Overall a great and fun time! If you're hungry, be prepared to spend as the portions are very small (1-3 bites) and priced from 15-25.
(4)
Andi W.
My favorite restaurant in Chicago! So yum!!! Loveeee the lobster roll and clam chowder... Hands down best clam chowder I've ever had...! And they have great cocktail too! A must-visit when you are in Chicago!
(5)
Chet M.
Heard a lot of good buzz when GT Oyster first opened and was exicited to see if Chicago finally got a serious seafood joint to rival those on the east and west coasts. Well, I finally got a chance to check them out during lunch and I'm sorry to report that we still do not have a contender. Not even close. I sat at the bar and observed the action and food coming out of the kitchen. Here's why: 1) No soft shell type Ipswhich belly clams on menu, like in Cape Ann. 2) No clams served on the half shell, like in Georgetown. 3) Fish & chips were about the size of 3 trick or treat Baby Ruth candy bars, not like the Pacific cod planks the size of a slipper in Big Sur. 4) A helping of clam chowder was a little larger than a sample at Costco. You could get unlimited samples this size on the wharf in Monterrey. 5) Oysters at $2.50 each with a min. of 6 to place order? Why not say min. of 3 beers, min. 4 sashimi, min. 2 filet mignon, etc. while at it? 6) The crab cakes are about the size of a marsmallow, not the size of your fist, like what you'd get in Baltimore. If they would only let the people eat, they might get a couple more stars. Can't fool this well traveled tongue. Seriously, I'd feel better spending my $$ at Lawrence Fisheries or Long John Silvers!
(2)
Asma M.
Made a reservation for 9:30 on a Friday, showed up early and were still seated 30+ minutes later. Not a huge deal other than the fact that I was starving, who eats dinner at 10? -- We aren't in NY. But they comped us the ceviche app which good but could have used more lime and salt. We also sampled 4 types of oysters, all were fabulous! We then had the octopus, tuna poke which were pretty good and the soft shell crab which was very very good. We ended with the salted caramel tart, im not a big dessert fan but it was amazing! I'll go back but probably for brunch, lunch, or a light late night meal. Bill for two people and drinks about $185.
(4)
Linda P.
We came to GT Fish and Oyster after my bf's dad recommended it (we still aren't sure that he himself has been there or if he just read/heard about it). I booked a reservation thinking we might go, but I wanted to d a little research first. I found some great reviews so we kept our table and I am SO glad we did. Such a fun trendy spot with a great vibe and very friendly staff. Our server was very helpful and outgoing (he even asked if we had any food allergies to make sure his recommendation were ok). We got a bottle of wine and began our experience. Everything is small plates so I recommend finding a bunch of things that sound good. What we ate: ~2 of each type of oyster. All delicious, but the last one listed on the card was our favorite (can't seem to find the name). ~Tuna poke ~Sunfish ceviche ~Alaska halibut ~Duck confit ~P.I.E oysters Everything was delicious. But my favorite part might have been dessert. We couldn't' decide what we wanted to we ordered 2! The Chocolate banana ganache and the SALTED CARAMEL TART. Holy. Crap. So good, I want to go back just for that! We really had such a lovely time at GT. It will definitely go on my must-visit list when I return to Chicago.
(5)
Mad I.
VERY surprised at the reviews of this place...... still scratching my head.... Went here for our anniversary as I wanted to go after reading rave reviews. We got a 5:00 reservation over a month out (whoop-dee-doo) and as anticipated the place was still mainly empty when we left at 6:30. Okay, onto why I still have smoke coming out of my ears... This is THE most OVERPRICED and SMALLEST portions I have ever gotten in the city, and yes, I am referring to/considering downtown cuisine and prices when I say that. Here is what we had: Sunfish ceviche: ummm...I make this better at home, about 2 tablespoons of food, very forgettable. Lobster Roll: Can I call it that??? It was the already teeny weeny size, CUT IN HALF! You get half of the already tiny roll..literally.... $16...for ONE bite, holy s*** Lobster Mac and Cheese: You are known for this???? For a flavorless ramekin that had a morsel or two of lobster....come on.. Soft Shell crab: very battered, very salty, could get this for half the price and far better done with some edible dipping sauce at any sushi place. Was on top of this awful marinara corn stuff..blech! Spent $73 before tip and left hungry and pretty bummed. Would not return! There are soo many places to eat in Chi, and so much competition, I can't believe people are heading here and to top it off reviewing it so well..... ?????
(1)
Tony G.
My favorite small plate seafood place in the city! Each dish is a true treat to any foodie's palate. Tuna poke, shrimp bruschetta, fish tacos, lobster roll, mussels...just to name a few. HIGHLY recommend the oyster po'boy slider...absolutely my favorite dish here. The salted caramel tart with flambeed bananas has to be my favorite dessert in this city...AMAZING!
(5)
Cyn C.
Service was spectacular. We had a delightful waitress who was very helpful in our menu selections. We shared a "Waitlist" which was fresh and tart. (tip: if you want a taste of a cocktail but don't want to drink an entire cocktail, ask them to split it. most nice restaurants will do so w/o batting an eye). We debated heavily over getting a selection of cold and hot dishes, but ended up ordering the Oyster Po' Boy sliders, fish tacos (they gave us an order of 4 tacos so we could evenly split), and the clam bake. The sliders were very unique and delicious. The bread was soft, the oyster sweet and savory, and the radish was nice and tart. I just wish it was bigger. The fish tacos were ok... just not all that memorable. Everything was perfectly cooked, but... I think the flavor wasn't as bright as I had hoped. The clam bake comes out in a huge covered stone pot. Inside is a delicious array of potatoes, corn, mussels, and clams. I wish they served it with more bread so you could sop up all that delicious broth, but I am sure I didn't need to eat more bread. My friend and I also ordered the salted caramel tart with creme fraiche and bananas. A perfect ending. All those flavors together just sung.
(5)
Polly S.
GT, you continue to impress me! Returned with reservations for dinner on a Tuesday night. Specifically requested the main dining area vs. the smaller seating area by the boomerang table we sat by last time. There is a noticeable difference between the two. The main dining room is more "restaurant" with intimate side table seating and large family style communal tables (seemed like older patrons preferred this), whereas the boomerang section is more hip and happening (young and loud). Service was again outstanding with good plate pacing. Had the lobster mac and cheese this time around and it knocked my socks off. BBQ Eel was a winner as well. The PEI mussels came with delicious bread to sop up the tasty sauce. The other new dish we tried was the haddock dip with taro chips which was okay but I would not get again amongst the shining stars of other options. Do not leave this place without trying: the sunfish ceviche, the lobster roll, and the lobster mac & cheese.
(5)
Tessa M.
Came to GT to celebrate and was not disappointed! I have a food allergy and the bartender (we sat at the bar) was very gracious and seemed really knowledgeable about things I could or could not eat. The tuna poke was amazing, as were the raw oysters (naturally. ) Try them with the mignonette or the GT burn hot sauce! I had the grilled Penn Cove oysters, so good! My husband loved his po'boy and the swordfish was fantastic. Thanks to my allergy I thought dessert would be out of the question, but our outstanding bartender/server recommended accommodations for the apple dessert (cinnamon ice cream with apple sorbet, usually comes with date cake and a streusel topping) so that I could enjoy it too. If you're dining at the bar, make sure you sit in Kayla's section, she was so helpful and knew her stuff!
(5)
Katy K.
Came here for brunch and everything on the menu sounded so good! I went with the lobster biscuit and gravy which was amazing. Service was good, although we could sense annoyance when we wanted the bill split. The cocktails are overpriced too. $11 for a bourbon Bloody Mary that looked awesome but didn't really taste awesome. The food will definitely bring me back!
(4)
T I.
Brought two coworkers from out of town for 6:30 reservations on a Thursday, place was packed. We had a drink at the bar, great service and great martinis. I've been here six times and have very high expectations because they always deliver some of the best food and flavors around, very creative dishes and wonderful presentations. We had the fish tacos, oyster sliders (amazing), soft shell crab, and fish & chips...all great. I didn't order the lobster roll (have had this a few times), but it's not great for $28, much better rolls around town. My friends couldn't say enough good things about the food and overall experience. The only negative was that we did feel rushed, always being asked what we wanted next without a breather. We didn't order all of our small plates at once, which is what I think they prefer to move the table. That could also just be good and attentive service. Great place as a whole.
(4)
Jennifer P.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Modern seafood, small-plate concept with dishes that are both creative and utterly delicious! We ordered about 2 dishes per person and it was plenty of food. The food ... Where do I start?! You can't go wrong with anything on the menu .. the shrimp bruschetta with grapefruit, cilantro and avocado .. AMAZING. The Octopus with purple potatoes ... one of the best octopus dishes I've ever had ...the fish tacos were delicious .. so flavorful .. the lobster roll was great too. The waiter recommended finishing off the night with mussels but we were too full! Dying to try those next time! The service ... incredible. I'm gluten free and the waiter took time to go through the entire menu with me, telling me the variations they would make ... my portion of the bruschetta was on a piece of jicama, rather than bread. Brilliant! My portion of the lobster roll was on lettuce. They really catered to my dietary needs, more than any restaurant I've ever dined at. The atmosphere ... Sophisticated and sleek, with rustic details. SO anxious to go back!
(5)
Michelle Z.
Had a sort of pre-new years celebration on Monday. The service was great. I ordered a cocktail, and didn't really like it. They replaced it with a different one and took it off the bill no questions asked! The food is perfection. Absolutely loved everything we ordered. The oysters were everything you could ever want from oysters. I absolutely loved the tune poke and the octopus. Everything was extremely fresh and delicious. The dessert was above and beyond. The carmel tart and the Baily's ice cream were amazing! Overall an amazing experience!
(5)
Michele M.
I used to love her..... Previously loved this place, but I won't be back anytime soon. I used to brag that they had the BEST lobster roll I've ever had.....I'd even order 2 in 1 visit. 1 to eat there and 1 to take home. Was there last week and found that they've reduced the portion size to half and skimped on the lobster. When I mentioned something to the greasy manager in a suit, he snidely looked at me and said...'yeah, we've changed it'. My buddy is a bartender there and said that the manager took off a glass of champagne off my bill b/c of my complaint....which wasn't the case. BOTTOM LINE: Food and level of service has changed since they opened, though still fresh and some of the better sea food in the city.
(3)
Katie P.
So glad I finally made it here for dinner! My friend and I sat at the communal boomerang table that is first come first serve. Not the most comfortable but the food made up for it. The major stand outs were: Oyster Po'Boy Slider- Next time I'm ordering at least 2 just for myself! Mini Lobster Roll- Super light and delicate Tuna Poke- Very fresh and loved the mango with it I'll be back but next time will get a reservation so I can be a little more comfortable!
(5)
Vanessa B.
Okay, this is another place I break my try a new restaurant rule (this and Hubbard Inn) because I can't get enough of their crab cake. But I'm finally giving them 5 stars because I reluctantly, at the urging of others last night, ordered dessert yet again, expecting to be disappointed but was more than pleasantly surprised! We tried the chocolate stout mouse, salted caramel tart, and the sticky toffee cake. I LOVED the salted caramel tart and toffee cake. The caramel was sweet and salty and paired perfectly with the banana on the plate. The toffee cake was outrageously good and I'm already thinking about how I can attempt to recreate it in my own kitchen. I always loved their seafood, but I'm so glad they finally stepped it up with the desserts so I can add on that extra star. P.S. I had a really great french martini or two there last night as well!
(5)
Rita W.
I expected this place to be more hype than actually have good food, but I was pleasantly suprised to find that it was quite delicious! Atmosphere is pretty nice - from the outside it looks like your typical downtown restaurant - sleek, minimalistic, you know the usual... But when you venture into the main part of the restaurant, the big tables are set in a way that it feels like you are in someone's giantic house. Our table was this large wooden oak table, it had a nice feel to it. I would highly recommend trying their oyster selection, I forget which oyster I had but the $3 one, it is really worth every penny. Definitely be sure to get the clam chowder, like all of the reviewers say, it is amazing! It is full of clams and potatoes and has a wonderful smokey flavor that is not overpowering. You have to order at least an oyster po boy sandwich (or two...or three) for yourself. These little sliders are so delicious, a fried oyster, a little bit of kim chee all put together on a nicely butter toasted roll - I seriously could have eaten 2-3 more! I am not usually a big fish and chips fan but the fish and chip were awesome here. The fried fish was fluffy and tender and the chips were these big potato wedges, it was pretty good. Lobster roll had huge chunk of lobster and onion frites - very yummy, I only wish their lobster roll wasn't so tiny! One order serves at most two! We also ordered the whole roasted fish..which to be honest, was kind of like chinese steamed fish to me so I didn't feel like it tasted like anything special. I love all gnocchi dishes but I would not waste your time on ordering the gnocchi here, it was dense and overly chewy, I think it was the worse gnocchi I have had. overall I was very happy with my experience here! Would def recommend!
(4)
Oceans L.
Was underwhelmed... Wait service was adorable, yes. Ambience of the restaurant was confusing. It's a dimly lit and well decorated so those are good points for a date night, but they were showing ESPN on the bar TVs? Like, c'mon, most girls know this, but for a romantic date night, usually you want to avoid places that show ESPN. Those places are for the nights when you want to show your boyfriend what a "cool chick" you are because you can talk baseball/basketball/football/racquetball or whatever floats his boat, and Not for the nights when you put on your heels and carry your handbag in the crook of your elbow. Anyway, I digress... The point is that there's a bit of an identification crisis going on here. Quality of food was decent but extremely overpriced for ridiculously small proportions. Yes I know it's a tapas place, but $19 for a lobster roll that wasn't very good on a small dinner roll is pushing the envelope if you ask me... I'm not one to be a Scrooge about spending in food, but I don't even think "quality" can justify this one...
(3)
Shirley L.
Alright, so I really liked the food but not the portions or the prices. We ordered: Gnocchi scallop, sun-dried tomato, shishito pepper Mussels roasted tomato, basil, ciabatta GT Lobster "Mac And Cheese" english peas Mini Lobster Roll lobster salad, pickled vegetables, fried onions Oyster Po'Boy Slider kimchi, peanuts Faroe Island Salmon sticky rice, mushroom dashi, spring onion, ramps Salted Caramel Tart bananas, chantilly cream, chocolate Key Lime Pie (not what you'd expect) Overall, the food was good but I've had equally good or better for better prices. The few dishes that stood out for me, and made the trip worth it, were the Oyster Po-Boy Sliders (i only had one, next time i'd want at least two) and the Salmon sticky rice. I'd also probably come back with just one person as opposed to a group of four, because the small portion sizes make it hard to sample the food tapas style.
(4)
Vanessa C.
Made a reservation on Opentable and came here for our first dinner in Chicago. The food is delicious and light! We would definitely come back the next time we're in the city. Aside from a plethora of oysters, we also got the following amazing dishes: Sunfish Ceviche (chimichurri, jicama, radish, tostada) Baja Shrimp Bruschetta (avocado, toasted pistachio, grapefruit, cilantro) Fish Tacos (garlic marinade, chipotle aioli, chicharron)
(5)
Banu S.
This place clearly has enough good reviews, I don't need to go into a lot of detail here. GT is definitely one of my favorite places in Chicago. Everything on the menu is fantastic, from the oysters to the amazing desserts. I've been here a number of times, sometimes just with my husband, other times with a group of friends and a few times for corporate dinners. I've never had a bad meal at GT. My personal favorite items are the soba noodles, oyster po 'boy sliders (honestly one of the best things I've ever eaten), the octopus and the key lime dessert.
(5)
Tim S.
Heard great things. Had a 2:45pm reservation for Easter Brunch. Arrived at 2:59. Receptionist told our party of 6 too bad so sad. Business must be good.
(2)
Yun Summer H.
love their oysters, but not a big fan of lobster roll.
(4)
Nikki K.
Although expensive, I walked away full and happy! Kimchi Po'boy Slider was my ultimate favorite - it didn't sound that great but it was amazing! Shrimp Bruschetta & Octopus also topped my list! Good ambiance and good service - I'll definitely go back!
(4)
Sandy V.
If you haven't been to this restaurant you must run or actually sprint to your phone and make a reso! We came to GT for my birthday dinner on a Wednesday night and it was full of life when we walked in. This is typical in our city, every night of the week is an opportunity to dine lavishly and drink a couple of cocktails. The ambience was sexy with a mixture of rustic chic. We started our night with amazing oysters (note: you must try their amazing hot sauces "smoulder" & "burn") and the octopus dish which was unbelievably good! Also if you're going to try a drink you must get "old dog new tricks",it was refreshing and tasty. To finish off dinner we had the lobster Mac and cheese with the mussels dish ( if you're getting these wait till the end of your meal to devour. This is something the waitress told us to do. In the end we were happy we took her advice)! The service was on point and the staff was very helpful!
(4)
Yao M.
Came here for dinner last Friday. My friends and I had a great dining experience, from service to food and drinks. The waiter was very friendly and made great recommendations on the drinks. Oysters were super fresh, clam chowder was very flavorful, the sauce for the crab cakes were amazing and other dishes we ordered were delicious. The only dish that was disappointing is the lobster mac and cheese - it lacked flavors, but GT was very generous with the lobster. I would definitely come back.
(5)
Amir B.
Great food. Impressive every time. Amazing service.
(5)
Micha Z.
Two people ordered for Saturday brunch/lunch: -Bloody Mary [$11] (YUM!!! A little too much pepper for my taste, but the garnish on top was delicious and adorable - eat the shallot!!! It's pickled and super flavorful...and won't give you onion breath I promise! ;) Doesn't taste strong at all but after I finished half I definitely felt a little tipsy) -Bourbon Bloody Mary [$11] (did NOT like the one sip I had...but that's probably cause I'm a straight up traditional Bloody Mary-hide-the-vodka-taste kinda gal.) -Dozen oysters [$2.50-$3.00 each] (2 of each flavor: they give you a nice sheet labeling which oysters you got so you can remember which ones you liked...my favorite was the "sweet" one...should have taken the placard because I can't remember what it was called anymore...sad. Instead of traditional ginger/cocktail sauce, they give you this light Ponzu sauce and Tomato-y flavored sauce...but I found that the oysters are so fresh and flavorful, it was actually better w/o anything on top! Definitely the BEST and cleanest oysters I've ever had. Not a single microscopic grain of sand.) -Crab Benedict [$14] (Eggs were poached PERFECTLY! Pretty hefty crab chunks and the sauce on top was creamy and delicious. I would DEFINITELY get this again.) -Restaurant week lunch menu [$22], which included 3 things: 1. Clam Chowder (didn't try this, but it looked really watery...I like chowder to be thick and CHOWDERY! Came with these weird looking croutons on the side that looked like those cubes of gum...) 2. Lobster Roll (didn't try this either...but it looked kind of unbalanced haha...WAY too many deep-fried onions, with a tiny little lobster sandwich on the side). 3. Chocolate Parfait (SOOO GOOD! The mousse on top was super light and fluffy, and there was a very dense and rich chocolate brownie at the bottom...eat it fast though as it melts into chocolate sauce!) It took a really long time (even with a 1:30pm reservation) to be seated since they're ridiculously busy...and food was served extremely slow, but with drinks and good company it wasn't distracting. We were STARVING though, so would have appreciated something to snack on during the wait. Servers were really nice and helpful...just wish food had come out a little faster! Their menus are adorable and very Etsy...don't sit next to the windows if you get cold easily though. I was FREEZING ...until I had my Bloody Mary ;) tl;dr - $120 total for 2 people (with tax/tip)...very pricey, but for the quality and amount of food, I would definitely go back...on Pay Day. For sure a splurge meal, but you won't regret it if you love oysters!
(5)
Eric V.
Attention seafood lover in you. Seek no further than GT Fish & Oyster and you will truly be treated to some fine fine fruits de mer. My first trip here was during their first week of lunch service so I treated myself to the clam chowder and lobster roll. The chowder wasn't overly creamy or heavy (not that that's a bad thing) and had a subtle vinegar kick from their homemade hot sauce. The lobster roll was generously packed with large chunks of fresh lobster. I also appreciate how lightly it was dressed to let the lobster get its shine on. My return trip was for a weeknight dinner with friends. While not every dish was a five-star winner, there were many memorable standouts, including a refreshing tuna poke and quite possibly the best lobster mac and cheese in town. The fried oyster po'boy slider is truly slider in size, but the flavors and textures from the perfectly fried oyster, peanuts, and kimchi were pretty fantastic. So much so that I ordered a second one and made my friends watch me eat it. I'm cruel, I know.... The portion sizes do not lend themselves to becoming gut-busting full, but this affords the perfect opportunity to try their desserts. Whether it's the ridiculously good peanut butter semifreddo we tried that night, or whatever else is on their dessert menu, at all costs do not skip dessert. If you're a patient diner and enjoy your seafood as nature intended, then stick around till 10:00 PM to enjoy half off oysters. It's the perfect way to sample the no less than half dozen different oysters that grace their menu on a daily basis. The decor is fish shack inspired, but with a modern vibe and darker color palette to fit in with the River North surroundings. Even so, the atmosphere still remains casual and relaxed. Our final tab wasn't t necessarily light on the wallet, but in the end I'm hard pressed to think of a better place in Chicago to enjoy the ocean's finest.
(4)
Phill C.
I took my mom here for her birthday, especially since she loves seafood. The service was excellent and the food was great! There are plenty of dishes to choose from, which are mostly small sharing plates enough for about two people each. We ordered a bunch of dishes, as well as a dozen assorted oysters. The oysters were fresh and the GT cocktail sauce was tasty. My favorites of the night were the Oyster Po'boy sliders w/ kimchi, Shrimp Bruschetta (with awesome fluffy avocado mouse), and Lobster Roll. How can you not like a buttery roll, packed with tasty lobster meat, and topped with fried onions? The Tuna Poke was good, but even better was the Clam Chowder. It's served in a little mason jar, packed full of clams and Neuske's bacon. Plus you get some house-made oyster crackers on the side. No matter how full you are, you have to order dessert. They have a Salted Caramel Tart that is amazing. GT does great seafood with a twist and it's definitely a nice change of pace.
(5)
Brett F.
I'm pretty sure the Yelps are already on the up and up with the haps on the craps when it comes to GT. I know you already know that: // It's popular. // Really popular. Like Luke Perry almost untouchable popular. // You need a reservation, or you can pray to get a walk-in seat at the bar, as I did. Lucky! // It's a good date spot if you're (wink wink) maybe trying to take a foodie out somewhere fun and fabulous. // It's also a solid place to take your boss. Or your mom. Or your boss's mom. // Awesome cocktails are abound. What you may not know is that: // The Osetra Caviar service is served beautifully with a bit of a contemporary twist and absolutely worth every penny and then some. If you're a caviar fan, or just looking to be a big baller like Kanye for a night, get it. // The Sunfish Ceviche with chimichurri, jicama and radish is all things fresh, refreshing, punchy and divine. Lick a kickback to Summer, it tastes like sunshine. // The Brandade Croquettes are bananas. But not literally. Just really good, fried, yummy cod all velvety and lucious-like. Order two and give me one. // KUMAMOTO OYSTERS WITH PONZU MIGNONETTE. So damn delicious a dozen ain't enough. And one last secret: // The Eel & Turbot Terrine with eel gastrique is just as gnarly unfabulous as it sounds. You don't always have to be "the adventurous one" at the table. Tasty, trendy, fishy, fun, All my favorites wrapped in one. The eel was bad I know fo sho, But still love me some GTF&O.
(4)
Cristian V.
Been meaning to get to GT Fish & Oyster from Milwaukee for a while, almost booked it for my anniversary as it came highly recommended. God bless the person who recommended it. Place was as gorgeous as the pictures had shown. The dishes....Shrimp Bruschetta, I think I can comfortably say the best bruschetta I've ever had. OYSTER SLIDERS, I ordered another round of them midway through the first bite! Lobster Ravioli, delish. Overall I would say just a BIT on the pricey side, except that the flavors were so delicious that every bite was well worth it. I look forward to another visit. 4.5 stars out of 5, just cus if I was hungry & looking to leave full I'd have to break the bank.
(4)
Albert M.
They were closed. I guess they had an mechanical failure but I would of appreciated an e-mail or a phone call, because I was in Chicago for business and was taking clients there, I was not happy. Albert M.
(1)
Phil M.
Was anxious to try oysters for the first time so I googled this place. Very chic and trendy spot in downtown Chicago. I sat at the bar- right in front of the guy who was shucking the oysters. The waitress gave me a quick lesson on oysters and a place card that detailed the different types of oysters- where they're from, how they taste, texture etc. Very informative because I had no idea that oysters from the east coast taste different than oysters from the west coast. I ordered the sampler which gave me one of each- total of six. You also have options for the dipping sauce to put on the oysters which were all good. But just like wine and food, certain oysters taste better with certain sauces. I loved all of them! I polished off my oysters which took all of 4 minutes and was on to the gorgeous Lobster Roll. This was so damn good! Big chunks of Lobster meat with herbs and spices- delicious! The Lobster Roll was also served with French Fried Onions which was a nice twist to the normal French fries you can get anywhere. Although the Lobster Roll was delicious, please be warned, IT IS NOT CHEAP! The Roll with the French Onions was $28. All in all this is a great place to take out of town guest for some delicious oysters and great service. Just remember: oysters and lobster aren't cheap so dine and spend wisely, lol!
(5)
Jaime S.
I came here for a work/friend dinner. Where Tizi Melloul was dark and private(makes sense with all those belly dancers), GT is open and airy w/ floor to ceiling windows. We ordered two of each type of oyster, which I loved. I finally know whether I like east coast or west coast oysters better! We followed that up with a shrimp bruschetta, Fish and Chips, fish tacos, and mussels. The bruschetta was very different but tasty, and the mussels were great, albeit a little too garlicky for a date night. I only give GT 3 stars because except for the mussels, the portions were overpriced for the size. Thankfully someone walked past a lobster roll at another table otherwise we would have shelled out $23 for very little lobster.
(3)
Cat L.
Where do I start ... This place is amazing!!! The food here is delicious! My boyfriend and I came here for our 6:00 p.m. reservation and we were seated immediately. We started off with oysters and a few appetizers. The oysters were great. We were able to try 6 different types. We also had an appetizer which was the gazpacho soup. So flavorful, and was one of my favorites. We also got the clam chowder, oyster slider, fish and chips, lobster roll, crab cake, and the squash. They were all flavorful and great. The only one I wouldn't get again would probably be the crab cake. I have had better crab cake elsewhere! For desert, we had the malt sundae. Truly amazing! I would definitely recommend this place to anyone. Service was great, food was delicious, and you get what you pay for!! Great atmosphere.
(4)
Julie K.
Great seafood place. A little bit on the pricier side but worth it. The seafood pasta, seabass and octopus were the best dishes. The po boy was disappointing. I would definitely go back again.
(4)
Misoo M.
Short story: Great service, great food, go immediately. Long story: Since my original review, I've tried a few more dishes here, which have been great (shrimp and grits, crabs benedict, all of their west coast oysters, and lobster mac & cheese. All delicious, get them all, but fair warning that lobster mac & cheese is a little skimpy on the lobster). Their drinks are strong too. What really merits an update is their great service, which my boyfriend and I experienced during his birthday dinner. The lobster roll is now officially my boyfriend's favorite entree in Chicago (which is saying something, as I've dragged him to most of the nice restaurants in the city), so I booked a dinner reservation for his birthday (2/15), which was not only a Saturday night, but Valentine's Day weekend. Yikes, right? The staff was actually incredibly accommodating when I changed my reservation time (3 times.. sorry guys!) and despite the restaurant being pretty packed that evening, we were in and out in record time, and the food was of course delicious. I mentioned in the reservation that it was his birthday, and we were presented with a $20 gift certificate at the end of the meal...which my boyfriend vows he will spend on another lobster roll. Wonderful place to go for a casual meal or a special occasion.
(5)
Eric B.
When I was married, my friends filled my pockets with American dollars, and told me to eat at GT Fish & Oyster, and how I would be pleased. But then I deplaned down to Sint Maarten, and ate my fill of fish and lobster, and it was good. And I forgot about GT, for I had my fill of seafood. But then, later, my wife reminded me of our bounty, and I recalled how it could be well appreciated at GT. Yet I worried, would it be as good as my fishing in the bounty of the Caribbean? But my wife, in her gentle manner, admonished me that I should have an open mind, and so we embarked to River North, to GT. And it was good. GT is a clean, well lighted place, with wide open windows and attractively tiled floors. I was pleased as I walked down the glass hallway into the dining room, and how I was swiftly seated by the tall, slim, attractive maitre'd, who graciously whisked away my camelhair coat and fedora to the coatroom, while I waited for my wife to return from the powder room. I absorbed the energy of the room and relaxed as I escaped from the howl of the Great Lake, whose grand winter winds form our stout yet forgiving Midwestern character. After my wife rejoined me, our waiter appeared and cajoled us for libations. Knowing of the love our local press has for the GT manhattan, I ordered one, and it was good. Full of warm bourbon whiskey with a collar of Italian Amaro, it recalled in me pleasurable memories of my days in the war. I sipped and meditated upon it and it was good. For food, we began with the GT seafood platter, which was brought to us upon a double tray, for I splurged on oysters, which is my wont. I found it to be very pleasurable. The mussels were meaty; the clams creamy; the shrimp, lobster and crab legs plump and juicy. In particular, I found the oysters to be simply perfect, briny as the first night I spent off of Cuba, searching for that elusive marlin, shucking oysters by the hour until he finally breached the sea with his majestic dorsal fin. I enjoyed my seafood platter immensely and found it to be very satisfying. A plate of octopus soon followed, which recalled to my mind my days spent on the shores of Capri. The octopus was poached, then seared, and had not a spot of crust upon its tentacles but simply melted in my mouth, and it was good. My dear wife Kelly munched on fish tacos, as is her wont, and was similarly pleased. We continued dinner with lobster macaroni and cheese. We found the dish to be full of lobster, and were happy. The cheese had a consistency of bechamel, which, while we generally prefer cheddar, was, we believed, a wise choice by GT, for it allowed the flavor of the lobster to shine through. It was good. We finished with two desserts, a caramel tart and a chocolate pie. Kelly stated that her dessert was the finest she had ever eaten, and I agreed that it was a fine dessert. For my part, I found my chocolate pie to be a delicious, rich dessert. I would order it again, without hesitation. In fact, dear reader, I would recommend it to you. I washed it down with a second GT Manhattan, which is as fine a digestif as an aperitif. I then requested a Manhattan made with a Rye from the gold mining town of San Francisco. While serviceable, I believe that the "49ers", as they are often known, are better gold miners than distillers. As our evening came to a close, I left GT sated and satisfied, and in hunt of my next cocktail. I knew that I would return for oysters and whiskey soon, very soon.
(5)
Kate R.
Absolutely fabulous food. We came for dinner and ordered a number of small plates. Our server was wonderful: friendly, personable and attentive. He took the time to joke and talk with us even though it was a busy Friday night during lent and the restaurant was packed. He made suggestions, but was considerate enough not to push us. The food was served in separate courses, according to how heavy it was and the amount of preparation, so we could enjoy each course before the next one arrived. I particularly enjoyed the fact that, as busy as it was, we were not rushed to give up our table and were allowed to savor our food and leisurely finish our drinks. Here's a brief breakdown of what we ordered: Oysters - We sampled each of the six oysters. I'm indifferent on oysters, and I enjoyed them. My oyster loving friends seemed to think they were wonderful and started debating ordering a second round. Clam Chowder - delicious! It's a smaller serving in an adorable mason jar, so we passed it around between the three of us. It was smooth and rich with a perfect blend of all the flavors. Crab cake - quite possibly the most delicious thing I have ever eaten. It comes in a small loaf and is melt in your mouth delicious. Octopus - again, fabulous. Arugula Gnocchi and GT Mac and Cheese: I think by this point we were getting full. These were both wonderful, but a bit heavy compared to everything we had eaten. We decided in the future we'd do one or the other but probably not both. I was particularly impressed to have the flavor of the arugula still come through in the Gnocchi. Overall, a great dinner experience! It was pricey, but definitely worth the price. I should add that we are usually a loud group with a tendency to talk over each other and there was silence at our table, the food was so good!
(5)
Natalie P.
This place is pricey, but it provides Ann overall great dining experience. Cold Plates: baja shrimp bruschetta, green tea soba noodles & shishito pepper and cantaloupe salad were all amazing. Hot Plates: mac & cheese, eggplant and the Po'Boy were delicious. The fish tacos were good but nothing special. The GT crudos are also a must try. Our server and waitstaff were very attentive. Keep in mind the dinner prices on their website are outdated.
(4)
Andrea K.
Been wanting to eat here for a while now and everything was as great as expected. Oysters were incredible, the tuna poke, soba noodles, lobster dumplings were all great. That said this review is based on the unbelievable salted caramel tart for dessert. Holy yumminess this is the best dessert I've ever had in my life. If you have the opportunity to try this, DO IT, you won't be disappointed.
(4)
Xixi Z.
3 words. Souped up redlober (I know but I thought 3 words was more dramatic than 4) We got all 6 oysters on the list. Indian creek was the best. Salty and refreshing. Not to oyster-y tasting (that fishy smell if you know what I mean) Next was seared tuna salad. The flavors were nice - tangy kick with a nice juicy thing of fish and the tuna was real fresh. But texture needed work. The soft tuna next to the soft poofy leaves didn't strike a large enough contrast... because then I felt like everything was a soft mush. I wish they picked a set of crunchy leaves for the contrast. Then came the octopus. Fried octopus sat on a wasabi/mayo blend paste for flavoring and some purple potatoes to offset everything else. Nice blend of flavors and the wasabi was toned down by the mayo for anyone not a fan of spice. Then came the anticlimatic upset - lobster roll. It was the most expensive thing on the menu and because of the good reviews it's gotten, we thought it'd be a nice finish to top off the night. Negative. The lobster was fresh indeed but the butter of the bread just drowned out everything. I felt like the seafood was spoiled by the mediocre buttery roll. The last dish could've been better but still had a good night here. 3 stars.
(3)
Kristin M.
Perfect marriage of superior service, great atmosphere and delicious food and drink! Here's the food ranking, in order of yumminess: -fish tacos - I am in love with these. It's rare to get fish tacos that aren't deep fried, and these were delicious. The aioli was really flavorful. I could eat these every day of the week! -salted caramel tart - light as a feather but packed with flavor, this was a total win! -sage gnocchi - I usually don't order gnocchi because they rarely get it right, but this was perfectly cooked with a delicious broth, nicely cooked crab and a scoop of burrata. Delicious -octopus - there are a lot of flavors going on in this dish, but it was great. The octopus was perfectly cooked, not at all rubbery -oysters - we did a chef's choice of one west coast and two east coast each. We both loved the ones from Virginia, medium briny deliciousness with a great mignonette -sunfish ceviche - this looked more like guac because it's served in chunks of avocado. It was tasty, especially with the fresh chips I tried the Sidewinder (tequila and yellow chartreuse) and loved it. The rest of the cocktail menu looked equally delicious. Service was impeccable. Our server was informative and ready with suggestions, we got new plates with every course (I love that!) and the folded my napkin when I got up for the restroom. Bus staff were efficient but not pushy, it's frustrating when they snatch plates before you finish the last couple bites, and they weren't like that at all. I didn't want to love GT, I had expected an obnoxious crowd and pretentious service, but I'm sold. LOVE. IT.
(5)
Sam S.
Amazing Staff, food, and atmosphere. If yelp had 6 stars i would have picked that. Our waitress Julia was an adorable breath of fresh air in the service industry. Totally pleased to serve us and make sure we enjoyed our dinner. She recommended a great bottle of red wine that paired well with every dish we ordered. between her and Carlos our busboy we felt like royalty. The manager that evening Kara was also very accommodating. They helped me and my partner celebrate his birthday in the best way!!! GO! you wont regret it. Get the fish tacos and sliders. seriously get them ASAP!
(5)
Melinda Z.
Wonderful service. We went for our anniversary and they were very accommodating, gave us an excellent table, and even a surprise dessert. Food was delicious. Just a great dining experience worthy of top Chicago accolades.
(5)
Kathleen O.
Phenomenal - but expensive - meal! Great for a business dinner. Oysters were amazing, food portions just right, and the wait staff was excellent. Will definitely be back - when I have an expense account! :)
(5)
Tammy B.
Had dinner at Gt's based on the reviews on Yelp. First let me say that the food was amazing. The restaurant fills up fast and we were lucky enough to walk in at 5pm on a Thursday night and get their last non reserved seat. I would recommend making reservations if possible. The menu consist of a la cart and are served on small plates that can be shared. They recommend that 2-3 servings per person. The portions are small but the flavors are amazing. I want to give it 5 stars but the price is higher than I would have expected to pay for the size of the meals. My friend and I tried the bruschetta with avocado, grapefruit and shrimp. Crab cake, lobster roll, clam chowder and fish tacos. All were wonderful and I left the restaurant wishing I had another piece of bruschetta and crab cake. I can't wait until I return to Chicago and go back.
(4)
Ann S.
My go-to place for creative seafood, grear service and fun atmosphere. Plus, it is walking distance for me! What a pleasure to recommend this place.
(4)
Leonard Yelp M.
The menu is very, very, limited, we left and went to Roy's . This was a huge let down. We found it very hard to come up with a balance meal. This sea food selection was surprisingly wanting. Do not believe every you hear and see on tv and the Internet .. Shalom Shalom
(1)
Anne M.
Nice & swanky & aquatic-y. I'm talkin ocean scene paintings. marine-rope-knotted light fixtures. giant fish drawings. little fishing anchors incorporated into their place settings. Very maritime - me like. Over a leisurely lunch, my dining partner and I split 4 dishes, which was a good amount of food (we probably could have skipped one) but I'm glad we went for it. Everything was fantastic - fresh, flavorful & well presented. To start things off, I went with the strawberry spiked lemonade ( $10 :-/ ) . Quite good, not overly sweet - I wanted more, but held back. - Clam Chowder: Lots of clam meat, not too thick or thin, nice subtle flavor, little lovely bits of veg. Served with black ink croutons. ** The chowder tasted great, but I'm not sure why it's served in the little glass jar that it's served in - it was cute, but honestly, I was kind of annoyed eating out of it b/c the jar lid made things difficult, as did the hard corners on the bottom. Is a good old bowl too much to ask for? I'll take practical over trendy when it comes to my soup, thank you. - Salmon Gnocchi: I only had a few bites of this and took complete control over previously mentioned chowder. Big tender bites of gnocchi, lots of fresh salmon, roe, veggies - interesting combo of everything, really good. - Tuna Nicoise Salad: Great - but skimpy. Big leaves of various lettuce held 1 sliced egg, 1? sliced little potato, 4 super thin squares of tuna - a few olives... maybe more I'm forgetting. Loved the salad, but was expecting more substance. - Lobster Roll: Again, this was great but I was hoping for more. The lobster meat is served cold, not too much dressing - it was simple and delicious. I enjoyed it, but wouldn't order it from here again. The fried onions that come with the roll are hard to eat - they're tiny, and you end up having to grab a handful of little onion odds & ends and popping them in your mouth like you would with bottom-of-the-bowl popcorn tidbits. Overall, I loved the food - but the higher prices and some details mentioned above would hold me back from coming here regularly. Definitely fun & a great place to try if you're a seafood lover.
(4)
Alyse S.
Best meal of my life, undoubtedly. We also had the privilege of being served by Josh, who was so kind and entertaining. Definitely the best server I've ever met. A perfect experience!
(5)
S O.
Visited for first time last night with a dinner party of 6. Small plates, so order and order and order. The service was a little slow for our liking. Sort of like a tapas seafood experience but without the speedy service usually accompanied with tapas dining. All of the food great as we tried many things and shared dishes amongst the group. Shrimp bruschetta and lobster roll were my favorite. In my opinion GT is more suited for a two-person dining experience.
(4)
Macy H.
great food! portions are on the smaller side.
(4)
Jeremy G.
Best meal AND best cocktail that I've had in the city of Chicago. Went here for my anniversary - was extremely impressed. It's very simple - every single thing that we ordered was delicious. The mussels were great; the (shrimp?) bruschetta was delicious (despite my skepticism of bruschetta); the lobster mac and cheese was lobstery enough (speaking of skepticism, I'm very skepticism of anytime lobster's flavor is masked, i.e. lobster rolls); and I can't remember the last dish we got. All great. We waited at the bar at first, and I ordered a Final Ward, which the bartender knew off the top of her head (rare, great). I then asked her to try to give me something I'd like; she gave me a Paper Airplane that immediately became my new go-to-drink (except for the fact that I have been unable to duplicate it, and have been disappointed since then. Infuriating). I got a third one as well, which was good, but that my girlfriend loved. Great staff, not too pretentious, nice ambiance. Beat out my previous favorite, Perennial Vivant.
(5)
Angela N.
LOVE love LOVE this place! Oysters: Given the description of it being sweet and salty, it was exactly on point. We went with a beginner one that was neither too sweet or salty and it was really good. Fresh & had a seasonal selection! Lobster Roll: Cold sandwich served with fried onions and pickled vegetables. The chunks of lobster were plentiful and it was delicious! I heard really good things about this and it did not disappoint. Clam Chowder: Came in a mason jar with a lid because we had split 2 for 3 people. Had chunks of oyster, pieces of potato, & creamy. So good in my tummy!! Fish Tacos (on house): Extremely yummy, the sauce that was on the taco was extremely fresh and brought all the flavors nicely together. Tuna Poke: Small serving but was also really fresh. Sad that is disappeared so quickly! YUM. Alaska Halibut: Fish was flaky and cooked perfectly. I also liked that it was juicy and not dry. The garnishes on the side also paired very well with the fish. Oyster Po'Boy: DELICIOUS! Oh they were so GOOD!! The oysters were fried but soft in the inside when you bit into (not briny or too chewy). Lobster Dumplings: Came in a cute little basket. Were told that they were steamed and looked really prettily wrapped. These were also really good and you could taste the little pieces of lobster. Ordered a whole ton of other food as well, but these were the ones that struck out to me the most. The desserts were also really really really beautifully done and tasted delicious. Service was really attentive given that they were really busy on a Wednesday night. The busser that was assigned to our section was always filling our water glasses before it was empty and switched out our plates and silverware when he noticed that they were dirty. Overall, I was really satisfied with the food, service, and atmosphere of the restaurant.
(5)
Stephanie N.
Can I give 8 stars for the amount of oysters we tried and loved? This was the last stop on my home made "food tour" of Chicago for Andy N. 's bday. Got a reservation on open table at 11pm on a Saturday and it was just fine, took a corner seat at the boomerang table. This was the first time either of us tried "different oysters" from different regions to taste the difference. It was a really fun experience. The oysters were superb albiet a little pricey $3 average per oyster but totally worth the experience. We asked the waitress what she would recommend and she said the Oyster Po Boy Slider with kimchee and peanuts. At first I was like really? A po Boy slider? well fine we'll go with it. OH po BOY! was it amazing! It seriously was one of the best things I've ever put in my mouth. The oysters were fried to perfection, crisp on the outside yet still oyster-y and briny on the inside like a fresh oyster- I didn't even know that was possible. Not saltly in the batter like other fried oyster po boys, but the salt came from the actual oyster itself and it was perfect. Now I'm the type of person that ALWAYS has to end the meal with something sweet from the dessert menu, but this time I passed it up because I literally wanted to keep that oyster slider taste in my mouth. With all seriousness in my face I said, I don't even want to brush my teeth tonight, just so I can remember what this tastes like.... Can't wait to come back to try a full meal, but I know I'll end it on that oyster slider.
(5)
Brooke W.
Two words. Fun & Delicious. I was back in Chicago for a weekend in April and went here for brunch to catch up with one of my friend's from college. I ordered 'Sarah's French Toast' and my friend ordered the fried chicken and waffles (which looked amazing). To go along with my meal I ordered a bellini which was perfection and had me feeling just right. The service was excellent and we even ordered a platter of oysters just because. Fun restaurant, great food and service. I will definitely be back for dinner! :)
(5)
Kristie C.
((Ambiance)): dimly lit, great variety of background music, perfect to bring friends and chit chat, especially since they have community tables. not too loud, not too quiet. love the small neighborhood vibe the restaurant has. ((Service)): food came out fast, waiter was friendly and more than willing to help suggest menu items. he was also familiar with most the menu items, huge +. ((Food)) shared tapas style: -- menu changes seasonally -- (+) tuna poke w/mango /// refreshing, fresh, well marinated (+/-) corvina (steamed) w/granola /// great, because it's steamed and fresh, not so good without the granola that it comes with (+) chicken breast w/mushrooms/broccoli /// a bit richer of a dish, but tasty, and full of flavor. broccoli is barely flash-fried to a crisp, and the chicken breast was well seasoned and paired well with the creamier mushroom sauce (+) caramel tart with marinated bananas, chocolate, creme fraiche /// a bit sweet, great if you like shortbread though. ((Overall)) definitely would come back: price + ambiance + FRESH seafood and a few non-seafood items. 4 stars only bc there wasn't a huge variety of food that wasn't on either end of the spectrum - fried or raw
(4)
Mark M.
First timer here. Made reservation via Open Table thru Yelp. Shared oysters, split the lobster roll. Both were very good. Service was great. Definitely would return.
(4)
Emilee W.
I went in for lunch with a friend for the first time (having already been here for dinner) and really enjoyed it. We started lunch with a half dozen oysters from both the east and west coast (fabulous). Then, some pork and kimchi sliders (the absolute best). My friend had the halibut with fennel over squid ink couscous (great). I had a lunch combo with clam chowder (delicious), a tuna melt (okay), and cabbage salad with plums (awesome). We finished off lunch with a salted carmel tart with bananas (amazing). Pretty perfect mid day meal if I do say so myself. This was my second time at GT Fish & Oyster. I haven't been disappointed yet. The staff is polite and helpful. And honestly, I could probably eat 12 of the pork and kimchi sliders and call it a night.
(4)
Sergio V.
Best clam chowder in US !!! must try the oyster po'boy as well
(5)
Nadia S.
Reallly good oysters - so so fresh. Def a steal when you go late when the oysters are half off. Real nice chill ambiance... i liked. We got ignored towards the last half of our meal in regards to service but other than that, loved the place. Would def come back
(4)
Matt S.
My wife and I ate at GT Fish & Oyster for our anniversary. We love seafood and really enjoyed our experience there. We thought the food was delicious and the small plates are a great way to eat seafood. We had reservations at 9 pm. I thought the restaurant was in a good location and it was smaller than I imagined. It can maybe sit 60 people in the dining room, but the area was busy and added maybe another 100 seats. The room itself is well designed and I loved the glass windows-very modern. We got there early and had a drink at the bar. I had a beer and my wife had one of their speciality drinks- The Waitlist. It wasn't her usual drink, she loves super sweet drinks. This was subtly sweet but nicely done. We were told our table was ready and paid our bar bill. Our waitress explained the menu and told us that most couples can eat about 4-5 plates. She gave us a minute to peruse the menu. We ended up starting with a dozen oysters, 2 of each kind they offered. We then picked the Tuna Poke, Shrimp Bruschetta, Clam Chowder, Lobster Roll and the Mussels. The oysters came out first. All 6 kinds were tasty and the cocktail sauce is out of this world. The tuna poke came out next. Probably the best poke I've had outside of Hawaii. The flavors were spot on we loved the mango on top-almost tasted pickled.Really good. Shrimp brushcetta is fantastic. Again, great flavor combinations and nice and light. Clam chowder was a must and we are glad we went with it. You noticed the bacon flavor first but it wasn't overwhelming. The clam pieces were large and tasted great. Lobster was next. It was expensive but well worth it. It was light, something that I didn't think was possible with lobster rolls. Finally, the mussels came last. We love mussels and this were among the best we have ever had. The sauce, tomato based, is unreal. I would eat it with pasta. The mussels had pieces of sourdough bread that were great to dip in the sauce. We finished with dessert, salted carmel tart and apple cobbler. BOth were great, but the salted carmel tart is something we had never had before and loved. Overall, I thought it was a great place and I would definitely go back. We left full, but not painfully full. Our waitress was great and the food speaks for itself. All in, 5 plates, dozen oyster, 2 dessert plates, 2 cocktails and 4 beers $212 with tax and tip. It was expensive, but for an anniversary, birthday I think it was well worth it.
(5)
Kelly H.
I love raw oysters but because they're pricey, I've only had them a couple of times in my life. When I heard that they are half off after 10 pm every night here, I knew I had to check it out! I didn't give it 5 stars only because all the oysters were a bit small (and I had one of each kind). However, perhaps it has something to do with being in the Midwest? (My other oyster experiences have been in NYC and LA). I inhaled one in like .02 seconds, while for my previous times, I would have to chew at least a few times. Because of how quickly I went through a half dozen of them, I split a lobster roll with my friend. You MUST get it!!! The roll consisted of succulent chunks of lobster in a perfectly toasted and buttered bread. It was accompanied by a heaping handful of fried, crispy shallots. They're quite salty, but I didn't mind since I have a high salt tolerance. I was not a fan of the side of veggies, but it's only because they are soaked and served in pickling juice and I hate pickles. The place definitely has a trendy feel, so I felt underdressed in flats and jeans. However, the staff didn't seem to frown upon my casual appearance. In fact, our bartender was awesome and even let us order oysters before 10 pm at half price. Bottom line: Small portions, which explains reasonably low prices, but really fantastic. I'd recommend eating a big snack or a light meal right beforehand to avoid incurring a hefty bill, even with the half-price oysters.
(4)
Lauren B.
I have been waiting for awhile to dine here and I am thrilled I was finally able to do so. With so many dark or dimly lit restaurants in the city I was pleasantly surprised to find the wood paneled walls at GT painted a winter white color, it really warmed up the space. Ambiance was great....music not to loud, a classy crowd (but not overly crowded), and the staff was quite pleasant. Lets get to the important stuff, here is what we had: Baja Shrimp Bruschetta- good but not amazing. Then again it wasn't my choice. The shrimp was cooked perfectly and the pistachio was a nice compliment to the flavor profile. Oysters- We sampled 3 of the selection. I am not an oyster expert but I liked all three. Cocktail and ponzu sauces were served with the oysters, I however cannot comment as I am a purist and eat my oysters with a squirt of lemon. Steamed Alaskan Halibut- DELICIOUS!!! Cooked perfectly- light, delicate, flaky. Loved the fennel and the squid ink couscous. I would order this time and time again. Shrimp Ravioli- Good but not amazing. The pasta was a perfect al dente. I thought the filling could have used more flavor PEI Mussels- good but also not amazing. Broth was light, not oily and laced with garlic which is always fine by me. There wasn't anything in particular that stood out about this dish but it was still tasty. Judging from all the reviews I should I worked harder at talking my dinner companion into getting the gnocchi. Oh well, more of a reason to come back again.
(3)
Lochin S.
Went for my birthday on a Monday night. Still crowded and noise level high. But lets get to our food, because you all did decor to death... Shigoku oysters were the best on the list today, we tried 3 kinds. The plates come out pretty quick, first the colds then lighter hot to heavy hot. -Sunfish Ceviche with toritlla was so good, clean fresh tasting packed with flavor -BBQ Eel with wasabi potato salad. interesting salad. BBQ a bit on salty side -Black Gnoccchi squid ink very good, could drink the broth it came in. loved the different textures in this dish. -Lobster Roll-the friend onions made this worth the $22, the sandwich a bit on the small side. not sure I would get this again. -panna cotta-amazing. -strawberry shortcake, they just added yesturday, hubby had it. he loved it. the biscuit was perfectly done. two martinis and two beers. total bill was about $160 with tip. we would def go back, need to try other items on the menu. hubby is almost 6' and 190, and I am about 5'4 and 117, and were pretty content with the 5 total small plates, and dessert. we shared all of them.
(5)
Laura C.
Despite the rave reviews, I wasn't blown away by my experience at GT. We had reservations, but we still had to wait on a Sunday night despite open tables. So we sauntered over to the bar and watched the oyster shuckers hard at work. Eventually, a server came over and asked us if we wanted a drink. To start, I tried The Wait List - Grey Goose, St. Germain, grapefruit, lime, and bitters. Clean, fresh and a cool visual swirl on top. A few sips later, we were taken to our communal dining table, adorned with driftwood and fishing weights. Our server, Jeff, was fantastic. Friendly, knowledgeable and really tried hard to make us feel welcome. We had a server trainee as well, who mostly just observed all night. Throughout the meal, different servers/bussers would come by to drop plates off or pick things up. They were pretty much on top of things, although they could have used a little more training on the components of the dishes. A few times, they would have to ask someone else for the answer, but they would come back quickly with a smile. For a new place (we dined during their first week of business), they still have some areas for improvement. The food menu is mostly small plates of hot and cold seafood, mix and match oysters which can be ordered by the half dozen, and a few chicken and beef dishes for those that were probably dragged here by seafoodies. Our menu and findings: Crab Agnolotti did not have a strong enough crab flavor. Pasta was cooked perfectly, but I was looking for more. When Jeff came by, he asked how I liked the dish, so I told him. He said he would let the chef know. I asked him if he meant Giuseppe Tentori, and sure enough, GT was in the kitchen, open to our feedback. GT sent out a tasting of crawfish, fava beans, and cannelini bean tortellini that had not yet graced the menu. It was one of the better dishes of the night. He even stopped by the table to chat with us, which I always love. It gives an insider look into what the restaurant is all about - the passion and the love for food. Plus, the fact that he was willing to hear feedback from the patrons means a lot. Black Gnocchi tasted as it should: light and fluffy. Squid ink seems to be pretty popular these days, kind of like a magic marker for a chef. Prawns were cooked well and dressed nicely. Cheesecake panna cotta was amazing. The best of both worlds melded into one super smooth cube and packed with cheesecake flavor; although the micro celery greens threw me off. It did add freshness, but with my disdain for celery, I ended up picking them off and banishing them to the corner of my plate. Peanut butter and chocolate was a little rich for me, but the execution and presentation worked. Overall, it was a good meal and good service in a trendy River North location. If I were in the area, I'd go back.
(3)
Aimee R.
Great food, great service, would definitely recommend! We had the sunfish ceviche, crab cake, gt mac and cheese, duck confit, ricotta gnochi, baja shrimp bruschetta. All were delicious! For dessert, we had the salted caramel tart and the carrot cake. Had a great meal and would definitely go back.
(5)
Melissa W.
GT Fish and Oyster holds a special place in my heart. I've searched a long time for a good seafood restaurant in the Midwest, and I've finally found it only to move to California shortly afterwards. I heard about GT Fish and Oyster from Grant Achatz's Twitter where he had taken his kids for dinner. Based off my 10+ times that I've eaten there, I've only made reservations twice for larger parties. Otherwise, it was just my husband and me and we were able to sit at the Boomerang table. The chairs aren't as comfortable, and sometimes you are a bit too close to your neighbor, but it's all good. They do have hooks under the table for your purse and/or coat. I do tend to stay away from the Cold items and order more of the Hot items. I noticed their Cold items aren't that great. Since Giuseppe spent 9 years at Charlie Trotter's, and I love the seafood at Trotter's, I expected more from the Cold dishes. I do have some Cold items as my favorite like the Shrimp Bruschetta and the Tuna Poke, but I've tried several Bentos that do not appease my palate. Service is usually good - they take your order and food comes out relatively quick. There's always people filling up water, and sparkling water is free. It's nice in the summer when they have seats on the sidewalk and the windows open to let the breeze in. Overall, I find GT Fish and Oyster good eats if I want properly prepared food, quality food, and simple but on-point flavors, which is like all the time.
(5)
Troy H.
It's not a bad place; the ambience is great, and the food DEFINITELY tests a discerning palate, but food this good in such small quantites? Yeah, you can have that. My parents and I had five dishes, and while we enjoyed the food and its tastes, I walked out feeling hungry. They, used to eating much less, were okay.
(3)
Basem A.
Awesome! I stopped in at the GT Fish & Oyster for a quick lunch at the bar one evening, and I absolutely loved every crumble of food I had. The place is aesthetically pleasing and upon arrival the hostesses were kind, friendly and smiling. I decided to eat lunch at the bar, and I was greeted by the bartender almost immediately. So for lunch I ordered the fish and chips. I have never had fish and chips like that in my life. The fish was so delicate, perfectly seasoned and crispy. The chips very large and everything on the plate arrived piping hot. Malt vinegar and this pickle remoulade was served along side the fish and chips. I had to have another side of the remoulade! To finish my lunch I had a salted caramel tart with bananas. The dessert was to die for! Perfect contrast of sweet and salty, I only wish there was more. My server/bartender was very nice and attentive. Another great job by the Boka Group!
(5)
Galina M.
We went there just yesterday and yes the Boka guys have outdone themselves! Great seafood place...they serve smaller, tapas style dishes so it's great cuz you can try more stuff! Hard to get reservations at a decent time on weekends. Service is great and the ambiance is buzzing with the social butterflies. We got the Shrimp Bruschetta - excellent choice! Tuna poke - fresh tuna and just melted in our mouths. Eggplant - only if you love eggplant and we do, it is very very tasty! Then we got Fish Tacos - they were good, but ones at Mercadito are slightly better, but that's ok, we still immensely enjoyed! And now the last but certainly THE BEST - we had the Lobster Roll! That took it home...definitely takes the prize. We didn't have any dessert because we were stuffed, but should've judging from all the reviews. I guess we'll just have to come back again! :) super thumbs up - best new seafood place around Chi ... highly recommend!
(5)
Brian C.
New small plate restaurant where the prices are pretty reasonable but be aware the bill will likely end up being substantial because you'll want to try a lot of the different food and wine. The BBQ Eel is a really interesting play on sushi although the wasabi potatoes did overpower the eel a bit. Glazed Cod was incredibly tender and went very well with the soy miso sauce, asparagus puree, and sweetness of the mango on top. Lobster mac & cheese was very good but I would have preferred larger pieces of lobster and maybe a sligthly creamier sauce that coated the pasta a little better rather than all being on the bottom of the bowl. The bar is FULLY stocked, there are plenty of oysters being shucked fresh in the middle of the bar, and the wine list is quite well chosen if a bit overpriced for my taste. All things said this is probably a 4.5 star restaurant and I look forward to my next visit to try more of the menu items. Just be aware it's already packed so you better get your reservations early or hope to get a seat at the bar. Yet another nice concept and restaurant from the Boka Restaurant Group, bravo!
(4)
Rob S.
Not a fan of oysters, but I'll eat them here...and love it! This is a great place to hit after work on the way home. Great atmosphere, great service, great food. I haven't been disappointed yet.
(4)
Ron A.
Went here last night. It's one of those trendy small plates places you are seeing now. Overall, a little disappointed. Food was not as flavorful as I would have expected. The Oyster po boys were excellent. The lobster roll wasn't a great creation: warm garlic toast with cold lobster didn't seem to go together well. Crab cakes weren't good. Fish and chips were okay. Tuna Crudo was good, but I'm not sure how you mess that up. You have to reserve well in advance for a good time but it seems like there is plenty of bar space for walk ins.
(3)
Rob J.
My wife and I decided to crash this restaurant's highly anticipated opening weekend without a reservation. I was doubtful we would get a table but a couple beers and a dozen oysters later we had a seat at their communal table. I usually hate communal tables but the food easily made up for any awkwardness I felt with my neighbor's hovering over my Tuna Poke, Clam Chowder, Crab Agnolotti, Lobster Roll, and Lobster Mac 'N Cheese. If I had to nick pick, the only thing I would change was their beer selection, a nice IPA (re: Half Acre Daisy Cutter) on draft would pull together their attempt at the classical Boston oyster bar. One more thing, loved what they did with the interior and exterior. Looks like they put some $$$ into the decorations. Highly recommend this place and I'm looking forward to coming back.
(5)
Phil X.
Saturday night. Dinner for two. It was packed. Miraculously acquired two seats at the bar. We had the Tuna Poke, Sunfish Ceviche, Crabcakes, & Lobster Mac N Cheese. The Tuna Poke was a refreshing mixture of tuna tartare, mango, and cucumber. It was delicious. I wish we had ordered two since as you probably know the servings here are tapas style. Small dishes. I had a big appetite. The cool thing about the small plates is that you get to try more before you are full. The Sunfish Ceviche and crabcakes were good too. I thought the Lobster Mac'nCheese could have been a little better. The thing that left a lasting impression out of all the things I consumed was the dessert...Salted Caramel Dessert. Sweet....and savory. This thing was ridiculous.....ridiculously aWeSoMe! If you are ever in the area and are craving something sweet...just come to GT and order this already. You won't regret it. The service was great. The bartender, who was our waiter, was attentive and very knowledgeable of the menu. The bar had a nice handful of craft brews on tap. The ambiance is classy cool. I would definitely come back here. I didn't try any of the oysters (I'm not much of an oyster guy), but I recommend this place to try. Go. The Salted Caramel Dessert is calling you.
(4)
Sean B.
I generally don't recommend getting seafood in Chicago, because unless it's coming out of Lake Michigan, it's either not fresh or it's not eco-friendly because it must have been flown here from somewhere else. GT Fish & Oyster was good, but not good enough for me to break my Chicago seafood rule again. We had the seafood platter, octopus, fish tacos, shrimp bruschetta, and striped bass. The platter, octopus, and tacos were just OK. I enjoyed bruschetta. The striped bass was the one absolute standout for me. The jam, salsa verde, and vegetables complemented the fish perfectly. We also had the blueberry donuts for dessert; these were another highlight. But the "meh" octopus and taco dishes really prevented me from giving this restaurant more than 3 stars.
(3)
Peggy G.
I have only wonderful things to say! We came here with a group of 6 for my father's birthday a couple weeks ago, and we could not have had a better experience. Our waitress was attentive and gave great suggestions in regards to ordering and she paced the meal beautifully. As for the food, where do I begin? Hands down my favorite dish was the fish tacos. Best fish tacos I've ever had. I will be coming back just for those alone. Other great dishes included the calamari, the mussels, and the octopus! Fresh oysters were also delicious. The only dish that fell a little flat was the lobster Mac and cheese-- the lobster pieces were perfect but the pasta was bland. We did not order dessert so I cannot comment on that. Keep it up GT Fish & Oyster! I will definitely return and I plan on sending many people your way.
(5)
Navid T.
The lobster mac n cheese, shrimp bruschetta and the fish n chips are all 5 stars here. I ate at the bar and the bartender was nice and helpful
(5)
Julia K.
Yumm! Great food-scallops, tuna poke, eggplant, shrimp bruscetta, sunfish ceviche, clam chowder, lobster roll, and fish tacos were excellent! Beautiful atmosphere Great place overal!
(5)
Dean W.
I'm a confirmed foodie, amateur cook and very frequent biz traveler. After my first visit, I thought GT was overpriced and underwhelming. I had the tuna poke and the fish taco's with a glass of wine at lunch. I did hear good things about the raw bar so I'll probably give it another chance. Setting: GT is a sophisticated raw bar that serves, according to the bar tender small plates, dominated by seafood. It is modern, bright and open. Food First, tuna poke is a Hawaiian dish of raw tuna mixed with sesame oil and some other things (there are a variety of ways to make it). It is a subtle dish, very easy to make, and designed to highlight the tuna. At GT though, they serve it with a thick, sweet sauce (mango?) that if actually combined with the tuna would completely mask it. the sauce is either added to cover up the tuna flavor or because the nuance of the dish is lost on the chef. It would be improved by dropping the sauce and adding a crumble of red, volcanic sea salt. I've made it this way at home and it looks and tastes terrific. Second , I had the fish tacos and they were quite tasty - served hot, with great tortillas and 2 different house made hot sauces. Unfortunately, you can get somewhat bigger, more flavorful tacos at less than 1/2 the price at Big Star at the intersection of North and Damon. Third, I had a glass of white wine. Good but not memorable. Service: very friendly and professional, start to finish. Well done. For two small plates, a glass of wine and tip - I spent nearly $50 at lunch. For what you get, this is substantively overpriced. Everything seemed to be in the $11 - 16 price point so 3 things, plus tax and tip = $48; for 1/2 cup of tuna and 3 small tacos. On the plus side, the food was well executed, the service crisp and professional and the people next to me raved about the oysters from the raw bar. Also there is an impressive array of small batch booze. In summary, for what they charge the food should be more memorable. i've made better poke and had better tacos and 1/2 the price. But I'll return to give the raw bar a chance. I'll just make sure to bring my business credit card instead of my personal credit card.
(2)
Julie Z.
If you love seafood....go here! I came here for a late dinner on Saturday night. The place was poppin'. B/c I have a minor obsession with king crab, I really, really wanted to order it but alas my fellow diner convinced me to save my king crab feast for another day and I am glad I did. Every single plate here is delicious. Let's do the run through: Begin at the bar: great bartender!....I had wine, co-diner had some libation that he ordered another of...good sign. We move to our table and start the goodness: -Oysters. Mmmmmmmmm. Fresh. Served with a miso/sesame type sauce + cocktail sauce. So good, we ordered another round -Tuna Poke - holy smokes. This was the first thing I thought of when I woke up the next morning. I wanted more ASAP. - Foie gras and shrimp terrine - good but my least fave - crab cake - TONS of crab. delicious - Chowder - AMAZING. SO good!!!!!! and not too thick that you get full after eating it. Light and full of seafood and bacon...you cannot go wrong with that combo. -lobster roll - I don't know what it is with East coast natives and their lobster rolls but I don't get the fascination. It was good but I would order one of the many other wonderful options they have on their menu instead of this The plates here are small which is nice b/c you get to try a lot of different things. The environment is fun and a lil loud which is something I don't mind but I could see older folks being annoyed. Our server knew that menu like the back of her hand and had great recommendations. Our runner was so very kind and attentive and gave us the best dessert recommendation: salted caramel tart. mmmmm.
(5)
Amanda F.
As a Seafood Aficionado, I really wanted to like this place, but the more dishes I tried the more I was annoyed with the small plates and the price tag. I visited GT Fish & Oyster Bar for a work lunch. My boss ordered nearly two of everything. I WISH that I could rave about the seafood, but the best part of the meal was actually the dessert. I sampled three oysters. The $3.95 Wellfleet was definitely over-priced and bland. Despite my east-coast preferences, I actually preferred their Washington oysters. The homemade cocktail/horseradish sauce was a nice touch. The highlights of the hot plates were the Shrimp Bruschetta. I loved the mix of the shrimp and avocado with the salty and crunchy Bruschetta assembly. The Duck Confit and chickpea dish was very meaty and a good taste combo. The Fish n Chips were worth it for the sea salt potato wedges and the homemade tartar sauce. I'm not usually a tartar sauce fan, but this was thick and flavorful. Homemade tartar sauce is clearly the way to go. The dishes that I expected to like the best fell flat. The lobster in the Lobster Mac n' cheese was tasty because its lobster, but the Mac 'n Cheese was pretty standard. In fact, it probably should have been baked a little more. The Tuna was tasty, but more about the Asian flavor than the freshness of the tuna. It was a little too dressed up for my liking, and I really couldn't taste the tuna. Avoid the grilled Caesar salad. I just really don't see the appeal of hot lettuce. I didn't care for the Fish Tacos, but other members of the group did. Whatever the fish was didn't have a bold enough flavor to overpower the corn tortilla. Thank goodness for the Salted Caramel tart! I've never had this dish before, and it might be one of my new favorites. I knew I loved the sea salt and caramel combo, but I had no idea that it could be even better with a pie crust and warm bananas. The chocolate mouse was rich and delicious. More than a bite of the Sticky Coffee cake though would have been too over-powering. Normally, I would be inclined to give GT four stars because the food was better than average, there were some tasty picks, and the decor was cool, but then the bill came. The dishes are just too small and hit or miss to be that expensive.
(3)
John W.
It get's a two because of a recent change they made, not because it has bad food. In fact the food is great if you want to go for dinner. Writing this so others don't find out like I did. I used to love to go after 10pm for the half off Oyster special to have drinks before heading to other more lively bars. They no longer offer half off Oysters so that's no longer an option. Sad because we'd spend at least $30 to $40 per person in addition to Oysters in drinks that were regular price. Probably won't be headed there as frequently since other places now have better oysters at better prices.
(2)
Janice J.
Awesome...delicious....fantastic service! Headed there after work to celebrate a family gathering and was blown away by the great food and service. Although a bit on the costly side, the experience was well worth it. Everything from start to finish was perfect. The decor and overall ambiance was very zen. Every dish was seasoned to perfection. Suggestion....don't pass up dessert!
(5)
Annie D.
We stopped in for lunch before leaving Chicago and what a great stop it was. We started with their oysters: GIGAMOTO (West, British Columbia) PENN COVE (West, Washington) BEAVER TAIL (East, Rhode Island) BEAU SOLEIL (East, New Brunswick) WIANNO (East, Massachusetts) They were all worth a taste, very good oysters here!! PORK BELLY SLIDER kimchi, peanuts- the meat was perfect, very good overall, kimchi had a nice touch. OYSTER PO'BOY SLIDER kimchi, peanuts- oyster was nicely fried, very good. LOBSTER ROLL lobster salad, toasted roll, fried onions- one of the best lobster roll I've had in a long time since having one in NY. FISH TACOS blackened catfish, okra, pork rinds, cabbage- just your average fish taco, the pork rinds was a nice touch. Overall, great lunch experience, service was good, oysters are a must and so is the lobster roll. I will come back here when I make a visit to Chicago again.
(4)
Erick N.
Woohoo, GT Fish & Oyster becomes my 100th Yelp review! My wife and I dined at GT earlier tonight on a double date with another couple and had a great time. We had booked 5:30pm reservations via Open Table and were shocked that when we arrived the place was already half full. Midway into dinner there were already lots of people waiting in the bar area to be seated; this is a happening place! We noticed a couple of nice oval shaped tables for ten, so this is a great venue for a small group or for a celebration in addition to parties of six or less. Growing up in Boston I have always been a bit apprehensive about frequenting seafood joints when I am 1,000 miles away from the ocean, but the glowing reviews of GT made me feel comfortable diving in and taking the plunge. GT has two main rooms and they manage to have the place decorated with an oceanic theme theme that is subtle and tasteful enough that it is sophisticated rather than tacky. There some paintings of ships out at sea, a large stuffed fish, some cool looking lamps adorned with rope creating a nautical feel etc. The acoustics are on the loud side, but it is not so bad as to render conversation difficult (and they have taken steps to diminish the noise such as placing cushions underneath the tables to absorb sound). Service at GT is quite good and amazingly attentive. Despite the restaurant being packed to the gills (OK, I will stop the bad puns) our water glasses were replenished instantly after nearly every sip taken (I double dare you to try to have a water glass empty for more than 30 seconds at GT - if you can even empty it before they refill). Our primary server was friendly, informative and always present when needed and the most astonishing aspect was the amount of attention paid to napkin folding: When my friend left to use the men's room our server promptly folded his napkin and pushed in his chair - then moments later another server approached and picked back up the napkin and made further adjustments. The food was as good as the service; not the best food I have had, but definitely fresh, high quality foods that were cooked, prepared and presented well. The menu features about ten cold plates, about fifteen hot plates, a half dozen different oysters on the half shell and a few non-seafood options. They encourage patrons to share plates but as each of us had fairly different palates we indicated we wished to select our own dishes; this was readily accommodated. We each opted for three dishes; all three of mine were good but my favorite was the Bento - three different small dishes in a tray including tuna sashimi, salmon tartar with a great sesame sauce and hamachi. The was a fun dish and looked so beautiful that I gazed at it for a while before digging in. My second dish was a fried oyster po'boy slider and was so good I promptly ordered a second (only negative was they were teeny tiny). My fish tacos also were excellent and some of the best fish tacos I have consumed. All the ingredients really gelled well in all of the dishes. Everybody in our party was very pleased with their food and there were several additional items on the menu that sounded appealing, so I will definitely be back. The dessert (I had a caramel tart with bananas and chocolate sauce) was succulent too; the caramel was awesome. What is nice is GT's website had their up-to-date menu; what I had looked at online earlier today was the actual menu tonight - so you know exactly what to expect. GT does not just have great food but has a full bar as well featuring several cocktails by the Boka group mixologist Benjamin Schiller, a vast wine menu, a few beers on tap and several bottled brewskis. Unfortunately the beer on tap I wanted to try was out (the Goose Island stout with squid ink) but my cocktail (The Old Money) was a good second choice. GT Fish & Oyster has received a lot of accolades in recent months including being named one of Chicago's best new restaurants in 2011 by several food experts in an Eater Chicago article and being granted Bib Gourmand status by the Michelin man. While I feel that the pricing is reasonable for the quality, compared to other Bib Gourmand restaurants I have dined in the portions are quite small so in order to receive a filling meal you do have to spend quite a bit more than most other Bib Gourmand venues. Between the four of us we consumed fifteen dishes (including dessert) and seven beverages; the final tab including tax and tip came to $80 per/person. This was enough food to leave satisfied, but it was not a feast by any means. Overall dinner was a great experience and I definitely recommend GT Fish & Oyster to anybody seeking good seafood in Chicago.
(4)
Shing H.
Great food and ambiance. I would recommend everything I tried -- oysters, shrimp bruschetta, clam chowder, copper river salmon, lobster roll, mac & cheese -- and would love to go back one of these days to try everything else.
(4)
KC C.
GT is a nice place, environment, and the cocktails are very good. I've been here for brunch and dinner, and will go back here again. Mixologist specialties are awesome. I'm a fan of fresh shucked oysters, and they offer several varieties to choose from. the little Miller chaser for the brunch bloody mary is a nice touch-been a long time since I had a Miller pony. Another River North fine cuisine challenger for Graham Elliot-take your family, or a date here, and GT will take great care of you.
(4)
Glen W.
Seafood is not a Chicago speciality and unfortunately this place does not quite break that mold, despite a good effort.
(3)
Daniel S.
Solid small plate restaurant. I am not a lover of all fish (oyster and lobster included in the not like) and I still enjoyed my meal. I went with people who really like oysters so they liked it even more of course. If you are a lobster and oyster lover, you are giving this 4 stars probably. It is worth a visit if you are looking for a trendy, fun spot for small fish plates...and oysters.
(3)
Cara T.
My hubby and I made a reservation at GT on a Saturday afternoon. We ordered several dishes, since the menu is tapas style, and our server did an excellent job of spacing out our courses. The service was very attentive...I think my water glass was filled every time I took a drink! We started with oysters and the sunfish ceviche. I have not had much experience with oysters and my husband had zero. Our server was knowledgeable and gave us a lesson on East Coast vs. West Coast. We ended up with 3 Fanny Bay (west coast) and an assortment of 3 east coast. I am pretty sure I am only a west coast fan--but I only tried one east coast. Regret of the meal--Not getting 3 Fanny Bay and 3 of 1 east coast (Oysters are impossible to split!). I loved the GT cocktail sauce. The sunfish ceviche was super fresh and had really interesting flavors---I love the chimichurri sauce. Our next course was the oyster sliders and clam chowder. The oyster slider was a tasty little bite, but I could pass on that next time. The clam chowder is the best chowder I have ever tasted. And the presentation was so cute (in a little glass canister). I wouldn't share this next time :) Our next course was the crab cake and the gnocchi. The crab cake was FULL of crab and the red pepper aioli was excellent. The gnocchi was good, but I just don't like gnocchi--it's not my favorite dish anywhere. My favorite thing about both of these dishes were the bites I took with all of the elements. It was obvious how well thought out each dish was with a fork of all the component parts. The layers of flavor were truly impressive. We ended our meal with the lobster roll. I loved the dressing, or lack of dressing. It was simply lobster meat on a butter roll with fried onion strings. The onion strings added a lot of flavor to the roll. You wouldn't think some deep fried onions would do that, but it really turned an ordinary roll into something truly stellar. I would definitely come back to GT. I don't think I would come here in a large group. I feel like it's a more intimate setting. The bar was pretty happening and there were some small groups of three or four, just not many. I can't wait to go back to GT. It's fairly close to my work, so I could see coming back for lunch or maybe after-work dinner. Great food and excellent service.
(4)
Mony K.
Took my girlfriend here for a date and it was just perfect. The service was spectacular, the Dragon's Milk ale I had got me tipsy and did I mention, the amazing Oyster? We each got a dozen oysters and destroyed it! It was delish. We even came on a different night for the half off oysters which is after 10pm. We shared all the dishes, so it came along something like this. Oysters, a pork dish, fish, and two others of which I forgot. What I do remember is that none of the dishes disappointed us. We enjoyed each dish as it held its own wait. Will probably be a local to this restaurant and def bringing friends for happy hour specials. Oh, the price is steep, but I think it's worth it to at least hit it up once.
(5)
Beth J.
The food was good. It was not the kind of place that you sit and have a bottle of wine while you chat with your table for awhile. The server was very attentive, but I did feel the pressure for them to turn over the tables. While I thought the food was good I wasn't loving how little you get for the price. That being said I am a fish and chip snob and this place is worth a try. The lobster roll and ceviche were really good as well. We went during a weeknight and it was packed, so I can't imagine trying to go on a weekend.
(4)
Kimi O.
Perfect lunch spot when you deserve a treat! The nautical decor makes you feel like you teleported to New England, the service was very friendly, and most importantly the food was topnotch. I had half a dozen oysters and the clam chowder. My husband had the crab cake, the pork belly slider, and also the clam chowder. Everything was delicious but my favorites were the clam chowder (best I've had) and the crab cake. The table next to us ordered the mussels which I will definitely order next time along with the clam chowder!
(4)
Julien D.
Lovely setting and great atmosphere. The staff id very kind however the food is not that stunning, at all. Still a place to go if you want that type of setting but font expect the best food around.
(3)
Angela Z.
Let me first say that I have been waiting forever for this place to open. The Clam Chowder has been calling my name. So I went on the second day it opened since the first I had a meeting :( I ordered the Clam Chowder that was brought out in a nice mason jar and opened in front of me. It has a bit of hot sauce on the top which was a nice addition. It was full of meat and very tasty. The homemade rosemary croutons were very tasty. I was quiet full after that but onto the desserts Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese gelato was the best thing I have eaten in a while. I absolutely love desserts and boy o boy this was tasty. Since It was so good I had to try another. I debated the cherry pie or key lime pie. I went with the cherry with the Tahitian Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. It was good but I am not a huge fan of tart. So then I just had to have the Key Lime that was served in a mason jar. It was very tasty although it was lemon on the bottom and not lime. But a definite must have. I will return and try the fish and chips and other things that looked extremely tasty on the menu.
(4)
Suzy D.
My husband and I came here for dinner on a Friday night without a reservation. We were seated right away at a communal table. The place was packed and pretty lively, but I enjoyed the atmosphere. We started with a dozen oysters. The kushee were my favorite. Then we had the oyster kimchee peanut sliders. They were tasty, but I did not taste the peanuts, just the kimchee. I would say they should add a little bit more peanut. Then we shared the lobster mac n cheese and the lobster roll. Both of these dishes had nice chunks of lobster. The portions were small but the dishes were delicious and very satisfying. I really liked that the lobster roll did not have too much mayonnaise. I was able to taste the lobster and it was wonderful. We will be back! If you're a fan of seafood, come here!
(4)
Ha-ti N.
If you've been thinking about going here to try it out, don't wait anymore. This is a must-try for all adventurous seafood lovers. Came here for a last minute date night. Looked up on open table to see if they had openings and they didn't til 11pm. BUMMER. So I called (because I don't trust anything/anyone) and she said there wasn't a table til 11:15pm. Then she double checked (thank you phone lady!) and found me a two-seater at 915pm. Awesome. It was meant to be. Coming in its super busy - lots of good energy buzzing around. They have community tables (I'm just calling them that because don't know what else to call them) - where people who didn't necessarily come together sit at the same table. I thought about it, and I don't think I mind it. But I see it being a customer turn-off sometimes. ANYWAY I thought since I made a last minute reservation, theyd plop us in a community table. They didn't ! we got a cozy corner booth in the back. I was super happy about that. Service is awesome. Let's talk about food. It's like a tapas style way of dining so you just order a handful of dishes to share. My boyfriend and I got the king crab legs ($45 and the amount was not worth the $45 so beware), the gnocchi with smoked salmon + tobiko, the shrimp & foie gras terrine, the sunfish ceviche, a dozen oysters (osprey + penn) and the stout chocolate mousse. All of it was delicious!! I recommend the oysters form st. edwards island over anything else I've tried in the past. Sweet and creamy! I think what made the gnocchi was the tobiko - i loved the texture. The shrimp & foie gras terrine I feel like is something most people would overlook but it was the most flavorful thing I had that night! DELICIOUS. Ceviche was solid. Crab legs were yummy obv. and the stout mousse was way more than I expected. Come here if your taste buds are craving delightful surprises.
(4)
Jaison C.
This is one of those rare dining experiences that do not come quite often. Everything. I mean everything was 99.99% perfect. The staff, the food, the atmosphere, and even Chef Tentori coming out to say hello to nearly everyone that was there. We ordered almost everything there was to order on the menu: Tuna Poke - excellent Raw oysters - as long as they're fresh, will always be excellent Fried Oyster slider - so good, we ordered it again like fat fools Gnocchi - Utterly amazing. Just so fresh and full of flavor Clam linguini - very good and refreshing Lobster mac and cheese - extremely light and flavorful Fish tacos - came complimentary, were ok at best. We also got to enjoy 4 of the desserts on the menu which all were very decadent and rich. My only complaint was that we waited almost 30 minutes after our reservation, but they made up for it by giving us a few complimentary dishes. I will be back, soon.
(5)
Masha G.
Service was amazing. Staff knows how to make you feel special and welcomed. It was a crowded Friday night dinner and was a few of us, our waiter was phenomenal, knowledgeable and very attentive. Dishes were delivered to the table one after another, with perfect timing that we tried it all and food didn't stay cold waiting it's turn to get to our plates. Food wise - very interesting combinations and good quality. I am not a fan of oysters, so I won't say a thing about it, BUT the rest was great! Foiegras and shrimp terrine dish was a delight, another fav of mine were shrimp ravioli and "GT mac and cheese". It was definitely a treat, though a quite pricey one. Overall I loved the place - great place to go for a special night. Impressive.
(4)
Keith O.
Went there for the first time this past Saturday night and had a great experience. Food was terrific, drinks were outstanding, and the service was impeccable. Everything we tried was excellent but the oyster po' boy and clam chowder stood out. Can't give it five stars until I've experienced it more than once, but I highly recommend it.
(4)
Lisa Z.
We went at lunch and service was not all that great. The restaurant was crowded, and we rarely saw our server. However, when he did appear, he was friendly and helpful. I found portions to be very small for the price that you pay. I ordered the fish tacos, which were excellent, but I definitely left hungry. Others shared this sentiment. The crab cake is just that -- one crab cake. The oysters were fine, but I'm not a big oyster lover, so take that for what it's worth!
(3)
Mindy S.
It is a rare occurrence to take a first look at the menu, and see so many delicious sounding dishes, that I am sad that I cannot try everything I want to that night. Everything about GT was wonderful - the service was impeccable, the food arrived very quickly, the ambiance was cool (although tables were a bit close together), and the food was amazing. The menu changes frequently, but last week, we tried: -- Lobster Roll - omg. So wonderful. Lots of lobster -- Oysters - fresh, sauces were tangy, awesome with their home-made red and green sauces -- Clam Chowder - not incredibly thick, but tons of flavor, small portion -- Sunfish ceviche - yes, get this, everybody recommends it, good portion size -- Gnocci - yum! Plump pieces, best gnocci we've had in a long time The entire experience at GT Fish is certainly worth every penny and your time. There are many small tables for 2 or 4, but also larger family-style tables that they will seat parties of 3 or larger. Really a great use of space here. On our way out, we made a reservation for our next visit, as it took about 6 weeks to get a Sat night @ 8pm reservation this time, and the walk-in wait (at that time) was 2.5 hours.
(5)
Judith J.
I checked this place out on 02.22.12 during Restaurant Week for lunch and it was wonderful and I do plan to come back again. We had their RW lunch menu: Crab Cake, Shrimp Bruschetta, Whitefish, Scallops, Carrot Cake and Chocolate Mousse. Everything was delish and very flavorful. I was pleasantly surprised by the carrot cake, I normally do not like it because it is too heavy, but this was perfect. I would skip the Choc Mousse was not tasty at all. Our server Kristin was very nice and helpful. The atmosphere and decor was wonderful. They even gave us a $10 gift card for our next lunch visit...Yeah! The only down side to this great experience was the guy sitting next to us from out of town talking so loud I could not even hear my own thoughts. I wanted to tell him to use his inside voice!
(4)
Rosemary M.
We had an early reservation at 5pm, but the place was already busy at the bar and tables beside us. The room we sat in was beautiful, enough decor and plush to warrant my cocktail dress. Our waiter was excellent with recommendations (oysters, how many plates to order (tapas style), cocktail drinks) and not stuffy as some places can be. The food; fresh with delicious combinations I would have never thought of. Starters: Tuna Poke (5 stars) Sunfish Ceviche (5 stars) Pork Belly Slider (3 stars) Effingham (West, British Columbia) (5 stars) Clam Chowder (i didn't have it but was told it was really good) ~this was enough for us, pretty full. I honestly can't wait to go back. Great job GT Fish & Oyster!!
(5)
Amanda Z.
THIS PLACE IS FANCY. It took all my money. Twice. Here is what you should get: -Oysters, duh. I am a new fan, and these were totally delicious. Fresh, salty, and lovely, served with a tasty vinaigrette, these made me want oysters all the time. -Hamachi sashimi. Delicate and lovely with champagne grapes. (Told ya. FANCY.) -Oyster po'boy slider. YUM. -Mussels. There are a lot. They are tasty. Skip: -Lobster mac n cheese. I KNOW. I will get roasted for this. But it's too rich for my taste. Too much richness, not enough cheesiness. AND I LOVE CHEESE. Make a reservation. (Be nice and honor that reservation.) We had to wait a bit on my second visit for our reservation. As in 45 minutes after my reservation. I was annoyed and hungry. The sweet bartender who poured a totally delicious manhattan made up for it. But still. If you take reservations, PLEASE honor them, or at least keep the guests updated. We had to keep going over to the hostesses and reminding them that, yes, we were still here, and no, we were not at our table. Food is good, drinks are good. When I'm feeling fancy and less-broke, I might go again. Unless someone ELSE wants to take me and pay...
(4)
R K.
I've been here twice and enjoyed both experiences. Both times were a Friday night, and we were able to get seating at the communal table pretty quickly. Atmosphere - communal style tables with small plates- i used to dislike this, but it's fun. Food - seafood small plates. i really shouldn't be commenting i've been sick for the past few weeks i think my whole sense of taste is off. that being said, things that i could still taste (and are worth mentioning) include - the scallops - prepared well and paired with a tamarind based sauce and lemon garnish. other almost as good dishes - P.E.I mussels (the sauce was serious comfort for my cold), cod croquettes (not too heavy and balanced well with a fennel and orange salad), escolar + short ribs (meat and fish together are a thing i'm really liking lately), lobster mac and cheese (also not too heavy, good amount of lobster, just ditch the peas). And of course, the oysters. You have to come here and get oysters. And after 10 they are half off. Service = hit or miss (at least at the communal table). the first time = great - friendly waitress that was knowledgeable with good recs, second time = we never saw our waitress except to order and bring the bill.
(3)
Billy Boy F.
This place is a very different dining experience . The portions are on the small side . That being said the taste and quality is amazing . The Chowder was the best In the world. Lobster Mac was stellar . The real jewel of the meal was desert . Banana Carmel tart . Unbelievable
(5)
Eliza C.
It almost hurts me to give this spot only 3 stars after all of the anticipation. But c'est le vie. Will Order Again: - The Waitlist. Ridiculously good! - Oyster Po Boy Slider. Couldn't taste the oyster but the bread and kimchi were a fantastic mix. - Lobster Roll. Tasted all the right flavors. Meh: - Kusshi. Fresh but blander than I'm used to. - Baja Shrimp Bruschetta. Fresh but couldn't taste the shrimp?? - Hamachi Sashimi. Fresh but couldn't taste the hamachi?? But I'll come back and give them another shot at wowing me. I'm fair like that.
(3)
Eric Y.
Overall, a good spot for seafood though it had it's ups and downs. There's a nice cocktail list with some different takes on classics. The fresh oysters are really fresh and tasty, with house made cocktail sauce. The place is a small-plates, tapas-style restaurant so we ordered a bunch of different things and shared. Some were really good and some weren't. The hits included shirmp-foie gras terrine, lobster roll, duck confit, and pork belly. The pork belly was especially good, served with pickled mustard seeds, pickled shallots, figs and Tuscan kale. Misses included the mac and cheese (not enough lobster), sashimi bento box (not enough fish), oyster po-boy (not oystery enough), clam chowder (not clammy enough). For dessert, the warm toffee cake is really, really good. I was disappointed after reading the article in the Chicago Tribune that this was the best place to get fried clams in Chicago, like the kind you get in New England, you know, with the belly still attached. Alas, no clams on the menu. WTF! It's weird that the best food at this seafood house was not seafood.
(3)
Amer A.
Beautiful restaurant in River North. Attentive service from friendly staff. High quality food, though not ground breaking. The small plates style allows one to sample a good swath of the menu. Highlights include the grilled octopus and the chocolate pie. The seafood platter was disappointing in its modest contents and princely fee. The lobster roll, while good is not special.
(3)
Mary M.
I wanted to eat here for months and was finally able to grab an early dinner with a girlfriend after work. The service was very attentive throughout the meal. Our server made a few suggestions with our food choices. The Smoked Platter was my favorite with samples of different smoked fish as well as playful extras such as mini pretzels with whole grain mustard, beets with caviar. The lobster mac and cheese was highly recommended, but just OK in my opinion. The lobster roll was very good. As far as drinks, I didn't enjoy the Cosmo - very grapefruity. I tried a couple of the chardonnays offered by the glass and was disappointed. The apple pie dessert was tasty. While it wasn't bad, I think I'll take some time to try other places and circle back to GT at a later date.
(3)
Johnny T.
A perfect idea for lunch or dinner. As in all things in life, though, it's best to know how to handle a situation so as to get the most out of it. Simply put: don't go for lunch expecting a dinner experience and don't go to dinner expecting intimacy. The word is out. People know about GT. People like GT. There are going to be crowds. It's going to be loud. Ask yourself if the food's worth. If so, ask yourself if the noise/chaos level is worth it. Make these decisions before-hand and ensure that you have a five-star experience. Lunch: I think this is the easier experience. No wait of which to speak. No real need for reservations. Plenty of room from which to choose both in and out. See? See how easy that was? Now, before you make that first selection of seafood, ask about the drink menu. I'm not talkin' booze. I'm talkin' lemonade. Fizzy lemonade with berry flavoring. Sip slow because it comes in a small, skinny glass with lots of ice. And, it's not cheap. But, it might be the best lemonade you'll have all summer. Oops. Sorry, it's autumn now. Only seven months to go... I don't know if plates are meant to be shared, but do it. It's lunch and you have stuff to do afterward. Tuna poke, shrimp bruschetta, crab cake, and whitefish are all solid choices for a winning lunch. You're going to want dessert. Refrain so as to not look like a piggy but make a note to self to come back for the key lime pie. You're also going to want the lobster roll. Don't order it. Go to New England Seafood Company Fish Market and get a bigger one, served cold, on buttered roll, and packed with lobster meat. It will change your life but that's a review for another day... Dinner: Have your friends make reservations at 6:30. 6:30 is the new 8 when it comes to top-notch restos. It's true. Old folks time is still 5 pm, so no worries about jumping the shark. But, if you want to eat a leisurely dinner without feeling rushed or frenzied take my advice. You have been warned... Once your friends have arrived, ask to be sat with them. Resist the urge to 'bless' the gaggle of hostesses who'd rather chat amongst themselves than do their jobs. Walk to the table yourself. Make a stink-eye at said delinquent hostessES (yes, plural. In a down economy. Who do nothing). Drinks. It's night time. Do it. Do it a lot. Be like Johnny and order... - the Old Money: bourbon served with the biggest ice cube you've ever seen. Sip, don't slurp. Enjoy and pretend to be classy. Get very drunk. Start to make decisions like... - the Bomb Pop/Italian Ice. I don't know that it's still on the menu. It's reminiscent of the drink you've had (admit it) at Rockit but better... and boozier, which will lead to... - a perfectly crisp pinot grigio. Good, back to classy so you can have... - a boozy coffee. I think its Christian name is not all that PC. We have drinks covered, yes? Food. If there are four of you, get no less the 12 dishes. You're sharing and you want something to soak up all that liquor. Plus, the food is frighteningly good. You're going to want to eat a lot of it. Of note, the ceviche and the po' boys. Get them both. In fact, contemplate putting in an order of po' boys (they come four to a plate) for yourself. They're delicious and you won't want to share. The eel is as good as you think it should be, the terrine is a surprising revelation, the mac & cheese can be hit or miss and there's no reason at all to order the mussels. I was disappointed with them but after 11 other dishes of wonderfulness, there's not much cause for complaint. Remember the dessert you passed up at lunch? Get it now. In fact, order them all. There were four on menu at the time of my last visit. While all were satisfactory, the key lime pie stole the show and I, in turn, stole it from my dining companions. Remember, I am an only child. Does it seem like we ordered a lot? We did! Does it seem like such a meal would take a long time? It did! Are we happy we arrived at 6:30? You betcha! The minor glitches I've experienced at GT are no match for the amazing quality of food, drink and service (actual wait staff, not the coven up front). You owe it to yourselves to try it. But, do it right. Follow my rules.
(5)
Lauren C.
The food and the service were very very very good, but making us wait 35 minutes after our reservation time and not giving us a free appetizer/drink is unacceptable. If you know we will not be seated on time and you have my number/e-mail you should call and let us know.
(4)
M B.
I haven't been to GT since it opened but I was so glad I went back. It was four of us, we split everything and everything we got was delicious. We started with oysters which Im trying to acquire a taste for and they were really good! Don't ask me which they were though - all I know is that half were east coast and the other half were west coast. We then got the grilled artichokes and the seared tuna salad - both looked really yummy but I didn't eat them because I had the clam chowder coming. I love the chowder here because it's a lighter version than traditional new england clam chowders but still delicious and full of clams. I went to college in new england so I know good chowder! We then got the lobster dumplings, octopus, crab cake and lobster roll. The octopus was very tender and was almost a little crispy on the outside but not fried. The crab cake was full of crab and not breading and the lobster roll was perfection, I could have eaten two of them. We ended the meal with the carrot cake and the key lime pie. The dessert was my least favorite, I thought the carrot cake was a little dry but I wasn't really in the mood for dessert anyway just had a spoon. A few tips: If the waiter doesn't mention it, they have two lobster rolls - cold with mayo and warm with melted butter. We opted for warm and it was to die for They have bread and butter upon request And they will split one glass of wine between two people if you ask. Read some reviews about brunch here so I will have to try that next!
(5)
Jen N.
I love GT! It's trendy yet not "fancy", can be loud, nice modern & sea motif, has 2 communal tables, and is popular for late dining as well- actually oysters are half-price after 10pm. The bar is good and of their specialty cocktails I love the "Waitlist" martini, delish. The menu is not too big, it's just right. Understand that they are small portions. The oysters are great, of course, but there's also menu items for those who are not that into seafood, namely the lobster mac and cheese (the portion for this is enough for a meal, especially if you have had an appetizer). My favorite thing was the shrimp bruschetta it is KILLER. I also love the halibut with Israeli cous cous, it was wonderful, but again you're gonna want to order more than just one food item as they are smaller. Only negative is the service was slow and could have been better, especially for the prices, your bill will add up, for 2 people our bill was about $180 with drinks. Try the salted caramel tart for desert, it is to die for. And how sweet is this- if you go here for your birthday they give you a gift of a $20 certificate for your next visit, it's a little thing but is appreciated.
(5)
Lois A.
Beautiful place! I've been here a couple of times in the last few weeks and I definitely have a few favorites. I love the baja shrimp bruschetta . This is such a perfect bite of shrimp with avocado that I could eat an entire plate of it. The avocado creme is insane! The oyster sliders are perfect. I really loved the lobster roll - the onions on the side thrown into the roll made it really flavorful. I also couldn't get enough of the gnocchi or the fish tacos. The lobster bisque and clam chowder were both good. Beware the heat of the lobster bisque underneath that delicious pastry that shelters it. Hot!! Maybe a little too hot as the lobster keeps cooking a bit longer than it should. I also had some lobster pasta dish tonight that I had high hopes for that was only ok. The only thing I've had that I disliked was the oyster caesar salad. The lettuce was so limp...it just wasn't good. Service is excellent. I am excited to try some of dishes that are not of the sea. The chicken and the short rib really do sound fantastic. This place fills up fast!
(4)
Victor R.
O M G Basil Gnocchi! Amazing.
(5)
H F.
Over priced and tiny portions. Avoid the hype and feeling like a moron for paying $12 for a cup Campbell's clam chowder, $13 for tablespoon sized tuna poke that includes tasteless tuna as an after thought. They get one star because the staff is nice. Lastly, AVOID the sugared chocolate colored cardboard they call dessert. Actually just avoid this place altogether and go somewhere else. This place is one of the worst in the city.
(1)
Chris L.
So i've been on an oyster kick for the past couple of years. I find that I can't get enough of them. Knowing this, my wife took me here for my birthday. It took some time to get us to our table but I'll let that slide. Reason? We waited by the bar. Not at the bar...by the bar. Not 2 minutes after finding a spot to stand, the bartender came out from behind the bar with some menus to take our order. Now THAT'S impressive. Anyways, on to the meal. We started with a dozen oysters. The mignonette that comes with was outstanding, though the oysters needed nothing added to them. You'd think to yourself, "How can I follow up oysters?" Well, you'd be surprised. Most of the dishes we had from that point on were out of this world. The shrimp bruscetta had some nice heat that paired well with the avocado "cream." The poke gave me flashbacks to our honeymoon in Hawai'i. The lobster mac was perfect. I wasn't in the mood for it (the wife was) but I changed my tune once I tried it. The best part of the night (other than the oysters) were the oyster po'boy sliders. Now, I'd never had kimchi before. The word "fermented" never appealed to me. If all kimchi tastes like this...I'm sold. Everything paired together so well. The bun...the crisp of the oyster...the heat from the thai peppers...the tart from the kimchi. Our waitress suggested these to us because they were recognized by the Beard Award folks. I can see why. We'll definitely be back.
(4)
Calvin B.
You have to get the lobster roll!!!! It is delicious!
(5)
Sam I.
Service is fast and good. The oysters are the best in chi. Fish tacos are my favorite. Great space and ambiance.
(4)
Jen A.
GT Fish and Oyster is my new favorite seafood spot in the city. I'm very fortunate that it is around the corner from my office at the Merchandise Mart, so I've been able to try this place out for lunch a few times. Big hit: the lobster roll. It's a MUST. Sure, it's a $20 sandwich but you will not regret it. There is a TON of lobster and the bread is soft and buttery. The lobster mac n cheese is also insanely delicious. After eating it for lunch I promptly went home and tried to make it- I just had to have it again. Aside from the great food, the service is always fast and the ambiance is comfy yet elegant.
(5)
Michelle W.
Love!!: Foie gras and shrimp terrine Lobster mac and cheese Oysters Okay: Smelt Eggplants Sunfish ceviche
(4)
Katrina S.
Being a huge fan of seafood I really looked forward to checking this place out. My first impression walking in the door was, "very niiiiccee.." Floor to ceiling windows looking out on the busy city street, dim lighting, cool wrap around bar, sleek, sophisticated and ... sexy. We sat down and ordered a cocktail. Perhaps I ordered wrong "the wait list". It tasted like one of those sour candies that forces you into a pucker? Not sexy. We tried the fish tacos first. They were wet on the bottom and falling apart so we had to eat them with a fork. I also came across several bones. Pulling bones out your your mouth? Not sexy. I had heard so many raves about their lobster roll that we decided we had to order one. For the most part it was excellent; fresh and light with big chunks of fresh lobster, celery, just the right amount of mayo and good bread. Excellent as far as flavor and freshness. The issue I had here which was magnified by the aforementioned bones was that I bit down on a few shells that coulda cracked a tooth.. Pulling shells out of your mouth? Definitely not sexy... Perhaps I just hit some backwards lottery because I have quite a few friends that had an entirely different experience. I will give them another chance and hope it's waaaayy more sexy. P.S. Service was good. Bathrooms strange, small and not so clean. Pricey for what you get. Street parking difficult as to be expected with it's location.
(3)
Desirae K.
Pains me to give GT Fish & Oyster 2 stars. I was so pumped to try this place and am so bummed that my taste buds left underwhelmed. Maybe I should have asked the waiter for a recommendation. Cold: (-) Hamachi Civiche - the citrus was very strong and overpowered the fish. (+/-) BBQ Eel - this was OK. Not great, but not memorable. Hot: (-) Berkshire Pork Belly - dry & flavorless. (-) Fish Taco - boring, basic and nothing special. Oysters (+) Fat Bastard - This is my first experience with a Fat Bastard, plump and loveable. (+) Kusshi - Dainty with a deep cup. Never met a Kusshi I didn't love, clean & light. (+) Naked Cowboy - Rich, firm wild oyster on the slightly bigger side. Strong mineral flavor with a touch of iodine & brine. Who doesn't love a naked cowboy? Dessert (+) Mousse (I don't remember the exact name) - mousse was absolutely delightful and the perfect size. Staff was friendly and attentive. The space is absolute gorgeousness. Would I go back to GT? For cocktails, oysters and dessert - maybe. Definitely not worth it for the dinner I had.
(2)
Melinda Q.
Swanky, tasty and New England with an Asian flair! Can't go wrong with the mini Po' Boy sliders topped with Kim Chi - won some James Beard accolade apparently. Tapas style menu allows you to taste lots and order seconds on dishes you like.
(5)
K K.
I liked everything we ordered: several varieties of fresh oysters, tuna poke, oyster po' boy, lobster mac n cheese, and a lobster roll. All of it was good. The service was solid. The location and decor were solid. So, if everything was good, why only 3 stars? Perhaps it's just about expectations. We have tried to get reservations several times over the past year. GT is a tough table to get on short notice. Combine that with the 4-star rating and I suppose our hopes were high for a great meal. It could also be about the price. Although there are more expensive places to eat in the city, GT isn't cheap. The lobster roll was $28. GT is good. It just isn't my first choice in a city packed with great food options.
(3)
Jonathan W.
I went here with group of 12 which I would actually NOT recommend. Seems a little counter-intuitive but the dishes are very small, expensive and hard to share. It was difficult for everyone to try everything with out ordering three of the same dish. Plus everyone ended up getting a micro bite of their $20+ lobster roll, even after ordering three. I would recommend this place for a smaller group of 3-4 in order to keep the price-to-portion ratio a little less out of whack. The food was great and the space is pretty. The price is a bit steep however.
(3)
maurice s.
I was expecting so much more. Portions are remarkably small and not at all suitable for sharing like they suggest. Prices are very high for what you get. The decor is downright tacky and doesn't fit the modern space. The quality of the food and service was very high, however, so I can't really go lower than 3 stars. If you're in the area and want drinks, oysters, and other small plates, I'd recommend Frontera instead.
(3)
A P.
Great! I love GT Fish House. Oyster Sliders, tune poke, fish tacos -- yum! And the hostess and staff are friendly and helpful.
(5)
My C.
Love their seafood.
(4)
Joel C.
First of all, getting a table is rather difficult because this place if very popular. We got lucky and got an 8 o'clock reservation for three probably because someone cancelled. Unfortunately, we had to wait a half hour for them to seat us. The host was accommodating and said it would be worth our while. When finally seated, we ordered the raw oysters (various kinds) and they were awesome. It felt like they melted in your mouth they were so fresh. The cold bbq eel dish was excellent and the po boy sliders were so good. The fish tacos were good, but I've had better in the San Diego area. The lobster macaroni and cheese is to die for. The lobster roll (fan favorite on this site) was good, but I don't know about great. My bro had a piece of lobster shell in it and they took it off the bill (nice). To top the meal off, they gave us a complimentary bananas foster crumbly dessert thing for our long wait. Yeah! Overall, excellent food if you can get a table and they're really accomodating.
(4)
Alden V.
We got a table by the street window it's a very cool vibe inside and provides a lively but not overbearing environment. The service was prompt and very helpful. The dishes are tapas style. 2-3 dishes per person, we ordered oysters and 4 dishes to share. I love the oyster selection from around the country/world. I was a novice going into it, our waitress was helpful in guiding us to a good variety and pointing out the tasting differences between oysters from the various waters. The ceviche and crab cake are absolute must haves! Everything was as fresh as it gets and flavors are loud. We brought out own bottle of Prisoner, no problem. As it was my birthday, they gave me a $25 gift card to use for next time! Great service, I can't wait to go back. Loved it!
(5)
Temi C.
I love the ambiance here! It would be a great venue for a date, birthday dinner or a shower. A group of girlfriends and I started out with the infamous kimchi oyster sliders. They were delicious, but watch out because mine had a huge chunk of shell in it. The kitchen was extremely generous and threw in a new slider, fresh oyster, and fish and chips. Wow, great service! One of my friends had dined at GT Fish &Oyster before and shared that the lobster mac and cheese and lobster roll were passable. We went with the octopus potato salad, sliders, fish tacos, and fresh oysters. Octopus salad was yummy as were the sliders and fish tacos. I made the mistake of asking for a really big fresh oyster. They're not kidding when they say they're big. The fish and chips were the best ones I've had next to Fish in SF. The drinks were strong in a subtle way. I would definitely return or take out-of-towners.
(4)
Ron C.
Here's a place that gets everything right. Many times one travels downtown to enjoy a special occasion with a friend or loved one and they are met with pretentious food, over decorated interior, and an overall feeling of uneasiness. Not at GT Fish. They are very pleasant and informative at the door. The maritime themed decor is subtle and classy. Service was graceful and knowledgeable, answering every annoying question and making great recommendations. Wine list rocks. Cocktails are made perfectly. And while the menu doesn't scream of originality and creativity (which was my only critique while I was there) the food was spectacular. For example: I ordered clam chowder and thought to myself 'I wish they had something other than just boring ol' clam chowder' and after my first spoonful I had to admit that it was the greatest clam chowder I have ever had. And that sentiment resonated throughout the meal. The quality and preparation of these foods are easily above and beyond what I would expect for the price. All the while, managers are checking in, severs are on point, and even Chef Giuseppe comes by the table. Truly blown away.
(5)
Kiki H.
The food was fine. The oyster po boys are delicious. As is the lobster roll. I only give it three stars for service. We waited 30 minutes past our reservation on a Wednesday night and received no apology, no offering of a drink or appetizer. Nothing. The host and hostess were indifferent. Our server was fine, nothing special. Would I come back, maybe. No rush.
(3)
Emily M.
My hubby took me to GT Fish & Oyster for my birthday and I was floored by not only how delicious the food was, but also by the impeccable service. This place is quite popular so you should def make a reservation 6-8 weeks in advance, or go any day after 10pm for 1/2 priced oysters. We started off with 2 dozen oysters (mix of east and west coast) and they were phenomenal. So good in fact that we decided to order another dozen and they brought us out an additional 1/2 dozen at no charge. The waiter recommended we try the oyster po boy sandwiches (they are small, like $4/ea) so we ordered a few. Apparently these po boys won some sort of magazine award and I can see why...they were amazing! We finished the meal off by splitting the lobster mac n cheese. Holy sh*t was this incredible...probably the best lobster mac n cheese I've ever eaten. There were huge succulent pieces of lobster in almost every bite....mmmm so good! They also have a great drink and wine selection. I ordered the Waitlist and my hubby had the Old Money...they were both fantastic. To top off the evening, they brought out a special dessert for my birthday and included a $20 gift certificate to be used on a future visit. I will definitely be returning, probably after 10pm for 1/2 priced oysters!
(5)
Courtney W.
Finally made it out to GT for my boyfriend's birthday. I had been trying to get a reservation for two months and finally was able to get in around 5:45 on his actual birthday, very lucky indeed! The atmosphere was amazing, just the right amount of light but not so dark that you can't see the person sitting across from you. It was a busy but not too loud at all. We started with a Dogfish Head Pumpkin Ale ($8) and a Grey Goose and 7-Up ($10). Not too bad for a high-end place. Our server, Patrick, was amazing. He gave us some great suggestions and we tried out a few. We started with the Tuna Poke (which Patrick suggested, $12) and I thought tuna, cucumbers, and mangos would be a bad combination but man was I wrong! It was outstanding. Next, we had the Baja Shrimp Bruschetta (Patrick also suggested this, $11). Again, a weird combination of Baja shrimp, avocado, and grapefruit but man was it delicious! Both of the previous two items were on the "Cold" side of the menu. Patrick suggested we try the scallops which were garnished with candied bacon, all over butternut squash puree. I thought I didn't like butternut squash but this was to die for. The scallops literally melted in your mouth. We next had the Whitefish with pureed sun ripened tomato puree all over callentini beans and squid. It was good, not as good as the other dishes but it did not disappoint it just had a lot to follow. Last but not least, we had the Lobster Roll with friend onions on a toasted roll. I love lobster rolls, I have had the one at Fish Bar and this was much better (and I liked the one at Fish Bar!). At $22 it wasn't too bad but one of the most expensive things that we ordered. Patrick also recommended an awesome white wine from Malborough, NZ that I couldn't stop talking about. For dessert, we had the Salted Caramel Tart with thinly sliced bananas, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream. I will for sure be back in order to try the rest of the menu items, even if I have to wait two more months for a table. We ordered five plates because it is more like seafood "tapas" if you will. If you are thinking of making a reservation, call and ask to sit in Patrick's section, you will not be disappointed.
(5)
Mia G.
If I were to return I would get the shrimp bruschetta and the fish + sweetbread dish. Skip the oyster po'boys. And then get another order each of the shrimp bruschetta and the fish+sweetbread. Had the waitlist too. It was great.
(4)
Jinah Y.
went for lunch during RESTAURANT WEEK and was very impressed. i opted for the seared tuna salad which was bigger than expected and the perfect starter. next was a basil gnocchi w/shrimp which was great but not as impressive as the salad. the pasta was slimy and a bit soggy but otherwise flavorful--probably wouldn't order that again if it is offered on the regular menu. however the dessert was sex on a plate! im salivating thinking about that brownie parfait. the whipped topping and caramel were so smooth and the brownie was the perfect amount of chewy goodness. i asked and they do not offer it as a regular dessert but if that's how amazing the rest of the desserts are then i'd go back just for that...
(5)
Kelly P.
Had a really lovely Friday afternoon here. I went to Chowdah Fest in Chicago this year and after sampling GT's station, they handed me a $15 gift card to use on lunch. The restaurant itself is beautiful! I loved all the glass and subtle nautical/fishy touches. Major points for the flatware as well. The menu is meant to be shared and sampled and between two people, four dishes were plenty. The clam chowder really is remarkable. I was also a big fan of a shrimp, avocado and grapefruit bruschetta we had. Our heavier choices were the fish and chips and crab cake. Everything was presented with great detail, especially the chowder in two split mason jars. Only had one glass of cava each but the lemonade cocktails all sounded very refreshing for lunch. I'm looking forward to coming again for dinner; I imagine the entire place is a bit livelier. I'd really like to be able to use one of the large tables available for groups so I can eat even more!
(5)
Mark K.
Had dinner here last night. Oysters were fresh and expertly shucked. Po boy slider was as advertised - a must have. Everything was delicious, and service impeccable. One of the best seafood restaurants, if not the best, in the city. My wife and I loved it!
(5)
Helen Y.
my bf and I went here on Valentine's Day and we had great experiences! we booked the reservation 2 weeks in advance and they placed us in the downstairs private dining area where it's quiet and elegant. we got the V-Day set, 6 courses including the appetizer and the dessert. they do offer wine pairing for $50 per person but we ordered our own wines. the food was very tasty, fresh and looked beautiful while in the plates! the staff there are quite tentative, caring and know what food they are serving. the waiter takes away my dirty plate and placed new silver sets on time without disturbing the conversation. we were both quite satisfied with dining here and quite look forward to coming back soon.
(5)
steven l.
I really really really enjoyed this place. The service was great and the food was very good. I ordered 12 oysters in which the chucker chose for us to try and the oysters were top notch and extremly delicious! Also ordered the ciopino which was extremly delicious and had a rather good piece of fish clams mussels and shrimp. The mac and cheese with crab was top notch and delicious with nothing over powering. Rich and chewy it was something I'd order again. The oyster sliders were awesome. 2 bites and they're gone but it was fresh and crunchy with a delicious flavor of the ocean. The hamachi ceviche was delicious with a perfect amount of citurs in it. The hamachi was very fresh and it came with cucumbers lemon juice mandarin oranges and 4 slices of hamachi. Froed Cauliflower was different and delicious a mix of yogurt and onions with fried cauliflower left my tongue with a nice tangy flavor. Ordered the "Old money" drink which was awesome. Overall an awesome experience with great service and delicious food. I will definitely be coming back when I come visit Chicago again.
(5)
Anne K.
In a city with so many options for food and new ones popping out left and right, this restaurant is definitely a winner. Seafood is exceptional and oysters out of this world. The atmosphere is so hard to describe: It's contemporary, it's traditional, it's busy, it's quiet, it's hidden, it's a great place to meet your friends, it's romantic, it's fun, it's... it's... it's... JUST FANTASTIC!!! Great location as you don't have to worry about tourists with their fanny packs and shopping bags (not that I don't appreciate tourists, but we Chicagoans like a place just to ourselves sometimes). Completely reasonably priced for the quality of food. I think that's what draws so many people to this place and makes them come back over and over. The service is exceptional. We were really sloppy with our reservation. Made it last minute for the same night, we came waaaaay too early, but they found us a seat. We sat outside at first but decided it was too hot so we asked to see if they had anything inside. The place was packed, yet few minutes later the hostess came and re-situated us.
(5)
Jacob T.
The variety and style of seafood this place has is unreal. They range from traditional options such as clam chowder and fish & chips to more contemporary options such as tuna poke and the incredibly delicious lobster mac & cheese. You will leave neither hungry nor unsatisfied. This is a must-visit.
(5)
Mitchell O.
GT Fish & Oyster clearly fills a niche. Very slick. Very happening. The food was pretty good....in some cases, very good. Just not quite enough of it. Great wine choices. Took baby boy out for birthday on a Saturday. Joint was jumping. Got a great table by the window after declining the firs two options. I don't think the hostess ever forgave me on that one. Had a dream waiter. Engaged, knowledgeable, a master of the soft sale, her tip showed our appreciation. Don't see this really as a guy place. Especially guys with big appetite. Small plates, seafood, sleek as a runway queen at the top of her game, GT's more of place to eat fashionably and well and be seen. Not a criticism; just an observation. Would certainly go back; probably for brunch.
(3)
Tyson T.
This place is not at all what I was expecting, but that wasn't a bad thing. When we first arrived, I didn't know what to make of the crowd since it was a mix of hipsters, cougars, business people, etc. However, after getting a seat at the bar very quickly, the mixed crowd actually worked out pretty well. The bartender was great and made sure we had drinks the entire time as we waited around 45 minutes. Not too bad on a Saturday evening without a reservation. On to the food...The dinner plates are more like a tapas restaurant, small and meant to share. I usually want a massive entree all to myself as sharing doesn't work out too well since my wife and I have pretty different tastes in food. However, with seafood, we are on the same page and all the different dishes were good to great. The lobster mac and cheese sounds bizarre, but it is so delicious that we ordered it twice! The fish tacos were also very tasty and flavorful. We also had the bay sea scallops and and BBQ eel which were good, but not the best I've ever had. However, while they only featured 6 different types of oysters, which is pretty minimal for a place that advertises as an "oyster bar", they are probably the best I've had in the city. It's quite pricey as they range $2.50 - $3.75 per oyster, but they are well worth it. The service was also top notch.
(4)
Lauren F.
Couldn't have picked a more perfect place to celebrate the first day of the last year in my twenties! GT Fish & Oyster sure knows how to make a girl feel special! Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a great dinner with friends, GT Fish & Oyster is the place to go! We had reservations for a Wednesday night at 6:30pm and were seated right away, even though we arrived a little early. There were several open tables when we arrived but by the time we left the place was packed! The restaurant decor is just perfect-modern and classy but with a rustic, east-coast fish market kind of feel as well...a great place to see and be seen! (Also a great spot for larger groups, if you have a reservation!) Our waiter was super nice, attentive, and very knowledgable-he explained how the menu works (smaller plates meant to be shared) and gave us recommendations on his favorites. We started with cocktails-me the Clean Break and my fiancee the Old Money-both were the perfect way to kick-off the meal. At long last, let's get to the food! *Baja Shrimp Bruschetta-avocado, toasted pistachio, grapefruit, cilantro: One of my favorites of the meal! So incredibly flavorful and bright-the perfect start to the meal! *Oyster Po'boy Sliders-kimchi, peanuts: We only ordered 2 of these but I could have easily eaten half a dozen! Full of flavor (do you see a pattern here) and just completely satisfying! *Clam Chowder-neuske's bacon, house made oyster crackers: Now this definitely ain't your average chowda! The rich flavor of the neusuke's bacon and the big chunks of clams and potatoes took this dish to a whole new level. *Fish Tacos-garlic marinade, chipotle aioli, chicharron: A birthday extra from the chef! One of GT's more popular dishes, I enjoyed them, but I definitely enjoyed the other things we ordered more! *Lobster Roll-lobster salad, pickled vegetables, fried onions: Yum!! A buttery roll overflowing with huge chunks of lobster...you don't have to ask me twice! *GT "Mac and Cheese"-lobster, english peas: My advice-skip this dish and try something else. Don't get me wrong, everything we had here was delicious, but this was definitely the least "special" of the bunch. *Key Lime Pie-deconstructed: Tart, delicious, and so fun to eat! Plus it came with a candle and "Happy Birthday" written in chocolate, what's not to like?! As a birthday treat, they graciously presented me with a $20 gift card for my next visit....as if I needed an excuse to return! I'm already looking forward to our next visit!
(5)
Dinah T.
It's a Friday night, just got paid and wanted to try someplace new...seafood yeah. So we Yelped Seafood in Chicago and BAM! GT Fish & Oyster it is! When we got there it was pretty busy, we didn't have reservation however we didn't have to wait too long as they offered us to sit outside...oh heck yeah! It was a beautiful night thanks! The Hostess was sweet and accommodating. While we were waiting by the busy bar, the bartender also came up to us and gave us a drink menu, who does that?!? Impressive service right at the starting gate and we haven't even ordered anything yet! We read the reviews and tried out what my fellow Yelpers recommended and boy was it worth it! Inside there were community high top tables, a long angular bar full of people drinking and eating. Around the corner were the dining area and then a sliding glass door to eat outside. It does get loud inside with people chatting away and music playing, pretty happening place to be. I'm glad we sat outside it was peaceful and they also had music playing through the speakers. They offered us different type of drinking water, we went for tap (no ice came with it). The bus boy was on top to it, he made sure our water glasses were filled...I hate asking for more water. You know that you'll be paying a pretty penny here when the bus boy offers you different types of water (tap or bottled) so be prepared. We were told that the dishes are small plate sizes, so it was recommended to us to try a few dishes throughout the night. They weren't kidding; beautiful platting and the flavors was top notch. You won't be asking to a box to go for your food. On to the food, we started off with a dozen oysters, 6 different types: Clevedon Coast, Deer Creek, Sun Hollow, Caraquet, Fire Lake, and Old 1871. I didn't like the Clevedon Coast taste, but the rest of them were so sweet, briny, buttery, and they all tasted like it was right out of the fresh water. The sizes are not like the oysters you see in the other places. They were small to medium sizes more like a teaspoon sizes vs. a tablespoon size oyster meat. It came with their house made cocktail sauce and a vinegar onion sauce, plus two different type of bottled hot sauce. I was expecting bread and butter before dinner but this place didn't serve that, oh well. We tried the Po Boy oyster sliders; it had kimchee and peanuts in it. The bread tasted like sweet Hawaiian bread. It was pretty good, however be careful biting down because I found a piece of an oyster shell in mine; luckily I didn't chip a tooth. I told the bus boy, the slider was good however look what I bit into. He apologized and he told the manger right away and he came to our table and apologized as well and said he will take care of them, so nice and quick response! We also tried their grilled Octopus (small serving size I wanted more octopus..boo) The traditional lobster roll (mayo mix) came with fried shoe string sweet onions. The bread was sweet and buttery. Lots of lobster pieces, light mayo mix no fillers just lobster, lobster, lobster! I would Totally get this again and not share, LOL! Their lobster mac and cheese was also good, ear shell pasta, thick creamy cheese and oh yeah more lobster! To end this great meal, we tried their deconstructed key lime pie. I didn't care much of this dessert. It was way to tart and overly sweet for me. It was more key lime filling than equal part gram cracker crumbs. I would like the balance of the two to define it as a pie...where's the crust man! I wanted the key lime pie in the jar as I saw a picture of it on Yelp, but it must have been an older picture. I wouldn't order it again and I LOVE key lime pie. I wasn't want I expected... Overall, this was a great 1st time dining experience! For the amount of money you'll spend here for two, it's worth to try it out. If you want good oysters from different parts of the nation come here and oh don't forget the lobster roll! I'd come back again for a seafood craving and great service!
(4)
Meredith K.
I had to update my review even though its remaining the same number of stars. I've been here a handful of times now and I have to say that they are consistent no matter what time of day. Also GT just may have the best dresses hosts in Chicago. We came in for Easter brunch - well we came her on a Sunday for my friend's birthday and it happened to be Easter. So it was a set menu, no choices except for drinks and add-ons. We were so impressed! For $45 we had 9 dishes! It started w/ churros, monkey bread and French toast. Mmmm carbs! Then shrimp, smoked fish quiche, and crab benedict. At this point I was stuffed but no, there are three more dishes to go! Chicken & waffle, lobster roll and duck confit chilaquiles. I didn't eat the chilaquiles because I don't eat duck. The only small miss was the chicken. It was pretty dry. Everything else blew our socks off! So very happy. This place hits it out of the park in every way, every time. I look forward to returning.
(5)
Dan L.
Been here for lunch, dinner and now brunch. Always enjoyed the laid back ambience and quality food. A few orders of oyster po' boy sliders and micheladas alone could make for a solid brunch. But, the shrimp & grits were tasty, too. Steak and eggs are very good, but the short rib latke is meant to be eaten with the kim chi hollandaise and egg yolk. On its own, it's a bit salty.
(4)
Allison V.
Get the oysters....try them ALL. Service - fantastic. Oysters - pure awesomeness Brunch/Lunch was great. I will definitely be back.
(5)
Annie V.
I seriously cannot got enough of this place. Brunch is spectacular. Dinner is amazing. Everything is super fresh and dishes are very balanced. My husband and I go here regularly and have yet to be disappointed. Only weird thing about this place is every time we go, they always want to seat us at the same exact table. It's happened more than 5 times. Bizarre, but clearly nothing to really complain about. The cocktails are so tasty. The whitefish quiche at brunch is super good and we've never had a bad oyster. A must try!
(5)
allison k.
I really like this place. They serve an mix of food that changes seasonally. Good for sharing. Some are more hit or miss but everything is always interesting. Excellent whiskey selection and well stocked bar.
(4)
Igor M.
Our small group had lunch at GT F&O to celebrate a birthday. When we arrived the restaurant was fairly empty; there was definitely more staff than patrons, which was a bit awkward as they all seemed to congregate in the middle of the room looking for things to do. In about 30 minutes however things went back to normal: the lunch crowd kept everyone busy. The service was pretty good: drinks proactively refilled, empty plates taken away promptly, server very helpful and knowledgeable about the menu. A nice personal touch: I mentioned that it was a birthday celebration while making a reservation and the restaurant took notice. No, there was no tacky clapping and singing by waitstaff. Instead, our server presented the birthday lady a $20 gift certificate, and the dessert came with a "Happy Birthday" message and a candle. The food was very good. We split a dozen oysters (chef's choice), which were fresh. Clam chowder was good, though a little too salty for my taste. Lobster roll was excellent. Wine list is fairly extensive; we had a bottle of pretty good viognier for about $40.
(4)
Lynn G.
The food was servicible. It felt like a tourist restaurant.
(3)
Ryan R.
Good not great seafood and inconsistent. Last time I was there bathroom was disgusting with garbage piling up all over the floor. Service ok as well.
(3)
Lisa C.
This place is like crack.....you'll always want to go back. The food is not only very fresh but the flavors are phenomenal!! I'd like to recommend a specific dish but everything is awesome (try the fish tacos). They have awesome and refreshing cocktails for the summer. To my surprise, many of these drinks are available without alcohol if you have to head back to the office. Have never had a bad experience here.
(5)
Marisa S.
I would go back just for the lobster mac. While most of the food at GT Fish & Oyster is meant to be shared (like tapas) you can go in and just order the lobster mac for a nice solo dinner. Pair it with a great glass of wine... perfection!
(4)
Michael B.
This place does it right. Food, service, ambiance, buzz, attitude, attention to detail all come together seamlessly to create a memorable experience. First the food,. Outstanding, innovative small seafood share plates. As we finished one dish we anxiously anticipated what delicious treat will arrive next while disecting all the reasons why was we just ate was so fabulous . The plates are all different and one more delicious than the other. We also tried three vegetable dishes that were also memorable and more than held their own to the fish; , the grilled artichoke hearts, basil eggplant and stuffed zucchini flowers. The grilled Octopus was one of the best I've eaten, crisp, tasty and tender on the inside. PERFECT. The Lobster roll, EXCELLENT, Lobster Mac and Cheese KILLER (we sprinkled some crispy onion strings from another dish on top which added "a little more cowbell". Basically, just order the entire right side of the menu, buckle up and prepare for multiple gustatory orgasms.(you know.." Oh my god..., whew...this is fabulous...more, more!!" kind of reactions). The buzz, vibe, scene is vibrant, but in a tasteful and sophisticated while still being welcoming and comfortable. The cherry on top are the people. Happy, genuine, sincere and highly professional. Agnes our server was fabulous and her smile lit up our table all night long. Katie, the manager is wonderful. Beautiful, elegant, highly professional, friendly and accommodating, she made our night exceptional by taking care of a request we had for a special occasion and then doubling down with a little extra unexpected generosity. THANK YOU! We're fans and will return with friends!
(5)
William W.
This was my second time at GT Fish & Oyster and it was the best dining experience I've had in Chicago. Chef Tentori and I follow each other on Twitter, so in the morning I sent him a message saying id be in with a date later and I'd like to meet him and say hello. Not only did he come directly to our table to introduce himself but we somehow got the best table in the house..not sure if he had a hand in it. After that our waiter couldn't have been more hospitable and helpful. He took his time to help us select items off the menu we could share and enjoy. Chef Tentori ensued to make sure we had the best dining experience possible. I can't wait till Boka's new restaurants open. They simply do everything right.
(5)
Thomas G.
My wife and I went to brunch here and thoroughly enjoyed it. Great variety of raw oysters that were fantastic and prepared perfectly. Also, the lobster roll is a must try. Extremely buttery/rich so good to split with another. Service was great too. Give it a shot.
(4)
Ritu R.
Brunch! We had a dozen oysters to start with. Did the open faces breakfast sandwich, whitefish quiche and biscuits and gravy! every plate was clean. Added a oyster po boy for each of us! OMG we see why its voted one of the top ten in the country! Which btw is available for all meals they serve and is absolutely delish! GT is a fave and we will be back ;)
(5)
Graham W.
Everything was so good. Definitely coming back.
(5)
Matthew F.
We walked in for Saturday date night, and walked out with a new go-to restaurant in our 'hood. Before I get into individual dishes, it's worth noting that everything is prepared with a very light touch. There are no heavy creams or other cheap gimmicks that interfere with the freshness or flavor of the ingredients. We ordered 7 plates total (5 dinner, 2 dessert) and left feeling satisfied, not stuffed. Here's the plate-by-plate rundown: Tuna Poke - Very fresh, with cucumber, mango and sesame. A nice quantity of tuna, and we're off to a great start. Shrimp Bruschetta - The use of thin toast really lets the main flavors (avocado, pistachio, grapefruit) speak. The avocado was a bit dominant for my liking, meaning this is the only plate I'd give a "B" grade to instead of an "A." Fish Tacos - Amazing. The chicharron is a clever touch. Try them with both hot sauces, "Burn" & "Smoulder." My date & I agreed that, at some point in the very near future, we're coming back to GT to sit at the bar for fish tacos & wine. Trout - A paella-inspired dish, with saffron couscous, sepia and a bit of chorizo. Each bite a little different. Yum. Crab Cake - Mini crab loaf, you mean? All crab meat. Delicious. Desserts were a deconstructed key lime pie and the "Chicago mix," inspired by the caramel & cheese popcorn combo. Gorgeous presentation - we Instagrammed the hell out of these - and neither too sweet nor too heavy. The service was in line with other Boka Restaurant Group spots, which is to say impeccable. Our server, Maurice, was personable but never insincere, polished but not a bit stuffy. We were looking for a dry, mineral-y white wine, and he put us on to the perfect bottle. And the rest of the wait staff is pleasantly attentive. We also had a nice chat with Oscar, the manager, who visited every table. The value for the money is outstanding, the concept is smart, and the decor (upscale crab shack?) is on point. I have a feeling I'll be here a LOT this summer.
(5)
Janna R.
Limited seating but great for catching up with a friend and a cocktail. Mussels in red sauce, tuna tartar and fish tacos were great :). They make a pretty strong old fashioned but my friend loved her margarita made signature with a cinnamon finish.
(4)
Vincent B.
Came for mothers day; we had a reservation but they took a while to seat us. The food was pretty good; our party had salmon, mussels, some salad, and biscuts; all very fresh and subtle; although the biscuit got kind of boring after a while. Individual dishes were not huge so its probably best to get a couple and share around.
(4)
Matthew P.
Great seafood indeed. GT has a great seafood menu designed to order many items. The portions are more like appetizer size and allow one to order multiple items in one sitting. My girl and I ordered six oysters off the raw bar, a lobster roll, halibut, and shrimp. They were all beautifully presented and delicious. Also, the deserts looked amazing. If your in the mood for fine dining seafood, I would highly recommend GT.
(4)
Cheryl D.
Great seafood dishes and refreshing cocktails. We had the sunfish ceviche, octopus, fish & chips, lobster roll, mac & cheese, pleasure seeker cocktail. The best was the Fish & Chips; it was so light and crunchy. The mac & cheese was ok.
(4)
Kate M.
I really liked GT Fish & Oyster. The drinks were good, the food was delicious, and the service was mostly good. I was approximately 30 minutes late due to a puppy emergency and slightly frazzled by the time I arrived. We sat at the bar and I quickly ordered a drink. Some kind of vodka something with a fresh grapefruit flavor. It was very good and refreshing. Since it was my birthday I went with my normal "I don't want to make any decisions!" attitude and let him order everything. Good choice. We had some tasty oysters, tuna poke, mussels in a tomato sauce, gnocchi with some kind of deliciousness and shrimp, and it was all fantastic. The service was mostly good. The bartender was friendly and attentive. The only issue was when we asked for more tiny forks and someone behind the bar (not a bartender, not a manager, just a guy in a purple shirt) acted like we were asking for the moon. They're just forks. It's my birthday after all, a tiny fork isn't asking that much, is it? GT Fish & Oyster is very pretty. It's nice and bright and open but also has a warm feeling to it from the balance of light and dark decor. I'm excited about going back to GT Fish & Oyster when I'm less frazzled and not in a hurry to get home to the pup. Maybe next time I'll bring my own tiny forks, just in case...
(4)
Deepti P.
Besides the loud, bar-like ambiance (especially in the front section) this place was actually pretty great. I went with my husband for our anniversary, hence the comments on the loud surroundings, -- come on people, we're an old married couple just trying to have a nice meal :) Overall, we definitely enjoyed our meal and our cocktails. Get the first cocktail on their list, the one with St. Germain. It's perfect. For food, get the fresh oysters. Seriously, why are you even here if you don't like oysters? They were so yummy and really perfectly fresh. Next, we got the ceviche dish. It was alright, nothing to write home about. I might be slightly biased because my mother-in-law makes pretty much the best ceviche ever. For hot dishes we got the scaollop/lobster canneloni dish on a corn puree. Simply delicious. This is more of an appetizer style dish also, but each bite was perfect. Onto the heavier portioned entrees. We then got the lobster roll and the lobster mac&cheese. I know that sounds like a lot---and it is!! We were definitely stuffed afterwards and decided that we should have gotten two lobster rolls and skipped the mac&cheese entirely. Not that it was bad, but totally not worth the wasting of precious room/calories that we could have put towards another lobster roll. So delectable, so rich, so perfect. We got the "hot" version which means the lobster is cooked in a butter/chive/citrus sauce. I haven't gotten to try the cold/aioli version yet, but this was pretty much heaven in a buttery roll. Dessert, which I somehow manage to always have room for even when I am doubled over from being full, was a wonderful decision. We got the salted caramel tart topped with bananas and chantilly cream, upon the waitress' recommendation. Man oh man. So. Good. I knew when my even more full husband, who swore he would only have one bite, proceeded to eat exactly half that this was really that good. Definitely would come back, even if it was just to have a lobster roll and that dessert. Just might need to bring my ear plugs :)
(4)
Jori E.
With the likes of Pearl Tavern and Kinmont opening in Chicago GT better step up their game. The atmosphere in the restaurant is always enjoyable and the oysters, are well, oysters- doesn't take much to prepare and present them. So if you want oysters and a nice atmosphere and bar GT is your place. If you are looking to go beyond that and enjoy their menu I would advise that there are probably other places to better spend your money for some quality seafood. The mussels are minuscule, the smallest mussels I've ever had that are just smothered in garlic. The tuna poke was cut terribly with lots of fat left over. The mahi mahi portion was a joke (three pieces the size of a bite size twix bar). We left feeling very underwhelmed and wishing we had gone somewhere else and not wasted the money. We won't be back and will probably rather spend the price tag at Pearl Tavern or Kinmont.
(2)
Justin B.
Dropped in for restaurant week; $22 got me the clam chowder, the mahi mahi and a scoop of salted caramel ice cream for dessert. The four-star reviews is a blend of the highs (the five-star chowder and fast, friendly service) and the lows (the bland two-star mahi mahi dish). I can't comment really on dessert; I opted out of the two choices since I have a nut allergy. But the staff was very friendly given that this was restaurant week; big kudos for not giving me the Groupon/voucher/restaurant week death stare and treating me like a normal customer. As a result, I will bring my wife's family here for dinner when they come out in February!
(4)
Tom C.
I had a very, very good meal at this restaurant last week. We had probably 10 different items from the menu, all of which were really good. I particularly remember the po'boy sliders, the PEI mussels, and the lobster roll. We had a dozen oysters, sampling across the offerings, and they were good. The sazeracs were GREAT. I blame them for my inability to remember enough to write a really detailed review. But, I can say that I enjoyed my whole meal and will go back at my next opportunity!
(5)
TJ U.
Not impressed. I actually tried almost everything since we had a large group. I want to say more but not much else to say other then service was good. Really just all goes back to the food to give this place 2 stars. Poor presentation and very fishy. Stick to steak if your visiting the Midwest.
(2)
Abby G.
This place was recommended by several of my friends when I visited Chicago. We had an assortment of small plates but my faborite were the tacos and the fish n chips. Highly recommend!
(5)
Helen H.
Good food, good service Pricey but cool ambiance and suchhhh good oysters
(4)
Haley D.
4.5 stars. Food was a 5, experience was a 4. Had my first trip to GT Fish & Oyster on Valentines day. We had a 9 pm reservation, and upon arrival they let us know they were running a little late. They attempted to seat up around 9 30, but I was cold and the table was by the door, so we opted to wait for a seat in the back dining room. Sat closer to 10, but I understand some of this was my choice. Had a nice glass of wine while we waited, so no complaints there. Once we sat everything was amazing. The waiter was knowledgeable and helped us pick both some oysters and wine. There was a fixed menu for valentines day so I cannot speak to the full menu, but everything we tried was good. The only course I did not love was the steamed turbot with shellfish ragout. The marinated tuna, capon breast, beef tenderloin, brillat-savarin and red velvet cake were all delicious and beautifully prepared. Its not often I truly enjoy everything on a fixed menu. Had another drink at the bar after dinner. I tried the Dominican Outfit, which i would definitely recommend if you are a rum drinker. Overall a very good meal! I cant wait to go back.
We finally came back to GT Fish & Oyster to give it one more chance and had a much better experience in that we actually got to eat some food. Our server was extremely professional and knowledgeable. We started with the oysters, which are not my thing but my husband absolutely loved them. We followed this up with the beet salad (very good, but you can't go wrong with beets and prosciutto), the clam chowder, and the octopus. The clam chowder was only ok (I would not get it again), but the octopus was very good. Finally, we split the cold lobster roll, which was delicious. As others have noted, the portions are small and pricey. We probably could have used one more dish but decided just to have a snack later. We will likely try to come back.
(4)
Arthur M.
Our server was the man who trained me during my stage for the Boka group- Oscar. He's found his center. The service between him and the busser was lowkey and at the same time on top of everything. And everything turned out to be a lot. After months on the couch smoking mj I decided this would be the day I started to prepare for my third Chicago marathon. I went from 0 to 13 miles the afternoon before dinner. I was so out of shape that in the middle of the run I broke down and bought a chipwich from the ice cream man. The night of my visit to GT Fish I was sore and wicked hungry. My companion and I got oysters to begin. They were shucked perfectly, a point of pride for me, as a former oyster shucker. Oysters were fried as croutons with the next course, a Caesar salad. This was followed by an excellent little fried oyster shooter on a small brioche bun with kimchee. The trifecta of oysters was well done. My companion was by now full. We got a small citrus bright chowder and moved into heavier fare. The clam bake arrived at the table in a black cauldron and the runner pulled the lid and revealed steamed clams, mussels, shrimp, corn and sausage in a white wine sauce with toasted bread. The weird part was the inclusion of Japanese style seaweed, traditionally served cold, to the hot dish. Finally we got lobster mac and cheese, the lobster roll, fried onion strings and pickled veg. My companion was stoned from food. We're both from Massachusetts and have both eaten native seafood for years. That said- The seafood was the freshest I've had in the Midwest. Oscar paced the meal perfectly, mostly one plate at a time. Except for the lobster roll and it's best friend lobster mac and cheese.
(5)
Shawn R.
Excellent oyster experience! Six varieties of oysters. Service is beyond reproach. Muscles, and tuna Poke, beers are all outstanding. This is a once in a life time experience for me because while I do not regret going at $3 an oyster I will never go back.
(5)
Roberto C.
Came for brunch, had biscuit with lobster gravy and my partner had the crab Benedict. Absolutely wonderful. Chef Giuseppe Tentori got it right. My dish was tasty, well balanced, not greasy. The freshly-baked biscuits were delicious, the lobster super fresh (so much better than the one I had recently had at Drago's in New Orleans!). The crab benedict was really good as well, with a whipped Hollandaise sauce that wasn't too buttery or disgusting and that was the perfect t complement to the amazing poached eggs (yes, I do not take my poached eggs for granted). I had a Peach cider with bourbon to go with the meal, and it complemented the tasty food perfectly. The restaurant is very "chic", resembling a New England chalet/yacht interior. Waiters were attentive and asked about food allergies and all the proper things that should be asked about at an upscale restaurant. Overall, I wanna be back!!
(5)
Rachel R.
One of my very favorite restaurants in the city. I'll be honest, I will a little apprehensive about what to expect as far as quality and freshness of the seafood. I have to say that having grown up in costal Southern California and ate numerous meals in Portland, Seattle, Boston and other coastal cities, the seafood and fish served at GT is top notch. We've had brunch and dinner numerous times and have never been disappointed with anything we've ordered. We always try to sample something new or seasonal, but never skip the Po boys. Absolutely amazing! The lobster roll in divine and the clam chowder is some of the best I've ever had. The tartare is clean and fresh and the mac n cheese is amazing, yet a little indulgent. For drinks, I love the Waitlist (vodka based) and The Ole Timer (bourbon based). They also have a great wine list. Service is never anything less than spectacular! I recommend this place to local friends and people in town visiting and will continue to do so.
(5)
Samantha H.
Having been here a bunch of times, I feel the need to update. I've been for brunch, lunch, and dinner. The best thing on the menu is the poke tuna. It is unreal. The shrimp bruschetta is also amazing. As far as brunch goes, the shrimp and grits are awesome. The chilaquiles were very tasty but there needed to be some more meat. The tortillas overtook the dish. The bloodies are pretty solid and the bellini is great. The best server there is Nom (who also expos at Tru, which is not surprising). This is definitely one of my go-tos and will continue to be!
(5)
Angie M.
Go big or go home. It's really what you have to do at GT Fish & Oyster. The oysters. Oh man... they're fabulous. Sometimes raw oysters get a bit too slimy, but the selections at GT are fantastic. They're expertly shelled, maintaining that gorgeous brine and are served on ice with a mignonette sauce and a cocktail sauce. I did my due diligence and tried both, but my heart belongs to the mignonette with a few dashes of the hot sauce. The result is a briney, sweet treat from the sea. So good. Caviar service. Perfection. If you can think of something more luxurious than a caviar platter consisting of egg, chives, pickled red onion, creme fraiche, capers and toast squares, I'd like to hear it. Also not to be missed are the poboy sandwich, the seared tuna nicoise salad and the baja shrimp bruschetta. So fabulous, so well crafted and just absolutely delicious bites. I cannot say enough about the cocktail menu. Eric, bartender extraordinaire, mixed up one of their best, the Wait List, made of Grey Goose vodka, St. Germain, grapefruit, lime and bitters. Fantastic. And lethal. Round two was the Clean Break, made from Plymouth gin, Pimm's No. 1, cucumber, grapefruit oil and Peychaud's bitters. I normally despise gin, but I didn't even know it was a gin drink until he let me in on the secret. Mind? Blown. Will you spend a pretty penny at GT? Yes. Is it worth it? Abso-fucking-lutely.
(5)
Peter H.
Second time here last nite, and the busboy was even better than the first awesome one we encountered. He snuck us two hot sauces to go and was super friendly and funny. Salted caramel tart = OMG. Octopus was amazing. Fish tacos unreal. Lobster roll was good, but not worth $28. Tuna poke was good, but not great. Po boy slider, order it EVERY TIME you go.
(5)
Cynthia C.
Casual yet elegant atmosphere. Love the tapas style dishes and the oysters were Incredible. Also highly recommend the tuna poke, lobster Mac and cheese, lobster roll, and fish tacos
(4)
Matteo C.
Great restaurant where the delicate, natural taste of seafood is allowed to shine through. The restaurant decorations are quirky but make for an overall cool effect, with fishing nets strewn over chandeliers and full-length glass windows. The only shame are the two televisions plastered on top of the bar. Seafood is front and center here, and the crudo section is one of a kind. Raw scallops and thin slices of hamachi were accompanied by sauces that complemented the fish without overpowering it. The monkfish rice was a mix between a Spanish paella and a risotto, and the cast iron pot it was served in made it worth agressively scraping the edges to get crispy bits of rice. The clam chowder was the classical New England affair, although the cream wasn't piled on so high that the texture and flavor of the clams was lost. Desserts included classic combinations like a peanut butter malt sundae and a chocolate meringue tart, but the careful construction of flavor and impeccable technique made the final product memorable nevertheless. For carefully and creatively prepared seafood, GT Fish and Oyster is a compelling choice, more so than some top seafood restaurants in other large US cities.
(5)
Jeremy B.
Food was awesome. We had the clam chowder which was unreal, the ceviche which I can only describe as fish guacamole, and of course the lobster roll. Bring enough people so that you can order a big spread. Also some of the best wait staff I've had. There's attentive and then there's the service here. Definitely a cut above.
(5)
lori c.
everything that we had was great. the portions are a bit small, but they do warn you about the "small plates" and recommend at least 3-4 plates per person, which means it can get a bit pricey. the crab cake was delicious but a few days ago we had the crab cake at shaws crab house that was excellent (and cheaper). I was a little disappointed because I made an open table reservation noting that we were celebrating a birthday and when the restaurant hostess called to confirm our reservation I mentioned again that we were celebrating a birthday and she acknowledged it. when we arrived, sat, and ate...there was no mention of the birthday. so, when I got the bill, I wrote on the bottom "p.s. it's his birthday" and finally they came out with a happy birthday dessert and even gave him a $20 gift card. it would have been nice to have the hostess mention "happy birthday" when we arrived as I noted it upon making my reservation and reiterated the reason of our visit with the hostess when she called to reconfim two days prior. great recovery, and again, food & service were great; but portions are smaller. I do want to go back and try the lobster mac'n cheese though!
(4)
Distinguished T.
Went for the Saturday brunch before a show. You got to try the Fried Oyster Sliders. It is appetizer sized. So order a few. They are awesome. Just that gets them 4 stars. Service was great and quick. The waitress asked if we were going to a show and by when we needed to be out. Great awareness! Rest of the food was above average. I would love to go back for dinner sometime.
(4)
Gary T.
My favorite place to eat in Chicago!
(5)
Mansi R.
Stopped by for dinner while we were in town. The kimchi oyster sliders were amazing! We order 2 initially with some other oysters and ended up getting 2 more because they were so good. The service was great. Loved the ambiance of the restaurant. We stopped by the Irish pub after dinner for a summer shandy.
(5)
Jarred P.
Wow, this place was fantastic. My girlfriend tried her best to hype it up too much, but to no avail. We arrived fairly late on a Friday night, were seated at a 'communal' table and were thoroughly impressed throughout our meal. Shrimp Bruschetta: excellent, very tasty sauce. Gnocchi: terrific Prawns: very good, you might be turned off by being served the WHOLE prawn Mac & Cheese: amazing, and we consider ourselves Mac & Cheese connoisseurs Oysters: fresh and delicious Fish tacos: perhaps a little salty, but still good Deconstructed Key Lime Pie: very tart, our opinions were split
(5)
Tristan B.
We have seen the reviews and they all the great the lobster looked awesome and they seem pretty nice on the freebies. Well, our experience was not really amazing. We love the oysters but they ran out of lobster and did not had the courtesy to tell us. The food took extra long and even the couple next to us who arrived 30 minutes later got their food before and got a complimentary appetizer. I know this is kind of our experience but I believe that a restaurant of that caliber should be more attentive to their patrons and all of them. I guess good luck if you are going there because you may not get the right food and/or the service
(1)
Alex R.
I had lunch here with a group of 5 and we decided to order several dishes and share as a table. The shrimp bruschetta was very good, the fish tacos were amazing with that heavenly aioli. The oysters, were fresh, but I'm not a big fan so don't have much to say about that. The swordfish with potatoes was the only dish i didn't love- nothing special. The seared tuna sandwich with the fried pickles- OMG....still dreaming about it. The table also raved about the lobster mac n cheese, but I'm an odd one and don't like mac n'cheese. If you feel like seafood this is a must- they are don't amazing things with flavor.
(4)
Jim B.
Nice professional place. Brunch Saturday and Sunday. Good cran cake benedict and whitefish omelette.
(4)
Laura L.
When our server endorsed the $4 po' boy sliders ("They're Michelin-rated!"), I yielded but expected mostly hype. I was wrong. They're delicious. And thank you, GT, for the unsolicited birthday treat. Very personal touch. I'll be back.
(4)
Chih F.
I had a lobster roll and it was so fresh and tasty. One of best lobster roll I have ever had.
(5)
Abbie F.
I went for Restaurant Week 2014 lunch and had the tuna salad, lobster roll and devils food for dessert. I sat at the bar and the service was good. My water glass was constantly filled and my food came our perfectly spaced. The tuna salad was probably my favorite part. I thought the dressing was a little overpowering of the tuna but overall it was delicious. I also loved the pickled vegetables that came with the lobster roll. Lobster roll could have been better. Too much bread in my opinion and there was a spice that took away the lobster flavor. The dessert was ok. The cake was a little dry but turned out to be much better when eaten with the ice cream. The ice cream was amazing!
(3)
Shane E.
I'd never had oysters prior to my visit last night to GT, but my eyes have been opened. We started out with a few of the East Coast Oysters and a few of the oyster po'boy sliders, all of which were fresh and tasty. I had the lobster roll for the main course, which didn't disappoint. We finished off the meal with the chocolate ganache - incredible. The overall dining experience was pretty great - our waitress was intentive and quick but not intrusive whatsoever. I haven't had better seafood in Chicago.
(4)
Lu H.
My husband and I decided to give GT a second chance. We went there on a Sunday night. We were seated right away, the music was not as loud as last time. We had eggplant, oyster po-boy, halibut, softshell crab, and fish and chips. Eggplant--very good, on the sweet side, but good. The little tofu in there added different texture and flavor. Oyster po-boy sandwich--I have no problem with the sandwich, I just had a problem with the so-called "kimchi". It's no kimchi, so don't call it kimchi. Call it pickled cabbage and I'd be fine. And it's a little bit on the dry side... Softshell crab--this was the best dish of what we had. The crab was fried perfectly, the sweet corn added extra taste to the crab. Loved it! Halibut--the fish was perfectly cooked, BUT it's lacking salt. The couscous under it had minimal taste either. Fish and chips--my least favorite. The batter was too thick, the fish was A-OK, I've had wayyy better fish and chips at multiple west coast airports. For dessert we had some toffee cake. Now that was very good and unique. The cake was moist, not too sweet. The toffee on top gives it some sweetness but not overpowering. Like last time, I think GT's dessert overshines everything else. They must have a very good pastry chef...
(3)
Andrea H.
I have come here twice for dinner and once for a business lunch. The business lunch was awkward as many of the plates are small and meant for sharing and the main lunch dishes are not easy to eat (whole fish, real caesar salad.) They're just kind of messy. But dinner has been stellar both times. The first I got the Oyster po' boy which was SO GOOD. I love buttery, soft bread and this is what the sandwiches here are served on so I'm in heaven. The oysters were lightly breaded (though not too much) and nicely seasoned. The lobster roll my friend got looked amazing too and was gone super fast. I tried to steal some when he wasn't looking but was not successful haha. The second time I came for dinner, we got the fish tacos and tuna poke, as well as the shrimp bruschetta. I really loved the tuna poke. In my opinion, tuna should always and only be served with mango and cucumber, I love the mix of salty and sweet. I also was a fan of the shrimp bruschetta, which was kicked up a notch by a generous sprinkling of cilantro. The shrimp tasted very fresh and the avocado added richness and substance to what's usually a very light dish. I would recommend coming for dinner and sitting at the bar. Oh and the waiting list drink is awesome too. Oh and the service is pretty great for such a busy restaurant. Guiseppe himself even stopped by our table to say hello which I was stoked about because I had been wanting to meet the chef after which this restaurant is named (Guiseppe Tentori fyi.)
(4)
Tony L.
Ordered 3 of the Clevedon and 3 of the Old 1871 oysters, we ended up ordering half dozen more of the Old 1871. They were that good! The clam chowder was above average, clams were meaty. And finished off with the fish tacos. I normally do not like fish tacos but let me tell you, these were great! Overall must go if in Chicago. Service - excellent Food - delicious
(5)
Sandra G.
Went here & had oysters... & then had some more oysters & some wine... & then just topped it off with some ... Yep, u know it; just a few more oysters. 'Nuff said. 4 stars b/c the head bartender reprimanded his busboy in front of us for something so irrelevant I cannot recall it. That's just a no no in my book. Food & wine were otherwise mmm mmm good! Will visit again soon.
(4)
A M.
This place was sooooo good! The lobster roll was amazing and the oysters were great! I have never tried oysters and for being my first time, I cant say I was disappointed. The service was a little spotty, but all in all good experience!
(5)
Layne S.
Too rich for my blood... Wait staff was excellent. Very good, flavorful food, yet too expensive for a regular visit. Portions were small, so probably not a destination restaurant for me for occasions. That said, I'll go back every time GT participates in Restaurant Week.
(5)
Jim K.
GT's got some of the cleanest, freshest seafood I've had in this city. Every time I go I grab a sample of oysters... and I'm never disappointed. Had the chilaquiles for brunch the other day, and it was also amazing. One thing that's really set this place apart for me is the service. Every server I've had has been supreme, and they have never led me towards a bad menu decision. Also, they're bar is wonderful. Being a bourbon fan, they get extra points for having a fine selection. GT's is the kind of place that, while it is expensive, I've never felt I was being ripped off, or even over-paying. I look forward to going back.
(5)
James P.
We went to GT for the first time for an early dinner. And after a long week at work it was just what we needed! The waiter was great and very knowledgable on the cocktails and food. The food was all excellent, from the dozen oysters to the sliders and off menu lobster Mac and cheese. This place made me feel like I was on the east coast and to that it deserves 5 stars.
(5)
Stefanie L.
The manager got in touch with me and apologized for the experience. She invited us back to try again and sent a gift card. Next time we are in Chicago, we'll be sure to give Gt another chance! Hopefully, I can update my review to 5 stars!
(3)
Maureen C.
Oysters were pretty good, entree sizes were relatively small for the price, but nonetheless delicious. We really liked that po'boy sandwich w/ the kimchee. yum! I will probably return, just cuz i LOVE seafood, and this place was pretty yummy.
(4)
Niti B.
Still amazing as ever! Came her last night expecting restaurant week menu but found out they were only serving a pre-fix for lunch. Either way we chose food over football and didn't regret our superbowl sunday plans! This time around my friends and I shared: Shrimp bruschetta - as great as I remembered it, perfect 2 bite starter! Lobster dumplings - steamed to perfection. mouth watering just thinking about them! Fish tacos - If I could make them at home this would me my breakfast lunch and dinner! Fresh and light. Octopus - dressed with purple potatos and a lipsmacking beer mustard. Octopus was tender and juicy. Fish and Chips - beer battered fish that was flakey and the crust was light and left absolutely no taste of grease or being fried. accompanied by chips that were exactly the right amount of potato! For dessert we couldn't decide and had the sticky toffee cake and pear gingerbread crumble topped with cinnamon vanilla ice cream. Both desserts were heavenly and the perfect ending to the perfect meal. The best part was that we weren't stuffed...just satisfied and per person only cost $44!!! Just about what we would have spent on restaurant week!
(5)
Amy W.
I came here with my boyfriend a week or two ago during Restaurant Week for lunch. It was absolutely packed for a Sunday! I loved the decor and the boomerang table where people could sit and order drinks or appetizers while waiting for tables. Our waiter was also really friendly and attentive. For a place that has "Fish & Oyster" in its name, I think I was expecting dishes that highlighted seafood as the star of the show, rather than dishes that happen to just have some sort of fish or shrimp in it (if that makes sense.) In any case, the Restaurant Week menu was definitely a good deal compared to the regular menu. We ordered a whole round of raw oysters as well. I'd definitely come back to get my fix of oysters, but perhaps not for the other food. Don't get me wrong; it was all good, but just not blow-my-mind or amazing-good. If you come here, though, do yourself a favor and order the bourbon bloody Mary. The smokiness and the bacon -- oh my! I wanted to drink it all day.
(3)
Joel G.
Very enjoyable dinner at this location. Our friends at Boka made arrangements for us and we hit the location on a Thursday. Excellent shellfish and selection. Enjoyed most everything we had with the exception of the Mac and Cheese dish which I find let's me down at nearly every restaurant I eat at so I do not hold this against any location I try this at. I should eventually get it through my head not to order this. Sunfish Ceviche is a must have #1 dish to get here Stuff squid is a must have Fish Tacos are excellent Mussels are good but I find these hard to ruin unless someone over cooks them Crudo is a great option but it varies seasonally and can be a bit expesive. Excellent wine list, solid cocktails, decent beer selection Atmosphere is very pleasant, simple cool color scheme, great date night place If you have a larger dinner party you can ask for to sit at the communal table but need to call well in advance.
(4)
Allyen W.
Great oyster bar. Sat at the bar with Rick serving. Great cocktails. Based on Rick's recommendation, got the Oyster Po Boy Slider...this is simply divine! The cook who came up with this should be canonized. The kimchi on it was amazing. I will travel the 1,000+ miles from home just for these sliders when the hankering possesses me!
(4)
Anne-Michele D.
The oysters were delicious! They have an excellent assortment of oysters to choose from and they cut them from the muscle which I love. Not a speck of grit in them at all which seems to plague a lot of oyster bars. I had the crab cake for lunch and my husband had the tuna BLT. Both were delicious. I would rate this place 5-star except for the price. They do not sell oysters by the dozen (I could easily have eaten 2 dozen), rather they sell them by the oyster ($3+ per oyster) with a minimum order of six. So a minimum of $36 for a dozen oysters is just ridiculous. $72 for lunch for two people with only iced tea for drinks means I wouldn't come here as often as I might. The service was excellent - drink was never empty and no sooner did my husband take the lemon out of his drink and place it on the table than someone was there to pick it up. Ambiance was above average.
(4)
Jenny L.
Prior to my trip to Chicago, I kept seeing it on tv. It was on my To Do list. We went there for lunch. The restaurant was not busy but yet the service was slow. Kitchen was slow and servers were all too busy with themselves. Food was delicious!
(3)
Hiba A.
My friend Toni and I came here on a recommendation. I think this place definitely lived up to our expectations. We left content and a good amount of full. We each paid about 35-40, which I thought was a bit much for the amount of food we got, but we definitely got what we paid for. We had a 5 pm reservation on Saturday. At first, the place looked sparsely occupied, but quickly picked up and was very full by the time we left. Service was great and prompt; or waitress was super attentive and informative. We got the following to share: shrimp bruschetta, clam chowder, fish tacos, lobster gnocchi, and escolar. Shrimp bruschetta- I could eat this all day! All the ingredients meld together for a perfect bite of food. You get two for 11, which was a bit pricy, but definitely my favorite of our dishes. Clam chowder- chunky and hearty with lots of flavor. I really liked their house made oyster crackers. Fish tacos- you get three small/medium sized tacos. We thought they were pretty good, though I've definitely had better elsewhere for cheaper. I think they were made a tad too salty. *Try their hot sauces with the tacos! We really enjoyed both hot sauces. Neither was too spicy, yet had just the right amount of kick. Lobster gnocchi- This was yum! My second favorite. The squash was my favorite part of this dish. The dish was hearty, well textured; I could have kept eating more of this. Escolar- I'm a big fan of squash, so I loved the butternut squash in this dish. This was my first time trying escargot, and I think it worked pretty well with the rest of the ingredients in this dish. The escolar was light, cooked very well, so it almost melted in my mouth. Overall, I would recommend this place, and would be back to try the other dishes I missed. Classy date place as well as a nice place to come with a few friends.
(4)
Mike W.
Oysters: Outstanding and very fresh. We enjoyed sampling the different types they offer. Rest of the food: Just okay, and overpriced. By far the most disappointing dish was the lobster mac and cheese. There were some nice chunks of lobster in the dish, but not nearly enough to justify spending $17. But even worse than the small amount of lobster was the mac n cheese itself. The cheese sauce was very runny and had very little flavor. If all you want to do is eat oysters and don't mind spending some cash, then you might enjoy GT. Otherwise take a pass.
(3)
Antaash U.
My friends and I were finally able to score dinner reservations at a reasonable time thanks to it being Superbowl Sunday. We're the kind of people who put food before football! Good thing we did, because GT was FABULOUS. The mood at GT is comfortable and has a New England charm about it. I immediately like it. Keep in mind that they take the small plate approach and recommend about 2-3 dishes per person. My party of three decided to order: BAJA SHRIMP BRUSCHETTA: avocado, toasted pistachio, grapefruit, cilantro. WOW. It was a great indication of the fantastic food we were about to eat. Everything about this was on point. The textures and flavors were a nice compliment to one another and took your mouth on a wild roller coaster ride. Yes. It was that good. Next, we had the OCTOPUS: beer mustard, wasabi, purple potatoes, hearts of palm, maitake mushroom. The octopus was cooked to perfection. Not the least bit rubbery and the taste was fresh and clean. I would highly recommend it! Moving on. Our third dish was the FISH TACOS: garlic marinade, chipotle aioli, chicharron (which we eliminated because of dietary restrictions). WOW. Probably the best fish tacos I have ever eaten, and I have eaten my share of fish tacos. For our fourth selection, our waitress highly recommended the FISH AND CHIPS: beer battered cod, steak fries, malt vinegar, dill pickle remoulade, which she claimed were her favorite. Thank god we followed her recommendation because they were delicious. The fish was light and flaky and not the least bit greasy. How they accomplished that, I will never know! The fifth selection was LOBSTER ROLL lobster salad, pickled vegetables, fried onions. This was light and fresh, and I enjoyed every bite of it. Our sixth selection was the GT "MAC AND CHEESE" lobster, english peas. I love my mac and cheese and I love my seafood, so this was a no-brainer. What I loved about this was the chunks of lobster that were in the Mac and Cheese. Every bite was sinfully delicious. As if that wasn't enough, we had to order dessert! We ordered the sticky toffee cake and some pear and ginger crumble. Both desserts were delicious and a perfect end to a perfect dinner. The meal is pricey but worth it's weight in gold. The dishes are executed perfectly and the seafood is oh so fresh. It's one case where you really do get what you pay for. With that said, I am excited to go back and try the brunch, which is a little more budget friendly!
(4)
Manda Bear B.
*********************** 800 ************************* Being a fan of the Michelin Starred chef Giuseppe Tentori of BOKA in Chi Town. Chef Tentori was chef de cuisine at the famed Charlie Trotter's. Chef Tentori has recently numerous awards: one star by Michelin Star; "Best New Chef" by Food & Wine Magazine in 2008; James Beard Foundation "Best Chef Great Lakes" semi-finalist 2009; three stars by the Chicago Tribune at Boka and GT Fish & Oyster, and CS Magazine's "Chef of the Year" 2011. I've got to tried his food for years, finally made it to GT Fish & Oyster. Walked in the beautiful silver metallic sign on the dark wood wall, opening to a spacious welcome area, a big bar, and the dining area on the left. Candle lights, fresh flowers, gorgeous setting and wall design, charming, chic, intimate and lovely ambiance. Nice cocktails menu by mixologist Benjamin Schiller, try these: - The Wailist -Grey Goose vodka, St. Germain, grapefruit, lime, bitters - GT Manhattan- Old Weller Antique - GT Barrel, Carpano Antica, Averna Amaro, Costello bitters - Old Money - Benchmark bourbon, Aperol, Nux Alpina walnut liqueur, allspice - my Fav, wonder why?! Love the wine list with some impressive Burgundy, Bordeaux, Italian and bubbles, although a nice selection for white wines, price as low as $30 to $900, new and old world. If you love beers, 25+ choices on the menu. - GT oyster shooter tuna, cucumber, tobiko caviar - as the name of the resto, you got to try some oysters. This was refreshing and sweet. - Royal Caviar Service with blini, egg white, egg yolk, chai, minced shallot, caper, everything was perfect. - Foie Gras & shrimp terrine apricot chutney, pickled onion, szechuan peppercorn, how much I missed Foie Gras in California, this was so delicious ;-) - Cold Green tea soba noodles shrimp, tofu, thai chili soy vinaigrette - my best friend loves this dish so much. - Octopus beer mustard, wasabi, purple potatoes, hearts of palm, maitake - this was my favorite dishes of all. - Lobster roll lobster salad, pickled vegetables, fried onions - this is a must order here. The lobster was big chunk of meat, tasty! - Nantucket Bay scallops sweet potato, brussels sprout leaves, balsamic bacon vinaigrette - luckily it was the scallop seasons, beautifully seared, delicious. - Chocolate dessert - chocolate lovers, this is for you :-) - Banana, chocolate, creamy dessert - tasty, creamy, my best friend ate it all! Every dish was as good as it gets, very reasonable price point, great service from start to finish. I got to see chef Tentori again and congrats to him on good things going on for him. I'm a fan then, and a fan now, always love his food; 1 of my favorite chefs in Chicago. I'm so looking forward to return to GT Fish & Oyster to try the rest of the dishes on the menu and next time, I'll definitely try the bar, just because it looks so cool! I Highly recommend it to all seafood lovers.
(5)
Dan R.
We dined here for lunch during restaurant week and had an excellent time! Our waiter was very fun and friendly. We started off with some oysters of course, paired with white wine. Absolutely delicious. Clam chowder was very good, nothing too special. We ordered some IPA's. The lobster roll was one of the best I have had, hands down. Atmosphere was classy and calm. I can't wait to come back.
(5)
Lu N.
One of my favorite places in the city! Best lobster roll! Oyster slider! And fresh oysters!! Yummmm
(5)
L. Danovia ..
Love, Love, Love this place. Always prompt and courteous service. Fried chicken and waffles never disappoint. Maybe it's that special syrup? Try them the next time you want a good Sunday brunch.
(5)
Hilary T.
Oysters made have made me sick everything was mediocre and overpriced. Our bartender was fabulous but all the other staff have attitudes and did not make us feel welcome. Probably won't be coming back.
(2)
Meredith B.
Good lord this place was delicious. They take late reservations which was a marvelous delight, because we could not get in when we tried at 9 pm, so we made a reservation for 11 (yes) and they took it! Place was hopping. Dim lighting, noisy, trendy. We got a bottle of pinot grigio, so can't vouch for the cocktails. Everything looked incredibly delicious. We started with oysters, 2 west coast and 2 east coast each. I don't remember what they were called, but oh. my. god. The little ones (I think west coast?) were freakin' unbelievable. Glorious, beautiful ocean taste. There was a glorious mignonette, along with regular cocktail sauce, but do yourself a favor and eat it with the mignonette! I could eat those all day. East coast (bigger, more traditional looking) were good too. Yum. I want some now. I started with the tuna poke ($12), a delicious scoop of beautiful fresh raw tuna, bright red, along with what I believe was a mango puree as well as some mango slices, then some cucumber slices and black sesame seeds. It was great, clean, and refreshing. It's a small portion, but it'd be fine for sharing, everyone could have a few forkfuls. So light and succulent. The clam chowder was next ($8) - served in a mason jar with (I think) potatoes, bacon, and homemade croutons. Oh mah goooood. SOOOO GOOD YOU GUYS. Just delicious. Savory and homey and glorious. All the plates here are varying degrees of small, but could easily be shared with 1-2 other people. I wish I was hungry enough to try more things. We made room for key lime pie which was tart and lovely. Every bite was perfection, or close to it. I would love to come back here and try everything else. Pretty much as good as it gets.
(5)
Judy H.
Went for the first time with a couple of girlfriends on a weeknight. Loved the tapas style because of course that meant we got to order a little bit of everything. Our waitress was really knowledgeable on the menu and all the different types of raw oysters. She brought us east coast oysters and west coast oysters to taste the difference. Both were exceptional. Then literally we had a little bit of everything, including: - Tuna Poke - Clam Chowder - Oyster Po'Boy Slider - Kabocha Squash Gnocchi - Fish & Chips - GT "Mac & Cheese" The fresh, raw oysters, Tuna Poke, and Oyster Po'Boy were my absolute favorites of the night. I would definitely get those again. The Clam Chowder was full of clams and spicy, which I enjoyed, but I was expecting more based on the rave reviews I had heard about. The Fish & Chips were also good, but I think I like the chips better than the fish (which was a little bit soggy...blegh), and let's be honest. $13 for good fried potatoes is a bit much. I didn't enjoy the Gnocchi or the Mac as much. The sauce and mushroom in the gnocchi dish was good, but I just personally am not a huge fan of gnocchi. The mac was just okay. Not a lot of lobster and I didn't like the cheese they used. It was a gritty not creamy. MAJOR disappointment was that we couldn't try their infamous salted caramel tart! They changed pastry chefs and can no longer serve that dessert anymore. However, the waitress did inform us that the dessert will be available at Mariano's (yes, the grocery store). Somehow, I feel like it won't be the same coming out of a grocery store as compared to a nice restaurant.
(4)
Annie C.
Best fish tacos in Chicago and is definitely better than almost every fish taco place in southern California. Tuna sandwich (raw tuna of course), is also excellent.
(5)
Rachel S.
OUSTANDING, son. Best seafood I've had, maybe, ever? Hyperbole aside, this place deserves a million stars. (See what I did there?) All I'm saying, is this: it's good. Also: the sticky toffee cake delighted my dessert-averse date, which is high praise indeed.
(5)
Rod G.
This is one of my favorite places to eat in Chicago. I would describe it as seafood tapas, since the plates are fairly small and meant for sharing, so if you're looking for a large portion of crab legs or a lobster tail, I'd try somewhere else. But, if you're up for sharing and want well-prepared dishes that include seafood, this is the place to go. They have good, fresh oysters, the scallops are among some of the best I've had, and the lobster mac and cheese is excellent as well. 4 stars, only because you'll want to order a lot , and it can get pricey.
(4)
Matt T.
I don't know...I don't know. I wasn't wowed. Another case of a lot of hype and a lot of wait to go and then be let down. Oysters are fantastic. Pricey but they are top notch oysters. That was worth it. Other dishes were fine. Just not worth the price. I won't go into my diatribe (again) on small plates, but I hate this trend and it makes you pay more for less. I want more entrees, not tiny portions for a crazy price. I was also disappointed in the cocktail list. Not very inventive these days. Same thing for the beer list...so so except for having the rare Half Acre Akari Shogun on tap. Besides the oysters, we got the snapper ceviche, which was good, but came with nothing...no crackers, chips, bread, whatever. So you just put a scoop of this tiny dish on your plate to eat by itself...hmmm. Lobster mac and cheese was fairly good but I'm not a fan of the big shells for mac dishes. Also, not much lobster for $17. We ordered the market price ($50) seafood platter. What a disappointment for the price. 4 cold mussels (boo)...two oyters (one west, one east coast)...two clams...one smaller crab leg, half a lobster tail...and that was it. For $50! Seriously...so paltry for the price. We left, on my wife's birthday, still hungry and not completely satisfied. Service was good but very rushed. We just ordered things as we went along and to see how we felt as we ate. The server came back every three mins asking us if we were ready to order more or if we needed more drinks. One nice touch was that I mentioned we were going to be 30 mins late for our reso b/c of traffic on 94 and they still fit our table in 20 mins after we arrived and put a $20 gift card on the table for our next visit for my wife's birthday...in a birthday envelope. This was very cool and something more restaurants should do. Would I go back? Maybe for some oysters at the bar but I'd prefer a different and more traditional experience for just seafood next time. I'd rather drive up to the Milwaukee Public Market and eat at St. Paul's and scarf down their delicious and affordable oysters on the regular.
(3)
Traci B.
Great service and excellent food. Oysters - GREAT selection - all excellent Oyster sliders - excellent Shrimp bruschetta - very good, my boyfriend said not his favorite but ok Lobster mac and cheese - save your stomach space and money for something else... bland, very little lobster, and way too runny Overall good meal. I will go back
(4)
Karen C.
I'm not very adventurous with food, I admit this. Luckily, my man-friend has a knack for getting me to try new things on a regular basis, and at GT, this new food for me was oysters. We sat at the bar and I was watching the oysters be shucked, and I figured, what the heck. Let's do this. To my amazement, they were delicious. In addition to the oysters, we ordered the steamed wild bass, which was one of the best dishes I've ever eaten. After that came the lobster mac & cheese (because who can resist that if it's on the menu?) and it was great as well. The girl next to me was chowing down on the salted caramel tart & I decided that we HAD to order that after seeing the look on her face. Holy. Cow. It was a total When Harry Met Sally moment, and I wanted what she was having. Absolutely delicious. Luckily, the man-friend doesn't have much of a sweet tooth, and I have no shame, so I finished that tart right up. The decor of the place is so great, and we had no problems getting a seat at the bar. I recommend making reservations if you can, however, just in case you can't get to the bar to eat. It's definitely a little pricey, but for the quality of the food & the knowledge of the servers, it's worth every penny. GT Fish & Oyster is definitely a good date night spot, but I think it would be fun with a larger group of friends just so you can order a ton of food & share... I can't wait to come back & do just that.
(5)
Gwen D.
My friend and I met for dinner at GT Fish and Oyster before catching a show in the Loop over the weekend. The spot deserves its Michelin Bib Gourmand listing! I definitely recommend the Lobster Roll, the Baja Shrimp Bruschetta with avocado, pistachios and grapefruit, and the Oyster Po' Boy Sliders with kimchi and peanuts. I especially loved the Lobster Roll -- big, flavorful lumps of lobster are such a treat! We also enjoyed the PEI Mussels, though they were no more memorable than mussels I've tried elsewhere. Four stars, not five, because although I loved trying GT Fish and Oyster once, I'm not in a rush to go back, especially not for a $50 check. :)
(4)
Candice G.
Sooo I got suspended from work and was given a single day to think about my actions (being late + tardy, and lessn't we forget perpetually delinquent). I decided to take that single service suspension day to reflect upon my life and pose one BIG question to my inner self: Bad Girl, Bad Girl- Whatcha Gonna Do? Whatcha Gonna Do When They Come For You? Well, being the clever girl I was born to be, I decided to throw caution and warning to the wind and grab that glorious Wednesday, September 21st Work Suspension Day by the big blue balls and give it the rattle and hum of a lifetime! It was in the upper 70s and sunny in Chicagoland, it was also my wing-man's (Ed S.) day off, and to top it off it was Bill Murray's Birthday. The stars were aligned and clearly, it was my lucky fate to have been involuntarily dismissed from work that day and I simply couldn't find a reason NOT to celebrate. On the Agenda for Super Suspension Day 2011 was a gamut of interesting events including, but not limited to: -Getting jazzed up -QT + heart to heart with Ed about beer, blood, boobs & blokes -Getting my septum pierced -Getting some craft beer at Burger Bar and Piece -Getting some new kicks from Akira -Interviewing for a job at a place that would make me a much 'hoppier' person -Picking up a new dress from Francesca's -A stop off at my favorite suburban bar -And a cherry popping dining experience at my new favorite Chicago eatery, GT Fish & Oyster We came for lunch and were seated promptly once checked in for our rezo. The atmosphere is clean and calm but still buzzing with activity. Ed and I lucked out by making our rezo near the end of lunch seating and were able to meet GT's resident oyster expert, Blake, and get some recos on not only oysters but some of the other key menu highlights (pretty much everything). After not one, but two rounds of drinks, we ended up ordering so much food that I can guarantee you I'd run out of yelp review characters trying to type it all out so I'll just list the must have items we won't soon forget so you'll be in the know for your visit. MUST ORDER DRINKS: *The Roadrunner - Altos Plata Tequila, Maraschino, Lemon, Grapefruit, VEP Mist *The Clean Break - Hayman's Old Tom, Pimm's No. 1, Cucumber, Grapefruit Oil, Peychaud's Bitter * The Waitlist - Grey Goose, St. Germain, Lime, Grapefruit, Bitter MUST ORDER FOOD: *Baja Shrimp Bruschetta - I could eat this forever and ever, amen *An assortment of a dozen oysters - can't go wrong there *Lobster Roll - Do it, Duh! *Fried Green Tomato *Tuna Poke *Ceviche *Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert Amazing-ness ***note- I was in a semi food coma/utopia and can't remember the dessert name but I'd still like to give a special thanks to Ed for letting me eat all but one bite of it. Luck be a Lady- Tonight! Ed and I left stuffed and feeling damn good about it while putting an action item on coming back to enjoy it all over again. Our service, much like GT itself, was first class and the entire experience left me wishing I could actually suspend time while eating at GT F and Oy on my suspension day. EFfin' Oy- That was GuT!
(5)
Hana B.
Came here for lunch with coworkers for Restaurant Week. We weren't sure how big the servings were going to be, but we all ended up ordering from the fixed Restaurant Week menu anyway. Everyone loved what they ordered. I had the salad with seared tuna, lobster roll, and coconut cake for dessert. LOVED THE LOBSTER ROLL--it was definitely my favorite portion of the meal. Food was fantastic, it was filling, and I loved the interior of the place. Definitely want to come back for dinner (didn't get to try the oysters!), and I hear good things about brunch at this place as well.
(5)
Noelle W.
Review for their brunch I've never been for the dinner or lunch menu, but their weekend brunch is outstanding. I went on a saturday & went back on sunday with my boyfriend. I'm also not a really big seafood person and was skeptical at first. This place has great options for those who don't care for seafood & and the seafood lover My first trip my friend and I ordered the monkey bread - skip that, nothing great and better off getting something else from the menu. To be honest, what I was really expecting it to be was actually the Sarah's French toast that's pictured on their website brunch menu. My friend ordered the shrimp & grits and it was really great. I ordered the open-faced pork belly sandwich & it was amazing. One recommendation is to ask for no lettuce b/c it made the bottom piece of the bread a little soggy. We had a few different cocktails - I can't remember the names but they were all good My friend also ordered 6 oysters and she loved them. The people next to us ordered a chicken and waffles & it looked delicious My second trip, both my boyfriend and I ordered the Open faced pork belly sandwich again. He is a super picky eater, and loved it. Essentially it's an amped up version of BLT. Their lunch menu looks great too - after my rave reviews of the brunch, my boss went for lunch and had the fish tacos. They were so good that his client and him ordered a 2nd order of the tacos.
(5)
Ashley C.
Came here for birthday dinner of Carole C. and had a great time. After 1030, the oysters are half off, so we started with a dozen of those...and they were wonderful. The advantage of going late is that the oysters are half off, but the disadvantage is that you are somewhat relegated to whatever oysters weren't purchased throughout the day. Another advantage is that there is some ease of finding parking as most people have made their way away from this area after 10pm. The service here is wonderful. Our waiter made sure to make plenty suggestions to our dinner, and to suggest that we share as many plates as possible. When we were served our oysters with the different sauces (the Burn and Smolder sauces, specifically) that GT makes in-house, our waiter brought us out two bottles of each kind for us to take home. They also acknowledged Carole's birthday by presenting her with a $20 gift certificate that she could use on her next outing to GT. We definitely felt we'd be back on the quality of the service, which rivals some of the many white tablecloth restaurants that I've frequented. Drinks: The Waitlist and GT Manhattan. Waitlist is a grapefruit martini that was light but not overly fruity. I'm no fan of grapefruit, but I'd order this drink. However, that was Carole's drink, not mine. I had the GT Manhattan, which is the warm Mad Men kind of drink, after having a couple of these, you can expect to feel the liquor and may want to pass your keys to someone else. Food: Smoked Salmon Gnocchi with black truffle shavings (AMAZING, earthy and light as feather gnocchi) Lobster Bisque served in puff pastry (ehhh) Lobster Roll with onion straws (amazing as well...plenty of fresh lobster, not too mayo laden, perfect to share) Pear tart for the birthday girl for dessert (meh, could pass on this) Date cake for me for dessert (defintely yummy, but I was sad because I wanted key lime pie). I wanted key lime pie for dessert and after seeing the yelp photos, I will be back to try it. I just have to remember to call first to ask when it'll be on the menu so I'm not as disappointed. Make a reservation if you plan on going before 10pm. If you go after, even on a Friday, there's not as much pressure to do so. Dress is neat but casual, but bring a sweater in the winter as the place can get chilly. Make sure to try the oysters!!
(4)
Sue S.
A great brunch spot! They have some tasty drinks - both with and without alcohol. My husband loved his spicy Bloody Mary and I enjoyed my refreshing juice drink. I had the chilaquiles with duck. It was so flavorful, crispy and savory. Loved it. It was huge though...definitely shareable if you want to try a few things. My husband had the open faced pork belly sandwich which he devoured. He actually said it was the best pork belly he's had which means a lot considering he loves the stuff. The atmosphere is great too. Would love to try it for dinner on our next trip.
(5)
Donielle P.
First course: Shrimp Bruschetta--Just a little kick of spice, delicious! but wanting more; 2nd course: coffee roasted beets--surprisingly dee-lish!, 3rd course: Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos---maybe my fav fish tacos ever, 4th course: chocolate cake and salted caramel ice cream--perfect, not too sweet or rich
(5)
Sir C.
So many oysters to choose from. From west coast to east cost to gulf coast. They have them all. Every oyster was fresh and had its own unique flavor. Whether it tasted sweet (east) or a bit more salty (west). Our party also tried the oyster-po-boy sliders, stuffed squid, fish ceviche, lobster mac and cheese, and the tuna tar tar. All of which was very good, but I would not say exceptional. Overall a very enjoyable experience.
(4)
Gary C.
Something about the BoKa Group. They do work like D.Rose. It's nasty. GT Fish & Oyster rounded out my visits to the BoKa restaurants (that are currently available). To say the least, Chef Tentori did not disappoint. But really now...was I looking to be disappointed? I think you know the answer to that one. Aesthetically, GTF&O is pretty fun, with a few sea-themed paintings and decorations on the walls. If you're waiting, take a sneak peak at the paintings, particularly the names on the boats in the paintings. Pretty cool detail. If you're sitting starboard of the bar, you'll get a nice view the oysters..or is it port-side. Hmm.. Service, as expected, is top notch. Our server was dressed in nautical garb, with a wooden leg and eye patch. He spoke with a pirate accent and held my party up for gold and treasures... Actually, staff is fantastic. Our server took care of my oyster-noobs and I and didn't hold back any of the punches. To compare different types of oysters, our server alluded to the East Coast/West Coast feud between Notorious BIG and Tupac. One was a little more plump than the other. They also have pretty distinct tastes, with one being a little more grainy and salty than the other. How did my party like them? Well..we might just order cooked oysters next time. It's not really our cup of tea. But everything else was phenomenal. Some group favorites include the Baja Shrimp Bruschetta, Oyster Po'Boy Slider (disgustingly good...and I mean disgusting in an awesome way), and the Gnocchi with Smoked Salmon. We ordered a ton more, but talking through the meal, these stood out like a sore thumb. To round out the meal, we actually ordered dessert (something not too common for our group). We ordered a creme brulee and banana creme something-or-another (my memory is foggy today). That's not to say Chef Jordan's creations are forgettable. It just means I'm getting old. But both desserts were perfect endings to our meal. My love for the BoKa Group continues to grow, and this year should be a great one. See you soon, Chef Tentori and Co.!
(5)
Erica T.
I'll start with my review by saying I'm not one to love a place just because its popular. I'm from the school that good food doesn't need all the bells and whistles to be excellent. That being said, I was really pleasantly surprised with this place! My first impression was not so great with their rude & snobby hostess (brunette, not the chipper blonde) i immediately thought that that this was going to be a run of the mill trendy location that churns out okay food but still gets high covers. Luckily, our server, bussers & the food made up for the unpleasant welcome (seriously people Restaurant 101- the host stand is the first impression & the face of your restaurant!) by snobby Sally. I immediately knew our dining experience was going to be a great one with the server (wish I caught her name!) going in depth with just the beverage menu. I mean, let's be honest, I felt like we were best friends the minute she welcomed us. I ordered the dark and stormy as my cocktail of choice and it was delicious, refreshing & balanced. We took our server's awesome suggestions and ordered: -Octopus -Tuna Poke - Lobster Roll - Oyster Po Boy. The lobster roll was amazing. It wasn't soaked in mayo & was surprisingly light despite the richness of the lobster. The octopus was the most tender that I've ever had, yet I could gone with a few more pieces on the plate. The Oyster Po Boy was really good & could see how it was recently nominated (our server told us this tidbit). The kimchee wasn't overtly hot but I felt that if it was, it would've taken away from the oyster & completely overpowered it. It was really well balanced The tuna poke was a great way to round out the meal. It was light, tropical & Asian flavored without being too salty or too sweet. We of course ordered dessert. It was really hard to choose as there was so many great options. Our server was great with her suggestions and went with the salted Caramel tart. Oh boy was it good! The combination with caramelized bananas and chantilly cream was delicious. For dishes I want to try next time: - Fish Tacos looked and smelled amazing! - PEI mussels (love them!) - seafood platter or crudo! I could always see why there is always an issue getting a reservation for this place as its a) delicious b) not very big (about the size or a bit bigger or topolobampo). I will be back!
(4)
Bo P.
One of my favorite oyster spots in town! Always great choices from both coasts, plus the menu follow up is as delicious and unique as the bar can offer. By far one of the better unpretentious experiences in the neighborhood! Keep up the great job!
(5)
Alyssa I.
Between the service, the atmosphere, and the Connecticut lobster roll I couldn't have asked for much more from this place.
(5)
Alex B.
This review is for the bar, specifically the cocktails, and does not cover food (which is excellent and 5 star worthy, but I must first wax poetically about one cocktail they serve which brought me closer to God). Had a couple of drinks with a friend at the bar last night. When I mentioned to the bartender that I am all about the Manhattan he rolled out with a truly miraculous creation. The barrel aged (7 weeks) perfect Templeton Rye Manhattan. How good was this cocktail? It is to Manhattan's what Osetra is to caviar. This drink was smooth and robust with many layers of flavor. It was unlike any other Manhattan I have had. Often I find that a perfect Manhattan made with Rye can be a bit astringent. This was just the opposite - mellow and delicious. I've never seen a barrel aged Manhattan at any other establishment, and now I'm wondering why. So here is my request - let's see more, this is a cocktail worthy of the highest praise and sits at the top of my Manhattan experiences.
(5)
Kara B.
My very first yelp review. I was sooo looking forward to trying this place. The service was great, out server was very nice and helpful. I'm also giving 1 star for ambiance. Awesome place to come have a drink after work... But not the dark n stormy- it was overwhelmingly gingery. I never send stuff back but it was undrinkable. The waiter was very nice about it. I came for the food and nothing was even halfway decent. We ordered the crab cake and it tasted like ammonia was mixed in with the canned crab. Next were the oyster sliders that the waiter insisted were the best thing on the menu. He wasn't wrong. They were edible. I'm positive the bread was that crappy Hawaiian bread from jewel. The lobster roll is what I came for. Holy hell it was so bad. Again with the Hawaiian bread and the lobster was fishy and ice cold. I had the lobster roll from Fish Bar a few days ago and it was to die for. I was hoping for a similar experience here but it was quite the opposite. The frizzled onions were actually good. The lobster Mac and cheese was definitely edible. But I could make it at home w velveta, some frozen peas and canned lobster. I've never written a bad review and I hate to do it but the reviews at this place are so misleading. The portions are miniature and the prices are outrageous. Won't be coming back.
(2)
Damian G.
We were super excited to eat here for our anniversary , having gotten addicted to lobster rolls in Key West. Checked the menu before booking. "1 LB Maine Lobster Roll" was all I needed to see. $28 for a sandwich is steep but hey, lobster is lobster, and anyone who has seen a 1 LB burger has a good idea how much food to expect. My question is, 1 LB of what? Lobster? Surely you jest. Noticeably less lobster than from sandwich joint in Key West or from Da Lobsta in River North, both of which sell lobster rolls for under $15, I might add. 1 LB for lobster, bread, fried onions and salad on the side? Maybe. And even that's a stretch. Don't get me wrong, it was delicious. How could lobster, fresh bread and lots of butter not be? But less lobster for twice the price is unacceptable. From the reviews it sounds like maybe they're more generous sometimes. I wasn't impressed. Ditto for the clam chowder. Very very good but my god, we had like two tablespoons each. They split it into two small jars instead of the usual one for serving and the soup literally came up only about an inch from the bottom of each jar. Again, fresh clam isn't cheap but come on. It 's soup. GT Ramen was also good. Amazing broth and a much bigger bowl than clam chowder. I was expecting instant ramen noodles , which would have been fun to eat with an upscale broth, but instead we got slightly overcooked regular noodles with no texture. Don't expect what most people think of when they hear Ramen noodles. Oyster po boy sliders. At $4 a pop, definitely get a few of these. Very good and filling so they sort of make up for the other portion sizes. Gnocchi were final dish we got. No complaints there. Very tasty. So the meal was great flavor-wise. GT is worth trying for sure but if it's a big lobster roll you're after, skip it. You can find better for half the price. Should also add that it's pretty casual. When we arrived there was a party of 5-6 nearby with one obnoxiously loud girl among them. Our waiter had to cup his ear to hear our drink order. Not GT's fault but I guess that kind of noise wouldn't fly at a less casual place. Not really the place for a romantic dinner.
(3)
Mahsa T.
Finally...my first visit to GT and it certainly won't be my last. And why didn't anyone mention how cute this place is? I'm a sucker for nautical themes (modern, upscale nautical, not LJS). Let's see, where to start...it was a cold, crappy, rainy Tuesday night (which seems to be my lucky night for getting seated at hard to get into restaurants these days!) and I had a friend visiting from out of town, so I decided to try our luck at GT. Found the perfect parking spot across the street and the warm glow from GT beckoned us. It was indeed our lucky night, we were able to get bar area seating in a matter of minutes. We loved that the hostess took initiative to ask two guys to move over a seat so that we could sit in the empty seats next to them. Even before I saw the menu, I knew I'd be ordering the lobster roll. Hubba, hubba, hubba...that lobster roll was every bit as good as others have described it. We also ordered the scallops, the crab cakes, and the shrimp bruschetta, which came in perfect threes for the three of us to share. The shrimp bruschetta was amazing!! Such wonderful flavors--it had avocado, toasted pistachio, grapefruit and cilantro. You must order it. The crab cakes were meaty and good. The scallops, however, fell short of my expectations, they were a bit undercooked. Do not leave GT without ordering at least one dessert. These are not your ordinary desserts, these desserts are just as good if not better than their entrees. We ordered the chocolate date cake, which was magnificent!!! Dates baked in with chocolate, how can you possibly go wrong with that? And we also ordered another dessert similar to a lemon meringue (but it was slightly different) and I'm usually not a fan of lemon meringue but this thing was so good I think we had to fight each other for who would get to lick the plate. Wonderful beer selection--I loved my pumpkin ale, it went perfectly with all the food. My only complaint--service--our waitress was MIA for most of our meal, one of the hosts took our order and brought us water, drinks, and silverware. Miraculously, the waitress showed up mid-meal to ask how everything was and to deliver the check and pick it up. Perhaps if you make reservations for a real table, you'll get better service.
(5)
Smitcha B.
From their website, reservations: "strongly recommended" is an understatement. It should really read, reservations: ABSOLUTELY! A few Saturday nights ago, we casually strolled in without reservations and the place was booming like when heroin first hit the streets of America. The hosts told us that the wait was going to be about an hour to possibly two hours. At that moment, I was about to bee line for the door until they said, "However, the community table in the middle as well as the bar is open seating. If it's free and you want it, it's yours." In my mind that meant those seats are a free for all. Black Friday elbow shopping skills were about to come out early this year. Luckily, I didn't have to resort to that. She was slicker than I; while I was eyeballing potential openings, she already babysat two patrons about to leave at the bar. To the bar we sat and in all honesty, it worked out better this way. The bartender never moved more than five feet away from us because that's his duty and that was his station. Whether it was to order extra food or another Dogfish Head Punkin (not misspelled) Ale, our service was always readily available. Not only that, we were close to the main kitchen. It was like watching a marathon of those Food Network challenges. On our opposite peripherals were the guys shellacking the fresh oysters at top speed with those little prison style shanks. That might not be Tabasco on those oysters but some fresh human DNA blood samples, jk. The food is tapas style so don't assume that you're going to be full off of a single plate unless you eat like a rabbit. I original assumed that "GT" in the restaurant's name stood for the head chef's initials but I did read an article interviewing him in which he stated: GT stands for "General Temptation" because he wants you to be tempted to try everything. It made a lot of sense because we really did want to sample everything on the menu. Tuna Poke - mango, cucumber, black sesame ($12) is a must! The tuna is fresh, soft, and no where chewy. The tart from the mango sauce was a perfect match. If they offered this in Costco quantity, I can practically throw a bunch of it in a bowl over some rice and call it a day. Scallops - acorn squash, candied bacon, brussels sprouts, shiitake mushrooms ($14). Scallops with bacon pairing did you say? SOLD! Another solid dish. If it's available, give it a shot. Again, what it lacks in quantity is made up in quality. No brainer: Lobster Roll - lobster salad, toasted roll, fried onion ($22). The lobster chunks are plentiful and robust. The toasted roll is far from bland and the fried onion on the side is addicting. I found myself eating the fried onion like it was French fries and at times I threw it in the roll itself. I don't know how they seasoned it but I think they secretly put crack in it. I didn't have any of their oysters but it seemed like a big hit. Those guys that were working on them never seemed to stop cracking them so that tells me that those have to be quite tasty and popular. Note: they had six different oysters from a variety of places but since they're sold individually, you have to order six minimum. Keep in mind that the menu may change day to day because the imported seafood is fresh so some of your favorite dishes may be here today but gone tomorrow. That only means that they truly care about the consistency and the freshness of the food. Giuseppe Tentori "GT" is on top of his game and he knows how to cater to people's taste buds. I never knew anything about the man or even knew what he looked like when I first walked through GT Fish & Oyster's doors. On my way out of the washroom, I noticed this picture of a cocky looking chef on the wall, sitting with a wine glass to his mouth. I sat back down at the bar and to my left, I see that same man standing there full of pride and in total control. She motioned his attention and asked if he was that man from the photograph and he slyly replied, "He's my twin." He took the time to introduce himself and welcome us to his establishment as well as to the Windy City since we told him we were from LA. The man wasn't as douchey as I wrongly assumed he would be from that picture. He was very sincere, funny, and friendly. Whether you're a local or an out of towner, try to incorporate this restaurant in your agenda. You should not be disappointed because we definitely were beyond satisfied and departed quite impressed. My last request is for GT himself... Please come to LA and open up a similar restaurant and I promise you I'll be a regular. Thanks!
(5)
Steven N.
Finally had a chance to try this restaurant and I was very pleasantly surprised. 2 people, expect to spend around $150. To be honest, I really wasn't that interested, so glad my wife talked me into going there. Chef Giuseppe Tentori's creative dishes are not to be missed. Below is a list of all of the dishes we ordered, but first thing you must know is that this is NOT a tapas restaurant. Unfortunately, that's sort of how it was described to us by the server when we inquired about how large the dishes are, so we over-ordered a bit. The dishes are meant to be shared, but they are a little bit larger than your typical tapas dishes. Not a big deal, of course, it just means we got to try a lot more dishes, but we also walked away super stuffed. Service was overall very enjoyable, they did a great job with hiring and training the staff there. They were pretty knowledgeable about the menu. Great atmosphere. They have a more private side for couples, small groups. They also have a more communial side of the house as well as a bar area. We very much enjoyed the overall experience. Here's what we ordered: * GT OYSTER SHOOTER with tuna, cucumber, tobiko caviar - very refreshing, nice start to the meal * CLAM CHOWDER with neuske's bacon, house made oyster crackers - very fresh clams, though a bit too salty...a bit too much "bam" * FOIE GRAS & SHRIMP TERRINE with apricot chutney, pickled onion, szechuan peppercorn - easily the best dish of the night. The foie gras was heavenly and everything goes together perfectly. Speechless. * OCTOPUS with beer mustard, wasabi, purple potatoes, hearts of palm, maitake - perfectly grilled and seasoned, balanced with sweet maitake and mustard/wasabi sauce, great contrast. * PEI MUSSELS with roasted tomatoes, basil, ciabatta - not bad, personally not a big fan of tomatoes sauce but it was done nicely. Not overly sour or sweet. The bread that comes with it is amazing. * GT "MAC AND CHEESE" with lobster, english peas - comes with 1.5 lbs of lobster, 'nuff said. * 4oz ALLEN BROTHERS BEEF TENDERLOIN with broccolini, huitlacoche polenta, cipollini onions, mushrooms - we were stuffed by the time this came, but we still found room for it because it was very tender and perfectly grilled. * Chocolate pie with stout ice cream - awesome, just awesome.
(4)
Danielle S.
Living in the suburbs really puts a damper on getting around to trying new restaurants. I've been wanting to go to GT since before it opened. Well, yesterday it finally happened. For brunch. I loved the oysters. The Fire River variety was especially to my liking. I loved the Bloody Mary. one of the best I've had. French toast, crab benedict, and biscuits with lobster gravy - all superb. I still want to stop in for dinner and dessert. Or even dessert and drinks. Sadly, at this rate, it will be another 2 years for that to happen.
(5)
Michael L. And Michelle G.
A place for a classy, sexy delivery of exquisite seafood options, small plate style. A place you can eat late and not feel rushed. On Friday night we had 10 pm reservations, came early, were seated early and the waiter allowed us to order morsel by morsel as if it was the way to go, without telling us the kitchen was closing until about midnight. Oysters are featured, and don't disappoint. From there, Gazpacho, raw fish, mussels, lobster, their fried oyster slider, and onward to so many incarnations of delicious and well presented seafood incarnations, always presenting the purest of the special flavor of the seafood with great twists. The wine list, with a good variety of non-typical grape presentations by the glass in both the whites and reds and over all every region is well represented. By no means do they run by the fish means white tale. Cocktails were average but the spirit selection was fanciful with Japanese whiskeys to boot. The room is nautical-lite, with light colored walls, boat pictures and well placed brass and nets, etc. but in a representative way, not as an actual theme at all. Lighting is perfect and music is low. The lay out is expansive and uncrowded for a great romantic or group fun experience to enjoy the chef's creativity, which will warrant a return visit to taste it all. Service impeccable, in my instance brought by Josh who when I asked about a certain wine, did not make-do or make up stuff, but brought over a fellow waiter Jackie who delivered as good as any wine sommelier. Thanks to the food and them, we will be back to finish off the menu, late and relaxed.
(5)
Adriane P.
I had the best lobster roll in the history of western civilization. The lobster mac and cheese is nothing to sneeze at either.
(4)
Tera D.
Yum. Very solid gourmet meal. Not cheap, but you get what you pay for. We started with the tuna poke, which I swear was the freshest tuna I've ever eaten. Are they receiving it live??? Seriously, quality fish. Next up was the lobster mac. Holy lobster chunks! This thing was packed with lobster, which can be pretty rare in pasta dishes. Creamy, lobstery, delicious. Then we had the mussels, which were good but nothing special. Our final round was the pot stickers and the oyster po boy slider. Pot stickers were so so, I'd skip them next time. But the po boy. Ohhhhhh the po boy. GET THE PO BOY. GET A FEW OF THEM!!! They're sliders, and being pretty full at this point we split one, which was about 2 bites each. Omg was it good. The kimchi is out of this world. Yummo. One note on the atmosphere. People called it casual, but it's pretty River North trendy if you ask me. Definitely has a "scene" feeling. It's not a bad thing, but it's definitely distinct.
(4)
Andrea C.
I went here for brunch a few weekends ago, and it was delicious! I haven't been here for dinner yet, so I really didn't know what to expect. The menu was so diverse and creative that I didn't know what to choose! I had the Biscuits and Lobster Gravy, and I couldn't stop eating it. We also sampled some of the oysters - even though I'm not a huge oyster lover - and I'm glad we did. Our server was great at helping us pick out which ones we might like. One thing I thought was weird is that we were there at 11:30 a.m. on a Saturday morning and the place was empty. Maybe people just don't know that they offer brunch now, but I would highly recommend it.
(5)
Katie A.
Shrimp bruschetta alone is worth visiting again and again. GT has some of the best seafood in town but the plates are very small. In my opinion the portions are more a "tasting" size than normal tapas offerings. Service is impeccable, while our server was away we had 2 other staff members check in and even received a complimentary dessert. The butter pecan ice cream that comes with the apple tart is to die for. There is a relaxed and sexy vibe here, the space is designed to look like a James Bonds yacht. Ambiance works for a date night or group experience. If you haven't been to GT, you're missing out.
(5)
Kristen H.
Finally made it here for lunch here the day after Thanksgiving with some family that was in town. Everyone loved the decor and the menu satisfied everyone's taste. As a table we shared the GT Mac N Cheese that has both lobster and peas and it was really good. I'm usually very picky and particular about good mac n cheese and this was some of the better. For lunch I thoroughly enjoyed the combo of half the tuna blt and clam chowder with the cabbage slaw. I had a bite of the fish tacos and they were very good too. Overall, it's a swanky seafood place that's appealing to many crowds.
(4)
Adam K.
I have been trying to come here since it opened, i heard it was tough to get in then, but this time, like 11 months after it opened, it was pretty easy, just walked in 20 minutes before the kitchen closed, with my 2 indian doctor cousins. They were also impressed. We got: Oyster Sliders w Kim Chee - Boom, small and tasty, gone in 2 seconds, put some of their green sauce on there for an added kick. 1/2 dozen oysters - really tasted fresh, not briny at all. Fish tacos - nice simple dish, a bit small for $13, but hey, we are downtown. Pecan pie dessert - OH man, this gave me diabetes and I loveed it. So good. Drinks - Manhattan - amazingly blended, not a hint of a strong flavor one way or the other. love that. Gin and Tonic - standard lime wedge was nice and green. Service was prompt and polite, not rushing us because there was a few minutes till the kitchen closes, I like that. I like it a lot., I should be back, hopefully with a woman. Seems like a great first date spot. Oyster = aphrodisiac, fyi. Holler No pool tables.
(4)
Alison Y.
Met up with a college friend recently and decided to have dinner. Since I was visitin from out of town, she let me choose the restaurant. I had read Eater's 38 that stated this was the place to dine so we decided to check it out. had dinner outsidesince the weather was so nice. The place was to capacity but they were able to seat us right away nonetheless. We all shared some oysters on the half-shell which were super fresh and delicios and for our main plates we chose the lobster roll and the lobster tortellini. I thought the tortellini was really good, the hubby thought the lobster roll was good to although a little on the small side. I would say that the food is very fresh and high-quality but the portions could of been a little bigger.
(4)
Andrew K.
First off, I've never been an oyster fan... but I've become a convert due to GT Fish & Oyster and my friend Alvin having a late night hankering for some fresh oysters. . Pemaquid Maine Oysters won me over. They were very clean, firm, lemony and light. Had a handful and glad we got a bunch to snack on. I'll definitely be on the look out for these bad boys from now on! . I was craving a Lobstah Roll (not Lobster, I'm allowed to bust out my Boston accent after living there for 5 years). But, the wait staff tried explaining to me about supply & demand, and global warming, and how the sequestration and Obama were effecting the borders and food inspections and.............. and all I heard was $45.... OUCH! Dude, Lobstah rolls are supposed to be $18. (BTW it did look delicious, apparently it's usually half that price or so, so there really was something crazy going on with the market price). . So instead I went for the Lobstah Mac & Cheese that had tiny chunks o'lobster, but it was pretty damn good. Great texture and portions and most importantly tasty as hell. Went well along with my Hitachino. . Sat at the bar pretty late Friday night, so seating wasn't much of an issue, but could see how it could get crowded at prime time. . I shall return for some more Pemaquids and will try to expand my knowledge of other oysters as well.
(4)
Eric S.
I love seafood and so with most new places I try, I was skeptical. However, GT was an amazing find. We tried numerous dishes and each dish was great. They had their own preparations for sauces for the oysters that were excellent and really added to the experience. Each dish truly seemed unique in it's own way including the deconstructed key lime pie. Even better was the service. The staff was attentive (our water glasses were never less than half full) and cared that we were enjoying each item. I will definitely be back.
(5)
Laurence L.
This place is GOOOOOD. I had the lobster roll and it's effin' delicious! The bread they serve it on is great, nothing like I've ever had. The environment inside is really nice. The staff is friendly. There's a cool bar inside as well. I went during the mid afternoon on a weekday and it wasn't so busy. Not sure what it's like at night or on weekends though.
(4)
Mona E.
I don't know why I waited so long to make it down to GT Fish & Oyster because it was fantastic! We shared several things and each one was executed well with a new take on some seafood favorites. The lobster roll was amazing! I also recommend the shrimp bruschetta. It has very unique flavors and they were nice enough to put an extra one on there since we were a group of three. Besides the great seafood, I was really impressed by the desserts. We had a dessert with chocolate and dates and another that was some sort of lemon meringue and we couldn't put our forks down until there was not a crumb left on the plate. If you can manage good service, nice ambiance, great food AND fantastic desserts to end my meal with...well then, I am in love. Our actual waitress was not fantastic and was never around but the hosts made up for that by helping us find seats at the bar area and eventually taking our order, refilling drinks, etc. This place would be great to bring a date or a few friends. I will absolutely be back!
(5)
Eileen Z.
The Foie Gras & Shrimp Terrine on Toasted Brioche is what's up. Somebody understands my love for acid here because the pickled onions are the perfect sour! The Lobster Roll is jam-packed with chunks of lobster. You'd think I wouldn't have to say this but you'd be surprised at how many restaurants I've gone to when ordering a lobster roll turns into a fishing around thinking, "it's a lobster roll, where's the lobster?!" fest. Don't expect it to be heavy. It's fresh, and a lot lighter and refreshing in taste, considering it's not swimming in mayonnaise or celery. Do me a favor and don't skip out on dessert. The blueberry buckle was AMAZING. Was not expecting it to be, but it was. Think blueberry pastries and toasted walnuts and almonds and almond ice cream goodness. Who could forget about the oysters? We split our options evenly between East and West coast types and slurped away. And when the "GT at the Beach" cocktail comes back for the summer season I'll be getting on that. A little tequila and a little spice doesn't hurt. This isn't your ordinary mango drink. When you first think of mango, you think sweet, right? This has a lot more balance in flavor, and the red chili flakes give the drink a little unexpected punch of heat.
(4)
Karolina M.
Great food. Small shareable dishes the best was grilled octopus and the duck was amazing !!
(4)
Christine D.
Service was not good. We caught one of our drinks being served to the table next to us; one main dish was apparently served to someone else too and we couldn't tell the server until he appeared when the other 4 of us were finished. Way overpriced for the portions and service.
(2)
Patty T.
I went there on Valentine's day date last year and it was a really nice experience. It was a set menu for the day. We also ordered an oyster plate to share. The food was great and the service was excellent. I particularly enjoyed dessert though I am not sure anymore what it was exactly!
(4)
Jessica N.
Yum.... Have been wanting to come here for a while and finally tried it out. I love the atmosphere. Like a nicer East Coast fish bar. Rundown on what we tried - Oysters - love the selection. only complaint is the "sauces" that were paired with the oysters were just "ok." homemade cocktail sauce bland and the other one didn't do much either. Poke - As someone who loves Hawaiian poke, this should just be called tuna tartare Scallops - Best thing we had. Scallops were perfect, really dense/firm without being overcooked (how!). Loved the pairing with the puree and the crunchy seeds. And AMAZING crispy bacon...helped offset the sweetness of the squash. Gnocchi - Yum....I have never seen gnocchi with smoked salmon. Unique and delicious pairing Mussels - Good, but nothing particular standout-ish from good mussels anywhere else. Generous with the garlic which i love!! I agree, pricing was a bit on the aggressive side, but for good seafood in the Midwest I wouldn't really expect anything else! Solid.
(4)
Rajiv I.
The last time I was here I gave this place 4 stars - I must have been drunk even tho I been sober for greater than
(2)
Chris Y.
Fantastic lobster roll . Being from New England I was amazed. Also the shrimp bruschetta was well assimilated .
(4)
M Z.
Lobster rolls are to die for & the clean break drink makes want more. Been here quite a few times & always great food & service but make reservation ahead if time because they go get busy.
(5)
D. K.
This review is for BRUNCH only: From the second we walked in for brunch, the service was above average. We loved the decor--especially the cool light fixtures. The food for the most part was good, although not every dish was a home run in my book. No one in our party really loved the gingerbread pancakes, and the chicken and waffles were a little dry. My crab benedict was good, but not mind-blowing. The best of the meal was the savory monkey bread. We just kept ordering those because the whole table loved them so much! We also enjoyed the churros with orange glaze afterwards. Anxious to come back for dinner.
(3)
Melanie S.
I wasn't willing to brave the throngs of people to eat dinner here, but when I'd heard that GT was open for lunch, I made a reservation as soon as I could. My favorite brown Yelper (one Nishan P) joined me last Friday for lunch. He'd been here before and only had good things to say about it (as he attests in his five-star review), so I was plenty excited to try it. Even at lunch, this place is quite popular, so I highly suggest making a reservation. I joined Nishan at a corner table and menus were already at our table. I should note that the tables have padding underneath, which is a nice touch (especially if you're clumsy like I am and always bumping your knees). Our server greeted us and went over the menu. Nishan noted that the dinner menu is far more extensive and she explained that the lunch menu concentrates on their most popular items (fear not; oysters are available on the lunch menu). I asked about nonalcoholic drinks besides the ho-hum sodas and iced tea and she suggested "Johnny's lemonade," which was a strawberry lemonade with a touch of ginger. We both thought it sounded delicious and each ordered one. We sipped our refreshing lemonades. I'm not sure if the lemonade flavors change daily or not, but this one was great--tart, sweet, and a touch spicy from the ginger. Priced at $5.00, it's not cheap for a drink without any alcohol, but worth the price tag. We decided we'd share a couple small plates (side note: I find the whole sharing of small plates idea contradictory. The fact that they're small plates almost makes them unsharable by definition.) of fish tacos and tuna poke and the lobster roll. The food comes out very quickly (not sure if this is the case at dinner as well) and our tacos and tuna were set in front of us. The fish tacos (three to an order) were made with rockfish (the fish changes daily) and were simply prepared. The fish was lightly grilled and very moist, and topped with a little bit of chipotle aioli. Highly enjoyable. The tuna poke was served with cucumbers, black sesame seeds, sliced mango and a mango puree. The sweet mango was a great complement to the mild tuna. Again, great dish. The lobster roll was bigger than I expected and came with a pile of crispy fried onion strings. Nishan was expecting a warm sandwich since it's listed under 'hot' on the menu, but this was a cold sandwich of lobster salad with a touch of mayo and celery. While I liked this very much, I'd have to say that Shaw's does a better lobster roll. The crispy fried onions were fantastic though. We didn't leave a single one on the plate. We couldn't skip dessert and while I was sad that they no longer were serving the strawberry shortcake (desserts change frequently), we rebounded and ordered the key lime pie. The key lime pie is a layered dessert, served in a jar (things in jars seem to be all the rage now). The bottom layer was gingersnaps, followed by lime curd and topped with toasted meringue. I liked the dessert but the gingersnaps kinda felt like sand in my mouth as they were kinda gritty. I think I prefer a more traditional key lime pie, but if you like something fun and unique, you will enjoy this. My first visit to GT Fish and Oyster was a rousing success and I will definitely be braving the crowds to give it a try for dinner.
(4)
Colleen K.
Pros: fun scene, well-crafted cocktails, fresh seafood, creative small plate concepts Cons: I really mean "small" - the prices appear reasonable, but you will end up spending $75+ per person for dinner (w/ 2 drinks), if you're hungry. But, hey, it's a trendy downtown spot, so that's par for the course. Pros make it worth it. Great decor, good service. Sat at a communal table, great crowd.
(4)
Leslie S.
I am not a big eater by any means. If I have a starter and a main, I'm usually not hungry for dessert. That was definitely not the case at GT Fish & Oyster. I had seven dishes and was still hungry by the time I left. If a girl can't fill her boots with a $200 meal, something is really wrong. I agree with the other reviewers that the food was excellent. We ordered the tuna poke, monk fish tail, bbq eel, fish taco, mac n' cheese and a caesar salad with oyster croutons (a last ditch effort to reduce my hunger pains) in addition to oysters. While I wasn't a huge fan of the mac n' cheese, I found every other dish to be well prepared and presented. Nothing I ate was out of this world, but it was quite good. If only there had been more of it! So you get the picture - very small portion sizes, and you'll need at least four per person to even start to quench your appetite. But that wasn't my only complaint with GT Fish & Oyster. The noise level inside this restaurant is unbelievable. I couldn't even hear the other couple we were dining with though they were seated across the table, just 24 inches away. What's the point of going out with friends if you can't even converse over dinner? I don't foresee another trip to GT Fish & Oyster in my future - I need a restaurant that offers something a little more substantial and a little less obnoxious.
(3)
Sadaf G.
We took some friends out to GT for dinner and had a fabulous experience. We made reservations on open table and had to wait about 10 mins for our table when we got there. The bar was pretty busy but we were able to find our way to a corner and get some drinks. The lobster roll, lobster mac n cheese, oyster po boys, crab cakes, and fish tacos were delicious! I thought the fish and chips were not bad. Everything at GT is small plates and comes out from lightest course to heaviest. It's nice to go with a few people that way you can try more items from the menu. Everything we had was great. We over ordered so by the time the lobster roll came out we were pretty stuffed, and that was the best thing on the menu! Definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago!
(5)
Arun J.
Living in NYC, we are definitely spoiled by all the great restaurants. Chicago has its fair share too, but not nearly as many. First time we went to GT with the in laws. We had a reservation but still had to wait about 30min for our table. Oyster po boys, crab sandwiches, etc was all very good. For a almost seafood-only restaurant, this is pretty top notch. Cocktails were a little unnecessarily expensive even for NYC standards. Service was good. Atmosphere was great and nice decor. Quite loud inside, so be ready for that, especially on a Saturday night. Overall B+/A-. I'd say the one knock is that it's a little overpriced. You can also rent out the back room for a private event if you wish. We looked in to this for our rehearsal dinner. Ended up choosing Fred's instead which I highly recommend for an event like this.
(4)
Belle L.
Fish & Chips -- I agree that it's the best in town as reviewed. The tartar sauce (that I skip in every establishment) is awesome. No matter how much malt vinegar I pour into the fish, the taste and flavor hardly becomes overpowering. The difference between other establishments and GT? The clean, fresh taste of the food, sauce and complementary sides. The grilled lemon is a nice touch. Steak Fries -- didn't like it at all. Since I hate super sized veggies, maybe I am biased. Rose Champagne -- the best super chilled serving in town! Kitchen -- mega exposure with neatly stacked and labeled spices in a Container Store liked storage bins. Hardest Working Employee -- the oyster preparer! Water -- is that a Voss bottle? Portion -- just right, certainly NOT the Maggiano's family style portion. Pricing -- its about $2-3 overpriced, but you pay for quality. Overall, the attention to detail about presentation and flavors, it's about right. The price could be comparable to TGI Fridays minus 25% less portion. It's fine dining. A treat.
(5)
Cara M.
Yep, I'm coming back here for sure. I cannot believe how happy I was when I left GT. I went for Mother's Day for brunch with my mom and brother and it was basically love at first sight. I was recommended here by a friend who mentioned that the service is outstanding, which it was. We had Josh, who was extremely knowledgeable and professional in every way. I would definitely go back and ask for him as my server. I made reservations and we were seated right when we got there, nice. The food was awesome of course. I got the white fish quiche and my mom got the lobster roll. Amazing. I don't have a single complaint. The decor was fabulous as well.
(5)
Amy K.
Hello, Yelp. It's been so long, but I am BACK! I went to GT Fish & Oyster on a work related luncheon but I will likely be coming back in the future. The service was great, we tried quite a few of the small plates and the food-food was great (particularly the shrimp bruschetta and the grilled mahi), but the dessert-food was the real winner for me. The salted caramel tart.... Ugh. Don't get me wrong, the key lime pie and the banana chocolate ganache were delish. But when I first bit into the salted caramel tart I felt like the lights dimmed and "I'll Make Love to You" by Boyz II Men started playing in my head. In retrospect, my hoarding a dessert which I was supposedly going to split with a business contact might not have been awesome for work, but whatever. Now my loyalties lie with the tart first.
(5)
arpan s.
Food was ok. Prices were very high. Screwed up our reservation twice had to wait for 90 mins. Did hook us up w a very small discount.
(3)
Matea B.
I've been to GT both for lunch and dinner. I would recommend it for both, and I think this is one of the better spots in River North. There's a good selection of oysters (it being an oyster bar and all), but I do think that they are on the expensive side. It's over $3/oyster, which obviously adds up very quickly. If you're not super oyster knowledgable, make sure to ask them for recommendations. However, keep in mind that some oysters are super small, so keep that in mind too when ordering. The other thing that I would recommend is to have their tasting plates. They usually have a crudo and something else. I felt that the crudo tasting was superb. I also particularly like the mussels. Also, be aware that this is a smaller plates place, but there's a wide variation in size. So, I would recommend asking your server to help you make sure you're ordering a good mix of plates (for example, the mussels are quite large while the crudo tasting is about 1.5 bites per fish with 5 different fish).
(4)
Nancy S.
Oysters and drinks were great here, along with the service. The seared tuna salad was great, and I was with a friend who doesn't eat salad, so we split it; he now craves greens. The server we had the second night (yes we were here two nights in a row), remembered us from the night before and he wasn't the one who served us then. I don't think we were misbehaving the first night (but the drinks were very good so who knows?). I really enjoyed eating here all three times I have been.
(4)
Sandi P.
This was hubby's choice for his birthday dinner last Saturday. I didn't make reservation until Thursday, so the only times available were 5pm or 10pm. We opted to do a pub crawl first (being careful not to eat too much) and arrived at GTs close to 10. We were invited to wait at the bar as our table wasn't ready yet. No less than 3 employees asked if we'd like water! Daughter and I opted to try a couple of their cocktails - hubby had a beer from their small but varied list. Place was hopping and the bar area was full. Really liked the decor, very clean and modern New England. Especially liked the boomerang shaped table. It wasnt long till we were escorted to our table, a comfortable table for 4 against the wall with a view of the entire dining area. Service was exemplary - our French waitress was a delight and the supporting staff who brought our food and replaced dishes and silverware with lightning speed - were excellent and very friendly. My husband a platter of oysters ( not my thing) and declared them delicious. We sampled many of the dishes on the menu and found them all to be of excellent quality and very inventive, we all had our favorites from the many small plates we ordered. Highlights included the grilled octopus (all 3 of us agreed this was the best dish), baja shrimp bruschetta (could have eaten the whole serving myself) oyster poboy sliders (I didn't care for the kimchee) and the stuffed squash blossoms. We also shared the crab cake, and clam chowder (very tasty but potatoes were a bit crunchy), and scallop and lobster cannelloni. We had to order dessert - for research purposes! We tried 3 different desserts (it was a birthday celebration after all) salted caramel tart, key lime pie and sticky toffee cake. We even received a $20 gift card for a future visit as a birthday gift! Great reason to return!
(5)
Susan P.
Brunch Review Only: Awesome awesome awesome. Portions are bigger than the dinner small plates (or so the waiter told us). Oysters: 4 oysters (2 west coast, 2 east coast) - normally the minimum order is 6, but this was our first time trying them, so the waiter REALLY helped us out by describing what everything was and how to go about eating them. We really appreciate how patient he was! (WISH I could remember his name - so attentive). Brunch: Shrimp and grits and the lobster roll. Lobster roll was FANTASTIC (though I did take a REALLY hard bite of a small piece of shell left in there which didn't feel that great). The buttered texas toast that it came on was pretty special, along with the onion strings. Mimosa: white peach puree, very tastey. It's pricey, but worth it if you're into brunch and seafood. Service was excellent.
(4)
Matt A.
I am a huge fan of this place food is outstanding and the service is superb. I also like their website , it allows me to send gift certs. via email which is very convenient for me as gifts. one of the greatest compliments for any restaurant should be a gifted gift certificate as it shows a great deal of faith in the food and service.
(5)
Dotty K.
One of the finest dining experiences in Chicago. Our server Josh took excellent care of us and made us feel like special guests of the restaurant. The oyster poboy sliders are fabulous. Fish tacos, tuna poke and oysters were great as well. Didnt care much about the eggplant. Highly recommend.
(5)
Chandler M.
Excellent Tapas style seafood place. Great for sharing. Great Service and amazing staff. If you go then I suggest that you Order Oyster poboy Sliders, Lobster Roll, Shrimp Bruschetta, Tuna Poke, Linguini, Gnocchi. Cant wait to go back again.
(5)
Jennifer S.
Loved the decor, great service and pretty good food. The specialty lemonades were such a nice touch and delicious too! I tried the fish tacos and they were pretty good...would probably order something else next time though. My coworker ordered the cioppino and really enjoyed it!
(4)
Stephen S.
Loved the brunch! The lobster biscuits and gravy was a great twist on a classic dish and was totally awesome. I kinda wish they menu was a little bigger as I would have loved a bit of a vegetable side to go with it. The menu instead is extremely seafood-centric which is what one should expect from a Fish and Oyster place I just always like to see a little bit more. The dishes are a little on the small side so this is a great place to share a little of this and a little of that. Just make sure that your dining companions love Fish and Oysters as much as you do!
(4)
Lisa M.
I hate to give this place a mediocre rating but honestly for the money we paid that's all I can give. I really had high hopes for this place!
(2)
Nishan P.
Oysters and I were once friends; not anymore. My last encounter with the bivalve mollusks had me waking up in an emergency room of a local hospital. Given the severity of my allergy, you are probably wondering what I am doing awarding 5 stars to a restaurant that advertizes oysters in its name, and dedicates a section of its menu to these denizens of the seabed. The answer lies in small plates. GT is the latest restaurant to capitalize on the small plate craze sweeping Chicago. I am a fan of the small plate concept. My constant fear when limited to one entre is that I might order the wrong thing and be stuck with a dish I don't much care for. Small plates eliminate this worry, and also let me satisfy my curiosity about multiple menu items. Armed with a reservation made three weeks in advance, we arrived to find GT a hive of activity. Despite the reservation, we had to wait 30 minutes for a table. The bar was completely full so we stood in the passage way. I didn't mind as it gave me the opportunity to examine some of the dishes as the waiters squeezed past us. Before we were even seated, I had decided on one dish I wanted to try: the Pei mussels. It looked and smelled great as it was carried past me. Our waitress suggested that we each order two dishes and share; we ended up ordering three a piece. My favorites were the tuna poke, the fish tacos, the scallops, and the sunfish ceviche. The poke, with the raw fish served on slivers cucumber and topped with pickled mango slices, tasted very fresh. The ceviche had a robust flavor and just the right amount of acidity. The fish tacos were also very flavorful. I did enjoy the snapper carpaccio, hamachi crudo, foie gras and shrimp terrine, and BBQ eel too. The Pei mussels, served in a roasted tomato sauce, were a nice size portion. One of the few dishes that failed to impress was the lobster mac and cheese. Perhaps my expectations for it were too high but it seemed to be lacking something. Be aware that the small plates typically arrive with three portions: three pieces of crudo, three tacos, three pieces of fois gras terrine. It made for awkward sharing between four diners. For certain items, like the fish tacos, our waitress pointed out the serving quantity and offered to add another. Despite not being able to sample one of the obvious specialties of GT, I thoroughly enjoyed my meal; so much so that I have already made plans for two return trips. To those friends who have suggested that I consider giving oysters another try, I say no thanks. I'd much rather spend those exorbitant hospital fees on a dozen more visits to GT.
(5)
christian C.
I like the seafood tapas idea; I hope it spreads. Began with oysters from New Brunswick and PEI. Both were very good. The New Brunswick ones were milder than those from PEI, but both were plump and juicy. The remaining tapas items got better with each one, crescendoed just before the end, with the last one, the stuffed squid, a closing dud. The first item was tuna tartar with some salad greens and potatoes. It desperately needed some sea salt to perk it up and some fresh pepper would have helped. The next dish, the octopus, also had potatoes - these were in little dice-sized cubes and much tastier. The octopus was charred, delicious and nearly MIA - there were only four little bites of octopus. Next up was the Halibut in a mustard sauce. This was delicious; the halibut was excellent. The highlight of the evening were the Striped Bass fish tacos. The tortillas were light and fresh. The spicey aoili worked well, and the fried pork rinds gave it an interesting complimentary texture. You get 3 tacos in an order, and the waitress had offered four and we should have taken her up on it! The wines by the glass list was more limited than expected, but reasonable. The space had just the right blend of style, warmth, and vibe, and you could have a conversation.
(4)
Sarah R.
I went with my friend last night for the third time and it did not disappoint. We didn't have a reservation so we sat at the round communal counter by the bar. We didn't need to wait long, but while we were standing for a spot, the manager or host (not sure) offered us a cocktail and was just friendly and welcoming. Each time I've been to GT, he has been equally accommodating and seems to love what he is doing. So impressive and appreciated! The food and the rest of the service was also lovely.
(5)
D W.
Went for early dinner in February. Service was excellent, and we loved everything we ate -- the oysters, lobster roll, sage gnocchi, and octopus with purple potatoes (our favorite of the savory dishes). Also had some kind of out-of-this-world-delicious pecan tart for dessert -- it may have been a special for that day but highly recommended!!
(4)
Robert R.
You'd think that writing a review for a Seafood restaurant when you're not really a fan of seafood might be a little difficult, and you know what? You'd be right...it is. But our server made this experience a complete joy for me despite my hesitation when the other three people in my party insisted we try this spot out. We tried *everything* on the menu. At least, I'm pretty sure we did because the food just kept coming and coming. We all agreed to share our choices and since I wasn't too excited for fish, I ordered the Egg plant. It was INCREDIBLE, and I think everyone else at my table agreed. Fish tacos were good too, but my second favorite selection was simply the oysters. I could have made a meal out of those alone. My only regret is that I was the designated driver that night. The drinks flowing from the bar looked delicious and I would have loved to have been sipping from a Martini glass, yet responsibility took over. Next time, I'm getting a room and enjoying the experience as a whole.
(4)
Lucy N.
Unreal- from the atmosphere to the food and service this place is as good as it gets. Definitely a place you go to celebrate something special. The lobster mac and cheese was phenomenal as well as the fresh oysters and lobster roll. I really can't choose a favorite!
(5)
Stephanie W.
I came here with my dad for dinner. (I got him a gift certificate for Christmas because I thought it would be a good "dad place". I was right.) Everything was outstanding, particularly the service and our waiter. (I wish I could remember his name!) We ordered a bottle of wine and struggled with the oyster menu. Admittedly, an oyster connoisseur (/fan) I am not, so our waiter was more than happy to recommend a couple "beginner oysters". They didn't do it for me one way or another, but I appreciated his effort and in-depth knowledge about each kind of oyster. After the oysters, we split the shrimp bruschetta, crab cake and gnocchi. Portions were small, but all were fantastic! Would definitely love to come back here again.
(5)
Deanna B.
We visited here again and were so glad that we did. The food was even better this time with lots of different flavors with each bite. LOVE the fish tacos. The service was excellent.
(5)
Andrea R.
Lately it's been so difficult to get a reservation at some of the new hotspots in town that I feel like I"m living in NY. GT & Oyster is no exception. I've called several times and been told i can join the 80 year old crowd at 4:30pm or the 22 year old crowd at 10:30pm. Me thinks not. Despite the difficulty in getting a reservation I have been lucky enough to eat at GT Fish & Oyster twice. Both times my friend and I scored 2 seats the communal table at the bar within seconds. No wait...even on a Friday night! Score! It's a tad bit crowded in the bar, but all part of the fun in this lively atmosphere. I've tried many things on the menu: oysters, smoke hamachi, tuna poke, cod, shrimp cocktail, lobster mac and cheese, and so on. Everything is fabulous, which I guess is why it take a billion years to score a reservation here. The several glasses of white wine I've had here have also been quite enjoyable. In a city of steakhouses we don't have too many places to get good seafood, but it looks like we do now. And who knows...perhaps I'll even make it past the bar one day??
(5)
Ronald P.
Had brunch today and they nailed every aspect! Service was great. Our waiter was attentive, friendly and knowledgeable. The food was awesome. We started with potatoes and monkey bread while we debated the menu. My girl settled on the lox and bagel and I had the open face pork belly sandwich. Really, who can go wrong with pork belly and avocado which could also be called fatty magic! The coffee was fantastic as well. Strong and hot! For all that magic, the bill was a hair under $50 so no complaints from my stomach or wallet!
(5)
Jen R.
Way to deliver G&T. Absolutely amazing. Overall: Restaurant week brought me in; their amazing food and service will bring me back again and again. Drinks: Had a delicious gin and grapefruit drink (not currently on the menu but our server knew exactly what I meant), Bourbon Bloody Mary with a High Life side car. The Bloody was interesting and came with many fun garnishes: quail egg, pickled onion, bacon, etc Food: Had Oysters to start, I don't even like oysters but these were fresh, not chewy and overall had great flavor. Followed with the restaurant week tasting menu: The clam chowder was phenomenal, a creamy broth but not thickened, just super flavorful. My dining companion got the tuna salad - fresh and good, but the soup was the stand out. Main course: Lobster roll - woah. So rich but not too much. The bread was some sort of brioche or Texas toast, and the lobster chunks were huge. Sides of onion rings and spicy coleslaw kicked up the dish a few notches. Dessert: Lemon tart and chocolate parfait. You know when you take a bite of something and the music stops for a second? Yes, that would be the lemon tart. The chocolate was also great but the tart was beautifully executed. Kudos to the pastry chef. Service: Prompt, friendly and on point. We started playing a game of who could drink down their tap water, pretty impossible as the staff is on it.
(5)
Dolmarie M.
Great after work place or a very cool dinner with friends or a date. The menu is fabulous, my favorite was the the lobster mac & cheese(love it). Is a very cool place to hang out and you need reservation. We made reservations, we wait like 10 minutes for a table. You can hang out at bar while waiting, very cool.
(4)
Ashley C.
We went here for a weeknight dinner and I was blown away. Everything was very fresh with excellent service and a neat ambiance. The service was very good and the cocktails were delicious. The food was amazing. It is some of the best seafood I had in Chicago. Very fresh even though we are in the middle of the country. I have to say my favorite dishes were the Tuna Poke, the Ceviche, and the Lobster Mac & Cheese. We also tried: the Scallops, foie gras and shrimp, fish tacos, mussels (which I normally don't like but had a few) and maybe another dish. All were very good. My least favorite was probably the BBQ eel but I am not sure that dish is for me. This is definitely one of my favorite new places, but I almost want to keep that a secret. My only complaint was that it was a little chilly. I will bring a sweater. We will be back.
(5)
Hayley S.
Went here with friends for my boyfriend's birthday, we all loved it. Great drinks, great food and we ordered just about everything on the menu. The shining star of the menu - oyster po' boys. These were some of the best little bites I've ever had. The oysters are fried and paired with a kimchi slaw and seasame aioli. Awesome, everyone at the table loved them so much we ordered more. Try them and thank me later.
(4)
Jourdan S.
Not feeling it. Lots of hype about this joint in the last 6 months. Don't believe it. It's just another scenester joint downtown. I eat seafood constantly and I grew up on the Connecticut shore. Despite sounding like a seafood snot, I can say I've had great seafood in Chicago ("Go 4 food", Chinatown...I know apples to oranges here) Anyhow. It is a cool space and it's certainly got a buzz to it in the media and in the dining room and bar. The food was okay at best. There was nothing special or amazing to anything I had. I started with the clam chowder (new england style). Terrible. I'm sure it gets a ton of raves because fat, dumb, midwesterners love that 1200mgs of sodium and chunks of pork belly floating around in the chowder. It tasted like bacon salt water. And I love salt, I've been known to salt a fucking chocolate donut, straight up. This chowder was composed with no thumbs and a sledgehammer. ZERO finess and very obviously not tasted before it went out of the kitchen. The bento box was meh. The fish quality was seemingly fresh but very free from any real taste. The highlight of the box was the hamachi and that was just okay. The 18 kumamoto oysters were on point and fresh, but that's no credit to the chef. The lobster roll was something for my dog. From Maine, to Maryland, no self-respecting chef/cook would make a lobster roll with mayonaise, nor would they let it out of the kitchen without topping it with a expertly harvested whole pincher claw. I'f you're a cute depaul student and old man salt and pepper takes you out to dinner here. Do yourself a favor and ruin your appetite in the bathroom with a few key bumps. He'll love you because you just drank and pushed around some greens on a plate, and you'll love it because you weren't subjected to sub par seafood and you're face will be numb. You're welcome.
(2)
Shanti N.
This was my first visit to GT. I came here mid week, probably a good thing as I've heard this place can get packed. At 7 pm on a weeknight, it was no problem to snag spots at the communal table--in fact, my dinner companion and I were the only ones at the table for a large part of the meal. Almost immediately upon being seated, I realized how loud this place can get. Either the acoustics are off, or the nearby table of overgrown frat boys--who appeared to have come straight off the set of jackass or the hangover saga--were in high spirits. In any case, they were gone soon enough and I could turn my attention to the food & wine selections. Wines by the glass are comprehensive, I went with the pinot grigio. With the temperature that day topping out at 95 degrees, I was leaning toward the cold items/lighter fare, so was puzzled when the server mentioned bouillabaisse stew was one of the specials--I consider this a hearty dish, better suited to cooler months. We opted to share the smoked hamachi crudo appetizer to start. The asian pear in it was refreshing, but it seemed like the hamachi was doled out sparingly, and the edamame (presented as garnish) were a bit hard. Often at small plates places, it's easy for the eyes to get bigger than the stomach--by the time the last dish, basil gnocchi, came out I was having food fatigue and ended up picking at it. I decided to try the famous clam chowder, recommended by my dinner companion. I was glad I did, as this was the star of the show. We also shared a few other items: lobster roll (could have benefited from more acid/salt), skate wing (a-ok), and crab cake (serviceable, not the best I've had, and stringy in places). Overall the offerings were solid but I'm not entirely convinced GT would be enjoying such a high level of popularity if it were on the eastern seaboard instead of Chicago or lacking a celeb chef at the helm (bad nautical pun intended). In terms of service, I felt our server could have been a little less intrusive. She stopped by several times, including when my glass was only 1/2 empty to see if I was ready for a refill, and asking repeatedly about our dishes. This level of attention dropped off when it came time for the check. Next time I come back--if I come back--my strategy will be different, most likely sitting at the bar and ordering a drink and small plate. I will probably wait for the initial hype to fade before stopping by again.
(3)
Scott V.
Went to GT for the first time several weeks ago. The oyster po'boys were amazing and the other food we ordered was very, very good. Absolutely outstanding service. An excellent restaurant that I highly recommend.
(5)
Lizbeth T.
My friend and I had a fantastic meal at GT. When the excellence of the service equals the quality of the food, as it did on our visit, I happily give 5 stars. It's true that reservations are completely necessary, unless you want to take a chance on the bar. Even on a weeknight, not a single seat was open at the bar when we arrived a few minutes early for our reservation. The manager took great care of us though, and when our table was not immediately ready, both he and the hostess genuinely apologized. The space is beautiful; probably the most understated "nautical" theme I've ever encountered. Just enough to put you in a seafood state of mind. My favorite dishes were a duck and shrimp spring roll, fish tacos, gnocchi, and a caramel tart. And watch out for those small plates....they are not really that small when split between 2 people. I was still full when I woke up the next morning! The only disappointment was the lobster roll, which came highly recommended. My friend and I agreed that it lacked flavor. Yet, even that disappointment was fleeting because our overall experience was so enjoyable. Cannot wait to get back!
(5)
Mike W.
super fresh fish and oysters. The mac and cheese is a little on the dry side so it's not my favorite. The oyster Po Boy cannot be beat, with the peanuts and kimchi...yum
(4)
Carol K.
I came. I saw. I ate. And boy, am I glad I did!. GT Fish and Oyster House is the latest venture by the Boka Group Restaurants that took over the old Tizzi Melloul space on Kinzie. While we had a reservation to sit in the dining room, we really liked the activity in the bar area, so after our first cocktail- we just decided to forego the reservation and just eat at the bar. The decor in the place is causal yet classy (if you can call a giant table shaped like a boomerang in the bar, classy!) There are light colored walls, dark woods and nautical touches all around. I especially liked to rope chandelier and the nice touch of the fishing weight used to hold down your napkin or even your bill. We wee in no hurry so we took our time to order an array of the menu. First up- fresh oysters. There were at least 6 different kinds on the menu on the night we were there (a mix of east and west coast). We watched as they shucked them right in front of us and served them with a traditional cocktail sauce and a mignonette. Know that they have to be ordered in quantities of 6, which I found a little odd, but I am sure they have a reason for it, Too bad as we wanted 8. Next up, the well touted clam chowder served in a cute little mason jar. I thought this was a hit with tons of clams and a broth that while creamy, didn't sit that heavy. My friend swears the chowder at Shaw's better but having had both, I think it's a personal preference. The homemade rosemary croutons that go into the soup was a nice touch as was the drizzle of hot sauce across the top. We then split a couple of the entrees- the lobster roll (delicious!) and the black gnocchi (eh- not my favorite dish). And somewhere through all of this, we were introduced to the manager, Chris, who was great in righting a wrong, and ended up buying us his favorite dish of the smoked salmon . . a beautifully served dish that had such an interesting combination of flavors. Finally- we had dessert. The chef sent out Panne Cotta and we also tried the cherry pie made with Michigan cherries. A perfect way to end our meal! Service was great (thanks Shannon). Friendly, personable and with an eye that caught all that was going on around her. I was also blown away that one of the servers, Molly, took the time to come over and say hi to me. She recognized me from another restaurant that she used to work at and that I frequent. I am always amazed at people who make those connections out of context. Dinner for two with drinks and dessert ran about $160. And if you drive, valet parking is available out front for $12. Reservations are a bit hard to come by right now since they just opened, but be patient. A tip- if you go early (before 7) or are willing to sit at a communal table, you may have better luck. And there are plans to be open for lunch in the future. Definitely will be back for the service, the ambiance, but most importantly, the food!
(4)
James C.
This place is the fish/seafood version of the girl and the goat. The food is amazing. We had almost everything on the menu and couldnt complain about one dish. The end all be all is the fried oyster sliders. I could eat those all day (in fact, just went back for lunch and asked for them - they arent on the lunch menu but they will make them for you per request)... Great place...
(5)
C W.
Vegetarian review: I had never heard of this place and since I don't eat seafood I probably would have never considered eating here. Met up with a group of friends who enjoyed the oysters and I LOVED my meal. This place actually puts thought and effort into the vegetarian options. The desserts are outstanding!
(5)
Shradha A.
great service and surprisingly good vegetarian options for lunch - their bruschetta and veg tacos were really good and they had a few other things that they could prepare vegetarian version. desserts - key lime pie and caramel tart were also quite good!
(4)
Sofy G.
We were seated close to a window on a sunday at 4:30 pm... The sun was killing ME, I didn't want to be a fried chicken (I wanted to ate it lol ) btw, my husband asked the Lady if it was possible to be seated in another table and she was kind of rude... ( the place was empty) she said that better tables were just for people with reservation...Ups! I made a reservation and forgot to tld her :/ my bad... But, the place was EMPTY ... For this reason, if you want a good table ( no matter the hour or day) make a reservation! Walk-ins are not welcome :p I love Oyster, but this time I didn't tried... I grew up in a country where for like $ 1.25 you can eat 2 dozens of FRESH and DELICIOUS oysters... Maybe I was cheap but, I like to pay the right price for what I eat ( ok,ok I understand all the process to bring the oyster to the restaurant etc)... Btw, They seem to have a good selection so, next time I will try some ( thanks yelpers) This restaurant is very clean, an open I really like the space, big tables, comfy chairs that's important :) The Clean Break cocktail was fresh,and cold, very flavored I really enjoyed my drink (5 stars). Sunfish Ceviche isn't really a traditional Peruvian ceviche, but it was really good I will order it again (4 stars). Lobster roll.... (3.5 stars). Shrimp Ravioli DELICIOUS ( 4.5 stars). Clam Chowder was good too... ( closer to a Cazuela de Mariscos but white, smaller portion and not that flavored) (3.5 stars) My hubby and I always share the dessert but, not anymore here!! The chocolate tart was amazing! I will go there just to order this cake :) This is another "small plates" kind of restaurant, but their portions are Men-friendly if you know what I mean lol.
(4)
Greg N.
....I have been to GT many times (mostly for lunch)....but I had a recent flurry of special occasions that had me dining with them three times in a short span. I felt the need to update my review with the latest 411. Have they succumbed to all the hype and mailed it in? Or are they raising the bar to even loftier heights? GT is still rocking their seafood symphony like Zeppelin at Madison Square Garden circa 1972. The oysters (Blue Point, Clifton and off the menu "secrets") were all sumptuous and had us all wondering how a raw shellfish could be so amazing (their house coctail sauce with fresh shallots is part of the magic). We followed that up with Krudos (a chefs preparation of raw fish that was inspired by a night where the gas service went out in the building...it was such a hit...it made the menu. Every bite was unique...and a new adventure. Next was their decadent Clam Chowder....I know that some prefer the traditional, bland heavy cream style....but I much prefer this one....lighter brother, complex flavors....smokiness from the bacon. A couple splashes of their homemade "Smoulder" hot sauce...and you are dialed in. Crab cakes were awesome....the Oyster Po Boy sliders with roasted peanuts and pickled kimchi were maybe my favorite of the evening ....halibut on squid ink cous cous....COME ON...are you serious? All those dishes...and not one flat note in the whole sonata. Well done. They then spoiled us with lemon tart and sticky toffee cake and home made creme frache ice cream.....needless to say, GT has RAISED its game...they are living up to the considerable praise and not selling out. If you love seafood (this is not a sushi bar)....and you are open to taking a culinary adventure....you will LOVE GT. Buon Apetit....
(4)
Shari G.
I really wanted to like you GT Fish & Oyster. I did not like you when you first opened and I tried you for dinner. We left with the "it was ok, but not for the price and what was the hype".......decided to try you for brunch. The hostesses and bartenders were welcoming. Waiter was horrid. Could barely be bothered - not sure he cared. You were out of the pork belly sandwich...so sad. The eggs benedict was my next choice. Did I say Crab Eggs Benedict, I did, but there was almost no crab to be seen. The english muffin was soggy and the eggs were almost raw. The plate was so small that my sauce ran off. Took one bite - and oh so lackluster server - you never came back to ask how it was. Left the rest - and server, you said nothing. Chilaquilas? Soggy chips. Duck bone included at no extra charge. Oysters were good - though you must order 6???? Lox and cream cheese bagel was meh - could get it at NY Bagel for half the price with better service. Bloody Mary took 20 minutes from ordering to serving. The worst part - besides the service, food and duck bone? $120 for three of us with two little cocktails. OUCH
(1)
Rachel W.
Awesome. Great ambiance, beautiful presentation, friendly & attentive service, unique menu items & such fresh seafood...so hard to find tapas seafood done well here. Plates are meant to share, and they're small, so be prepared to spend a little bit, I personally thought it was very reasonable for the quality of food. The oysters were delicious, we ordered a 2nd round, they had 2 house made hot sauces, as well as house made accompanying sauces. West coast oysters won for me, but the east coast were also tasty. Highlights were the house smoked hamachi crudo, house smoked salmon, brandade croquettes (INSANELY GOOD), & dungeness crab agnolotti. I'm not a scallop fan, but the table loved the scallop special. The lobster mac & cheese was exactly what you'd imagine it to be. The only thing I wasn't blown away by was the sockeye salmon. I cannot wait to return.
(5)
Dzifaa L.
Went there on a Friday night and the place has a nice ambiance. Great service and menu. I thought the food was ok. Nothing special. Really wanted to like the place since we booked well I'm advance. Had several oysters off the menu. Just ok. Shrimp brushetta was good. Thought it was good but I feel it is a bit overrated on yelp.
(3)
Beth G.
Spent much more than the average Monday dinner but the food was great and the service helpful without being overbearing. They allowed us to leisurely proceed through our shared small-plate courses despite the fact that the restaurant was crowded with scene-sters. The waiter and all food runners were knowledgable about the menu and reiterated what we were having (including listing the preparation and garnishes) when food was delivered. Our waiter also provided good guidance regarding how much food we should order. Good wine list including some affordable choices. Didn't sample the cocktails, but those looked intriguing as well. $12 price point on those. We had: 1. Oysters on the half shell. This is the recommended beginning and they are shelled right behind the bar. I sampled two different kinds but they were serving six varities) 2. Sunfish Ceviche. More like a great, slightly fishy guacamole but fresh and refreshing. 3. Baja Shrimp Bruschetta. Great combination of flavors. Perfect dose of spice. Perhaps my favorite thing I had. 4. Oyster Po'Boy Slider. Amazing flavor. Could have gotten four of these and called it a day. 5. Squash Blossoms. Crispy, stuffed with crab, good preparation. 6. Alaskan Halibut. Perfectly cooked but not all that exciting. I did enjoy the bed of squid-ink pearl couscous. 7. Sea salt caramel tart. I am not a dessert person but this was magnificent. The course sea salt and the fresh whipping cream were great compliments. We shared some unusual white port. Prices seemed reasonable given the location and the quality of ingredients. For two people to get the above dishes plus four drinks (and the port) was around $150. The ambience is fine ... nothing spectacular, and the crowd was a bit too River-North scene-y for my taste. But worth trying on a special or semi-special occasion for great seafood interpretations.
(4)
Catherine W.
The restaurant is very stylish and modern inside; this is basically a small plate seafood concept. The seafood was good, but I wasn't blown away (perhaps because I've been spoiled by good seafood on both east and west coasts.). The dishes that we most enjoyed were the tuna poke, grilled whitefish, oyster po boy (with kimchi!) and the raw oysters - loved the kusshi. Also had the hamachi, fish and chips, scallops, and lobster mac and cheese., and fish tacos (with rock fish). Enjoyed the experience, but wouldn't rush to go back for the quality of food. We were also disappointed by the service, as we were given the check without being offered dessert. It was as if they were trying to rush us out.
(3)
Jim V.
Really not sure what all the hype is here. I thought the portion sizes were small, the food was decent but overly prices, and the ambiance in the restaurant was unimpressive. Our waitress was very nice - she recommended we get 5 - plates for 2 people, on top of the oysters we got. The food was all fresh and tasty, but I was still pretty hungry after eating over $100 worth of food (no drinks). I'm not that big of an eater, but when you pay over $100 for dinner and then go home and have to eat cereal, something is missing. I may come back here for a light snack before going out on the weekend, but will not be back for dinner
(3)
Linda B.
SUPER disappointed. And I was so excited to try this place for a long time... 3 stars because of good staff and atmosphere. Crowd is older than I thought (upper 30's and 40's) But...food and drinks weren't so great. Tried one of the recommended cocktails and wasn't anything special. Had the oysters (of course) to start with and can't go wrong with those. My favorite soup ever is clam chowder but this one was disappointing. It was really salty? I actually have salty taste buds but this was TOO salty...I'm assuming since it had bacon in it. It was still delicious and clammy and I definitely still finished it. Next was the shrimp bruschetta...a very weak two pieces of it. Interesting with the avocado, but missing some flavors. The other two dishes we ordered were the clam bake and lobster roll. Clam bake was surprisingly spicy. I don't mind spice, but not with my boiled seafood. It was a huge disappointment despite my love for seafood. The lobster roll was mediocre at best. The bread was delish but the lobster itself had nothing special about it...just regular lobster with some seasoning. Again...I love lobster rolls but this was nothing special... Then for dessert (which I hoped would brighten my meal) we ordered the salted caramel tart. I saw that it was highly recommended on here but that was another disappointment. The waitress even said it was her favorite...and asked me what I thought after we finished. I told her it was 'interesting...but just okay' and she replied 'Sorry' and walked away. (Not a bad thing, I thought it was funny though...) Maybe I'm being super picky here but no one dish was extremely satisfying. Plus the fact that it's way overpriced so I paid double what I thought it was worth. Broke and dissatisfied.
(3)
Craig S.
4.5 stars. Went for lunch during restaurant week. We loved 5 of the 6 six dishes. The gnocchi with shrimp was okay but everything else was great. Excellent service as well. Will definitely be back for dinner.
(4)
Cheryl F.
Fish taco heaven. By far the best I've ever had. Tried several dishes from here and enjoyed them all including dessert. Portions are small, but that gives you a reason to order and try several different items.
(4)
Laura G.
I have been here twice before-once for dinner and more recently for their new brunch menu. The atmosphere is awesome, and the service has been very good both times. I went to dinner with 3 other people and everyone really enjoyed the food. The standouts were the oyster sliders and lobster mac and cheese. Everything was very fresh and tasty but the portions are very small. It was fine for me and my other girlfriend, but the boys wanted more. The portions are bigger for brunch and everything was great. Bloodys, white fish quiche, crab benedict and fried chicken and waffles-all awesome! Great way to check this place out if you are looking for a more reasonably priced meal!
(4)
Ermelinda C.
The best food I have ever had and this restaurant now tops my favorite restaurant list. Superb food, superb service, worth every minute spent waiting for a table. From the cold menu I thought the west-coast oysters and the GT crudo were superb, with the tuna tartar being the highlight, in my opinion. From the hot menu, The fish tacos, the scallops, the lobster mac and cheese, and the spring blossoms were to die for - my favorite being the fish tacos. Cocktails were great and I enjoyed several of the "All too uncommon-s" with dinner. Now desert, that is something you should experience first hand, but if i were to recommend one that would be the chocolate pie - lost of chocolate filling and delicious. crunchy peanut bites. What an amazing experience, worthy of our wedding anniversary, which, by the way, they knew and surprised us with a gift certificate to spend on our visit there. More than a marketing strategy, I think that it showed a nice touch and appreciation, which is the key ingredient to a detail-oriented and successful business. Cheers!
(5)
Charlie B.
Great spot. Loved the dishes and the decor. There are too few seafood spots in Chicago, so this is a welcome addition! We tried about 10 different things for our group of 4 and that was plenty of food. Not to mention how wonderful the cocktails are!
(4)
David K.
A friend did the whole reservation thing for this place, but from what I understand call in early and try not to change the number of people. Or if you do call in asap. We went from 4 to 5 and let them know 3 weeks before the reservation date and their answer was "Eh....sure since you let us know kinda early." The place is upscale and has a nice vibe for just chillin after work or for a nice dinner. There was a lot more open space in the middle than I expected, but it's nice to not be too crowded in. There's a tv playing sports over by the bar too so you can watch while you're over there. I noticed they seem to print their menus daily so I guess they switch stuff around every once in a while. The menu is basically broken up into 3 sections. Hot, Cold, Not Fish pretty self explanatory. The not fish section contained a Berkshire pork, a something Chicken, and an Angus Beef (the pic used for the beef here looked like a horse at first lol). The food is served tapas style so expect to get a bunch of stuff and share. Also seafood is apparently hard to come by in Chicago so west coast folks should expect to pay a little more than they're used to. Service was pretty darn good here. They had a bit of trouble finding the wine we ordered, but pretty quickly let us know they were hunting for it and also suggested a backup wine should their mission fail. When one of the dishes we ordered wasn't ready they let us know right away and said we could reorder in 30 minutes when it'd be ready again if we still wanted it. The place even comp'd us a dish of king crab legs. Finally some dishes only come in fours so they accommodated us by adding a fifth item. The food! Raw Oysters They had 6 different raw oysters to choose from here at the ~$3 price point. Mostly east coast oysters, 1 from Washington, and 1 from New Zealand. Minimum order is 6 so if you're the only oyster eater that's more for you. We went ahead and tried them all (why choose). They were all fresh with the west coast oysters being creamier than the east coast ones. You get a mignonette sauce, house made cocktail sauce, and horseradish to accompany your oysters. Oyster Poboy Sliders ~2 Fried oysters per sandwich. It was fragrant and pretty darn good cause you're taking something good then frying it... It's served with a kimchi slaw that adds a bit of salt and heat but doesn't overpower the oyster. Lobster Roll Was enuff for all 5 of us to have a bite. It was packed with lobster and the roll was soft and buttery. A good lobster roll. It also comes with shoestring onions. Lobster Bisque en croute Bisque with a puff pastry top. The bisque itself was light, but I think maybe a little bit light on lobster flavor. I would have liked a more concentrated flavor. It did have chunks of lobster in it and the puff pastry was perfect. Clam Chowder Comes in a mini mason jar. They serve it with homemade oyster crackers and a house hot sauce. I didn't try this, but I could smell it and it looked awesome. Baja Shrimp Bruschetta Shrimp were cooked and seasoned just right. There's a little bit of heat from some chili. The bread was sliced thin and toasted just right. Diver Scallops Excellent! Scallops were cooked perfectly and the acorn squash mash that came with it was just as good. Sweet and savory. I liked that they also had a few brussel sprout leaves that went along with the scallops to give the dish a little bite. Foie and Shrimp Terrine They actually ran out at first but let us know when the next batch was ready and gave us the option of ordering if we were still interested...um Yes. It wasn't as foie-y as I expected, but was still good. The pickles and apricot went well with the terrine. Caviar They ring a bell when you order this. Honestly, I was expecting the bell to have more of a kick haha. Anyways, the caviar is served pretty traditionally with the accompaniments surrounding the caviar. They also had the thinly sliced and toasted bread to spread it all on. A few of the accompaniments were creme fraiche, diced pickled onions, caper berries, chives, egg yolk, and egg white. The caviar itself was just slightly briny and very creamy. Quite good. King Crab Legs They come in a 2 level bamboo steamer. The bottom consists of lemon and lemongrass. On top there are 6 or 7 1 inch cuts of King Crab with clarified butter in the center. The crab itself is good, but expect to pay a premium for it. Tuna Poke Awesome dish. The poke is well seasoned and creamy. It comes with a garnish that looks like picked ginger, but is actually thinly sliced green mango. Overall an excellent meal with excellent service. The seafood was all pretty fresh and tasty. Looks like a great place to just hang out and snack with friends as well.
(4)
Cooper R.
I live downtown and dine here frequently. If you have friends or family in town (well maybe, except grandma), this is the place you want to go! It has a very upbeat atmosphere with a trendy/fine dining feel (similar to RPM). Its a great place to get a light meal followed by a night on the town. The menu is limited, but very good. Everything is always fresh and the wait staff is very professional. Oh and did I mention that they make great drinks?! Now, there are many great fish houses in city, some with better seafood, but they can be very stuffy. The location is great, with large open windows looking out on the city, and within short walking distance to places like Sable, Sienna, and Hubbard/Lasalle St. This place definitely appeals to the late 20's crowd.
(5)
Ed M.
Friday night dinner with a large group. 6pm reservations and were seated right away. Seating space was very tight, but it was expected. Service was great and spot-on. We had some dietary restrictions and waitress was very helpful and accommodating. Very knowledgeable about the menu. We tried so many different things. My favorite was the fresh oysters. . . .sooo goood. Not slimy at all. ..fresh, oceany taste. Make sure you chew to get all the yumminess. Second fav was the fish tacos, which were the best I've had so far. Lobster roll was also pretty damn good too. although, for $30 they could probably put more lobster in that roll. Least favorite was the lobster mac n cheese. Not that it was bad. . . just nothing to write home about... if you ever wrote home. Fav sweet was the Key lime pie, which was really tart and good. Salty caramel tart was ok, but not a big standout for me. Lastly, ...clean bathrooms....woo-hoo!
(4)
Suzanne P.
Oh my goodness. Can I come here every day???? My boyfriend and I came here for dinner last night to celebrate our 2 year anniversary. We had been trying to get in for months and he surprised me with a reservation and bottle of prosecco. It could not have been better. I can honestly say that this is one of the best meals I've had in Chicago, maybe even ever. Our waitress, Agnes, was incredible. She was attentive, personable, and knew the menu inside out. She made us feel special and comfortable and always made sure our glasses were full. She also had wonderful menu recommendations. We split a bottle of Tiamo Prosecco. It was heaven paired with all of our dishes. To start, we had two flights of oysters (two of each kind). We are usually West Coast oyster folks, but the East Coast ones blew our minds. I could have eaten them forever. We split four dishes. The first one that came out was the Octopus. It was absolutely incredible. The wasabi aoili was just the right amount of spicy. The actual Octopus was cooked to perfection, and paired with the hearts of palm and potato was outstanding. There was a Mahi Mahi special that came out next. It sat on a bed of coconut quinoa and was to die for. Third came the Scallops. They were wrapped in a brussel sprout leaf with bits of bacon. WOW. Just wow. Finally, we split the Lobster Roll. Delicious. The bread was fresh and buttery, the lobster was plentiful and flavorful, and we savored each bite. It was served with some onion strings which were a tad bit salty, but by the time this came out we were pretty much stuffed. I read a lot of reviews complaining about the small portions. Um...it's seafood tapas. Of course it's small! And oysters plus four dishes was about all we could handle...until we ordered the Salted Caramel Tart. Which blew our minds. I will absolutely be back. The decor, the service, the food...all amazing. 5 star experience!!!
(5)
Elina S.
I gotta say I was really looking forward to this place because we made reservations like 2 months ago for a table of 2 for 6pm. I called back two weeks prior asking if we could make it for 4 people at the same time. I was told they are fully booked but are ONLY able to take us in at 5pm at the communal table, well what could you do, we did as we were told. Arrived at 5pm, right on the dot and the place was empty on a Sat night. I once again asked if we could have a normal table, and once again was denied so we just sat at the communal table. By 645 as we were leaving, there will still several empty table around us which boggles me that we could have used a more private table and been out by the time a 7pm or 730 reservation walked in, but whatever. That I did not like from the start with. Now onto the food, we were here for a bday, so our server was prolly the best part, he really knew what he was talking about and we respected that. However, we were not that impressed with the food. The tuna poke, the lobster roll, the lobster mac n' cheese, were all just a okay. The clam chowder, the oysters (and we tried all 6) and this one other fish dish that my husband got were also, just okay. edible, but not delicious. My stars count for knowledgable server, the key lime pie (which was prolly my favorite thing) and the atmosphere. But the food and the lack of accomodation left us dissapointed. I don't think we will be back.
(3)
Teri Y.
Seems like other Yelpers had issues with having to wait for a table even with reservations. Maybe we got lucky or we were there on a Sunday night, but after weeks of not being able to get primetime dinner reservation on OpenTable, we suddenly saw one opened up at 7pm on Sunday. Maybe someone cancelled at the last time minute?? We snagged it right away. We didn't have to wait to be seated, contrary to what other people have experienced. Maybe it also depends on the server you get, and our server that night was very knowledgeable about the menu. She was very descriptive about the dishes and clearly was very familiar with the dishes and that added to our enthusiasm for the food. GT has jumped on the bandwagon of today's dining trend: ordering small plates for the table to share. We had a dozen of East and West Coast oysters (east coast oysters are more briny, west coast oysters are creamier). The sunfish ceviche was very good and was served on a thin slice of asian radish and accompanied with chimichurri and avocado. Definitely something that I would order again. The husband loves fish and chips and we ordered it. I'm not a fan of fish and chips but I really loved it. The fish was perfectly fried; crisp on the skin and moist inside. And they came with chunky chips, just like it's served in the UK. They recently started the Wednesday half-price oysters special from 10:30pm. Can't wait to go back for that.
(4)
Michelle M.
Really, I'm not a fatass. With no reservation, came here on a Monday night at 930pm-ish with all intentions of grabbing dessert and a drink. I ate a good size dinner at home minutes prior to walking over to GT. My first impression was the ambiance with the modern touches and eye appealing accessories on the walls and tables. Just the two of us sat at the huge king sized white table. Of course I had to take a peek of the dinner menu to see what they got to offer. I immediately cursed myself, because I can't say no to food. We ordered the smoked salmon and the "specialty" lobster roll. To be honest (don't hate me people), I wasn't blown away with the lobster roll. It lacked acidity and perhaps some black pepper. I think the same dish at Devon seafood & grill on Chicago ave. was better for a fraction of the cost (during happy hour). We also had three desserts : Chocolate / peanut butter crunch cake wouldn't recommend; Keylime pie delicious; Carrot cake even more delicious. Their Waitlist cocktail was amazing. In total, we paid about $85 total including tip for two "appetizers," two desserts and my cocktail. (one of the desserts was covered by someone else) Holy crap pricey! Remember this wasn't even a dinner for me! But hey, I'm want to go back for more. Supposedly on Wednesdays they have half-off oysters. Service was notably excellent. I also think this new restaurant has some potential to be 5 stars.
(4)
Ann O.
This was very disappointing tonight. Our order was filled incorrectly; the fish was lousy; the salad was wilted; the clam chowder needed a lot of help; the fish tacos were mediocre . For the price I paid, I expected much higher quality food.
(1)
George N.
Incredible dining experience! Oysters were fantastic, as was Lobster Mac cheese, Mussels, Clam chowder, and Oyster po boys. Service was outstanding, very attentive. As a surprising bonus, the chef gave our large table, a large sample of every single dessert, for Free!
(5)
Kyle V.
I only write a review when I feel extremely strong about a place (good or bad). I am a seafood fanatic. To keep it simple: best oysters I've have ever had, food plates are very "shareable" (i enjoy being able to have a little bit of a lot of different dishes. The service was stellar. The drinks were on par with true mixology bars. Great place. Go for the food. Ambiance was lively, not snobby, and a great date spot.
(5)
Katie T.
I came back here with my brother and my mom; we came at a weird hour for us so we were looking for a snack/dessert (wanted my mom to try the key lime pie). The key lime pie which I didn't try when I came for lunch but ordered this time was small, too sour and overly hyped. The sliders (pork and oyster) that my brother got were still really good but small given their price. The oysters we got also slid down easy but were unmemorable given their price. All in all, GT is a bit overpriced given its portion. Maybe a little too hyped up.
(3)
Leslie G.
We finally got seated after a 45 minute wait. As compensation free sunfish ceviche was brought to the table, an $8 item. Please note this place is not new nor is it the only rest in town with a raw bar. The service once at the table during still a busy time, Friday night at 1030pm was still lacking, that the host who did more walking around us ended taking my coffee and refill requests. The food is to be expected pricey yet robust in taste from Giuseppe. The desserts are severely lacking. Pricing for raw oysters on par with the market, however, are on the smaller side. Overall, I would only go back when I decide to become a judgmental wanna be 20-something year old who needs to check out every patron from head to toe. This is inclusive of the help.
(1)
Scott R.
This review is based solely on food and service; we had an early evening meal and were not in the mood for a goofy drink that really has no connection with the food (can't wait until this trend passes); the wine and beer lists look appropriate. Clientele here is a varied assortment of young to middle age people, baby holders with a defensive edge, yelp and trip advisor patrons. Noise level is pretty high, thereby canceling out the baby and other unique ambient issues. We were by the window (tables for two) and that is a good thing. We tried (just) 4 dishes; the chowder, at 8 ounces, is surprisingly sufficent for two on a split order; very tasty clams, bacon, and a touch of heat; light on flour but big on flavor, a very nice start, but if you're looking for the holy grail at $11.00, this may not be for you. The fish tacos were a blend of very tasty and fresh fish on soft cornmeal tacos with a few accompaniments; 3 to an order so a little hard to split. I don't search out tacos as a rule, but these were very good. They cost more than at most Taco joints. We had the Connecticut style Lobster Roll (warm with drawn butter); very tasty lobster, but the rich bun almost overpowered the dish. Came with some very nice pickled veggies which were a nice touch; however, I thought this was the weakest course. We finished with a complex dish made with Bass in a sweet and savory sauce; the Bass was perfectly prepared and the accompaniments demonstrated the chef's talents to create dishes at a higher level; this is the dish we would order again without question. No dessert for us this night. Service was helpful and polished except for the rather odd failure to replace plates between two of our courses; water was poured reasonably. The price for dishes seems appropriate given the quality; course sizes were reasonable (maybe a liitle small on the Bass). Because a 4 rating is almost a punishment under the Yelp food rating system, I'm giving GT a 5; we intend to go back and start with the Oysters.
(5)
Mark M.
Really good lunch. The tuna poke was very good and so was the salted caramel tart. The room itself is very nice with a seafood themed slant but not over the top with swashbucklers etc. The staff were friendly. A good lunch.
(4)
Brian G.
My headline would be: Overall disappointed; High quality well flavored food but very small portions with prices too high We ordered: Shrimp Bruschetta: (based on the dish description and yelp photos): It is VERY SMALL. I think the photos here make it look much bigger than it is. The two pieces of crisp bread are very thin and only about 3-4 inches long. Oysters on the Half Shell: Very fresh and good, but expensive. I think you can get oysters as good or close to as good for much less $$$. Octopus: The octopus was interesting. At first I thought it was the chewiest octopus I ever ate. I'm talking more bites than licks to get the center of a Tootsie Pop. My wife cut it into smaller pieces and it became more edible.It was seasoned well and tender inside. The vegetables in this dish, although slight, were fabulous. There was the best purple potatoes I ever ate along with hearts of palm on a plate of delicious beer mustard. Mussels: The winner of the night due to quality AND quantity. The waiter recommended it based on my desire for a dish that may begin to fill me up a little. Everything in it was great. It entailed a crispy bordered, soft inside, perfectly buttered ciabatta, a fresh tomato, basil and garlic sauce with fresh pillow like mussels swimming inside. We asked for more ciabatta so we could soak up all the sauce. I hear the oyster po boys are good and somewhat plentiful, but we stayed away from deep fried foods last night. If anyone has any recommendations for something else on the menu that is a little more generous as far as portion size, please recommend it as I would consider going back for the mussels. Thanks!
(3)
Alan T.
This is certainly not a place I would normally be able to go to, but I had a good friend come into town, and he wanted to try it out. While it's quite expensive, it's pretty damn good too, and I'd love to be able to go back sometime. The crowd really isn't my scene-it's usually women wearing too much makeup showing off their 4 carat engagement ring, and dudes with off-color collared shirts and too much crappy cologne on, but the food is delicious. Definitely worth a trip.
(4)
Audrey W.
Really guys? What's with all the high star ratings? I don't feel like they deserve it. The food is definitely overpriced for what you get. 2 pieces of bruchetta for 12 dollars? Really?? come freaking on. Yes, it had 2 pieces of shrimp on each one, but I'm thinking that it was still upcharged at least 100%. No bueno! Chiopino was good, but again small for the price. Lobster mac and cheese was okay. Oysters were definitely the highlight of the meal. Thank god for the oysters or this would have been a 2 star review. After 10pm all oysters are half off guys! That's if you are willing to eat that late. I work in the pastry world and I like to order desserts as a learning experience. I call it "studying". So I ordered a sorbet trio because sorbets are a great palette cleanser. They told me 3 flavors and brought me different flavors. The waiter said "yeah, i had the flavors wrong because the changed it yesterday and I wasn't working". No staff meeting before service?! The server doesn't know the sorbet flavors? blasphemy. ANYWAY. He brought me lemon, raspberry, and white pear. All mediocre to say the least. The white pear had this licorice flavor for some odd reason. Almost like they added absinthe to the base. Lemon and raspberry are okay but nothing special. Let's come up with some new flavors guys!
(3)
Lin W.
Moved to River North a few months ago, and despite the many excellent restaurants there have been back to GT four times. Just outstanding. Would skip the mixologist's work myself as i am kind of a straight up good wine kind of diner, but the mixed drinks looked pretty fun even to me. :) Keep it up GT, you are great!
(5)
Sahar M.
I love this place. I love to go there with friends, have good food, drinks and quality conversation. Oyster is amazing, bluepoints are my favorite. Scallops, shrimp bruschetta, octopus...all are delicious. One of my favorite spots in Chicago.
(4)
Rowena M.
Definitely lived up to its name with the dozen of fresh and tasty oysters we had. Our biggest gripe would have to be choosing which oyster to try as they were not cheap! We dined with our 5-year old daughter and unless your kid is an adventurous diner, there is virtually nothing on the menu for them. We also ordered the lobster roll which was good but would've been better if the lobster were warm instead of cold like a salad. The stuffed squash flower was amazing but the mussels were not the best. Key lime for dessert was a unique concept served in a mason jar but I really needed the graham cracker pie crust to balance the tartness. Overall a good place but too pricey. Service was good but food took long to get to our table.
(3)
Guillermo M.
I highly recommend this place. The food is FANTASTIC!! From beginning to end I thought every plate had a huge attention to detail. I started with a sampler of the six oyster they had today and all of them were excellent. Loved the sauces they give you to spice them up, very different from what you find in the typical oyster bars. Then I got the agnelotti and it was awesome, what a combination of flavors and textures. Very very creative and completely balanced. I closed with the blackberry "tart" and it was extremely well done. Ice cream, nuts, fresh blackberries, the tart. I can't even describe it well but believe me it was delicious. Wine pairings recommended by the waitress were really good too. Highly recommend this place. Not extremely expensive but not cheap, but totally worth it.
(4)
Marisol M.
So I have been looking all over Chicago for amazing seafood and here is definitely not a let down. The service was great. Our favorites were the mussels, oysters rockerfeller, lobster roll, lobster mac and cheese, and seared tuna salad. Enjoy!
(4)
Bernadette S.
I will definitely be back to GT Fish & Oyster. For the past year, I have been saying I needed to try GT. It's right across from the Anti-Cruelty Society, where I volunteer on Sundays. The place always looks so appealing! The time finally came a couple weeks ago that we got to try GT. Reservations were limited, so we opted for the 5:30 as opposed to 9:30 option available. The hubs and I were dressed up and calling a cab when it started to POUR. (It was that day that Lala was evacuated.) Not wanting to give up my chance to eat there, I called the restaurant to see if we could push back our reservation. The hostess was really nice and told me there had just been a cancelation, and gave me a reservation for two hours later, around 7:45. When we arrived, I was surprised how big the restaurant is - I always thought it was just the little sliver on the corner! We were seated in the "sliver" next to the bar. It was really nice. I liked the decor and fun boomerang shaped bar tables. Loved the wait staff - from the waiter to the bus boy, everyone was great. I wasn't sure about which wine to order, so the waiter brought over two glasses to try before ordering. I don't drink wine much, so I really appreciated the chance to taste before ordering a glass. If you've been to Purple Pig, this place is a similar restaurant, but with the focus on fish instead of pork. Everything we ate was great - crab cakes, octopus, clam bake, halibut... I don't remember the rest, sorry! We also loved that we were given new plates and silverware between each dish (usually tapas places let your plates linger). The menu here works as tapas or individual a la carte. I think we got a total of 5 or 6 dishes, and it was the perfect portion. Downside is, this place gets really loud. Conversations carry. The guy at the bar who insisted on dropping the f bomb every-other-word could be heard clearly from 20 feet away. Definitely not the restaurant's fault, but something to consider if you're looking for a relating meal.
(4)
Aboud Y.
Some delicious seafood in a meat and potatoes town. While I enjoyed my meal here (and really liked the menu), I must say nothing hit it out of the park for me. I'd give it 3.5 stars if I could...I've definitely had better.
(3)
Tom D.
We dipped our spoons only once into our dessert, and decided to order another. It was obvious we didn't enjoy our dessert but we were still charged for two. That's fine, we DID order it even though we didn't eat it. I'm not a fan of oysters, so I can't make any recommendations here. But I was underwhelmed by the meal, especially when the bill came.
(1)
Jami S.
I was invited back to GT after writing my first not so great review of the restaurant. I'm happy to report that our dinner last night was so good! It was a complete 100% turnaround from the first venture. The food & service couldn't have been better and I would definitely return! Our fav's would have to be the lobster roll, lobster mac n cheese & the tuna poke! Also the bartender made a delicious dirty martini. It makes me really happy & honestly a bit surprised that any restaurant in Chicago, let alone a new very popular one like GT, would take the time to read their reviews and cares enough to invite back an unhappy customer. Everyone in the restaurant couldn't have been nicer and I am very happy I gave GT another chance, it was definitely worth it!
(4)
John F.
My daughter and I arrived in town late after driving out from DC. After a mix-up at our first hotel, we finally got a room at 9:30, and we badly needed dinner. GT was the answer. I started off with a Dark and Stormy, while Sarah had a ginger beer. The cold soba noodles were amazing, as was the fish and chips. We split on the grilled artichokes. The only under-performing dish was the lobster dumplings. They were fine, but not mouth-changing like the noodles or fish and chips. Staff was great, I thought the prices were reasonable for the quality, the ambience, and the location. I would definitely go back.
(4)
Ashley M.
Brought my boyfriend here for his birthday a few weeks ago and we fell in love! This place was a great choice for dinner! We opted for all hot dishes this time around: the lobster roll, fish and chips, lobster mac and cheese and the clam chowder. The fish and chips was flaky and some of the best we have ever had. The lobster roll was really good and not as rich as we had anticipated. I'm not a big fan of chowder, but this one totally changed my mind. And the mac and cheese was super creamy. We shared a bottle of wine and took our time with the meal. Our waitress was really nice and made sure all of our questions were answered and checked on us throughout the night. Unlike other places that give a free dessert for birthday dinners, GT gave my boyfriend a $20 gift certificate! A BIG plus! We can't wait to go back!
(4)
Brian P.
I went in with high expectations based on friends' experiences as well as the Yelp reviews. Overall, was disappointed. First, the service was poor. The hostess rushed us out of the bar area where we were enjoying our drinks, only to be sat at our table and not visited by our server for 15 minutes. Second, I wasn't blown away by the menu. There weren't that many choices and nothing jumped off the page. Of course, the food was pretty good, but hardly great. The oyster were very good. The fish tacos were average. My guests from out of town enjoyed them a lot because they don't come across them much. But there are dozens of places now that have fish tacos and these at a fish specific restaurant were ... fine. Some other small plates like the tuna poke were just fine. In all, we probably tried 1/3 of the entire menu and there is nothing I would rush back for. GT, we hardly knew ye....
(3)
Char Y.
we came on a week day and were early for our reservation. we were told that we could either wait or sit at the bar. We took the first available seats at the cool boomerang and ordered clam chowder - very good with lots of clams and delicious bits. lobster roll - best ever! huge chunks of lobster with the best butter roll. black gnocchi - really pillowy gnocchi with interesting fern beside fish and chips - good, but little oily crab cake - again, chunks of crab that screams "eat me!" the whole time we were sitting, people just kept on piling in. I wish that there is a waiting area available for the restaurant since people seemed to be standing around the door and stared at us eating. otherwise, this is definitely a happening restaurant with great food that are costly. a great place to go people watch every night!
(4)
Beckee W.
My obsession with oysters continues. I could go here everyday just to slurp a half dozen of these beauties on my way home from work. The other stuff was okay too...but those oysters. Tiny barnacle like dreammakers of joy.
(4)
Kim H.
Can't believe it's taken me so long to share my love of this place. I have been to GT Fish & Oyster three times now (most recently on Friday, 9/9/11) and it just keeps getting better. Although the place is always packed, the servers are attentive and knowledgeable. The ambience is chic and the food is excellent. On Friday, my mate and I dined on oysters from New Zealand, New Brunswick and California. Divine. The homemade cocktail sauce is delicious and the GT Smouldering hot sauce adds a good kick. Next we selected our respective favorites. The lobster role and the king crab legs. Both are served to you fresh and full of flavor. We also tried the fried oyster sliders and the crab cake. These dishes can definitely hang with some of the best seafood in the city (and yes, you can get good seafood in this part of the Midwest!) We finished our evening with a dessert of MORE OYSTERS! A nice way to top off any meal. Yum. In short, GT is the place to be.
(5)
Adrian K.
This was a fantastic meal in a great space. The bar looks like a lot of fun too. We started with a dozen oysters, both west coast, one from Fanny Bay and the other from Washington state. Both were different, but delicious, more on the sweet side, and spectacularly fresh and PLUMP, like PLUMP! The mussels, done in a fantastically sweet, rich tomato sauce was well executed. The squash blossoms stuffed with ricotta and crab was well done. I have numerous memories of fairly average, small and stupidly expensive versions in Melbourne, and this did much to make me forget these! Foie gras and shrimp terrine with apricot chutney and pickled onions. Somehow, the fresh shrimp went well with the rich, butterniness of the Foie, and the needed sweetness of the chutney and the tart onions. A really special dish. The sunfish cevice, with chimmchurri was also very good, perhaps a the chimmchuri was heavy on the citrus, and light on the heat. Also had a great cocktail, OLD MONEY - Old Forester Bourbon, Aperol, Nux Alpina, Walnut Liqueur, Allspice. An extremely good cocktail! Service was friendly, informative and attentive. Overall, a fantastic meal and I cannot wait to go back. Half price oysters after 10pm!
(4)
Jeffrey M.
I've been here twice now, and it is my favorite seafood restaurant in Chicago. Both times I sat at the bar and was greeted by Chef Tentori. The "Old Money" was my cocktail of choice the first time. It is an excellent play on the Old Fashioned. On my most recent visit I had "Squid Ink", a Giuseppe Tentori and Goose Island collaboration brew and it is amazing! Supplies are extremely limited so I encourage you to head over there fast! True to it's name the selection of oysters is extensive, and they are fresh and flavorful. The Osetra Caviar was the best I've ever had. I also enjoyed the Tuna Poke, BBQ Eel, Sunfish Ceviche, and for dessert the Key Lime Pie.
(4)
leyla a.
Loved it. I love Giuseppe, and his delicious food, so why wouldn't I love it. Good location, unique and tasty menu, great selection of oysters, friendly staff, sexy crowds, and they have a $10 glass of Good Harbor Chardonnay from Michigan that is surprisingly good. Both times I visited, I had to sit at the bar (because I did not have a reservation) and that suited me just fine. Bar seats became available in under twenty minutes. I like the fish-heavy menu, as I am not a pork eater and every place in town has decided to turn into a pig-only restaurant. I don't understand why ONE restaurant does something in Chicago and then every other restaurant has to immediately follow. Congrats to Chef Tentori on his opening of an unique seafood restaurant that brings contemporary elegance in a casual, yet sexy, environment. Great use of the old Tizzi Melloul space too. Bravo.
(5)
Yvonne O.
When you are getting to the nitty gritty details to find something "wrong" with your dining experience, you know that you have found a winner. The food here is AMAZING. We got a "senior citizen" type reservation at 5:30 and expected that we would be the only people in the place, but it quickly filled by 6:00 - and we were not the youngest in there either. The menu is designed as small plates and you just order things and then the kitchen will structure your meal from lighter items to heavier. Small plates are usually a problem with the husband as we don't like any of the same things, but here there was plenty for each of us. We ended up ordering the following: Oyster po boy sliders (with kim chee and peanuts) Assortment of 6 East coast oysters (because West Coast oysters be frontin') Lobster and Short Rib dish (husband) Pork Belly with canellini (husband again) Seared Tuna salad with potato and mustard dressing (husband) Scallops with candied bacon and acorn squash puree (best dish of the night) Lobster Mac and Cheese with English Peas Salted Caramel Tart with Brulee Banana and Cream They also rotate the draft beer and had Matilda (hooray) and the Brooklyn Pumpkin Ale this month. The only complaints we had were the slowness in getting a drink refill (just being asked took a really long time) and no inquiry about coats when we got there (I don't want to keep my coat at the table and it was 5:30, you aren't exactly rushed at the door) That and the beans in the pork dish were undercooked. And, I also think replacing the plates and silverware on the table so often is really wasteful and unnecessary. The best part was that I had asked one of the guys about the hot sauce that they gave me for the oysters and he said it was housemade. I was sad because I loved the "burn" green sauce. At the end, we got two sample size bottles to take home! I'm not sure if everyone gets this, but it was a really nice touch. And, all this food and multiple drinks was only $200 even with a good tip! I will defintiely be back!
(4)
Alex C.
The oysters were wonderful and the clam chowder was on point. Everything was great until the lobster roll arrived. Honestly, it wasn't bad just very forgettable. I wasn't expecting the best I've ever had, but much better than what i received here. What a flop. The wait staff was great, the hostess was very helpful while we waited, but the reason for the 3 stars is the lobster roll.
(3)
N G.
Wow! The oysters here are the most delicious, crazy variety totally worth the 2 hour wait, seriously! Had a great time with friends, great atmosphere and a very impressive menu and service. If you like oysters or delicious food, you Must come here !
(5)
Matthew M.
For clarification-- my review has nothing to do with the food itself...because we never made it in. I realize that it is their first week of opening and so mistakes can happen and should be excused. With that said, I called in earlier in the afternoon today (at 4) to ask about reserving a table. They told me they were booked but that we could walk in. We were very excited to go and decided that we would later in the evening. Prior to leaving our apartment, I thought we should call and see how long the wait was. I called and spoke with Esmerelda; I asked how long the wait would be for 2 people and received the answer: "I can't tell you." Does this mean, you can't tell me because you're not allowed to? I was very confused so I asked her to tell me approximately how long it would take for us to have a table at the bar or in the restaurant. Again, she told me she couldn't tell me or guess at all. 2 frustrating minutes later and no real response, I still had no answers and apparently neither did she because she hung up on me. My wife then tried calling and got the same answers but instead of taking that answer, she asked for the manager. After explaining that we just wanted an approximate wait time to gauge whether or not we would walk there, he rudely said an hour. She then tried to tell him that she wasn't trying to get Esmerelda in trouble but that she just needed to know so that we could pick between another restaurant. His response was: "I told you an hour" in a rude tone. I can't tell you how disappointed we are with this interaction. We've eaten at Boka and the staff (and food) are fantastic. I still want to try GT but at this point, I'm going to wait until they've figured out how to better serve their customers. With so many different restaurants in Chicago, they're differentiating point shouldn't be the rude service.
(1)
Erica W.
I had an incredible meal here with two friends a few weeks ago and can't wait to go back. I first got a taste of their food at the Meals on Wheels charity ball, where their tiny bite of shrimp bruschetta was the best thing I had all night -- better than Girl & The Goat, Michael Jordan's or any of the other top-tier restaurants serving food at the event. The nautical decor is very chic and the perfect backdrop to the seafood-dominated menu. We ordered 5 dishes to share, including the shrimp bruschetta, mussels, scallops with duck tongues and a salmon dish. We cleaned every last plate and wished we had room to order 5 more things. The cocktails were great too. GT is a very welcome addition to the Chicago dining scene and will be around for a long time to come.
(5)
Aaron L.
2* BBQ Eel 4.5* Clam Chowder 2.5* Crab Cakes 4* Lobster Roll 3* Crab Agnolotti 4* Peanut Butter Pie 4* Kusshi Oysters
(3)
brendan k.
5 stars may be a little over the top in regards to the food, but man, phenomenal service will get you everywhere with me. My wife and I are big lobster fans (who isn't?) who were very excited with the addition of Shrimp Shack and GT to the city. I mean, a good lobster roll is hard to find, right? So after being constantly turned down by Shrimp Shack because we have a child (understandable, no gripes) we decided to give a call to GT. Having read the reviews, I figured it would be a casual setting that, while not a shells on the floor place, would be a place we could take our near-year old and enjoy a early dinner (5:15). I called and asked if they had a highchair and if it was okay and they were surprised I'd even ask. "Of course!" the hostess replied. So on Saturday we showed up at our time, and I have to say, I initially felt very uncomfortable walking in there with my child. The place is beautiful and the decor fits perfectly with the whole sailboat vibe. Everyone was dressed a little nicer than us and I was a little worried we'd bitten off more than we could chew. Once again, the hostess immediately quelled all fears and took us over to our table. I have to say, the wife, child and I go out at least once a week for dinner. I've never been in the presence of such an awesome wait-staff. They made us feel right at home and oh-so comfortable within minutes of us sitting down. I started off with half a dozen oysters (which they accidentally ended up bringing out a dozen and just took the extras off the bill) that we're great. It's hard to find good oysters in the mid west and these were top notch. Our child is just as into eating as we are so we also got an order of the Brandade Croquettes (for him) and the Smoked Hamachi Crudo. The Croquettes were amazing and an instant hit between the 3 of us and the Hamachi reminded me of something I ate at Boka once, light, full of flavor, and super tasty. We finished off with the Lobster roll and the Fish n Chips. The Lobster Roll was good, not great. I felt like there was something in the lobster salad that sort of took away the sweetness of the lobster and masked the taste a little too much. Still, very, very good though. The fish and chips though, I will have to say, were spot on! I actually think my favorite part of the night was the "chips" that had the Asian spices on them. They were out of this world! The fish was great and the batter was perfection. They easily beat out the Gage for best FnC in the city. In the end, the food is 4 stars, but the service was what really threw it over the top. We're lucky to have a child that's tame (now) when we go out, but to feel so welcomed in such a great place is just unheard of.
(5)
Paul C.
GT Fish & Oyster is getting some serious hype these days. So much so, that I had to make a reservation 3 weeks in advance if I wanted to eat there on a Friday night at a reasonable time (read: 9:45). With all the buzz and hoopla surrounding the joint, I was thoroughly anticipating my Friday date night with my boo to be a letdown, but in the case of GT Fish & Oyster, the hype is well deserved. GT's oysters easily go toe-to-toe with the best oyster joints in Chicago. There were six different types of delicious oysters available on our visit (4 west coast, 2 east coast) and we ended up sampling 3. We loved the oysters so much we ended up skipping desert and getting 6 more oysters as a night cap. Oyster-philes get your butts down to GT ASAP! The dinner menu is an assortment of hot and cold small plates perfect for sharing with a date. We tried the soft shell crab which was in season and absolutely to die for. My boo loved the lobster roll. We ended with the halibut, which was good, but in comparison to the awesomeness of the other dishes, this one was a bit of a dud. The restaurant itself features of mix of communal eating and two tops. We were lucky to have a two top, although the communal tables didn't look as bad as some other places, and the two tops are so close together that they might as well be communal eating. I wish more restaurants would stand against this communal eating fad. Squeezing more customers into your small space may mean more profits in the short term, but sacrificing intimacy is going to cost many restaurants repeat business. In GT's case, the close seating makes for a noisier restaurant. I wouldn't want to go on a first date here. It's not quite cozy, which is sad because oysters make for cozy evenings. That said, there were plenty of couples on dates or celebrating birthdays at GT, but it's a better fit for established couples, not couples still trying to get to know each other. As far as service goes, GT was impeccable. Drinks were always flowing. The small plates were staggered perfectly. Our server was very friendly and outgoing and did a masterful job explaining the menu and making us feel at home. GT Fish & Oyster is a can't-miss dinner spot that lives up to the hype. Make your reservations now, because with food this good the patrons will be lining up at GT for months to come.
(5)
Maureen P.
I can't tell you one darn thing about the food...I wish I could, because it looked wonderful. It looked wonderful for the 45 minutes I stood like an idiot (in what seemed to be everyone's way) waiting for our 8:15pm dinner reservation on a Saturday night. It was my soon to be sister-in-law's birthday and we were all excited to try this out. I thought there was hope the three times the host came over. The first time: Your table is just paying their bill. 2. We are waiting for your table to leave. 3. (My favorite) Your table is finishing paying their bill. Well, which one is it? He obviously didn't remember which lie he told! If he were honest and said, "listen, it's going to be 45 minutes to get your seated, I am so sorry for the wait" I would have been frustrated, but at least he was telling the truth. At the 50 minute mark, we bailed. I felt so badly for the birthday girl, but we had so much fun at a little dive Japanese restaurant down the street. Happy bday C!
(1)
RD E.
Been for dinner and brunch. Cocktails were nice and strong. I'll be back
(4)
Kelley B.
An amazing start to an amazing night. After work one Monday (it took 3 weeks to get a dinner reservation that wasn't after 9pm) we went to grab some dinner at the hyped GT Fish & Oyster. We started off with a beer (selection wasn't that great, but reasonably priced). After that we started with a half dozen oysters. I normally will have one and let my fiance have the rest but I LOVED the house marinades so much that I ate more than my share. You could tell the oysters were fresh. Then we each ordered an appetizer. The Tuna Poke for Zak and the Ceviche for me. Both were incredibly flavorful and light. The citrus really came out in the ceviche and left a great after taste in your mouth. They were small appetizers but were the perfect amount for one person. The Tuna Poke was great also. It was my first time having that so I don't have anything to compare it to. We then went to the main course. Zak got the Lobster Roll and I got the Basil gnocchi. The Lobster Roll was an indulgence. The buttered Texas toast it came on was so delicious. The lobster was abundant and rich. It came with onion strings that were just okay. I split the basil gnocchi with Zak. It was hand made gnocchi with shrimp. Normally gnocchi is heavy and I can only eat a few but this was surprising lighter and had a rich flavor. We ended the night with a desert. A cheese cake. I could have done with out it. But we had just gotten engaged and they wrote congratulations in chocolate to celebrate our great day. Then we had a surprise engagement party at Watershed. Overall, I would definitely recommend this place. Get your reservations now!
(5)
Aaron K.
GT and the Boka Group have hit it out of the park with GT Fish & Oyster. The atmosphere here is a relaxed fish theme which is neither over-done or kitschy. The oyster selection here is second to none in the city, and mostly priced afford ably between 2 and 3 dollars per shell. The cocktail list reflects the sensibility found on all of Benjamin Schiller's lists (Boka, Girl and the Goat, GTF&O) though far brighter and more acidic on average (thus pairing perfectly with the freshness of the oysters and other seafood.) Here are a list of some of our favorite dishes. I'm sure this list will grow as we get to try more of the menu. Oysters: Talk to the guys shucking behind the bar and they will steer you in the right direction. Sunfish Ceviche: bright, refreshing and not watery (my biggest complaint about most ceviche) BBQ Eel: Inventive pairing with potato salad that really brings out the BBQ experience. This may have been my favorite dish. Shrimp Bruchetta: The shrimp, guac and jalapeños on the crispy toast evked numerous distinct flavor memories, from nachos at the ballpark to ceviche on a Puerto Vallarta beach Crab Cake: GT's not reinventing here, just presenting a darn good crab cake. Having the cayenne in the mustard makes this great for sharing. Lobster Mac & Cheese: Just like it sounds, perfectly executed. Clam Chowder: best I've ever had. Desserts: Our top 3 Carrot Cake, Peanut Butter & Chocolate, Key Lime Pie. You can't go wrong with any of them and I certainly can't pick a favorite. Guess I'm going to have to try them all again just for good measure.
(5)
Leslie P.
This is the perfect place for a group night out. We were having a girls' night out for a birthday celebration, and it was perfect. We tried nearly everything on the menu (minus the oysters for me - but everyone said they were fab), and GT threw in a few extras as well. I enjoyed everything I tried, but a few standouts include: Lobster Mac (bien sur), Tuna Poke, Sunfish Ceviche, Berkshire Pork Belly, Alaskan Halibut, and the Black Gnocchi. They were amazing, and I can't imagine having to choose just one - share, share, share! Service and ambience were fantastic as well. We're occupying a large table in a packed River North restaurant on a Friday night, and I didn't feel rushed at all. I could go on, really.
(4)
Kristi T.
RESTAURANT GROUP: When current BOKA executive chef Giuseppe Tentori is standing behind the bar shucking oysters at 9:30pm on a Cinco de Mayo, you know they will be top notch. And watching him could have kept me entertained all night - how is he so good?! It didn't hurt that he asked how our oysters were and made small talk either :) I may have been a tiny bit biased to love this spot before I even walked in because I love everything BOKA group does - BOKA, Perennial, Girl and the Goat, and now GT. All their restaurants are clean food, classy locations, and fabulous service. AMBIANCE: The decor reminds me of a tiny seaside restaurant in Newport, RI. The walls are white painted wood panels. The floor is a little creaky, in a cozy way. Some communal and some private seating. Simple and classic decorations. The bar is almost an L shape and to every male/Chicago sports fan amazement, there are TVs! Sometimes I think that takes away ambiance, but it doesn't here. Its on silent but available. PERFECT. DINERS: What's nice about GT is that its casual enough for anyone and any kind of group. From the cougars on the prowl at the bar, to the buzzed up group of rowdy 24 year old males, to a table of 50 something very smart looking executives, to the couple coming straight from a black tie charity event, to the bachelorette party consuming their body weight in the martini list... this place is for everyone. Dark jeans and a cute top, a fancy dress and heels, or a stylish but casual hat would all do the trick here. FOOD: Now what you really want to know. Obviously, the oysters are top notch, super fresh, super clean, and speak for themselves. The rest of the food are like seafood tapas - small plates perfect for sharing. Everything we ordered was fabulous, fresh, meticulously prepared, thoughtfully plated, and exquisitely tasteful. What we got: Tuna Poke (Cold): Fresh minced tuna with black sesame, thin cucumber shavings, and a mango puree. Crab Cake (Hot): Lightly breaded and seared 4 oz. crab cake (very fresh crab with little "other" filling) served warm over a vibrant red bell pepper aoli smear with picked cauliflower and sweet baby red onions. Clam Chowder (Hot): A white brothy (not as heavy as most) chowder with potatoes, bacon, carrots, and house made oyster crackers served in a mason jar with a lid. Perfectly peppered and spiced. Lobster Roll (Hot): Served on grilled thick cut sourdough bread with large pieces of lobster, topped with a healthy amount of fried crispy onions. - Fabulous to dunk into the clam chowder! Alaskan Halibut (Hot): Served very simply, the halibut speaks for itself on top of a small serving of whipped potatoes and grilled apple squares. The sweet and crunchy apples really made this dish! Lobster Mac and Cheese (Hot): A house specialty, this al dente half shell pasta covered in white cheese sauce with lobster bites and english peas, this is a perfect side dish to the rest of the surprisingly light dishes. We were both very happy and satisfied (not stuffed) after 6 small plates and wine (note, they have about 16 wines offered by the glass - nice!). Expect the food to be flavorful, light, fresh, and service to be some of the best you have experienced!
(5)
Mihir P.
Yummly! I say. My favorite item there was the lobster roll. One of the best ones I've had outside of New England. The fried onions were amazing with it. The tuna poke was fresh but could have used some crisps to eat it with. I was excited for the miso cod but it was served with an asparagus puree which just did not go with the sweet miso. I suggest you get the halibut which was the best I've had in the city so far. Every other place overcooks it while it melted in my mouth at GT. Another winner is the crab agnolotti (ravioli). Our server was amazing. So friendly and knowledgeable. We did asked for a couple of our dishes without tobiko but she forgot to note that on one of them. She just took it back - no argument and apologized. What ticked me off was that when I was looking for her, the hostess was right next to me so I told her that we asked for the dish without tobiko. The short chubby brunette replied, "no, that's American caviar." Oh I'm so fucking impressed that you can memorize a menu. They're both fish eggs! You know what I meant.
(4)
Stacie K.
Went here for dinner on a Wednesday night...and stayed late enough for the happy hour of oysters :) The server I had was super friendly, really helpful, and attentive. We got about a dozen oysters to start, then had the mussels and lobster mac n cheese. The mussels came in this tomato sauce with this delicious bread...the lobster mac n cheese was...OK. Nothing really special about it. I did enjoy the chunks of lobster, but it just wasn't as cheesy and delicious as I had envisioned it to be in my head. After that course, we had ANOTHER round of oysters (obviously). They're super fresh, and it comes with 2 different sauces. One is really horseradish-ey. The other was really vinegarey and delicious. I liked both. And I used one of their hot sauces. There are 2 - one is hotter...WAY hotter...than the other. Thinking about it now is making my mouth water.......nomnomnom.
(4)
adam k.
Top-notch service amid some of the city's most tasty seafood. And do not miss the salted caramel tart for dessert. Ever.
(5)
Gary R.
GT. Not sure what it stands for. Maybe Gnarly and Tarantula? Greg and Tom? Gargantuan Testicle? Anyway, I will preface this by saying I'm not a huge fan of shellfish in general. I agree with a person who once said "Eating an Oyster is like eating a huge booger." I tend to agree with that. For lunch their menu is somewhat limited. You basically get Oysters, or other crustacians. (sp?) I think they have an assortment of Krill, Plankton and Oysters. If you were a whale, this place would be fantastic for you. I ordered a Ceaser Salad that really was false advertising. It was more like a roll of lettuce with some ranch dressing on it, and some Oyster mung on it. I also had the fish and chips, which were meh....The Gorton's fisherman has done me better. The service was good and friendly, and the desserts were actually quite good. We got a chocolate Peanut Butter thingamading. That got the place another star. I think I just confirmed that GT actually does stand for Gargantuan Testicle.
(2)
Brian S.
I love Chicago. And I love food. This is clearly one of the best restaurant cities in America, and I'm so happy that Tamara and I live here. But I'm also from the East Coast (just outside of Philadelphia, thank you), and there's one kind of restaurant they have there that hasn't existed, until recently, here. It's the East Coast-style seafood house. Broiled and fried fish, chowder, and shellfish. So when The Boka Group announced GT's Fish & Oyster, I couldn't wait. A Boka-styler finer dining spin on the East Coast seafood house set in Chicago. Dreams come true! The concept reminded me of the China Grill Group's popular Ed's Chowder House in New York, which I have yet to visit but imagine to be much along these same lines. It's opening weekend, and we were lucky to snag a reservation - 6 PM, far earlier than Tamara and I would normally eat, but we were meeting our friends John and Monica, who had just flown in from their honeymoon in Italy. Good friends, good food and great stories both recalling their wedding from two weekends ago and their recent gastronomic adventures on The Continent. We started with cocktails. I had the velvet hammer, which was a gorgeous bourbon-based drink to look at, but a bit overly sweet. My second was an Old Money, which I instantly recognized as a personal favorite from the Boka menu and was executed here just as well as there. For a first course, we ordered the shrimp cocktail. I don't recommend this. For $12, it was three of the smallest, wimpiest, limpest shrimp ever. Like a frozen shrimp platter from a supermarket. The cocktail sauce and charred lemon were fantastic, but there was too little actual shellfish to enjoy with it. Thankfully, though, things turned around from there into a memorable meal that we look forward to repeating soon. The clam chowder, rich in its 4 oz serving (the 8 oz would've been way too much) was absolutely delicious. I've had a lot of different chowders up and down the East Coast, and this one is far and away my favorite. The smokiness of the bacon permeated the entire dish, which was surprisingly filled with more plump clams than potatoes. The other standout of the night was the lobster mac and cheese. If you've ever had the incredible mac and cheese at Boka, you know where this is going. To Tastyville. Population: you. At Boka, they combine spiral noodles with edamame. Here, they've taken that formula to the next level, combining shells with English peas and a generous portion of perfectly cooked tail and claw lobster meat. The crab agnolotti was an interesting idea covered in too much ginger for my palate. The tuna poke and fish and chips were both very well executed, but not original enough to write much about. The lobster pot pie ended up tasting like as weird of a combination of ingredients as the name suggests - something about carrots and lobster together does not appeal to me. The mahi tacos were some of the best fish tacos I've ever had - the fish was grilled PERFECTLY, which seems to never happen to those nuggets destined for tortillas. They were also pleasantly spicy, as was the pickled cauliflower florets served with the interesting brick-like crab cake. The cake was made almost completely of jumbo lump crab, and is now my second favorite crab cake in the city after Crofton on Wells' next door to GT. We split two desserts - one a fun play on key lime pie in a jar, and the other an absolutely decadent peanut butter mousse atop praline atop an Oreo-like "house-made chocolate shortbread." I'd go back to GT again, probably for drinks and a few small plates as a light dinner for two. Team ordering for four, as we did tonight, was a great way to explore the menu, but the music was a bit too loud for two couples to converse comfortably. I'm excited that the new "trend" sweeping Chicago appears to be East Coast-style seafood restaurants, and I look forward to trying the others (notably Fish Bar and Kingfisher) soon!
(4)
Mary L.
Great place for small plates, drinks and friends. I usually am not a fan of oysters, but the oysters at this establishment were so fresh.
(5)
Jessie W.
Great services. The oysters were AMAZING!! We also had the fish tacos. I am a huge fish taco fan, and these were to die for! Definitely on my list of favorite Chicago restaurants. I was worried about the communal tables, so I took a later reservation to have a private table. The communal tables were also very nice, and I wouldn't have minded being seated at one!
(4)
Chris S.
Fun spot that blends great food and a slightly upscale, but at the same time not stuffy atmosphere. The restaurant itself has high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows on one side, and dimmed lights, which make it feel a bit swanky, but the communal tables, nautical paintings, and naturally loud volume level make it a fun place to hang out with friends. Service is friendly and upbeat. The food is, for the most part, fantastic. The oysters are the main attraction and on my visit I sampled them all. They were fresh, sweet, briny, and fabulous. The mussels were just as good and came in a spicy tomato sauce that was perfect with the accompanying bread. The crab cakes were very good, but at $16 for one small portion, they can be skipped. Lobster bisque was beautifully presented en croute, but it looked better than it tasted, somewhat thinned down and tasting almost as much of celery and seasoning as it did lobster. Ceviche was also quite good, but again, seemed a bit pricey for what you get. This is a winner, and I'll return, but my focus will be on the oysters, and probably trying to work my way through the rest of the menu.
(4)
Never M.
Loved the atmosphere. Its a great place to go with your girls, whip out the Choo's and do the whole sex in the city thing. My sisters took me here for my birthday. The service was incredible. The food was not. I tried Sunfish Ceviche, the chowder, crab cakes, fish and chips, shrimp brushetta and the mac and cheese. These were all my dishes, I WILL NOT SHARE FOOD! and you can save your judgements lol. Everything was incredibly fresh, wonderfully executed but severely under seasoned. The chef seems as though he's preparing food with diabetics or people who suffer from hypertension in mind. Theres no salt or much flavor to be found in anything. I don't remember what my sisters had but they weren't impressed either. Drinks were great, otherwise I was underwhelmed.
Had 7:30 reservations last night and after reading several reviews, I was fairly excited about trying this place out. I've eaten at the rest of the Boka Group's restaurants so i did have high expectations. Only odd thing is...I love seafood, but not a big Oyster fan. So while I can't comment on the oysters, the rest of my party devoured them in seconds and gave them a great review. With that said..as soon as I walked through the glass doors, down the glass corridor and into the restaurant, I felt a high level of excitement. The decor is awesome and they raised the ceilings so right right away you feel less crowded than the former restaurant that was there (T.M.). As soon as you walk through the door you see GT peeps shucking Oysters right at the bar and you get excited to start eating. We sat down, and right away were greeted by our waiter (Patrick) who enthusiastically ran down the entire menu. We were also greeted by one of the owners (Kevin I think) who welcomed us and made several recommendations. We took their both of their advice and the list below is what we got in order of what i would describe as amazing to very tasty... 1. Lobster Roll: Amazing 2. Clam Chowder: Best I've ever had 3. Sunfish Ceviche: YUM 4. Glazed Cod: Great combo with the mango.. 5. King Crab Legs: So tasty and so easy to poke the Crab meat out 6. Lobster Mac and Cheese: Exactly 7. Shrimp Cocktail: Always a favorite 8. Brandade Croquettes: Very tasty We did have a couple other dishes which were great, I forgot the names though. We also had a couple desserts (Carrot Cake!) which were a perfect way to end the evening. Between our waiter's attitude and attentiveness, the people delivering the food (who were incredibly knowledgeable as well), the energy and AMAZING food, I can't wait to go back. In a city with a huge focus on good food, GT is gonna kill it.
(5)
Cecilia Z.
Here's the honest breakdown: 3 stars for the food alone, +1 for the trendy but fun scene and surprisingly good service. The bf and I popped into GT Fish & Oyster on our last night in Chicago for a light dinner. We luckily were able to grab two seats by the bar just as another couple was leaving, as the bar area and tables seemed to be really teeming with excitement on that Sunday evening. Our bartender (whose name I unfortunately did not get), a real chill dude from San Diego, kindly tended to us while making helpful recommendations on the food and drinks. Food: - Tuna poke: while this dainty ahi tuna appetizer was of high quality and sounded promising, the flavors just weren't particularly memorable or interesting. I liked the spiced mango slices on top of the tuna, but just wished for some soy or more spice and acid to brighten everything up. - Sunfish ceviche: made with chimichurri, jicama, radish, frisee and tostada, this was like a ceviche meets guacamole both in presentation and flavor. I found the use of the different ingredients to be interesting and enjoyed the dish's lightness overall, but would have liked a little more texture besides the fried tostada chips. - Grilled caesar salad: while I normally shy away from most caesar salads, this one caught my eye mostly because of the oyster croutons. I liked this salad for the most part, especially the liberally sprinkled parmesan crisps on top that almost tasted like pork rinds. - Waffle with sweet corn ice cream and blueberries: I was itchin' for something sweet that night, so of course we had to order dessert and this seemed like the most interesting option. Surprisingly enough, my favorite part about this dessert was the crunchy, freeze-dried corn sprinkled on top, which went incredibly well with the waffle. I only wish that the waffle was a little more caramelized around the edges and airier in the center. All in all though, GT is a pretty good time. My favorite part of the experience was really just being able to wind down at the bar after a long summer day, and enjoy some of their beers on draft and by the bottle. The Avery White Rascal I had went particularly well with the White Sox vs. Tigers game that was playing right overhead.
(4)
Meghan B.
Actual rating: 3.5 stars So here's my take on GT Fish & Oyster. The food is amazing. The drinks are strong. The vibe, well....it depends on what you go there for.... THE FOOD: (5 stars) Everything we had was so flavorful and fresh. I would definitely recommend the cod, the scallops (OH MAN THE SCALLOPS), and the lobster mac and cheese is a good amount of food (and very filling) for a reasonable price. The portions at GT are small are shareable and the server lets you know that right away so you can gauge how many things to try. THE AMBIANCE: (2 stars) I wanted to take my boyfriend to GT for a birthday dinner, I made a reservation weeks in advance and was super excited to try it out. I had previously checked out the Yelp reviews that mentioned that this place was loud and brushed it off as, 'oh what a bunch of complainers.' I read the reviews that mentioned that even with a reservation, they had to wait 20-45 minutes for a table and thought, 'oh yeah right, that's such an exaggeration.' Well, the Yelp reviewers were right. We waited about 25-30 minutes for a table even though we had a reservation. I noticed that every other group waiting with a reservation had to wait as well, so it seems to be a common problem. Also, the loudness factor. It's true, this place is really loud. They mentioned on their website that they're aware of this and trying to buffer the noise a bit, and that's definitely needed. My boyfriend and I sat at a small table and numerous times he had to ask me to repeat myself because he couldn't hear me over the noise of the place. My general consensus is that this place isn't that great for a date night and is probably better suited to a ladies night on the town, a business dinner, or some occasion where you want to be loud and boisterous. I know that you can also request to sit in the back of the restaurant which is less loud when you make your reservation, so maybe that would add to the good date vibes? I dunno. I feel that if you're paying these kind of prices, it would be nice not to have to stand awkwardly for 25 minutes to wait for your reserved table, and it would be nice if you could go here for a nice meal with your date and not have to yell across the table. But to end on a positive note, the food is excellent and I still think it's worth a trip. Just know what kind of vibe you're getting into!
(4)
Hannah H.
The best meal I've had in a long time. WOW. Came for lunch and we had oysters, lobster rolls, lobster mac & cheese, shrimp bruschetta, pork sliders and fish tacos. Everything was phenomenal but I'd say the fish tacos weren't on the same level as everything else I had. I'd recommend passing on those. The service was excellent too...OH and the key lime pie dessert was amaaaaazing. I can't wait to come back for dinner!
(5)
Ian C.
The first time I went to GT, I had to go back again a couple days later. Too many great dishes I wanted to try again. I recommend starting with a bottle of the Cava and a dozen oysters. I've done that four times now, and great meals always flow from there.
(5)
Amanda S.
Beautifully designed restaurant - graceful glass entryway. Friendly hostess who promptly directed us to available seating. Overpriced small plates, but the service was impressive. Pleasant crowd for a Saturday evening pre-show dinner.
(4)
Angela S.
It's just ok.
(3)
Nick C.
This place and Girl & the Goat are my favorites when in Chicago! -a hip crowd or at least I didn't see any douche-bags -friendly service -creative and mouth orgasmic dishes -loved the wine list WINNER!!!
(5)
Emi A.
One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. I really enjoyed their oysters and chevish. Very nice for special occasions.
(5)
Reva H.
Best Ambiance, best food and best drinks! The best Oysters you could get in River North area. I love their few vegetarian options, the eggplant and cauliflower! Super delicious! Fish and Chips and Mac n Cheese are good. P.S: Half Priced Oysters everyday after 10:00 p.m.
(5)
Debbie S.
Left the husband and baby at home to eat here with my friend last night to celebrate my birthday....and boy am I glad I did. We were seated by a pleasant hostess at precisely the time of our reservation -- and we had a great table in the back room, a bit away from the bar -- a good thing since the bar was so loud. We started with delicious "Waitlist" cocktails....vodka + grapefruit and very refreshing. Our excellent server recommended this cocktail and she was right on target. My friend and I shared the following dishes -- tuna poke, the baja shrimp bruschetta, the crudo of the evening (a mix of different raw items), the oyster po boys and the lobster roll. The bruschetta, po boys and lobster roll were my absolute favorites. The bruschetta was the perfect choice for a summer evening -- the combination of avocado and shrimp, plus the addition of the grapefruit and the cilantro really made the dish bright and flavorful. I'm not an oyster fan, but the oyster po boys were out of this world. The breading on the oyster, plus the kimchi and the peanuts really made for a delicious dish. And the lobster roll was outstanding -- it tasted like a good old fashioned Maine lobster roll with a bit of a twist. I couldn't stop eating it. The tuna poke was quite good -- the addition of the mangoes really helped the dish. The only disappointment was the crudo -- the textures of the items were just not that appealing (especially the raw uni and the raw shrimp). I don't think that I would order that again. We also split two desserts -- a salted caramel tart and a chocolate pie. Both were delicious....and just the right amount of sweetness. The chocolate pie came with a stout ice cream that I did not like -- it tasted too much like frozen beer. All in all, we had a fabulous evening -- the food and service were terrific and while things were brought to the table quickly (especially the cocktails) they did not try to rush us out the door. I also enjoyed the fact that even though this is a downtown spot, it didn't feel too much like a "see and be seen" type of place. If you are a seafood lover, I would definitely recommend checking out GT Fish & Oyster!
(4)
Rick C.
I really wanted to love this place, but came away disappointed. We've had some great meals at Boka, so when this opened up we were excited to try it. We absolutely love seafood, so this seemed like a can't miss. I thought some dishes were pretty damn good, but most were just ok. The better entrees were the tuna poke and the lobster mac and cheese. I've had lobster mac and cheese before, but this is probably one of the better versions. A must have here. The fish tacos, fish and chips, and the shrimp terrine were just average. You can get a much better fish taco at big star for three bucks. My buddy Eric loved the oyster poboy. So much so, that he ordered another after we were all done eating and made us sit there and watch him eat it. I have to mention the desserts. The peanut butter semifreddo was amazing. If you like peanut butter, give this one a shot. Since we're pigs, we also took advantage of their half price oysters after 10:30 on wed. We had one of each. All were really fresh and it was a nice way to do an oyster sampler. Desserts and oysters may have been my more memorable parts of the meal.
(3)
Lucy F.
First and foremost, GT has impeccable service. With a group of 5 on Saturday for my birthday, we bombarded in looking for a table without reservations. The hostess quoted a wait time of 1.5 hours. We knew that was what we could expect on a weekend night. But before I could even turn to look for a seat the bar, the manager Kyle asked if we would like to be seated. With a sigh of gratitude, I breathed a yes. He just had a table that just opened up. Then our servers Agnes and Jeff took over for the rest of the evening with the continued excellent service. With a party of slightly inebriated diners who want to dine family style and one person ordering ( especially oysters ), it can be quite the task. But questions answered, suggestions were given, food served just perfect and the water/ wine glasses was never empty. Quick run down on food: Oysters - we ordered every type and they were all so fresh and plump. The winner of the night was the Lady Chatterly's (briny, small) King Crab- if they could get any sweeter, I would have ordered them for dessert Fois Gras- Yum Clam chower- No NE clam chower but huge chunks of clams and sweet creamy flavors. Shrimp Bruschetta- really flavorful with savoy and citrusy flavors Trobot with Razor Clams- mild delicate flavors but firm texture and the chewy razor clams were texturally sublime. And at the end of it all, there was a lovely Birthday glass of Muscato di Asti that could be the replacement for cake for the rest of my birthdays. Thank you Kyle, Agnes and Jeff for making getting older delicious.
(5)
T L.
Amazing food! Amazing service! Amazing space! All around a great place to go for a nice dinner out! While all the food was great...the lobster role was hands down my favorite!!
(4)
Ceal P.
I've been surveying the Boka mini chicago empire and the latest, GT Fish and Oyster was the one I hadn't tried yet. Had very high expectations that were NOT met. Probably set myself up for failure because I had some awesome clam chowder and lobster roll for lunch at a place that blew GT fish out of the water. Small plates to share for the table. Located in river north, crowd were young professionals. Went with a group of 6 total which I think made dinner a bit difficult because all the dishes are pretty small and was too small to share for 6 but too much if we ordered 2 orders for the table. Nonetheless here's what we had and here's what I thought. Really liked: - Oyster po boy: best thing i ate all night! kim chi flavor went well with the crispy fried oyster, bun was sweet! Likes: - Fresh Oysters: had 3 types, all very fresh, $2.5-$3 each. - Tuna Poke: well seasoned, tasty, served like a tuna tartar portion - PEI mussels: fresh and came with a tasty tomato/basil sauce - lobster mac/cheese: nice chunks of lobster, the mac itself was okay, not creamy enough, cheese became chunky pretty fast. No Likes: - Shrimp/foie gras terrine: A bit of the confusing dish because the texture of the shrimp and foie didn't go well together. Didn't really enjoy the accompanying flavors either - clam chowder: watery, not thick enough to be called a chowder, taste was good, but not comparable to the delicious chowder elsewhere in the city - bento box: 3 diff preparations of octopus, tuna; none of the flavors were memorable - fish tacos: were decent, but nothing special. - short rib/langoustines: portion was way too small! the short rib was made to look like bone marrow although texturally nothing like. langoustine pieces were like an afterthought - delicious but really didn't add much to the dish overall Overall really expecting outstanding fresh seafood prepared in exciting ways, but the ingredients weren't amazing -- especially the raw fish items (poke was okay). because chicago's seafood scene is lacking, this place is a decent placeholder.
(3)
Joyce C.
We came here on a Wednesday night with a party of 6. We were seated relatively on time and I think we got the best seat in the house, at a private 8 seat table by the entrance with no-one else around us, with views overlooking Grand and Wells. The decor was nice and modern, and the space itself was bigger than the outside leads on to be. Each couple ordered their own things, and we got to try the following: - Shrimp Terrine - My least favorite dish of the night. Layers of cut up cold shrimp and room temp foie gras on pressed lightly toasted white bread. It was kinda bland and just chewy. The apricot chutney and pickled onion i don't think added anything to this dish either. - Tuna Poke - This was delicious. It was fresh, light, and the mango added a bit of a tropical flair. - Fish Tacos - Grilled white fish tacos. The quality of the fish was good, but it was kinda boring. There was not enough aioli in the taco I don't think. - Fish and Chips - The fish was cooked well, and the batter was nice and crispy and not too heavy. But it was really salty, and the chips were also oversalted. - Lobster Mac and Cheese - Delicious!!! Creamy, rich, seasoned well... probably the best dish of the night. - Glazed Cod - I didn't try this dish but the overwhelming consensus was that this dish was overly salty. At the end of the meal, we skipped the coffee and dove right into: -The Peanut Butter Semifreddo with the Chocolate crust - Holy effing cow... this dessert was super duper delicious!! The semifreddo was a chilled, smooth, creamy, decadent peanut buttery ice-creamy custardlike kinda thing with a crunchy, slightly salty chocolate crumb crust on the bottom. The raspberries and the peanuts scattered around the plate were perfect complements to this wonderfully yummy dessert. -Cheesecake Panna Cotta - Also delicious, with a very soft, smooth light texture. After dessert, the boys ordered a round of oysters for themselves as we stayed long enough to take advantage of the half priced oysters on the half shell offered after 10:30p. Each of them got a tasting of each of 6 fresh oysters that were offered that night, ranging from the east to the west coast. They seemed to enjoy the oysters, commenting on how fresh they were. Overall, I would come back. I was a little underwhelmed by the entrees, but I would definitely get the desserts and the oysters next time. The service was great and they also had a decent drink menu.
(4)
Jack S.
This place is off the hook (no pun intended) I had a Clam Chowder which was was Excellent, great creamy texture with a smokey bacon flavor mmm. Then I had the Lobster Roll which was Out Of This World! The BBQ Eel was so succulent Last but not least, the Lobster Mac & Cheese was heavenly, it was true comfort food at best. I finished my foodie extravaganza with Panna-Cotta "Cheescake" It was AMAZING Overall, Great Place, Great Service and Exemplary Atmosphere Happy Eating!!! "Primetime"
(5)
Melissa S.
My friend and I were there this evening and had an amazing dinner outside on the patio! Frankie was our waiter and he provides great suggestions and was so helpful. I will definitely suggest and go back!!
(4)
Erik W.
Food was high quality. Unfortunately, portion sizes were absolutely ridiculous. Seriously. Insanely small. Better lobster roll by *far* from Sam's Chowder Mobile. Yes, "Mobile", meaning a food truck. The oysters were half the normal size. The amount of fish in the Hamachi Crudo was 1/3 of what you get for hamachi nigiri at a top notch sushi joint for that much money. Save your money.
(1)
Pam H.
We were there for lunch. They still had Chef's Week menu but that was comprised of things on the regular menu. The ciopinno was lovely.It did not taste like herbs de Provence had been dumped in which is good. It was a little short on the fish but that might have been because 1) it was an appetizer not an entree and 2) possibly because it was part of the prix fixe menu. The broth was smooth and seasoned . My friend had the clam chowder. We had a semi serious discussion whether it would have been polite to try and like the Ball jar serving dish. He opted for discretion but it was hard. It smelled nice and smoked bacon-y, but I was distracted by the ciopinno at the time. I had the salmon over quinoa. I prefer my fish coked through but the flavors were very good. Nice fresh balance to whatever they used in the quinoa as coupled with the salmon. Hs fish and chips did not get teh same rhapsodic response as teh chowder. My dessert was a cheesecake that I did not see on the regular menu, which is a pity because it was excellent. . It was not the frothy light cheesecake, more like old fashioned SaraLee in texture. The cheese almost tasted like they used a mild goat cheese,The orange flavor did not overwhelm- it was there as a fragrance and a tang. I liked that a lot. there was a coconut broth that made an excellent counterpoint. to the cheese cake. I had also ordered one of the fruit drinks that can be spiked. I had the one with peach. That was disappointing- maybe the others are better. We were there the end of March. This year it is a cold spring. The dining room was chilly, probably due to the big plate glass window wall,We will come back but I would be wary of doing so in summer when eh sun hits from the west. Service however was prompt, did not hover and when I asked what a component was the server found out for me quickly.Oh, and the coffee was good, not too hot but I wish they had offered to refill it I liked it. P.S. There are single room restrooms on the main floor. One each. There is a sign saying there are more downstairs but no indication how to find downstairs. At 1:00 pm there was a 4 person line. Have a wait person suggest and point out teh other location please.
(4)
Amit S.
Ordered a dozen oysters, oyster po boys and the cheesecake. Told the bartender what kind of oysters I like and he gave me a dozen of some of the best oysters. The oyster po boys sounded interesting and at first I was not open to trying it. However, my friend that recommended this place said I had to try them and they were delicious! The cheesecake is my kind of cheesecake, fluffy and not rich and heavy like cheesecake factory. Has to be in the top 3 cheesecakes I've had. The beer that was recommended was outstanding and their hot sauces (wish they sold them) were REALLY good. This place made my trip to Chicago much more memorable.
(5)
Mickey F.
Ive eaten here at least 5 times for lunch. The food is wonderful. Friendly employees complemented by a great atmosphere and location. The P.E.I mussels are fresh and piping hot. The Alaskan fish and Chips are great. Get the crab cake when its in season. My current favorite desert is the carmel salted tort get it even if you have to share it. All in all its always great for lunch. Sorry GT but I have never made for dinner perhaps some day soon!
(5)
Casey N.
A-mazing! Had the basil gnocchi, grilled seabass w/ crispy polenta, lobster roll and key lime pie for dessert. Every dish exceeded my expectations. The place is effortlessly cool and just the right mix of hip and unassuming. A must visit. Food, service and ambience each receive four stars. Check out a full review of GT Fish & Oyster, including photos on my blog: caseycooks.com/2011/10/d…
(4)
Charlene S.
I heard all the hype about this place and the hubs and I decided to go on a Friday during Lent. We're like Friday.. no Meat, sure, let's do it. So I had the hubs call and tried to get reservations. They said that nothing was available till 10:45 pm. But they did have a bar area that was 1st come 1st serve. But they advised us to be early Time: 5:45pm ish. Early dinner but we anticipated a long wait. But we were seated immediately in the communal area. The ambiance: Very chic. Very good use of the old tizzi melloul. Contemporary. It was dark along wall where people were seated. We were seated at a communal table with other parties of 2 or 3. It was a little awkward, having our food looked at by everyone else as it was served. But I guess this is the new trend. As in the Publican... there are groups of people seated at a long dining room table. Very modern decor. As we walked out, the place was crowded... almost lounge like. Our waiter: eccentric. Long blond hair in an updo reminding me of someone stuck in the early 90s. Quirky black framed glasses. Interesting character as he knelt by our table excited to describe the menu and kept checking in on us and telling us how "fun" everything was. I don't know if he was talking about the experience or the food... The food... we ordered 4 tapas. the BBQ eel with octopus and potato salad, the Glazed cod with miso, asparagus, tobiko, the black gnocchi with squid ink, lobster broth, prawns and the mac and cheese. Delicious. The eel and the mac and cheese were the best things... The eel was very tender and had a wonderful sweet flavor. The mac and cheese were amazing, creamy and rich with fresh peas. I don't think I've ever had fresh peas. The broth for the squid ink gnocchi was delicious. The black ink didn't taste like I've had it in the past... it was masked by the dense gnocchi. The glazed cod wasn't so memorable, but cooked perfectly. Flaky but not rubbery. We overheard the couple across from us criticize the crab agnolotti. The waiter recommended it and they weren't so keen on the recommendation. I also heard them rave about the carrot cake so I was intrigued. But when the waiter came back I asked him what he thought we should get for dessert... the carrot cake or the PB chocolate cake. He recommended the choc cake and I was disappointed. The cake was nice... crunchy and cool in texture. But the PB was overwhelming and a bit on the salty side. The hubs though, was glad to finish my half off. The waiter was 0 for 2 The lobster roll... it's been raved about. But for $22 was on the small side. I would go back for the baja shrimp bruschetta, Stuffed squid, ocean trout... sh!t... I'd go back to try everything else...
(4)
Jeff J.
I came here with a friend on Monday night. Where I'm from (CT), restaurants like this probably either wouldn't be open on a Monday or would be pretty empty. This place was PACKED. We were lucky enough to snag two seats at a communal table (I thought only Chinese people did this) -- pretty cool. We started off with 2 of each type of oyster (apparently 3 West Coast kinds, and 3 East Coast kinds). The West Coast oysters were incredibly meaty, though most had a really briny finish. The East Coast oysters were much cleaner (almost crisp and sweet). We also got a bottle of NZ Babich Sauv. Blanc -- exactly as the waiter described it, so I was pleased with that. This wine paired exceptionally with the oysters. Next we got the tuna poke, sunfish ceviche, sturgeon, lobster roll, and lobster mac 'n cheese. The tuna poke was a delight, as I'm sure many reviewers have already stated. The sunfish ceviche was delectable--the acid in the dish wasn't overwhelming at all, and the flavors were very delicate. I won't lie, I ordered the dish mostly because I have great memories of catching sunfish as a kid... but had no clue people actually ate them. So many bones! When I moved off the awe of a SUNFISH ceviche, I realized, it was just a tasty ceviche... I'm not sure the use of sunfish is worth the effort. It just tasted like any other fish. Gimmick. The sturgeon was awesome... it's an oily fish, but it tastes like a refined bluefish. And the mushroom spinach pairing under it really helped frame the fish. Yes, it was oily, but the mushroom/spinach combo under it really made the oiliness purposeful. Lobster roll again was masterful, though different from the lobster rolls we eat in New England. Lobster mac 'n cheese... ehhh... it's just mac 'n cheese with lobster in it. We finished with a key lime pie in a jar. I wish there was more of the key lime and less of the crust. All in all, a wonderful meal (though the cost can add up!!).
(4)
Jessica C.
I'm not even sure where to begin. The restaurant itself is very modern, open and bright. It reminded me of being on a sail boat - hence the fish oyster lingo. The service was great - I forget who our server was, but she was attentive, explained the menu thoroughly and offered suggestions. Let's get to the best part...the food. My group and I had about two oysters each. GT makes their own hot sauce which is phenomenal for the oysters, which were incredibly fresh as well. Also fantastic items to try - tuna poke, crab cake, lobster roll, my whole table pretty much tried everything and it was all great. The plates are meant to be shared. Typically they would be good to share with 2-4 people, but we had 5 people and the restaurant was very accommodating to split up our plates accordingly. Naturally, we tried EVERY dessert on the menu. Hands down, the cheesecake is definitely the best choice. Another solid memory, we each took home a small bottle of their hot sauce.
(5)
Laura K.
We tried this place out on a Saturday night without reservations. It was 90 minutes for a table but we scored seats at the bar and that's where we wound up eating. The vibe is hip/upscale without being pretentious. First, the drinks were amazing. I had The Waitlist, which is Grey Goose, St. Germain, lime, grapefruit and bitters as well as The Roadrunner, which is Altos Plata tequila, maraschino, lemon, grapefruit and VEP Mist. I really enjoyed both but The Waitlist was my favorite. They have an impressive cocktail and beer list and our bartender was very knowledgeable. Next up was the reason we were drawn here in the first place: oysters! The selection changes daily and we were really pleased with our choices. (Sunset Beach, Royal Miyagi, Malpeque, Katama Bay, Beausoleil and Clevedon Coast.) So fresh and wonderful! Their ponzu mignonette sauce added a nice touch. We also had the tuna poke which was delicious. Very interesting flavor combinations with a hint of spice. The hamachi sashimi was fine but nothing spectacular. I felt their presentation didn't really highlight the fish like it should and was the only disappointment of the night. The final highlight was the oyster po'boy slider with kimchi. Or make that highlights since I managed to eat four. The bartender told the couple next to us they couldn't eat just one and he was so right. The funny thing is I didn't even think to order them, my boyfriend did. What an addicting flavor combination! Whoever came up with this little gem is genius. We had such an enjoyable evening here and I would definitely return next time we're in Chicago.
(4)
Jen R.
I went here with a girlfriend on a Monday night with mixed expectations. I've heard great things, but I also don't always buy into all of the hype of new restaurants since there have been so many lately that I find slightly disappointing. Luckily, GT Fish & Oyster FAR exceeded my expectations. We were fortunate enough to get a reservation, but I think we would have been able to sit at the communal table with little to no wait. The service was great. Right away our waiter was there with a drink list and introduced us to the menu, giving a few of his recommendations but not being too pushy. We ordered the shrimp bruschetta, lobster roll and fish tacos. I think the lobster roll was my least favorite because it was a tad bland, but still really good. And the onion strings it came with more than made up for any lack in flavor! The fish tacos were amazing. There was nothing too extravagant about what they put on the tacos, but something about the way they were done was perfect. The shrimp bruschetta was by far the favorite among my friend and I. I think I could have just had a few orders of this for my whole dinner. The flavors went so well together, each piece had 3-4 decent size shrimp on it (I was surprised by this). I would go back for this alone. Also, while we were waiting for our lobster roll, we received a complimentary order of the BBQ eel on the chef. What a nice surprise! Now this is something I probably NEVER would have ordered on my own, but it was delicious! The potato/octopus mixture that it came with was a great combination with the fish. I will definitely be back!
(5)
Reid S.
There are already hundreds of reviews here that are excellent so what will my 2 cents bring to this? I'm not sure but you are about to find out. Its obvious the food here is good, better then good its pretty great. I walked past dozens of half empty resturaunts until I arrived at GT which was packed. I knew I had arrived. We were seated after a beer at the bar and out server Trevor was very knowledgable of the food selection. We had the fish tacos, bruchetta , oyster sliders and fish and chips. They were all excellent but here is where they got me and why I decided on 5 stars. The flavors that Chef Guisseppi uses span the globe. This is truly a dining experience offered by a talented chef for a reasonable price. If in Chicago and not in the mood for a typical Chicago steak dinner GT should be on your list.
(5)
Eileen S.
Excellent! Really enjoyable seafood place with nice vibe, attentive servers, delicious small plates for sharing.
(5)
mark g.
Everything is delicious. Get there after 10 pm for 1/2 price oysters. Nice server. Pretty dang expensive - good thing I'm a billionaire.
Service good. Food: too small, too trendy, too expensive. Oysters good, but they are at Publican, too. Decor is really cool. Ambience is LOUD AND OBNOXIOUS. They needed to spend some $$ on sound deadening materials. My husband and I had to resort to make believe sign language to communicate during our $180 dinner. Patrick was great, and did the best he could under the circumstances. Great bottle of wine, but we probably won't be back.
(2)
Matt M.
A haiku: Chowder, good oysters And diners who blab about Places in New York
(4)
Chee K.
Went for a business lunch with my bankers. Delicious! The atmosphere was relaxed and the food is good as ever. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Karen M.
We went there last Saturday night and sat at a table in the bar area because we did not have a reservation. Not a problem. It was very cozy. What we ate: Shrimp brushetta - good flavors but kind of small Octupus - VERY good Oyster po boy slider - one of the best things I've ever eaten. So good with the kimchi Lobster mac 'n cheese - succulent lobster, great cheese sauce Pei mussels- Delicious! Nice presentation. Service was great. This was my second time here and really enjoyed it again. I'll be back!
(5)
Cynthia L.
They say that the best way to try an expensive restaurant is to eat there at lunch. Well having said that, don't eat here for lunch to save a buck. I would stick to their dinner. We ordered the kussi oysters (my fave), Tuna Poke, Shrimp bruschetta, fish tacos, and pork belly sliders. I was saddened that they didn't have that many choices at lunch. I read the reviews on how this place is a small plate restaurant, but I guess that's more for dinner. Oysters - fresh, plump, and tasty. Try Kussi if you like a smooth, buttery finish. It's not as briney as some others. Tuna poke - super fresh, but not that much flavor. Considering that poke is at the local grocery stores in Hawaii, it's hard to pay so much for it here. I like the extra kick it has, but was not wowed by it. Shrimp bruschetta - Skip. You can make this at home. Flavors are ok, but I ordered it because the person eating with me didn't want all raw items. Fish tacos - fish was light and flaky, perfectly executed. The topping was nice, but again not too flavorful which in this case was ok because it showcased the sweetness of the fish...(rockfish, the day I went). Sliders - although a bit pricey for the size ($4) for a quarter sized slider, it was by far the tastiest $4 I have ever spent! i was smart enough to order two, and it was so satisfyingly spicy, sweet, and creamy all at the same time. So good...i'm drooling thinking about it now. It makes me sad that the best thing here was the sliders. I'm convinced that dinner is much better than lunch, although I may not be back to try din since lunch was a disappointment.
(3)
Clifford R.
We had a great time at GT Fish & Oyster. Had later reservations (around 10 PM) and the place was still poppin. By the time we left around midnight, it was dying down a bit. GT Fish and Oyster is a small plate style seafood joint. They recommend 2 - 3 plates per person, but we had trouble narrowing down our choices to 15 (we had a party of 5). In the end we had a great plate of oysters (3 styles, tried New Zealand oysters for the first time, amazing!) and a bunch of small dishes. Favorites included: Tuna Poke Seared Tuna Salad Crab Tortellini King Crab Legs Lobster Mac & Cheese (!!) We had a blackberry buckle for dessert which was also really good. Our waitress was great, I wish I remembered her name. She had a bit of edge to her, and someone described her as a being a bit like Kathy Griffen. She put up with our shenanigans with a bit of her own wit. Loved her.
(4)
Caesar R.
While at the Lobster Roll Rumble in NYC, the executive chef was kind enough to give me a gift card to GT Fish and Oyster in Chicago. So there was no way I wasn't going to come to this establishment whilst in the second city. Well, as far as hub bub goes, this is one of the best places we have ever been considering the vibe. The service was super friendly and fun. What an amazing start to the evening. Super fun bar staff and stylish crowd that sets a good mood for a what should have been an amazing meal. Maybe it was an off night or we are just being way too picky NYers for a change. The meal started off great when the oysters arrived with two homemade hot sauces, mignionette and housemade cocktail sauce. We sampled 3 kinds of east coast oysters and we were blown away at how fresh everything tasted. We had a great bottle of Lebanese (yeah, I was shocked too) Rose at the suggestion of the server. Then our other courses began arriving. The tuna poke with mango, cucubmer and black sesame was the best dish unfortunately. We also had the crab cake with the red bell pepper aioli and pickled vegetables was just not the best. The crab cake was a little burnt, but still filled with big chunks of crab and almost no filler. The final two courses of the lobster mac n cheese with english peas and the crawfish tails with the short rib ravioli were bland at best. But don't let me stop you from coming to this place. In fact, I would return here to try other options. The vibe of the place is worth coming for no matter what.
(3)
Jeff K.
I thought the oysters were very good. Decently priced. I had something that looks like a worm on one of my half shells, but i am not put off by it. I didn't even complain. Glad that I didn't eat that! Quite, peaceful atmosphere and friendly staff...only downside was their high price. If i were on a date, what the heck, but tonight, I am paying for my sister and her hungry friends.
(4)
Jenn H.
Since our first experience was so good, I took my boyfriend to GT after drinks at Aviary. I made the reservation through Open Table via Yelp and just put in the comments "Boyfriend's Birthday." Our reservation was for 10:30pm and when we arrived, we were promptly seated at a corner table. We noticed there was a card waiting for us, and when we opened it, we saw it was a birthday card with a $20 Gift Card for our next visit. It was such a nice and unexpected touch, we knew we were in for a great night. We had the same server and she remembered us from a few weeks ago. Our oysters were again wonderful, Tuna Poke great, crab legs pretty good (butter was a little salty), and the overall experience was great. We will be back SOON to spend our gift card! Thank you GT for adding to an already great night.
(5)
J T.
Cool place. But, way over priced for nothing exceptional. All of the food was prepared properly and was of good quality. Wouldn't go back though.
(3)
Lauren W.
Came here with a party of four on a Friday night. Our service was excellent and we were seated outside on a small patio. It was still a bit chilly but we enjoyed dining outside despite the construction site view. Our drinks were fantastic! We started out with the ceviche, which was great. From there, the four of us split the lobster roll, lobster mac and cheese, crab cakes, croquettes, some oysters (I can't remember which) and the tuna poke. Everything was good but I'd pass on the lobster roll next time. The real star of the show though, as others have stated, was the carrot cake. Holy cow! It was delicious. We also had the key lime pie which I highly recommend. Seriously, just thinking about that carrot cake makes my mouth water. Plan on having dessert at GT! It's phenomenal!
(4)
Sarah M.
Fish, seafood and oysters are always welcome on my plate whether raw or cooked, so of course, this place was on my visit list since it opened. I have to admit, my expectations were very high- partially due to the fact it is part of the Boka Group and partially because of the sparkling reviews. We arrived early for our reservation so we could take in the atmosphere and see the presentation of dishes. Elegant design, noise level was quite low and dishes were well presented and streaming out of the kitchen. All positive signs. Despite either the restaurant or Opentable screwing up our reservation, we managed to score a great table more or less at the time we reserved. The service was efficient, pleasant and knowledgeable about the menu, but I felt something was..lacking. My husband and I ate: Shrimp/foie gras terrine - I'm a sucker for terrines. This one was well executed but, to echo my husband, there wasn't a whole lot of foie flavour in it. Monkfish in heirloom tomato puree - The monkfish was charming my tastebuds. The puree left much to be desired. I like my purees slightly chunky to taste all of the individual flavours as well as the cohesive whole, especially when working with heirloom tomatoes and all of their subtletys. I think it all got lost in the creamy, flat texture. Lobster roll - Excellent. Packed with lobster and light on everything else, just the way it should be, though usually is not. Pricey though. Grilled octopus and watermelon. Delightful. Mussels, octopus, clams, shrimp and crab oh my! Loved every bite. I'd return, but not anytime soon - too many others to try first..
(3)
Angela S.
Whoops, should've made reservations. Came here and the line was ridiculous so I just ordered a lobster roll to go, $22 and a few minutes later I was walking back to the hotel, deliciousness in hand. Yes it's stupid expensive, but it's a lot of lobster. I don't know if it counts as a lobster salad - it was 90% lobster. Crunchy onions on the side were great. Wish I could've been there on a Wednesday for their oyster deal!
(4)
Zeljko D.
This is place for showing up to be seen, not for food. Food was OK, but portions are joke. We had shrimp bruschetta, two tiny pieces of bread with few shrimp. That was a sign of things to come. I had the most ridiculous fish and chips ever. Seriously, don't intend to come here ever again, except if I start dating starved model, so that I can pretend we actually ate something. My friend was equally disappointed with what he ordered. Oh and potatoes for ship and chips, wrapped in real newspaper... I guess for authenticity. Not healthy at all. Service was fine, like you would expect from place like this.
(1)
Samantha P.
Good God this place is so incredibly delicious. I went here with a large party of people and we tried a myriad of things so I'll only recite the highlights: BAJA SHRIMP BRUSCHETTA avocado, toasted pistachio, grapefruit, cilantro FOIE GRAS AND SHRIMP TERRINE apricot chutney, pickled onion, szechuan peppercorn CLAM CHOWDER that comes in a small 4 oz. sealed glass jar for individual servings. GLAZED COD miso, asparagus, preserved mango GT LOBSTER "MAC AND CHEESE" with english peas And for the oyster lovers, they profile six different oysters from all over the country with a minimum order requirement of six. It's a nice way to really taste the difference in oysters from different fishing regions. GT Fish & Oyster is a really perfect for large groups because all of the entrees are small tapas, and with a big group you can get a bite of a multitude of the fine offerings here, all of which are scrumptious.
(5)
Myke F.
An amazing experience that can't be beat, as awesome for the seasoned seafood veteran or just someone looking for a culinary experiment. GT Fish & Oyster serves up nothing but the finest in seafood, and in a unique style that you won't find anywhere else. And in a casual environment with fine dining, you can't go wrong. I'll start with a few quick notes... being New England born and bred, now living in on the Pacific coast, I am VERY perticular about my seafood... I know what's good, and this place is one of the best. It's up there with Waterbar (San Fran), Providence (LA), Neptune Oyster (Boston), Le Bernardin (New York), and since you're in Chicago, up there with L2O. That said... be sure to call early for a reservation. Also, we went with two vegetarians... who ate pork and duck... it was that unique, and that delicious. The point of GT Fish & Oyster is you buy a number of small dishes and share... for the people who are reviewing on Yelp! and complaining about the portion sizes... obviously they DON'T understand the concept. The dishes are served in order, to compliment the progression of your dinner, one after the other... and it works to perfection. If you want to have fun and experiment, this is the place to be. If you love seafood, this is the place to be. If you love a tapas style, shared dinner experience, there's no place better. When I went, we went pretty crazy, and all had a little taste of almost half the menu... that said, here's where some of those dishes stand: The Berkshire Pork Belly is to die for. I've had plenty in my time, and this was honestly the best of the best... as I mentioned above, vegetarians took a taste and even wanted more. The Clam Chowder was great... so great, that we ordered it again. Being the pickey New England guy I am, I know chowder, and this is some of the best of New England's style, with a smokey mid-western twist. The Tuna Poke was some of the better raw tuna you can get... pretty standard flavors with the sesame oil and seeds, but the mango really adds a pleasantly unexpected twist. The Foie Gras and Shrimp Terrine combines shrimp and duck liver into a unique dish... it's sweet, it's spicy, and it's savory, all in one. The Oysters were super fresh, and worth paying $3 each... they have seletions from Washington, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and even Virginia! If you like Oysters in the least, you'll love how GT Fish & Oyster does it! The Crab Cake was super fresh, and served with a red pepper aioli that you could eat with a spoon by itself. It wasn't greasy in the least... crispy outside, succulent flaky inside. The Pei Mussels was the LARGEST dish... full of sauce and basil, but the best part is that it wasn't briney, salty, or fishy... truly a delightful dish. And of course... the desert... we were gonna go grab some sweets elsewhere, but decided to stay here for coffee and cake... and boy was it the right choice! The raspberry chocolate lava cake we had was the PERFECT way to end the meal. If you can't tell... this was an AMAZING experience, and you cannot be disappointed!!
(5)
Sunil D.
My experience here was a good one, but far from mind blowing (would give it 3.5, but rounded up due to my River North bias). All the food was good, with fresh, high quality ingredients being used, but there were few dishes that truly wowed me. The mussels in red sauce, fish & chips and the clam chowder were all solid, while the gnocchi is the must have dish of the 8 or so we tried. The oyster selection was good and the staff was well-versed in the options (about 6-8) that were presented to us. Scallops were ok, as were the bbq eel and tuna poke. Overall it was a great atmosphere, service was very good and luckily we weren't seated at a communal table. Prices were a little on the high side, even for seafood, but like I said everything seemed to be very fresh and high quality. Although the portion sizes were very hit or miss, some were big (the mussels), while some were small even for shared plates (everything else....). In the end, everyone in my party agreed that we were glad we tried multiple dishes, but next time we'd each grab our own order of the gnocchi (which was really too split with any party greater than 1) and fish & chips.
(4)
Nancy K.
It just gets better. Unable to get a reservation on a Tuesday night so ate at the bar which work well. Octopus was so good - we ordered another. Excellent oysters, octopus, cocktails, tuna poke and as always people watching.
(5)
Christina P.
Let me say this - WOW! The fish was so fresh and they were so accommodating to diet restrictions. The atmosphere was great and service was stellar. Definately stop here if you are in Chicago!
(5)
D T.
I was SO excited to come here, knowing they own Boka, Perennial, etc. Hands down my favorite restaurant group in Chicago. The place doesn't disappoint. Service is fantastic, decor casual and chic, food outstanding. We came for my mom's bday, and there was a note waiting for her- a gift card for her next visit!! GT- high marks. We had: Oysters- duh, outstanding. Yellowtail- great, not my favorite. Bruschetta- so-so Lobster Mac- HUGE chunks of lobster, NO JOKE. More than a fair amount of lobster. Special- sausage, corn, mussels, shrimp, broth= Heaven. Yep, worth my Catholic ass comparing it to my future residence. Chicken- Fantastic...something with this company and chicken. They KILL all other chicken dishes at restaurants. Mind blowing, really. Go! It's another gem!
(4)
Kyle H.
Oh wow, this place was delicious. It was even more pleasant of a surprise, since we had made our reservation so far in advance (you gotta with this joint!) that I had totally forgotten we were going until the day before! I had really enjoyed Tizi Melloul before, but this place is definitely an excellent replacement. The service was excellent - friendly, casual but still knowledgeable, and our server seemed very approachable and good natured. He suggested the Tuna Poke, which was INCREDIBLE. We also got the steak (we had one non-seafood eater with us), the lobster mac and cheese, and an assortment of different ceviches and carpaccios. I absolutely loved everything we ate. The only reason I took off a star was because it seems a little overpriced, and I think a lot of that has to do with how hot it is right now. They know that it doesn't matter how expensive they are right now, because they're booked solid for months. Perhaps after the hype cools down people will realize that it's overpriced and they will rethink some of their prices. Whether or not they do, I will still be back. I just need to save up some dough before I go. PS - The desserts, which you may not expect from a seafood place, were OUT OF THIS WORLD. We got the exact same three desserts as the table next to us, because they looked so good. The cheesecake panna cotta was my favorite, but the key lime pie pot and carrot cake were also incredible. It would even be worth going here just for dessert, but I don't know why anyone would, because all of the food is amazing.
(4)
Jeff S.
GT Fish & Oyster provides great fresh seafood, a warm enjoyable decor, but service was lacking. All our food choices including the snapper ceviche, the lobster roll and the lobster Mac and cheese were all delicious. They have a small but quality beer list and some tasty cocktails. The service however was slow, and just off. Our waiter was slow on getting drinks, had to come back to the table to ask us to remind him what we ordered and then brought us the wrong check after the meal. If the service gets on par with the food this place will be a real winner.
(4)
Jen T.
The food here is actually very good. Although I have to admit, it's a bit out of my normal budget, it was well worth it to have a very good meal. Since I don't eat large volumes, I was perfectly happy to eat truly yummy dishes rather than get quantity over quality. The decor is stately and the service was kind without feeling fake.
(5)
Kris L.
Ok group, little known fact, head to GT for 1/2 price oysters after 10:00 and the the tasty Millstone grapefruit cocktails this place rocks.
(3)
Jims L.
Lobster roll, totally not worth it. I'm going to venture to say one of their own agreed with me. Management: I'm sure your hosts/hostesses get calls about this all the time - would it be so difficult to put your hours up on your wordpress site, perhaps right below "Dress: Casual"? I mean, I get that it's important that people know they're allowed to wear jeans to the place, but isn't it 2011, aren't you part of a great restaurant group that knows what it's customers need, I'll maybe be more interested in all your riveting articles and reviews if I only knew what time I could plan to eat there myself????????????? Alright: Sunfish ceviche, shrimp cocktail. Actually, I take that back. The apple-shiso slaw that comes with the shrimp is amazing. I spooned it when the shrimp were gone. Anyway. The tacos, and gnocchi were alright. Lastly, nice space! I do like all the touches, but was concerned with all the personalizing: hope you guys are in it for the long run, or you'll have a hard time selling the space with the furniture in any package with "GT" all over everything.
(3)
David M.
The Salted Caramel Tart dessert is reason enough to come here. The dessert bumped this rating up a star, in my opinion. Ok, I guess I can talk about the actual food... We had a group of 5 on a Wednesday night (around 10pm) after hanging out at the pier. It was still somewhat busy, which was surprising, but maybe this is the spot to be on a Wednesday night? We ordered a clam bake, halibut, oyster po'boy sliders, and a gang of oysters. Since it's half-off all oysters after 10pm, I went to town...It was my first time here, so I tried all the different types of oysters, but in the end, I just ordered the cheaper ones since they tasted about the same after a while. I do have to say, some of the oysters were a little tiny, but oh well...half-off. Of everything we ordered, the oyster po'boy sliders were so different and off-the-wall, it was awesome. I'm from Los Angeles, so we've got all the trendy food trucks with sliders, but oysters battered and fried till golden brown?...Nope, never seen it here. On a side note, the ambiance and look of this place is simple, yet sophisticated. We sat at the long table right along the window looking out to the street corner. Check this place out if you're in the area!
(4)
Casey Z.
Everything was exceptional. We had the crab cake, the artichokes and some oyster shooters and each item was great! Cool ambiance as well. I will definitely come back!
(4)
Robin D.
Ive been wanting to go to this place for a very very long time so when my friend from Canada came to town, it was a good excuse. We went 6 months ago so this review is based on that. The food is quite good at this place especially the fish tacos, I think that's my favorite. We pretty much tried a lot of stuff Fish Tacos - 5 stars Shrimp Ravioli - 4 stars Lobster Roll - 3.5 stars Crab cake - 3.5 stars the portions here are small so be ready to order 3 to 4 orders per person since they are tapas style. I don't think its a good value for money but then again you don't go to these places for value, you go for the experience, the innovative food and it comes with a price. The service didn't blow me away. I hate these places that think that because they are always packed that they can just give you so so service. The service isnt bad but I dont think it worth a 20% tip I have 2 negatives: First the big one...When you make a reservation I dont think you should be asked to wait 45 mins especially from a place like this. It just tells you how bad their planning system is or how greedy they are to a point that they want to make their customers with reservations wait. The next one is minor, if you want a nice romantic date, this is not the place to be, it is LOUD!. When you have to shout to be heard across the table, that for me is LOUD. I dunno if I would spend my time and money going back but I might take the fish tacos to go :)
(3)
Yingzi W.
Awesome place for lunch. Shared 3 dishes (that came as 3 courses) with a friend, and the waitress was so on top of things that the entire lunch only took an hour. Highly recommend the lobster mac & cheese!
(5)
Brad A.
I love this place. It's great for a group or just sitting at the bar. The food is fantastic and they have a great selection. I'm a huge fan of the lobster roll and you can't go wrong with the oysters. The portions are small so you tend to order a few. That can make the bill add up quickly. They have a great selection of beer and Scotch which also will put a dent in your wallet. The place is usually packed but you can find a spot by the bar if you get there at the right time. The staff is always very friendly and helpful.
(5)
Alexandra D.
Lobster roll disappointment. The bread was good, though I've had better, there was plenty of meat, but the end product was lacking in flavor. There is almost no sauce, and the sauce makes a good lobster roll. I ended up putting miracle whip on it (got it takeout). One should not have to put Miracle Whip onto a $22 ($24 with tax) sandwich. Period. The space is lovely - clean and modern, and I have heard good things about the food from others who have had dinner there. So I would give it another shot, avoiding the aforementioned lobster roll abomination. Side note - Sixteen in Trump does an awesome lobster roll around the same price so if that's what you're craving go there. Side note #2: I can't comment at length about the service, obviously, having gotten takeout but - when I walked in at 2:30pm on a Tues to an almost-empty restaurant and was told by the hostess she wasn't sure if she could accomodate a takeout order...I was pretty surprised. She came back and said OK but why it was even an issue when they were not busy at all is poor service.
(2)
Mary I.
Came here with 3 girlfriends for dinner during opening week. The food was fantastic. The service was very prompt and ambiance is very trendy, yet casual. A few dishes that stuck out: lobster roll, king crab dumplings. Smoked salmon was okay, lobster mac and cheese a little runny for my liking, but besides that, everything else was pretty tasty. I already have rsvps to come back. Nice job! Price per person was about $35.
(4)
Drew M.
I definitely recommend this place. The atmosphere, service and food was impeccable. I am not an oyster fan so I was a little weary on coming here but in the end actually ended up getting tricked into eating their oyster po' boy sandwich. It was amazing. We tried almost the whole menu and loved every dish. For dessert I recommend the deconstructed key lime pie and if you want a fabulous cocktail try the "wait list".
(5)
Samantha H.
Dining al fresco at one Boka group's restaurant may have given me my best dinner experience this summer. Although I typically consider this to be an enormous mistake, I didn't make a reservation at GT. When I arrived the hostess were accommodating and immediately seated us outside. Any restaurant that serves small dishes and uses stemless wine glasses is fine by me. The menu at GT changes, so depending on the season/month/week you will be able to try new things. Like your fish raw? They've got that too! My biggest complaint/compliment is that the food was so delicious I would have preferred a bigger plate, but the tapas-style meal allowed me to try more things on the menu. Also: stellar service!
(5)
Sam W.
Phenomenal! Made a reservation about three weeks in advance, knowing this was one of the hottest restaurants in town. Once I secured a 12:15pm spot, I invited my mom for her 58th birthday. We walked in and we warmly greeted by the host stand and quickly escorted to the patio, where we requested to sit on this sunny 72 degree afternoon. Our server, Alice, came over and helped us choose our drinks. For me, I had the GT @ The Beach and my mom had a glass of wine. The Gt @ The Beach was served in a jar and was similar to a margarita only imagine drinking it through a straw with a lime on top. (I posted a photo to this site) It was refreshing and very good. Now on to the food! We started out with the Tuna Poke and the Shrimp Bruschetta. The Poke was delicious and the preserved mango it was served with provided a somewhat cooling effect from the hint of spice in the tuna. This was the definition of fresh. The bruschetta was very interesting and the avocado mousse spread on the bottom of the bruschetta was tasty. The shrimp were plump and cooked to perfection, and the crushed pistachios on top were the perfect texture contrast. We then ordered the Lobster Roll and the Basil Gnocchi. Honestly, both dishes are now in my top five of anything that has ever entered my stomach. The Lobster roll was the meatiest lobster roll I've ever seen. It was literally overflowing with fresh, chunky lobster and the soft, buttered roll it was all wrapped up in was fantastic. Even the fried onions it came with were crispy and addicting. The Gnocchi was amazing as well. The green-colored gnocchi were as soft as pillows and came with this amazing broth with fresh shrimp and mussels. How a seafood place like GT can destroy any gnocchi I've had at Italian restaurants is wuite an accomplishment. Since it was lunch, de saw a special of an Oyster Po'Boy slider. Once again, we were blown away by the flavor. The oyster was fried and had an herby taste to it, and the mini bun came topped with kimchi and toasted peanuts. I could've eaten 10 of these if they weren't $4 each! Finally, since it was my mom's bday, we ordered the already famous key lime pie in a jar. This was so ridiculously good that I would contemplate donating bigger jars to GT just so they can serve even more of this delicious concoction to each guest. The tart key lime filling, topped with gingersnap crumbs and the most delicate meringue in the world. Plus, they decorated the plate with "Happy Birthday" and stuck a candle in the jar. Service was flawless and extremely fast. We never felt rushed or hurried and plates were cleared and silverware was replaced like clockwork. I absolutely can not wait to return to this fine establishment for the best combination of seafood and service in the city of Chicago. If YELP would let me rate 6 stars, I would have! Well done GT, well done.
(5)
Obormot O.
My number 1 fancy lunch place. Even though I don't eat oysters and I've never been to this place for dinner, my lunch experience is overwhelmingly enough to rate it 5 out of 5. Dinner menu has a few more items and I'm sure they should be pretty good. Almost everything I tried tasted great. Clam chowder is an absolute must. My number one recommendation. Pork belly sliders come second and pretty much share the second place with the lobster roll. I don't drink during lunch, so I can't comment on the signature cocktails. I should visit the place for dinner one day and update this review.
(5)
Grace P.
The lobster roll was pretty bomb! sunfish ceviche was pretty yummy as well. now here is where the wheels start to fall off for me hence the poor rating: the crab agnolotti was just OK. uneventful. not sure what all of the hype is about. the 'mac and cheese' was a bummer as well...the portion was super tiny. but it also wasn't as cheesy as I'd like it to be. maybe that's why its only a tiny tasting? :) (I'm not shy about my 'cheesy goodness' ) lastly, we sat on the patio on a beautiful, chicago evening...we ate most of our meal with a slight hint of smoke and cigar smoke. not so pleasant while attempting to enjoy a meal. :( I won't be going back...it was good to check off my list!
(2)
Natalie H.
We made reservations for 6:30 and got right in. Service was slightly uncoordinated but otherwise impeccable. As for the food breakdown: Clam chowder - don't make the same mistake I did. Order the full size unless you want to start an all-out war with your sig. The chowder is delicious and substantial without being heavy. It's thickened with only cream and I wish they sold this by the gallon. Sunfish Ceviche - Tart and beautiful, it was a ceviche well done. The "chips" really made the dish, and it was perfect for a refreshing summer starter. Fish & Chips - while they were done extremely well, and the steak fries dusted with just the right amount of seasoning, I had no foody epiphany after biting into these delectable morsels...so I probably wouldn't order this again. Why waste precious tummy space when I need room for newer dishes I haven't tried? Lobster Mac & Cheese - creamy & unctuous, the cheese was mild and saucy but did not overpower the sweetness of the lobster. I just wish the serving was bigger. Shrimp & Foie Gras Terrine - Surprisingly, the foie gras actually complimented the shrimp. This terrine served over brioche toast accompanied by apricot preserves and pickled shallots was AMAZING. 3 small, but heavenly little bites. Lobster Roll - after hearing all the reviews beef this sammich up, I was pretty underwhelmed. I do appreciate the sheer quantity of lobster presented in this dish, but it did lack some fattiness, acid, and herbs that would have pushed this into a more memorable category for me. Strawberry Shortcake - Also a little underwhelming and one-note. The sorbet was overly sweet and not tart enough. The biscuit was thick and a little bit dry (which I don't mind), but the dish was begging for some acidity and creaminess, perhaps from some creme fraiche. The basil was nice but, unfortunately, could not save it. Cheesecake panna cotta - I wanted to make sweet, sweet love to this dish. The "panna cotta" had the texture of whipped cream but the flavor of a very condensed cheese cake that melted on the tongue like a whisper of angel wings. Huckleberries added tartness and complexity to the dish. Quite possibly the best thing I had all night (gasp! even better than the chowder? I have to go back & see!)
(5)
Jill B.
We had many items as it's small/shared plates dining. The GT Crudos was a real treat. Overall, my favorites were; Tuna Poke, Shrimp Bruschetta, Seafood Ceviche & Lobster Tacos. Lobster Ravioli was a bit disappointing as pasta was overcooked. Excellent server, very knowledgeable. Also have some ridiculous (be warned, very strong, but $$$) cocktails. A definite special occassion dining experience or to impress during a business dinner.
(4)
Georgie B.
Food was innovative but not as special as I think the owners think it is Server very friendly Crowd young thin pretty and wearing black Room very loud Prices a little silly ie $40 for 10oz of steamed crab legs Not worth the price and dining room not relaxing at all See and be seen here. Foodies go somewhere else.
(3)
Audre L.
Had dinner here. The Lobster Roll is fab, Oyster PoBoy with Kim Chi is a fun global take on the dish. Fish Tacos are awesome, the CrabCake is very good. Plates are small, prices are not so small. Pricey but fun. The desserts are really good, this might be a good place to come to for dessert actually. The Peanut Butter Semi Freddo is perfect. The Key Lime Pie comes in a mini mason jar, and the Blackberry dessert has almond flavors. The style of the desserts and the ambiance of the bar area kind of reminds me of The Standard in NYC.
(4)
Kevin B.
Fantastic fresh oysters. Really enjoyed the atmosphere. Ciopinno was unique and exciting, it had wheat berries in it which was innovative and delicious. I would go back for sure.
(4)
Mer P.
I thought this was really fantastic. The oysters were very diverse and interesting and I feel like I learned something without the servers talking down to me. The other dishes including the tacos and mussels were so flavorful without being heavy in any sense. Would love to return here on a non lunch trip so I could enjoy a martini with my oysters!
(4)
Amy L.
Had a 9:15 reservation on a Thursday and was seated right away. Our waiter was great with suggestions and our food was spaced out well. My faves were the tuna poke, oyster po boy, and the lobster roll (Connecticut style, with butter instead of mayo based and served warm). Boyfriend really liked the hamachi. Didn't think it was too pricey for the quality of food and service, and I was nicely full after sharing 6 plates. Look forward to returning.
(4)
Amanda T.
This is the story of girl meets restaurant; girl falls in lust; girl has an amazing mind-blowing experience; and finally girl falls head over heels in love. I have so many amazing things to Say about GT Fish & Oyster I don't know where to begin. I've been wanting to try GT since it first opened, since I really like these Boka Group restaurants. We finally got around to it when I decided I wanted to go for my birthday. Reservations had to be made like a month in prior and we were still only able to get a table on a weeknight (if I wanted to go on a Fri/Sat I would have to dine at 5pm with my grandparents or 11pm with my little brother). Was it worth the wait? HELL YES. The service was first class. Our waitress (Mariam-if you have her, tip her well she's awesome) was friendly and attentive and kept coming along with copious water refills. GT was somehow informed that it was my [belated] birthday and the staff went above and beyond to make sure our GT experience was memorable. I really have to give a big shout out to Chef Giuseppe Tentori for that. Bravo maestro. There is a lovely cocktail and wine selection. I'm not really into "sweet" drinks but the Waitlist Martini was delicious. Every single dish we ordered was wonderful. We started with the oysters, had a little East Cost vs West Coast Biggie Tupac battle going on (West won for sure). The Gigamoto oyster was FUEGO; I only ordered this one because I thought it was pronounced 'jigga-moto' and it reminded me of Jay Z and gigawatt, but it was a solid choice. The tuna poke was equally delicious and very fresh. Next came the Oyster Po'Boy Sliders and the Ricotta Gnocchi. These two seriously deserve a Nobel Peace Prize, it will bring world peace, I'm sure of it. The sliders were light and just awesome. And the gnocchi is, as my mom would say, NASTY. Nasty in the best way possible with all the tabiko and smoked salmon goodness in it. We also had the Lobster Mac & Cheese, Bigoli & Clams and the Fish Tacos. All were divine in their own right. The desserts were great too. I can talk about the food at GT for hours but I suggest you get off your computer and see for yourself.
(5)
Ryan B.
I couldn't put this review on my to-do list...I will make time for GT. This place is right up my alley and it should be right up yours too (you know what I mean - haha!). I love the atmosphere here, it reminded of San Fran, no wait, Cape Cod, maybe even the Hamptons. I think we settled on Seattle - probably because Seattle can do no wrong in my opinion. GT is crisp, clean, and harmonious. I think I could smell the ocean breeze. Everyone in the joint was enjoying themselves. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. We challenged our server to amaze us with their best, and he did. The oysters are incredibly fresh...Go with the Penn Cove's...Delightful. The sunfish ceviche is tasty, not to mention the friend green tomato with smoked trout...Words cannot describe. Don't even get me started on the lobster roll. Mussels were delivered to the table next to us and I might have drooled a bit...They looked like reason enough to go back very soon. The cocktail menu is fun and creative, and there is a very nice wine and craft beer list. It doesn't get much better.
(4)
Nimit P.
Hello awesomeness! Like many others, I was a bit skeptical about another small plate restaurant dotting the line of up and comers in the last few years, but I must say GT is already becoming one of my favorite spots in the city. I've been a handful of time in the past six months or so and every time I've left beyond satisfied with my experience. I've probably had everything on the menu, and a few musts for us are always the Clam Chowder, Lobster roll, Crab Cake, Tuna Poke, Fish and Chips, and Oyster Po'Boy sliders. If you like oysters they have a great selection of fresh east coast and west coast oysters, and everything is generally fantastic. The bar's open late and also has the full menu available which is a nice option since it a weekend reservation can be a little tough. If you love seafood, this place is perfect a small group of four or five and just go nuts with menu!
(4)
Onur U.
The first time I stopped by I found a spot at the counter and looked around for a menu. In the ten minutes it took for me to flag down a server I got bumped into several times and rudely crowded by the after-work power crowd that fills the place right around 6PM. So I said screw it, why bother. I returned recently and waited until a couple seats opened up at the bar. The service was attentive and the other patrons didn't bother us, so this is definitely the way to go. We started off with a couple cocktails and an order of oysters. The cocktails left a lot to be desired. The cocktail list features drinks that are much too sweet for me, and when I tried to direct the bar tender he grew flustered trying to understand what I was looking for. I get it. The place isn't trying to be a serious cocktail bar. Still it was annoyingly difficult to get a drink that wasn't overly sweet such that it masks the alcohol. No wonder the menu has so many vodka drinks. I'm sure they employ some excellent bar tenders, but I'll probably stick to beer in the future. The oysters were excellent and priced similarly to other places around town. Good selection featuring both east coast and west coast oysters and a shucker who knows what he's doing (read: lots of liquor left in the shell and no sand). The rest of the food was overpriced and uninteresting. The seafood was all fresh, but the eel was smothered in sweet sauce and the lobster roll was miniscule. I'll return because I love oysters and they're doing a good job with them. My strategy next time will be to stick to beer and oysters, and be sure to get a seat. With that in mind, it's nice to have another choice to get solid oysters even if they are over 2 dollars a pop. Such is life in the middle of the country,
(3)
Joey T.
I went to GT for lunch on a Friday with a colleague. It was packed and I got the sense most people made reservations. Although we did not make reservations, we were able to get a good table. The decor was fun and enjoyable. I suspect that in the evenings the dress is a smart casual, but being lunchtime near the loop, most people were wearing business dress/ business casual. The service was great and very informative. We went with a bunch of west coast oysters of differing variety and some chowder. The oysters were excellent! The soup was good as well. We left pretty satisfied.
(4)
Frances A.
The best lobster Mac n cheese and lobster roll I've ever had in my life, hands down. Service was great. Everyone is very knowledgable and knows their stuff. They made my friend feel really special on her birthday. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Therese F.
Went here last night for a work dinner (10 ppl) and everyone came away a fan. Service: Excellent. We arrive pretty early for the reservation but they seated us immediately and got us our drinks. With a group of 10 people, and no one had dined here before, the waiter did a fantastic job working with us to select options for the whole table. No one was ever in need of water or a drink and for an individual with dietary restrictions, the waiter pointed out which dishes they should avoid upon being brought to our table. Atmosphere: Great -- not as uber trendy as I expected based on some reviews -- still trendy and very nice but had a laid back chic feel. Food: Wonderful (broken down below). Also a good wine, beer, liquor (Pappy VanWinkle particularly), and mixed drink selection. - *Tuna Poke: Very good, would order again. - *Ceviche: Refreshing and light, great option to order first. - Baja Shrimp Bruschetta: Good, not spectacular. - Oyster Po'Boy Slider: Didn't try this one myself, but the rest of the table raved about this one. - Cauliflower: Didn't try it myself, others seemed to like it, only dish we didn't finish though so not as good as the other selections. - **Gnocchi: Hands down best dish. - Crab Cake: One of the better crab cakes I've had in the city -- one member of the group is from Boston originally and said it was one of his favorites. - Mix of East & West Oysters: I'm definitely a East Coast oyster person, although others like West Coast more -- obviously it's a personal preference. Good Oysters, not the best I've had in the city. I actually prefer the oysters at NoMi. - Fish Tacos: Also really good, but think Mercaditos are better. Still worth ordering. - **Lobster Roll: Close second for best dish -- everyone was raving over this one. The pairing of flavors between the lobster filling and the bread (slightly toasted added a nice crunch). I was hesitant based on mixed reviews, and this isn't something I would order on my own, but was glad they brought it out. - GT Lobster "Mac and Cheese": Definitely tasty, but some of the other dishes were so amazing that this was a bit outshone. It was brought out last so that may have come into play. I would recommend it for groups or smaller/more intimate pairings. Not necessarily for kids. Plan on going back.
(4)
Ashley K.
I'm going with two stars based on the descriptions Yelp assigns to the star ratings. I didn't love GT but I didn't hate it. Everything that we had was fine, but for what we paid for dinner, it should have been been better than fine. I'll start with the service, which was definitely the high point. Our waitress (forgot her name) was very pleasant and helpful. The busboy kept refilling my water glass every time I took a sip. I appreciated the attention to detail but they left the water on the table, so I really could have done it myself without someone's hand in my face every 2.2 seconds. As for the ambiance, I liked the nautical theme and was glad that they didn't overkill it. But the noise level...let's get serious. I am a late (gulp) twentysomething so I understand that restaurants, especially ones with lots of open space like GT Fish & Oyster, will be noisy. I don't mind a moderate level of noise. But when I have to practically scream to talk to my dad across the table (2 top), that's pushing it, even for me. Either GT is oblivious to the fact that the design of the space will create a noisy environment, or they don't care, because the music was blasting louder than I rock out to Party in the USA when I think no one is watching. GT, I know you're in River North and I know you want to be trendy, but I just don't find it amusing to have to yell to carry on a conversation. If I wanted to do that, I'd head up to Wrigleyville. Onto the food. I had such high hopes for this place after reading other Yelpers reviews, as well as a review from a friend. Per the server's recommendation, we ordered 6 small plates for two of us. We had the fish dip, Baja shrimp bruschetta, clam chowder, lobster roll, fish & chips, and crawfish tail ravioli. To start, the majority of the food was overly salty for my personal preferences. The fish dip was quite good but came with 3 small dollops of dip. 3 small dollops of dip? I put more toothpaste on my toothbrush than the amount of dip we got for $10. Good but not worth the cost. The Baja shrimp bruschetta were great. The flavors were all really interesting, not a combination I would have ever put together, but it worked really well. I had read raves about the clam chowder, but I thought this was a huge disappointment. I knew to expect it to be more watery than most chowders, but I don't think that's a good thing with a chowder. Give me heavy and creamy any day. I didn't get a good bacon flavor from the soup and didn't notice the plethora of clams others have mentioned. The lobster roll - I wanted so badly for you blow me out of the water! If I could only eat one thing every day for the rest of my life, it would be lobster. And it's so hard to find lobster in Chicago that won't cost you your first born's college education. But this: a giant waste of $22. Like I mentioned earlier, there was nothing particularly wrong with the lobster roll (and it was done properly with minimal dressing and accoutrements), but there wasn't anything particularly stand out about it either. I think we got gypped on the lobster meat, as I noticed many of the rolls coming out seemed to be much more abundant than ours was. The bread on the roll was delish but unfortunately, I tasted way more bread than lobster. I did love the fried onions that came with the roll though. I enjoyed the fish and chips a lot. The breading on the fish was outstanding and the fish was perfectly tender. I enjoyed the fries a lot as well, but well, I've never really met a fry that I haven't liked. My dad did not care for them so much. The fries, excuse me, chips come dusted with a Japanese seasoning that gives them a malt vinegary taste. Which is fine if you like malt vinegar with your fish and chips, but kind of ruins it for you if you don't. Again though, a small portion, especially if you're sharing it among more than 2 people. Finally we had the crawfish tail ravioli, which again suffered from an oversalting problem. The ravioli were filled with a cannelini bean paste, which I thought made them seem more like pierogis than ravioli. Either way, they were decent and the lobster broth they were served in would have been amazing if it weren't quite so salty. And if it came with some bread for me to sop it up with. This was my first experience tasting fiddlehead ferns, and I have to say, I'm a fan. Overall, I was pretty disappointed. My dad took me here to celebrate our birthdays at my suggestion, which caused me to feel bad for picking a restaurant we didn't really enjoy. Don't think I'll be back any time soon.
(2)
Kelly W.
Very solid-- good vibe, helpful waitstaff, wonderful food. The Cold highlights: Tuna Poke, Shrimp Bruschetta, Sunfish Ceviche (probably my fave-- bright flavors, so tasty!) Lobster Roll (I could have eaten 3 servings of this myself) Oysters: I love oysters-- the best there in my opinion were the misty point and sunset beach. Also, ask for the house made hot sauce-- the green has good, flavorful heat. Hot Highlights: Stuffed Squid was better than I expected. I preferred the cold dishes much more to the hot ones. There was some crayfish dish that I would definitely skip and replace with the clam chowder, which I am kicking myself for not trying. Also to note, good wine list, My table did bottles of this great greek white that our server recommended once we narrowed down our tastes. Speaking of tables, the one we were at was very wide and sat more than one party so it was a little weird but we managed. Overall great experience and look forward to coming back, OH, and don't you dare skip the cheesecake panna cotta.. I'm still dreaming about it.
(4)
Lauren D.
We really enjoyed our dinner here. The service was great - friendly and helpful and the waitress stopped by often but not too often. The food was excellent Tuna Poke - Fresh & delicious Oyster Po Boy Sliders - Out of this world. Fave. Lobster Roll - Buttery bun, light dressing. Super tasty. PEI Mussels - Great mussels, tasty sauce & bread for left over sauce!
(4)
Sean D.
Visiting cites on the east and west coasts, I've always longed for a good oyster bar in Chicago. That day has arrived! We arrived early on a Saturday evening since reservations are limited (apparently by design to build buzz) and sat at the oyster bar. The service was very informed and attentive, even when the crowds filled in. The wine list was good, but not amazing, I would have liked to see some better wines by the glass available. There are some great pics on the wines by the bottle, however, the Chablis was perfect with our oysters! The guys behind the oyster bar indicated that the oysters are flown in fresh daily and the oyster menu changes based on availability. GT had a great selection of east and west coast oysters and the staff was very well informed about the qualities of each. The oysters tasted fresh and delicious! Aside from the oysters, the lobster roll was very good. We also tried the hamachi crudo which had great flavors on the plate as well as the halibut, which was light but flavorful. The space was fun and well lit, with both casual and well dressed diners alike. Highly recommended!
(4)
James W.
I really like GT and would consider it one of Chicago's new rising stars. The space has a cosmopolitan feel and, this past Saturday night there was no shortage of fashionable and beautiful people. The prices are some what high when you consider the portion sizes but, the food delivers. It is well prepare and tasty. My wife and I shared several dishes. We started with the grilled caesar salad and enjoyed a variety of raw oysters, crab cake, gnocchi, fish and chips and finished with the carrot cake. All of our choices were really good. I'm a big fan and will return again but I wish they had a larger selection of sides.
(4)
Eric M.
Tough reservation to get, and understandably so, given the neighborhood (Wells St and further West in River North somewhat starved of dining action), niche (thin competition in the seafood category), hype, and affiliation. But I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the food - the oysters we had were great (east coasters big in both volume and flavor) and several of the small plates featured delicious and, at times, adventurous combinations of flavors. It isn't a traditional seafood house (for better or worse), despite the Cape Cod allusions in its decor. The place does get loud, and the staff is busy. I have a feeling it'll be that way for a while. I'll certainly be back, often.
(4)
Jessica B.
I love seafood, especially oysters, so reading reviews that GT Fish & Oyster had some of the best seafood in Chicago, I said "I want to go to there." Fortunately, what I've been reading on Yelp and hearing from friends about GT Fish & Oyster is pretty true. My friend and I went for dinner and had a nice evening. The decor and ambiance is really fun and...nautical. The chalkboard walls are a great touch, so are the weights on the table as decor and the rope and see mask light fixtures. It is modern but not stark (e.g. white walls), there is a warm to it. There is communal seating but my friend and I had a two-top and it was more comfortable. It does get VERY loud in there during busy times so be prepared to lean forward to hear your companion to hear them speak. Tables are close together too so be prepared to move them around as well to get in and out of the area. The fun part of this though is that people see food appear and ask how it tastes and for recommendations. Food: My friend and I had the following dishes (with commentary included): - Lobster mac and cheese (Really good, the ratio of lobster to noodles is really favorable and it just blends together really well without overwhelming the taste of lobster. The sauce is a little runny, which I didn't mind and the cheese sauce is mild which helps with the lobster flavor as well) - Fish tacos (Really tasty as well. There are three in an order and the corn tortilla with grilled fish and lettuce is so tasty. There is some odd, crunchy crumbs on top which isn't totally necessary but this was another favorite dish) - Soft shell crab (Yeah this was pretty much one of my favorite dishes on the menu - that we ordered. It comes with arugula and strawberries, which isn't really necessary for the dish and was a bit overdressed, but the crab itself was really plump and SO tasty. OMG, I loved this) - Fish dip (This wasn't bad but not amazing. It comes with a few Terra chips and three smaller dollops of various fish. If you eat the dip alone, it's really fishy smelling and tasting but if you add in the sides with it, it's not too bad. Overall though, I wouldn't order it again) - Crab Agnolotti (I read a lot of mixed reviews about this from Yelp but our waitress recommended it and my friend and I decided to give it a try. Overall, I didn't hate it although I don't think she liked it as much. It relies a lot on the side items to give it some kind of strong flavor, which normally, I'm not a fan of happening. The crab ravioli is good but you do really need the mushrooms, boy choy, tobiko and peppers to give it a kick because the ravioli itself isn't super flavorful. And to my friend's credit, she was right, it smelled like a Yankee Candle too, but I still enjoyed it overall. But I probs wouldn't order it again) - Fois gras and shrimp terrine (This was also really good. The bread was very soft and light, so it wasn't too crisp and overwhelming and the mix of fois gras and shrimp worked really well, especially with the chutney on top. I wished there was more fois gras inside but the balance was really nice) - Mixed oysters (Yeah I can't remember the exact ones we got but they were REALLY delicious. The taste was clean, fresh and they were well prepared. The homemade shallot sauce and cocktail sauce were delicious too. I literally could rave about them all night) Overall, we were really happy with the meal, especially me, and I would absolutely go back. I won't lie, the meal is pretty expensive and we spent more than anticipated, but it was some great seafood and the oysters were the best that I've had in Chicago too. This is definitely a special night out location.
(4)
Trevor H.
Every Wednesday at 10:30PM they have 1/2 price Oysters. It's a good deal for Chicago, you'll pay about what you'd expect at a coastal city, between $1 to $1.75 an oyster (as of this writing.) The oysters varieties were diverse, east coast, west coast, and overseas. There are oyster sommeliers on hand, ready to tell you about the notes of cucumber in your Penn Cove. They are master shuckers, leaving no shell fragments in any of my 20-some oysters. My partner and I ordered several dishes, and while good (glazed cod was the highlight) they all covered up the taste of the fish. I suspect all the seafood is as good as the oysters, real sashimi grade stuff, so it makes me upset that they'd dress it up so much. At any rate, I'm glad a place exists in Chicago where I can get diverse, well shucked oysters. I could do without all the pomp, but beggars can't be choosers. Consider me a Wednesday regular.
(4)
Chris N.
I really liked this place. My girl and I started at the bar. She wore blue and drank red. I went for the Aged Old Money and it was a great cocktail. And if you like cocktails, it's definitely worth spending the extra $3 on aged version. The bartenders totally knew their stuff, and pretty personable to boot. For apps we went with the oyster shooters and artichoke...liked the shooters, loved the choke. We got seated and went for four dishes and that was the perfect amount of food for the two of us. The fish tacos are fantastic. Get them! If you're sharing, the menu has 3 to an order. But you can ask your server to add a fourth for the even split for an extra few bucks. Lobster roll was good, but inappropriate at $29. Out in San Fran, this is $12 sandwich from the street vendors. The space was pretty cool, the staff nice, and crowds dressed well.
(4)
Steve W.
After a productive day wandering Arts Chicago (which was incredible), we decided to grab an early dinner at 5. After 30 minutes of indecision, I suddenly remembered that GT Fish & Oyster was right nearby, so we stomped on over there. Since we were so damn early, we were one of about three tables there. I have to say that the service was attentive. I've been the Perennial and Girl & the Goat, but the Boka groups really outdone themselves here. Just a constant parade of servers swapping plates, cleaning up, et al. Now to the food: the three of us ordered the Shrimp Bruschetta, Lobster Mac and Cheese, Hamachi crudo, Mussels, and Sturgeon. The Shrimp Bruschetta was absolutely delicious. I'd say there was too much avocado - a bit of a white whine - but I love avocado. The Mac and Cheese was as good as you expect. You can't screw up Hamachi crudo if the fish is great - although I liked Girl & the Goat's version better. The Mussels were alright - not particularly meaty. The Sturgeon was a real disappointment. The fish itself was cooked perfectly. It came with roasted tomatoes and eggplant puree. Now, taken in concert, the dish worked well with the acidity of the tomatoes cutting through the bland puree, but either the dish needs more tomatoes or they need to rethink the puree, which seemed to be unseasoned. So all-in-all, the food was good but not great, and the service was outstanding.
(4)
Laneka G.
I went back for the lobster roll, it was good small but good the chunks of lobster were a nice size and i was happy it was not full of crunchy stuff light mayo and the roll was nice and buttery. the onion rings were ok and all the lil veggies tasted like beets to me i guess it was the pickling sauce
(4)
Homer S.
This place is Fantastic & i've been a couple times. loved sitting at the bar & ordering food while talking to the guys shucking oysters & whatnot.. highlights so far... lobster mac & cheese oysters, obviously lobster roll fish tacos gnocchi cheesecake panna cotta service has been super friendly & attentive, decor is really nice & gives it a comfortable atmosphere. food was very very good. i will be back.
I do not live in Chicago, but every time I am visiting, this is a place I go!!! I love everything about it: food, service, atmosphere! Great place for a date or just hang out with friends!!
(5)
WM P.
This is a Boka Grp restaurant (shaking my head in disappointment). The one star is for the oysters. Basing this on two visits. One when they were relatively new and then again recently. Just plain poor. Fish tacos - inconsistent. One was really well done the other two were a mess. No balance and the fish became a side note. These are three tiny tacos, how can each one be different, with two of them being bad? Eggplant - plum sauce was like a jam and over powering. Lobster Roll - Like the tacos no balance with the ingredients. Lobster gets lost. Not even mentioning the other dishes. Consistent theme - the main ingredient was often mishandled. All of the dishes had the feeling of a first attempt, like they would be better after trying the recipe a second or third time. Avoid.
(1)
Sher C.
If you make a reservation three weeks in advance and show up on time (on a weeknight, no less), you really don't expect to be shown (if that's the right word for three steps from the hostess stand) to the WORST TABLE IMAGINABLE. To be clear, I am not a princess, but was not going to spend an evening dealing with every single body that came through the door. The hostess seemed quite befuddled when my husband and I both said "no way" to the terrible table. So they told us to have a drink, where the server tried to convince us that eating at a community table was the way to go. Um, again, no. Is a table in the dining room an incredibly obnoxious request? Perhaps, since GT has a strong whiff of 'you just should be happy to be here.' Here's what we were happy about: Fabulous Clam Chowder Awesome Cocktails Attentive Servers And these brought the meh: Didn't know it was a tapas style place and no one mentioned it until we had ordered Prices seem inflated by about 25% Some dishes and dessert disappoint In retrospect, having a great cocktail at the bar, and possibly a small plate, would have been a better approach to GT. That's my recommendation to the curious who might be tempted to drop in.
(2)
Amy X.
first stop on the see-food tour of chicago! this is a four-star, but more like a solid 4 compared to the 4.25 of fish bar. the value proposition here is just steeper than i had expected. but every dish was amazing in its own right, and i would love to go again for a special occasion. we tried a selection of oysters, and let me tell you, that ponzu sauce is out of the world. what else would i recommend in terms of cold dishes? tuna poke. a bit standard perhaps, but i liked it better than the (more unusual) foie and shrimp terrine and the sunfish ceviche. the ceviche had avocado, and at the end, i felt like i was eating guacamole rather than fish. i just didn't really care for the flavor/texture of the terrine. i'm all for the whole "cold meat + aspic in a loaf shape" kind of appetizer, but something about this combination just didn't suit me. in terms of hot dishes, we started out with oyster po' boy sliders. thinking that we'd maximize the dishes tried, we ordered one to share between two people. WRONG DECISION. these tiny little morsels were probably the most delicious part of our meal, with a buttery delicious roll and tangy, spicy kimchi slaw. order enough for your crew. the scallops were crazy delicious, super well cooked and came with such great flavors. the highlight of the salmon were the additional ingredients it included -- mesquite flavored mushrooms, elephant garlic, crispy duck tongue. the lobster mac and cheese was great, but not mind blowing. you'll probably want to get it in case of food regret later on. so, my biggest problem with the restaurant was the portion size. between a table of four, we shared 7 dishes + oysters -- and left with just a dull grumble in our stomachs. i know this is quality food, and i know that quality doesn't come cheap. but c'mon GT, i went home and had to go to big star to share a hot dog to quell my stomach's complaints. my wallet being mad? i can handle that. wallet ANND stomach unhappy? serve bread (or oyster crackers) and help a sister out!
(4)
James V.
The only reason I was able to get a reservation for this past Sunday is because I happen to know an influential insider, otherwise, this place is booked out three weeks in advance. Our server was as knowledgeable as she is beautiful. Alice recommended the most refreshing, delicious drink, the name of which I absolutely cannot remember right now, but it was glorious. We started with some oysters, the Sunfish Ceviche, BBQ Eel, and Smoked Hamachi Crudo. The ceviche has avocado in it, and so it looked more like a guacamole than anything, but it had the bright citrus taste and light, refreshing flavor consistent with ceviche. The Hamachi was phenomenal as well, and I highly recommend you try it. The BBQ Eel was good, though not necessarily noteworthy. For hot dishes, we had the GT Lobster Mac and Cheese, Monkfish, and Fish Tacos. The mac and cheese was more like shells and cheese, and for my taste, was a little over-seasoned. The fish tacos were good, and not your standard; there was a smokiness, incorporated with the chicharron, that added a good depth to them. The monnkfish was decent, but not something I'll ever order again, now that I've looked it up on google images. For desert, Key Lime Pie, served in a crucible. It had just the right balance of tart and sweet... come to think of it, now I want more of it! GT Fish & Oyster is a great place for a formal occasion, or a nice night on the town. I highly recommend that you dress to be seen, and that when you make your reservations, you ask for Alice... if her section's not already fully booked.
(4)
Scott N.
The food was outstanding here. Everything from classic and simple favorites to intricately prepared and very fancy dishes with influences from all over the world. The atmosphere was like if you took a shack bar on the dock of some tiny fishing town and plunked it down in the middle of Manhattan- somehow urban and nautical simultaneously but it really works and the place looks awesome. The service was also exceptional and our waitress and Sommelier had amazing suggestions and new the wine and food menu like the back of their hands. My only complaint is some of the seating is at big central tables and you can end up sitting next to who knows which can be good or bad. In our case 3 D-bags looking to get as drunk as possible in the 2 hours they had before their wives set curfew for them were pounding tequila shots and breaking wine glasses sending red flying all over the place but that is hardly the restaurant's fault. Overall this place is a 9/10. I would go back. Great for entertaining clients, dates, or groups.
(4)
David F.
My wife and I went to GT Fish and Oyster on a Friday night pretty early for drinks and appetizers and left with a $200 bill! We really enjoyed everything about it. The cocktails to start off with are some of the best I have had in a while. The main impression that I was left with (we went 4 months ago) was the oyster po' boy sliders. They have an amazing kimchi on them and they are absolutely incredible. I could eat those all day. We didn't really have a bad dish and left very satisfied (probably OVERsatisfied). TIP: If you are more budget minded...try the mussels. They are cheap and you get quite a bang for your buck.
(5)
Kara C.
The reasons I loved GT Fish and Oyster: -Cool ambiance: New England charm with a modern, urban twist -The scene: Loud, crowded and energetic (don't go expecting to have a quiet, intimate date) -The food: Amazing. Get the Lobster Mac n Cheese and the Ceviche - both outstanding -The accessibility: You can make a reservation (which you will definitely need) on Open Table -And always a great option during the summer, there's outdoor seating! GT was everything it's cracked up to be. Get on Open Table now!
(4)
cynthia w.
We've had dinner a few times here. Most of the dishes and drinks have been delicious. Some are just okay. The ingredients are always fresh. The service is excellent and upbeat. I'm not a fan of communal tables, so I ask to be seated along the booth. My favorite tables are either end of booth- very cozy. New Year's Eve was really great. It was a well thought out tasting menu where just about everything we ate was wonderful! We would do that again.
(4)
steve b.
Maybe my expectations were set too high, I'm really not sure, but I kinda feel like I ate at a different restaurant than some of the other people leaving reviews. We sat outside - 5:30pm reservation on a Thursday night. The table was fine & comfortable. We both ordered drinks, they were nicely presented and tasty. We ordered: Cold: -Tuna Poke: My favorite dish of the night, it was excellent. -Foie Gras & Shrimp Terrine: Well presented, but lacked flavor Hot: -Lobster Roll: Good - I've had more flavorful ones, but good. I don't think I'd get it again. -Seafood Gnocchi: Inedible - the gnocchi were so soft they were disentigrating on the plate. The waiter said they use sour cream in making them and they are soft - just a fair warning to any Gnocci fans out there that these - at least the ones we had, weren't what we were expecting. To their credit, they did not charge us for it. Dessert: Key Lime Pie - also good - loved the toasted marshmallow topping, and the filling had a good tang to it. Service was sporadic - our water glasses were filled constantly but our waiter wasn't around much - we went about 20 minutes after getting our drinks before our dinner order was taken, and then were never checked on after the hot dishes arrived, which is where the Gnocci issue was. I guess based on reviews I was expecting more - it was a good dinner, but not great - not going to rush to come back - which is unfortunate since so much of the menu looks good.
(3)
Ed B.
Going there every time we're Chicago. The best oysters in Midwest. Great small food plates. Dessert is a must have. outstanding friendly service. 5 stars all the way. My favorite restuarant.
(5)
Kara K.
Yesssuhhh...there's nothing like fresh seafood to get the nads pumpin. Oh..I don't have nads so let's try this again. Yessuhhh..there's nothing like fresh seafood to get the juices flowing---and GT Fish and Oyster does a great job in making that happen. As usual, my Favorite Foodie Friend had my mouth-watering for a week prior to our visit with his Flavor Flavish hype job of this place. As we approached this chic River North eatery, the hungry, little voice in my head kept saying, "Yeahhhhh boyeeeee, you're gonna eat good tonight!" Since it was a Friday, I thought we might have to wait a bit even though we had a reservation, but we were seated immediately at a cozy 2-top. The sexy lighting, posh decor and beautiful people had me bright-eyed and the menu offerings got me bushy-tailed. It was going to be a good, good night. I could feel it. First order of business, though--cocktails. Of the hand-crafted variety.The Waitlist (you little tease you) tempted me with his sexy blend of Grey Goose. St. Germain, lime, grapefruit and bitters and had me whipped after just one sip. FFF had the Old Money --Black Maple Hill Bourbon, Aperol, Nux Alpina Walnut Liquer and Allspice--and it was mighty tasty. Now that our taste buds were sufficiently whet, it was time for some action. That action came in the form of a dozen and a half Kumamoto and Kusshi oysters. All hail Kumamotos in their juicy, meaty glory! The accompanying ponzu mignonette and cocktail sauce were the perfect complements to these superb oysters. Next up was the sunfish ceviche. This amazing, light and flavorful dish composed of sunfish, chimichurri, jicama and avocado came together to create a rave in my mouth. All that was missing was the E, whistles and glow sticks. Next was the lobster roll and the Alaskan King crab legs.O.M. G. Juicy, sweet and succulent. If I were alone I would have stuck a leg in my mouth and fallen face-first into the butter---that's how good and fresh they were. And even though my stomach was begging me to stop, FFF taunted me by telling me I had to have the GT Lobster Mac n Cheese. "No FFF!" I wailed. "Why are you doing this to me?" He just laughed sinisterly and told the waiter to bring us an order for the table and one to go. "Bastard!" I said in my best 40s film star voice and tried to slap him. He caught my hand the moment before it hit his face and said, "It's for your own good, dollface." He was right. Nirvana was reached the moment the first creamy, tender, perfectly seasoned bite touched my lips. I hit the "like" button hard on GT FIsh and Oyster. Decor was fabulous, service was on-point, the crowd was chic and the food, plating and presentation were DOPE!!!!!! Giuseppe Tentori, I'm a fan.
(5)
Jeff K.
Yes! I swear. I was over whelmed with the dining experience here. I was prepared for the worst given the hype, reviews, location... I judge and I judge often and I judge hard. But from the moment we got there to the time I walked out, I had a top dining experience in Chicago. I swear. First off, our waiter James was THE BEST! I came here with my boyfriend for his birthday and we were in no rush. James did a superb job not only talking us through the menu, but he also realized we were in no rush and kept the pace of the meal perfect. Also SUPER knowledgeable about the wine list (more so then the manager or this random guy that came over and tried to "help" us pick out the wine we wanted). Kudos, James. As for the food: Baja Shrimp Bruchetta = AMAZE. Oyster Po'boy slider= I WANT IT RIGHT NOW!. Octopus= we were told it was the serving staff recommendation and favorite, IT'S MY FAVORITE NOW TOO. Ricotta Gnocchi= pure pillows of JOY! And to top off the meal, Salted Caramel Tart. Tears of joy and I think it came up in my dream that night (I am not normally a dessert guy). Thank you so a wonderful meal, GT. I would come back here in a heart beat.
(5)
Tai K.
Best.Oysters.Ever. The clam bake was delicious too!
I moved to Chicago about 5 months ago and this was BY FAR the best place I've been to. The food was AMAZING, our server was soo thoughtful and energetic, and the drinks were of the perfect size. I went here on a Thursday night around 8:30pm. My date made the reservations earlier in the week and that was the only time they had available. So I would def make reservations as early as possible! We both didn't mind a late dinner - so 8:30 was perfect for us. We ordered a mix between west coast and east coast oysters. West coast were bigger and more "buttery tasting". The east coast ones were smaller and had more "salty fish taste". Date preferred the west coast and I preferred east coast. Nothing wrong with either - just different taste preferences. The second I ate the oyster I knew it was the best oyster I have ever had! We ordered another round of oysters because they were so delicious! We also shared the fish tacos which were also to die for! I wish we sampled the dinner menu more, but we wanted to save room for dessert. We ordered one (key lime pie) - but was mistakenly given two (something chocolatey but cant remember as we didnt' actually order it). This was the only mixup the entire night. Our waitress took off the dessert we did not order, but said to enjoy it anyways! A bit pricey, but TOTALLY worth it! love love love
(5)
Charles A.
The prices for individual tapas style dishes make this a prohibitively expensive choice for a casual lunch. We perused the online menu and chose to go here but were caught off guard when the waitress recommended ordering 3-4 dishes a piece that were priced at $12-15 each. We felt that this should have been mentioned on the online lunch menu somewhere. This would be a place to take a client you are trying to impress.
(3)
Kate L.
GT Fish & Oyster was probably one of the better meals I've had in Chicago. The atmosphere was beautiful and the service was excellent. The small plates menu allowed us to try a variety of items, all of which we thoroughly enjoyed. Everyone in my group agreed that the oyster po boys were our favorite. It's an item that I never would have ordered without the server's suggestion, but I'm glad I did. I also really enjoyed that we were able to order individual oysters if we just wanted a taste, which was nice. They allowed us to bring our own cupcakes for a friend's birthday and brought them out in a very nice presentation when dinner was over, which I really appreciated. The meal was a little bit pricey but definitely worth it. Highly recommend!
(5)
Teresa C.
Food was excellent. You must get the lobster roll. The restaurant is really packed, so be prepared to wait for your table even if you have a reservation.
(4)
Samuel M.
Came here for dinner tonight - I've been meaning to make the trip for a long time, as I've heard uniformly good things. The interior is swanky without feeling stuffy or uninviting. Lots of large tables, with interesting conformations (one has a centerpiece of small logs, another is shaped like an enlarged boomerang). The service is very attentive - water glasses are never empty, and the hosts and waitstaff solicit diners just the right amount. They also make a decent manhattan - a touch too sweet, but by no means egregiously so. With respect to the food, as is the case with most new restaurants in Chicago, GT Fish and Oyster focuses on small plates. Everything we ordered was tasty, and in a very sophisticated way - the dishes were almost uniformly nuanced and intriguing. However, with the exception of the scallops and the fish tacos, none of them blew me away. Seared tuna niçoise salad is served over surprisingly flavorful bib lettuce, and the fish is left perfectly sashimi-raw on the inside. As they'd better be in a place with oysters in its name, the oysters are fantastic - we sampled the mirada, the quilcene, and the orleans, all of which are meaty with just the right amount of brine. Shrimp bruschetta served over avocado mousse is very good; at first glance I found this dish cliche, but the shrimp were seasoned thoroughly in a cumin-based spice rub, adding unexpected panache. Tiny oyster po boys are an interesting mixture that works very well - fried oysters, kimchi, and sweet hawaiian bread. The scallop dish stands out in a city full of pedestrian analogous offerings; the mollusks are seared to perfection, and their unusual accompaniments (fried duck tongue and pickled "buddha hand", a Southeast Asian citrus) complemented very nicely. Whitefish tacos with fennel are excellent and served on impossibly soft tortillas. The only dish which I felt I'd had elsewhere was the cioppino; very good, but sort of the same mixture of seafood served in tomato broth that I am used to eating at other restaurants. Also, it was a tad light on the seafood (which was a shame, as my lone piece of tilefish was exceptional). Desserts (we sampled a divine salted caramel tart and a date cake) are as distinctive as the entrees. The one thing that kept me from going bananas was the price. As I've said in past reviews, I like not being served a trough full of food, but for my personal dining habits this place is a bit steep. After sharing oysters and six ~$13 small plates between three of us (actually more like 2.5, as one of us wasn't that hungry), we needed to order an extra plate and multiple desserts to be sated. However, I want to emphasize that by no means do I feel fleeced - this food is very high quality, and it's served in an expensive area of town known for extortionate pricing. All in all, GT Fish & Oyster offers an excellent dining experience, but by no means one of the best I've had in this loaded culinary city. I'd be very down to come back for half price oysters (always available after 10 PM) and a drink or two as a component of a hedonistic night out in the future, and maybe will try that lobster roll that everyone raves about.
(4)
Joshua W.
Fantastic staff and totally knowledgeable in every area...wine, oysters, food....you name it. Fresh as can be product with outstanding quality ingredients in the dishes make everything we have tried outstanding. Rolled in late last night for some wine and oysters at the bar, also tried the tuna poke, pork belly slider, and lobster roll and all were right on the mark with vibrant flavors, perfect balance, and just damn good.
(5)
Tanya S.
Best dining experience I've had in a long time! Our server, Josh, was super friendly and knew the menu like the back of his hand. His recommendations and tips were spot on. EVERYTHING we ordered was phenomenal: crudos, octopus, lobster mac and cheese, oyster po' boy slider, Berkshire pork belly, salted caramel tart, and strawberry tiramisu. I have had my fair share of octopus and pork belly, and I have no qualms in saying that GT's were the best I've ever had. I am definitely coming back!
(5)
Brian B.
Awesome! Food was unreal, absolutely delicious, service was just enough to be attentive but not overly so, and prices while a little high were offset by the quality of the dishes. Definitely going back!
(5)
Raj S.
Wifey and I went to GT Fish and oyster last night for the second time. We had geriatric hour reservations and we were seated right away. We shared: oysters - really fresh, great house made mignonette and hot sauces. They even gave us some small bottles of the hot sauce to take home. soft shell crab- the crab was good, but the roasted corn was the star. Also had "popcorn" sauce which was buttery and delicious. lobster roll- good, but small portion for the price. Liked the pickled vegetables as well. clam bake- more like a seafood stew and surprisingly good, with shrimp, clams, mussels. salted caramel tart - delicious. Struck a nice sweet-salty balance with caramelized bananas and creme fraiche. Service was attentive but not obtrusive. We left feeling satisfied but not overly full. My only real criticism is that everything, including drinks, is a bit overpriced, especially for the portion size.
(4)
Lisa L.
Service very good. Prices decent. Food was pretty good. Only real complain, this restaurant seating is very close and it is very loud.
(4)
Agnes F.
went to GT several times and have tried different dishes: tuna poke, shrimp bruscetta, walleye pike, gnocci, they are all quite good but the shining star at GT has consistently been the desserts wow, i am generally not a big dessert girl but GT has definitely won me over on that (the goat milk panna cotta is officially my fav dessert) so a perfect day will be, grab dozens of oysters, order some cocktails and then try all their desserts!!
(4)
kris w.
Let's just say I felt like smoking a cigarette after eating here and I don't smoke. This place is off the chain and for only being open a couple of weeks I was impressed by the great service and really fun ambience. Then there's the food. Holy canoly! Definitely recommend a cocktail off the specialty menu. I too loved the oysters, lobster roll, and especially the key lime pie. I will definitely make this a must go back again and again destination. You should too.
(5)
Clark G.
Hmmm this is a tuffy because the food was really good. The quality of the fish was excellent. We had the halibut (wonderful but about 2 oz), lobster roll was really good, oysters - awesome, king crab (stuffed in 4 bite size pasta shells $21 rip off!), shrimp bruschetta (only two - wtf?), fish tacos (saved me from having to order tai when I got home) and of course desert and coffee. Tro in a two tree drinks a piece and badabing $300. It made really miss Joe's Stone Crab. :-(
(3)
Jaime E.
Loved it
(5)
Jen A.
I thought the lobster roll was amazing, although the bread was a bit greasy. Everything else was just good. We tried 4 different oysters which were fine, but pretty much all tasted the same. The crab cake was nice and light. Everything here (except the lobster roll) is just very small, I wouldn't even consider it "tapas" style. Bill was $170 for two people. That included their cheapest bottle of wine.
(3)
Lauralee O.
Many of the dishes were...bland. The quality of the seafood can't be questioned, but for that price I expect to be consistently blown away by the flavor. Or at least give me enough food! This restaurant truly embraces the small plate concept. Some of the dishes were solid, but many were mediocre at best. I was totally unimpressed by the bruschetta and the halibut. I thoroughly enjoyed the oyster po-boy and the chowder, however. The cocktails were excellent. But the best part of the meal by far was the dessert: order the caramel tart if you go. (But consider going somewhere else.)
(2)
Irissa N.
We went here because we were in town for Mother's Day and we had a gift certificate. We called before and they said it would be a two hour wait. When we got there, they were able to squeeze us in in 10 minutes top. It was a two person table by the window. It was really busy but the atmosphere was great. We ordered about 8 tapas total between me and my mom. They were all delicious. The best was the Black Gnocchi and the Ceviche. Overall, great place, a little pricey but what can you do, it is Chicago.
(4)
Kate S.
We went on a Friday night around 7:30 without a reservation. However, we were able to get 2 seats at the bar quickly. The bartender was nice and answered all of our questions. I had one of the signature cocktails which was okay, but then switched to wine. Oysters were delicious, as were fish tacos. Lobster roll sandwich was okay, but way overpriced for the size. We'll be back and try to sit at a regular table. Bar got busy and people were reaching in for drinks, etc. while we ate (our fault not GT's so I didn't knock a star off for that). This place is good, but loud and pricey.
(3)
Alex R.
Came here the other night and was very impressed. The ambiance was classy yet relaxed, and the food was delicious. We loved the unique lobster bisque, oyster sliders, lobster mac & cheese, and the creme brulee. One of the best things about our meal was the fantastic service of our waiter Trevor. He was one of the most kind, enthusiastic and attentive servers I've had in a while. I'll be back!
(4)
Robert G.
Outstanding food. Nice people. Load (too) music. Service just ok.
(4)
Erik J.
After dinner at GT Fish and Oyster last night, I can't say I would change anything about this place. EVERYTHING was great - food, service, ambiance, value. The menu is features primarily small plates. We had the oysters (6 different), poke, ceviche, lobster roll, and the crab with bok choy and mushrooms, and were thrilled by them all. The wine list, while not huge, has something for everyone in both taste and price. GT also has a well-edited selection of beers. The restaurant was not as crowded as I'd feared. We showed up a little early for a 7 PM reservation and easily found seats at the bar. At 7 exactly, we were shown to our table. The bartenders deserve recognition as well. They couldn't have been more friendly, efficient or accommodating. I'd recommend GT Fish & Oyster for any occasion - casual weeknight dinner to dressy weekend event. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Derek T.
I came here to celebrate my wife's birthday because she loves seafood and seafood places are decently hard to come by in Chicago compared to a city like Seattle (where my wife is from) They have a great and diverse menu with a lot of fun options to chose from. The menu reminded me of seafood tapas which is great to me because I enjoy trying lots of different things. I loved the decor and atmosphere and the food was delicious. Don't come here if you are someone who is looking for a big meal to walk away stuffed from, because that's not the point. This is a place that you come to enjoy different tastes that are high quality and enjoyable. I look forward to coming back again
(5)
Paula R.
I'm not one to Yelp... why you say...? Because I used to work in the service industry and I always wondered why a Yelp review was worth so much. How do you know the person yelping isn't crazier than the person serving them, but as they say everything is subject to change. And now I find myself a yelper... I came in to GT Oyster last night, and I have to admit my dining experience was spectacular due to Delphine. She went above the call of duty. Her table side manner was professional, but friendly and warm. I wasn't interested in making my own decisions so I left it up to Delphine. I'm a bit of a picky eater, and I don't like to take chances with my food. She was patient, kind and informative about the menu. So I trusted her recommendation. Here's what I had for those who are interested... The lobster roll -Connecticut style (it was delicious), lobster mac and cheese(my waist is hating me, but worth it), and salted carmel tart with a great bottle of Roussane grape wine. Now, that I am on the other side, and I am the one tipping it's a new experience, and I must say this experience was 5 star! GT Oyster - well done hiring Delphine- I'LL BE BACK!!
(5)
Amy D.
GT oyster serves up a great lunch, beware though even though it is just lunch the dress code is pretty much in affect, i was quite surprised how dressed up everyone was. Of course you cannot come to a place that is known for their oysters and not order them, so we order oysters from four different regions. As always they were super fresh and briny, and loved the mignonette. Our server was great, she got the bar tender to make me a Bellini when it wasn't on the menu. As nice as the gesture was it really needed more peach nectar, it was more just like a flute of champy, but i cant complain about that. My sis ordered the tuna poke, and it was a great dish to eat along with the oysters, light, refreshing, and loved the mango element. I ordered the fish tacos, and they were served right with the double stacked corn tortillas, but the flavours were really flat. You typically eat Mexican for bold flavours, i felt like they played it too safe with the tacos. Overall i really enjoyed the oysters, and the surroundings at GT and i would definitely go back but i would stick to just oysters next time.
(3)
tracy r.
Everything was great. Clam chowder, ceviche, fish and chips, wine, everything was GREAT! I wish they had more than a one person at a time bathroom...but otherwise great decor.
(5)
Marie F.
I was really excited to try GT on Friday. Tuna poke and fish tacos are a must. I didnt really care for the shrimp bruschetta (I didnt think grapefruit, guacamole and shrimp was a good mix). The cod and polenta was good - wish there was more polenta. the restaurant itself was really really loud (might have been the table of obnoxious guys next to us) - it would have been nice if it were a little more conversation-friendly.
(4)
Jamie B.
I had extremely high expectations for this place, and after dining here last night I just don't see the appeal. I am a very hard critic and not easy to please, and I aknowledge that up front. I am going to compare this place to other outstanding seafood restaurants I have been to, just so it is fair. I do not think the oysters were that great, I think they were very overpriced and shucked incorrectly....every oyster I ate had bits of shell in it. The drinks were not cold, and only two types of vodka are carried: Grey Goose and Russian Standard...I opted for the latter, and did not enjoy it. Being a Ketel One gal myself, this was somewhat disappointing. After starting off with a not so chilled $12 martini, the rest of the experience was just "meh" as they say. The 6 small plates my party and I shared were all very rich and decadent, but really lacked seafood all together. What meager bits and pieces were there were not even enough for one person to enjoy. A lot of fillers, but not so much protein. Final bill came to $259 for 4 of us, not including gratuity. We each had two drinks and left hungry. I guess I am just spoiled by the fabulous seafood in Boston.
(3)
T L.
Made our way to GT Fish & Oyster last weekend. The place is hot right now so we'd suggest reservations well in advance. We made them late in the week for Saturday and had to settle for a 10:30 slot. Dieing from starvation, well dieing may be an overstatement, at 9, we stopped in to see if they could squeeze us in. They couldn't, but we hung out at the bar and acted like vultures over the shoulders of 2 guys sitting there checking their smart-phones. Using telepathic messaging, or maybe it was our dirty looks, we managed to get the guys to leave and took their seats. The food here is primarily of the "small plate" variety with the menu split into cold and hot items. They also have a nice selection of raw oysters, hence the name. We went with a dozen Peacock Cove oysters. These East Coast buggers were small but very tasty. We also ordered the Shrimp Bruschetta because when we checked in on foursquare a tip popped up suggesting we order it. We're not ones to reject tips from total strangers so brushetta it was. From the hot menu we also ordered the Lobster roll because we heard a lot about that item before we went, and we also ordered the mahi mahi tacos. It was all very good, but the tacos were the best, hand's down. The tacos came with a chipotle aioli and a sprinkling of chicharrons (which we found out later is some kind of pork) and served in a corn tortilla. Get the tacos! The service was excellent, the ambiance was hip and happening. The crowd, especially that late on a Saturday night leaned toward youngish. We'll be going back to try other menu items, but we'll definitely be ordering the tacos again.
(5)
A.L. S.
Small plates to share. Lobster roll, BBQ eel salad and tuna poke were delicious. The squid ink gnocchi was sub-par. I would recommend skipping it. The carrot cake was super sweet and decadent and paired well with the sweet dessert wines. Don't get their glasses of Chardonnay. Ambiance was really quaint
(4)
Melissa S.
Oh, yum yum yum yum yum! Have eaten here three times now, twice at the communal tables. Service is impeccable, food is amazing, and we've tried everything on the menu but haven't found a thing we didn't like. Sure, there are some things I like more than others, but honestly you can't go wrong with anything you pick. I love the fact that you can just walk in and pretty much not wait to get a spot at the communal tables. This is key when you aren't the type of person to make reservations way in advance. The only food item I have a beef with is the lobster po' boy - it is so giant and WAAAY too much bread - it just doesn't fit with the rest of the plates at all in my opinion. Perhaps mini lobster po'boy sliders would have been more appropriate. My personal faves are the foie + shrimp terrine and the fish tacos. The hubs enjoyed his oysters.
(5)
Alex W.
This place was absolutely delicious. If you want amazing oysters and great seafood, this is the place to go. It's a bit on the expensive side, but the quality is totally worth the price.
(4)
Jennifer M.
My new favorite oyster bar! Items I tried and will have again: oysters, oyster po-boy sliders (amazing), bento (great way to try 3 different options at once!), fish and chips (these aren't just typical fish n chips- they are to die for!), and the salted caramel tart for dessert. The staff is incredibly helpful, friendly, and fun. Can't wait to return!!
(5)
Scott B.
I have been meaning to try this restaurant for a long time now. A blistering hot day made it perfect for a nice seafood meal. Being a HUGE fan of the BOKA group, I came in with very high expectations. GT exceeded them all. The service was outstanding from start to finish. The hostesses were very apologetic about our wait for the table, even though we were early and were still seated on time. Our waiter (Frankie) was very helpful with recommendations and knowledgeable about the menu and oysters. We tried the Reach Island Oysters to start and the Clevedon Coast to finish the meal. Both were great, but I would choose the latter if choosing between the two. In between those, we tried to Gnocchi and Lobster Roll. Both were delicious. It was the best Lobster roll I have had in Chicago. To the person complaining about it below, I don't think they know what they are supposed to taste like and the buttery roll is a huge part of a classic roll. The cocktails were spot on. I tried the Dark and Stormy and The Waitlist. Overall a great dinner. Great design by 555 International as always. Music wasn't so loud I couldn't hear my friend speak. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Marco H.
this is a tapas style place. so order at least 3 items per person. like the design of the restaurant. very casual. my highlights: -the escolar (white tuna) -king crab legs with citrus and butter -hamachi sashimi -fish taco (excellent!) -tuna poke (also excellent) the crab cakes were decent. everyone ravs about the lobster mac and cheese. I thought it was ok. then again, being from the south i have a high bar for mac and cheese.
(4)
C H.
Amazing seafood...and for the most part, I hate seafood. The service is fantastic, if not a little over-aggressive, and the food was truly gorgeous. We had Oysters, Lobster Rolls (both), Clam Chowder, Fish and Chips, shrimp bruchetta...I can't remember what else, but all of it, everything was delicious. Crisp, clean, flavorful.
(5)
Marcus Z.
The Staff: About as friendly as I've ever experienced anywhere The Wait: The gap between the cold dishes and hot dishes being served was really my only complaint. We waited awhile. The Food: Oysters, Gnocchi, Smoked Hamachi, and Lobster Roll. Of all these, I could've done without the Hamachi. Oysters were fresh and I enjoyed their house sauce. Desert menu didnt really leave me wanting to try anything.
(4)
Curt C.
I have been to GT Fish and Oyster three times now - once for lunch and twice for dinner. I have tried about 60% of the menu. First, the theme/concept. GT is a small-plates restaurant almost all of which are seafood based. You may think you've seen similar items on other menus, and you probably have, but an entire menu of these little culinary firecrackers is pretty unique. The room is comfortable and not overdesigned. Traditional flourishes like crown molding, black boards, and chandeliers have been utilized in a way that feels comfortable and just slightly new. I don't think there is a seat in the place that doesn't offer a nice warm view. My favorite element however is the casualness of it all. This is one of the best restaurants in town, yet shorts and grubby beach wear are completely acceptable. The place just could not feel more welcoming. That being said, the service is outstanding. Servers are really well trained and have large support staffs. In three visits, I can't ever remembering wanting for anything. Now the food. Each of my visits started with a tour of their oyster menu. Every day they have between six and eight different varieties. The flavor disparity is shocking and I recommend trying as many as you can. Parenthetically, I like being at a restaurant where the quality of shellfish is so unquestionable that I can be comfortable ordering as many as I think I can eat without fear of a bad one. The cocktail sauce has chopped cucumbers in it and I have never had a better one. The menu is divided between hot and cold sides. Starting with the cold side, I really enjoyed the Tuna Poke with cucumber and what looks like raw quail egg yolks but turns out to be a concentrated mango puree. It's a surprising combination of sparkling flavors. My favorite cold dish (and maybe my favorite dish on the menu) is the Sunfish ceviche served with a radish slaw and eaten like guacamole off of home-made tortilla chips. We also tried the Shrimp Bruschetta, Soft Shell Crab, and Foie Gras and Shrimp Terrine, all of which were delicious. On the hot side, the server will direct you toward the Lobster Roll and you should take his advice. It's terrific and easy to share. I also loved the fish tacos which are fresh tasting and satisfying. They also offer an opportunity to try the house made hot sauce. The basil Gnocchi was so good I wished for a huge bowl of it. At the opposite ends of the frou frou scale are the crab medallions and fish and chips. Both are terrific and worth ordering - the fish and chips for the excellent roumalade (tartar sauce) and the crab legs for the artistic presentation. Below the "line," there are typically three non-fish entrees which are completely unnecessary given the accessibility of everything else on the menu. Just for sh!ts and giggles, and on my third visit in 10 days, I ordered the Berkshire Pork Belly which was a wonderful take on cassoulet if maybe a bit much for a warm summer night. Still, bacon, right!? The desserts are all great and I think I have had them all. The choices are reminiscent of those you would find in a fine steak house, but rather than oversized they are petite and carefully crafted - really the perfect cap for such a tasty meal. My favorite is the carrot cake which is as expected but with a surprise ingredient. There were only two things I didn't love. The first was the eel which looked awesome, but tasted just too much like the sushi pieces you can get anywhere. And at four bites an order seemed less than a value. The second was the Mussels which again, were just too pedestrian given the other items on the menu. In summary, this place is great. Work hard to get a reservation. Then show up and relax which is what this place is made for.
(5)
Monica A.
Really good food at a decent price. Small plates makes it perfect for sharing and trying many dishes. Shrimp Brushetta was great, could skip the Tuna Poke (I think it is better at HUB51), mini Oyster Po'Boy sliders are amazing, Lobster Mac-n-cheese good as well. But by far the best dish was the Mussels...and must have. The sauce is amazing. Even our Toffee Cake desert was delightful. Nice little gem.
(4)
Eazmg C.
our meal from most favorite to least order: lobster roll, carrot cake, fish and chips, clam chowder, and shrimp bruschetta. too be honest though it was all pretty good, and i noticed a lot of people already commented, but i would agree it's overpriced especially considering the smaller portions.
(4)
anthony t.
Passed it many times and it was always so busy so I decided to pop in with a friend and we got a seat at the bar. Ordered quite a few apps and of course some oysters and everything was excellent. Why four stars? Bartender didnt pay too much attention to us but he was very busy so overall we loved the place.
(4)
Mitch G.
I love this place. Our meal started with a Dark & Stormy and an Old Money. Two amazing cocktails. We split a few of the nights freshest oysters. Our waiter Franky explained which were sweet, salty, etc. and really helped us out well. All we knew about oysters was that we liked them and these were easily the best I've ever had. Our dinner consisted of shrimp and fois gras toasts, fried green tomato with basil and roe, grilled sea bass, and their famous Lobster Mac and Cheese. I really dug their small plate style and I must say the sea bass was the winner but all were amazing. We ate here before a raging Phish show and achieved the desired effect. Full but not stuffed, delighted with the feeling one gets when their expectations are exceeded and with a nice buzz as well thanks to their excellent beer and cocktail list. Expect to spend 125+ if your going to do it right, and expect to feel like it was worth every penny.
(5)
Caitlin G.
Chris at GT called both my roommate and I today to apologize for the way that the restaurant handled the situation. He did handle these phone calls well and we appreciate him taking the time to get back with us. We do wish we didn't have to do so much follow up on our end but in the end they did make it right.
(4)
Jim P.
Meh. Went there before a recent concert. Service was outstanding. Food was good but certainly not great. Cocktails are $12 and they can't seem to pour enough. We didn't have a reservation but were seated fairly quickly. Server was attractive, knowledgeable, attentive. Lobster mac and cheese was ok. Lobster roll was outstanding. The 4 of us were disappointed overall.
(3)
Robert Z.
What can I say about GT? If you love eating over a dozen of oysters this is the place. The price adds up but you shouldn't eat oysters too often anyway. You can choose from a variety of regions like your tasting wines. Don't leave without having dessert which is surprisingly made in-house - they are so good I thought they must have outsourced from a bakery. I always try key lime pie when I see it on the menu of seafood restaurants and never imagined my favorite would end up in Chicago - its a parfait serving and it is BEYOND!
(4)
Jeanette S.
The lobster mac and cheese is fantastic. We sat at the oyster bar so it was fun to watch everything being shucked. Great quality, fresh oysters when we were there. The place was very busy so it was quite noisy, but still a nice time. We would go back!
(4)
Steven M.
Went there with a business partner Monday night. Odd place. It was very very loud and energetic -- so that could be good if you're in that mood. Awesome and creative food, including cocktails. Had a bunch of small plates (they are all small plates) that we shared. Outstanding were the Hamachi Crudo and Steamed Halibut. So so were the Lobster Rolls (one of the reasons I came) and fish taco's. Don't get me wrong, very very edible -- but -- I've had better Lobster Rolls (Neptune Oyster Bar in Boston) and fish taco's (various). At the end, the consensus was -- well, it was pretty good -- but -- not worth the price. I sort of like the vibe and flavor of Shaw's in Chicago better.
(3)
Melissa S.
amazing! beautiful room, great service and fantastic food we had the lobster mac and cheese, foie gras, bruschetta, croquettes, fish tacos, tuna poke, ceviche, and fish and chips my favorites were the tuna, mac and cheese and ceviche they only thing i wouldnt get again were the croquettes the key lime dessert was too die for and im not much of a dessert person nor do i really care for key lime pie but the food here was so good i knew i had to have a dessert
(5)
Gina D.
Sat at the bar and grabed some appetizers and drinks. Fresh seafood is a must and they got it! The restaurant has a low key atomsphere my huband and I enjoy. We look forward to going back and trying out some other items on the menu. The bartender made some great drinks!
(4)
Katie U.
LOVED the lobster mac and cheese, ahi tuna poke, and mahi tacos. Crab cakes were just OK. You have to try the desserts too. . .keylime pie, cheesecake and carrot cake! I think the portions are about 1 order per 3 people. Service, food presentation, and decor was wonderful. If I had to pick my absolute favorite, it would be the lobster mac and cheese. I can't stop thinking about it .
(5)
Kathy C.
My husband and I went to GT last night to celebrate his birthday. We were very excited to give this place a try and were disappointed by the initial service we received. We did not have reservations, but arrived around 5pm on a Wednesday afternoon hoping to snag seats at the bar. My husband arrived first and sat at the bar, but put his name into the hostess station. After I arrived, we ordered drinks and were about to order some oysters when the hostess interrupted our order with the bartender and said that they had a table ready for us. We asked if we could finish our drinks at the bar and have some oysters before moving, but she said that our names would go back on a wait list if we didn't take the table now. Fine - we picked up drinks and moved to a table for two by the window. Twenty minutes later and after watching a half dozen other tables be seated and have their orders taken around us, we still hadn't seen a server. The place was still only about 1/3 full and was very . I went up to the host station and let them know that we were waiting for a server - the host graciously apologized and came over to talk us through the menu while we waited for our server to come by. Once she did come by, the server was very good. The server told us about a few specials, her menu recommendations and we put in our first order for a dozen oysters, tuna poke and sunfish ceviche. The oysters were very fresh and delicious, but the $3/oyster is a little steep for me to come back for them. The tuna poke was made with mango puree and preserved mango on thin cucumber slices. I thought this was good, but my husband liked the sunfish ceviche better, which was very limey and had a light avocado puree. Our next order included the bouillebasse special, which had a lobster saffron broth, a "lobster tail", shrimp, clams and mussels. We also ordered the eel, which came with a potato salad. I was thoroughly unimpressed with both. The eel came in four, one-inch pieces atop cubes of potatoes and octopus, of which there was hardly any. It was very "meh" to me, especially knowing that for $12 you could get a huge fillet of eel at any sushi restaurant that was cooked just as well. The special was also disappointing - the lobster "tail" was so tiny, the 3-4 individual shrimp also in the pot dwarfed it. The broth was good, but the three pieces of bread that had some sort of spread already on them were not enough to soak it up. And there were maybe 2-3 each of the mussels and clams. Finally, we ordered the lobster roll, which came with some fried onions on the side, the brandade croquettes, basic gnocchi, and foie gras/shrimp dish. The lobster roll was delicious and there was probably 6oz of lobster meat on the buttered roll. I liked that there wasn't too much mayo. The croquettes were lukewarm and did not stand out, and the foie dish just didn't really make that much sense. The shrimp were smoky and the foie didn't go very well with this - I thought it needed something sweet to balance the dish, which it lacked. My husband thought the basil gnocchi was the best dish. There were bits of octopus and mussels in bowl along with tomatoes, so it was a nice summer pasta dish that wasn't too heavy. We ended up spending around $275 total, including drinks, food, tax and tip. We were full, but I left disappointed given all of the the hype I had heard about this place.
(3)
Julie S.
Highly recommend this place, whether it's for a date or for a business dinner. Long waits... so best to try and go early. You can hang out by the bar and have some drinks and oysters while you wait for a table. I am not a huge oyster fan but GT's are the best and freshest I have ever had and would absolutely have them again. Definitely worth trying. The servers can advise, but we had a mix and enjoyed them all. We had excellent and attentive service. The food was well timed and very good. The menu is designed as small plates so a group of people can sample most of the menu. The servers will add on to portion sizes for your larger group. Some recommendations are the tuna poke, scallops, BBQ eel, and crab cake. The lobster roll is OK - but not something you have to try. May want to skip the clam chowder, it's not as chunky as you would like and a little rich.
(4)
Junie B.
The only reason why GT gets 4 stars instead of 5 is it is way too loud and obnoxious. Other than that this place is pretty much amazing. We started with oysters. Holy MF'n oysters. The are half off after 10:30 BTW. They are fresh and delish. I recommend the pebble beach - super large and creamy. We shared a Lobster Roll and we had to order another one. Here's the 4 star story - at the communal table, a group of people (most likely coworkers) showed up and one chick was suuuuuuper wasted. She was like a five year old trying to get the table's attention, stealing her neighbor's blackberry, drinking other people's wine. It was hilar until it got really awkward. Finally the blackberry dude grabs her and takes her outside. He must have scolded her because she came back in with a pouty face. Five minutes later b!tch was escorted to a cab by another dude at the table. Yet, the servers never said anything to them about the noise. Loss of one star for unprotective servers/management to defend other diners' experiences. Thanks.
(4)
Peter G.
Great staff and amazing food. Go there on a Sunday when it isn't so mocked and Your able to enjoy your evening more.
(5)
Devon C.
Absolutely amazing food! Unique, mouth watering creations! I was especially surprised by the dessert. Modern, fun space with great service.
(5)
Jennifer A.
Wonderful service and food! I took my husband here for his birthday and he received a 25.00 gift card for our next visit, nice touch. It was packed but we were still able to have a nice conversation and hear each other. Can not wait to go back !
(5)
Ladan S.
Great Seafood - a gret experience. You must try this restaurant.
(4)
Josh S.
The oysters were great and the rest of the menu items were amazing. For seafood lovers this place is a must. One of the best restaurants in Chicago.
(5)
Dee B.
This tapas resturant was clean, trendy small and with good service. Waiter recommended that you order between 4-6 small plates from the cold to hot part of the menu. We just ordered from the hot and order three plates a piece to share. The food was very good and tasty. We enjoyed our meal and dessert. Will go back. Left feeling satisfyied but not over full.
(3)
Mark P.
First thing to note was that this place is very casual, which I liked. Living in River North, I appreciate a place that has quality food, but is casual without being touristy. I wasn't wearing flip-flops but I may have been in the minority of men without sandals on. The service was helpful, but casual as well. Even had a couple TVs at the bar playing sports. The bathroom was dirty and the place is quite loud. Food was hit and miss. The tuna poke and oysters were good. I really liked the sauces they served with the oysters. The sunfish dish buried the flavor of the fish. The crab cake was one of the worst I've ever had. The gnocci was overdone. I didn't find the menu to be all that interesting - flavors and options you'd expect from a small plate seafood restaurant. Everything was fresh and professionally done, of course. I'd go back to sit at the bar with shorts on and have some oysters.
(3)
Megan W.
A sleek, Cape-Cod style decor and fantastic service. The oysters were so fresh! I recommend the Tuna Poke and Fish Tacos.
(5)
Lucas P.
This place came very highly recommended by one of our friends and we went here on our anniversary. We had an assortment of foods including monk fish tail and the tuna poke which were great. Then we took one of the recommendations from the server of octopus with warm watermelon, which was not good at all. I did eat it, but more out of respect. This restaurant serves a tapas style menu and is meant to share. However for small plates it is expensive. Wine and drink list is great. Worth going, but not a true favorite
(4)
Beth N.
5/5 for food and interior, 3/5 for service. We had been wanting to try this place since it opened and finally went for my fiance's bday. When I called to make the res, they asked if it was a special occasion. While this usually doesn't result in special treatment, when we showed up there was an envelope at our table with a $25 gift card for our next visit! Very awesome!! We shared the lobster roll (a must), sunfish ceviche (if you like avocado and cilantro, amazing) and the oysters were outstanding! I loved the interior of the restaurant and general ambiance would have been perfect if not for one incredibly rowdy group at one of the larger tables. Annoying to the point where the entire dining room rolled their eyes and I had hoped one of the staff would ask them to quiet down. Our waitress could have been a little more friendly -- not even cracking a smile until the end of the night when we said how much we loved the food and the La Colombe coffee. At one point we wondered if she forgot about our second drinks and we had to flag her down later when we were ready for the check. We will definitely be back to taste more of the awesome menu, $25 gift card in tow!
(4)
Vicky C.
So my friend and I went to GT Fish & Oyster right after work, around 6ish so we didn't have to wait for a table. We were seated at the communal table right by the hostess stand. The ambience was upscale, good people watching, floor to ceiling windows and entry way. The only complaint that I have is that it is NOISY, as in noticeably noisy once it got packed -- partly due to the acoustics of the place, louder than necessary music and amount of people talking which hey, they really can't control that last one. Props to our waitress, Miriam who did an excellent job on recommending dishes and oysters with a fun sarcastic tone, my kind of waitress. This is what we ordered: Oyster po'boy sliders with kimchee and peanuts Clam chowder Clam Bake with clams, mussels, sausage, corn GT Lobster 'Mac and Cheese' english peas - as mentioned by other yelpers, plenty of large chunks of lobster Grilled Octopus and watermelon salad Key Lime Pie - perfect amount of tartness (4) Oysters - 2 were east coast, 2 were west coast and I unfortunately cannot remember the names of them since they were suggested by my server. Oysters were served with mignonette sauce and a kickier sauce Needless to say, we were stuffed at the end of the evening. My friend had some stomach issues several days earlier so we opted not to try the tuna poke which I had heard was a must-try or other raw items. I ended up ordering a few oysters to sample because who goes to an oyster bar and doesn't at least try the oysters. My least favorite was the grilled octopus with watermelon salad. I wasn't crazy about the combination of octopus, clams and watermelon. Does anyone else think that's odd? Our waitress thought maybe it was the timing of when that dish came out, but really the flavors just didn't work well together for me. The clam chowder was just ok, nothing extraordinary, thinner than most clam chowders I've had but she kept recommending it because of the weather outside, roughly 60ish temps. I probably wouldn't order this again. Highlights would be the lobster mac n cheese, oyster po'boy and the key lime pie. Both the key lime pie and the clam chowder were served in those little jars, cute and small but the portion was perfect for two tiny ladies. I think if we had a larger group, the portions would've have been pretty disappointing. Overall, a good seafood place in Chicago (a city that is desperately in need of a good seafood joint). I would return!
(4)
TJ M.
Top 3 dinners my wife and I have ever had. Started with the Shrimp Bruschetta, then had the Crab Cake, followed by the Sea Bass, then finished with the Lobster Roll. All were very outstanding and very tasteful. We ended with a Peanut Butter and Raspberry desert, which was very good as well. We didn't have a reservation, we walked in and sat at the bar. The bartender/waitress was extremely friendly and noticed my wife was pregnant and made her a special drink that she loved. Overall great food, atmosphere, and service.
(5)
Joseph S.
This will be the next great place to be. Super cool but reserved decor, with a boomerang shaped counter in the generous bar area. The lobster roll was superb, the clam chowder is really unbelievable, served in a small mason jar, and, had one of each of the oysters, and all were fresh and tasty! If you like bourbon, must try the Velvet Brick cocktail.
(5)
Brett P.
Oysters were fresh, delicious and shucked expertly. My friends and I started off the evening with a selection from both the east and west coast and they were some of the best oysters I have had in Chicago. Things got a little hit and miss after that for us. Hits: Crab cake, this was the favorite of the table, great sauce accompanying the plump and crab filled cake. Lobster Mac and Cheese, peas complimented the lobster filled dish, solid dish Carrot Cake and Key Lime Pie, neither were knock your socks off good, but if you got all of the components in one bite it was a nice ending to the meal. Misses: Basil Gnocchi with Mussels, shrimp, cherry tomato, seafood component of the dish was excellently cooked, but the dish was ruined by the gnocchi. Tasted undercooked and had a mushy, fall apart texture. Not appetizing. Strong tomato flavor. Shrimp and Foie Terrine -- I did not mind this as much as my tablemates, but I was the only one who took a second bite. Muted flavors on the terrrine, brioche toast had no reason to be on the plate, apricot chutney was not good on its own and overpowered the terrine when it was eaten together. Kind of a mess. Squash Blossoms, could have been a mozzerella stick at Fridays -- pointless to order. So-So: Lobster Roll -- good amount of lobster, no counterpoint in flavor to the lobster, no punch. Not satisfied, but it is not like eating large chunks of lobster is ever too hard on the taste buds. Other things to note: Service was really good, took time to explain the menu to us, very patient and helpful. Never had to worry about water being refilled, etc... Ambience is nice, fits the area, but as others have noted repeatedly, you cannot hear the person next to you (and we were there on a Monday night). Found the drink prices to be very high, even for the area. $17 for a Blantons, $14 for a Makers Mark? Give me a break.
(3)
Liz L.
Phenomenal. Our reservation was for 9:45 and we pretty much got there on the dot. We were told to grab some drinks from the bar while our table was getting ready. We waited for 15 minutes, several parties that came in after us were seated so we went up to the guy who told us to wait and asked if our table was ready. Totally nonchalantly, he was like "Sure!" I don't know if he just forgot because it was so hectic in there, but not cool that we have to remind someone they told us to wait, especially when he had reservations. That's the only minus point from my experience and without it, GT Fish & Oyster would have easily had 5 stars. Our waiter was super nice and cool. He gave us the exact amount of attention. He didn't pressure us about ordering too much and made an effort not to make us feel bad that we weren't ordering dessert. He made great suggestions about what to have and what order to have the dishes in and made sure everything came out at the exactly right intervals. We had the softshell crab, smoked haddock dip with taro chips, shrimp bruschetta, brandade croquettes, and mussels. Everything was absolutely delicious, the seafood was so fresh and cooked so perfectly. The shrimp brushcetta was especially good, I didn't know shrimp could be that tender and juicy. The elements of the dish were pretty unique but came together perfectly. The mussels were also fabulous and that says a lot because I actually never liked mussels. They were super fresh and did not have the weird rubbery taste that mediocre mussels have. The sauce was not overpowering and complemented the mussels perfectly. Love the ambiance, super chic and modern but not pretentious at all. People who were obviously management were walking around making sure everything was good and even cleaning up tables. Shows that they're really committed, definitely a plus!
(4)
Nikki L.
Get ready to empty your wallets. I came here for a friend's birthday dinner with 10 other people. We sat at a large table by the front window (which I walked into on the way in) and were greeted promptly. The service was impecable, our server was always there when we needed her, she was well versed in the menu and gave great recommendations. I could tell she had passion for food and people, a great combo for this industry. We ordered an insane amount of oysters, I didn't eat any, but I could tell my friends loved them so much, they ordered two more rounds ($$$). I had the clam chowder, which was served in a mini mason jar, cute; and tried a little lobster bisque which was covered with a huge puff pastry. We decided to order a few things to share for the table and everything was great, not good, but GREAT. I wish I could give it 5 stars, however the price point was a bit high and would not be a place I could go to often. However, it is great for that special occasion and I look forward to coming back again, maybe with the parents next time ;-)
(4)
Cassie C.
I had previously experienced GT Fish and Oyster and was disappointed with the services. I had decided to give it another shot this past Tuesday with the same party. I knew it was going to be a great meal when I walked in and they were playing my favorite Stones album followed by what seemed to be my ipod with indie rock hits from 2008- now. The atmosphere was cozy yet buzzing even on a Tuesday night. Not only was the staff accommodating but the meal was amazing. The oysters were fresh (I'm a West Coast fan) and their house-made cocktail sauces were great. The baja shrimp bruschetta was light and every bite had the right amount of flavor. The scallops may have been the best scallops that I've had in Chicago. We also indulged in the crab cake and date cake which were both delicious however, I was more impressed with the oysters and scallops. The service didn't miss a beat and I always had a hand crafted cocktail at my side. Thank you GT for changing my mind and my making full until the new year.
(5)
james c.
Good service, good food, small portions esp for the price and I am from SF. This is my real issue: we were more than a bit surprised that after my dinner companion bit down on a fish taco and almost broke his tooth on a piece of rock hard chicharon it wasn't taken off the bill, despite a $150 tab. The restaurant manager had the gall to come over with a dish of the chicharon powder they used and tried to make excuses -- "ok, if you add only powder to the tacos how did we end up with a hard chunk"? We did get 3 small hot sauces which was insulting, arrogant, bad management. It is sad to see this from what could have been good albeit expensive experience. I guess this is what happens when a trendy restaurant can treat customers anyway they feel. Shame on you guys, you can do better and DO THE RIGHT THING. Diners out there, food shouldn't come with an attitude.
(2)
Jeff L.
This place is really good. We went on a Friday night and unlike most new hip spots, we were not rushed through our meal. Our waitress Miriam was so nice and made sure we ordered the right food and enough. I'l highly recommend the Lobster Roll and the Oyster Po' Boy Sliders. The Shrimp Bruschetta had a nice little kick to it.
(5)
Carole C.
I am a seafood lover & was excited to dine here having heard so much. Reservations were difficult at 8, all we could do was choose between 5:30 & 10, after 10 the oysters are 1/2 price, a great deal but not as many to choose from & the ones we picked were the tiniest I've ever seen, but delicious, the lobster bisque (bland) I could have skipped, the gnocchi was delightful, the lobster roll was good but I've had better at Nathan's in Coney Island... Sorry! No key lime pie on menu anymore & that sucked but highly recommend the date cake, and not the pear tart the waiter liked. Drinks are imaginative & good, ambience noisy but fun. I will go back but no later than 8...& will explore more cold options. They do encourage sharing & I found their prices very reasonable, they left a $20 gift card in homage to my birthday...so sweet. We will definitely be back...could have made better menu selections!!
(3)
Erika P.
Went for the first time last night and was blown away by the food and the service. Chef Tentori is brilliant by really letting the fish/seafood be the star and keeping each dish simple but wonderful. Everything is shared plates and here's my take: -listen to your server's suggestions. Courtney pointed us in the right direction and knew the menu/wine list thoroughly. Her enthusiasm for the food was genuine and spot on! -lobster roll. MUST try. It's happiness on a plate. I was with some friends, one being from New England who works for Food & Wine. As you can imagine, he was skeptical about the Chicago lobster roll and twice he called it "perfect." It is. -tuna poke - so fresh and amazing. Reminded my friend of his recent trip to Japan and right off the boat tuna prepared in the fish markets. -BBQ eel - really loved this. Almost a cinnamon taste to my palate. Very different and delicious. -fish taco - again the fish is the star. Not loaded with "sauces" or anything that will mask the really wonderful, fresh fish. It's simple and this is again, the brilliance behind Chef Tentori's dishes. -crab cake - loaded with crab and barely anything else. Very good. It's true the place is loud but you get used to it, and it just adds to the fun, playful atmosphere...the food, wine list, and service make it 5 stars in my book. Boka group has another hit and this will definitely be my "go to" place for fantastic, fresh, seafood plates.
(5)
Allie K.
GT is a great place! Went the other night and had a wonderful experience! As expected, the restaurant was very busy, but I was able to sit at the bar. The service was very attentive and extremely friendly, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable. I ordered a number of dishes but I would have to say the BBQ Eel was OUT OF THIS WORLD! and the Tuna Poke was to delicious as well. I would highly recommend GT to anyone. Chef Tentori has proved himself once again!
(4)
Sara W.
Went here with a friend of mine and we were both willing to have a "nice" dinner and pay for it, however as soon as we were greeted by the hostess she stated at 5:30 on a Thursday, "You can sit at a table but need to be out by 6:45." Uhhh okay, but not really. It was kind of weird. The food was fresh overall, but not that great with the flavors. I felt like they were afraid of any real robust taste. The sliders were good but the bread was too sweet for the little kimchi they put on the roll. The ceviche was listed as made with chimichurri, however it was bland. I love chimichurri and this wasn't it. The best thing we had were the fish tacos and the oysters are super fresh and meaty. The ambiance is great, but I just felt like flavors were lacking and the initial welcome wasn't welcoming.
(3)
Bruce S.
I am a transplant from NYC and I moved to Chicago close to a year ago, and I find Chicago to be a great eating town, as good as NY if not better in certain areas. When i heard about the opening of GT Fish bar I was very excited because I have been frequenting clam and oyster bars as long as I can remember. So first let me say that the place is beautifully decorated and the oysters were as good as they get, but as far as the clam chowder and the lobster roll, I was very disappointed. Not that they were bad, but to me they didn't have the taste of what a lobster roll or clam chowder should be like. If you have ever been to New England and had either of the two, you would know exactly what I mean. The lobster roll had the consistency of lobster but not the sweet taste. Lobster rolls should be knuckles and claws with just a slather of mayo, not with any condiments to take away from the true taste of the lobster and the clam chowder was not clam chowder, it was clam soup. A very good soup but not clam chowder. Again the consistency of clams, but not the taste. If you have ever had real New England clam chowder you can taste the sea before you even get to the clams and its very thick and creamy with potatoes and minced clams that actually taste like clams. Would I go back? Yes but not for the lobster roll or clam chowder. I would definitely try other selections on the menu, but for now I think the best lobster roll I have had in Chicago is at Shaw's.
(3)
Dr. J.
OH MY GOSH!!!!!!! Chicago needs this place! River North needs this place! All of my friends and I need this place! Simply put, GT Fish & Oyster is FUN and will bring out the "foodie" in everyone! What a vision! The food is incredible! The oysters are mouth-wateringly fresh with garnishments as the perfect opportunity for a star chef to display his talents! The two house-made hot sauces will even make Rick Bayless jealous. They are not yet available for purchase so the next time I eat here, I will have to bring along a "senior citizen" who is willing to steal restaurant condiments. They're that good! I'm sure the design team had a blast with this one! I kept looking around for the signature Boka lycra panels to be hoisted as sails. The paintings of old ships will inspire everyone from the Chicago Yacht Club. Just wait, GT -- some sailor is going to come in, discover your clam chowder so cleverly served in a jar, and force you to provision his yacht for a lake Michigan journey. One dish was better than the next! My only regret is that we couldn't eat everything on the menu. The beet marinated and house-smoked salmon was so damn good we ordered it again. The Crab Agnolotti was so sophisticated in taste and texture that it literally made me laugh and then brought tears to my eyes! This place really gets it right! And, our culinary delight was delivered with very attentive service. I don't know how this group does it, but there is a very characteristic sense of food knowledge and attention to detail that is displayed by all who work there. It is clear that everyone involved with this restaurant is passionate about delivering the best food experience possible. The best part about this place is that they are open for LUNCH! This means I can eat there twice a day! Hmmmmm. Clam Chowder for lunch and then Lobster Bisque for dinner... Congratulations BOKA Group on a job well done!
(5)
John W.
Great ambiance, great service. It's a tad over priced however. The oysters are fresh and probably the best we've had in the city. BBQ eel is delicious but small. Lobster mac and cheese is perfectly light. Mussels weren't good-must have been an off night. Overall, definitely worth checking out
(4)
kb j.
We went on a weekend evening. We had a reservation and were seated promptly after arrival. We were led through the bustling bar area to the dining room. The tables are closely packed together. The menu offers a variety of small plate seafood options (there are a limited number of non-seafood choices). Highly recommended are the tuna poke, the Po Bo oyster sandwich and the fish tacos. The wine list includes several by-the-glass selections and many bottle choices. Service was friendly and well-paced.
(5)
Dillon D.
Quick and to the point, you need to find your way here....Lobster roll "cape cod" style is one amazing alternative. Tuna poke and the avocado/shrimp bruschetta is dynamite. Plan ahead and make it happen.....for all the people that bitch about the price, Red Lobster has your table ready for you.....
(5)
Meg E.
i left here drunk on oysters. the mussels, ceviche and desserts were delicious. its a great place to grab a cocktail OR have dinner -- thumbs up. dont get the chicken - meh.
(4)
Sarah M.
My husband I went here on Black Friday with another couple. Call me picky but I am kind of over the whole "small plates to share" fad that trendy restaurants are into now. Because someone always gets less and it makes it tricky when splitting checks like we do. Plate-sharing (IMHO) is an overpriced way to squeeze consumers and this oyster bar does it well. The fish and chips were good and the caramel salt dessert was to die for but the environment is very LOUD and communal seating makes conversations un-private. One person in our party is hard of hearing and so it made for a difficult place to talk at all. When he did speak or laugh loudly other patrons did the obnoxious head-turn at him. The drinks were good and the waitstaff was helpful and friendly but I think I don't think I'll go back. Too pricey for too small of portions ..but that's part and parcel of the River North area I suppose.
(3)
Leslie H.
Seafood was unbelievably good, including some of the best oysters I've ever had, dirty martinis were also delicious! We did have a hard time getting our waiter's attention as we'd like to have ordered more drinks.
(4)
Nirav S.
lobster roll LOVE! fish taco's yumm!
(4)
Bonnie K.
I LOVED IT! The mussels were my fave!! The service was excellent and the food was so amazing! Will for sure be back!
(5)
Alice K.
this review is a few months old and overdue, and all i remember was that the food quality was good, portions a bit small, pricey but understandable for seafood, the wait was long even with a reservation, the interior was nice and clean. the best thing i had was the oyster po boy. if i ever go back, i hope they still have those on the menu.
(3)
Victoria B.
I would give this place a solid 4 stars for the food, the atmosphere and the service. It was really good and completely unlike anything else I had to eat during a long weekend visit to Chicago. We happened to go for lunch on a Friday and it seemed to be a very popular, slightly trendy lunch venue for business men and women. The oyster selection was pretty good - I was shocked by the selection seeing as it is the Midwest. But my favorite thing we tried was the Baja shrimp bruschetta, which had the perfect balance of crunch, flavor and spice. I loved it and I actually think it might have been my favorite bite of the whole weekend. My least favorite was the tuna poke, which was good, but a little one note and too mango-y and sweet. I just wish it had something else to brighten it up - maybe some fried taro chips for texture and more acid/heat? I don't know. It was just kind of ehh for me. The lobster roll was tiny, but it was very tasty and I liked the sides a lot (fried onions and giardiniera). It wouldn't fly in Maine as it was more of a lobster salad and the bun itself wasn't quite right, but who cares?
(4)
Andrew W.
We have always been a fan of the Boka Group restaurants and so we wanted to try GT fish and Oyster for my sister's birthday. The interior of the restaurant has a very suave marina feel to it. Carlos was our waiter and even tho it was he second night waiting tables, we had a great night with him. He even gave my sister a dessert for her birthday so we appreciated the whole evening. Highly recommend for people who are in mood for excellent seafood and small plate sharing.
(5)
mike s.
Awesome food, lived up to the hype in my opinion. Also has great service and enjoyable interior/ atmosphere. Had 8-10 menu items with a group and literally everything was tasty.
(5)
Marissa D.
a little late on this - and i'm sure by now everyone knows that GT is a winner. i can add briefly to this consensus after dining here twice. really like the atmosphere here, great drinks at the bar, and the food is so delicious. some of my favorites include the clam chowder (which needs to be served in bigger portions because the small "tapas" portion just isn't enough!), the lobster roll, the oyster po boy, amazing oysters, the fish and chips, bbq eel, and the mac and cheese. love it here and am sure it'll be a good stand-by for a nice meal out.
(4)
Sarah S.
A fun place - always had super nice waitstaff and overall great food. Oysters are awesome, and the desserts did blow me away. Where did it lose that one star for me? A couple dishes that don't quite cut it- the glazed cod was overbearingly sweet and the baja shrimp bruschetta was a little on the bland side. Should that stop you from going there? Absolutely not, plenty of other really delicious things on the menu...
(4)
Arlene S.
Had a great experience at GT Fish and Oyster this past weekend. Service was great and my mouth was watering for oysters and I was not disappointed. East and West coast, one was better than the other. Make sure you make reservations. This is a hot spot. The portions are like tappas and you can taste more food. Which made me smile! Try the dessert like key lime pie. Mmm Mmm good! I will definitely return!
(5)
Sarah M.
Excellent food, small portions, amazing oysters, great ambiance, wonderful location, terrible service. Our waitress was dim, uninterested, unfriendly, and slow. We would probably go back again for an oyster fix and just hope for a better server!
(4)
Greg G.
I really struggled whether or not to write this review since GT Fish and Oyster is....was one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago's river north. I've come here for Brunch/Lunch/Dinner multiple times and frankly I was surprised I didn't already have a yelp review for this place. The food is great here. I love their lobster rolls and their fish tacos have the perfect amount of spice and flavor to them. They have delish cocktails and their service is amazing. I could go on and on about how awesome this place is, but I don't think I can go back. We came here Saturday night for drinks and some small plates of food. The first plate we ordered the cesar salad was great until someone found a dead moth or a baby cockroach in their salad (it had 2 antennas and wings), we couldn't really tell, it was covered in salad dressing and it was taken away almost immediately. I get it. It happens. They cleared our plates and the manager was kind enough to expense our meal and drinks, however the meal was ruined. Half our table left almost right away due to feeling sick. No one wanted to eat anymore, appetites were lost.. and now I don't think I can eat there again without thinking about that stupid bug. The only thing that worries me is that there is very rarely just ONE bug.. They might need to check out their kitchen for some infestation or something. Anyway, it's a great restaurant, don't let my bad experience deter you from going there. but if anyone else has had a bug in their food at this place I'd be curious to hear about it, otherwise we were just a freak accident. I give this place 5 stars minus that one bug incident.
(3)
Laurie D.
I had a wonderful time tonight! Our meal was delicious and the service was great. We had the hamachi crudo, the oyster po'boys, the lobster roll, and the monkfish. For dessert I ordered key lime and we lucked out and were able to try the chocolate ganache as well. For drinks, we had Old Dog New Tricks. Can't wait to return. Bless you Giuseppe Tentori.
Delicious oysters, seafood crudo was insane, fun trendy atmosphere. We love it here! Great service as well.
(5)
Marc B.
I had a perfect before theatre meal here Saturday night. Well to be honest I strictly had oysters. I love oysters. I get them often as an appetizer. However, once I had the first 6, I kept ordering them. They were all delicious! My date loved her Branzino as well. The staff moved our meal along in a timely manner without feeling rushed, because they asked if we had after dinner plans. Clean, simply decorated place with good seafood. Safe, easy, satisfying choice for dinner.
(5)
Yao W.
It has the best clam chowder in Chicago! Rich in flavor and tender in texture, this soup makes a good appetizer. Plus it's contained in a cute transparent jar that is very special. The lobster roll was very tasty too! However the mussels were mediocre.
(4)
Mary Ann C.
Fantastic! Excellent first impression. This place has been on my radar for a long time, and my husband and I found ourselves in the area a bit early for a cocktail date with friends. So...down Wells we walked! 1. We found only one open seat at the bar. A busser immediately came over and helped us move over to a central table that was also open for bar guests. He made sure we were comfortable and happy. Stunning and super impressive. 2. The server was very friendly and eager for us to enjoy our meal. Maggie gave us plenty of suggestions and tips. Great job. 3. Drinks....Wow! Balanced, tasty, and interesting cocktails. The "Old Dog New Tricks" was fantastic. 4. Food.......yummmmmmmm! Great oysters. Amazing oyster po-boy sliders. I could have eaten 10 on these! Sunshine cerviche was delicious. We also had a seasonal pasta with crawfish and corn. Cannot wait for another visit to try more. This is a great place!
(5)
natalie b.
We came here for a friend's birthday brunch and were blown away with the level of service. Everyone was friendly and welcoming. The mimosas were awesome and the food was good. I must admit I never think of this place for brunch and now I feel like the brunch blew the lunch menu out of the water. I'll be back!
(5)
Annie P.
Came here for my bday is October...sorry for the late review. Their oyster selection is fantastic, the lobster roll was pretty good, the chowder was amazing, the tacos sucked, the tartar was also amazing. The only item I wish we had tried that we didn't was the fish and chips... for next time I guess.
(5)
Timothy W.
Just ate there on Feb 26 for my birthday. Had some "fresh" oysters. Me and my whole family were sick as dogs. So much for being protected at upscale restaurants. When i called back two days later to make sure they knew. The response from the manager was nobody complained that night. That was because they were all like me, barely able to get out of bed.
(1)
Roberta K.
Chef Giuseppe is Amazing and Mauricio is Excellent with his knowledge of the menu and wine pairings. Perfecto!
(5)
Annie B.
This is one of those places where you have a lot of trouble rating everything in order of your favorites because everything is so ridiculously delicious and you don't want to upset the shrimp brushetta by talking about how amazing the mussels are.. you get the point. So, my recommendations in no particular order: Shrimp Brushetta Oyster Po'Boy Sliders (Order at least one per person) GT Ramen PEI Mussels (after we finished the mussels, I ate the roasted tomato sauce by the spoonful, with little to no shame) GT Mac & Cheese The people we went with loved the Clam Chowder as well. We ordered a bottle of the Grune Veltliner Salomon Undhof which at $44 is a great price. Also tried the Clean Break cocktail which is delicious, especially if you like gin. This place is definitely on the pricer side (our bill was $207 without tip for 4 people) but it's reasonable and definitely worth it.
(5)
Michelle K.
GT Fish & Oyster is one place that actually lived up to its hype. It had been on my list of places to go for a very long time and I finally got the chance to go today with two friends. We called around 1 to try to make a dinner reservation and it was understandable that we'd only be able to come in around 5 or 5:15 or 9:30. We opted to come in at 5:15. When we got there, the restaurant was pretty empty but started to fill up over the course of the dinner. My two friends were really impressed with the interior and I would have to agree--it was well decorated and felt comfortable but also modern. The mirrors everywhere did reflect so much light that it was hard to take good pictures if that matters to you! We ordered a few oysters each--my favorite was the Sunset Cove (one of the West Coast oysters). The description describes it as creamy and sweet and it was. It wasn't as salty as the others which I preferred to the other ones. They were also large in size and well worth the $3. They did leave me wishing I lived by a coast so that I could eat oysters more often. I forgot how much I loved them! We ordered a few dishes to share! Shrimp bruschetta: This was wonderful. The avocado and shrimp went so well together as well as the slight cilantro. It had a subtle kick to it and the subtlety of the grapefruit paired so well. All of the flavors went well together and it left us excited for the rest of the dishes to come! Oyster po'boy sliders: This dish was beautifully created and went unexpected well together. The fried oyster, their take on kimchi, and the peanuts blended well together. It had just the right amount of crisp and give. The kimchi made the dish lighter than it might have been otherwise. It was good but I'd love to try something else on the menu next time! Lobster roll: This was the last dish to come out and it left me feeling like I could have eaten it but I could have also done without. The bun was warm and well buttered... Maybe a little too much but yummy nonetheless. The lobster was delicious and the celery made it light in a way that balanced out the bread. It came with onion strings which were a little salty but also delicious. Very crispy! Fish tacos: The fish tacos were one of the messiest things to eat. The fish--I can't remember what it was today--but it was sturdy enough to hold all of the flavors of the garlic and chipotle aioli and the chicharron. It did feel like it was missing something though so it let me use the famous GT sauces. I liked both--the green one had a little bit more of a slow burn and the red one had more of an immediate kick! Octopus: This dish was recommended to us by the waitress but we asked for it without the olives--it's not a listed ingredient but olives are the only ingredient that I cannot eat... HEH. Like the others on the list, this dish had so many different flavors that unexpectedly came together SO well. The yogurt, lemon, potato, and greens went so well with the octopus. The octopus was poached before being broiled and it was absolutely fantastic. Unanimously, this dish was our favorite! Overall, if I were to go back, I'd definitely order the shrimp and octopus dishes again. The others were delicious but I'd rather try other things on the menu such as the poke, grilled white asparagus, gnocchi, or squash blossom. SO happy with this dinner choice!
(5)
Mary B.
What in the world did I just eat? I'm pretty sure it was frickin fanTASTIC. I went there for a birthday brunch back in August. We had the private room downstairs, which was great, but it felt like we were being head to a dungeon! Let me first tell you how amazing the bacon was. I'm reallllly picky about bacon because I love it so much and this may have been the best bacon I've ever had. Bold statement, I know. Chilaquiles-Duck Confit, salsa, fried egg-this was my second favorite after the bacon. I had never had duck confit but it was surprisingly good and very well made. Crab Benedict-a little overpowering but damn, not bad at all. I like my poached eggs a little runny and these were cooked perfectly. The Chicken and Waffles kind of threw me for a loop. Honestly, it sounds okay but fried chicken and waffles? Just give me some waffles with bananas or something. I feel like you either like this meal a lot, or just don't care to have both of these items together. I'm definitely the latter. The service was PHENOMENAL. Everyone was so polite and attentive. 5 stars to them! I'm definitely going to come back for dinner sometime. Brunch was pretty good but I have a feeling I'd LOVE their dinner. I'll have to save up, though! It's definitely on the pricey side.
(4)
Gamaliel E.
Loved the drinks, atmosphere, oysters, and appetizers! Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Sierra G.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. The menu is comprised of small plates that are meant for sharing. I've tried most of the dishes and don't have anything but nice things to say. No complaints here! The dishes are seafood-centric, but there are a couple dishes for non-fish eaters and a couple for vegetarians. They are also happy to make substitutions on the dishes. I would recommend the oysters (if that is your thing), fish tacos, eggplant (vegetarian), po boy sliders with kimchi, and the lobster roll. The lobster roll is served with plenty of fried onions for crunch and they are generous with the lobster meat. The key to a killer lobster roll is the toasted soft roll and GT does a perfect buttery grill on the bun. They have a salted caramel tart that is not to be missed. I recommend ordering one less menu item than you think you need and saving room (or calories) for dessert because it is worth it! The space is beautifully decorated with a chic nautical theme and the service is spot on- the servers always often great suggestions. The bathroom also has a gold sink that I am obsessed with. Points for style!
(5)
Arisa T.
Fantastic selection wine, had some amazing whites that went well with the fresh oysters they served. Minimum order of 6 oysters, but very well executed.
(4)
Ashley L.
So. Good. My husband and I love oysters (order an average of 3 dozen or so for appetizer). The oysters here are so amazing and fresh. The food is also so good. After our oyster fest appetizers - we usually order about 4 dishes to share. The lobster roll is a staple on the menu and should be. Not a soggy buttery mess - but a light and refreshing entree for your own or to share. They also hosted an Oyster Shucking class which only gave us more favorable experience of the restaurant and how they truly focus on serving fresh and sustainable items. Wait staff is also very nice and friendly. Have not had any negative aspects. Will be back many many more times!
(5)
Matthew M.
Oysters: great variety, very fresh. Only reason I would return. Lobster roll: tasty, good split-top roll, outstanding pickled veg mix BUT simple web search will yield equal quality, better portioning, much better price. Asparagus: absolutely negligible portion size for price point. Beer: $11 for a Rosa.... $11 for a Rosa?! Cocktails: very good, fair price for River North. Cool space; good date night; better options if you are not seeking out oysters specifically or do not know when you are eating one oyster from the next. I do, and that alone got the third star.
(3)
Thu D.
I came here with 2 girlfriends on a Wednesday after work without a reservation because they were booked, but we were seated at the bar pretty quickly and later moved to a table, which was really nice. The restaurant itself is very pretty, a rustic but elegant feel with high ceilings and white curtains. My friends and I are oyster fanatics, so we each got 2 kinds to share - 1 east coast and 1 west coast so we could savor that briny and sweet goodness. They were hands down the best oysters that I've had in the city! We would've ordered more except we also got the fish tacos, octopus, and Pei mussels and were stuffed by the time we were done thanks to the crispy ciabatta that we dipped in the generous helping of roasted tomato sauce from the mussels. Everything was delicious and it was surprisingly not that expensive - a little more than $30 with tip. Next time I go, I will definitely be putting down more oysters and some wine!
(5)
Danny W.
Seems silly to review a restaurant that already has feedback from 672 patrons but at the risk they were all robots (I'm decidedly not a robot; I'll prove it if I have to), I'll try. GT rocks! My recos: -Arctic Char -Oyster Sliders -Bruschetta -Poke -Grilled Octopus Excellent service and the actual space is nice too. Also, they give you a gift card if you celebrate a birthday (assuming you're not a robot).
(4)
Jeremy J.
We went to GT Fish & Oyster for a Sunday brunch during Restaurant Week, although we didn't order from the fixed price menu since we didn't want anything from it. Instead we ordered the Biscuits and Lobster Gravy, Grits and Shrimps, Country Potatoes and of course, oysters -- two orders of everything on the list a total of 12. The biscuits and gravy we thought was on the bland side, good but missing something. Maybe if it had a little kick or spice to it, it would have been better. Nevertheless, it had a good amount of lobster chunks in it and I ate it all. The grits with shrimp, on the other hand, was surprisingly yummy. It was our first time eating grits and this item on the menu was a winner! Delicious, it was. We very much enjoyed it. The potatoes were very good. I like my breakfast potatoes with some salsa or pic ode gallo but GT only had this salsa verde served warm, and it was fantastic with the potatoes. I absolutely enjoyed that. Lastly, the oysters. Whenever we travel, we like to find a place with oysters (you know what they say about oysters -- heeheehee) and GT didn't disappoint. Our favorite was the Dabob Bay. They were a good size and very clean tasting. Splash some in-house hot sauce, with GT's own sauces and a little horseradish, they were absolutely delightful. Overall, GT was a good choice. I could easily give the joint 5 stars but the biscuits and gravy kind of brought the rating down a bit. I'll definitely return, however.
(4)
Leila T.
Not as good as I expected. We started with 2 of each oyster that they had on the menu, these were great and really fresh. Then we had: - oyster sliders: these would be amazing if there were more fried oysters within the slider. It felt like so much fried empty breading. - fish tacos: these were unpleasant... There's crispy little things on top of the tacos, I'm still not sure what they were and they did not taste good. This dish made my stomach hurt, it was just odd and did not sit well. - lobster mac & cheese: soo bland. I had to ask the waiter to bring salt & pepper to the table. After immense amounts of salt and pepper it tasted slightly better but overall very disappointed.
(2)
Karla B.
The food was generally great but it was incredibly loud. I went with girlfriends to catch up and we had trouble hearing each other from across the table when seated in the dining room. However, the food didn't disappoint. We had oysters, sunfish ceviche, and the shrimp brushetta to begin. The server added a third piece of brushetta to our order and thank goodness she did, because I wouldn't have wanted to share. The toasted pistachio spread was incredible and was perfectly paired with the shrimp. For our shared main entrees we had the fish & chips, shark tacos, and crab cake. The crab cake came with pickled vegetables which were great. However, the crab cake was disappointingly small for $18. The three of us barely had a bite each. The fish & chips were my favorite because of the house dill pickle remoulade served with it. Delish! The food deserves a 4, however since we struggled to hear each other, even though we felt like we were yelling, I had to give 3 stars.
(3)
Anthony D.
Not only one of my favorite Chicago restaurants, but one of the best in the country. Perfectly prepared seafood, some of the best oysters in the country, and knowledgeable staff that will pair hand crafted cocktails with any of the food selections you make. Great overall, cannot say enough good things here.
(5)
Dana G.
We celebrated my birthday there and the evening was spectacular. The host gave us one of the seats near the window and we were treated very well for the rest of the evening. Items to order: - Sunfish Ceviche - Oyster Po'Boy Sliders - Octopus - Whole Grain Gnocchi Everything from the food, to the atmosphere, to the service was sensational. I look forward to returning to try other menu items.
(5)
Armil B.
My wife and I went there on a Sunday night to celebrate our anniversary. Our server, Angela, was great and was very helpful in helping us decide our order. We started with 6 oysters that, two cold, and two hot dishes. Since it was our anniversary, GT gave us complimentary Po Boys oysters sliders...DELICIOUS! I loved the Cold Soba dish while my wife enjoyed the Shishoto noddles. We definitely will come there again.
(5)
Kay S.
An old friend of mine was visiting from London and we were both craving seafood yesterday. After perusing yelp reviews, we settled on GT because at the very least, if the food or service sucked, there'd be another great restaurant/bar around the corner in River North. We ordered a handful of items: shrimp bruschetta, clam chowder, the famous lobster roll, and of course my bud had to choose good ole fish & chips. Portions definitely are on the smaller side (no surprise given that that detail's stated in most reviews), but most everything was scrumptious. So much so that I didn't want to share my lobster roll, but my friend and I decided early on to divvy everything up so we could taste a variety of seafood. My friend had a slight gripe: that the fish & chips were not nearly as great as that offered in London, but of course this seems to be a much cheaper and quicker alternative for those of us who reside in Chicago! The ambiance and service were stellar, but I wouldn't expect anything less in a place like this. We had a wonderful server, Boban, and my friend and him seemed to bond immediately over both being Europeans. It was quite adorable, and he was quite adorable, as was several other people of the waitstaff--can you say eye-candy? Don't worry, professionalism was definitely maintained, as was that nice balance between attentiveness and giving us alone time. Kudos to training your staff well, GT. It all added to the experience. Can't say we had anything less than a jolly good time!
(5)
Jon O.
The simplistic, basic style of the food is what makes me a fan of GT Oyster. The Tuna Poke was well balanced with a lite mango dressing and cucumbers and topped with ginger and black sesame seeds. It was a great dish to get things started but I wish I had ordered two because it was so delicious!
(4)
Eric G.
First time trying oysters ever. We tried three from the west coast and three from the east coast. East coast was definitely the winner. GT Fish & Oyster was a very good choice for restaurant week. After the oysters I had the shrimp bruschetta appetizer. The sauce on this is amazing, highly recommend. Next came the New England clam chowder. Very good and came with some delightful gourmet type croutons. For my main course I had the po boy oyster. Next time I'll go with a fish. It wasn't bad, just not as good as the gfs tuna. Finally we finished off with chocolate ganache. Highly recommend. All in all I would recommend this place if you are a big seafood fan. The staff was very welcoming, knowledgeable and attentive. Enjoy!
(4)
Mariam K.
For starters, let me just say... if you don't like seafood.. don't come here.. because you won't really find anything else to eat. I went with 2 other friends and we were told the plates are fairly small so we ordered a bunch of different stuff. Oyster poboy sliders - amaze (it was my first time trying oysters) fish tacos - pretty good fish and chips - not a fan of this pei mussels - first time trying this... acquired taste maine lobster roll - I didn't like the fact that it was so cold, my least favorite crab cake - really good mac and cheese - delish side of fries - delish! Needless to say, we ordered too much... but somehow we finished everything. For all seafood lovers - this would probably be one of the top seafood restaurants in Chicago.
(4)
Leticia M.
GT Fish & Oyster became one of my favorite spots in Chicago. Came twice for lunch and brunch and both experiences were amazing. The staff is very friendly, well informed and the food was outstanding. Can't wait to come back!
(5)
Mopsie B.
Went here for the first time ever over the weekend. This place is gorgeous, aesthetically. It is simple, clean, and very light and airy, especially the front area. Service was professional and knowledgeable but not pretentious. They have some cocktail specialties which are interesting. Also a pretty extensive beer list. The wines are fairly pricey with no real deals to note. Frankly, the wines by the glass are way overpriced for what they are. So that is a little disappointing. The menu is small plates, which is nice if you are into sharing. It's really hard to get full here, though. We got a dozen oysters, and two plates per person for our table of six and they do recommend 2-3 plates per person. The portions are really small for the price, unfortunately. The food is quite good. One person or even two could make a meal out of the fish tacos or mussels. We did not try any meats- just all seafood. There is nothing on the menu less than $12. I am not complaining- the food is very high quality, but it is going to run pretty steep if you are hungry and/or get a bottle of wine. (No bottles under $40). Desserts are works of art, especially the ice cream cake. Check it out on payday- you will not be disappointed, even if you do need a snack a couple hours later!
(4)
Kim G.
I've eaten here twice now and not been disappointed either time. Most recently we had a reservation but wanted to eat outside. We probably waited 40 minutes for a table but enjoyed a glass of wine at the bar. The bartender was not overly friendly but the wine was good. When we got to our table the server was helpful and attentive. We all shared the oyster po' boy sliders, shrimp bruschetta, fish and chips, eggplant and fish tacos. I loved the first 3 items. The oysters and the fish were so tender and cooked perfectly. The shrimp bruschetta was wonderful. I could have eaten several more! I did not care for the fish tacos. To me the fish had a funny taste to it, however, the others at my table thought they were fine. The eggplant was just okay. It was a little too heavy and sweet for me. Overall if you want seafood and are okay with small plates I definitely would recommend this place.
(4)
svetlana k.
Their oysters are the best in the city hands down. Been here many times for dinner and keep coming back. This time had the seafood tower. I would say skip it and get yourself more oysters instead. Their clam chowder is delicious. Their oyster poboy sliders are one of my favorite sandwiches in the city. I would skip on the cocktails and opt for wine instead. Very mediocre drinks. The desert, chocolate ganache, was light and airy unlike many other super dense mousses. Great dinner.
(5)
Cali G.
This restaurant is out of this world. We started with a really good bottle of white wine, and we ordered oysters, mussels, trout and octopus. All the dishes were amazing. One different from another.. I have to say that the oysters were by far the best oysters I ever had. The mussels were cooked in a red garlic sauce and came with italian garlic bread for dipping.. Yummy!! The trout was crispy and wrapped in dried prosciutto. Yummy!!! The octopus had this smoked flavor to it. So incredible.. Each dish had it's own spices and unique flavors. The decor is very nice. Highly recommend this restaurant to anyone anytime for any occasion. Yes, there is valet parking. $12.
(5)
Norah S.
It is good. I went there with my parents and we had a good brunch with oysters :p if it's not that far from my place I would want to do brunch there again
(5)
Fei W.
Ceviche ceviche ceviche!!! Last minute we changed our Friday night plans to come here instead of Maude's. What a great decision, not that I don't love Maude's. We tried: - 6 oysters, 3 east coast, 3 west coast. Consensus was west coast were superior. - oyster shooter - I really enjoyed this with the tuna and the caviar - ceviche. I don't even really know what kind of fish sunfish is, but I don't care. This ceviche was some of the best I've ever had. Our entire party agreed and we ordered a second round. - fish tacos - rivals some of the fish tacos I've had in SoCal. That's saying a lot. We also ordered a second round of these. They come with crispy pork skin on top and one person in our group doesn't eat pork. They were very accommodating and brought us the pork topper on the side. I think they're better than the ones at Mercadito, and they're not even fried! - gnocchi - I'm not a huge gnocchi fan, but it was a good execution for gnocchi - gt mac & cheese - lobster mac & cheese that somehow manages to taste delicious and not too heavy. - crab cake - this was good, but after being blown away by the ceviche and the tacos, it really couldn't hold its own. It's not too heavy for a crab cake, and the proportion of crab to cake is just right. For dessert we split the key lime pie and the chocolate pie. I'm not a huge dessert person, but I liked the key lime a lot. I like my desserts a little tart with the sweet. I also got the Clean break and my friends got the Waitlist. The drinks were tasty and not too sweet. We followed it up with a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc that paired nicely with our small plates. Our server was excellent and really on top of things. When we ordered the 2nd round of fish tacos, she brought it out with the pork on the side though we forgot to remind her. Top notch. I definitely want to come back to try the oyster po' boy, the cioppino, and maybe the foie gras. If it was a special occasion, maybe I'd go for the caviar service. But whatever you do, get the damn ceviche.
(5)
Alice Z.
Love this place. fun ambiance, delicious seafood dishes. Great for drinks, brunch, dinner, EVERYTHING. Went here for brunch this time, team ordered: - monkey bread - not as soft as some i've had. Pillsbury is better, frankly... - Lobster roll - connecticut style with butter instead of mayo. fresh lobster, delicious bread. Onion rings side were a debatable choice for brunch though - Biscuits with lobster gravy - pleasant surprise that there was a lot of lobster in this dish. Loved it. - Oyster po boys with kimchi. We ordered 4. devoured them - Crab eggs benedict. Also delicious Would definitely return. Highly recommended!
(4)
Franklin K.
I went there with a few co-workers yesterday and the drinks were good and the oysters were also quite good. The ceviche and clam chowder appetizers were quite tasty and I can say confidently that I've never had better clam chowder before. However, the entrees were another story. I had the Roasted Fish in which it was Bass, and it was not good at all. It was super dry, with a really bad taste/after taste. I've had a lot of fish before and this was probably one of the worst prepared fish I've ever had. I tried the Salmon and Halibut and those were also really dry and not very good. I actually sent my fish back to get the fish tacos and I have to say, those were the worst fish tacos I've ever had! I've gone to a lot of restaurants that serve fish tacos and they've all been very good (Big & Little's have the best fish tacos in Chicago) and I simply cannot believe how bad the fish tacos were. They actually literally tasted like what poop smells like, just plain awful. The saving grace of this restaurant was the service. The waiter was very accommodating and took the food that we didn't like off the bill. 6 people with two bottles of white wine, and 1-2 drinks per person with 2 oysters per person and entree's for everyone came out to be a little under $600. Overrated place, but service was good and appetizers/drinks were good.
(2)
JJ K.
Omg. One of the best.... No no. The best seafood I had since I came to Chicago in 2007. Clam chowder was differently good. Unique but really delicious. Poboy slider, I can eat for three meals everyday. Seriously, I only had one just so that I can try lobster roll (amazing too) but next time, I'm ordering at lease three. Service is great too. Very friendly. I don't know why it took me this long to try this place. Love it.
(5)
Jaime G.
Jonesing for oysters? Try the GT Fish Oyster House in River North. Wide selection of oysters from East and West coasts. When i was there for lunch, they had at least 6 different kinds of oysters and most were very good. Like the fact that they were pretty fast to bring to the table and that the decor is cool. Can't really say much about the rest of their offerings (like the chowders and lobster roll) since I wasn't too impressed. A little pricey and suggest that you don't stray too far from the core oyster offerings if you come.
(3)
Jenny H.
Holy Mother of Pearl!! This is probably your best bet for the freshest oysters in the city! Great variety from both coasts! Between the five of us, we each slurped down a couple, well some of us might've had extra. Of course, we could've asked the server to keep them comin' but the brunch menu was too hard to resist! If you're looking for something light, take your land-lubber self across the street to Meli, 'cause it's all stick-to-your-ribs good eatin'. My open faced pork belly sandwich was no short of fatty decadence with a side of crisped shoestring spuds. They got our order wrong and we ended up with an extra plate of crab benedict... score? Even then, it was generously drowned in sauce. I couldn't remember much halfway through, as the food coma shortly set in. I remember tasting the whitefish quiche and thought that was the safest bet for a "lighter" taste profile. Good times had by all, I will definitely return for dinner!
(4)
Jackie D.
This was the first restaurant I tried when arriving in Chicago and it was debatably the best overall dining experience of my entire trip. After MUCH Restaurant Week research, I decided this place would be a great starting point so we made reservations for lunch a few weeks ahead of time. When we walked in, it was super busy so we grabbed a drink and waited at the bar until our table was ready. Upon further review, we saw that you can eat at the bar while watching them open their delectable oysters and mix their mouthwatering cocktails so we told the hostess we would just sit there and save a table. Great decision. Our waitress was super helpful, quick with our drink order, and wonderful with suggestions on what else to do while in town. Then came the food. Each course was timed perfectly so you weren't waiting longer than a few minutes for the next item and the quality was top notch. I started with a sampler of oysters that was PHENOMENAL. AND I'M FROM THE GULF COAST. These babies were clean, juicy, and a couple of them were surprisingly sweet. VERY enjoyable. On the Restaurant Week Menu, I started with the Ahi Tuna salad and my sister started with the clam chowder. Both were delicious, full of different flavors and textures but surprisingly balanced. The bacon in the clam chowder was PERFECTION and the salad was crisp, fresh, and left me wanting more. Thankfully, the main course arrived soon after. I went with the Lobster Roll and she had the Gnocchi. I know what you're thinking...lobster roll? Outside of New England? Yes, and it was SO GOOD. The pickled veggies on the side were an ideal complement to the creamy lobster which was stuffed between two buttery pieces of Texas toast. The fried onion straws on the side were good too, but maybe something a little less greasy next time? Her gnocchi was so good, it was gone before I could get a bite! Lastly, the desserts. Oh man. I got the tart which I believe was lemon meringue with a raspberry sorbet on the side and she got the chocolate mousse. Wonderfully decadent end to a satisfying and awe inspiring meal that we wouldn't forget for the duration of our stay. If you are in Chicago looking for seafood presented in a sophisticated yet accessible way, try this place. Prices were reasonable on the non-Restaurant week menu and the waitstaff was outstanding.
(5)
Sam M.
Food was expensive and just OK. Highlight of the experience was one of the chefs making a sarcastic comment toward my date. Gfy.
A Real Gem for Seafood Junkies! About This Place If you appreciate fresh fish and oysters but bored with traditional seafood presentations, you are at the right place! In this California beach-house-like atmosphere with touches of glam and elegance, everyone is passionate about the menu! The service was absolutely top notch! Our girl Agnes knew all the ingredients in the dishes that won our hearts. She gave us a whole class on oysters and made amazing wine suggestions! Food & Wine Our favorites were crudo sampler (raw but well dressed in sauces & herbs, there were all our favorites: tuna, hamacci, salmon, squid & shrimp guacamole) and the Alaskan Halibut, presented on the bed of shaved asparagus with smoke-charred tomatoes in citrus sauce. Both dishes took our breath away!(please see pics) Both deserts were outstanding as well... especially the Carmel Tart:) From presentation to taste everything was perfect! Wine list was very interesting and after dinner beverages pretty special, especially the glass of fine Madeira Agnes suggested! In conclusion, we felt the place presented a unique (delicious experience) and great value!
(5)
Chelle L.
I think I may have found a new favorite restaurant! Stopped in on a Monday night to grab some dinner with my husband after an extra crappy day, and GT fish and oyster turned our moods right around. They had a selection of oysters with many kinds that we had never tried before which was a treat. Every dish we ordered was delicious (aside from the lobster ramen- waay too salty). Our server was sweet and knowledgeable, and the restaurant is cozy and romantic inside. We'll definitely be back!
(5)
Manny B.
Overrated, overpriced, and nothing special. I was disappointed and felt like why did we waste our time. I took 6 to dinner there and only one of the six even felt it was average. The staff is nice and try really hard, I liked them and the counter set up. Sorry, but I love good places, not for me.
(1)
Nikki I.
This place is amazing! We went after getting hitched at city hall!! The oysters were amazing. I grew up in Boston so I had to try the clam chowder, excellent, New Englander approved! Also the Lobster roll...yes yes yes!! Put it all with a nice bottle of champagne and you are having the best meal ever!
(5)
Diana M.
My husband and I have dined here twice and have thoroughly enjoyed it both times. The ambiance is very romantic and intimate. The oysters are phenomenal, the food delicious yet unique, the drinks well-made and the staff very friendly. The last time we came was on a snowy Saturday evening and had a lovely window seat for two. I would definitely recommend this restaurant and will be back again.
(5)
K T.
Had an amazing meal. The price tag was worth the flavor. Oysters on the half shelf then a simple but, extremely flavorful seared tuna salad. I closed my eyes and savored each bite. I will be back for another round.
(4)
Rachel P.
Pros: * Service was very friendly * Food was very good - excellent clam chowder, crab legs, oysters * cocktails, wine were good Cons: * Seafood platter should have included shrimp but arrived without - we had to ask for it * Lobster was overcooked * key lime pie skewed more towards sour rather than a balance between sweet/sour * VERY loud - not recommended for a date, though might be better if you sit at the bar * Server seemed swamped - we didn't see her much and she forgot several things we asked for (wine menu, etc) but was very friendly when we did see her
(3)
J C.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. The oysters are amazing. Awesome staff.
(5)
Meagan R.
Came here to celebrate our birthdays and couldn't be more impressed with the customer service. Not only did the entire staff treat us nicely and like we were special, the food was fantastic, the dessert was great and one of the hosts chased us down the street when we forgot to carry home a gift. Great food and even better customer service.
(5)
Ghostfaceknitter W.
This place is great! The oyster selection was very diverse and although I am more a fan of west coast oysters, their east offerings were darn tasty. I loved that we could order piece by piece instead of everything at once. That way we got to explore each dish without feeling like there was 'too much' going on in front of us / mixing fish and flavors. I would definitely order the shrimp bruschetta over and over (I've been dreaming about it ever since). We ordered 6 different dishes and they were all very delicious - the least 'stand-out' was the cevice, but even that was incredibly good. Do yourself a favor and save room for dessert - the Caramel Tart was seriously the best dessert I have had in ages - complete with bananas foster toppings and salt. It was seriously a dessert that I tasted and with full open mouth gasped 'HOLY SHIT'. The only reason I give it 4 instead of 5 is because I spent A LOT of money here and didn't really get the service experience for that. The food was top notch but the 'za za za' of fine seafood dining was lacking a little. But this place is awesome and I'll go back for a less wallet heavy meal soon. mmmm shrimp bruschetta....... drool.
(4)
Kristin T.
This place is good for: foodies, your trendy sister, people with money, a romantic dinner for two This place is not so good for: picky eaters, people who don't share, cheapskates, your parents who can't read in dim light
(4)
Laura K.
Fabulous small plates seafood! I seek out great seafood restaurants and great small plates restaurant. Finding one in the same was my JACKPOT! Add in my husband and some great cocktails and you have found my heaven! GT has a great atmosphere, the staff was excellent, and the food was outstanding. The major standouts were the oyster po boy and the clam chowder...oh and the lobster mac n cheese....oh and the lobster roll too... Needless to say, the only thing that I wasn't over the moon about were the fish tacos (which were still good, they just lacked flavor. Had they served it with some sauce, they would have won me over with those too.) It certainly is not cheap, but it is on par with the restaurants in that area, and the food is excellent and well worth the $$$. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Alicia M.
Good food and nice service. I went for brunch and got the butternut egg strata. My friend go the special of lobster Benedict. She liked it but said it was very rich. Overall I nice meal, cool space, but nothing that blew me away. A fun spot to try for brunch if you've never been.
(3)
Mish G.
Dined on a Saturday for lunch. They only offer a brunch menu on Saturday, so I was a little disapointed on the limited menu after looking at their menu through Yelp. The oyster selection was great and was very happy with the selection we made. The whitefish quiche was the best entree and would get it again! The smoked lox on a bagel was tasty but nothing special and the crab benedict was tasty again nothing special.
(3)
Bryan M.
We went here for my Fiancee's birthday and we had an excellent experience. We originally started off ordering a bottle of Pinot Grigio, which they were out of. Our waitress recommended a similar bottle and it was quite good. We started off with an oyster platter, choosing 3 different samples. Each was better than the last. Secondly, we had the Shrimp Bruschetta. It was pretty good, I would try another appetizer the next time. Next we each got a clam chowder, it was probably the best clam chowder I've ever had and the presentation was great. The oyster po' boy slider was the very best thing we had. It was so good. I wish we would have gotten more of these. Finally we had key lime pie for dessert which they wrote "Happy Birthday" on. Overall we had a really nice time. We'll definitely try to go back.
(5)
Sam M.
2nd time there and quality all around. I'm generally not a fan of the small plates dinning scenario, but this place is pretty good and the wait staff was excellent, considering our indecisiveness. All the oysters are top drawer and I could easily down a bucket of the lobster gnocchi. The tuna poke was pretty awesome as well. Only thing I think they could do better is the fish tacos. Key lime pie is always an awesome desert, but they take it to a new level.
(4)
Rachel G.
Yes, you guessed it: another rave review for GT! I went for a late lunch/early dinner with a party of 5 and, my lord, everything was just fabulous! We sat outside and experienced attentive, informed, helpful, professional, down to earth, friendly service from everyone right down to the bus staff. Need I say more about that? This team knows what they're doing. The food. Oh, the food. I think I have died and gone to oyster heaven. I tried a few different varieties and only wish that I had order about 50 more of each and not had to share. They were all so fresh and just delectable! This is a small plate concept kind of place so get ready to share dishes. That being said, my group tried the crab cake, mussels, lobster roll, oyster po boy, seared tuna salad, watermelon and shishito salad, and lemon panna cotta for dessert. EVERYTHING was perfect. My favorites were actually the salads (just beautiful and so complex!) and the crab cake which was packed full of crabby goodness. You will not find any of those breadcrumb packed crab cake impostors here. I didn't personally try to lobster roll, but I wish that I had. It looked amazing and everyone else loved it. The panna cotta was wonderful as well and had a berry sorbet on top. It was delicate, but all the flavors came through beautifully. I cannot wait to come back to this incredible, wonderful restaurant. Oyster me again, please!
(5)
S R.
Sea food lovers will enjoy this spot! I would consider GT a small plates establishment. My boyfriend and I ordered 1 dozen oysters (2 of each oyester), tuna poke (our favorite), lobster mac and cheese, octopus, and dessert & drinks! Our bill was pretty high, but we value taste and quality the most. You will definitely find that here!!
(4)
Jessica D.
Great quality seafood, probably one of the best in Chicago. We ordered the Oysters sample menu, and a few items of the menu. The ones that stood out were the Hamachi crudo, Crab Cakes (best I've had) and the Octopus. Everything was delicious, and service was ok.
(4)
Leang E.
What a great looking space. I love all the glass windows and how casually elegant the decor is with the sea theme. Our waitress was helpful with recommendations and nice enough, but slightly distant. I really liked the bourbon bloodymary here. Our party of 3 decided to each pick a plate and share it amongst the group. First we started with an east and west coast oyster, and we all agreed that we like the east coast better. It was a unique cocktail sauce. We then shared the duck chiquiles, whitefish quiche, and the lobster roll. The portions aren't very big, but the flavor was really good. They do the Connecticut butter style in addition to their house mayo based lobster roll, and we had the Connecticut butter style. It was good, but my favorite will be out in Boston at Neptune's Oyster. I would love to come back and try other things in addition to getting more of that bourbon bloodymary!
(4)
Natalie L.
Happy Birthday to me!! I'm not a fan of celebrating my birthday. But if I'm going to swallow being a year older, it sure helps to swallow it with some oysters and wash it down with a bottle of pinot. Hubby arranged for just that and then some including the best fish tacos I've ever had. The highlight of the meal might have been dessert ... a delicious salted caramel tart. Service was good. Our server was spot on with his recommendations. I don't think we would have picked out the yaki soba noodles without the nudge but I'm glad we did! And for my birthday, GT gave me a $20 gift card to come back! Sort of a shameless marketing substitute for the free dessert with a candle, but I'll take it (and use it)!
(5)
Marcela S.
Loved the venue but was disappointed by the food. We went there for brunch and I so badly wanted to love everything but did not. Here's what we had... Lobster roll: bread too dense, nothing special about the flavor (and we're talkin lobster here, shouldn't need much help) Po Boy oyster slider: my favorite thing we had. The kim chi made it something special. Crab eggs Benedict: not a fan. Oysters: delicious, 6 options, $3 each. Not sure if that's typical. Bloody Mary: disappointingly not spicy and lacking in flavor. But it was pretty! Service was great, decor very chic. Maybe the dinner is more impressive and worth the price tag?
(3)
Noreen B.
First time at GT Fish & Oyster and my friend and I both liked it very much. The Tuna Poke was amazing, so fresh and perfect balance of flavors. My friend said it was better than the Poke she gets in Hawaii. I love the small bites you can get. Both of us had an Oyster Po'Boy Slider and I also had a fried squash blossom stuffed with crab. OMG so so good. For our main meal I had the PEI Mussels and my friend had the fish tacos. She loved the taco's, said they were great. i wish I took the bite she offered. The mussels were lovely and the marinara sauce should be bottled! Our dessert was the Peanut Butter Malt Sundae. Just get it! Our waiter was wonderful, very attentive but not annoyingly so. My friend ordered a scotch and soda and the soda was flat. When the problem couldn't be fixed he happily suggested an alternative. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because there were no points offered for an Open Table reservation and that just annoys me.
(4)
Judy R.
Went to a late dinner last Saturday. Our party of 5 were blown away!! The service was fantastic. Oscar, Juan, Moss and Emily were excellent to us. We started with the oysters which were absolutely delicious and FRESH. We tried a ton of things but my favorites were the Shrimp bruschetta, fish tacos, fish and chips, sirloin and lobster and the lobster mac and cheese. I guess I pretty much loved everything! I had 2 margaritas that were outstanding as well. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Shelly D.
I've dined here before but last night was my first time for dinner. We sat at the bar first and the bartender was so nice and friendly! Our waiter was nice as well. The shark tacos were awesome and he did a great job recommending those! My only complaint was when he recommended the crab. He told us that it was a crab leg and was $20. We decided to go ahead with it...he hadn't steered us wrong yet. After we ordered the crab a large bowl was brought out and we were told it was for the shell. When the crab came out, it was a TINY part of a leg that was cut into 4 little bites. While the crab was good, I felt we were misled and it was a total waste of money. I could've gone to any other nice restaurants and gotten a whole lb of crab for another $15-$20! All in all the experience was good but a little upset about spending $20 on a bit of crab.
(4)
Lynee W.
Great late night dinner. Every bite had every flavor...sweet, sour, spice, etc. This meal was a party in the mouth. Had bruschetta, fish tacos, oyster slider and the key lime and chocolate malt dessert. All items were so so good. Go here.
(5)
Rob D.
What an awesome place, can't wait to go back. Had to sit at a communal bar table because we didn't have reservations but still received 5 star service and 5 star food. Oysters were über fresh and delicious! The PEI Mussels were perfectly steamed in a tomato broth that was to die for. Although not on the menu the nite we went in, the kitchen made us a lobster Mac n Cheese. Big chunks of lobster and a delightful cheese sauce. We had just about finished when the manager said the chef would like us to try the fish tacos... What a treat the char grilled fish shone through as the star of the tacos. Dessert was a chocolate meringue tart and key lime pie both were extraordinary. The wine list is expansive with good wines for every budget.
(5)
Elizabeth W.
Great food great service. My only complaint is that they don't have wifi for the customers.
(5)
Big Brown R.
Food was great, environment was lively yet you could carry a nice conversation (even for 6pm) and they were very nice in making sure they seated us with an area that had our sleeping baby (if you have kids, you understand) with us. Not a place for kids, but if you have to bring a baby that is well behaved and sleeping, call ahead. 4 stars for everything - only took one star away as their cocktail menu was limited and not the best I have seen.
(4)
Neil D.
Went for Easter Brunch on a beautiful Sunday Afternoon. We were a family of Six celebrating Easter after Mass at Holy Name Cathedral. We were seated in there downstairs party room which was very comfortable. I give the service and food Five Stars and thought the portions were very Generous for a very Good Restuarant serving excellent Seafood.
(4)
Samantha E.
This is the place to be after 10pm if you want some cheap delicious oysters. Every night of the week (save for Saturday) oysters are half off after 10pm. So if you are really craving a good drink and some amazing oysters, this is the place to go. It's also a pretty good idea for a late date. The rest of the menu also looks amazing and the drink selection is pretty big. The bar area is beautiful and the service was great. When a few oysters were missing from our large order, the staff was quick to grab some more as soon as we mentioned it.
(5)
Melissa P.
Came for lunch and ate the Oyster sampler platter and had the lobster roll (traditional style).One of the better lobster rolls I have had in the city. Doesn't taste like you are eating a spoonful of mayo. Shoe-string fries are clutch. Space is open and airy, great for a business lunch. Staff knows their stuff about the seafood. Will definitely be back to try more oysters! Not a good place if you don't eat sea-food. Limited menu for non-fish eaters.
(4)
Musseta G.
This review is about over years late but better late than never. We are used to be regulars. The food was amazing for the price, nice atmosphere and good service. We stopped going there from late 2013, I started to feel their food lack of consistency... However, i will still recommend it to my friends. Its a good restaurant in this price range.
(5)
Sylvia H.
Thinking this would be a cool spot to stop in with my girls on a Saturday night, sadly was not. The experience started off poorly with a rude greeting from the hostess that instantly made us uncomfortable. I guess the seating options are emphasized to be limited. Our waiter on the other hand was a pleasure, very efficient, accommodating, and friendly. The food wasn't worth the hefty bill in regards to quality or portions. Not going back.
(1)
Anne B.
I went for my first time during restaurant week. It was fabulous! Every course was so good. There were 2 options for each course and since I went with a group, I was able to get a taste of both options....there wasn't a bad option in the bunch. I will definitely be back!
(5)
Vivian H.
Came here for a late dinner and the place was bumpiiiin! Kinda dressy. We had the foie gras/shrimp terrine -- amazeballs. Then the fish&chips bc I had a brain fart when ordering.. I'd intended to get the fish tacos :( The fish&chips were fine, nothing special. The lobster roll looked kinda small but was definitely filling. After these 3 we were already stuffed actually but it was a celebratory dinner so.. bring on the oysters! Boyfriend enjoyed these immensely. And then we ordered 2 desserts because my boyfriend is a skinny fatass. Deconstructed key lime pie and a pecan pie.. both divine. I would come back just for oysters, that foie/shrimp terrine, and DESSERTS! Our server was a little gastronome and kept telling us how the orange really cuts through the pecan pie, etc. Cute. And our water was seriously refilled 30 seconds after it's half full (or half empty?) every time.
(4)
Doris L.
Came to Chicago for the weekend with a friend. We had late night dinner at GT on Saturday night. It was busy, but just the right busy where it was too crowded. Everything was orderly, the front door was never packed with patrons even though there was always a bit of a wait at the door from 9-10. Mixed crowd, couples, people on dates, groups of friends. When the late crowd trickled in from events, some of them were dressed in their formal attire, but mostly a decent crowd dressed in business casual. My friend loved the Malaspina oysters that night and for me it was the Chunu from N.B. The half price after 10pm was a bonus! We had a lovely fish crudo; gravlax, eel terrine style, scallop, i liked the tuna and pesto sunfish the most. I'm missing a 5th , maybe hamachi? Like most other reviews, the fish tacos were yummy. We waited too long to consume the last one so it got soggy, but that was our fault. I enjoyed the tortilla itself with the combo. Eggplant was nice, Maybe a bit too heavy with its sauce. Oyster po'boy. It was delicious. The little bit of heat was a good touch. Lemon meringue - i would skip this next time. Too sweet for me when the meringue hit the marshmallow. The meringue chunks itself was too sweet, it didn't need th marshmallow. Service was great (filling up water, checking on us, timed serving of our food). The only thing that could have been better would be the server who brought us our glass of white just brought it to the table without checking what it was we orderr (a chardonnay and grenache blanc). My friend and I ordered different kind of whites so we had to taste each other's just to make sure we both got our wine accordingly.
(4)
Jordan U.
Really enjoyed my lunch at GT Fish & Oyster. It was a business lunch so I can't speak about their cocktails but we ordered a bunch of small plates that have it a tapas sort of feel. If memory serves me correctly we ordered the tuna poke (phenomenal), shrimp bruschetta (well done), lobster Mac and cheese (divine), Niçoise salad (good but didn't blow me away), 1/2 dozen oysters (solid), and a soba noodle thing (surprisingly delicious). Presentation was well done with generally friendly and attentive service. A little pricey but worth it for the quality. Would like to go back to try an entree or two and get them to 5 stars.
(4)
Katie M.
Service was excellent, the level of a much more expensive place. Great meal, we had the calamari, fish tacos and fish n chips. Turned out to be just right. All delicious. Love the atmosphere too!
(5)
Louise P.
Everything here was perfect. Seriously, a perfect meal for a pescetarian. Wine and fish!
(5)
John K.
BEST BEST BEST oysters I have had in the city. This is the place to take your friend that has never had oysters, but wants to try them. Go after 10pm and the oysters are half price!!!!! The lobster roll is great and the oyster sliders are great. The muscles are good. Tuna poke was ok. The beer and wine are good as well. Would recommend going somewhere cheaper for dinner, then coming here after dinner for drinks and 1/2 price oysters.
(5)
Lincoln B.
Good food and excellent service. Definitely expensive bc it is small plates priced like entrees. Fish tacos were very tasty. Lobster mac&cheese was good, but only a few good sized chunks of lobster. Mussels were probably my favorite - big tray of fresh mussels in a tasty tomato sauce.
(4)
Lauren G.
The drinks and Food never disappoint. I love the spiked lemonade cocktails - so delicious! I also always enjoy the oyster po boy sliders and the tuna poke. This time around, we also tried the lobster Mac and cheese and the octopus, both of which were delicious as well. Sadly, however, when we were walking away, my boyfriend told me that he had asked twice (once when making the reservation and once as a follow up the day of) to bring out a birthday dessert for me, and they had forgotten to. He was really disappointed, as the whole reason we went was for my birthday. On top of that, we were seated ten minutes past our reservation time (not too bad) and served the wrong drinks the first time around (again, not a big deal, but combined with the birthday mishap, a bit of an added disappointment). The service and reservation service just didn't match up to the quality of the food this time around.
(3)
Matthew G.
excellent fresh seafood in smaller plates format; be careful not to over order;
(5)
Ben H.
Fantastic fresh seafood. Fish & Chips, Oysters, Mussels, bruschetta all were delicious. Lobster Mac & Cheese not a bad choice!
(5)
Farrah W.
Went there for Sunday brunch and our group pretty much ordered everything on the menu. It was all delicious. The monkey bread was to die for! I personally ordered the chicken and waffles and the waffle was delicious. The only reason I did not give them 5 stars is because the chicken could have used more flavor and I wish there were smaller pieces.
(4)
Nhu N.
I frequented this place as a birthday surprise for a significant other. He's been wanting to visit. The service here was lackluster. Our waiter was more than attentive to his bigger party and forgot an order off of our party of two. It was disappointing. The busboys were more attentive than our waiter. Which is sad, or this place would have gotten a 5. The food was phenomenal, however. But I'd rather not go into detail as the service left a sour taste in my mouth. Definitely go try it out if you are a fan of seafood!
(3)
Jonas B.
I've been here for lunch several times, and I'm always thrilled. The much-hyped lobster roll is truly exceptional, the pork belly slider is so good we always end up ordering a few more, and I love that they have a bunch of interesting non-alcholic drinks that are more appropriate for a business lunch. Highly recommended.
(5)
Sunshine A.
After reading a few write ups on GT Oyster and Fish, I decided that I should probably check it out. I had made reservations a few weeks prior, since a reservation for the upcoming weekend was booked solid. Fast fwd a few weeks - we get to my 6:30 reservation and the place was kind of empty, and I mentioned that to the hostess. She said that it was still early, and that the place was just a few mins away from being packed - she was right. The ambiance of GT is very nice and upscale. We were given a nice table at the window, which was nice to do some people watching along Wells. Our table was next to a 'communal' table were couples were being sat, but a few had moved because they didn't like being sat with total strangers. It was basically a huge dining room table with about 12 chairs. Anyway, we started with drinks - I had the waitlist which was pretty good and on the stronger side, while he went with a traditional beer. Now onto the food - when they say small plates, they def mean small plates. I did enjoy the variety of flavors and unique dishes, but I'm not sure if I'd go back, not because I didn't enjoy the food, but because I am not a HUGE seafood person. We had the lobster roll, a few oysters (my first time trying oysters - pretty good), baja shrimp bruschetta, lobster mac n cheese, house smoked salmon, scallops and key lime pie. I'll give them 3 stars. Cute place for a date or birthday dinner.
(3)
Bora H.
New updated menu: Escolar. Oh my, that was delicious.
(5)
Max M.
This review is for the bar: Me loves raw bars, Modern Cape Cod decor, and a nice cold brew. In a city bursting at the seams with steak this, hot dog that, burger stacks, a seafood centric restaurant is a welcome addition. C'mon Chicago, don't let the whole Mid-West thing stop you from importing some fresh fish for us foodies. LA still has my heart when it comes to a naked piece of sashimi grade poisson! GT Fish & Oyster makes my belly feel closer to LA while the decor takes me back to my East Coast roots. Three stars for the fact that it is a bit pricey, but everything I tried hit the spot. I will have to go back for dinner.
(3)
Pascal M.
I had a dream where i was at a restaurant and everything was perfect. Then that dream came true after I went to GT Fish Oyster. My girlfriend (LaShawnta) and I came here not too long ago and had a wonderful experience. We started with a dozen oysters, one each of their selection from the East and West. West won that battle. We then moved on to their Tuna Poke and Sunfish Ceviche. Both were outstanding. The tuna poke is a beautiful presentation delivering fresh clean flavors. The mango puree is perfect with the texture of the tuna. The Ceviche offered similar clean flavors, but was pure matrimony since it's all mixed and has the fresh ingredients on top. We also had their Foie Gras and Shrimp terrine, which was good but there's some other items I wish we ordered (hamachi crudo and the bbq eel). We then shared their Clam Chowder and Lobster Bisque. Whoah...The Lobster Bisque very well may have been the best soup I've ever had in my life. A presentation that will have your jaw dropping, but closed right back up as you stuff your face. The puff pastry is excellent with it too. The Clam Chowder was really good too, it just got purely over shadowed by the bisque. For our entrees, I had the lobster roll. It was good, but not great. It's pricey (deservedly), so I think I'd just prefer making this at home. LaShawnta got the Ricotta Gnocchi. She continually had to give me the sideye as I would try to sneak bites. The Ricotta is beautifully light and the smoked salmon adds to the heavenly texture while adding some richness. Their cocktails are great too. Lashawnta go the Vineyard Sour, which is a must for any Sangria lover. The Roadrunner, Clean Break, and Wait list were great too. Old money was my favorite. So I guess basically all their cocktails are fantastic. Service, setting, food, and drink are all A+ material. Glad my dream turned to reality.
(5)
Seyi A.
Food was great! I will definitely come back here
(4)
Diana P.
One of the best seafood places I've been to in a long time. Everything was fresh, tasty and made my mouth smile. Portions are small and because the food tasted so good, we wished the portions were bigger but hey, what can you do. Prices, very reasonable for an upscale seafood place. Here's what we had an my review: Tuna Poke: my favorite dishes on the menu Sunfish Ceviche: incredible, tasty, fresh, a bit salty but works so well Baja Shrimp Bruschetta: avocado, toasted pistachio, grapefruit, great flavors with a bit of a kick to it Fish Tacos: very good but not 5 star, probably would go for a 4 star Lobster Mac & Cheese: come just for this if anything! Obviously, based on the other reviews if you come here and don't try this, you don't take YELP seriously. Oysters: great, but how could they not be at "GT Fish & OYSTER" We sat at a communal table, which we thought was strange at first (dining room table where you sit with randoms), however, worked out well and got us a reservations. Highly recommend trying this place out-nice CAPE COD decor inside too. Not overly stuffy but dark.
(5)
Tammy M.
Absolutely loved our waitress Ashley! She was such a huge part of my enjoyment of the evening. From her suggestion on the Oyster Shooter to 2 spot on wine suggestions, she was fantastic and I can't wait to return and sit in her section again. Everything that we had was wonderful: Lobster Roll, Soft Shell Crab, Eel, and Smelt. I highly recommend this place and definitely request to sit in Ashley's section, like I said she is so full of energy and great recommendations.
(5)
John K.
This place is amazing!!! I really liked everything we had. It's tapas style so be ready to share a lot of food. If you like seafood this is the place for you. They have really fresh oysters and everything tasted good. If you go and decide not to drink you could actually get out of there at quite a reasonable price!! Simply if you like seafood. GO!!!!
(5)
Michael C.
Yeaaaah... I don't knooooowwww.... Let's see... Drink wise - The Roadrunner and the Clean Break were both really tasty. I liked the smoked jalapeño tequila in the Roadrunner. Like a margarita with a little bite. Good stuff. Food wise - The clam chowder was pretty tasty, the bay scallops were intriguing because they were served with crispy duck tongue... the scallops and the dish were again... just pretty good. The fish and chips was actually very good. Well... the fish was. They have a home made tartar sauce that is excellent. The "chips" weren't so much. They were huge potato wedges that weren't crispy like chips, but more like if you cut a baked potato into quarters and seasoned them slightly. Could have been better. Bouillabaisse... overdone. I didn't think the mussels were all that tasty, the scallops, shrimp and lobster were all way overcooked. it was taken off the bill. Oysters after 10 PM are half off... we ordered some "Fat Bastards"... I had had a couple drinks at this point, so I didn't pay much attention to where they were from, but they were very good. The Salted Caramel Tart... this was really good. Creme Fraiche, chocolate, tiny chunks of apple... very tasty. I think on the whole, it was pretty underwhelming. I was really hoping to like it, but I just can't bring myself to give it more than three stars. I'll end up giving GT another shot, maybe just for a ton of oysters...
(3)
Jeff R.
I love going out to eat with friends and trying new places always looking for that next great meal. GT has great pedigree and a lot of buzz, but in a word we were all disappointed with the product. I love the concept of a fish centric casual fun spot in the heart of River North. The bar area is large and decorated with plenty of high class seafaring decorations. There's also a separate back room that has most of the dining space. GT continues the popular trend of "small plates" where they encourage you to order many and share (it must be profitable as every new restaurant pushes this). We obliged and tried five different plates from the rather large but straightforward menu (divided into two sections - hot and cold). Aside from the food being completely mediocre we were astonished at the large number at the bottom of our bill (and we didn't drink THAT much but I suppose multiple $8-14 plates can add up quickly). My favorite flavor came from a last minute addition of sliders (don't remember which fish was inside). They were very tasty. Next best was probably the GT lobster mac n cheese (remember we're mac n cheese experts). We absolutely could not finish the ravioli dish and everything else was flatly ho-hum (specifically: tuna poke, fish tacos, and shrimp bruschetta). And unfortunately for all of us, Ari and Tali ordered completely different things than we did and also found only one dish worth remembering and a lot of mediocre. Oh well, we tried and enjoyed our conversations and admiring the crowd in a very well designed space though we just wouldn't return for most of the food (and have much larger wallets) even though Phil Vettel gives it three stars.
(2)
Surya K.
Sometimes on a Sunday morning you just need brunch. Luckily, I found GT today. After a disappointing start to my brunch-venture and encountering too many lines and not so great restaurants, I noticed a few empty tables at GT. After trying the food, I have no idea why this place didn't have a line out the door. Because I'm a sweet and savory lover, I tried the chicken and waffles. I think they might have been the best waffles I've ever had. Crispy not soggy, slightly sweet and maybe made with a touch of maple syrup, and topped with just a touch of brown sugared butter. I drool just thinking about it. And then there was the chicken. Three heaping pieces of juicy and tender (Chik-fil-A ain't got nothing on these bad boys) chicken. Crisp outer coating, perfectly salted to go with the sweet waffles. My brunch companion had the french toast, which was also divine. Normally I avoid sweet breakfast dishes but this toast wasn't overly sugary and paired perfectly with the citrus it was served with. Add some great coffee and there's a new neighborhood brunch winner. Can't wait to go back and try the oysters!
(5)
Jenn G.
Best seafood in Chicago! You totally feel like you're in a New England seafood restaurant when you walk into GT, and the food lives up to that expectation. The dishes are meant to be shared and as such are pretty small. I don't think you can share a dish with more than 2 people or there won't be enough to go around for even a taste. But the prices are pretty reasonable for the quality. I went with my dad last month and we shared a bunch of plates, all of which were really good. The crab cakes were excellent and had big chunks of real crab in it - not a lot of filler, so you really got the delicious crab flavor. The baja shrimp bruscetta was very good - interesting choice of the grapefruit on there and I was a little skeptical that it would be bitter, but it was a great pairing with the shrimp. The tuna poke was also great - very fresh and flavorful. This was also my first foray into oysters - if you're not sure about trying oysters, THIS is the place to make the leap of faith. They were AMAZING. My only issue is that now I'm spoiled and will have to keep going to really good restaurants to live up to GT's standards. We also had a key lime pie dessert, and while flavor-wise it was quite delicious, functionally the presentation made it very hard to eat. It was served in a jar, so you had to really dig to get a bit wtih the graham cracker crust at the bottom at the same time as the key lime and merengue. I'm looking forward to coming back here soon - if you're looking for good seafood in Chicago - your search can end here!
(4)
Claire C.
GT Fish & Oyster is fantastic! I love small plates and sea food so I was excited to try this place. My boyfriend and I are serious foodies so I'll spare you the list of everrrrrything we got and stick with the best of the best. Tuna Poke- unreal, my favorite! Baja Shrimp Bruschetta- also amazing. This was the boyfriend's top plate of the night... and he doesn't usually like bruchetta. It was just that good. Fish Tacos- delicious. Fish tacos topped with chicharrón? yes please! Clam Chowder- I am not a big soup person but when you put bacon in it I get on board. Did I mention how good the dark and stormy was? Mmmhmm. I will be back for more!!
(5)
Teresa L.
Chicago Restaurant week round 3! Made a rsvp early in advance for lunch during restaurant week. Me and a friend ordered most everything on the menu for restaurant week, with the exception of the gnocchi with butternut and shrimp, which was probably a good idea, from reading the other reviews posted online. Appetizers were seared tuna nicoise salad and boston clam chowder. The clam chowder had neuske's bacon, housemade oyster crackers and some kind of red colored, flavored olive oil or something, I couldnt quite put my finger on it. But it was probably one of the best clam chowders I have had, which says alot, as I have sampled many a clam chowder up and down the coast of Ca and Seattle too! It wasn't too overpowering with cream, not crazy salty like most clam chowders, and there were SIGNIFICANT chunks of freshfresh clams. The home made oyster crackers were fun too, very flavorful. The seared tuna salad had red potatoes, eggs, haricot verts, olives, pickled onions and cider mustard vinaigrette. My friend didn't like olives, so I helped her out with that respect :D Nicely balanced dressing on the salad, and haricot verts were crisp, tuna was tender and just barely seared. A refreshing counterpart to the clam chowder. We both got the lobster roll with pickled vegetables and fried onions. It was a very small roll, but since the bread was very buttery and rich, it definitely was enough, and I ended up only eating about half of the roll... but I did finish all of the lobster salad. So grateful that it wasn't dripping in mayo. Instead, it was lightly tossed with the creamy emulsion and the celery in the lobster salad brought a nice crunchy texture to the roll. The picked veggies had cauliflower, carrots and golden beets. Tart and refreshing, it helped cut the delicious fried onion strings on the side. I would definitely come back and get the lobster roll during restaurant week, but I don't think it is worth $18 it usually costs on the normal lunch menu. Ordered one each of the blood orange and lemon tart and the chocolate parfait. The blood orange tart had a meringue topped that was slightly carmelized creme brulee style, and had a scoop of blood orange citrus sorbet on the side. I think there were shavings of astronaut ice cream too, underlying the sorbet and the bottom of the tart (those fluffy things we used to eat in grade school, remember?) It was refreshingly not too sweet and was a nice way to end such a large meal. The chocolate parfait came in a cute mason-like jar with brownie type bit on the bottom, a caramel layer, a whipped cream layer and crunchy chocolate shavings on top. Decadent, for sure, but perfect for all the chocolate lovers out there. Will try to go back next time with a larger group to try the oysters. I think it's a bit odd that they require you to order at least 6 oysters per plate... and I can only eat 2 at the most, if I want to eat anything else. Good to always leave something for next time though. :D
(4)
Bob W.
GT Fish and Oyster was quite underwhelming despite good reviews here and on LTH forum. Very nice interior and service was top notch, but the food itself neither impressed with the quality of preparation nor the quality of the seafood. My wife ordered an oyster shooter to start which she claimed was quite unappetizing. Not because of the oyster, but by whatever green concoction they placed it in. They then brought out our fried oyster sliders. These things are totally worth the hype and they are served on Hawaiian buns, basically the only roll I can stand. You can see why James Beard called this one of their best bites of food in 2011. Then we went for fish tacos because I had heard good things and I love fish tacos. These did nothing for me, paling in comparison to Del Seoul's version or basically any Mexican restaurant of any repute. Our main dish was the lobster roll since we keep trying to understand the North East's obsession with them. They claim it is one pound, but I can guarantee there is not a pound of lobster here, so it must mean with the roll. Unlike other lobster rolls this one isn't incredibly buttery, but I think it is better for it. Meanwhile the lobster was a bit cold and less than tenderized in butter. I think it says something that the breads here are worth more comment than the seafood. Also the fried onion strings served with it are quite delicious if oily. I would come back if only to get sliders. I suspect that if we ordered differently we might have been more satisfied (for instance, we love mussels but did not order any).
(3)
Christina P.
Hi, my name is Christina and I have an addiction to GT Fish & Oyster. But really, who can (or would) blame me? Gorgeous ambiance (very Martha Stewart Living with a Hamptons feature photoshoot) incredible service, hard to get reservation (but oh-so worth it) and sexytime people watching. Don't even get me started on the food. Expansive oyster selection, innovative twists on otherwise 'standard food' (I absolutely die for the fish tacos, crab cakes and tuna tartare) all sharable and paced out to not overwhelm your dining experience. It's hands down my Summer 2011 dining hot spot - and should be yours as well
(5)
Jeff S.
I've been to GT Fish 3 times now, and have left happy each time. Twice for dinner, and once for lunch. I was seated on time all three times, and service was great on two occasions, and so-so my first time there (although the waiter did seem to be trying). The following is a mini-review of what I've ordered in the number of times I've been here: Lobster Roll: Good, although after having been to Neptune Oyster in Boston, a bit underwhelming. A fair amount of lobster, and the right type of buttery roll was used. The lobster was cooked properly, but didn't "wow" me. Foie Gras and Shrimp Terrine: This was one of the two cold dishes we ordered, and it was definitely one of my favorites. It was paired with sweet things - an apricot chutney (amazing in its own right) and pickled onions which reminds me of another foie gras dish I had not too long ago... This was the first time I had cold foie gras, and what I really liked about this one was that it was unspoiled by a rich sauce or other flavors being introduced to it - you were able to experience the rich and buttery goodness of the liver. It went nicely with the shrimp, but the best part was throwing everything together into one bite. A great way to start. Sunfish Ceviche: The chimichurri sauce itself was tangy but didn't overpower the milder tasting sunfish. Besides the green coloring from the chimichurri, you also had some small chunks of avocado thrown in there for good measure. All a great combination of course, and quite tasty with the tostadas served alongside it. We purposely got the ceviche to balance out the richness of the foie gras. Basil Gnocchi: I am a particular fan of gnocchi. When it's made right. Light and fluffy but still starchy, it's a unique texture that maybe not everyone loves. GT did it justice in this application, although I do have to say that it was my least favorite dish of the night. The gnocchi itself was of melt in your mouth variety, which is always a positive. But my feeling about the rest of the dish and the sauce was that they didn't really wow the tastebuds. The mussels, shrimp, and cherry tomato gave it some extra flavor and cooked well, but overall I'd say this dish was relatively flat, probably due to the incredible foie gras and ceviche. Not to say that this wasn't good - it was just a bit underwhelming compared to the other all-stars on this menu. Kobe Short Rib Agnolotti: The agnolotti itself was delicious, although I question the need for kobe beef in anything that's minced up (kobe burgers somewhat confound me). The sauce was good, flavors were well balanced, and the pasta itself was tender. Overall, a great dish that left me wanting a few more pieces. Oyster po'boys: Consistently the best thing on the menu, and it seems GT switches between a pork belly and oyster slider, but everything else is the same. A couple of fried oysters or a decent sized portion of pork belly, thrown in between a Hawaiian bread bun, some fairly spicy red chili, and topped with some kimchi. Mmmmmm, I love kimchi, just like any good Korean. Seems to be a favorite at the table. Not just because of the kimchi, mind you (although that helps a lot). It was basically the perfect blend of flavors and textures. When you first bite into one of these nuggets smashed full of fantastic, you immediately notice the heat and POW! of the kimchi and red chili. All in all, a beautifully constructed dish, married to ingredients I would have never put together. I mean who knew peanuts and kimchi would go together so well? Chocolate, raspberry, caramel, peanut semi-freddo and blueberry buckle for desserts: The semi-freddo is the dessert that everyone wants. It was a cold dish and it seemed to have every decadent ingredient on the must-have list: raspberry sauce, caramel, chocolate, chocolate cookie crumbs, peanuts, peanut butter. This thing was rich, creamy, and pretty much THE dessert to get. Quite possibly the best dessert I have ever had. Second up was what we thought was a cookie when I saw it from afar, but it was not. The blueberry buckle had toasted walnuts and almonds atop a scoop of almond ice cream and this blueberry pastry. There was also a blueberry sauce that was either sitting below the pastry, or baked inside. Either way, this was really good. Not nearly as rich and decadent as the semi-freddo, but damn good in it's own right. It sort of reminded me of Christmas for some reason. Definitely not as sweet of a dessert, but the subtle flavors blended well to win you over. And this was not an easy task to do sitting next to the semi-freddo. So yes, GT Fish & Oyster, you are yet another staple in my list of recommendations for Chicagoans looking for a great meal. It's not just seafood as the name would suggest - it's definitely an interesting combination of Italian, Asian, and even Latin flavors and cooking techniques that really set this place apart.
(5)
Marisa V.
The irony of this review is that I do not eat any seafood - let alone oysters, haha...but I have many comments after having a 3 hour dinner there with 4 co-workers who raved about all things of the sea. In a nutshell, the atmosphere is classy, the service was impeccable and the variety of the menu also allows for non seafood eaters like myself to have some options. There are 3 land-living options on the menu to include chicken and beef. I think the third was pork belly... To be honest, the chicken wasn't great but hello Marisa, it's an oyster place. There were pureed potatoes, however, that I would consider taking a bath in. Ok, that's gross - but I'd definitely eat a whole bowl. :) As I mentioned above, we were there for 3 hours - and there was not one moment when food was not on the table after we ordered. They did a remarkable job timing the arrival of plates and oysters in some kind of order that makes sense for people who eat that food, haha. The table favorites were the lobster mac and cheese and the crab cakes. I actually do eat crab cakes sometimes and I found theirs to be very well balanced between the crab and citrus flavors. The oyster lovers at the table were pleased. All those slippery suckers were gone in minutes. (Eeeewwww.) We were gluttonous enough to order all 4 desserts for the table - and I am so glad we did! The Panna Cotta was my absolute favorite. Fresh and light with graham cracker crumbles and a fresh fruit glaze. I'd probably go back just for dessert. The people watching was great too. So many trendy people of all ages. Our server was Eric and he was delightful. Very personable and knowledgeable about the menu and wine pairings. Did a perfect job handling the timing of everything. Had a great sense of humor too, which was key for our rowdy bunch after a bottle of wine, haha. He even waited for us and held the door open on the way out, which has never been done for me in the history of my restaurant visits. Classy, classy!
(4)
Gabe M.
Super happy with this place. Love the main dining room with that large table. Excellent decor. Good service. And very good food. Some good options. This place has a feel on par with Boston's Neptune Oyster on Salem Street, a place thats on a different planet. This place is actually larger. The only negative that I can think of that would bring it up, I don't know if they have the option of the CT style lobster roll which would be hot drawn butter. That would be great. Really happy this place is in Chi-Town. Great work.
(4)
neesha d.
Just moving here from new york i am a bit of a food snob- however this place was awesome!!!! what a great introduction to the fine food of chicago. The cocktails are quite nice- i feel like you can judge a bar by the way they make a dark and stormy- it was really well made. the food is just delicious- we started with oysters which were fresh and wonderful. there was an amazing squid and watermelon dish that was out of this world! the lobster mac adn cheese and toro tartar were tasty. will definitely be going back there again and taking friends. thank you chicago!
(5)
Alison C.
Clean, fresh but a bit cold. sat near door. wait staff was very good.
(3)
Ann E.
One word for this place - AMAZEBALLS! Was there with girlfriends celebrating two birthdays. If they are told ahead of time it's your birthday, you're seated with a "happy birthday" and given a little birthday card with a treat inside! Service was great, Edith was a terrific server, food was unbelievable. We ordered (all small plates) the bruschetta, oyster sliders, fish taco, octopus, gnocchi, tuna poke, and salted caramel for desert. Great drink suggestions were also given. All around terrific!
(5)
Janice E.
Ambiance is awesome! Food is excellent! Giuseppe is talented
(5)
Jeff M.
We went there for lunch on "National Lobster Day" and ordered three dishes: ahi tuna salad, fish tacos and mussels. The food was tasty. The portion of the mussels was generous. However, the salad was excessively overpriced at $12 with only four pieces of tuna and maybe three pieces of medium-sized lettuce. None of those dishes were filling enough. Please expect to order at least two dishes to fill a normal person up!
(3)
Maria G.
Enjoyed every single minute of our dining experience at GT Fish and Oyster. We were seated almost immediately and the place was really bursting with energy on a Saturday night. First up were the drinks, I highly recommend the 'Clean Break'. It was refreshing and not overly sweet. Perfect. The oysters were tasty and clean - loved the homemade hot sauce. The ceviche was the best ceviche I have ever had, just incredible. The crab cake was crunchy and meaty. It was our anniversary, so I had to give my husband meat, and the strip loin did not disappoint. It was tender and juicy. Lastly, the scallops were beyond - sweet, divine and crunchy bacon. Need I say more. I will have to return for desert! Ask for Oscar, he's the best waiter.
(5)
Duncan B.
Amazing Oysters! I believe we tried one of everything on the menu! Crab sliders, original lobster roll, etc. Frankie was spot in as our server and very cool crowd!
(5)
B.D. K.
The most pretentious place I have ever eaten at - mostly because of the customers, and also because of the portion to price ratio. One tiny bite of Monkish, and 1/3 of a fingerling potato? wow...
(1)
J D.
One of my favorite restaurants in the city! I have been on many occasions... dinner, drinks and appetizers, lunch, and restaurant week and every experience has been top notch. The service has always been great. The staff is friendly, genuine and very attentive. I love the crab cakes, oysters, mussels and the lobster roll. The wine list is great as well as the cocktail list. Rick the bartender has made me many different cocktails by just telling him what I like. His creations have been some of my favorite drinks in the city. Go here, you will love it!
(5)
David P.
Food was good, not great. For the prices I would expect better ambiance. The dining room has sparse walls and flat panel tvs in the dining room. Is it a restaurant or a sports bar. The service was awkward. Not sure if it was a lack of humor or just being socially retarded but it was just off all night. Calamari was overlooked but sauces were good. I had a great salad and the Chilean sea bass was good, again not memorable. Someone in my party had the special which was in edible due to being over salted. The chocolate molten cake and key lime tart were both very good. I would not go back. I just think there is better bang for the buck in overall experience in Chicago.
(3)
Scott B.
This is a cool place with great small plates. The lobster roll and oyster po-boy very good. This is a fun spot for a night out w/ lot's of energy.
(4)
Lesley S.
I really enjoyed GT. The oysters were fantastic and the wait staff gave us some great recommendations and were very friendly. We had the tuna poke, BBQ eel, 2 types of oysters, lobster mac and cheese and the glazed cod. All were delish. Only downside- might have been because it had just opened, but we waited 2 hours for a table and ended up just getting seated at the bar.
(4)
faline m.
I have been here twice, once for lunch and once for dinner. liked the food when i went for lunch, especially the fried green tomato with trout. raved to my husband about it and talk about disappointment on my second visit. fish and chips tasted like the fish was dipped in chlorine. the crab legs were too salty. shrimp on the bruschetta was not good. on top of that we sat outside and the road works on wells make it so dusty. good people watching though!
(1)
Reynolds W.
We went on a Monday night. The staff was friendly, exceptionally well-trained, and knowledgeable. Our party was 3, and we took the waitress' suggestion of 2-3 per person, ordering 9 items. With no fanfare, just impeccable timing the items arrived sequentially with no piling up of plates and, when it became apparent our eyes had been bigger than our stomachs, she volunteered and was easily able to cancel the last two items, which were "awaiting preparation." Base on our wide sampling I can say without hesitation you may order anything that appeals to you and it will be exquisite. The Shrimp Bruschetta and the Fish Dip were especially memorable. There are 3 meat entrees for those of you who are just at a seafood place to be sociable. I have never had a better restaurant experience. UPDATE: I returned, party of four this time. I take back none of the compliments from the first trip. Still outstanding.
(5)
Christine M.
Love the relaxed nautical-themed atmosphere. Our server Ashley was knowledgeable and friendly. Every dish was excellent. Super fresh oysters (I'm not a fan, but the vinaigrette made it, and the oyster fans in the party loved them). The ceviche was a little like guacamole with buttery fish bites and a bright citrusy salad. We had a difficult time picking a favorite dish, but the bruschetta with avocado mousse and shrimp and the crab cake (more like a loaf of pure melt-in-your-mouth crab meat) were candidates. Fish and chips had an amazingly light, crispy coating, and the steak fries and tartar sauce with them were also delicious. The brandade croquettes were so velvety smooth -- my personal favorite. And the brown sugar creme brulee with raisin chutney - oh my goodness. The waitlist cocktail was also incredible. They even accommodated a vegetarian in our party with a lovely pasta dish with vegetables. Would definitely recommend. :)
(5)
Charm S.
Menu options are creative; many have a surprising complexity of flavors that unfold in your mouth with each bite. Their oyster selection is fabulous, and they offer short-season oysters that are otherwise difficult to find elsewhere in Chicago. The service is always good and sometimes great. One of the very best places in Chicago for seafood, if not THE best!
(5)
Paulius N.
communal tables- now were all friends, but for some, flatware dilemma Two of us were graciously seated at one of the communal tables at 6:00 on a Friday evening. I for one, like this idea a lot. You can meet some interesting people, and/or you can keep to yourself. Worst case scenario you flash gang signs at the people that annoy you, in hopes they run away in horror. Our table was cool. Across from us a beautiful young Russian couple, that may or may not have been discussing where to acquire one of those tiny little giraffes. Next to us was a nice family of three who REALLY had to force their son out of the basement and away from his computer to join them. We chatted a bit but respected each others space. Our waitress lady was genuinely charming. I believe her name was Miriam. Service went of without a hitch. The table had plenty of space, a very cool light fixture, and a good view of the room. The food: Small plates starting with squash blossoms, a hamachi appetizer, BBQ eel, and "brandades" which were similar to croquettes. Squash blossoms were very good. and knowing that each one you eat means one less zucchini in the fall makes it that much better. Both the hamachi and the eel were exceptional, and the brandades were just OK. Next, sunfish seviche. Bright, redolent of lime, nicely done. And the "smelts". You know, they tasted fine. But they were either the smallest smelts I ever saw, or they were average size minnows. I wouldn't have a problem eating fried minnows anyway. Key Lime pie was out of the freakin world too. So there you have it. GT Fish and Oyster is okey dokey. Carry on.
(4)
xoxo j.
yesssss.... Finally a Chi-town seafood option that doesn't involve nondescript BYOB sushi counters or stodgy boys-club-esque steakhouses touting massive sized surf + turf. I need a break from pork belly, pork butt, pork in a jar, pork from next door... I need me some crustaceans + shellfish. stat. I'm not going to lie, it wasn't easy getting resos for a decent hour on Friday night of opening weekend, but I'm glad we did b/c the wait was 3+ hours once we arrived at 8pm. The place is pretty small... so even though people are encouraged to wait at the bar... there really isn't all that much space to wait. In any case, it was a complete zoo, but I give the staff credit b/c they were totally composed, friendly, apologetic, and frankly just did their best. Our server was awesome though - super friendly, enthusiastic, and a friggin champ. He's obviously earned his stripes - he survived Stephanie Izard's GATG opening, so he's clearly a master at high-profile openings. He walked us through the menu and told us that everything is small plates and comes out as it's ready {hallelujah! Enough with fancy-pants staging + timing at restaurants. Just give me my friggin salad already, I don't care if no one else has food in front of them...}. He also mentioned that if we just feel like snacking, he recommends 2-3 plates but if we're ready to grub meal-style, then he recommends 3-4 items... Either my pea-sized stomach has finally met it's match, or these plates are super teeny tiny. Me and my dinner companion {a regular sized man with a non-pea sized stomach} could have easily done 5-6 plates. We were tempted to order more, but instead saved the room for more vino and dessert. FOOD *sunfish ceviche :: super tasty, super light, super small *brandade croquettes :: i'm not a fan of fried balls, but these were light on the palate and really tasty - the fennel salad was sooooo good and totally balanced the plate. thumbs up. *black gnocchi :: drool, drool, drool... i love the broth as opposed to the typical cream that gnocchi is normally drowned in. i wish the gnocchi was a little more chewy or al dente... these bad boys were smushy {but delish} *stuffed squid :: loved everything about this dish except for the saffron rice... it didn't kill the dish, but it do much to elevate it either. VINO *the un-oaked chard tastes like a sauvignon blanc... and honestly, I ordered it with a lot of elbows in my face and the bartender was pretty crazed, so there's a good chance it was a mis-pour. *there's a random spanish red blend with some sort of acronym {GST? G-something-something?} ... look for it, it's lovely. DESSERT I can live without dessert, but we got the carrot cake which was pretty good. I was expecting the horrific {yet characteristic} GInormous carrot cake wedge, but to my surprise they came out in little squares piled on a small plate. They were like carrot cake brownies and pretty damn tasty. OTHER NOTES :: *NO SRIRACHA... noOOoooooOoo... aaaaauuuggghh.... They were really excited to bring me their house hot sauces - all bottled, labeled, and prettied-up with GT's brand... There were two versions, and sadly neither had any spice whatsoever. Fail. Call this gastro-blasphemy, but my meal would have been perfect with some tried and true rooster sauce. Sad face. *Restrooms... only one per sex! Crazy... maybe this won't be so bad when there aren't 200 people packed in a 90 person restaurant, but I thought it was pretty nutty that there was only one restroom for the males and the femmes. Anyways, hi-five GT for a successful Day Two. Open Table resos start this Monday, so get one to avoid hours of standing awkwardly around the bar counter. And don't forget to BYOS {bring your own sriracha}.
(4)
A A.
One of the best meals I've ever had in Chicago. And I've lived here for 9 years and have been to a ton of restaurants in the city so I think that's saying a lot. Must haves: Oyster po-boys...amazing esp with the kimchi adds a really interesting twist! Fish Tacos Lobster Mac n Cheese Gnocchi with Scallops Fish and Chips The service was also great. Our waiter was hilarious and even brought out a complementary dish for us. Final word: great place, great food, great service!
(5)
Erika O.
The food is good, but pricey. Not really well served. Oysters are great.
(3)
Tu'ens N.
I tried the oysters (a mix), the lobster bisque, lobster roll, cod, shrimp bruschetta and the "cheesecake". All were awesome except the cod which, honestly, sucked. It was really sweet, with no texture (i.e., no crispy seared side or anything) sitting in a little pond of asparagus puree which is also soft and kind of gross. Anyways the server who was great said that dish was a work in progress and welcomed that feedback. The lobster bisque may have been my favorite and the oysters we tried were all really good but I don't remember which they were. Sorry for the low-info review. The cheesecake pannacotta was interesting and good even for a non-dessert lover. Design etc is good too.
(4)
John T.
we carried out a couple of lobster rolls and their lobster mac and cheese. Each was tasty and well worth the money. We will be coming back!
(4)
Edgar B.
exceptional oysters, great atmosphere, maybe too much staff standing around sometimes. I love the black and white tiles. one minus is the annoying crowd, lots of fakes. but hey, money talks.
(4)
Penelope Y.
I was here for the second time about a month ago, fantastic again. Oysters, wow! There were 4 of us and we ordered so much food and loved all of it! Shrimp bruschetta, coba noodles, oyster sliders, gnocchi, lobster roll, Mac and cheese. We also enjoyed a bottle of Sancerre that was very good. Service was great as well.
(5)
Valentina V.
Another one of my favs! Great food and overall vibe. They have a communal table for when you don't have a reservation, otherwise I would recommend making one. The fish is really fresh and I'm a sucker for "tapas" style dinner. I've only been with one other person and the portions have worked out well. I keep dreaming about the starfish ceviche, yum!!
(5)
Klar Z.
Plate-sharing has never been a problem for me but I walked away from GT last night feeling pretty unsatisfied, even though my date and I shared four different plates (we had the crab cake, the shrimp bruschetta, the lobster mac and cheese and the fish tacos. The fish tacos were by far the best--we wished we had just ordered four plates of those.) Between the price, the small servings and the unbelievable loudness of the restaurant, I didn't have a very fulfilling experience and won't be back. (Also, I wish they had more than a one-seater in the ladies restroom. The first time I went someone had vomited in the sink and covered it up with towels, which was unpleasant to say the least [I realize this is not the restaurant's fault] and the second time there was a steadily-growing line.)
(2)
Sahar A.
GT Fish and Oyster, you are officially my favorite place to eat in Chicago. The food is tasty, fresh and fun, but the carrot cake is LIFE CHANGING. I thought the server was just being silly when he double arm pumped at our decision to take his dessert suggestion, but upon my first bite, I understood his enthusiasm. While I'm a huge dessert lover, this carrot cake is something EVERYONE should have in their lives. It comes with cream cheese gelato (I. KNOW.), fried carrot chips, toasted walnuts and, of course, the carrot cake. Do yourself a favor and go here for dinner, or just dessert, and order the carrot cake. You can thank me later.
(5)
Lucia Z.
Really yummy oysters with a great selection.
(4)
Tyler W.
My absolute favorite spot in River North. Get the oyster po'boy sliders and thank me later. Chef Giuseppe came out to meet us and really made us feel at home.
(5)
Gregory L.
Finally, a Seafood bar nestling into River North which is not "A" a chain "B" a steakhouse or "C" coaxed with a crowd of yachting/country club old timers.(no offense, you have your places) But then again... I really wished GT would have gotten it right. Thoughtfully choosing the menus' dishes and cocktails with plenty of trial and error. Everything on the menu sounds delectable. Sure, some of it is. In fact all of the FOOD was. If I had known that with a party of 4, each dish would supply us with the portion of an amuse, I wouldn't have come so hungry. GT Fish & Oyster, wrapped in glossy white wooden walls encasing a clear glass entry partition sets the mood right away. It gives you the feeling that you will be in for some seafood, but leave your searsuckers and boat shoes at home. Black painted accents with the white walls, acquire the chic and trendy atmosphere. Combining brass light fixtures, a stitch designed floor and enameled wooden counter tops brings the whole seashore scene to life. Arriving before my party at 4:30 opening night, I thought I would try and beat the rush so I can really see what this place is all about. Gazing over the cocktail menu just in awe of all these elements I had yet to experience; creole bitters, Grapefruit oil and a barrel aged Manhattan! I started with the "Old Money" Bourbon, Aperol, Walnut liquer, bitters, and allspice all mixed together and poured in a glass full of rocks. What a sin and tragedy to ruin such an amazing concoction by watering it down with a glass full of ice. The complexity was completely lost. Next, a barrel aged Manhattan. This concept is relatively new to Chicago. The mixologist will make a large batch of a cocktail, then age it in a barrel. How could I turn down this opportunity? I tried to the second time around, but apparently the server just brought me another one, even though I said I will stick to the water. Of course I was still charged another $15 for a glass of whisky flavored sweet vermouth. The bartenders are all very friendly and willing to answer all of the questions you may have about their menu. Ask away, they encourage it. As for the beer, hold up a few months until they know what they are talking about. The diner seated next to me asked about the Alpha King, I butted in and said it's a Pale Ale. The bartender said "Not really, it isn't even classified as a Pale Ale." Even though Alpha King is 3Floyd's fame to their APA line. (American Pale Ale) I didn't want to argue though. Ah yes, down to the food: Foie Gras Terrine, Oysters, Pot Pie, Stuffed squid, Pork Belly Seated communally at one of their tables in the dining room, the table was wide and large enough to fit two parties of four without even realizing they are literally at the same table. We ordered the terrine and the oysters. The terrine was of foie gras and shrimp served with an apricot chutney, toast and pickled onions on the side. Since this was a terrine, I knew it was going to be gelatinous and probably unappealing to most unfamiliar with terrines. It was a great first dish, cold, light and full of different levels of flavor. The shrimp lightened the depth and body of the rich foie. The pickled onions brought some acidity to compliment the shrimp and add spice to the foie. The chutney added the sweet and citrus flavors to the entire dish. Very well executed, but not large enough for all four of us to really try more than a taste. The lobster Pot Pie, in all honesty was sort of a disappointment. From the photos posted on their site, I was hoping it was going to have a nice phyllo or pie crust on top to bring a nice hearty dish together. No crust here. Just the combination of peas, potatoes, celery, lobster and I believe a Mornay sauce scooped into a ramekin and stuck under the boiler. Quick and easy $16. The squid was stuffed with Chorizo and shrimp and served on a bed of saffron risotto. Just a great "tapa" all together. Really easy for 3 people to try it. Since we had 4, we had to cut pieces in half, so everyone could have a taste. The saffron risotto showed me that a true Italian was behind the works of this dish. My bite was really outstanding. And finally with one dish that was not seafood... The token pork belly. Seared perfect Berkshire pork belly can make all my worries go away. Such a rich and comforting dish. The cannelini beans added even more body to the pork belly, and the fresh slaw lightened it up with a crunch. Eventhough I give GT 3 stars, I want you to know that it is a place you have to check out. Perfect for a party of 2. Great ambience and a fun army of employees. In a few months, I'm sure the overly sweetened cosmos (haha, the ladies ordered) and for some reason salty Highland Daisies will be perfected. Welcome to the neighborhood, and I'll probably see you again soon!
(3)
dani f.
Host would not seat us at either of 2 nice side banquet tables available when my husband and I entered an empty dining room because they hold them for 3 people. Meanwhile, within minutes, both tables were occupied by 2 other couples . Food very disappointing. The fish and chips and lobster roll not nearly as good as less pricey East Coast places. Also don't like small plate options that require diner to order extra plates and spend more $. Dani ( From NY but now living in Chicago)
(2)
Pam J.
...this is more of a 4.5 star place Definite fan! The food, service and decor were great! The only complaint - prices were a little high. Yes, it's fish and seafood, but they serve small plates. Nonetheless, still worth the trip and monies. Must haves: the fish tacos and po' boy. Super delicious. I would definitely go back. I love restaurants that serve small plates - gives customers the chance to try several items on the menu in one visit. That being said, I need to go back and try the dishes we didn't order! ~ BoKa group, you've done it again ~
(4)
Raytus C.
The shocker was the waiter telling us a normal meal would be 3 items from the menu. Prices were really high, so that was kind of shocking. Started with tuna tartar topped with mango, and toast with shrimp and avocado sauce. Both were acceptable, but nothing to rock you back in the chair. Then we had the mussels from the entire menu. The mussels were of fine quality, but the tomato broth - while very pretty - also didn't reach the exceptional. We had a nice chocolate mousse dessert, easily the high point of an otherwise pricey mediocre meal.
(2)
Jeanus T.
Very nice interior and pretty good size dining rooms. They have community tables setup in the middle surrounding by tables of 2 or 4. Food's really good. We ordered a dozen oysters (all 6 different kinds that they offer) and the tuna poke for appetizer, and that was impressive. The we had the oyster poboys sliders, very very good!!! Also had the lobster roll and lobster macaroni. The lobster roll was very nice and big. I loved the bread. It made the whole thing better because of the bread. Though I thought the lobster macaroni wasn't as good as the others, relatively speaking. It just wasn't cheesy enough. Lastly, we had the date cake for dessert. They put cream cheese on top, at first we were like, that's kind of unusual, but then it was actually a very nice balance to the sweetness of the cake. Very well done. I reserved a star for the scollops that we didn't try. Definitely will try that next time.
(4)
Blair J.
Love that they offer oysters from Chesapeake Bay. Since living in Chicago, I have not had oysters from bk home (VA). The hot and cold plates were delectable. Cod with the mango puree simply amazing. I would recommend the lobster roll. Hands down!!! It was so rich and tender. The carrot cake is fried and rich, but so worth it. Plus, it comes in small cubes, so you don't feel as guilty. Definitely will be back for more oysters, lobster rolls, & the cod. Would have given 5 stars, but they were out of stock on wine and on a cold plate.
(4)
D S.
My wife and I had dinner here tonight. The service was really fantastic and so was the food/drinks. Our waitress, Courtney(?), was extremely personable and knowledgeable about all the menu items. She provided especially helpful details about the Oysters. We ordered a smorgasbord of food including the Oysters, Chowder, Fried Green Tomatoes, Salad, Fish Tacos, and Lobster Roll. All the food was very tasty and served efficiently but not rushed at all. The bar has a phenom mixologist, John, who made our drinks. He's very good at creating and customizing drinks to your taste. We both ordered drinks by providing basic taste/ingredients and were very satisfied. Overall we enjoyed the great service, the menu, drinks and the place has an upbeat vibe. Based on the crowd you might want to plan in advance and make reservations.
(5)
Brit T.
The small plates were all pretty good but the star of the night was definitely the jalepeno cocktail I ordered. So good!
(4)
Vlad T.
I have been here many times (sat at the bar and in the dining room) and had almost everything on the menu! All of it is good! My absolute favorites: Waitlist martini, Oysters - always fresh, always consistent, Baja shrimp bruchetta - very tasty, Oyster Po'boy slider - so delicate and kimchi is a nice touch, and saving the best for last: Lobster roll - its their signature dish, cold and fresh and the bread it served on - out of this world! Lobster roll is just so memorable - never get tired of it! I prefer to sit at the bar, although it gets crowded later on at night, but then it could be a great people watching spot. If you decide to go last minute, get there 6:30-7 on the weekday and you will still find a couple of spots at the bar.
(5)
Sonja S.
I had been eying the spot on my early morning dog trudges, watching as things developed- abnormally excited by anything within walking distance of my apartment with the word OYSTER in its name.... I heart oysters, I do and I was counting the days until I could dive in head first to a briny, coppery delish plate of oyster goodness and walk home the afterglow of natures perfect food. So this is funny ( well at least to me) I was going to see Devotchka at the House of Blues (another story all together) and I decided that since I was taking myself on a date, I should treat myself right... I was walking down to a totally different restaurant and errrrrk did a left hand turn into GTS. It was 5:15. I walked up to the hostess station ( that does not sound cool enough for the actual restaurant) and said, are you open? The very adorable trio standing there said yes! I said how long have you been open? They chorused 45 minutes! I said no I mean open for business - 45 minutes!!! they said... I thought uh oh Seated at the oyster bar, I conferred with the Oyster Man ( this is a VERY technical review) and he suggested that I try the Fire something oysters. I ordered 6 Kumamotos and 6 Fire something or others, and a Waitlist ( a grapfruity yummy cocktail that was a perfect foil for the oysters to come) When the oysters arrived I set about demolishing the dozen in record time. The Fire oysters were a revelation,. as a huge Kumamoto fan, I was enthralled with the coppery yet sweet taste of these little jewels. After plowing through the oysters I ordered the tuna poke. This was not actually a poke at all. Yes I know there are very many versions of poke- but this was a diced velvet serving of deep red tuna, structured on top of thin slices of cucumber and topped with ribbons of mango. No seaweed, no sesame oil. All the same it was delicious. Running out of time for my concert I had to leave. But I have to say, I was thrilled. Yes this place is too pricey for the size of the portions, yes its going to be crazy busy for even a weeknight stop in - but as a treat, absolutely. This review id probably premature as I haven't had a full on dinner there. YET. But I have to say to visit a restaurant 45 minutes after their official opening and have GREAT service, a delicious cocktail and impeccable seafood ( teeny portion aside) home run - as I said to the darling trio on my way out- y'all are gonna make a ton of money!
(4)
Juliette C.
Went to GT last night with bf and a couple of friends. The friends were nice enough to say they liked it, but apart from 2 dishes that were just okay, the rest was extremely disappointing. Let's start with the good: we loved the po boy sliders. The salted caramel tart was pretty good too. The sauce of the mussels was pretty good (tomato, basil and garlic) but hid the taste of mussels and would be better with goat cheese. Now the rest was pretty bland. And for the price, that's an expensive bland. The oyster shooters were terrible. I love shooters. These were covered by a weird taste substance, so you could not feel their taste. The Tuna poke was pretty tasteless. The Mahi was decent, though not impressive. Same with the octopus. The wasabi sauce was good but there wasn't enough. The Peruvian potatoes were a miss, and there was not enough octobus, like 3 tiny bites. Last the GT mac and cheese was the blandest thing I ever ate. Did not taste like lobster or anything. Just overcooked pasta with some vague taste. My friends' pumpin pie was not very tasty either. Add the fact that it is hard to park around there. Chicago has much much better places that this. Go there next time!
(1)
Emily B.
One of the best meals I have had in a very long time! Fish tacos are beyond compare (and I've had a lot of fish tacos in my time!).
(5)
Jessica G.
we had lunch. clam chowder to start... which was pretty awesome tons of clams the lobster roll was good.. but needed something maybe some butter fish and chips were like 3 tiny sticks i do not recommend the steak fries, it's like eating basically a baked potato each time. tooo big
(3)
Wenbo X.
Amazing oysters. The food here is very good, and isn't very expensive either. Great to have lunch at with family or friends.
(5)
Mei C.
Small portions, expensive, bland, neither seasoned, nor caramelized, or well prepared. No 'uomo' on combination of flavors. Though seafood is not overcooked. For the price, they need to take it to the top. The ingredients are superior, just the execution for the price. I see why there are a lot of stars from some other reviewers because the quality of food is high but for the price it needs to wow.
(2)
Lindsey C.
I came here for lunch this week and I'm SO glad I did! The husband had a variety of oysters and raved about them and the sauce. I had the baja shrimp bruschetta appetizer - amazing!!!!!!!! We both had the fish tacos. I had never had fish tacos before and I had NO idea they could be THAT good!!!!!!!!!!! For dessert we split the key lime pie, which they serve in a cute little jar, very New England style and sooooo delicious!
(5)
Charlie J.
Really enjoyed our night out here. Lively, but not loud. Trendy, but not over-the-top. Beautiful people, but not in any pretentious way. Really good mixology...sit at the bar for a while before you get your table, enjoy a couple of raw ones while you do. Loved the small plates and got to share quite a bit with my lovely wife. Really good wine list with a good price range. Was a fanatic for the Key Lime Pie served in a jar (upside down). Service was extremely attentive and knowledgeable. We got a cozy spot surrounded by mirrors and old ship lights. Really really really recommend this!
(4)
Dave L.
This place was fantastic. I did need to book my Saturday 530pm reservation several weeks in advance so keep that in mind. We started off with some oysters, which were all fantastic, I really enjoyed the two garnishes that came with them. We then had 6 dishes off the menu; 3 hot and 3 cold. Cold dishes: 1. The Tuna Poke was amazing, and it is a MUST. The mango garnish had some jalapeno in it to give it a little kick. I would come back just to get this and the gnocchi (see below). 2. The Baja shrimp bruschetta was also very good, and while the grapefruit concerned me at first, it was definitely not overpowering, and added a nice shot of flavor into the dish. 3. BBQ Eel, I really enjoyed this one as well, the wasabi is barely noticeable and was not spicy (in a good way!) Warm dishes: 1. Basil Gnocchi - this was incredible, everything was prepared wonderfully; I'm a sucker for cherry tomatoes. 2. Crab agnolotti - I wasn't overwhelmed with this dish. My review is a couple weeks late, and I really can't remember much from this one. It wasn't "bad" but you're not going to gush about it on yelp two weeks after the fact. 3. A squash/seafood thingy that is not on the menu anymore. This thing was not good. I think its a very positive sign for the restaurant that its already off the menu. This was the only negative of the evening food-wise. Dessert: We had a chocolate cake/mousse thingy and it was good. I'm not a big dessert guy, I'd rather double-down on things like the poke or the gnocchi, but it was still good. This will be something I will include on my future reviews is, "would my dad find this place too noisy?" The answer is a resounding YES. My dad would find this place much too loud. I found the place a little loud, but overall I enjoyed the atmosphere. In terms of service, I'd just say average, our waiter asked up front if we had any allergies, and my girlfriend does not always react well to spicy foods. After several times insisting that he'd make sure nothing spicy would come out and cripple my girlfriend, the poke came out with some jalapeno extract or something in the apricot preserves, and the bruschetta came out with some peppers on top. He was extremely apologetic, but still disappointing. Luckily nothing was too spicy for the girlfriend, so all's well that ends well. He did help me select an very nice bottle of wine. Service was also a little slow in the beginning when we were selecting dishes, but after food started arriving, either the service improved, or I was just in a much better mood eating the awesomeness in front of me. This place is great, and will definitely now be part of the "nice restaurants" rotation whenever I have friends in from out of town or want a nice date-night.
(5)
Dave C.
When it's good, it's great. The shrimp bruschetta, the oyster po boy sliders, the salte caramel tart. Absurdly good. Unfortunately, the other stuff, while not bad at all, is not in the same league, hence the four stars. We should have listened to our waiter. Everything that he recommended that we ordered was stellar, the other stuff was the not so good. If only we had stuck with just what he recommended, we probably would have had a five star meal. I'll be back, if for no other reason than to sit at the bar by myself and down 5+ oyster po boys....
(4)
Jonathan D.
This was an excellent choice for a birthday dinner. The food is small plates but pass around easily. They serve some of the best oysters I have experienced in the Mid-West. The desserts are outstanding as well. There is a good selection of wines and liquors, though the beer list is a bit small. Even with a group of 10, it feels very intimate. The wait staff is friendly and on top of things, make great recommendations.
(5)
J Z.
This place offers something for everyone. I didn't know it was a share plates type of place but it turned out great. Our waitress (Agness, maybe) was terrific, offering great suggestions. The oyster po boy and fish tacos were only a couple of things we had. They were delicious. The lobster roll and mac and cheese didn't float my boat but my friends seemed to like them. We also had the crude platter which was fine but not substantial enough for my liking. Our drinks were nice sized pours. Overall it was a fun place with interesting and tasty food.
(4)
Heather F.
I had my theoretical lunch meal all planned out for GT Fish, as part of my big Fish Bar/GT Fish show down, but alas, the lunch menu is much smaller than the dinner menu, and it was not feasible. I will have to finish conducting my research at a later date. In any event, the scene here is nice; definitely less casual than Fish Bar, there's a good vibe, and the staff was very attentive and friendly. When we asked about the "oyster crouton" that came on the caesar salad, he even brought us out a bunch to try (best fried oyster I've ever had). Did get to try the lobster roll, and I found it to be far superior to Fish Bar. Tons of meat, plump big pieces that were perfectly cooked and tender, just slightly coated, (not a mayo sandwich), with small pieces of celery and herbs. The bun was not too sweet. Came with a pile of fried onion straw pieces, which was nice to munch on. It is very rich though, so I would definitely recommend ordering a beverage other than water to cut through the indulgence. For dessert we had the key lime pie, which was sort of an upside down version in a jar with toasted meringue on top (very good, a little bit difficult to share successfully with a group due to meringue separation issues). We also had the peanut butter dessert which was wonderful. Am definitely going to come back for dinner.
(4)
Mary L.
I would give this place another try - and definitely would not decide to go/not go based on my review if you are going for oysters. That said, we went specifically for lobster rolls, and we were very disappointed. We work in DC, where lobster rolls are plentiful, so we know what we are talking about when saying this was a rip off. The taste of the roll was delicious, but it was 1/2 of a roll for full price. I'm not a big eater, and even I was still hungry after eating what was an appetizer portion for a full lunch price. The restaurant needs to either take this off the menu or suck it up and give everyone a full sandwich instead of 1/2.
(2)
Jeff K.
We stopped by without a reservation and dined at the boomerang table in the bar. Server was informed and attentive. The food was fresh and well prepared but generally not spectacular. New addition to the menu Oyster Po boy was amazing. Some of the portions can be tiny...specifically the BAJA SHRIMP BRUSCHETTA - SMOKED HAMACHI CRUDO was uninspired and the pasta in the Mac and Cheese was a bit overcooked.
(3)
Melissa M.
We had an excellent experience... great service and this place is great for groups. Highly recommend the Oyster Po'Boy Sliders!
(5)
Darren A.
Great food and unique plate size for a seafood restaurant. Great set up and friendly, knowledgeable service. I would definitely go back.
(4)
Elizabeth G.
This place has a long list of glowing reviews and I want to add to that list: 1. The food is amazing. The ingredients are fresh, the concepts are innovative yet simple, and I thoroughly enjoyed eating all of it. A lot of high end restaurants use a million ingredients to make their food taste good. The trick is to find a place that you enjoy not just while you're eating it, but afterward as well. And that I did! I had practically everything on the menu and I walked away feeling great. 2. Ambiance- simple and elegant- much like this sentence! 3. Staff and the service- honestly the best I've ever experienced. I went to GT to celebrate an engagement and everyone from the hostess to the chef to the manager came out to personally congratulate us. They did so many nice things to make the night memorable that I can't even count. They sent us a delicious dessert, the manager picked out the perfect wine, they gave us a card- just to name a few! Chris, Agnes, Kevin, Hector, Gabby, and Giuseppe- it was wonderful to meet each one of you- thank you so much for making the night so special!
(5)
Kristina R.
Lunch, Tuna Poke, outstanding! Lobster roll, good but a little $$ for what it is.
(3)
SL-S L.
Someone sent me a message saying that the salad was brown because it's grilled. In our case, it was brown because it was wilted lettuce. We showed it to the waitress, and she agreed that the color was not due to the grilled lettuce, but because it was bad lettuce. Just wanted to clarify that.
(3)
John B.
Small plate, 'purist' cooking style (e.g., seasoning is scarce on all dishes), oysters were as advertised, and desserts are pretty good. I'm not blown away mostly because the price matches and is sometimes above what you get. I highly recommend the lobster roll, but it ain't as big as your head. I want to give this joint 3.5 stars.
(3)
Dina I.
Gets better and better. Can't get over the oysters, bbq eel, chowder, mussels, halibut, bass, the entire raw cold section of the menu (especially the hamachi, salmon (cured with beets to give it an oh-so-yummy vibrant red tint!), poke, you get the point)! Oh, and while the key lime is so fresh and tart, I loved the panna cotta. It was a light enough of a dessert to cap off another night of massive eating. Love Chris, the GM, as well!
(5)
lucky r.
I really like this place---Tapas style seafood dishes. Service was wonderful. Nice casual trendy restaurant. My guess and I would definitely go back! As with everybody you have to have the lobster mac n cheese and the mussels.
(4)
Dawn N.
My husband & I learned of GT's from 190North & I did further research on Yelp. We went at 4:30 on a Sunday via reservation on Opentable.com & sat at a 2top. I wanted to avoid the loud ambiance I kept reading about so I could focus on the food during my 1st visit. I have to say the reviews are pretty accurate! On the plus side...impeccable service, noteworthy decor, exciting vibe, great people watching, & some mouth-watering dishes. On the minus side....very expensive for the small portions, which add up quickly when you are expected to order 2-3 per person, many dishes were overly salty or citrusy, inconsistent experience between the dishes, & poor desert execution. I was full when we left but my husband seriously wanted to go to McDonalds!!! After dropping close to $200 for 2 people, we went to McDonalds!!! Get it out of your system if you must, as we did, but we more than likely won't be returning. Best dishes we tried: sunrise ceviche, $22 lobster roll (yikes!), tartare, salmon.
(3)
Jay G.
This place is legit. No reservations so we sat at bar, best martini and oysters I've had in a while. Can't wait to go back. Just like the surrounding restaurants in River North it's not cheap.
(5)
Bridgett B.
Went last Thursday with friends for my husband's birthday and it lived up to the hype. The service was fantastic. We waited a bit longer than our reservation and were sent a round of free drinks for our trouble. A birthday card and small gift were waiting at the table when we sat down, and our wait staff made fantastic recommendations as to what to try. I was especially impressed with the oysters, chowder, and lobster roll. It can be a bit loud, and reservations are tricky to come by at popular dining hours, but you should definitely check this place out.
(4)
Livery H.
I came here because of the oyster bar, with a few days left in Chicago, why not see how they do at a raw bar. In comparison to the oysters of Massachusetts, I would rather have spent the $3/oyster on more drinks. I was really excited about the food as well, everything sounded tempting. I ordered the poke, octopus and watermelon, basil gnocchi, and the fish and chips. Poke was great, octupus and watermelon, even better, basil gnocchi was to die for, fish -- the best I ever had but the chips left me wanting some type of flavor. - "the waitlist" was a pleasant, deceptively strong drink - ordered two deserts - the cheesecake left me feeling obese and unhappy, the blackberry pie thing and almond ice cream made me want to ask for a pint of the ice cream to take home - overall- the staff was great, they seated us at a nice table, with a reservation, the price was a more than I usually like to give but I knew what I was getting into
(3)
Joe D.
Finally made it over to this place after reading so many good things about it. All the staff was super nice and helpful and most of the food did not disappoint. Started off with a selection of oysters served with house made cocktail and hot sauces. All the oysters were very clean and fresh. Moved on to the sunfish ceviche which was quite refreshing. The softshell crab came out next and was terrific, but I've been ruined on softshell crab after Longman and Eagle set the bar so high. GT came close. Lobster roll came out next. Served with fried onions, which were spectacular considering they are just fried onions. Surprisingly enough, the bread was the star of the lobster roll. Buttery and crisp on the outside, warm and soft on the inside. I would've liked the lobster to be the star of this dish, but it was still pretty damn terrific. Enjoyed a bottle of Sancerre from an impressive wine list, but couldn't make it to dessert this night.
(4)
Laura T.
There are so many wonderful restaurants to choose from in River North and GT not only adds to that list, but stands apart. Admittedly, it is sometimes difficult to get a table or spot at the bar, but those types of problems are to be expected where food is great, prices are reasonable, and the service matches the crowd's energy and enthusiasm for a fun dining experience. While I haven't tried everything on GT's menu, I have dined here at least a dozen times, and here are some tips: Apps: the Kusshi oysters are divine, the tuna poke is delicious and the cerviches may cause battles if you planned to share (because you won't want to); Main: the crab legs were a little disappointing, the mussels are phenomenal (and huge), the fish tacos are a crowd pleaser, and the lobster roll brings back memories of Montauk (although recently tried this requesting less mayo and the sweet succulent lobster ... well you get the idea). If you have any room left (which is sometimes a challenge since the food is delicious) in the summertime, do yourself a favor and order the key lime pie - I don't even like key lime pie and I dream of GT's take on it. The drink list is extensive and well thought -- if you are looking for a perfect wine to pair with your meal or just for your preferences - talk to the bartender Rick, you will not be disappointed!
(4)
miss k.
If I could give 6 stars, I would. I went with three friends of mine last dinner and we were in awe of everything we ate. The food is delicious, our waitress was friendly and attentive, and the ambiance is chic and inviting. We had a great time. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Janet C.
Very disappointing. This place is not sure if it wants to be a fine dining experience (given the price and menu) or a noisy bar scene (given the noisy bar). We were there on a Friday night and could not get over the noise level in the bar. We had to shout across our table to hold a conversation. The restaurant played Prince music at full volume and a good percentage of the patrons were there just to drink. The bathroom was filthy. Our server was very nice, until we complained that she brought all of our warm plates out at the same time (when she had indicated she would take care of the timing for us), then she pretty much disappeared. It seems like an ok place to sit at the bar and drink and eat oysters but if you want a culinary experience or a nice dinner with friends, look elsewhere.
(1)
neal s.
I had high expectations for GT, maybe too high. The food was very good and quite tasty but the portions were tiny and expensive. I am getting a bit tired of tapas-style everything and the communal dining experience. It just wasn't fun. As far as the service, the general staff was attentive but our waiter was cloyingly annoying and needlessly theatrical, I mean come on, this is supposed a New England style seafood joint not an audition. Bottom line, we won't be back
(2)
daisy J.
this place was yummy! it's not often you get small plates seafood and this place knocked it out of the park! we had the tuna (awesome), bbq eel (good - but not wow), fish taco (amazing), oysters (great), scallops (yum), lobster mac (insane)! for dessert we had the blackberry buckle - who does a buckle?! GT does, and it's perfect. my only complaint is i wish there was more of the toasted almond ice cream! my only complaint is while i spent about $80 i did leave feeling hungry. their dishes lack a carb component which makes it hard to just fill up on smaller portions of fish. the lobster mac helped, but i would have liked to have seen either some bread served or something more dense added to help fill you up.
(4)
Michael M.
Re.....donk!
(5)
Joanna K.
absolutely fabulous...LOVED the oysters, dug the hamachi (complex, absolutely delightful, loved the punch from the habanero--enough to add interest but does NOT overwhelm the dish)...and then, the lobster roll? heaven. finished it all. yum. service was attentive and helpful; drinks were great. will definitely be back!!
(4)
Julie B.
Yum! What amazing food. I had three plates- first the shrimp brushetta with avocado, chili, and grapefruit. Very good. Next were the fish tacos with grilled rock fish. It sounds like the fish they use changes, as the waitress told us what it was for the day. The tacos were also very good, although the sauce was a bit too plentiful. May want to ask them to go light on the mayo sauce if you order those. Next, and by far my favorite, was the grilled octopus on top of watermelon slices. It was joined by lump crab meat and mussels. Everything was perfectly cooked and flavored. That is one dish not to miss. The portions are definitely tiny for the price (everything is tapas style), and they suggest you order three plates per person. Average price per plate is around $12. They have an extensive alcohol menu. The crowd was lively and well dressed, and it was packed on a Monday night. A great happy hour/ date/ out with friends spot.
(4)
Lo M.
Overall the food was good, but not phenomenal. Add to the fact that the price tag for dinner with drinks for two was close to $200.00, I won't really be recommending this place to friends when there are tastier options in this category for a lesser price. We were seated near the bar area which had a couple of loud groups in Ed Hardy tshirts that had seemed to be doing a bar crawl and had apparently stumbled over from Rockits. It kind of ruined the otherwise great modern nautical feel of the place. Because of it's proximity to some douche bag bars in the area, this might happen more often than I am sure the owners would like. Fish tacos were good. Oysters were some of the best that I have had. But overall, nothing that really blew you away. Restaurants have a lot of competition in Chicago and there is nothing really driving me to go back and spend another $150 to $200 on a few small plates and cocktails.
(3)
Ronald T.
If you're a fan of oysters you won't be disappointed. The selection is great but on the pricier side, about $3 per oyster with a minimum order of 6. This may come as a shock, but I think the best thing I had was their panna cotta cheesecake and this is coming from someone that isn't much of desert fan. It easily tops as one of the best cheesecakes I've had. It's different... it was light, not too sweet, and had a silky texture to it. Definitely order this if you have room for desert and are a cheesecake fan. Their lobster roll was good but for $22 I think I was expecting either more lobster or something a little more special. It really is just a regular lobster roll. The fish tacos were fantastic, the best entree of the night. The clam chowder was a close second. The service was impeccable. The one really annoying thing about this place is the row of tables against the wall in the 2nd room. If you have to move your table to get to your seat, the tables are too close to each other. My wife is a size 0-2, so that gives you a frame of reference. I understand the place needs to make money, but that can really kill the experience. I felt like I was close enough to elbow the guy next to me and of course I could hear every single word of the conversation from the tables next to us even if they whispered. Overall, I think if you're into seafood and oysters, this place is definitely worth trying.
(4)
marc z.
good, good atmosphere. like the freshness of the dishes as well as the communal atmosphere of the boomerang table.
(4)
Eunice A.
Stumbled upon what seemed to be one of the best restaurants in Chicago! Loved the first visit so much that instead of journeying to other restaurants on my short visit, I came back the very next day! I normally dislike clam chowder, but this place was hands down the best--tasted even better than the one in Fisherman's Outlet in San Francisco. Oysters are fresh beyond belief too. I would definitely come back here when I am in town again.
(5)
Food M.
Take a pass on Sunday brunch Sat down expecting a great breakfast. Very limited menu. Had crabmeat Benedict. Could not find the crab meat. Tasteless Came with nothing else. Partner had bagels and lox. No onion. No capers and nothing else. If you going to offer that, then do it right. A drizzle of creme fraiche has to go. I expected more from Boca Group. Very disappointed. Boca set a high standard at all there other sites. They fell very short here. On s side note, waiter was very good
Our party of 14 made a reservation and were seated at the wooden boomerang table near the entrance. Good call, GT, as certain members of our party were very rowdy compared to other patrons. Seems like there is a variety of seating areas ranging from casual (bar, front of restaurant) to more intimate (back of restaurant). FOOD - what I liked: -Oysters. At $3, they are definitely on the expensive side, but I like the variety. Conversely, it also felt overwhelming. Regardless, how can you not have oysters at a place that has "oyster" in its name? I just picked the three largest oysters 'cause size matters...ha. -Fish and chips. I usually stay away from fish and chips, because "chips" sound so cool but then I remember it's just French fries. I have to say - best fish and chips I've ever had. Everything is fried, obviously, but it tastes so light. Oh, and the tartar sauce is bomb. -Maine lobster roll at MP - $30 in July 2015. Pricey but worth. I think what GT does well is they keep things simple. Their items are not overdressed, and you taste quality seafood at face value. It comes with pickled shallots and cauliflower, which is interesting. FOOD - pass: -Fish tacos. Contrary to what another Yelper mentioned, their fish tacos are NOT better than fish tacos in San Diego. Lies...don't go to the Midwest for fish tacos. -Oyster poboy sliders. I love me some oyster poboy, but I didn't like their Asian fusion twist with kimchi. Felt like the kimchi overpowered the light and deliciously fried oysters. DESSERT (Their pastry game is strong thanks to their pastry chef. Seriously, if anything, come for their dessert.): -The Vacherin. Green tea ice cream with strawberry compote and wafers was mind-blowing. -Gin and tonic sorbet. My cousin, who is dairy-free, loves gin and tonics. He got the gin and tonic sorbet and absolutely loved it. It tastes exactly like gin and tonic. Side note: I really feel I can start a business making strictly alcoholic ice creams and sorbets. However, is it not a thing because alcohol freezes differently? Gimme a shoutout if you are a chemist. *mic drop
(4)
Rachel W.
Seafood lovers dream!!! Shrimp Bruschetta*** Tuna Tar Tar Oyster Slider*** Fish Tacos Maine Lobster Roll ***fav Great service & ambiance. We went at 4:30pm. As one of the few people in restaurant, we were greeted with enthusiasm. Our waiter gave us delightful recommendations and even tipped me on how to take a better picture. *first yelp review!
(5)
Lisa L.
came expecting some phenomenal food because of their ratings. however, I just found them mediocre. I came with a friend so we were able to share two entrees, the soft shell crab sandwich and the main lobster roll. the main lobster roll was delicious but pretty standard, good decent amount of lobster, good balance of mayonnaise and I love the crispy toasted butter roll. at the time, market price was $34 for me, which I thought was a bit expensive since there exists the same quality lobster roll for much less in ny. so maybe it's just Chicago? the soft shell crab sandwich came with a somewhat small crab, but it was nicely done with a flavorful topping, didn't care too much for the bun. again, overpriced in my opinion both the entrees came with either chips or fries that were so greasy they were inedible. complete waste. i'd suggest the lunch special if you really want to try the food. sunfish ceviche.. yea, three starts worth.
(3)
Jaimie P.
This is some of the best seafood I've had in my life. It was excellent. I love the atmosphere and staff was great. Overall, exceptionally delicious and amazing experience!
Wowza! This place is further proof of Chicago's place on the global food map. You can really have quality portions of any type of food in this city, including seafood! GT's River North space is a romantic, upscale joint I'd normally recommend for date night. We were here for my friend's 30th birthday, and the accommodations were awesome. We had our own private room that was hidden behind the kitchen in the basement of the restaurant. It looked like a ship captain's private lounge/war room. We had a prix fixe menu selected by staff and were able to try a varietal of menu items, both seafood and non-seafood. Every bite I tried was incredible; no complaints. To begin the meal, we were offered the wines that would accompany our entire meal. In white, we were given bottles of a crisp French Sancerre. Great offering to pair with the seafood dishes. For the hotter and non-seafood dishes, we had a California Pinot Noir which was slightly chilled, as a Pinot should be. Great recommendations. As for our food, our menu included the following dishes: to begin - Hamachi crudo(refreshing palate cleanser), tuna poke (fresh tartarelike app), sunfish ceviche, shrimp bruschetta (both delightfully and surprisingly spicy), main - oyster po'boy (love fried oysters - Asian influence in sauces), fish tacos (standard, fresh), mac & cheese (solid, enjoyed the lobster inside), and pork belly (despite not being seafood, perfectly grilled with an amazing sauce). Looking forward to coming back for standard lunch or dinner service!
(5)
Dennis S.
Lobster roll, lobster roll, lobster roll. Did I mention the lobster roll? That's what we go for. Late lunch, wine, appetizers, and always their fabulous lobster roll, with so many chuncks of tasty moist lobster that it's falling out of the bun. Everything else is good too, like the tuna poke and the ceviche, but this is, for me, the best place in Chicago to get a lobster roll, year round.
(5)
Dianne S.
I adore this place. I've eaten dinner here with my husband and lunch solo. Both times I've been met with friendly, attentive service. The food is fresh and delicious! I like the subtle spicy kick of their clam chowder and its generously packed with clams. The white fish on a bed of mashed squash was such a unique but great flavor combination along with the scattered roasted brussels sprouts. My dessert was so inventive yet still pleasing to the palate. I had the key lime pie with gin and tonic sorbet. The pie came sprinkled with mini meringues that added a delightful crunch of texture to the creamy pie, and the sorbet tasted exactly like a frozen gin and tonic. Portions are definitely a bit on the smaller side but there are plenty of oyster choices to fill up your tummy!
(5)
Cynthia T.
Nice ambience, dishes are small but they recommended sharing so it was suggested to order several dishes per person. It's a little pricey for ordering multiple dishes but we did enjoy everything we ate.
(4)
Gino W.
I was looking for a restaurant that would be good enough to feature on my food blog. Considering the seafood restaurants I have gone to in Chicago that never failed, I figured I could not go wrong with another seafood restaurant option. I would not classify my experience at GT Fish & Oyster to be a failure, but it was not what I was expecting in a seafood restaurant. Sazarec. Cold green tea soba. Shrimp bruschetta. Seared tuna salad. Gnocchi. Whitefish. Lobster roll. Key lime pie. Chocolate torte. The sazarec was extremely heavy-handed on the alcohol and absent on flavour. The green tea soba was outstanding! The shrimp bruschetta was a hit. The seared tuna salad looked wonderful, but still elicited a brief smile only. As to the gnocchi, it was also comme si, comme ca. The whitefish, which was from the Restaurant Week offerings, was light on flavour while the sauce took centre stage on that dish. I must admit that the lobster roll was rather appetizing, along with the fried onion rings and pickled root vegetables. The desserts reminded me of offerings that I've had to Sugar-Fixe in Oak Park. The oyster selections were limited. The oyster menu had about 7-9 offerings and they are all of the variety that you let slide down your throat. The "large plate" seafood items were at market price. There were a few non-seafood options on the menu, for those who may not want to indulge any seafood. GT Fish & Oyster seems like a great place to go for drinks. For those who like to sample a few glasses of wine or a few cocktails and small plates, I recommend the restaurant highly. It's a place full of vibrant people, a lot of energy, and some rather good table service.
(3)
Amy O.
I went during the work week for lunch. Service was great. For some reason I thought the portions were going to be small and they were not. I had a salad with seared tuna on it. Also the vegetarian tofu eggplant dish had a little kick and was fantastic. We also got a lobster mac and cheese for the table that had big chunks of lobster in it. My friend was raving about the lobster roll. The "Market Price" description for the roll scared me away but it did look pretty tasty and you can order it hot with butter or the more traditional cold style. Also my friend raved over the thai soup.
(5)
Kavita S.
A group of friends and I went to GT Fish & Oyster for Sunday brunch and we were not disappointed. The service was fantastic and I really liked the sleek interior design and the pretty view from our table. We ordered the churros which were super crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Not the best, but a fun way to start the meal. The winner at the table was the OYSTER PO'BOY SLIDER!!! Hands down it was the best little bundle of flavor and texture I've tasted in a while. The kimchi on the slider had a pleasant kick to it and the peanuts provided a nice texture. I will return just for the sliders and will definitely order more than a few per person next time! The Shrimp and Grits with the tasso ham were absolutely delicious and the grits were cooked perfectly. The rest of the table ordered the Biscuits and Gravy, Steak and Eggs, and the Crab Benedict. The brunch cocktails were up to the mark. Every dish was better than average and everyone left with happy bellies! I will definitely be back for lunch/dinner! Next time I'll tackle the oysters and other seafood dishes, along with more PO'BOY SLIDERS!!!
(4)
Jackie M.
This would be the Tapas style seafood joint that's good for 2 to 4 people. My gf and I sat in the communal table near the bar area, because it was at least an hour for table. We literally ordered one of each oyster from the menu. The oysters were so fresh that I can taste the difference between the east and west coast. I'm so glad that there is a decent seafood restaurant that serves variety of fresh oysters. The portion is quite small, therefore we ordered about 4 entree between 2 people. lobster roll: sufficient portion to share between 2 person. It was delicious and garlicky. mussel: quite forgettable which was drenched in tomatoe sauce and too tangy. Fish taco: it was okay, but not amazing. Average good and the fish was fresh. Fish and Chips: Nicely fried on the outside and juicy inside. I took one star away because I'm not a fan of communal table due to lack of personal space and dislike hearing other's convo.
(4)
Rachel N.
In all honestly, I'm 95% sure that at the age of 87, my grandmother parties harder than I do - as I am the geriatric one in our pairing and I made the res, we hit GT at 6p on a random Wednesday night - and was colored surprised to find it slammed - tables filed w all sorts of delicious Chicago-style bros, gals on gals on gals, all of whom were clearly celebrating unoffish galentine's day or some shizz, and a few other Gold Coast retiree types - thus, it was before we'd even noshed on our apps that the noise level that started off at a dull roar quickly devolved into a feverish pitch - and while this generally makes the night a bit harder as noise = sadness when one has hearing aids, which Pearl does, somehow the rest of the meal being pretty fantastic made up for the acoustic assault. Vibe is dressy cas - lots of afterworkers still in business attire - the resto itself is dark and soft modern - diner beware, the booth benches are ridiculously low, so if you tuck into one of these bad boys, ask for a pillow or two to sit on, or else your chin will be resting upon the table top. While clearly I was pushing for an entire meal of the caviar service, somehow we managed to get diverted to other tasty options - started w a hamachi crudo (peas, daikon, fresno chili, melon), artichoke salad (endive, whipped ranch, trout roe), and sunfish ceviche (chimichurri, jicama, radish, tostada) - and then eased into the octopus (chickpeas, kohlrabi, beet, cipollini) and effing quail egg yolk gnocchi, which rocked my world with its pillowy bounty of flavor explosion. Winners were...everything? Maybe the artichoke salad is a skip as I don't know that it was particularly thrilling, though the arti/ranch combo was a fun classed up version of my childhood favorite - perhaps try the five grain instead (smoked salmon, cashew, poached yolk), or perhaps if you feel like ballin, the seafood platter (lobster, king crab, oysters, shrimp) - and if I had an extendable stomach, the soft shell crab (chili, pea, almond, frisee) and lobster rolls would have been mine. Alas. They rec 3-4 small plates per person - which will probably be a lot of food if you're a dainty eater - I think 5 dishes was plenty to split btwn 2 ladies - but portions are not massive - a plate could be shared btwn 2-3 people easily, but if you're with any more than that, consider getting two orders of whatever you're noshing on to ensure everyone gets more than just the tip. Plates run from $9-18, with a few things clocking in at MP (read: mad dollars) and the caviar service taking it home with options ranging from $54-122. Din for two w drinks will comfortably cost you $120 + tip, depending on how much you're boozing. Overall, def worth a trip, I'll happily be back anytime I'm in the 60093.
(4)
David A.
Been here for breakfast/brunch and dinner. It can be as easy as walking in and sitting at the bar or in the bar area or as we did for dinner, making a reservation for the dining room. First off, the brunch menu was a huge value, they have a well thought out menu and they aren't trying to bend you over the table or bar with their prices. I will need to report back on the morning concoction another time. As for dinner, recommend going for a starter plate of an oyster mix, job well done! The drinks were great, a scotch old fashioned made the right way, and my wife picking from their cocktail menu was equally impressed. It was a bit pricey in the end but I highly recommend GT and will be back. How's that for a 100th review....
(5)
Nick D.
This place was very good I love the taste of the lobster roll the fresh oysters and the ambience. They have outdoor seating which is great because you can people watch and just interact with everybody. I chose to have a lobster roll and it was delicious a month if you come to this place.
(5)
Jul N.
A friend visiting from out of town recommended we go here - she used to live in the city and it was among her favorite spots at the time. It was going to be a Saturday brunch, and I didn't want to spend tooo much money, but how could I say no to my friend's request? Got there and was seated immediately. Bright, open layout and plenty cool (the AC was pretty blasty), and as other reviewers have noted, several different seating areas from casual/bar to more formal. I had an EXCELLENT Bloody Mary with bourbon, and a Miller pony (any other chaser beers?). For lunch, roasted tomato and corn shrimp and grits. SO GOOD. Several juicy jumbo prawns and perfectly cooked grits and creamy, roasted tomato sauce. A decent portion. My bill for a strong drink + tasty meal was under $35. Friendly wait service, just some weirdness from the hosts when my friend and I asked where the restrooms were and were directed downstairs because the only upstairs bathroom was occupied. Downstairs near the kitchen was a very hot, cramped bathroom that didn't really seam like it is intended for customers (judging from the cooks' looks and the offhanded way the hosts told us to go down there). Whatever. All in all, a great experience, and I'll be back.
(4)
Jeff F.
It's really difficult as a New Englander to come to Chicago to have seafood instead of steak, but I'm glad I did. Here's the rundown: Absolutely get: - Po'Boy (ridiculous, fully regretting not getting more Po'Boys) - Oysters - perfectly shucked, great selection - Shrimp Bruschetta - Vacherin Dessert Pass on the: - Monkfish - Tuna Poke - no crackers? - Black & Tan and Carrot Cake desserts I'll be back for Po'Boys at the very least.
(4)
Susie C.
I love this place!! We came here for lunch on a Friday afternoon. It wasn't too crowded so was happy! I really like the decor of this restaurant. The waiter was very nice and helpful. Really appreciate the service. My husband and I each started with their New England clam chowder. He heard great things about this soup so we both ordered it. This is by far the meatiest soup we've had. It was pretty expensive $11 for 8 oz but it was so tasty and came in a cute container. For entree I ordered the lobster roll and it came with a side of french onions and veggies. This was a very tasty lobster roll - although I felt it was a heart attack meal but it was just so good..I just had to eat it. My husband had their fish sandwich which he enjoyed as well. We shared a lobster mac and cheese - that was also very good. It came with chunks of lobsters..oh my!! We were so stuffed afterwards. Our waiter did warn us that we ordered too much food and he was right. This was a really good meal! Definitely would come back. The bathroom is also very cute.
(5)
Sunny K.
Absolutely fantastic. My friend and I went on a dinner date on a Thursday evening after work to have some fish and oysters. We started out by ordering one of each Oyster variety (there are 6, $3 each). Then we ordered a few mains; the mussels, the hamachi crudo. Our server, Josh, was the most accommodating man. He brought over a free plate of salmon bruschetta on the house for us to try. Great start! The oysters were AMAZING and left us wanting more, but by the time we finished the mussels we were stuffed. I thought the hamachi crudo was so-so, the fresh oysters and mussels are much nicer. For dessert we took a gamble and ordered the vacherin, something neither of us had tried before. It was a green tea meringue atop some strawberry sorbet, which was a lot sweeter than we'd hoped it would be. Josh brought over another plate of dessert (again, on the house), the Black & Tan, a chocolate stout cake and some coconut ice cream, which we weren't expecting -- I have no idea if GT is trying something new here or they thought my friend and I were intense foodies, but we got two free dishes with our dinner, and the entire bill only came to about $35 per person. In terms of the experience: seamless coat-check, fine service, intimate location for a dinner with a good friend, fantastic drinks. The only downside I'd say I experienced was a 10 minute wait despite a reservation. However, I had fun at the bar. Very much enjoyed dining at GT Fish & Oyster and would probably come back in the near future.
(5)
Candace L.
Snazzy little restaurant, cute decor, black & white tiles, with a cool bar. If you don't have a reservation, the communal table is a bit small and awkward and wouldn't suggest it unless you get the middle table. Rather, sit at the bar and you'll have a much more enjoyable time. I suggest getting there around 6-7 before it gets really crowded though. The GT hot sauces were goood! I wish I brought a bottle back with me. Try it! - Oysters (min. of 6) - their oysters are so fresh! The Hudson's were delicious. It comes with a ponzu type sauce and the cocktail + horseradish. Very good! You can't come here w/o getting oysters! - Tuna Poke - the poke was more like a tartar, which was kind of weird. It was still good and rich in flavor, but I was expecting something a bit different. - Whole Grain Gnocchi - not that big of a fan.. the texture of the gnocchi was off. It was too soft and not chewy at all. The smoked salmon, however, was delicious. - Maine Lobster Roll - large and in charge! Huge chunks of lobster that overflowed the roll. Oh and the roll! So nice and buttery; great texture! Definitely goes well with the GT Smolder sauce! - Arnold Palmer sorbet - omg so good! It tastes exactly like an Arnold Palmer. Even with 25 degree weather I still had to try it!
Good quality small plates. Don't be fooled by the size of the plates. They're packed with protein and flavor so you'll get full sooner than you think. Tuna poke? Good Crudo? Good Lobster mac and cheese? GOOOOOODDD! Just be sure you make reservations before coming otherwise you'll have to creep around the bar for empty seats. Luckily there were only 2 of us so it wasn't that long of a wait. And surprisingly the bar service was extremely attentive and much faster than table side
(5)
Susan S.
Love this place. So many small plates to choose from. My husband I and come here as often as we can. If you can't get reservations, the bar is a fun alternative.
(4)
Bruce P.
My wife and I celebrated our anniversary last Friday at G.T.'s, and so glad we did. The food is always fresh and delicious, and the service exemplary. A special shout out to Emily for handling an awkward situation with the valet with particular professionalism and clarity. If I owned a restaurant, I'd want Emily in charge.
(4)
Molly S.
Came into town for Lolla and wanted to grab some oysters. This place was great - the raw oysters are super fresh and delicious, the oyster po-boy sliders were AMAZING, and our server Spencer was a delight. Definitely would come back!!!
(5)
Gerry S.
Okay. Mean Girls moment, here. Have you ever met a cute guy or girl who is also bright and witty and shares your interests and you should totally be best friends only for some reason you can't stand them? And no matter how hard you try because maybe they're actually more than cute they're super hot and if they'd just shut up you might be able to get past their personality long enough to make out with them and that would be awesome, but instead they keep talking and the more they say, the more you hate them? Yeah. Welcome to my experience with GT. What a disappointment. GT should be a lovely restaurant. The space is thoughtfully appointed and the staff are friendly and helpful. The price point is certainly upscale, in keeping with the neighborhood. The ingredients are clearly fresh and carefully prepared. This place should be a no-brainer. And it wasn't. Because I'm clearly not on the same page with the palate of the chef here. He or she is putting out food that has a particular point of view, and I am SO not a fan. Take for example their roasted oysters: I understand it's not a huge leap to go from putting horseradish on a raw oyster to using horseradish with a roasted oyster. But for me, a roasted oyster is a completely different beast. The sharp brininess is gone, leaving behind the subtle, sweet oyster taste. And the horseradish that GT includes in their roasted oyster preparation to my taste entirely overwhelmed the taste of the seafood. The oyster might as well not have even been there. Then there's the pork belly. I mean...come on. Who doesn't love some bacon? Well, apparently I don't. Not when it's been braised. Actually, I think calling it "braised" is being kind. The pork belly was stewed. And stewed pork belly? It's a fatty, slimy mess. No, no, NO. And that's the story of my whole dinner: One dish after another that I really wanted to like more than I did, that is, when I didn't just hate it start to finish. I'm sorry, GT. I totally wanted to be besties. Maybe even friends with bennies. But we're just not meant to be.
(2)
Karen X.
Came here for restaurant week and had a lovely time! The seafood is very fresh and is cooked and presented in very cool and innovative ways. The tapas style makes it possible to try a lot of different things, but it does get pretty pricey if you are just ordering off the menu rather than the restaurant week option! Anyways, a good place to try with friends for a fun evening out, but not the place to go for a value meal that will leave you feeling stuffed.
(5)
Andre W.
I had a very delicious meal here! I was excited to come for restaurant week as I have been wanting to try this place for quite some time. 4 courses for $44 wasn't to bad and all worth every penny. The first course was the tuna poke which is the best I've had since I had been to Hawaii. The mango, cucumber and black sesame definitely complimented this delicious appetizer. 2nd course was the seared tuna salad...very good as well. This dish included egg, red potato and cider mustard vinaigrette. 3rd course was the grilled whitefish which came with brussels sprouts, squash and apple ginger. This combination was awesome as the flavor made me want more due to the portion bing a little small which was fine since I had 4 courses. 4th course was the key lime pie which was ok as it came with sorbet. I enjoyed 2 glasses of a pretty good red wine (Tempranillo Rioja) to wash all of this down. I came back on the final day of restaurant week for lunch on an invite from some friends. The fried oyster po' boy roll was pretty good...smaller than what most po'boys look like, but was very good. I hear the oysters and lobster mac & cheese here is something to celebrate so I will definitely be back soon. The setup of this place was cool and the staff was great as they made sure we had everything we needed.
(5)
Alex K.
This is the best seafood in Chicago, with perfect portions. Get the mussels and the oyster sliders!
(5)
Jenny S.
Just had lunch here with a colleague and it was amazing! Let me preface this review by saying that I have a crustacean allergy (shrimp, lobster, crayfish, etc.) so I was not looking forward to eating here but since it was my colleague's birthday and she wanted to try it out, I obliged. And I can say now that I am very happy I went! I was pleasantly surprised by all my options. The waiter informed us that the majority of the dishes are meant for sharing so we ordered three hot plates, drinks and a dessert. We were stuffed! And the service was excellent! Food: Fish Tacos with chipotle aioli Fish and Chips with dill pickle remoulade Eggplant and Tofu with plum hoisin sauce Cocktail: Desert Oasis spiked with tequila Dessert: Peanut Butter ice cream, mini oreos and pieces of fudge and brittle Everything was excellent! If I had to pick favorites I would choose the fish tacos and the desert oasis. I would highly recommend this place! It's a bit too pricey for me to come here often, but if you're the same way, I would definitely say save this place for the next time you want to splurge for a special event or date night!
(4)
Patrick M.
Wasn't very impressed with GT at all. Had a 9:30 reservation and had to wait for about 15 minutes at the bar when there were clearly open tables to be had. While waiting at the bar it took about 10 minutes to get a drink. 1 bartender and plenty of employees standing around talking to each other. After we were finally seated it took a while to get menus and then there seemed to be some confusion among the staff as to who our waiter was. A manager came over when he could probably tell we had been waiting a long time but he didn't really do anything to remedy the situation. Ordered a number of things and none of them really caught my attention. Best part of the meal was the hot sauce that is bottled on the table. I doubt I would decide to go there again unless meeting others. Too many other options in the neighborhood with better food and better service.
(2)
Kevin K.
Had planned to come here for a month and it couldn't have been more disappointing. Might as well have been at Red Lobster for their endless shrimp scampi fest. Siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiike If G&T is "seafood", Red Lobster belongs in another category... "below shit". Knew of the hype but had other plans until Monday lunch opened up. Near-empty at 11:35 so we bellied up to the bar. What proceeded to take place for the next forty minutes was one of the very best experiences during our weekend in Chicago. G&T is top 3 of the 30+ restaurants we tried. Service worked quickly after we grabbed two stools. The cocktail was beautiful, refreshing. It's not on their menu now so they flip cocktails quick.. fantastic news. Food arrived damn fast, even before cocktail #1 was emptied. First was the tuna BLT. My God! My eyes started at the edge of the pieces and moved inward. - Excellent seasoning and crust. Check. - Huge slices. Check. - Well-peppered. Check. - Meaty, rare-purple center. Check. Then came the spicy aioli and salty bacon for excellent interplay, fresh tomato and crisp bread as accent. Bam! Next was the clam chowder. You could grow a beard for 2 years and go on "Deadliest Catch", or you could just eat this soup. Huge clams like the ones you dig out of the shell. Crisp celery chunks and a salty-spicing that'll blow your hair back just like at the ocean. And award the 2015 Nobel Prize to whomever realized soup can be served in a clamping jar.. no lukewarm last-bite. Finally came that lobster roll. Take a gulp and ignore the $28 ticket. I know you're not Fletch putting all this on the Underhill's bill, but that lobster roll, or more accurately, lobster-salad roll, is easily the most refreshing I've had. Huge... no... HUGE chunks of lobster. They rain down out of the sandwich and onto your plate like a short-lived spring shower.. just as short-lived as your sandwich on the plate. The pickled veggies and spicing are at banh mi lightness. I prefer hot-buttered, heart-stopping lobster rolls, but this is still #2 I've ever eaten. G&T is Chicago's answer to "It's cold in the winter, let's go to the Beach." Damn we'll be back.
(5)
Randy F.
GT Fish & Oyster was our choice for a great Sunday brunch while visiting CHI-town. Unable to secure reservations at the widely popular Girl and the Goat, we figured that hitting one of that restaurant teams other acclaimed spots would be a good way to go. It's a short walk if you're located in River North and the restaurant is both modern and sleek with both indoor and outdoor seating. They began serving brunch in addition to dinner and lunch service a little while ago, but I had heard great things about their take on several classics, all with a seafood twist. Service was top-notch and while I wouldn't call it a family destination, they do have high chairs and the like for those looking for a family-friendly brunch spot. Our selection: Dozen Raw Oysters - this place is all about the seafood and they have a great oyster selection available from the start of brunch. Most of the oysters were ones I've never had and I've had my fair share of oysters. Chef's Creek, Cranberry Creek, Caraquet, Misty Point and Old 1871 were all new to me. Each was fresh and delicious and they serve it with a wonderful hot sauce that I believe is their signature GT sauce. $3/oyster which isn't bad for a fancy place like this. Everything Monkey Bread - their savory take on the traditionally sweet and cinnamon Monkey Bread. It's essentially like a french brioche but served with a wonderful dill buttermilk cream sauce. I was a bit disappointed it wasn't what I was expecting but the table loved it. $7. Oyster Po'Boy Slider - a signature item they also serve at dinner. A perfectly fried oyster is placed on a slider with kimchi and peanuts. I gulfed it down as an appetizer, but order a few for the table if you're hungry. $4. Fried Chicken and Waffles - a nice take on a Southern classic. Crispy fried chicken on top of fantastic maple syrup waffles. I really loved the waffles. I wish the chicken had been dark meat, but it was still tender and juicy. $11. Biscuits and Gravy - this dish had caught my eye as it used to be made with lobster. They've since switched the recipe to crab and shrimp, but a lobster stock is still used for the gravy. Very decadent. The poached egg was perfect. Bloody Mary - they used to offer a bourbon Bloody Mary with a thick slab of bacon but now only offer the regular Bloody Mary with a shrimp and pickled vegetable garnish. It was strong. Overall, we had a great family brunch here. The food was spot-on and the service was top notch. The highlights are definitely the raw oyster and seafood items and I suspect that dinner with seafood dishes is even better. GT Fish & Oyster accepts credit cards including American Express.
(4)
Helen L.
Enjoyed the food and atmosphere! Moved from Florida to Chicago, oysters were delicious and a great selection!
(5)
Ann H.
Been here a few times for brunch but this was our first dinner and it was wonderful! Top recommendations and feedback: 1. Clam chowder - yes yes yes! This is the most flavorful and hands down the best clam chowder I have had in my life. I grew up on cans and cans of this stuff so I didn't know how good it could be! MUST TRY! 5/5 2. Po boy oyster sliders - fabulous flavor and good portions! Balanced flavor with the oyster and kimchi! Wow! Could eat at least 2 of these!! 5/5 3. Fish tacos - good balanced flavor- could use more slaw but didn't think it was that unique or blew other fish tacos out of the water... 3/5. - will not order again 4. Lobster Mac n cheese. Mmm well this certainly tastes delicious but beware very heavy! There isn't that much lobster either so it's a little difficult to justify the heavy price tag. 4/5 Oysters - so good I had a few at the start of the meal. All in all a delicious meal! Recommended and will return! Service was good and waiter was charismatic!
(5)
Natalie N.
We recently returned with the kids for Brunch. When we arrived it was surprising to see the restaurant was mostly empty but filled up during our meal. We shared churros and oyster sliders. Both were absolutely delicious. I love those damn oyster sliders. I got the crab benedict and it was really great. Both of the kids got chicken and waffles. The waffles were definitely better than the chicken. Husband got the ricotta pancakes. When the pancakes arrived, they didn't look very appetizing but holy shit were the delicious. Not only is GT a great spot for dinner, their brunch is also great.
(4)
Elizabeth F.
We came here for my boyfriend's birthday and had our favorite dinner to date. First off, our server Maggie was knowledgable and helpful, helping us decide how many small plates to order and what type of oysters we might like best. Second, the ambiance was perfect for a date night or intimate dinner and we loved the casual yet intimate decor. And for the food, it was all fantastic. We ordered two rounds of oysters, all of which fit our palettes perfectly (thanks to Maggie). We also got tuna pokè (which we've been dreaming about ever since), oyster po'boy sliders, and crab gnocchi. Maggie also picked out a great white wine to pair with. Not only was the food delicious, but we learned a lot about what kind of oysters we prefer and would like to order in the future. Overall, a fantastic experience. Plus, they brought my boyfriend a free birthday dessert! Doesn't get a whole lot better. My only suggestion is to secure a reservation and ask for a personal table if you so desire. There are communal tables, which definitely would have affected our date night experience!
(5)
Eric C.
Excellent all-around seafood restaurant with a mix of traditional dishes (lobster mac and cheese - not great) and interesting flavors (shrimp and avocado over crispy bread - GET THIS). I enjoyed the small plates philosophy which encouraged sharing and trying many different things. NOTE: the monkfish and shrimp dish over flavorful, paella-esque rice was outstanding and is worth a trip just to try.
(4)
Kat A.
I've been here 4 times so far. The first 3 times weren't so bad service wise. Food has always been great. The servers aren't the friendliest, except for one. This past time I had made a reservation for 12 people at 8pm on a Saturday night...made it a month in advance. We had to wait 45 minutes for our table because management failed to move the guests prior to us out of our table. They apologized several times, but what good does that do? They sent out 4 plates for the inconvenience but they were small plates...for 12 people, that's a nibble per person! We were starving and annoyed with having to wait that long. The food was still good as usual. I've ordered oysters in the past...always a good choice. I always have to order the clam chowder. It is chock full of potatoes, clams and other goodies. It does have a little kick to it. The lobster roll is also amazing. Can't compare to Boston, but it's the best I've had in Chicago thus far. I've had it prepared both hot and cold...I prefer the cold with the mayonnaise as opposed to the hot with butter. The server this past visit didn't even ask if we wanted it hot or cold...but luckily sent it out cold. The waiter came by once to check on us...and he only checked on half the table before running off. We asked for checks to be split (I know it's a pain...and even worse that there were 12 of us). He screwed up splitting a couple of the checks, so when we told him about the error he said really nastily, "I'll fix it, just wait!" After dropping off the checks we didn't see him again. He sent someone else to pick up the checks/payment. I am still extremely disappointed in having to wait that long after having made the reservation a month in advance and for having such a rude waiter. I think I can hold off coming here for a while. In the mean time I'll test out other restaurants for clam chowder.
(3)
Melissa A.
GT Fish and Oyster you have let me down. I never thought I would have to give you guys 2 stars but the service we received was horrendous and I am not exaggerating. We had reservations for a party of 12 at 8pm and our whole party was there on time. When we arrived, the hostess told us they were still getting our table ready and that we could get drinks while we waited. We waited....and waited. Then the hostess comes to tell us they're waiting for one more table to leave before our table would be ready since they had to combine tables to seat our party. Ok, that's fine but we literally waited 45 minutes before being seated which is absolutely ridiculous since we had reservations. Once we were seated, our server, Boban, came to see if we wanted to start off with any drinks. I don't believe he ever introduced himself by name and if it weren't for the check, I'd never have known. We received awful service and he was possibly the rudest waiter I've encountered in a while. First off, he mumbled, spoke really fast so it was hard to understand him, and was very long winded. I didn't have much of a problem with that however. I did have a problem with him only checking on us once throughout the meal and that was by him standing at the head of the table yelling to the whole group if everything was ok, and when we said yes he then walked off quickly. Even at that point I wasn't upset with the service since I was enjoying my time there. Let's skip to dessert where my sister had mentioned to him earlier about wanting to order a dessert for our other sister (birthday girl) with a candle in it. So we're trying to be discreet when he comes by and quietly tell him which dessert we wanted when he loudly announces that another guest in our party already ordered a key lime pie for the birthday girl. Um sir, could you be any louder?? That's when I started to get annoyed with him. Let's just say that wasn't the worst part of the night. Skip to the end of the night when the check comes and we ask to split the bill per couple. I understand servers hate nothing more than people asking for separate checks...I really do. I wouldn't have minded if he straight up said no, we prefer not to, but instead he repeated our question "You want separate checks?" followed by a LONG pause while staring at us, sigh, and a fine. Was that really necessary? I think not. Then comes the check and he made a mistake on mine and my sister's. He combined ours together and added the dessert that someone else ordered. That's fine, not a huge deal. So I told my sister, "Oh, this is wrong" and Boban overheard me saying that and replied in a snide tone, "Will you just hold on, I'll fix it, alright?" Whoa there cowboy, first off I wasn't even talking to you and secondly there was no need for that attitude. I was not pleased with the service I received that day and I really don't know if I would come back to GT again. Sorry for rambling but I was outraged with the service, and looking back we should have mentioned the poor service to the manager. Ok, enough of the complaining, let's talk food. We received 4 small starter dishes complimentary from GT for the long wait. Everyone got to try a bite of the small plates which were ceviche and a tuna poke. For entrees, I ordered a clam chowder and split a lobster roll with my sister. The clam chowder hands down was the best part of the meal, not only because it came in an adorable little jar. It was much lighter than other ones I've had and I loved that it was packed with potatoes and clams! I completely forgot that they usually ask whether you want your lobster roll hot or cold because our server never asked us. Ours was served cold with a side of fried onion strings and a little dish of pickled veggies. The roll is definitely on the smaller side but had a decent amount of lobster in it; I literally ate my half of the roll in 3 bites. And these three bites were somewhat ladylike bites I like to think. I also tried half of my other sister's fish tacos which were pretty good if you ever find the fish that is, it was mostly lettuce, chipotle aioli, and a bite of fish. For dessert, we ordered a chocolate meringue tart and the key lime pie both of which were good but not outstanding. I would probably suggest skipping dessert here and going elsewhere if you want to end the night on a sweet note. Overall I don't think I would return to GT Fish and Oyster. The food is good but not good enough to offset the terrible service and small portions they serve.
(2)
Lexie V.
Came here for a date night with my boyfriend and had a fantastic experience! We had a reservation on a Thursday night and it was a full house for our entire dinner. Our table was in a prime location of the restaurant and was a 4 top table - so we had plenty of space and privacy. One of the highlights of our experience at GT was the service! Our waitress was so warm and on top of every detail. She even gave us a gift card at the end of our meal after realizing we were celebrating an occasion. For the food - Wow! We were so impressed with each dish we had. GT offers small plates, meant to be shared - which we loved. We started with oysters and then ordered 4-5 small plates for the 2 of us and left completely satisfied. Our server did an awesome job of spacing out the timing that each dish came out. Highlights: - Oysters: some of the best quality oysters in the city - Grilled Octopus: this was my favorite dish, great flavor and served with purple potatoes - yum! - Lobster roll - Tuna Poke - Ceviche We will definitely be back to GT!
(5)
Iman J.
Once upon a time I used to live a block away from GT. Once upon a time my credit card statement would be filled with transactions from GT Fish & Oyster. Oh those were the days. On a weekly, sometimes more than once a week, my girlfriend and I would walk over to GT. Grab two seats at the bar and order our usual... the bartenders would know exactly what that was. Tuna Poke - one of our favorite starters ever Lobster Roll - I've had lobster rolls across the east coast and this is still my favorite Fish Tacos - Order of 4 instead of 3 - I've had fish tacos up and down the California coast and these are still my favorite Lobster Mac & Cheese - heaven That was our staple. That was our happiness thanks to the amazing chef Giuseppe and their great staff. Embarrassing fact: Up until recently I had never tried a non-seafood dish there. The last time we went to GT I decided I also wanted a little beef so ordered the tenderloin. MIND BLOWN. It was so good I ordered a second order of it. Yep, I love steak that much. What don't they do right here? I can't wait to go back again and again and again.
(5)
Erica L.
It was love at first shuck as they say here at GT Fish & Oyster. From the well decorated space to the food to the dinner service. The bar service was okay - I had arrived early for my reservation so I waited for Hubby there. There were only 2 other people sitting at the bar, but it took a while before someone acknowledged me and asked if I wanted to see a drink menu. Thanks for making me feel a little awkward! When we got seated it was a different experience, prompt and attentive. I tried the Waitlist cocktail, which was delicious. We started with 6 oysters. They were fresh and tasted exactly how they were described on the menu. The Branzino was my favorite dish, well seasoned (not too much salt) and went great with the black garlic and figs. The Octopus was also tasty. The fish tacos were delicious. I loved the juxtaposition of the fish with the crunchy, salty chicharron. The entree comes with 3 tacos, but the server was willing to make it an even 4, which we declined. Since the portion sizes were small, we added an order of the Salmon Belly Crudo, which was a nice light way to end the meal. For dessert I was torn between the Lemon Panna Cotta and the Peanut Butter Malt Sundae. We opted for the latter, and we didn't regret it. I love Ovaltine so to have it in ice cream form was a treat. Although the menu advertises Oreos, it comes with homemade chocolate sandwhich cookies, which I thought were much better than Oreos and the best part of the dessert. They blew the fudge cake away. In fact, I'd petition to have them add a bowl of those cookies with or without ice cream or sorbet as a dessert option.
(4)
Jennifer K.
GT Fish & Oyster was not on my Weekend in Chicago schedule, but I am just glad that I ended up coming here thanks for a quick search using my Yelp App. We were looking for a place for a pre dinner snack and drinks as the wait for a table at Frontera Grill maybe taking forever. GT had a communal table that can sit the 6 of us and was happy to serve us whatever we want! A great cocktail and beer list made all of us happy. And of course we ended up ordering some oysters from their daily menu. A few appetizers and even the clam chowder. Service was excellent and attentive. Definitely worth coming back for some more oysters and a drink or 2 next time I am in town!
(4)
Chris T.
My family and I visited GT Fish & Oyster for brunch on fathers day this year and was happily impressed with how good the food was. We started with the monkey bread and oyster po boy sliders. The monkey bread was really really good especially with the ill sauce. Out of the two my favorite was the oyster po boy slider which was topped with kimchi which was just out of this world, they were amazing! For my main dish I wanted to go with something a little different and i decided to go with the chilaquiies. The amazing combination of duck confit, salsa verde, queso fresco and fried egg was sooooooo amazing It was very filling and complete comfort food. It was perfect in every possible way. I really really enjoyed GT Fish & Oyster, they use very fresh and delicious ingredients that delight your palate. If your end up nearby give this place a try and i promise you will not be disappointed.
(4)
Mario B.
Very disappointed in the Lobster Roll, for 33 dollars the lobster should have been falling off the too thick bun. The thick bun was the host instead of the lobster. The bun should have been thinner with much emphasis on the lobster. The fried onions should be left off the menu as well as the small portion of pickles they offer. Won't go there again.
(1)
Stefanie B.
I checked this place out because a friend of mine raved about this place! And I also love Lobster Rolls so I had lunch there. As soon as I looked on the menu I was SHOCKED to see the lunch prices so crazy! $17 for mac and cheese with peas which wasn't good. Tasted like creamy noodles with peas. The peas were too over powering for my liking. I got ONE porkbelly slider with kimchee and peanuts. Ok I don't like nuts in my food for this very reason...it's weird and unnecessary. The kimchee needed to be aged more and the peanuts did not blend well with such different tastes. The Lobster Roll was $30 not much lobster in it and the fried onion rings was also unnecessary. I give it 3 stars because it's not like the restaurant is gross...I just don't get the big deal
(3)
Josh M.
Stopped here for a brunch session. New to the neighborhood and figured I would check it out. Solid beers on tap, $9 bucks a pop, felt like I was back in NYC. What didnt make me feel like NYC was the fact that we were the only people brunching at the bar. Little prim and proper here. Not in a bad way. Check it.
(4)
Kateryna G.
The food: 2/5. I went to GT Fish&Oyster about a year ago and loved it, but it seems they either got a new chef or the quality of their food has gone downhill. I had their tuna poke for an app, which I've had before and that was the highlight of our meal, sadly. Sunfish ceviche was mediocre as I was expecting its typical fresh and zesty flavor, but it was bland. Fish tacos were the worst I've ever had, completely tasteless and with very little unseasoned mahi mahi in it. I should've send them back. Fish and chips were very greasy, and branzino came in two tiny tasteless fillets and some kind of potato balls, which were undercooked and uneatable. The entire meal was god-awful. The service: 3/5. The service was a little too eager, not giving us much of a chance to look over the menu and then to enjoy our food. They grabbed our signed receipt right after we signed it and while we were still finishing our drinks. Overall: 2/5. The current menu lacks any flavor, so I'm unlikely to return after the most recent disappointment.
(2)
Sarah G.
This review is for brunch, and I love me some brunch! And I would go back here for their amazingly addicting and hard to share churros in a second. That orange cream cheese you dip them in is heavenly! But then their biscuits and gravy which came with lobster and hash and a poached egg...sounds amazing right? Ya, it was just so so . Not quite enough seasoning for me in the gravy which made me so sad! But the biscuits were pretty great which is good because I am pretty picky with my biscuits. My friend got the chicken and waffles and she was pretty content and it was a pretty big portion too, so that was the winner between our orders. The staff at the bar were also quite entertaining--I showed up early and just grabbed a bloody mary, but it was the morning after valentine's day and I showed up alone, so of course they all assumed that I was needing a drink because I was alone or possibly I was being stood up. I had to keep reminding them that I swore I had a friend coming to visit, so it was pretty hilarious. I was hoping for a free drink but at least the bloody mary came with a shrimp and sausage on it. So worth the price tag. And this restaurant is pretty cool ambiance wise too. So I would go back! Especially for all of the oysters I saw that I didn't get to order....
(3)
Eliza B.
Went for my birthday dinner last night and was hoping to order the halibut I ate last summer (it was the best halibut I'd ever eaten!!) but unfortunately they have since taken it off the menu. In the spirit of "Go big or go home" I decided to order the king crab and it was a stellar decision! This was some of the meatiest, tender, and flavorful crab I've had and dipped in melted butter... Ahhh delicious! We enjoyed the mac-n-cheese as an appetizer - it definitely turned out to be a crowd pleaser! My husband had fresh/raw oysters and the monkfish (aka "poor man's lobster) which he thoroughly enjoyed as well! Our server was attentive, friendly, knowledgable, and even added a bday candle to my dessert which I thought was really sweet! I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone desiring a quality seafood fix! It defiantly was the perfect choice for me to celebrate!!
(5)
Emma N.
I've been to GT Fish & Oyster twice now, and both times I have been satisfied with the food. The prices, however, are pretty steep for the shared portions. Most recently I went here for lunch with some colleagues. We ordered a few dozen oysters for the table, and they were pretty average in comparison to other oysters I've had in the city. The clam chowder was really good, but it was a very small portion for the price. I was also a little disappointed in their fish tacos. The flavor was kind of bland, and there was too much of the chicharron. I'm open to give GT another try since it's so close to my office, but I think next time I'll go for happy hour as the two meals I had left me wanting more (food).
(3)
Brian G.
I was skeptical at first. "A seafood place downtown? It's going to be so touristy!" was my initial thought. I took my best friend here not too long ago while he was visiting and our entire conversation consisted of us just saying "Mmm" back and forth. The caviar service was fantastic, the oysters were amazing, the lobster roll is the best lobster roll I've had outside of Florida and the calamari was cooked perfectly. Drop the idea that God restaurants can't exist in the downtown area and give this place a try. You won't regret it.
(4)
Diana C.
Ordered the Deep Bay, Deer Creek, and Katama Bay oysters. My personal favorite were the Deep Bay (small delicate and briny). $3 each (min 6) Also ordered the "Lobster" Mac n Cheese ($17).... Which they switched to CRAB Mac n Cheese for availability reasons. Very disappointed... But the vibe was great.
(3)
Kim L.
Took the BF here for his bday dinner and he loved it! They did end up charging us for his bday dessert to blow out his candles but oh well. In order from favorite to least favorite: Oysters - fresh selection Tuna Poke - really fresh cuts of tuna but weird that they didn't come with crackers Oyster po boys - tiny but delicious bites Lobster mac - creamy and good chunks of lobster Fish tacos - not the best but still good with the GT hot sauce Mussels - not my favorite mussels but good Good service and better food.
(5)
Jeffrey C.
I'm constantly amazed by two things in Chicago (well, three if you count how bitterly cold it can get). One, Chicagoans have an amazing propensity to dine and drink lavishly and often, and two, Chicagoans have an amazing propensity to dine and drink lavishly and often at any time of any day with utter disregard for wait times. Thus, it was that the wife and I had an anniversary dinner at the much-acclaimed GT Fish & Oyster, on a Wednesday, past the happiest of hours, just ex post facto of the work sundial, with reservations, yet still facing a not insignificant wait. But I guess I've become accustomed to that, especially when the food is as good as it is at GT. As you may have guessed, this trend River North joint with trendy River North prices ($9 for a pint? Mmkay, then) specializes in oysters, fish, and its by-creations. The oyster shucking station, directly in the middle of an l-shaped bar, is a marvel to watch. Those suckers go for roughly $3 a pop, but watching the oyster shucking chef go to town on those bad boys is worth the price of admission. The aptly named "burn" and "smoulder" hot sauces are absolute musts. Past the oysters, we went down the fried route. Ordering an oyster po-boy in Chicago would normally just make me long for a trip to New Orleans, but these anything but cheap sandwiches came snuggled in a King's Hawaiian roll with a distinctly Asian fusion flavor. N'awlin's, it ain't. Good, it is. The same could be said for the Maine Lobster Roll, a $28 gargantuan price of a sandwich (take the restaurant week deal while you still can!). Is it worth that price point? I'm still not sure, but it's amazingly tasty, especially since we ordered it hot, Connecticut style--hold the mayo, drench the butter. Service was top-notch, one of the best we've had in Chicago, and that's not just because they offered us gratis clam chowder (which, all bacon'ed up, I would totally pay for on my own dime). So, if you're willing to put in some wait time, I daresay a GT experience is one of the best I've had in River North.
(5)
Kim L.
Found this place via Yelp for the best oysters around and they delivered. Six selections of oysters and great. Sat at the bar. Staff friendly with the exception of a manager who when asked for recommendations of an entertainment bar, mumbled a few things and walked away...really? Maybe it's just a Chicago attitude, but where we're from we welcome visitors and actually write things down for them! Disregarded his attitude as he couldn't be bothered-and the sweet bartenders totally made up for that. Key lime pie amazing, but the gin and tonic sorbet was killer. Much to our surprise, the bartender brought another dessert for our to try-totally going above and beyond. Super cute tshirts, "99 problems and the fish ain't one" made a great gift!
(5)
Darcy O.
Because much has already been said, I will simply share my impression of the dishes we ordered: Must try: Poke (Flavors pop and it's healthy too!) Fried oyster sliders (love that kimchee addition) Maybe try: Soft shell crab Monk fish w/ saffron rice Try if you just won the lottery: Lobster roll (I didn't ask what market price was, but based on a lobster joint I used to go to in DC, I assumed perhaps $20 for one small roll....it was $40!) Avoid: Mac and cheese (great concept, but surprisingly bland and lacking in cheese flavor in particular) In general, be prepared to spend here. My husband and I ordered the above dishes plus two drinks each and ended up with a bill (including tip) just short of $200. I guess it goes to show you why so many restaurants have gone small plates: it's profitable!
(4)
Sheila C.
This is why I spend time, energy, and money to eat out ... Thoughtfully prepared dishes, quality ingredients, no overwhelming the flavors with too much cream or butter, just really really perfect food. Service was also attentive and gracious...our favorite was the oyster slider and the chocolate tarte... My only criticism would be on portion sizing for certain dishes. The fish and chips is entirely too small for the price point. And we dine out everywhere around the world so this isn't a "typical American who only cares about quantity" point of view...but again - a small criticism... Overall incredible experience...
(5)
Tricia D.
Wow, like wow! Hands down, the best RW meal I partook in for 2014. My life is complete! 8 reasons I was blown away by GT: 1) that delicious clam chowder! 2) the substance in the clam chowder. It was jam packed with clams! It was perfect! 3) the cutest presentation ever for aforementioned chowder. It came in a little mason jar! 4) the RW meal was a fantastic value for lunch: $22! Frame of reference: lobster roll is usually $28. 5) lobby roll was so simple, pure, and fresh, not overly tossed with mayo or anything. Less is more! 6) they had me at chocolate dessert with pb ice cream on top! 7) awesome decor! 8) brunch options like pancakes and french toast, even at a seafood place
(5)
David W.
After a couple of hours of delayed flights, I finally made it into town and headed straight here for dinner...figured I'd eat myself into a food coma before turning in for the night. And being on the ol' expense account, why not blow it all in one place? Started off with some shrimp bruschetta, pretty good, but nothing super memorable about it, good or bad. Next up was some some clam chowder here and I'd say it's a little bit too much on the watery side, but the amount of seafood in there was plentiful which helped make up for it. Fish tacos were next, again...good, but not something I'd come here for. Then the last thing was the oyster po' boy sliders which were definitely the star of the meal. Perfectly fried, I should've just went for these. Finished off with some of the key lime dessert which is in a mason jar, a nice interpretation. Only issue is I think I've now come to the conclusion I'm not a huge fan of key lime pie...it always sounds a lot better than it comes out! Overall, this is a solid choice though a little bit on the pricey side...not sure I'd come back if I were spending my own dime.
(3)
Laura Kathryn S.
Yum. Seriously anytime I can afford this place, IM THERE! The oyster sliders make me want to die they're so good. The lobster mac and cheese is the best Mac and cheese I've had in all my life and it would be even without the lobster. I need to know what three cheese are all melted in there. I'm drooling thinking about it. The oysters are presented so nicely and they taste great. They have a nice selection for a variety of tastes. Also, do yourself a favor and drink "a clean break". Yum.
(5)
Elizabeth E.
I have been here a few times and for whatever reason have never gotten around to writing a review but most recently I was here with a work colleague. We were going easy on the booze so each of us only had one drink. I had wine and he had a dirty martini. We were both satisfied :) As for food: A dozen oysters to start. Yum, we did two of each that were offered - half west coast and half east coast... We did the hamachi crudo which is really unique and to be honest, not my favorite. I would tell you to go to Sienna Tavern for their Hamachi crudo instead. This crudo comes swimming in a green sauce that really doesn't add much. Overall, was a bit bland. We split the lobster roll - love lobster rolls and this one does not disappoint. Not a ton of mayo - really let's the shellfish speak for itself. The waitress was pushing the po'boy but I'm glad we did lobster roll instead. The order comes with a ton of onion shoestrings - I was not totally impressed with these and felt like they were a plate filler. We split the branzino, this is a typically pretty expensive fish and it was here as well (~$25) for two small pieces, we each probably had about 3-4 oz. This is steamed and is seemingly very healthy - but again a bit bland. We finished with the muscles. I'm usually a bigger fan of muscles in white wine sauce but this red sauce is not to be missed. These really hit the spot. I will certainly go back. Love the look/feel inside GT and there's more things for me to dig into on the menu. Great place for sharing with 1-4 people.
(4)
Saba A.
Came in with out reservations with a girl friend at 7:45 p.m. on a Saturday night. No table available until 10, but that's the benefit of living in the area and waiting for a bar table seating that offer a full service menu. Otherwise, make a reservation. I would definitely go here for a date, or even celebrating a milestone birthday. The ambiance is chatty around the bar area, but perhaps more of a fine dining and quiet environment in the dining room itself. It's an older, professional crowd, which I enjoyed. Service at the bar was excellent. Waters being refilled and new plates being provided. I was able to score seats at the bar in 15 minutes after walking in, but if we were in a group of more than 2, I wouldn't take that chance, and definitely don't come here that hungry if you're doing it that way too. Cocktail list was not so bad, I got the wait list, perfectly sweet with grapefruit, but lots of folks at the bar were going for wine too. My girl friend ordered a drink that she changed her mind on due to it being so strong, and they avoided the charge on the receipt and our waitress happily recommended another drink to her. As far as the food, oysters I would give 4/5. I have had better. 6 to choose from, 3 from East Coast, 3 from the West Coast, I felt they were a little bit more chilled than they should have been, but perhaps is because I came in with very high expectations. Don't over think about mac and cheese if you consider ordering the mac and cheese, with chunks of lobster, and not an overwhelming filling flavor of cheese, it's perfect to share. The shells are tender, and it'll be the best mac and cheese you have ever tasted. The shrimp bruschetta is served for two, 4 small shrimp perfectly seasoned on each piece, so good! I only get dessert when I can share it, and my girl friend and I were impressed with the presentation and taste of the chocolate ganache. A real beauty, and the perfect way we ended our night at GT. Would I come back? Yes- possibly to try the fish oysters and check out the scene during the Summer, for oysters? I'd rather go to Ditka's- I liked the ones there a bit better.
(4)
Michelangelo V.
Honest review food is amaizin but be warned it is small portions n expensive but dont let that not make u go because this is the best seafood restaurant in chicago from the amaizing service like they treat u like royalty then the ambiance is really nice the food is so good the (oysters) are amaizing like best u ever had they are famous for it u need to try all of it to see which ones u like best then get the smoked tuna salad with grilled peaches idk what its called but really is the greatest thing youll ever eat then the clam chower is amaizing my friend got the raw tuna idk what it was called but it wasnt that good then the mac n cheeze wasnt good so dont get that but the fish tacos the halibut is amaizing the penut butter icecream is so amaziing trust me this place u will not regret it best food
(5)
Kimberly B.
My sister and I enjoyed ourselves, some of the best oysters I've had in Chicago. Everything was delicious!
(5)
Renad J.
Came here for brunch yesterday. I usually come for dinner and am never disappointed. I felt the same about brunch. We had a dozen assorted delicious and fabulous oysters. The po' boy was so crispy with yummy kimchi. It's pretty tiny though so order one for each person. The 5 grain salad was good if you like that sort of healthy food. We had the ricotta pancakes for dessert. They were really light and fluffy and sweet. One of my face places in the chi to eat. The oysters alone are worth it. It was a bit warm in there otherwise I love the ambience and service.
(5)
Norm J.
I've been to GT Fish & Oyster for dinner a couple of times and I have always enjoyed my dining experience. I highly recommend trying: - Lobster Gnocchi - Lobster Roll - Fish Tacos - Octopus However, when I went to GT Fish & Oyster I was slightly disappointment. The food just wasn't as good as I had expected. - Everything Monkey Bread: Usually monkey bread sticky and sweet. This tasted like an everything bagel. My dining companion and I were both disappointed with this dish. - Crab Benedict: this was good and the crab on the benedict was plentiful, however all you get with this dish is the benedict. No sides come with this dish which was strange because the plate the benedict comes on is the size of a frisbee.
(3)
Shahzad A.
Best seafood place in Chicago! Great ambiance with great service. Great place for a night out.
(5)
Emily P.
I tried GT Fish & Oyster yesterday to kick start Chicago Restaurant Week 2014. I'd give this place 3.5 stars if I could. There were some things that were quite tasty, but I don't think I'll be coming back... FOOD: Delicious clam chowder, Burn hot sauce (you can buy a bottle for $7 if you like it), & oysters. The shrimp bruschetta was good. The seared tuna salad and grilled magi were average. The portions for restaurant week were very, very small. This is were they lost half of a star. SERVICE: This is where GT lost a star. 3/4 members of our group arrived thirty minutes early so we were asked to wait (totally fine). We were told we'd be seated closer to our reservation time (7:45pm). We went over by the bar and grabbed some drinks. The bartender handed us the tab and a friend asked the bartender if he preferred cash or credit. Although I realize either would've worked, the bartender curtly raised his eyebrows, threw up his hands in the air and exclaimed, "Anything works!" A bit after 7:45pm all for of us checked back at the front desk at 7:45pm to see if we would have to wait longer and the man at the front desk replied, "We'll come get you." (We were annoyed at the response more than the fact that we had to wait (it was only a few minutes after 7:45pm). Our waitress was much friendlier. I do have to say that nobody ever stated their name while helping us. DECOR. It's a very small, simple restaurant. The washroom wasn't disgusting, but it wasn't the cleanest washroom I've seen.
(3)
Emma K.
The BF & I came here for Restaurant Week lunch last Sunday. I was especially excited since we've both been on diets and this was our one cheat. GT Fish & Oyster's food & service didn't disappoint! The food was delicious. I got the salad with seared tuna option and the boyfriend opted for the clam chowder, both of which were delicious. We both got the lobster roll that came with fried onions and pickled vegetables, and the chocolate cake for dessert. Everything was yummy, although the lobster roll was definitely my favorite course. Dessert was actually my least favorite. I appreciated that all of the portions were somewhat small so that we didn't waddle out of Restaurant Week like we did last year. The service was great. Our waiter was attentive and explained the menus and concept. The assistant manager stopped by near the end of our meal and gave us him card telling us to email him should we ever need reservations. My only complaint would probably be that everything was almost too attentive. Our waters were re-filled the second we took a sip. Plates, which I assume were placed on our table in case we were sharing as the normal menu encourages, were put down and then taken away between every course. The second our plates were taken away from one course, another server was right behind the person clearing our table with our next course. There was no breather in between, and I wanted to relax and enjoy the experience. I realize this #firstworldproblem is much better than the alternative of horrible service, but wanted to mention it all the same. The pricing for Restaurant Week lunch was great at $22 per person. I would probably come back (the brunch menu looked delicious) and make my parents or boyfriend buy :)
(4)
Charlie C.
Meh.. nothing special. Super small plates and very pricey for what it is. Two stars for service which was great and 1 star for well designed interior space. Wasn't really impressed with the cuisine and the concept though.
(3)
Levi K.
I thought their valentines menu and set up was a total disaster. I reserved dinner seats weeks ahead at GT only to find out last minute that it was a fixed menu and by that time all other restaurants were booked so I decided to go with it. The issue was the restaurant thought they could skyrocket the prices because of the holiday by making the fixed dinner menu $95 per person without drinks. Where a normal dinner would run you $100 tops for two people with drinks and a bountiful amount of food, the fixed dinner menu was six courses of literally a bite sized portions of food. Don't get me wrong, what we were served was very good but absolutely not $95 good and definitely not one bite per course good. It didn't help that there was a 10 minute wait in between being served courses and a 20 minute lapse in our reservation before we could even sit down. The server we had was also very cold, unhelpful, didn't of course take our orders because it was a fixed menu, and didn't even bring us the food to explain what it is and it felt odd to tip on a face just being there and no service performed. I'm sure going there any other night is just fine because you get what you pay for but on valentines day this restaurant should be desert due to what they were running.
(1)
Tara L.
Wow GT, you have changed, and not for the better! :( Our first visit back in 2012 was outstanding, borderline perfect, and our most recent visit? The polar opposite. What happened? Well, first indicator, freshness of raw oysters was questionable, as within an hour of consumption, Husband and I weren't feeling so hot and had upset stomachs. Secondly, food portions were pretty embarrassing for the price (especially the clam chowder, 8 oz. for $11? Is it magical?). Lobster mac and cheese had 2 large pieces of lobster meat, and the rest was cheese, cream, peas, and pasta. $17 is too steep for my liking because flavors weren't unique. Tuna poke was pretty fresh, but a sad portion for the $15 price tag. Wow. just wow. How two years of time can change the integrity of a restaurant.
(2)
Arielle A.
Went for dinner on a busy Friday night. The wine list is pretty extensive with a good selection of old and new world. We sampled three different whites, none were remarkable and we settled on the white Rioja. The oysters were pretty good but the cold appetizers were mediocre. The crab salad had too much mayonnaise and the smoked fish platter was just not great. The octopus sausage was downright vile and one of the options tasted like frozen fish cakes. The grilled octopus was quite good and the monkfish was very yummy. Service was average.
(3)
Maddie R.
Absolutely superb. Service was great, food was amazing, and I loved the decor. Only bad thing was the market price for lobster roll was $39 today :(, but hopefully when we come back it won't be quite as expensive. But anyway, we came in for the $22 lunch option for Chef's Week and were blown away. Three of the five of us did this option, so we all got to try almost everything. The menu included 2 options each for an appetizer, entree, and dessert. We also ordered oysters. I tried: App: Seared Tuna Salad: Really tasty. The tuna was perfectly cooked and the vinaigrette added a nice tang. Entree: Whitefish: Perfectly flaky, and sat atop an asparagus puree with potato croquettes. The croquettes were amaaazing. The fish and the sauce complemented each other very nicely. Oyster Po'Boy Roll: THIS. SANDWICH. Omg I've never tasted such heaven in a sandwich I swear. It came on toasty bread with kimchi and peanuts and made my foodie dreams come true. It wasn't greasy at all and not overly-breaded like some fried sandwiches. You got a mouth full of vibrant flavor in every single bite. It also came with pickled vegetables, which had a very refreshing taste, and shoe-string fries. Seriously, get this sandwich. Either as the roll or as the sliders, you won't regret it. Dessert: Black and Tan: This blew my mind. The chocolate-peanut butter-banana flavor was something I have never experienced in that sort of combination before. With the addition of the pretzel and candied nuts, WOW. Key Lime Pie: This was so refreshingly delicious its amazing. All the flavors really complemented each other. The gin and tonic sorbet was awesome. It was like lemon ice but 10x better. The whipped cream and meringues were very light and tasty. This whole dessert was a masterpiece. Overall, we all loved GT Fish and Oyster and cannot wait to come back. HIGHLY recommend to oyster lovers. Personally, the East Beach Blonde oysters were my fav. If you're in Chicago, this is not to be missed.
(5)
Simon K.
The oysters are freaking amazing. The best part of the night was my conversation with the waitress when I was ordering: Me: "So I'll take 6 of these 4 oysters types" Her: "So you want 2 of each?" Me: "No, 6" Her: Looks at me confused. "6 of each??" Me: Now realizing that must not be a typical order "yes......" But after that encounter, she was awesome. And so were the oysters. So succulent, sweet, salty, and plump. And their version of cocktail sauce went great with the oysters. I also tried the lobster roll but I've definitely had better rolls elsewhere. They were soft, plump, and came on a fluffy roll but it was lacking some flavor. We tried the ceviche as well, but it too was lacking. Nothing that was inedible, just missing a hint of flavor. The oysters can be a bit pricey. At 3-3.50 a piece, the bill will stack up faster than the shells of the oysters you'll be sucking out. I'll be back... when I get a raise...
(4)
A. S.
Holy Cow! SO DELICIOUS and worth every penny! We tried their 5 grain salad (almond cheese, salmon, egg... need I say more?), Monk Fish (with a delicious bed of shrimp, mussles, and sausage paella), Mac and Cheese with crab (MY ABSOLUTE NEW FAVORITE MAC AND CHEESE IN CHICAGO), and the most delicious gnocchi I have ever had in my life. I will definitely go back (especially since I tend to stay away from shrimp, lobster, crab, etc. and I loved every bite here!!!). We ended the evening with tea and dessert. I have never enjoyed EVERY bite of my food so much! Seriously, don't miss your chance to go there!!
(5)
Chien W.
First time trying raw oyster. Slightly pricey but it's totally worth it. Make sure you try the Lobster roll and fried chicken waffle. Churro was too sweet tho.
(4)
Grace K.
Got a little porked out after day 1 of Chicago and seeked out seafood. The fried oyster with kimchi slider is really freaking good. A nice balance of ingredients and a perfect little bite.
(4)
Suresh P.
Went last night for the first time. Had 6:30 pm reservation. Got seated at a nice table for 2 near the entrance. Good people watching space. Maurice, the server , was fantastic. Food was great. Will definitely repeat.
(5)
Katie F.
Maybe this was the place to be three years ago, but after a recent visit, I do not feel compelled to return. We had high hopes for the evening, even taking an early reservation just to get in to this well-esteemed location. Unfortunately, we were soon to be disappointed. As always, it's worth it to take some time to reflect on the highlights: -Delicious cocktail -Unique, well-crafted hamachi crudo -Alluring flavor profile and execution of the octopus Now, here is what brought a potentially 4 star review to 2 stars: -The sunfish ceviche is glorified guacamole, and not even good guac at that. Clunky and lacked flavor or finesse. -Oyster po'boy slider-meh. It was fine but not as delicious as hoped for. -Squash blossom-while the flavor was there, it was brought in such a quick succession in relation to the other dishes that by the time we got to it, it was cold and a bit greasy. -Service-So sneaky! Our server presented such a great front initially, and then completely ignored our request. We noted that we were attempting to create our own tasting menu (in Chicago it seems hard to find a pescatarian tasting menu) so we wanted our courses spaced out accordingly. We wanted to enjoy them one at a time. Our server seemed to absolutely comprehend our wishes and seemed so competent that nothing looked like it would get in the way of a wonderful culinary experience. Except, oh wait, we got 4 dishes in under 15 minutes. Uhhh, what? Didn't we request they come out one by one? Why are there three dishes on the table at the same time, then? My stomach sank-at this point, we were locked into paying for everything (well over $100) and it was very clear we would not be getting the experience we wanted. We couldn't wait to get out of there. We ended up bolting as soon as we paid our bill, and had an outstanding experience at Prosecco, where we ended our evening with drinks and dessert. Please be advised-having tried Kinmont and GT within three days, Kinmont blows GT out of the water for service, taste, and overall experience. Oh, and it's significantly less expensive. Save yourself time, stress, and disappointment, and go to the better fish-driven restaurant, just a few blocks away (in my opinion).
(2)
Vince V.
Great food, great service, nice atmosphere. There are so many choices in the City of Chicago, but GT makes you want to go back.
(5)
Jenny K.
As soon as I told my study abroad roommate that I was coming to visit, she made reservations to this restaurant as well as The Girl & the Goat. These two are apparently Chicago restaurant powerhouses. Since she was able to get an earlier reservation here at 7pm (she made the reservation a week in advance), we chose this restaurant for dinner (but still went to the The Girl & the Goat for second dinner, hehe). I got there just past 7pm and was immediately seated to our table - a table for two right by the front entrance near the bar. Overall, it was a fantastic foodie experience. We got the following dishes: - clam chowder: served in cute mason jars with homemade oyster crackers on the side. Loved the chunky consistency of bacon, clams and potatoes. In the top 3 clam chowders I've ever had - tuna poke: wonderful flavors, fresh tuna, great plating - squid: delicious, consistency/texture was not too chewy - oyster po boy with kimchi: kimchi was authentic & delicious! the oyster cake was just salty enough to accentuate taste of oyster, slider roll tasted fresh - mac & cheese: least impressive plating & flavors; though good, nothing unique about it To drink, I had a couple of rye whiskey based cocktails - one that the bartender created after hearing which flavors I liked and another one that was off the menu - was impressed by both. Both were whiskey-forward but very smooth I will definitely return here (I hear the menu rotates every couple of weeks).
(4)
Helen S.
Dinner here was among the best meals I've had in Chicago. My friend and I split the following dishes: 1. Green tea soba noodles - refreshing vinaigrette, plump shrimp, really flavorful, great light starter 2. Housemade clam chowder - wonderful, some of the best clam chowder that I've had 3. Oyster Po'boy sliders - who knew kimchi would go with this so well? Fried oysters were the perfect texture too. I definitely wanted another order of this. 4. Lemon panna cotta - really light and refreshing palette cleanser, creamy yet clean. Beautiful dish. Ambiance was super gorgeous (berry date-y), service was top notch (waiter must've been like wtf why does she drink so much water?), and food was incredible. I'd definitely love to come back.
(5)
Kyle D.
Overall: Great tasting food and a fantastic setting make this some of the best seafood in town. The good: Fantastic food, great atmosphere, great drinks. Came here for V-day and was blown away. 6 course menu was delicious: Tuna, fish, hen, tenderloin, red velvet, all of it was amazing. The oysters and drinks beforehand were fantastic as well. Plenty of drink options. Atmosphere was romantic yet lively. The bad: Even with a reservation, we had to wait 30 minutes. Of course the Oysters and drinks helped, but still... The pricing hurts too, but you should know what you're getting into if you come here. Atmosphere: 10/10 Service: 9/10 Food: 10/10
(5)
Sonia B.
GT Fish and Oyster is phenomenal. We came here for Restaurant Week this year, and loved everything. It was also our first time trying oysters (I know), so we couldn't have a picked a better place! We especially liked their Clam Chowder, Oyster Po' Boy sandwich, Key Lime Pie, and Rasberry Ganache Tart. YUM! I would highly recommend coming here if you want some great seafood!
(5)
D B.
Loved the room vibe and food was clean and fresh small plates.Our waitress was knowledgeable and helpful. Staff to client ratio ensured excellent service without being cloying. Baked oysters with Parmesan and horseradish butter hinted of Rockefeller but yummy and decadent. Seared ahi Tuna suggested nicoise , and the restraint on dressing was appreciated . seared scallops in miso aioli were cooked just right. Fish tacos were a bit heavy on the diced chicharon and would have benefit from radish or pickled daikon for crunch and acidity. My friend had listed that it was her birthday in the online reservation and they comped the white chocolate cheesecake in addition to the apple pie sundae . lastly a birthday card with a gift card as an unexpected bonus. kudos all around
(4)
scott y.
Have been coming to GT'S for three years now. Returned July 4th, 2015 for a early dinner. I love the overall feel of the place. The service is always top notch... My only complaint is every time I have been I have ordered the seafood platter always great. Received the bill to see their seafood platter went up to $75.00. It's good but not that good. Time to start checking out a different venue for seafood. Thanks GT'S but, no thanks...
(2)
Emily L.
Just went in for a quick snack. Smoked platter, oyster po boy sliders, and key lime for dessert. All the food was amazing! I need to go back again for the sliders. The oysters were perfectly crispy and creamy. The buns were slightly toasted for an extra crunch and the kimchee was just the right spiciness and acidity. I was expecting the key lime to be too sour by it was made perfectly. It was the right balance of flavor and texture of the lime, cream, and cookie crunch. Definitely try out this restaurant!
(5)
Dalia M.
FINALLY ate here as we had been hoping to with a couple after our move to Chicago. My best friend loves shellfish and loves GT Oyster. Came on Saturday night for a late dinner. We were seated on time at our table and had a really great time here. Service was really good - thank you, Gustavo! We had 3 dozen oysters (variety), mussels, fish tacos, lobster roll and lobster mac and cheese. Everything satisfied my longstanding craving for fresh seafood. We tried to order two types of wine that they were out of so they suggested another bottle and we ended up doing that. We had a little issue with the wine price on the check not matching what was quoted but Gustavo was patient with me and had the manager fix it right away. It's a pricy place but we were celebrating a lot of things with our friends and experience our first weekend night out in Chicago as residents!
(4)
Brea L.
Food was excellent and server was very informative. Fresh seafood and perfect for sharing; get a mix of everything. Main complaint would be that we ordered martinis and they were awful. Drinks were not good; food yes, but just stick with water.
(4)
Christopher L.
Came here for lunch, it was very busy, which is good sign. We had some amazing type of sliders to begin then had the fried chicken and waffles. The is was not greasy at all very good , fun hip place.
(5)
Kristi W.
Loved this reco by my foodie friend from Chicago. Very cute spot with a nice bar and great food. A little loud - wouldn't recommend it for a romantic dinner - but a fun place. The seared tuna salad, crabcake, halibut and squash blossoms were all delicious. But the lobster roll was another level - I would have liked another! Buttery, soft, sweet bread, big chunks of tender lobster. Delish. Nice wine list and good dessert selection. I was thinking about the malt sundae when the waiter read my mind and brought one over - on the house! Very friendly and efficient service. Nice atmosphere and fabulous food - overall an excellent choice!
(4)
Bill M.
This is a pretty fancy place. Very nice on the inside. They have a nice bar that, as a business traveler, you can enjoy a quiet meal alone. They have a nice list of bourbons, scotches, and other whiskeys. They had 6 oysters to choose from. I had some belon, and a couple of others. The belon oysters were awesome. Also had a stone crab claw and an octopus plate. The octopus was great. I just wish there was more of it.
(3)
Olga T.
This is such a great restaurant!!!! We had a fabulous dinner here and I'm still dreaming about their oyster po-boys. Here's what we ordered: 1) Four oyster po'boy sliders - Heavenly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 2) Four fish tacos - Also very very yummy! The order came with 3 but we had them add an extra fourth taco for a small charge. 3) Tuna Poke - delicious! I loved the mango kick 4) Sunfish ceviche - delicious!!!! I would highly recommend this restaurant!!!!!!!!!!!!! Make sure to make a reservation as they do get very busy!
(4)
Mark W.
Let me just start by saying that dining out is one of my favorite things to do. I'm very liberal when it comes to paying a premium for an amazing meal and experience. I have essentially no savings in my bank account because I eat nice meals way too often. I do, however, expect to feel as though i've eaten a meal after paying the bill (it was over $100 without even ordering alcohol). My girlfriend and I were excited to eat some oysters (which were great) and get some good seafood last night. We were starving. We had the pleasure of sitting behind a table with some obviously important people. There were managers visiting their table on a rotation every five minutes to make sure that they were satisfied. It was a treat to watch what great service looks like from afar. After the oysters we requested some bread because we were so hungry and needed something to tide us over. Glad we did. The bread hit the spot. This is our detox week. So, as I mentioned before, we didn't order any boozy drinks. We ordered the shrimp bruschetta as an appetizer, the scallops and the swordfish for entrees which we would share. Let me just say the appetizer was very tasty. But consisted of only two tiny pieces. The 'entrees' came out and were actually comparable in size to the appetizer. I've never been so underwhelmed by a meal in my life. They must have cut the swordfish filets in to 1/100th's to serve unless they're catching premature baby swordfishes. The scallops were good. But they were just scallops. Nothing else. Maybe it's the waiter's fault for not recommending that we order more. I made mention to us being ravenous about five times, so, if he cared in the slightest he would have mentioned the small portions. I'm not sure why there are so many high ratings for this restaurant. Don't be fooled by their irreverent T-shirts dawning funny puns like 'I got 99 problems but a fish ain't one'. They're not the down to earth, hip folks they're pretending to be. Perhaps people haven't been to other legit seafood places without the pretense of being in a loop location. But for my money I'll be taking my business to Bow & Stern every time (great food and drinks, great portions, wonderful staff). Hell, even Joe's or Shaw's if you're going to stick in the loop. Somewhere where they care about the customer even if he/she isn't a VIP of sorts. I felt like we were the only two people in a room where everyone was laughing at a joke we didn't understand. The bottom line is, you can do better and deserve better, people. Don't sell yourselves short. You deserve to be fed. And fed well.
(2)
Kockyo X.
The host had i standed there and waited for 10 minutes. There was empty seats at the bar table right near the host stands and she didn't even say anything to make me seat down there. The clam chowder and the lobster roll were great. The lobster roll is loaded with a good amount of fresh lobster meat. The oysters are below my expectations. They aren't that fresh. I've read good reviews about GT hot sauces but I didn't think they go well with the oysters.
(2)
Meredith K.
Portions are SMALL for the price you pay I don't think it's worth the money. I can see why this restaurant is always busy, trendy neighborhood, a ton of seafood options, popular chef. However, I think there are better restaurants in the city that are less expensive with the same seafood quality.
(3)
Kalyn H.
I used OpenTable to book a table here for a late lunch on Friday. I loved the food!!! The oysters we selected were medium-large, salty, plump and delicious! We also had the shrimp bruschetta that everyone raves about and a couple of the oyster po' boy sliders. They even hooked us up with some birthday chocolate sorbet. :-) No complaints! Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Raquel R.
Came here for Chef Week and YUMMO. Scrumptious flavors in every course. The serving sizes were a bit small but with three courses plus dessert, it was just the right amount of food in the end. GREAT service and the wine was a WONDERFUL addition to our meal. I think it's safe to say you can plan to spend some cash should you come here for their regular menu but it's a good atmosphere to enjoy a night out with friends and the regular menu is one that encourages sharing which always makes for a fun time.
(4)
Rinny K.
I have eaten at alot of places but I have to say that this place does not meet my expectations. The portion was extremely small for the price of the lobster roll. The photos on yelp does not do it any justice. The sandwiches was small and I was hoping the lobster was a little more seasoned or flavored. Also the on the menu it says its one pound which again is misleading. Basically I could've made this at home without a recipe. It' taste like Texas toast and steamed lobster meat thrown on top of bread. No joke lol the clam chowder was great but it's not as thick as I'm use to. Not worth 11.00 either. Drinks were great. I think the only reason why this place had great reviews is because of the decor, clients, and location. I would not come back. The wait staff however were wonderful and the table bus boy are fast and efficient. Our waiter apologized a d offered us to try the dessert however I was not interested. This place is more so for social gatherings than good eats. Why can't we try for both?
(2)
Cindy C.
I had dinner with my friends and had a lovely dinner. We started off with a platter of oysters and ordered several plates of food. All the dishes were really good. I especially loved the monkfish, the oyster po boy with kimchi and the octopus. My husband also enjoyed the lobster mac and cheese. The dessert was just ok. I ordered the key lime pie. Service was also great.
(5)
Lala G.
Food was SO fresh and delicious. Excellent selection of oysters. We truly enjoyed everything we ate. I'm docking 2 stars because I felt rushed by our waiter. I felt like I was in a race to finish each dish. Also, I did not like how our waiter came to grab the check super fast and looked at it for a good minute in front of us before taking it. Are you making sure we left a tip? So awkward. I didn't know it was going to be the nascar of seafood dinner eating...
(3)
Lloyd M.
Excellent meal, one of the most inventive seafood restaurants I have been to, but no WOW dish that makes it totally memorable. GT serves small plate (tapas) style, where you share multiple dishes with your friends. We had the tuna crudo first, which was good. I love tuna and the crudo part was almost like guacamole. Then had the sunfish ceviche, also quite good, especially the quality of the sun fish. Monkfish was dish number three, and one I quite thoroughly enjoyed. It came with a a risotto that also had sausage and shellfish and reminded me of paella. The fourth dish was brazino, quite tasty. Finished with eggplant, created Chinese style. The hoisin sauce gave it a sweet flavor and it actually ended up substituting for dessert. Price was very reasonable and service was solid.
(4)
John G.
I had my birthday dinner with family and small plates were perfect for fun and sharing. 5 of us each ordered 2 plates for sharing. Our waiter, Gustavo, had the kitchen add some extra portions to make sure we all had enough to share. We started with delicious tuna poke, perfectly seared tuna nicoise salad, salmon belly which was a little bland but the spicy sauces on the table livened them up. The sockeye salmon melted in our mouth, fish tacos were fresh with mahi mahi, fish and chips were lightly battered and the chips were big crunchy spears of potatoes, pork cheeks were tender, eggplant was full of flavor and the mussels were the high point. We all shared desserts and liked them all with my favorite the lemon panna cotta. They put on a candle and wrote happy birthday on the plate. We all enjoyed our meals and the service was excellent.
(4)
Sam K.
This place has great food! No questions about that. We had a combination of fresh oysters (highly recommended), crab cakes, lobster roll (highly recommended), calamari, and others. It is tapas style kind of restaurant. The waiters are also very professional. Service can be slow due to too many customers or complex dishes. The pricing can be on the high side with our spending about $50-100 per person. However the higher pricing is due to ordering a lot of food; the $100 folks were stuffed.
(4)
Angela Y.
Came here on a friend's friend's recommendation, and I'm SO glad! Made an early dinner reservation (4:15p on a Friday evening). We ordered: Variety of oysters Shrimp Bruschetta Ceviche Clam Chowder Whole Roasted Fish Mac and Cheese Po boy sliders For dessert: hazelnut tart, carrot cake, and key lime pie. The kimchi was the actual star of the po boy sliders. Shrimp bruschetta and ceviche were refreshing starters...and the clam chowder was amazing - and presented so nicely! The whole roasted fish was cooked perfectly, mac and cheese had huge chunks of lobster and super creamy. Food was delicious and the service was wonderful - Staff was extremely attentive. Our water glasses were never empty. Whenever one of us left the table (quite often) a server would come by and fold our napkins nicely. I would definitely come back again : )
(4)
Shan D.
My buddy and I wanted to check this spot out on a Friday night. We prefer to sit at the bar if at all possible and had a great time. Tried a bunch of items on the menu: The oysters are fresh and bigger than other places I've had in Chicago. The lobster mac and cheese is amazing. And they don't cheat you out of the lobster. The lobster roll was just ok, but it's because we both both don't like mayo. Learned you can get it with butter. The mussels were heavily drenched in marinara sauce. I prefer a lighter broth/sauce with my mussels. The scallops are huge and cooked to perfection. Don't miss out on the Po' Boys. They aren't too bready and are full of flavor. The salted caramel was awesome. Definitely a must try. We met the manager who asked us about our experience. Told him our thoughts which were mostly positive. He sent over a round of drinks and another dessert (the blueberry waffle). Had an amazing time and can't wait to come back.
(5)
Dai W.
Last minute booking with OpenTable Went there during a week night and always a great service. Explaining the different options to dine. I can put a 5 stars for the service - Very professional and friendly. The food was fresh and well prepared from the appetizers to the dessert Had oysters - delicious both from east or west coast. The fish was great too. I would recommend this place for business or romantic dinner. If you just want to sit down at the bar - the scene is great
(4)
Edward L.
Decor and ambiance is great at GT, however everything else was disappointing. 1. The best item on the menu is Shrimp Bruschetta. The avocado spread is light and creamy and the grapefruit gives it a real fresh kick with every bite. 2. We also tried a dozen oysters (smallest oysters I have evern seen), Sunfish Ceviche, Fish and Chips, Fish Tacos, Lobster roll, and the Octopus with delicata squash. Everything was okay in terms of flavor. 3. Portions are HORRIBLE for the price point. Portions are for ants. Not functioning human beings. 4. Try during restaurant week to cross off the list. Then go to the many other great seafood restaurants that have better flavor and portion quantity!
(2)
Karen T.
People ask me all the time what my favorite restaurant in Chicago is. I get teased about boyfriend's and my penchant for Michelin stars on occasion. Yes, we do make a point of eating well. But we've never been about accolades or the trends. For me, it's a balance between a good environment, consistency in quality and continual push in flavors, for better or for worse. So GT is probably going to be up there as an answer for me. It's the only place I've been back to several times in the last year besides Next (and I'm a season ticket holders there). I'm a sucker for oysters, and GT is aptly named. I always enjoy whatever oysters are in, the oyster po boy slider is always a yummy bite, the salad with haricot verts is intriguing and the lobster mac and cheese is well done. Drinks are also always on point and I've never had bad service. Most recently, I had lunch with a girlfriend there, and I finally tried that expensive lobster roll. Also fabulous like the rest of the menu. Go. Go. Go.
(4)
Christopher M.
I can't tell you anything bad about GT except for the prices, but then again that's to be expected for this neighborhood, right? The drinks, the wine, the oysters, the apps, the main courses ... it's all great, but my oh my do you pay for what you get. And although what you get is very good, I don't really think it's worth the extravagant price. I think a month ago I would have given them 4 stars, but now that Kinmont is on the scene I can't think of much of a reason to come here. If you are in need of a seafood fix I'd head over to Kinmont ... it's better and cheaper. 91/365
(3)
Winnie D.
Great place great food esp the fish tacos best tacos I've ever had! Will definitely coming back.
(5)
Eva H.
Wow, that clam chowder was amazing! Never had one like it before. Oyster po'boy did not disappoint either - but I actually thought the bun was the best part of the sandwich. Also had a deliciously light soba noodle dish that had just the right amount of complimentary sauce. We were recommended the steamed fish dish, which was ok...but I've never found a steamed fish as good as grandma made. The tuna poke was tasty, but I wish there was more for the price we paid. We basically ordered all the dishes recommended by Yelp reviewers and didn't go wrong.
(4)
Brayden K.
I've been here twice for lunch and had a good experience both times. The service is friendly and efficient. We had reservations and were seated immediately. We didn't feel rushed or anything and we were still in and out in under an hour. The decor is straightforward and pleasant. The food, yummy. The first time I came I had the oyster po'boy sliders and a cup of clam chowder. I have tried a lot of clam chowders, and although I wouldn't put their chowder in the top 10%, it's certainly in the top 25%. The oyster po'boys were very good but not as good as the lobster roll that my wife was munching on. Definitely worth trying. I'm not ashamed to admit that I ate the last third of her roll once she was done. Yes, I eat off my wife's plate when necessary. On my second visit I had the fish tacos. These little tacos are very, very special. So yummy. They alone are worth a trip to this restaurant for lunch. My tongue still tingles at the thought of them. So in summary, get reservations and you will have an efficient and pleasant lunch. Definitely try the tacos and convince your eating buddy to get the lobster roll. Good things will happen.
(4)
Rufin A.
GT FISH & OYSTER has definitely become one of my fav places to go in Chicago. It never disappoints. Favs: Oysters (of course!), Pork Belly and Duck Confit. Staff: 10/10; very helpful with recommendations and wine parings Atmosphere: sexy, dim lighting and definitely trendy on a non-pretentious level Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Kelly W.
Oysters, pork belly sandwich and Bloody Mary are amazing!! Service is great! Will be coming back soon.
(5)
Michael B.
Excellent restaurant. Fresh lobster roll, good oyster selection, great layout and fun. Our server told us to order more plates, since they tend to be on the smaller side, so we split 5 and it was more than enough, with some drinks. It is pricier, but you should expect that given the location, layout and ambiance.
(5)
Hollina U.
Came here for lunch during Chef Week. It was an amazing deal--- 3 courses for $22! I got the clam chowder (which was pretty solid), the lobster roll, and the chocolate meringue tart. The lobster roll wasn't bad, but I don't really like eating cold seafood. But it was still good. My favorite part of the meal was the chocolate meringue tart! It was absolutely amazing! One of the best desserts I've had in Chicago. It was paired with a raspberry sorbet that was beautiful and the chocolate was so rich and delicious. The service could have been better, but I guess it gets busy during Chef Week... I would come back, but mainly just to try more desserts!
(5)
Evelina L.
Finally was able to come here for lunch during Chicago Chef week. What a great experience! I took someone here that lives in Paris and he was super excited to try a lobster roll for the first time in his life. After some clam chowder, the lobster roll arrived and he was more then thrilled with the taste and presentation! The pickled veggies were amazing, but I could have stayed away from the fried onion straws. The food and the ambiance was so good, that my french friend just told me that he came back the next day and had the EXACT same thing. Way to impress, GT!!! (PS, he also loved the meringue, so good job there) Can't wait to make reservations for dinner!
(5)
Natasha R.
I haven't had an amazing dinner like the one I just experienced at GT Fish & Oyster for quite some time now. I first picked a different restaurant for our anniversary dinner, but switched last minute and so happy I did! Everything we tried was beyond excellent - we started off with oysters (our first time ever). I had no idea which ones to get, so we went with 2 kinds one each of the East Coast vs West Coast - they were so good, that we ended up ordering a couple more. The cocktail sauce they come with was out of this world - it's definitely on our list to come back here just for the oysters. We both ordered clam chowder soups and 1LB Main Lobster Rolls - Connecticut Style - and omg those lobster rolls are to die for. Connecticut style is warmed up with butter - definitely the way to go. The bread was so soft and there was so much lobster meat - it was just amazing. It also comes on with a side of pickled vegetables and friend onions. As for dessert, we were wayyy too full to eat there, but I ordered Key Lime Pie to go - she warned us it won't be pretty because of the way it was served in the dish, but I didn't care. It was just as good as I expected it to be :) Our sever, wish I remembered her name, was excellent and very helpful especially in the oyster department. Everyone at the restaurant was nice, but the only thing sucked was not having any "anniversary" dishes to remember the meal by - they never asked if we were celebrating anything special and I forgot to tell them over the phone - oh well. I love the layout of the restaurant and the big, spacious windows throughout the building- very cozy for some reason. This was a very memorable evening and it's definitely a place we will come back to - the brunch menu looks too good to pass up!
(5)
Rich B.
I was just going through my wallet and came across the receipt for this dinner and kind of sighed at the memory of it. A work colleague and I had to grab bite to eat before an event when I was recently in Chicago. We ate a lot of oysters (paired with Scotch (Ardbeg!)) Our waiter was passionate about the food and his excitement was a bit contagious as we kept ordering more and more. Oysters, as I said, were great. There was a dish that had a quail egg on it. There was something else that was amazing. Also, Scotch. Attractive and very cool space.
Perfection!!! My husband and I came here for a pre-dinner drink & appetizer and everything was wonderful. We were greeted by friendly staff at the door and were lucky to be seated in Scott's section. His drink recommendations - the Calico beer for my husband and the Cherrier Sancerre white wine for me - were spot on. Next came the appetizer - mussels in a roasted tomato sauce served on a hot Staub brasserie plate. Amazing! From the moment we walked in until we left we were pampered, surprised, intrigued, and most importantly.... completely satisfied. Bravo!
(5)
Sara R.
I cam with a big (15 girl) bachelorette party. We reserved the private room which was so cool. GT Fish & Oyster was the easiest to work with & was very accommodating to our group (bachelorette parties are notoriously annoying and they treated us great). The waitress was wonderful, the liaison who helped plan out the meal (we did a set menu thing) was great. The food was so delicious. Was definitely a highlight and would highly recommend for a group activity!
(5)
Kenzie L.
We ate family style and had a fantastic meal - throw in a bottle of wine and this night was perfect. Everything we ate was delicious and they brought it all out in just the right order for us.
(5)
Jayme C.
Michelin starred, and Food and Wines Best New Chef 2008, Giuseppe Tentori, has developed a menu that's half-traditional, half modern, in an ever changing small plates format. Part of the Boka group. The first time I tried GT it was a double date and I am pretty sure we ordered one of everything. Oysters....oh so good and fresh. Shucked to order, yum! As I look at the current menu I do not see most of the plates that we ordered but that is the best part about GT, constantly changing the options. I recall we ordered skate fish and tuna crudo which were both great. Husband and I have also been here for brunch, the chicken and waffles are crave worthy. Cocktails are made well. My go to river north "lets grab a drink and some small plates!" Giving four star bc I went in on a weekend at 3ish and the kitchen was closed till dinner :(
(4)
Wassim E.
This place definitely deserve a 4.5. Pretty much every plate was memorable. I'd recommend having 2 plates per person as this number seem to be the right amount of food We had the oyster slides, lobster roll, sunshine ceviche and clam showder. All 4 plates were great and would recommend them equally. We had the chocolate meringue pie for dessert and that was also very delicious. The service was also very attentive as they checked on us multiple times. Overall, a great dining experience.
(4)
Mike S.
The oysters are superb, and what a wonderful selection. I had the lobster mac&cheese for dinner. On subsequent trip I have eaten the gnocchi, the lobster roll (both Maine and Connecticut styles), oyster po' boy and the fish and chips. Everything is fresh, and very well seasoned. Be aware that other than the sandwich-like meals (lobster roll and po' boy), the servings are intended to be small so you'll need to get several items. But that is a good thing. The bar is well stocked, and the bartenders are knowledgeable about cocktails and the menu. All in all a very nice place for a meal of various tasty plates.
(4)
Linda D.
The food was decent, but the service made it taste horrible. It took 15mm to bring oysters and almost an hour to bring other small plates. This would have been quite jarring all on its own, but we had to watch the server bestow lavish attention on the table next to ours, where a friend of the chef was seated. Epic fail!!
(1)
Marka L.
On the top of my list for restaurants in Chicago. The oysters were delightful, I also enjoyed the duck, the shark tacos and the sunfish ceviche. I was not impressed by the po boys although they say they are one of the most popular items. I was very impressed with out server Maggie (on the outside patio), but not so impressed with her manager who was helping out. I asked him if there were any specials and he said no, then I over heard our waitress tell the next table they had Washington State oysters as a special (my favorite kind). When I asked him about it, he had to confirm with her.... In my opinion she knew her stuff much better then he did and he should have let her do her job on her own because she was wonderful. Even served us 4 Washington State oysters on the house because of the mix up!
(4)
Tron S.
This place is amazing! The oysters were hands down the best I've ever had. Our waiter Paul was very knowledgable on what to order and the cadence in which it arrived. This is not a place to rush through the meal. We ate and enjoyed every bite along with two bottles of Prosecco. I wasn't blown away by the shrimp bruschetta however the fish tacos made up for it. Rounded it all out with lemon panna cotta and an Irish coffee. Superb!
(5)
Gigi C.
Yes, good but teeny portions Nice ambiance. pricey
(4)
Amy K.
Go for brunch and get the chilaquiles!
(4)
Marisa Y.
Came here with my parents when they were visiting town. I was expecting amazing, based on Yelp and a friend's experience (and frankly the prices), but was pretty underwhelmed. Nothing I had was bad, but for the prices and portion sizes (SMALL), I expected more than solid. My favorites were the tuna poke (delicious, but there needs to be more!!!), lobster mac and cheese, and mussels. Oyster po boys were great and probably the best deal on the menu. We ordered the octopus at my dad's insistence and I think my parents liked it (full disclosure: I'm not a fan of octopus ever). I thought the fish tacos were creative, but way more lettuce than fish (what's up with that?!?!).
(3)
Brian M.
I don't understand all of these five star ratings. First of all, I hadn't realized that this was a small plate/tapas style place until I was ordering, otherwise I never would have come here. After spending a bunch of money in Chicago, I was looking for an affordable dinner for my last night there, and this menu seemed to fit the bill. That is until you realize that you need three plates to feel like you had a complete meal. You can get better clam chowder out of a can of progreso soup than this place serves. Mac and cheese looked delicious but just didn't taste right. Lobster Roll was ok but I've definitely had better. Also we were seated on the most uncomfortable bar stools over a table that was just too low. Ended up standing at the table because my back was hurting. Definitely won't be coming back.
(2)
Sara A.
I was craving really good seafood when I went there, not my cup of tea. Too casual at their presentations, more of a slider and very small plates (the price is too high for the quantities), I did not feel I went to a FISH place after I left. If what you are looking for is a good bar and a nice small dish to go with. If you are picky about your oysters that's the place to go. Won't come again, wasn't worth the $75 we paid.
(3)
Annette V.
Delicious. What else do I need to say about GT Fish & Oyster that the other 800+ reviewers haven't said? I decided I had to try it after the third or fourth time it came highly recommended. I've been twice and, with the exception of the mediocre squash blossom, everything I've tried was really great. My favorites were the fish tacos, octopus, halibut, and (naturally) oysters. My FAVORITE favorite though was, surprisingly (to me at least, because I'm not big on kimchi), the oyster po'boy slider. I seriously could've order a half dozen oysters and an half dozen sliders and been totally satisfied. While I think the cocktail list could be a little stronger, it's certainly not bad, and the wines are really quite nice. If you enjoy seafood, you'll enjoy GT Fish & Oyster.
(4)
Daniela R.
Our dining experience was sub par. Everything we ordered was delicious from the shrimp bruschetta to the oyster po boy (we had to order another round). The waiters recommendations were great although I will say I didn't love the apple crumble dessert. The caramel was very bitter. Other than that everything was great and we loved our experience. Side note: we had a reservation for 8:00 and we ended up waiting like 10 minutes to be seated and there was an awkward waiting area.
As I always say, we are regular folks, just trying new places. The place is really nice and the atmosphere is quite upbeat. The service was impeccable! Everyone from front of the house to bus-guys were courteous, friendly, and really added +1 star rating. The food tasted phenomenal. We had: - Seared Tuna Salad - great - Mackerel - great needed more flavor, loved the garnishes - Grilled Octopus - great if you like curry flavor otherwise skip it - Oyster Po'Boy Sliders - absolutely great!! The kimchi gave that extra bit of flavor! $4/ea is steep but delicious - GT Mac-n-cheese - oh yeah! Winner of the night! - Key Lime Pie -good We also had raw oysters... They were fine, but I'm sorry for $3+ EACH I was thinking of those big oysters you get at other seafood places, as opposed to the tiny 2" ones served here. For a place specializing in oysters, it feels counterintuitive to have it at such ridiculous prices. For this alone I wanted to give 3 Stars, but all the other attributes worked really well so I'll give it a 4 star. I WOULD come back, but for the oyster po' boys and mac-n-cheese.
(4)
Ada H.
THE place for amazing seafood. Obviously, you cannot go wrong with any restaurant that has GT (Giuseppe Tentori) at the helm. While I like Boka, GT is so much better. The atmosphere, the employees, and the overall vibe made a good impression for me. The first time I came here was during Chicago Restaurant Week. That first time was so great that I came a second time to try the rest of the Restaurant Week menu. After that, I was hooked, and now wanna come here all the time. The Restaurant Week menu offered a three course lunch menu for $22 per person (see photo). The first time I chose the clam chowder, the lobster roll, and the blood orange and lemon pie. The clam chowder was good, but the lobster roll and meringue pie was amazing! I still have dreams about the blood orange sorbet with the meringue... The second time I went I tried the other options which were the seared tuna salad, basil gnocchi, and the chocolate parfait. I really loved the tuna salad. I felt that the gnocci was very good. And the poor chocolate parfait couldn't stand a chance since I already fell in love with the pie dessert. The second time we also ordered a few Malaspina oysters (one of my favorites), and the monkey bread which is on the brunch menu. That monkey bread was sooo good! I can't wait to return to try everything else on the menu. The interior is gorgeous. Very upscale Hamptons feeling. The service was decent. Pleasant but not overly friendly. And there is valet and street parking if you can find a spot.
(5)
Cole K.
This place was great! My fiance and I stopped here while in Chicago after getting recommended to go by our airbnb host. We looked up reviews and decided to give it a try as a lot of other seafood places were not open on Mondays or past 2:30 until dinner. We were not disappointed! The corner location is open and modern and we wer immediately welcomed to sit at the bar or we could be shown to a table. We chose the bar and greeted with a friendly welcome. Over the course of our visit we had 3 awesome varieties of Oysters from east and west coasts. The mignonette was not the best I've had but the hot and cocktail sauces were great. The Oysters were extremely fresh and I am a oyster fanatic. In addition we had the Oyster 'Po Boy with Kim chi and peanuts on a soft hawaiian roll. Perfextion! The Thai soup with clams, shrimp and mussels was also great. We will be remaking both of these when we are back on the west coast for sure! We also struck up great conversation and learned a tremendous amount from Rick (I believe he was the Operations or General manager) about Bourbon and Whiskey. He was great and their selection is out of hand. Go here! It's really good and our service was very good. We will definitely be coming back and recommending to friends and family travelling here.
(4)
Linn L.
Was invited for fancy lunch with my sister in town who had never had oysters before. Seemed like a good spot to be introduced to it here! Ordered a dozen of west/east coast oyster and for my newbie sister it just said 'slurp'. She loved it! And I was so happy. Continued with po-boy sandwich, some fried oysters (although also hided in a piece of bread) and then the dessert. Some kind of chocolatey treat and another lemony darling. Heard sister saying 'mmm, mm, mmmmm' around a hundred times. If I would have been here myself, I would have given it a three star. But sister really liked it and if she would decide I am most certain of that she would have given it a four. So this is for you, sis.
(4)
Brian M.
I am revisiting a similar theme in this review as many of my previous reviews...service makes or breaks the visit. My wife and I visited GT Fish & Oyster while on a short trip to Chicago. Given the wide range of amazing restaurants, we did our research and thought we had made the right choice. Were we ever wrong. We were looking for a makeshift tasting menu (GT does not have one). We ordered five dishes requesting that their delivery be spread out. Despite the waitress assurances that we would be accommodated, we received four dishes within five minutes of each other. While we may have been ordering a smaller quantity of food than our neighbors, we still expect a certain level of service that was not met by GT. With so many great options in Chicago, this place is a must-pass.
(2)
marcey b.
We had a wonderful time at this restaurant. Inventive menu, attentive service by Maurice, just a wonderful evening. Highly recommend!
(5)
Robert K.
Great Oyster Sliders in Chicago's Michelin rated seafood joint nestled in River North. Amazing decor and very helpful waiter staff. Pricey wine menu but every extensive. Try the fish tacos, and the red snapper. Also the sliders are nationally raved about! Get a reservation early and bring a date!
(5)
Natalie C.
I've been to GT Fish and Oyster twice now, once for dinner and once for brunch. Everything I've ever had here is absolutely fantastic, and super fresh. The oysters (both fresh and also fried in a delight brunch poboy with kimchi and cashews) make my soul weep with happiness. Shrimp bruschetta/ceviche w avocado is also divine. Obviously their seafood is supreme, however their other items are a delight as well *cough* get the chicken and waffles they will pleasure your palate like there is no tomorrow *cough*
(5)
Andrew D.
Food was overpriced and i am under impressed. My top three choices were sold out and it was both mine and my friends birthday. Server didnt try to offer anything special to compensate - service was lousy. Table next to us looked like they had some for their birthday tho. Also drinks were not good. Not worth the time or money to eat here.
(2)
Steph U.
Just a heads up, this is going to be a pretty long post. I have a lot to say about the Restaurant Week menu and it was definitely not an experience to brag about. If you want to come here for Restaurant Week, PLEASE READ THIS FIRST! The only reason I'm giving this place 2 stars is for the service. The food, on the other hand, was extremely disappointing and so not worth it for Restaurant Week. After reading reviews and seeing that this was a top pick for Restaurant Week, my boyfriend and I decided to come here for a late dinner last Thursday. It was $44 for a 4 course preset menu, average for Restaurant Week. There were two choices for each course, so we each ordered one, so we could taste everything. For the first course, I had the tuna poke and my boyfriend had the shrimp bruschetta. The tuna poke...was not poke. I don't think this restaurant understood the difference between chopped sashimi and poke. Poke usually has a marinade/sauce and is mixed with other things like onions, seaweed, etc. This poke was bland and literally was just chopped up fish without any seasonings. It came with some weird (what I think was) ginger topping, cucumbers, and a dollop of some kind of mango mayonnaise (I think...not sure what that really was). Now, in theory this sounds good, but, honest to god, I was so incredibly disappointed. This was by no means "poke". The shrimp bruschetta was actually alright. It was just one piece of bread with some shrimp on it. It was a lot tastier than the poke, but very, very small. The next course I ordered the clam chowder and my boyfriend ordered the ahi salad. The salad was actually a pretty large portion, which was nice, but once again, it didn't have too much flavor. The seared ahi was exactly the same as the poke, except with a little sear on the edges. Also, it was impossible to eat the salad without a fork and a knife. It was like 3 giant pieces of lettuce with some toppings. The clam chowder was served in a cute little bowl and was actually not bad (this was probably my favorite dish). The next course was bar far the most disappointing and actually almost funny. I ordered the oyster po' boy and my boyfriend ordered the mahi mahi. The oyster po' boy was ALL bread and mayo served with some interesting (what I think were) pickled veggies and a HUGE portion of deep fried onion strings. I couldn't taste any of the oyster in the po' boy and it was so incredibly oily and fried that it was hard to eat. The bread was alright, but who wants to just eat bread for dinner?? The mahi mahi...oh man. This was actually really funny. When they brought out the plate, it literally looked like they took two pieces of sashimi and cooked it and put it on a plate. It was two BITE-SIZED pieces of mahi mahi on a plate with some black rice. That's it. It was almost like Barbie doll food, the portion was THAT small, and thus, laughable. The mahi mahi was actually tasty, but wow, who gets full off of two bites? That's just mean to give so little of something that was actually good. The last course was dessert. I ordered the coconut cake and my boyfriend got some peanut butter chocolate cake with salted caramel ice cream. Okay, they did an awesome job of making these sound freaking delicious, but wow oh wow, once again we were disappointed. The coconut cake was so freaking DRY, it was almost too crumbly and weird to eat. The peanut butter cake was alright, but it seemed weird paired with the salted caramel ice cream. If you ate them apart, they were much better. The peanut butter was somewhat overpowering, which was probably why it was better to eat them separate. Oh we also ordered oysters, which weren't a part of the preset menu. I never knew there was a difference between west coast and east coast oysters, and that was the night I learned that the west coast is DEFINITELY the BEST coast. We ordered two sets of east coast salty oysters and one set of west coast sweet oysters after getting a recommendation from our server. Not only were the oysters pretty pathetic looking (incredibly small), but the east coast oysters were unbearably salty. The west coast ones were actually really good. I was so sad that we ordered the east coast ones..but at least now I know.. The service was actually really good, with multiple servers constantly checking on us, refilling our water, etc. There was a bit of an awkward moment at the end of the dinner though, when the waiter asked "how was your meal?" and we literally didn't know how to answer. We didn't want to be rude, and so my boyfriend merely responded "it was...uhm.. alright." The server was obviously not expecting this reaction and had his own awkward pause and was like "ohhhh ahh okay let me get you the check" and quickly left. Looking around at the other people who were doing the prefix menu, you could tell how disappointed they were as well. Overall, I don't think I'll be back. It was very pricy for what you get and not even very good. Go somewhere else.
(2)
Susan C.
I went to this place with a couple of my friends and it is a nice quaint little place. I order the chicken and waffle and it was delicious. The waitstaff was very attentive to make sure everything was good. I have yet to go back to try other selection they have on the menu. You don't have to make a reservation and it's easily accessible by train and after that walking to the place. It's right across the street from the anti-cruelty society so you won't miss the place.
(4)
Vincent W.
Getting good seafood in the Midwest seems incredibly hard (being landlocked in between the two coasts). However, it's not impossible. I have been to a small handful of restaurants in the Chicagoland area that take seafood seriously and get it right on a consistent basis. Unfortunately I can't say this for GT Oyster and Fish. We had a party of 9 (a relatively large group, especially during Restaurant Week) and they understandably had troubles seating us on time for our 8:30 reservation. So we took advantage of their free coat check, grabbed a couple of drinks at the bar area and kept each other entertained until the table was ready. We got seated around 9pm, and I was brimming with excitement. I had scouted the items I wanted to try that were listed on the menu online, but as they brought us the paper menus I noticed that none of the items I really wanted were available (ceviche, oyster shooters). The waiter calmly told me that the menu listed online was no longer available and was a seasonal thing, and assured me that he would tell his marketing team to make the update. I joked with him about furious, but in reality I was a bit disappointed. He suggested a few dishes and I for the most part took his advice and ordered the following. Half a Dozen West Coast Oysters - They had three types of West Coast Oyster offerings that my friend insisted on us ordering (as opposed to the East Coast ones). Not knowing a ton about oysters (outside of what they should taste like), I let him take the lead. They started the night on a good note, because I thought they all were relatively sweet and tasty, but not nearly the freshest or sweetest oysters I've had. Scallop Crudo - The waiter had suggested for me to order this in lieu of the ceviche, due to its similar preparation, and the presentation of this dish was beautiful. Thinly sliced raw scallops inside a shell, on top of a bed of little dried beans, toppled with some bright orange fish roe. Unfortunately, the execution did not do any of it justice. The scallops were tossed heavily in olive oil and garlic, basically rendering any semblance of the sweet scallop taste to be completely overpowered. The textures were good, but unfortunately the taste was not. I was very disappointed. Oyster Po Boy - This ended up being my favorite item of the night. It's a fried oyster on top of kim chi with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts. While I couldn't really taste the oyster with the batter and kim chi completely overpowering it, I did like the textures and the overall taste of the slider. Almost to the point where I was tempted to order another one (only $4). Gnocchi Scallops - I enjoyed the light sauce that came with the gnocchi because it allowed the scallops to shine. Unfortunately, the scallops were not that sweet and the gnocchi was not that good. The gnocchi felt more like filler, and the scallops were cut into pieces that made it indistinguishable from the gnocchi. Some of them were so flavorless that the only way I was able to tell that they were scallops was from the texture. Lobster Mac and Cheese - While the dish tasted exactly how I thought it would, there really wasn't anything special about this. It reminded me of the mac and cheese my mom would make me when I was sick (minus the chunks of lobster meat). The lobster was present and applied relatively generously. And the peas added a nice element to the dish, but it was overall a bit average and not worth the waiters ranting and raving about. Overall, I can't help feeling disappointed. I really wanted a nice night out with some great seafood. I want to say it was a product of what I ordered, but I don't feel like seafood is really highlighted in any of the dishes I tried (outside of the west coast oysters). Since seafood is in the namesake of the restaurant, I feel like my criticism is justified. My individual bill came out to be $80 w/ T&T (no drinks, all food), and I left feeling a bit empty (emotionally; physically I felt like I had a carb overload). Maybe it was the waiter's suggestions (incredibly nice fellow, maybe just has different taste in what's good), maybe it was an off night. But I probably won't care to try it again to find out.
(2)
Alex A.
I do NOT understand how this place gets good ratings. The food is mediocre and the service is horrendous. I came here with a larger party over the weekend. Even with prior reservations, we had to wait almost an hour to be seated. Our server was very distracted/inattentive, and rarely came to check on us. We were waiting quite a while before he came back to take our order. Was not amused by the staff continuously reaching over me or across me to take plates (before I was finished) and pour water (all over the table). They seemed in an extreme hurry to turn the table over even though we had waited a very long time for ours. The environment was extremely noisy to the point where we were shouting at each other from across the table. We were also seated by a window with poor insulation, so many of us sat through the entire dinner with our coats on. Cold plates were seasoned well, but the portions were extremely small - enough for one person only, not for sharing - especially if you were waiting a ridiculously long time to be seated. The lobster mac and cheese was underwhelming: hardly any lobster (microscopic pieces); the pasta was soggy and overcooked; and the sauce was gummy. The lobster roll was nothing compared to Boston, but very good, albeit overpriced (better and cheaper in New England, sigh). The buttered roll saved this dish. I have no issue paying a premium for good food, but this was overpriced tourist food. Very disappointing given their reputation. Would not recommend and would not dine here again.
(2)
Ilana B.
Just wow. Great attention to detail. Every ingredient fresh and perfectly prepared. I am in heaven right now. Friendly staff, and our waiter Scott did a great job -- personable, helpful, and had a lightness and happiness about him. Excellent experience.
(5)
Shawn H.
My girls and I went here last night for dinner. First of all...Ashley rocks! Absolutely the best waitress I have ever had. The four of us tried to make decisions for our plates to order , but once Ashley made her recommendations we let her pick every plate and dessert. Best choice we made all night :) Great lobster roll to the tuna to the carrot cake. All was good, we will be going back soon. Great decor and you will not regret coming here!
(5)
Tiffany L.
best fish tacos i've had. also shared the mussels, oyster po boy sliders(YUM), and a jalapeno raw fish appetizer. everything was good, no complaints!
(4)
Jessica O.
This dinner was fantastic. It wasn't Alinea quality, however we weren't paying those prices either. For the price point, this was a fabulous meal. We had: *Oysters (2 of each) * Shrimp Bruschetta *Hamachi Crudo *Smoked Fish Platter *Shoshito salad *Squash blossoms *Octopus *Uni and White Asparagus *Eggplant and Tofu *Chicago Mix and *Chocolate Meringue Tart Yummmm. I think I liked pretty much everything that we tried, I abstained from the octoups and uni, but the folks in my party had nothing but great things to say. The place is a little loud, but the cocktails were delicious and the food was fabulous. I love nothing more than a great small plates concept which is well executed. Highly recommend!
(5)
Lisa M.
This is the most efficient eatery I've ever experienced. The entire staff hovered over our table the entire time. While I love an attentive staff, this was over the top. At one point I kinda snapped when a support staff asked to clear our plates. "Go ahead, I know you're dying to." It was obvious I had offended him so I apologized. "I'm just doing my job." I felt rushed & a little bit hassled. The place was packed yet there was enough people on the floor that several staff gathered 2 feet away, urgently eyeing every move we made. The last time I had this level of service was at a Country Club in Memphis back in the 80s. The food was good. I had the Crudo Snapper. It was an unusual combo of flavours. Very delicate but full of textures. I was put off by the crunch of the pomegranate seeds as it made it feel like I was eating hard candy. The snapper was a little lost but over all, good. The Eggplant was AMAZING! I would eat this for dessert. I felt the tofu was an afterthought but maybe it's supposed to be a counter to the tastiness of the eggplant. We asked for bread to spread it on. A garlic butter crostini would've been better than sourdough. I'm a huge fan of monkfish so I was excited to find one on the menu. It came over cooked & over salted. My boyfriend hates to complain about food but I seriously couldn't eat it. I felt my ankles swelling in real time. They took it back & brought us a nicely cooked fish & well but not overly seasoned dish. The ritual here is very hands on but the spiel is so involved it is tinged with condescension. They put everything out there before it's needed. I felt like a fire that needed to be put out rather than a follower on a gastronomical path to glory. I did appreciate the experience because I felt appreciated but if I go back again I'll sit at the bar.
(3)
Gregory C.
I love the Maine Lobster Roll - The oysters were amazing. The mussels were cool.
(4)
Alexander E.
Awesome service. Very intriguing menu. Lots of great flavors. Def recommend if visiting Chicago. Make sure you make a reservation and try the oysters. The waiters are very attentive. You almost never have to ask for anything. 5 stars for this Chicago classic.
(5)
Michelle H.
Great ambiance... you definitely pay for the ambiance, not the food. Well, I'll have to say that the Shrimp Bruschetta was pretty good. Everything else was mediocre, nothing to rave about. The Swordfish Ceviche was good but the chips were wayyyyy too salty. The Lobster Roll was disappointing. The bread was soaked in butter, couldn't even taste the lobster. Maybe they should've saved some of the salt from the chips to put on their bland lobster instead. The portions are small/tapas style so I recommend ordering at least 2-3 dishes per person if this is going to be your main meal.
(3)
Helena S.
We ordered the lobster roll that was very expensive and wasn't that good at all. The eggplants were hedious. The gnocci weren't that bad but a little bland. Service was great thought!!
(2)
Rachel H.
I planned my office's holiday party with GT and it was fabulous. From my first contact with Jenny to the last nibbles of dessert, we were very impressed. We sat in the private space in the basement to which the route was a little freaky, but so is any sea adventure. The space itself was nicely appointed and has it's own closet for coat checking. Nice touch. The private event menu was served family style and gave as an opportunity to try a ton of their offerings. I'm just glad our office is a little adventurous and doesn't have any shellfish allergies. The lobster roll and the fried oyster po'boy were my favorites, but everything else we tried was also top notch (oysters, tuna poke, shrimp bruschetta, fish tacos and mac n cheese - all great) as were the cocktails we tried. The capper to this lovely afternoon (made better by not having to return to the office) was that salted caramel tart. My sweet tooth is a baby tooth, but this was just too good. The crust is perfect. We had great food, great drinks and great service. I'll definitely return and would recommend to anyone planning a group event.
(5)
David B.
I went for the first time back in November and wasn't sure what to expect. I like seafood, but I'm used to pretty simple seafood dishes. And I don't like oysters. So I was very pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed my meal. Between the two of us, we shared the tuna poke (excellent!), the GT crudos (a great mix of flavors, except neither of us want the foie gras which topped one of the crudos), the fish tacos (a highlight!), clam chowder (which they split into two small mason jars, and we both loved it) and - from the non-seafood menu - the duck confit. That dish was great, too. Everything was very, very good and I would both want to have it all again when I return, and also try all new stuff! Our waiter was fantastic and we enjoyed the slow pacing of the meal and the atmosphere. It was a bit loud for conversation, but we managed just fine. Well worth the time and money.
(4)
Yoorah K.
Had an amazing time at GT! Came to Chicago for the IEEE 2014 exhibition and needed a drink to relax before the last day. GT was recommended to me by a good friend for the oyster bar. (I love oysters!) Came here alone for an early dinner. Had a seat at the bar served by a lovely man named Ray. Such a great atmosphere in GT. Ended up getting 3 dozen oysters, tuna poke, and clam chowder. Had a glass of red wine, and two cocktails (can't remember the names though). Oysters- absolutely delicious. Had some of all 6 types. I did have a bit of sand in a few, but didn't deter me from finishing. Perhaps I was already a little buzzed, but just reminded me they were fresh. Tuna poke- Very fresh. The texture reminded me of sashimi (tuna poke is raw) and I loved it! It was laid upon a circle of cucumber slices, and presentation was beautiful. Looked like a flower. Clam chowder- I have to steal this recipe. I live in the South, but I would have this one over any clam chowder you could make/buy here. (Sorry mom and dad.) It was packed full of clam and oyster and the rest of the delicious ingredients!! Every spoonful was a heavenly (and large!) bite. They had used a little hot sauce on top and it had just enough kick to awaken me from my tipsy stupor. Stealing this recipe! Atmosphere- amazing. I don't live in the city anymore due to work. Actually, I don't even live near a city now.. Coming to GT reminds me of home. Sitting at the bar, you could hear the hustle and bustle, the nonstop chatter, the sighs of relief of the people getting off work. It didn't matter that I was eating and drinking by myself. Ended up chatting with a lawyer beside me who had just come back from Coachella. I will have to come back before I leave Chicago!
(5)
Hamman L.
My husband and I went there last weekend for our anniversary dinner. We were seated right away at a great cozy corner booth! Our Food was really delicious. We both thought that some of the portions were way too small for the cost. I am happy to spend money to go to a nice restaurant, but I felt like the portions were small. Everyone from the hostess to the busboy to the waiter were great! It was a great place for a nice night out!
(4)
James L.
Who knew seafood would be this tasty in Chicago? Came here with coworkers, the small dish style allowed us to try various dishes with a great drink menu go along with the food. Individual plates are not expensive, but can add up if you ordered a lot. Best part of the meal includes their fresh oysters, claim chower, lobster roll, and their red colored hot sauce. Must try if you are in Chicago.
(5)
Tim O.
I enjoyed brunch here. The oysters were top-notch and chilaquiles with duck were good as well. It was an excellent selection at the mid-range price point. Will definitely be returning.
(4)
Raquel D.
I've been wanting to go here for quite some time. And finally forced my family out during restaurant week during the cold - snow, super bowl and all. I literally could not get oysters and lobster rolls out of my mind for a week. We got there early on a Sunday and was able to sit at the bar since we didn't have a reservation. We were offered a table with a time limit, but the bar seemed better. First off, the brunch menu is amazing - already knew I was going to come back for that! But that wasn't why I was here. It was for that lobster roll I've been dreaming of....and it was absolutely amazing. Small...but enough and plenty satisfying for restaurant week. The roll was buttery and crisp with meaty chunks of lobster. yea, baby! The clam chowder was stellar - I swear the mason jar presentation made it taste even better! Oysters were fresh and succulent. Hubby got po' boy sliders, which was an explosion of flavor and yumminess. Bloody Mary - on point. I was pleasantly surprised when our dessert came as I had forgotten all about it - coconut cake and sorbet was the perfect ending. Too bad the portions were smaller than usual ...I'm a self-proclaimed oinker and probably could have eaten double what was given (eek!). The bartender and staff were super nice and attentive though. AT first, it seemed like they weren't into us as we had a toddler and all, but she was asleep and well-behaved once she woke up and received lots of their attention as well, which was nice. She even got a cute little kiddie sippy cup. We'll def be back!!
(4)
Ryan J.
I should have written this review ages ago. A recent date to GT inspired me to get online and sing their praises. This place is a must if you like seafood. The dishes are unique and flavorful compared to the typical Chicago steak & seafood joint. Giuseppe Tentori is a true artist and as humble as he is gifted. The servers are knowledgable about the menu and will make genuine recommendations. Our server, "Mas" was probably the best server I have come across in a long while; her personality was a true compliment to our dining experience. Things you must order: octopus; tuna poke; clam chowder; fish tacos; eggplant (trust me); key lime pie. Best seat in the house - dining room corner booth. Ive been there for business lunches as well and the menu is equally good.
(5)
Don M.
The food and service were exceptional. You can't go wrong with this place!
(5)
Maggie G.
One of my favorite places in the city. Always enjoy fresh oysters and great cocktails. I try to pick a few things off the menu and do shared plates. The eggplant and tofu dish was wonderful. I wanted to eat it all myself. Great servers. I love that they always ask if there any food allergies before taking an order.
(5)
Andrea R.
4-5 star food & service, 3 stars for ambience, 2 stars for prices & portion sizes- so overall 3 stars. Dined here last night for the hubby's birthday, and while the food & service was excellent, for the price tag (~$100 per person with food & drink), I've had much more memorable dining experiences elsewhere where I didn't leave almost hungry. The ambience and decor was fine, but nothing special. Now that that's out of the way, I will say that everything we tried here was excellent. The dishes are small plates, so we were able to try a number of things on the menu: - Sampling of oysters delicious and fresh - Smoked tuna cold dish- fresh heirloom tomatoes with chunks of smoked tuna. Very good, but small portion - Squash blossom- crab, mozzarella & zucchini mixed together & deep fried - very good & sinful - Branzino- delicious but very small portion of fish. This is a "small plate", but priced close to what you would pay for a full entree portion elsewhere - Mussels-- 5 stars-- this dish was the standout & I would come back just for this. A good portion of mussels in a sauce of crushed tomatoes, garlic & basil with big chunks of buttery fresh bread to dip in. Soooo good, I could have licked the plate if I were at home For drinks I had wine and hubby had the white negroni which he said was very good. Service was very helpful & attentive. Overall we weren't disappointed with anything that we ate, but for the price tag there are other more memorable restaurants I would choose to go to. I would definitely come back for the mussels & oysters though!
(3)
Emily K.
Three Words: Oyster Po'Boy Sliders! Life changing!! The food, service, ambiance are all wonderful! Everything we had was delicious. I would seriously fly to Chicago just to eat at GT Fish & Oyster and then catch a flight back home. Just go!
(5)
Dana J.
I went on a business lunch and I was impressed. Our waitress was inviting and explain how that their plate portions were small and that we should order from both sides of the menu. I had the O.G. lemonade unspiked. It was delicious the ginger beer give it a kick. I also had the fish tacos,clam chowder and the key lime pie with gin and tonic sherbet. Everything was delicious. Will go back.
(5)
Lily Z.
I came here for my birthday with a couple of friends. I've been anxious to try this place for the longest time since I've heard such great things. Between the three of us, we split tuna poke (delicious and fresh with a nice mango flavor), oysters (really liked the Old Fashioned but I disliked the other one. I can't remember the name, but it was a West Coast oyster), oyster po'boy (ordered mine without peanuts and it was very tasty), lobster mac and cheese (I don't even like mac and cheese but I found myself licking the serving spoon! Disliked the peas because it gave the dish a gritty texture), eggplant (pleasant, but not amazing) and key lime pie (severely disappointed, dissatisfying interpretation of key lime pie). By the time we were seated, the restaurant was almost half empty, which was a relief because it was quite noisy. Service was good. Although the dinner was a bit pricey, I enjoyed myself and look forward to ordering my own bowl of lobster mac and cheese (without peas of course).
(4)
Kelly K.
GT Fish never fails to disappoint! The tuna poke and lobster roll (Maine style!) are consistently great. Perfect place for a nice lunch or fun dinner with friends.
(4)
Ellie H.
It's a great place for seafood lover in Chicago. I really like its creative way the chefs combine different ingredients in a dish.
(5)
David C.
Clam Chowder: A Great tasting, extremely well presented, not too heavy on the cream, and very generous on the seafood. Oysters: A Freshest I've eaten. Can hang with Hog Island (SF). Definitely have nice variety of seasonal ones as well. Lobster Roll: B Cooked to perfection, served with fried onions and pickled veggies. Skimped a little bit on the lobster portions; didn't look as generous as some of the older pictures on yelp. Definitely a letdown since this was what we came in to eat. GT offers great tasting fresh seafood, but not too sure about the value proposition. Prices were a bit steep for what we got.
(3)
Kristina W.
My sister had been recommending GT Fish & Oyster for awhile, so I finally made the trip down from Evanston on a Saturday around noon. When we got there, they only offered us the brunch menu ... I was a little upset because I had looked at the lunch menu online and seen a few dishes I wanted to order that weren't offered for brunch. I ended up ordering the Biscuits & Lobster Gravy ( s3-media3.ak.yelpcdn.com… ), while my friend ordered the Crab Benedict ( s3-media4.ak.yelpcdn.com… ). Both of these dishes were good, but nothing especially outstanding or memorable. We tried each other's dishes and agreed that the Biscuits with gravy was the better of the two. Fortunately, they were also serving oysters during brunch, which is what I REALLY came for anyways... We got 2 of each of the 4 options ( s3-media4.ak.yelpcdn.com… ), and all were amazing. These are definitely the best oysters I've had in Chicago. A clear winner. OVERALL: DO Come for lunch or dinner. DON'T come for Brunch (SAT-SUN 10-2:30). Oysters, the highlight of my meal (& the restaurant's specialty) are available throughout the day, and the brunch menu is not especially spectacular or innovative compared to lunch & dinner.
(4)
tony a.
What a wonderful stop for a great lunch in Chicago. This place really is wonderful. We were in Chicago for about 24 hours and this seemed like a place we do not have in the Detroit area. We sat at the bar which seemed appropriate as we were going to have oysters. They were fresh and well shucked with no grit in them. Then I had the clam chowder with bacon and WOW, I would come back for just this. Do not think about Chicago for New England style clam chowder normally but will think of this place from now on. A great selection of bourbons to choose from and some nice craft cocktails. Service was spot on from start to finish. Yummy!
(4)
Carlos P.
If you are visiting in town you must visit this place, my gf and I came here for the first time with some friends that live in Chicago and they know the owner and we were treated like royalty, this place was amazing for great fresh seafood we ordered a lil of everything but my fav were the oysters so fresh and clean tasting it was melt in your mouth! Another fav was the mussels just about everything we had was so good, we will def come back here
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Valet Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
John H.
One of my favorite restaurants ever! As a couple, we just walk in and pull up at the communal table or the bar, knock down some drinks and demolish some oysters. The sliders are amazing, solid (albeit small) beer selection and The Waitlist is delicious (my wife's favorite.
(5)CJ G.
Food was great, drinks were wonderful. Service was fantastic. Our bartender, Kristen, was awesome. Good conversation, and suggestions. If we lived in this town we would be regulars
(5)Kathryn R.
I loved this place. We had a 9:45pm reservation on a Friday night but walked in to sit at the bar around 9:15pm. The service was impeccable, we had a lovely waitress who was so friendly and spot on with her oyster recommendations. The oysters change nightly, so make sure to ask, we tried 3 different ones, the sauce that you can put on them was so refreshing and the oysters were clearly just off the boat. After that we had the tuna poke, again very fresh and light. Finished up with the fish tacos (comes with 3 but we got 4), they were actually the best thing we had, the fish was tender and there was a little crunch on top (I got a side of the avocado mouse to add to it.. yumm). For dessert we split the key lime pie and got vanilla ice cream instead of the ginger. All around great meal, cool atmosphere and awesome staff.
(5)Leah C.
I came here while visiting Chicago for the very first time. My friend mentioned that it just opened and had a great reputation. While I thoroughly enjoyed my experience here, I wouldn't say it's anything to "write home about." The service was nice but nothing memorable. The food was fresh and delicious... but then again, that's what I expected. I liked the tapas style presentation of food - my boyfriend and I ordered 3 dishes (Baja Shrimp Bruschetta, Lobster Mac & Cheese, Seafood Gumbo). I would say the Baja Shrimp Bruschetta was the best thing we ate - so fresh and bursting with flavor. As for the décor and ambiance, the restaurant was beautiful albeit fairly loud. They have a nice wrap-around bar and an overall elegant seating area. There is only ONE ladies room though so be prepared to wait if there's a line. Overall, this place met my (rather high) expectations but didn't necessary rise above them.
(4)Joan G.
GT lives up to its reputation and then some. An amazing meal during restaurant week. The food was superb, (of course the fish was fresh and beautiful to see, but the deserts were outstanding, too.). My group tried every choice and no one could decide which was best for each course. Giuseppe Tentori, the chef/partner extraordinaire was charming and definitely making sure all was running smoothly. His staff is first rate and subtlety present and efficient. My only complaint was that our car took a little bit longer than it perhaps should have from the valet.
(5)LaurenSerena K.
We loved the oysters. I liked the octopus, but the fish and chips were just ok. Way over priced for the food, but great atmosphere. It was disappointing every whiskey we asked for was out.
(3)Jordan E.
This place is one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago and a go-to when I have friends visiting. It is fairly easy to get a reservation, even for larger groups. Their food is amazing and the staff has always been friendly. The fish tacos are my favorite in the city! I have been to GT's for small intimate dinners, large corporate dinners, and brunch. The corporate dinner was a huge success. The space downstairs is very cool! It is decorated like an old ship and can fit around 30 people seated. The service was awesome and they helped me put together a menu to fit everyone's needs. They also provided multiple options for anyone with dietary restrictions. My only recommendation is to start offering their full lunch menu during brunch! I was craving the fish tacos one morning and was unable to order them.
(5)Mindy B.
The service and the food was outstanding. I was impressed completely by absolutely everything and everyone there. Thanks for a great evening, I'll be back.
(5)Fakhar K.
We had a solid time here. Came around 5pm on a Sunday night. Seated alright away. Very good waiter who was able to describe the differences between the oysters on the menu. This is a small plates restaurant so you need 4-5 dishes for two people. We ordered the octopus, fish tacos (no pork per my preference), fish and chips, lobster Mac and cheese. We also got a couple of oysters. The good is brought out very timely. I think most people who had a bad experience here was because of lost reservations or having to wait a while. That's probably because this place is awesome and things get busy. Will recommend highly to others.
(4)Andrew B.
Well-shucked oysters, great variety, decent presentation, tasty if not world-beating accompanying sauces. Dinged by disappointing shrimp & foie gras terrine, so-so ceviche, so-so cocktail. Very busy on a Wednesday at 6:30 PM, stayed packed when we left almost two hours later. Rather louder than expected (sitting at bar). Valet parking was parking some very expensive vehicles outside the door, but the atmosphere inside wasn't overly snooty. Some after-work business crowd, some after-work happy hour crowd, a few casual dressers but mostly business-dressy or date-dressy.
(4)Chris G.
Absolutely one of the best gnocchi dishes to be had. Seriously. GT's basil gnocchi with delicate bits of lobster and well-seasoned mussels certainly would allow the chef to walk out in the middle of ground zero in Chicago at Madison and State during rush hour and justifiably pat him or herself on the back, if they so desired. I didn't catch what the fish batter-crumbly parts were but they provided a great texture balance to the almost-too-buttery spinach-green gnocchi pieces that would be edible, fluffy clouds in another lifetime. This of course was supposed to be our supplemental tapas style lunch pick to go with the succulent and pudgy lobster roll with french onions, but it upstaged and definitely stole the show. All of this was great with a glass of cold Cava. While the dining room feels a bit like sitting in a would-be cafe portion of an Aromatherapy boutique location with splashes of the old Carson Pirie Scott in intense daylight, I would imagine that it's a much more suitable space after dark. We soon forgot about that as the key lime pie served in a small mason jar with crumbled ginger snaps and the lightest meringue came to the table. The lime was very intense and coupled with the ginger snap took on a pleasant lick of a rusty, outdoor handrail of an old leather club, but in a wonderful culinary way. The ginger should have been much more intense to match the complex taste of the lime, but we understand that most people would find that *too* intense. It's just that we didn't mind goin' cruisin' for a bruisin' after they started the whole thing with their smarmy, domineering key lime flavor. :)
(4)Jennie C.
Super-fresh oysters, and the grilled eel appetizer was amazing: the eel soft and fatty, and the cubes of potato & celery provide a fresh-counterpoint to the rich eel. There were also tender pieces of octopus in the dish. I'd order this again. Crabcake was beautiful to look at, and I liked the dill, which gave it some character and elevated it from your run-of-the mill crabcakes. Only disappointment was fish 'n' chips, which was very bland. I'm definitely up for returning and trying more dishes!
(4)Chicago T.
This review is based on one visit only. I've been wanting to eat here for some time. The many 4 and 5 stars this restaurant received encouraged me but after eating there I don't get it. This is a difficult review to write. The food presentation was great. The quality of the food seemed high. Our server was very attentive and friendly. The décor is outstanding. The oysters were definitely fresh and chilled perfectly. But the crab cake was okay. The shape was different. That's not a problem for me. It arrived as a oblong rectangle about an inch and a quarter high and about the same wide and about 5 inches long. It was obviously packed for cooking in a mini terrine type container. It had a nice char on top and may have been finished in an oven. But, and here is were the chef is going to hate this review, it was all crab. So what's wrong with that? The crab cake didn't pop; there was no wow factor. It's as if, excluding the shape, they were trying to reinvent the crab cake. It didn't work for me. Same with the clam chowder. Its a New England chowder. It was loaded with clams, not over loaded and beautifully served in a small mason jar. The consistency of the chowder was done rich, rich and creamy without the that floury taste. But the taste of bacon overpowered the chowder. It was almost too salty and I enjoy my food well seasoned. I tasted the homemade oyster crackers and yearned for the crisp oyster crackers in the little bag. The mussels were good. The accompanying toasted bread was over soaked with butter. Bottom line. If you are going to charge $11.00 for a cup of NE chowder, it should be perfect. The kitchen did not skimp on the amount of crab in the crab cake, but for $18.00 there should be some wow in the taste and not the shape.
(3)Katherine S.
I took my boyfriend here for his birthday dinner - needless to say we were above and beyond impressed with the meal and our service. We selected the Clos Cibonne Rose, which paired perfectly with every dish we ordered. We started with oysters (amazingly fresh), then had the smoked platter, the crab legs (steamed), and the mussels. Everything had incredible flavors and exceeded our expectations. We cannot wait to return!
(5)Cate S.
Great service. The food came out quickly and was delicious. The shrimp bruschetta was our favorite meal.
(4)Alan M.
This was my third trip to GT and it never disappoints. Great food and staff.
(5)Amanda Z.
I went here for my Dad's 60th birthday dinner with my family and was so impressed with the service, food, and atmosphere. Standouts...you MUST try the Oyster Po Boy Sliders. They are the perfect combination of savory, crunchy, salty, and satisfying. We ordered another round after we were full because they were that good. Oysters were delicious, so was the Tuna Poke and Sunfish Ceviche. I could have done without the Fish Tacos....they weren't very exciting and there are many other out of the box items on the menu. The mussels were also delicious...my only complaint was you needed more bread to soak up the delicious gravy. We loved our waiter and mentioned my parents were from out of town and they ended up giving us a free dessert and a gift card to come back on their next visit in town. Talk about customer service! They just made a customer for life.
(5)Sarah R.
Really loved this place! Fresh and delicious seafood. Great atmosphere. Really helpful and engaging service.
(5)Ania W.
Had oysters here for the first time. Great experience!!
(4)Mel A.
Went here last night for restaurant week. LOVED the oysters we ordered. Seriously. So good. I'd go back just for them. My favorite out of the Restaurant Week dishes was the Clam Chowder, which some people seemed to have not liked per the reviews (I checked before I went here). Listen guys, the chowder was great. Yes, it wasn't as thick as other chowders but not all chowders have to be thick with starch and flour. I loved the slight spiciness of it too. Anyway, the menu for restaurant week was great, and the staff was super friendly and attentive. YES, disclaimer: the portions are smaller (they are supposed to be), but if you want a giant trough of food, then go to Cheesecake Factory instead.
(4)Sarah L.
Grabbing a seat at the bar makes for the perfect Friday night, cheers!
(4)John H.
Great food and service in an engaging atmosphere. There were 4 of us so we had many items across the menu and each one was excellent. Very fresh and nicely plated. Even the desserts were great. Fairly priced for what you get. I recommend highly. Fit for foodies and all.
(4)Betsy P.
Woohoo! Yes, late night at its best. Can I hear a What What. Everytime I go out to dinner especially the city, I always turn to Yelp to help me make a delicious choice. I thank all of the Yelpers out there, because this place was awesome. I'm a foodie and having worked in the restaurant industry, food, service and ambiance are important. When it came to service, our female server was the best. Made recommendations and was very accommodating. Food was outstanding. My friend had the Clam Chowder and he said it was light, and packed with flavor. We tried the Fish Tacos - AAAAAMMMAAAAZING! Crabcakes & GT Crudos delcious. Looking for a place to eat, especially late at night. Head on down to GT Fish & Oyster. They will not disappoint.
(5)Elise P.
Everything here is so delicious. I'd come here every night if it was normal behavior. The drinks at the bar are also excellent. They know how to make a real cocktail. This is a fun place to come on a weekend and order dinner at the bar. It's always packed, and I can understand why.
(5)Brooke A.
We came here for an office dinner while the CEO was in town. This was my first experience with Tapas seafood. It was amazing! We ordered just about everything off the menu to share. We didn't have one bad dish. From the fish tacos to the lobster rolls, everything was bursting with flavor. I can't say enough about the lobster macaroni...Delicious! It got a bit loud towards the end of the night, but that it usually normal for most hot spots downtown. I would definitely recommend this place for a great group dining experience!
(5)Ali S.
This is currently my favorite place to have high-quality seafood in Chicago. As soon as I walked in, I could tell this is a really classy and hip place. The ambiance is wonderful and the restaurant is designed so well. You also see a lot of young professionals and couples eating there. I went on a Tuesday the first time, so I was seated right away. The second time was on a weekend, so I had to get a seat at the bar. This place is packed on the weekends, so make a reservation because average wait times are 1-2 hours. I was absolutely amazed by the dishes presented to me. This is the type of restaurant you go to if you want to enjoy the flavors and textures presented to you. I thought the food was filling, but for others that might not be the case. The first time I went I had the fish & chips; it was unlike any fish & chips I've had before. The fish was perfectly cooked, very light and flaky, and the crispy batter complemented the fish well. They give you a grilled lemon on the side, which gives you a smoky lemon flavor to add to the fish. The "chips" were very delicious potato wedges, they were seasoned really well and had a spicy kick to them. The dish was served with a variety of house-made sauces, malt vinegar, and tartar sauce. Overall, I highly recommend the fish & chips. The dish was $13 and it's definitely worth it. The second time I went, I had the seafood platter, which was $50 and serves two people. It was indescribably delicious and artfully presented. You could tell the oysters, clams, mussels, crab, lobster, and shrimp are really high quality and prepared well. It came with seaweed salad and a variety of sauces, ranging from spicy to sweet. The service was great, my waitress was friendly and took the time to explain the dishes. Overall, I really love this place and will definitely come here again.
(5)Carolyn M.
Have been here for dinner a few times, and a couple times for Sunday brunch. Food never disappoints, and the cocktails are amazing. Interesting spins on classic dishes. Biscuits and lobster gravy was great, added a second poached egg because, well, has it ever been wrong to add another poached egg to anything? Oysters are always, always, always fresh. Chicken and waffles....yeah, sinful perfection. Lobster roll...same, and just try to not eat all those crispy straws. Amazes me how different the experience is for brunch vs dinner, and hitting all the right notes for both occasions. Service is always spot on. Great atmosphere, one of my favorite spots.
(5)Harry L.
Great place, great oysters too (not to be confused with oyster stew, but they do serve clam chowder) This is one of the few places in town where I can go and be sure that I'm going to get good oysters. All of the food I have tried is really good and high quality. The tab can add up here -it's easy to put away a couple dozen oysters -but the quality still makes it a good value for the money.
(5)Roger A.
Found GT as I searched for a place to eat while we stayed in Chicago. Tapas style eating Shrimp bruschetta - delicious Oyster po'boy sliders - brought back memories of Nola. Fish tacos - some of the best I've ever had Lobster roll - melts in your mouth Octopus -
(5)Kori E.
Came back again on Friday night and had another wonderful experience. I ordered the Clam Bake again, because its that delicious, and once again it did not disappoint. We ordered 6 oysters and they were probably the tastiest oysters I've had all summer. The mac n cheese was probably the least favorite of what we ordered, but dont get me wrong, its still good. Everything is executed so well here from the food to the service. This is probably one of my top fave restaurants in Chicago...
(5)Sunshine C.
A-OK... sounds about right. Me and the person I ate with ordered 6 dishes in total and only 1 wow-ed me, 2 were good, and the other 3 were ehhh. I do suggest that you try the GT crudos and the crab cake. I would, however, ask you to pass on the octopus and prawn (oh goodness, especially the prawn). The prawn had a funky taste to it and the octopus was a bit too oily for me. But again... not great but A-OK.
(3)Jon L.
Fantastic brunch spot. Good drinks, great service, and an inventive menu. Fried oyster slider with kimchi and sesame aioli was a highlight.
(4)Elisa F.
The place has a great atmosphere nice decor. When we arrived for our reservation they said we had to wait a few minutes bc we had 5 people vs 4 from the res. 45 minutes later they sat us at a 4 top table with a chair pulled up - I was less than impressed. Overall it was okay. The portions are small and pricey so it's not a good place for dinner. I would suggest only going for drinks and a snack at the most.
(2)Steve V.
Best Brunch that we have had anywhere. The duck chilaquiles were perfect.
(5)Amy D.
Bottom line: Variety of fresh oysters for your choosing. Time: Early dinner around 6:45PM Occasion: Friend came to visit. Party of 3. Service: Attentive. - Knowledgeable. - Good recommendations from our server. Food: Fresh. - Their oyster selections is fresh. - Seafood options were all very tasty. - My favorite was the clam bake. Big enough to share, this pot of delicious goodness was filled with various seafood. Best part of it all was soaking up the wine sauce with the bread. Only wish they gave us more bread! - Dessert: CARROT CAKE!!! Still thinking about it.
(5)Jennifer N.
Dropped in on a Sunday afternoon to a near empty restaurant to be told that they were all booked up and that the bar was open. We were fine with sitting at the bar. The bartender/server seemed a bit aloof but that was okay just seemed off for such well reviewed restaurant - maybe it was the way we were dressed? Ordered: tuna poke, oyster slider, lobster roll, fish and chips, gnocchi, couple of beers The lobster roll was very good. The oyster slider was okay - we kept thinking good bread so that probably means we missed the point of the filling. Tuna poke had "not red" tuna which called into question the freshness. The fish and chips were greasy - the fish fell apart when I picked it up, then I had to peel away all the oily crust; the "chips" were potato wedges - not much to comment (didn't eat them after first bite). So we then ordered the gnocchi which actually called into question all our years of dining. Why is this gnocchi firm/hard? It was not crunchy but it was not pillowy - it was like biting into a piece of broiled potato mixed in a green sauce and little chunks of shrimp and mussel. My palate just told me it was the wrong texture. Maybe it was off night - I don't know.
(2)Nick L.
Best clam chowder I've ever had!!! And the lobster roll was great. It was a little expensive, but worth it. I'd go back.
(5)Alicia K.
I came here last Friday for a birthday dinner in the Whale Room - a hidden chamber in the basement of GT Fish & Oyster. It had a really great rustic/seafarer decor, with wood-paneled walls all around. There were about 20 people in the party. The menu was prix fixe and looked excellent - though because I am preggers was unable to have most of the items as it was raw seafood. My husband said that the raw oysters were phenomenal, as was the tuna poke and ceviche. Also on the menu were oyster po 'boys. I was a little bit peeved with the fact that my separate dinner was, for all intents and purposes, vegan - even though I didn't ask for that. My only request was no shellfish and everything cooked well-done. I feel that they should've done a better job accommodating people with DIFFERENT TYPES of dietary restrictions - especially in a private dining setting. That is the one thing that I was really annoyed about; every diner with dietary restrictions was basically given a vegan meal. And when I walked in to ask the server what would be on my menu, there were no notes. The chef was going to come up with something on the fly. Definitely an area that needs improvement. Overall, the food was delicious and I cannot complain at all about the freshness/quality of ingredients. I would definitely go back, but probably would be wary to host a private event there.
(3)Linda T.
OMG salted caramel tart=the bestest and most delicious thing ever! butter crispy crust with thick caramel, crunchy saltiness, topped with chunks of banana and creme fraise to make it all light and airy! i can eat 10 of those!! sticky toffee pudding was good as well. soft fluffy cake with sticky toffee, pecans and dates that were a bit tart. YUM! i believe the pastry chef brought out our desserts and described it to us...very pro! friend and I were in scrubs...totally not dressed for this romantic, classy place...but no one gave us the "look!" have not tried the food/oysters..but desserts definitely won me over!
(5)Nichole F.
My husband and I went here for restaurant week this week. It was our first time here and you better believe that we will be back! The look inside is very cool with these sweet looking lights everywhere. It is also a lot bigger than you think when you first walk in. For our first course, we both had the clam chowder. It was so delicious! Seriously the meatish clam chowder that I have ever had. It had a little bit of a kick to it too, which I loved! The second course that I had was the mahi which was very good, however, when I had bite of my husband's lobster sandwich, I demanded that we split our entrees! Oh man! I don't think my words can describe how delicious that lobster sandwich was. I want another right now! For dessert, I had a lemon coconut thing....amazing!! It was something that I would never order, but I enjoyed it so much!! My husband had chocolate cake with peanut butter. I don't love peanut butter on desserts, but this was really good too! Our waiter, Juan, was awesome! I loved this place and was so impressed! We are going back!
(5)Michael U.
I arrived to GTF&O minutes prior to my confirmed reservation and with both the patio and the dining room busy but not jammed packed I was greeted by the hostess and quickly led to a table on the cusp on the patio but out of the sun - a prime spot save for the fact that waiters seemed incapable of avoiding my chair as they carried plates in and out the door and after sitting for a few moments one of these servers approached-a man named Kevin who quite liked the phrases 'my friend' and 'bro' when addressing both my table and the one next to me. With the menu already present on the table before Kevin arrived he asked if I would like a cocktail and on declining he persisted in suggesting I take a look at the list to see if anything changed my mind...which it did not. Left to my decisions for the better part of fifteen minutes despite knowing what I wanted within a couple I spent some time perusing the scene-a vivacious bar crowd even at lunch indulging in a large platter of iced oysters, dark wood floors, ivory wood walls plus obvious nautical influences largely dominating my view then and later replaced by a large party of eight at the banquet next to me. A pleasant space overall and bathed in natural light I have to admit I was surprised that the restaurant was rather quiet, but seeing it at only half-capacity I imagine the nighttime scene is quite different. When Kevin finally returned I inquired about a couple of items failing to list the specific fish utilized and with the explanation that this changes depending on what is fresh I made my choices-3 savories and a sweet-while sticking with water as my beverage of choice, and with no bread service it would be perhaps fifteen to twenty minutes before the Clam Chowder with Neuske's Bacon and House Made Oyster Crackers arrived in a flip-top jar. Certainly not GT's most adventurous option but amongst the most celebrated I quickly took a bite and despite it being a bit too hot I was impressed, the creamy potage wowing with a smooth and buttery body, tender clams balanced by ample potatoes, and a smoky note that perfumed the palate. Generally not one to use crackers in soup but intrigued by the "house made" connotation I'll additionally note that while I'd have simply preferred some table bread to go with the soup the rosemary tinged brioche nuggets were quite good, though really unnecessary as the soup was quite textural even without. At this point with an empty water glass as back-waiters seemed clueless and Kevin had disappeared my empty bowl was collected after perhaps ten minutes and with my water then refilled I would wait...and wait...and wait for nearly thirty minutes before I flagged down a young lady and asked what was going on - an answer I never received, but to my best guess was either a computer or service glitch that led to my subsequent dishes never being prepared; a situation that was rectified with only a "sorry about that" after a nearly forty-five minute gap between appetizer and my 2-dish main course that the kitchen felt compelled to serve simultaneously despite both dishes being warm. Beginning first with the Rock Fish Tacos with Garlic Marinade, Chipotle Aioli, and Chicharron I was served two of Tentori's house made hot sauces - smolder and burn-which Kevin suggested I add a 'dash' of if the tacos weren't spicy enough. Generally not a fan of too much heat and wanting to taste the tacos at face value first I picked up one of the doubled soft corn tortillas and, well, generally not being a fan of bland-but-briny I ended up with more than a dash of sauce on each subsequent bite which helped to smooth out the salinity of the chicharron but did little to help the under-portioned dry fish. Faring better than the tacos, another dish that has become sort of a GTF&O signature was the GT Lobster Mac and Cheese with English Peas, a shallow but indulgent bowl of tender orechiette loaded with buttery nuggets of lobster and a twist of lime bathed in breadcrumbs and a blend of well balanced cheeses. An excellent dish already I'm rather uncertain as to what inspired Tentori and team to add the tender early season peas to the dish, but adding a splash of color and a touch of sweet it was a lovely choice. At this point quite full and a tad miffed at the lackluster service but committed to trying dessert as the menu contained one of my very favorite options I was offered coffee, which I declined, and nearly 115 minutes after walking through the doors the "Date Cake with Rum Toffee Sauce, Pecans, and Crème Fraiche" arrived to slightly mixed feelings. Beginning first with the good-if you like sticky toffee pudding or sweet desserts in general there is no denying that this steamed round was exemplary; a lovely sponge rife with fibrous dates and saturated with boozy toffee sauce as the crunchy pecans served as both a textural foil and a slightly bitter balance. Moving on to the not so good-the quenelle of Crème Fraiche...far to sour, far to much.
(3)Justin O.
Tried GT during restaurant week. The claim chowder and lobster sandwich were both great. The interior is pretty cool as well. I would go back.
(4)Shivika J.
Although the portion is small, the clam chowder was amazing!
(4)Stephanie L.
AHHHHHHHH, swing and a miss. So went here on Saturday night when it was BEAUTIFUL in Chicago. We were able to snag a table outside without a reservation. Nice. However, like many others mentioned, the gaggle of hostesses at the front is intimidating. I was kind of confused at the crowd standing there. The patio was great people watching. Service was good. Our girl was helpful in suggesting wines and dishes. Also, they were really on top of water, wine, and clearing the plates. Food was meh to A-OK. We had the oyster sliders. These were probably our favorite. However, I have to say, it was a fried little mess. How could it be bad? Next up, the lobster roll. While it was good, it wasnt anything special and definitely A-OK for the price. There wasnt any special flavor on it. It kind of reminded me of deli lobster salad?? The fish tacos had a pretty good flavor, although because of the corn tortilla, they tasted dry. I am not a fan of corn tortillas so that kind of took away from the dish. Lastly, we had the mussels. Again, they were just OK. I really like white sauce when it comes to mussels so these just didnt do it for me. There was just something missing in the creamy, red sauce. The salted caramel tart dessert was pretty good and we had a side of ice cream. YUM! Roll it all up and drop $300 for two after wine, plates, dessert and tip=not really worth it. I would have rather went somewhere else for that price. Its definitely pricey and nothing too exciting. I think one time here is enough for me. I just didnt think it was worth the price tag in all honesty. It was A-OK. It might be that I had high expectations because this has been on my short list for awhile now??
(3)Lorena P.
They boil the shell fish and seafood alive that's horrifying. I will never go back. But here is my review: The service is absolutely excellent! Which is most important to me. The Mac and cheese was creamy but nothing special, a little bland, also the noodles were not al dente they were soggy. I also had soba noodles they were magnificent, super heaven on a plate! The salad was good. Cheese cake was just ok my husband didn't like it because it was too much chocolate gnash. The wine and drink selection is amazing. The decor is beautiful, the bathroom was a little sad. So service excellent, food ok.
(3)Fredric S.
Tonight's dinner may have been one of my best ever. Based on the Yelp reviews, my SO and I took the cab ride from The Blake to eat at GT. Thanks to Derrick, the meal and the service were memorable. We started with a smattering of oysters on the half shell (fantastic) and moved in to the best chowder I have ever tasted. On Derrick's suggestion we shared the grilled octopus, fish tacos and (as a gift from the Kitchen who mistakenly made an extra) scallops with Lobster cannoli. Each dish had its own complex flavors (such as the roasted corn, seaweed and miso aioli with the octopus) which worked incredibly well together. The salted caramel tart to end the meal was amazing. An excellent meal at a very affordable price.
(5)Steven L.
I am a little torn about my review due to the food versus the staff. I went have lunch here today and as soon as I walked in, I felt I caught everyone off guard. Then, the hosted acted a bit smug about me not having a reservation, which throughout my meal proved to be a moot point since I was one of two tables in attendance. Then she suggested I sit at the bar due to my solo visit, however, I asked for a booth, which also seemed to be a burden but satisfied my request nonetheless. I ordered the lobster roll, which was quite good, although much smaller than the lobster roll, I had a Chicago Cut but it was far superior in flavor and presentation. It also was $9 cheaper but I think it is worth it even though it is much less food to devourer. Where things got bad for me was the busboy and the food, water, and flatware station positioned in the center of the room. This employee proceeded to cough relentlessly without covering his month while cleaning and preparing flatware in napkins. In addition to the germs he is putting on the silverware, he was positioned right above four carafes of water that were sans tops. I found this to be disgusting and refused their several attempts to refill my water from the same germ infested carafes. If you want to be high-end and smug, then act accordingly and teach your staff to mind their P's & Q's. I do not think I will be back.
(2)Adam G.
We went to GT for brunch. Sat at the bar and had good, attentive service from the bartenders. Everything was fine. We had the lobster roll which was filled with nice meaty chunks. The crab Benedict was a tad bit bland. We like GT, but the dinner menu is much better than the brunch.
(3)Jeremy A.
Went there for the first time on our last trip to Chicago. Loved all of it -- food, service, and setting. Service was friendly, attentive, and super-sensitive to my son's allergies. Food was delicious. We appreciated the small-servings approach, which encouraged us to share plates. Well worth doing, because it was all so good. We enjoyed oysters, shrimp bruschetta, lobster roll, lobster mac & cheese, and I forget what else. We'll gladly go back.
(5)Coleman B.
Well first and foremost the oysters are great. Really delicious, interesting and well described flavors by our server. The drinks were also pretty good. Its definitely a pricey place to eat and is very very difficult to get a table here. We sat at the bar, which wasn't unpleasant but I felt like they kept looking at us to give up our seats. Like are you done yet? otherwise one of my favorite dishes was the cold soba noodles. Wasn't too crazy about the squash blossoms, and everything else in between was very enjoyable. I would definitely like to come back here to explore a bit more on the menu (I just have to save up for it). Haha kidding, as if money was ever a problem.... :(
(4)Diane M.
GT Fish & Oyster is a very cool-looking restaurant. Very hip and trendy. The menu is impossible to read! Even with reading glasses, a spotlight lamp above the table and a flashlight. Terrible menu. However, once you finally figure out how to place an order, the food is all amazing. The oysters were good. The tuna poke was great. I would not recommend the gnocchi -- the smoked salmon was not a good flavor to add to it. The best thing about this restaurant -- the service. Emily was our server and she was fabulous -- she answered every question and knew everything about the menu. There was constant attention to our table -- so much so, that it seems almost like too much. We would barely eat the last crumb and the plates were swept away. It was a little too quick, if that makes sense. I still would return here. Great vibe.
(4)FatmanStan F.
Really nice layout, love the subway tile floors, lots of light. Very chic modern but slightly rustic decor. Friendly staff from the hostesses to the bar tenders and servers. I had the kimchi oyster mini slider, VERY good, I think I had three. We also got a half dozen oysters, 2 of 3 different varieties. I thought they were very good and the mignonettes were very good too. They don't do happy hour menus, so the prices kind of are what they are, and in all fairness it's fresh oysters in the middle of the country, so you can't complain too much. I would definitely come back here. Oh and they had a VERY impressive wall of bourbon, albeit I did not try it that day.
(4)Heather D.
Delicious good in relaxed but fun atmosphere. We were told 2-3 small plates per person, but this proved to be way too much good. I'd start with one per person plus an extra. If they come with three prices they will prorate a fourth if you are with a party if 4.
(4)Just Y.
Where the heck is the front door? Well, no problems finding the bar seating for this brunch. And boy were we happy we did. Delish. Three words - Smoked Whitefish Quiche. Great flavor, great texture, good serving size. It caused a bit too many fork fights with my dining companion, but worth it. Other side of the order had the Bagel and House Cured Lox, which had really nice seasoning and great salmon, but I wanted something a little more traditional than crème fraîche. Certainly not a show stopper, but I might explore the menu a bit more on my next visit. Great service as well - Always nice to see a bartender/server that knows when someone will want the holy triangle of morning drinks: coffee, OJ, and a Bloody Mary, and understands the correct order to get them to you.
(4)Kristin L.
Came here for brunch and ordered oysters immediately. One was better than the next! My boyfriend ordered the fried chicken and waffles, also fabulous! My only complaint is that the "brunch" menu was really only breakfast, with the exception of the lobster roll. I wished they had a few more lunch items on the menu, as our reservation was 1:30pm.
(4)Jenna L.
I really enjoyed the chilaquiles and monkey bread here for brunch! Paired with a bloody mary, it was perfect! The service and ambiance were wonderful - feels like a Pottery Barn store. I recommend going after 11am for brunch, it's a bit empty before then.
(4)Christy L.
Delicious! My friend and I arrived at 6:30 on a Saturday night in the hopes of getting seated at the communal table. We scored! It, however, was the Saturday before Easter and downtown, in general, was less crowded than normal. I'm not sure we'd have been so lucky during a non-holiday weekend. My friend started with a round of oysters; I passed as the slimy texture does nothing for me. She said they were tasty. We then shared the Tuna Poke, Oyster Po'Boy Sliders, Mini Lobster Roll, and Lobster Mac and Cheese. All were delicious, but our favorite was the Oyster Po'Boys followed closely by the Tuna Poke and Lobster Roll. The Mac and Cheese was still good - the lobster within the dish was generous, and the sauce not heavy at all (like an Alfredo) - just not as good as the rest. Our waiter told us the Oyster Po'Boys were featured as one of the top 10 dishes in the country, and I believe it. They were AMAZING! For dessert, we had the Deconstructed Key Lime Pie and the Salted Caramel Tart. The Key Lime Pie won hand's down! Be sure to save room for it. I love salted caramel, but the salt in the tart could have been stronger. Service was excellent, and the food, given where the restaurant is located, was reasonably priced. I am already looking forward to my next visit to GT Fish & Oyster!
(5)Sherry F.
Great loungy/upscale place. Definitely pricey - but great once in a while. I've had better everything I ate but I would recommend this place easy. Oysters = great Tuna poke = tuna was fresh, but standard, nothing too exciting Shrimp Bruschetta = delicious! We had to order it again, small bites but great flavors Crab cake = good, but could have used more crab and less "cake" Overall a great and fun time! If you're hungry, be prepared to spend as the portions are very small (1-3 bites) and priced from 15-25.
(4)Andi W.
My favorite restaurant in Chicago! So yum!!! Loveeee the lobster roll and clam chowder... Hands down best clam chowder I've ever had...! And they have great cocktail too! A must-visit when you are in Chicago!
(5)Chet M.
Heard a lot of good buzz when GT Oyster first opened and was exicited to see if Chicago finally got a serious seafood joint to rival those on the east and west coasts. Well, I finally got a chance to check them out during lunch and I'm sorry to report that we still do not have a contender. Not even close. I sat at the bar and observed the action and food coming out of the kitchen. Here's why: 1) No soft shell type Ipswhich belly clams on menu, like in Cape Ann. 2) No clams served on the half shell, like in Georgetown. 3) Fish & chips were about the size of 3 trick or treat Baby Ruth candy bars, not like the Pacific cod planks the size of a slipper in Big Sur. 4) A helping of clam chowder was a little larger than a sample at Costco. You could get unlimited samples this size on the wharf in Monterrey. 5) Oysters at $2.50 each with a min. of 6 to place order? Why not say min. of 3 beers, min. 4 sashimi, min. 2 filet mignon, etc. while at it? 6) The crab cakes are about the size of a marsmallow, not the size of your fist, like what you'd get in Baltimore. If they would only let the people eat, they might get a couple more stars. Can't fool this well traveled tongue. Seriously, I'd feel better spending my $$ at Lawrence Fisheries or Long John Silvers!
(2)Asma M.
Made a reservation for 9:30 on a Friday, showed up early and were still seated 30+ minutes later. Not a huge deal other than the fact that I was starving, who eats dinner at 10? -- We aren't in NY. But they comped us the ceviche app which good but could have used more lime and salt. We also sampled 4 types of oysters, all were fabulous! We then had the octopus, tuna poke which were pretty good and the soft shell crab which was very very good. We ended with the salted caramel tart, im not a big dessert fan but it was amazing! I'll go back but probably for brunch, lunch, or a light late night meal. Bill for two people and drinks about $185.
(4)Linda P.
We came to GT Fish and Oyster after my bf's dad recommended it (we still aren't sure that he himself has been there or if he just read/heard about it). I booked a reservation thinking we might go, but I wanted to d a little research first. I found some great reviews so we kept our table and I am SO glad we did. Such a fun trendy spot with a great vibe and very friendly staff. Our server was very helpful and outgoing (he even asked if we had any food allergies to make sure his recommendation were ok). We got a bottle of wine and began our experience. Everything is small plates so I recommend finding a bunch of things that sound good. What we ate: ~2 of each type of oyster. All delicious, but the last one listed on the card was our favorite (can't seem to find the name). ~Tuna poke ~Sunfish ceviche ~Alaska halibut ~Duck confit ~P.I.E oysters Everything was delicious. But my favorite part might have been dessert. We couldn't' decide what we wanted to we ordered 2! The Chocolate banana ganache and the SALTED CARAMEL TART. Holy. Crap. So good, I want to go back just for that! We really had such a lovely time at GT. It will definitely go on my must-visit list when I return to Chicago.
(5)Mad I.
VERY surprised at the reviews of this place...... still scratching my head.... Went here for our anniversary as I wanted to go after reading rave reviews. We got a 5:00 reservation over a month out (whoop-dee-doo) and as anticipated the place was still mainly empty when we left at 6:30. Okay, onto why I still have smoke coming out of my ears... This is THE most OVERPRICED and SMALLEST portions I have ever gotten in the city, and yes, I am referring to/considering downtown cuisine and prices when I say that. Here is what we had: Sunfish ceviche: ummm...I make this better at home, about 2 tablespoons of food, very forgettable. Lobster Roll: Can I call it that??? It was the already teeny weeny size, CUT IN HALF! You get half of the already tiny roll..literally.... $16...for ONE bite, holy s*** Lobster Mac and Cheese: You are known for this???? For a flavorless ramekin that had a morsel or two of lobster....come on.. Soft Shell crab: very battered, very salty, could get this for half the price and far better done with some edible dipping sauce at any sushi place. Was on top of this awful marinara corn stuff..blech! Spent $73 before tip and left hungry and pretty bummed. Would not return! There are soo many places to eat in Chi, and so much competition, I can't believe people are heading here and to top it off reviewing it so well..... ?????
(1)Tony G.
My favorite small plate seafood place in the city! Each dish is a true treat to any foodie's palate. Tuna poke, shrimp bruschetta, fish tacos, lobster roll, mussels...just to name a few. HIGHLY recommend the oyster po'boy slider...absolutely my favorite dish here. The salted caramel tart with flambeed bananas has to be my favorite dessert in this city...AMAZING!
(5)Cyn C.
Service was spectacular. We had a delightful waitress who was very helpful in our menu selections. We shared a "Waitlist" which was fresh and tart. (tip: if you want a taste of a cocktail but don't want to drink an entire cocktail, ask them to split it. most nice restaurants will do so w/o batting an eye). We debated heavily over getting a selection of cold and hot dishes, but ended up ordering the Oyster Po' Boy sliders, fish tacos (they gave us an order of 4 tacos so we could evenly split), and the clam bake. The sliders were very unique and delicious. The bread was soft, the oyster sweet and savory, and the radish was nice and tart. I just wish it was bigger. The fish tacos were ok... just not all that memorable. Everything was perfectly cooked, but... I think the flavor wasn't as bright as I had hoped. The clam bake comes out in a huge covered stone pot. Inside is a delicious array of potatoes, corn, mussels, and clams. I wish they served it with more bread so you could sop up all that delicious broth, but I am sure I didn't need to eat more bread. My friend and I also ordered the salted caramel tart with creme fraiche and bananas. A perfect ending. All those flavors together just sung.
(5)Polly S.
GT, you continue to impress me! Returned with reservations for dinner on a Tuesday night. Specifically requested the main dining area vs. the smaller seating area by the boomerang table we sat by last time. There is a noticeable difference between the two. The main dining room is more "restaurant" with intimate side table seating and large family style communal tables (seemed like older patrons preferred this), whereas the boomerang section is more hip and happening (young and loud). Service was again outstanding with good plate pacing. Had the lobster mac and cheese this time around and it knocked my socks off. BBQ Eel was a winner as well. The PEI mussels came with delicious bread to sop up the tasty sauce. The other new dish we tried was the haddock dip with taro chips which was okay but I would not get again amongst the shining stars of other options. Do not leave this place without trying: the sunfish ceviche, the lobster roll, and the lobster mac & cheese.
(5)Tessa M.
Came to GT to celebrate and was not disappointed! I have a food allergy and the bartender (we sat at the bar) was very gracious and seemed really knowledgeable about things I could or could not eat. The tuna poke was amazing, as were the raw oysters (naturally. ) Try them with the mignonette or the GT burn hot sauce! I had the grilled Penn Cove oysters, so good! My husband loved his po'boy and the swordfish was fantastic. Thanks to my allergy I thought dessert would be out of the question, but our outstanding bartender/server recommended accommodations for the apple dessert (cinnamon ice cream with apple sorbet, usually comes with date cake and a streusel topping) so that I could enjoy it too. If you're dining at the bar, make sure you sit in Kayla's section, she was so helpful and knew her stuff!
(5)Katy K.
Came here for brunch and everything on the menu sounded so good! I went with the lobster biscuit and gravy which was amazing. Service was good, although we could sense annoyance when we wanted the bill split. The cocktails are overpriced too. $11 for a bourbon Bloody Mary that looked awesome but didn't really taste awesome. The food will definitely bring me back!
(4)T I.
Brought two coworkers from out of town for 6:30 reservations on a Thursday, place was packed. We had a drink at the bar, great service and great martinis. I've been here six times and have very high expectations because they always deliver some of the best food and flavors around, very creative dishes and wonderful presentations. We had the fish tacos, oyster sliders (amazing), soft shell crab, and fish & chips...all great. I didn't order the lobster roll (have had this a few times), but it's not great for $28, much better rolls around town. My friends couldn't say enough good things about the food and overall experience. The only negative was that we did feel rushed, always being asked what we wanted next without a breather. We didn't order all of our small plates at once, which is what I think they prefer to move the table. That could also just be good and attentive service. Great place as a whole.
(4)Jennifer P.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Modern seafood, small-plate concept with dishes that are both creative and utterly delicious! We ordered about 2 dishes per person and it was plenty of food. The food ... Where do I start?! You can't go wrong with anything on the menu .. the shrimp bruschetta with grapefruit, cilantro and avocado .. AMAZING. The Octopus with purple potatoes ... one of the best octopus dishes I've ever had ...the fish tacos were delicious .. so flavorful .. the lobster roll was great too. The waiter recommended finishing off the night with mussels but we were too full! Dying to try those next time! The service ... incredible. I'm gluten free and the waiter took time to go through the entire menu with me, telling me the variations they would make ... my portion of the bruschetta was on a piece of jicama, rather than bread. Brilliant! My portion of the lobster roll was on lettuce. They really catered to my dietary needs, more than any restaurant I've ever dined at. The atmosphere ... Sophisticated and sleek, with rustic details. SO anxious to go back!
(5)Michelle Z.
Had a sort of pre-new years celebration on Monday. The service was great. I ordered a cocktail, and didn't really like it. They replaced it with a different one and took it off the bill no questions asked! The food is perfection. Absolutely loved everything we ordered. The oysters were everything you could ever want from oysters. I absolutely loved the tune poke and the octopus. Everything was extremely fresh and delicious. The dessert was above and beyond. The carmel tart and the Baily's ice cream were amazing! Overall an amazing experience!
(5)Michele M.
I used to love her..... Previously loved this place, but I won't be back anytime soon. I used to brag that they had the BEST lobster roll I've ever had.....I'd even order 2 in 1 visit. 1 to eat there and 1 to take home. Was there last week and found that they've reduced the portion size to half and skimped on the lobster. When I mentioned something to the greasy manager in a suit, he snidely looked at me and said...'yeah, we've changed it'. My buddy is a bartender there and said that the manager took off a glass of champagne off my bill b/c of my complaint....which wasn't the case. BOTTOM LINE: Food and level of service has changed since they opened, though still fresh and some of the better sea food in the city.
(3)Katie P.
So glad I finally made it here for dinner! My friend and I sat at the communal boomerang table that is first come first serve. Not the most comfortable but the food made up for it. The major stand outs were: Oyster Po'Boy Slider- Next time I'm ordering at least 2 just for myself! Mini Lobster Roll- Super light and delicate Tuna Poke- Very fresh and loved the mango with it I'll be back but next time will get a reservation so I can be a little more comfortable!
(5)Vanessa B.
Okay, this is another place I break my try a new restaurant rule (this and Hubbard Inn) because I can't get enough of their crab cake. But I'm finally giving them 5 stars because I reluctantly, at the urging of others last night, ordered dessert yet again, expecting to be disappointed but was more than pleasantly surprised! We tried the chocolate stout mouse, salted caramel tart, and the sticky toffee cake. I LOVED the salted caramel tart and toffee cake. The caramel was sweet and salty and paired perfectly with the banana on the plate. The toffee cake was outrageously good and I'm already thinking about how I can attempt to recreate it in my own kitchen. I always loved their seafood, but I'm so glad they finally stepped it up with the desserts so I can add on that extra star. P.S. I had a really great french martini or two there last night as well!
(5)Rita W.
I expected this place to be more hype than actually have good food, but I was pleasantly suprised to find that it was quite delicious! Atmosphere is pretty nice - from the outside it looks like your typical downtown restaurant - sleek, minimalistic, you know the usual... But when you venture into the main part of the restaurant, the big tables are set in a way that it feels like you are in someone's giantic house. Our table was this large wooden oak table, it had a nice feel to it. I would highly recommend trying their oyster selection, I forget which oyster I had but the $3 one, it is really worth every penny. Definitely be sure to get the clam chowder, like all of the reviewers say, it is amazing! It is full of clams and potatoes and has a wonderful smokey flavor that is not overpowering. You have to order at least an oyster po boy sandwich (or two...or three) for yourself. These little sliders are so delicious, a fried oyster, a little bit of kim chee all put together on a nicely butter toasted roll - I seriously could have eaten 2-3 more! I am not usually a big fish and chips fan but the fish and chip were awesome here. The fried fish was fluffy and tender and the chips were these big potato wedges, it was pretty good. Lobster roll had huge chunk of lobster and onion frites - very yummy, I only wish their lobster roll wasn't so tiny! One order serves at most two! We also ordered the whole roasted fish..which to be honest, was kind of like chinese steamed fish to me so I didn't feel like it tasted like anything special. I love all gnocchi dishes but I would not waste your time on ordering the gnocchi here, it was dense and overly chewy, I think it was the worse gnocchi I have had. overall I was very happy with my experience here! Would def recommend!
(4)Oceans L.
Was underwhelmed... Wait service was adorable, yes. Ambience of the restaurant was confusing. It's a dimly lit and well decorated so those are good points for a date night, but they were showing ESPN on the bar TVs? Like, c'mon, most girls know this, but for a romantic date night, usually you want to avoid places that show ESPN. Those places are for the nights when you want to show your boyfriend what a "cool chick" you are because you can talk baseball/basketball/football/racquetball or whatever floats his boat, and Not for the nights when you put on your heels and carry your handbag in the crook of your elbow. Anyway, I digress... The point is that there's a bit of an identification crisis going on here. Quality of food was decent but extremely overpriced for ridiculously small proportions. Yes I know it's a tapas place, but $19 for a lobster roll that wasn't very good on a small dinner roll is pushing the envelope if you ask me... I'm not one to be a Scrooge about spending in food, but I don't even think "quality" can justify this one...
(3)Shirley L.
Alright, so I really liked the food but not the portions or the prices. We ordered: Gnocchi scallop, sun-dried tomato, shishito pepper Mussels roasted tomato, basil, ciabatta GT Lobster "Mac And Cheese" english peas Mini Lobster Roll lobster salad, pickled vegetables, fried onions Oyster Po'Boy Slider kimchi, peanuts Faroe Island Salmon sticky rice, mushroom dashi, spring onion, ramps Salted Caramel Tart bananas, chantilly cream, chocolate Key Lime Pie (not what you'd expect) Overall, the food was good but I've had equally good or better for better prices. The few dishes that stood out for me, and made the trip worth it, were the Oyster Po-Boy Sliders (i only had one, next time i'd want at least two) and the Salmon sticky rice. I'd also probably come back with just one person as opposed to a group of four, because the small portion sizes make it hard to sample the food tapas style.
(4)Vanessa C.
Made a reservation on Opentable and came here for our first dinner in Chicago. The food is delicious and light! We would definitely come back the next time we're in the city. Aside from a plethora of oysters, we also got the following amazing dishes: Sunfish Ceviche (chimichurri, jicama, radish, tostada) Baja Shrimp Bruschetta (avocado, toasted pistachio, grapefruit, cilantro) Fish Tacos (garlic marinade, chipotle aioli, chicharron)
(5)Banu S.
This place clearly has enough good reviews, I don't need to go into a lot of detail here. GT is definitely one of my favorite places in Chicago. Everything on the menu is fantastic, from the oysters to the amazing desserts. I've been here a number of times, sometimes just with my husband, other times with a group of friends and a few times for corporate dinners. I've never had a bad meal at GT. My personal favorite items are the soba noodles, oyster po 'boy sliders (honestly one of the best things I've ever eaten), the octopus and the key lime dessert.
(5)Tim S.
Heard great things. Had a 2:45pm reservation for Easter Brunch. Arrived at 2:59. Receptionist told our party of 6 too bad so sad. Business must be good.
(2)Yun Summer H.
love their oysters, but not a big fan of lobster roll.
(4)Nikki K.
Although expensive, I walked away full and happy! Kimchi Po'boy Slider was my ultimate favorite - it didn't sound that great but it was amazing! Shrimp Bruschetta & Octopus also topped my list! Good ambiance and good service - I'll definitely go back!
(4)Sandy V.
If you haven't been to this restaurant you must run or actually sprint to your phone and make a reso! We came to GT for my birthday dinner on a Wednesday night and it was full of life when we walked in. This is typical in our city, every night of the week is an opportunity to dine lavishly and drink a couple of cocktails. The ambience was sexy with a mixture of rustic chic. We started our night with amazing oysters (note: you must try their amazing hot sauces "smoulder" & "burn") and the octopus dish which was unbelievably good! Also if you're going to try a drink you must get "old dog new tricks",it was refreshing and tasty. To finish off dinner we had the lobster Mac and cheese with the mussels dish ( if you're getting these wait till the end of your meal to devour. This is something the waitress told us to do. In the end we were happy we took her advice)! The service was on point and the staff was very helpful!
(4)Yao M.
Came here for dinner last Friday. My friends and I had a great dining experience, from service to food and drinks. The waiter was very friendly and made great recommendations on the drinks. Oysters were super fresh, clam chowder was very flavorful, the sauce for the crab cakes were amazing and other dishes we ordered were delicious. The only dish that was disappointing is the lobster mac and cheese - it lacked flavors, but GT was very generous with the lobster. I would definitely come back.
(5)Amir B.
Great food. Impressive every time. Amazing service.
(5)Micha Z.
Two people ordered for Saturday brunch/lunch: -Bloody Mary [$11] (YUM!!! A little too much pepper for my taste, but the garnish on top was delicious and adorable - eat the shallot!!! It's pickled and super flavorful...and won't give you onion breath I promise! ;) Doesn't taste strong at all but after I finished half I definitely felt a little tipsy) -Bourbon Bloody Mary [$11] (did NOT like the one sip I had...but that's probably cause I'm a straight up traditional Bloody Mary-hide-the-vodka-taste kinda gal.) -Dozen oysters [$2.50-$3.00 each] (2 of each flavor: they give you a nice sheet labeling which oysters you got so you can remember which ones you liked...my favorite was the "sweet" one...should have taken the placard because I can't remember what it was called anymore...sad. Instead of traditional ginger/cocktail sauce, they give you this light Ponzu sauce and Tomato-y flavored sauce...but I found that the oysters are so fresh and flavorful, it was actually better w/o anything on top! Definitely the BEST and cleanest oysters I've ever had. Not a single microscopic grain of sand.) -Crab Benedict [$14] (Eggs were poached PERFECTLY! Pretty hefty crab chunks and the sauce on top was creamy and delicious. I would DEFINITELY get this again.) -Restaurant week lunch menu [$22], which included 3 things: 1. Clam Chowder (didn't try this, but it looked really watery...I like chowder to be thick and CHOWDERY! Came with these weird looking croutons on the side that looked like those cubes of gum...) 2. Lobster Roll (didn't try this either...but it looked kind of unbalanced haha...WAY too many deep-fried onions, with a tiny little lobster sandwich on the side). 3. Chocolate Parfait (SOOO GOOD! The mousse on top was super light and fluffy, and there was a very dense and rich chocolate brownie at the bottom...eat it fast though as it melts into chocolate sauce!) It took a really long time (even with a 1:30pm reservation) to be seated since they're ridiculously busy...and food was served extremely slow, but with drinks and good company it wasn't distracting. We were STARVING though, so would have appreciated something to snack on during the wait. Servers were really nice and helpful...just wish food had come out a little faster! Their menus are adorable and very Etsy...don't sit next to the windows if you get cold easily though. I was FREEZING ...until I had my Bloody Mary ;) tl;dr - $120 total for 2 people (with tax/tip)...very pricey, but for the quality and amount of food, I would definitely go back...on Pay Day. For sure a splurge meal, but you won't regret it if you love oysters!
(5)Eric V.
Attention seafood lover in you. Seek no further than GT Fish & Oyster and you will truly be treated to some fine fine fruits de mer. My first trip here was during their first week of lunch service so I treated myself to the clam chowder and lobster roll. The chowder wasn't overly creamy or heavy (not that that's a bad thing) and had a subtle vinegar kick from their homemade hot sauce. The lobster roll was generously packed with large chunks of fresh lobster. I also appreciate how lightly it was dressed to let the lobster get its shine on. My return trip was for a weeknight dinner with friends. While not every dish was a five-star winner, there were many memorable standouts, including a refreshing tuna poke and quite possibly the best lobster mac and cheese in town. The fried oyster po'boy slider is truly slider in size, but the flavors and textures from the perfectly fried oyster, peanuts, and kimchi were pretty fantastic. So much so that I ordered a second one and made my friends watch me eat it. I'm cruel, I know.... The portion sizes do not lend themselves to becoming gut-busting full, but this affords the perfect opportunity to try their desserts. Whether it's the ridiculously good peanut butter semifreddo we tried that night, or whatever else is on their dessert menu, at all costs do not skip dessert. If you're a patient diner and enjoy your seafood as nature intended, then stick around till 10:00 PM to enjoy half off oysters. It's the perfect way to sample the no less than half dozen different oysters that grace their menu on a daily basis. The decor is fish shack inspired, but with a modern vibe and darker color palette to fit in with the River North surroundings. Even so, the atmosphere still remains casual and relaxed. Our final tab wasn't t necessarily light on the wallet, but in the end I'm hard pressed to think of a better place in Chicago to enjoy the ocean's finest.
(4)Phill C.
I took my mom here for her birthday, especially since she loves seafood. The service was excellent and the food was great! There are plenty of dishes to choose from, which are mostly small sharing plates enough for about two people each. We ordered a bunch of dishes, as well as a dozen assorted oysters. The oysters were fresh and the GT cocktail sauce was tasty. My favorites of the night were the Oyster Po'boy sliders w/ kimchi, Shrimp Bruschetta (with awesome fluffy avocado mouse), and Lobster Roll. How can you not like a buttery roll, packed with tasty lobster meat, and topped with fried onions? The Tuna Poke was good, but even better was the Clam Chowder. It's served in a little mason jar, packed full of clams and Neuske's bacon. Plus you get some house-made oyster crackers on the side. No matter how full you are, you have to order dessert. They have a Salted Caramel Tart that is amazing. GT does great seafood with a twist and it's definitely a nice change of pace.
(5)Brett F.
I'm pretty sure the Yelps are already on the up and up with the haps on the craps when it comes to GT. I know you already know that: // It's popular. // Really popular. Like Luke Perry almost untouchable popular. // You need a reservation, or you can pray to get a walk-in seat at the bar, as I did. Lucky! // It's a good date spot if you're (wink wink) maybe trying to take a foodie out somewhere fun and fabulous. // It's also a solid place to take your boss. Or your mom. Or your boss's mom. // Awesome cocktails are abound. What you may not know is that: // The Osetra Caviar service is served beautifully with a bit of a contemporary twist and absolutely worth every penny and then some. If you're a caviar fan, or just looking to be a big baller like Kanye for a night, get it. // The Sunfish Ceviche with chimichurri, jicama and radish is all things fresh, refreshing, punchy and divine. Lick a kickback to Summer, it tastes like sunshine. // The Brandade Croquettes are bananas. But not literally. Just really good, fried, yummy cod all velvety and lucious-like. Order two and give me one. // KUMAMOTO OYSTERS WITH PONZU MIGNONETTE. So damn delicious a dozen ain't enough. And one last secret: // The Eel & Turbot Terrine with eel gastrique is just as gnarly unfabulous as it sounds. You don't always have to be "the adventurous one" at the table. Tasty, trendy, fishy, fun, All my favorites wrapped in one. The eel was bad I know fo sho, But still love me some GTF&O.
(4)Cristian V.
Been meaning to get to GT Fish & Oyster from Milwaukee for a while, almost booked it for my anniversary as it came highly recommended. God bless the person who recommended it. Place was as gorgeous as the pictures had shown. The dishes....Shrimp Bruschetta, I think I can comfortably say the best bruschetta I've ever had. OYSTER SLIDERS, I ordered another round of them midway through the first bite! Lobster Ravioli, delish. Overall I would say just a BIT on the pricey side, except that the flavors were so delicious that every bite was well worth it. I look forward to another visit. 4.5 stars out of 5, just cus if I was hungry & looking to leave full I'd have to break the bank.
(4)Albert M.
They were closed. I guess they had an mechanical failure but I would of appreciated an e-mail or a phone call, because I was in Chicago for business and was taking clients there, I was not happy. Albert M.
(1)Phil M.
Was anxious to try oysters for the first time so I googled this place. Very chic and trendy spot in downtown Chicago. I sat at the bar- right in front of the guy who was shucking the oysters. The waitress gave me a quick lesson on oysters and a place card that detailed the different types of oysters- where they're from, how they taste, texture etc. Very informative because I had no idea that oysters from the east coast taste different than oysters from the west coast. I ordered the sampler which gave me one of each- total of six. You also have options for the dipping sauce to put on the oysters which were all good. But just like wine and food, certain oysters taste better with certain sauces. I loved all of them! I polished off my oysters which took all of 4 minutes and was on to the gorgeous Lobster Roll. This was so damn good! Big chunks of Lobster meat with herbs and spices- delicious! The Lobster Roll was also served with French Fried Onions which was a nice twist to the normal French fries you can get anywhere. Although the Lobster Roll was delicious, please be warned, IT IS NOT CHEAP! The Roll with the French Onions was $28. All in all this is a great place to take out of town guest for some delicious oysters and great service. Just remember: oysters and lobster aren't cheap so dine and spend wisely, lol!
(5)Jaime S.
I came here for a work/friend dinner. Where Tizi Melloul was dark and private(makes sense with all those belly dancers), GT is open and airy w/ floor to ceiling windows. We ordered two of each type of oyster, which I loved. I finally know whether I like east coast or west coast oysters better! We followed that up with a shrimp bruschetta, Fish and Chips, fish tacos, and mussels. The bruschetta was very different but tasty, and the mussels were great, albeit a little too garlicky for a date night. I only give GT 3 stars because except for the mussels, the portions were overpriced for the size. Thankfully someone walked past a lobster roll at another table otherwise we would have shelled out $23 for very little lobster.
(3)Cat L.
Where do I start ... This place is amazing!!! The food here is delicious! My boyfriend and I came here for our 6:00 p.m. reservation and we were seated immediately. We started off with oysters and a few appetizers. The oysters were great. We were able to try 6 different types. We also had an appetizer which was the gazpacho soup. So flavorful, and was one of my favorites. We also got the clam chowder, oyster slider, fish and chips, lobster roll, crab cake, and the squash. They were all flavorful and great. The only one I wouldn't get again would probably be the crab cake. I have had better crab cake elsewhere! For desert, we had the malt sundae. Truly amazing! I would definitely recommend this place to anyone. Service was great, food was delicious, and you get what you pay for!! Great atmosphere.
(4)Julie K.
Great seafood place. A little bit on the pricier side but worth it. The seafood pasta, seabass and octopus were the best dishes. The po boy was disappointing. I would definitely go back again.
(4)Misoo M.
Short story: Great service, great food, go immediately. Long story: Since my original review, I've tried a few more dishes here, which have been great (shrimp and grits, crabs benedict, all of their west coast oysters, and lobster mac & cheese. All delicious, get them all, but fair warning that lobster mac & cheese is a little skimpy on the lobster). Their drinks are strong too. What really merits an update is their great service, which my boyfriend and I experienced during his birthday dinner. The lobster roll is now officially my boyfriend's favorite entree in Chicago (which is saying something, as I've dragged him to most of the nice restaurants in the city), so I booked a dinner reservation for his birthday (2/15), which was not only a Saturday night, but Valentine's Day weekend. Yikes, right? The staff was actually incredibly accommodating when I changed my reservation time (3 times.. sorry guys!) and despite the restaurant being pretty packed that evening, we were in and out in record time, and the food was of course delicious. I mentioned in the reservation that it was his birthday, and we were presented with a $20 gift certificate at the end of the meal...which my boyfriend vows he will spend on another lobster roll. Wonderful place to go for a casual meal or a special occasion.
(5)Eric B.
When I was married, my friends filled my pockets with American dollars, and told me to eat at GT Fish & Oyster, and how I would be pleased. But then I deplaned down to Sint Maarten, and ate my fill of fish and lobster, and it was good. And I forgot about GT, for I had my fill of seafood. But then, later, my wife reminded me of our bounty, and I recalled how it could be well appreciated at GT. Yet I worried, would it be as good as my fishing in the bounty of the Caribbean? But my wife, in her gentle manner, admonished me that I should have an open mind, and so we embarked to River North, to GT. And it was good. GT is a clean, well lighted place, with wide open windows and attractively tiled floors. I was pleased as I walked down the glass hallway into the dining room, and how I was swiftly seated by the tall, slim, attractive maitre'd, who graciously whisked away my camelhair coat and fedora to the coatroom, while I waited for my wife to return from the powder room. I absorbed the energy of the room and relaxed as I escaped from the howl of the Great Lake, whose grand winter winds form our stout yet forgiving Midwestern character. After my wife rejoined me, our waiter appeared and cajoled us for libations. Knowing of the love our local press has for the GT manhattan, I ordered one, and it was good. Full of warm bourbon whiskey with a collar of Italian Amaro, it recalled in me pleasurable memories of my days in the war. I sipped and meditated upon it and it was good. For food, we began with the GT seafood platter, which was brought to us upon a double tray, for I splurged on oysters, which is my wont. I found it to be very pleasurable. The mussels were meaty; the clams creamy; the shrimp, lobster and crab legs plump and juicy. In particular, I found the oysters to be simply perfect, briny as the first night I spent off of Cuba, searching for that elusive marlin, shucking oysters by the hour until he finally breached the sea with his majestic dorsal fin. I enjoyed my seafood platter immensely and found it to be very satisfying. A plate of octopus soon followed, which recalled to my mind my days spent on the shores of Capri. The octopus was poached, then seared, and had not a spot of crust upon its tentacles but simply melted in my mouth, and it was good. My dear wife Kelly munched on fish tacos, as is her wont, and was similarly pleased. We continued dinner with lobster macaroni and cheese. We found the dish to be full of lobster, and were happy. The cheese had a consistency of bechamel, which, while we generally prefer cheddar, was, we believed, a wise choice by GT, for it allowed the flavor of the lobster to shine through. It was good. We finished with two desserts, a caramel tart and a chocolate pie. Kelly stated that her dessert was the finest she had ever eaten, and I agreed that it was a fine dessert. For my part, I found my chocolate pie to be a delicious, rich dessert. I would order it again, without hesitation. In fact, dear reader, I would recommend it to you. I washed it down with a second GT Manhattan, which is as fine a digestif as an aperitif. I then requested a Manhattan made with a Rye from the gold mining town of San Francisco. While serviceable, I believe that the "49ers", as they are often known, are better gold miners than distillers. As our evening came to a close, I left GT sated and satisfied, and in hunt of my next cocktail. I knew that I would return for oysters and whiskey soon, very soon.
(5)Kate R.
Absolutely fabulous food. We came for dinner and ordered a number of small plates. Our server was wonderful: friendly, personable and attentive. He took the time to joke and talk with us even though it was a busy Friday night during lent and the restaurant was packed. He made suggestions, but was considerate enough not to push us. The food was served in separate courses, according to how heavy it was and the amount of preparation, so we could enjoy each course before the next one arrived. I particularly enjoyed the fact that, as busy as it was, we were not rushed to give up our table and were allowed to savor our food and leisurely finish our drinks. Here's a brief breakdown of what we ordered: Oysters - We sampled each of the six oysters. I'm indifferent on oysters, and I enjoyed them. My oyster loving friends seemed to think they were wonderful and started debating ordering a second round. Clam Chowder - delicious! It's a smaller serving in an adorable mason jar, so we passed it around between the three of us. It was smooth and rich with a perfect blend of all the flavors. Crab cake - quite possibly the most delicious thing I have ever eaten. It comes in a small loaf and is melt in your mouth delicious. Octopus - again, fabulous. Arugula Gnocchi and GT Mac and Cheese: I think by this point we were getting full. These were both wonderful, but a bit heavy compared to everything we had eaten. We decided in the future we'd do one or the other but probably not both. I was particularly impressed to have the flavor of the arugula still come through in the Gnocchi. Overall, a great dinner experience! It was pricey, but definitely worth the price. I should add that we are usually a loud group with a tendency to talk over each other and there was silence at our table, the food was so good!
(5)Natalie P.
This place is pricey, but it provides Ann overall great dining experience. Cold Plates: baja shrimp bruschetta, green tea soba noodles & shishito pepper and cantaloupe salad were all amazing. Hot Plates: mac & cheese, eggplant and the Po'Boy were delicious. The fish tacos were good but nothing special. The GT crudos are also a must try. Our server and waitstaff were very attentive. Keep in mind the dinner prices on their website are outdated.
(4)Andrea K.
Been wanting to eat here for a while now and everything was as great as expected. Oysters were incredible, the tuna poke, soba noodles, lobster dumplings were all great. That said this review is based on the unbelievable salted caramel tart for dessert. Holy yumminess this is the best dessert I've ever had in my life. If you have the opportunity to try this, DO IT, you won't be disappointed.
(4)Xixi Z.
3 words. Souped up redlober (I know but I thought 3 words was more dramatic than 4) We got all 6 oysters on the list. Indian creek was the best. Salty and refreshing. Not to oyster-y tasting (that fishy smell if you know what I mean) Next was seared tuna salad. The flavors were nice - tangy kick with a nice juicy thing of fish and the tuna was real fresh. But texture needed work. The soft tuna next to the soft poofy leaves didn't strike a large enough contrast... because then I felt like everything was a soft mush. I wish they picked a set of crunchy leaves for the contrast. Then came the octopus. Fried octopus sat on a wasabi/mayo blend paste for flavoring and some purple potatoes to offset everything else. Nice blend of flavors and the wasabi was toned down by the mayo for anyone not a fan of spice. Then came the anticlimatic upset - lobster roll. It was the most expensive thing on the menu and because of the good reviews it's gotten, we thought it'd be a nice finish to top off the night. Negative. The lobster was fresh indeed but the butter of the bread just drowned out everything. I felt like the seafood was spoiled by the mediocre buttery roll. The last dish could've been better but still had a good night here. 3 stars.
(3)Kristin M.
Perfect marriage of superior service, great atmosphere and delicious food and drink! Here's the food ranking, in order of yumminess: -fish tacos - I am in love with these. It's rare to get fish tacos that aren't deep fried, and these were delicious. The aioli was really flavorful. I could eat these every day of the week! -salted caramel tart - light as a feather but packed with flavor, this was a total win! -sage gnocchi - I usually don't order gnocchi because they rarely get it right, but this was perfectly cooked with a delicious broth, nicely cooked crab and a scoop of burrata. Delicious -octopus - there are a lot of flavors going on in this dish, but it was great. The octopus was perfectly cooked, not at all rubbery -oysters - we did a chef's choice of one west coast and two east coast each. We both loved the ones from Virginia, medium briny deliciousness with a great mignonette -sunfish ceviche - this looked more like guac because it's served in chunks of avocado. It was tasty, especially with the fresh chips I tried the Sidewinder (tequila and yellow chartreuse) and loved it. The rest of the cocktail menu looked equally delicious. Service was impeccable. Our server was informative and ready with suggestions, we got new plates with every course (I love that!) and the folded my napkin when I got up for the restroom. Bus staff were efficient but not pushy, it's frustrating when they snatch plates before you finish the last couple bites, and they weren't like that at all. I didn't want to love GT, I had expected an obnoxious crowd and pretentious service, but I'm sold. LOVE. IT.
(5)Sam S.
Amazing Staff, food, and atmosphere. If yelp had 6 stars i would have picked that. Our waitress Julia was an adorable breath of fresh air in the service industry. Totally pleased to serve us and make sure we enjoyed our dinner. She recommended a great bottle of red wine that paired well with every dish we ordered. between her and Carlos our busboy we felt like royalty. The manager that evening Kara was also very accommodating. They helped me and my partner celebrate his birthday in the best way!!! GO! you wont regret it. Get the fish tacos and sliders. seriously get them ASAP!
(5)Melinda Z.
Wonderful service. We went for our anniversary and they were very accommodating, gave us an excellent table, and even a surprise dessert. Food was delicious. Just a great dining experience worthy of top Chicago accolades.
(5)Kathleen O.
Phenomenal - but expensive - meal! Great for a business dinner. Oysters were amazing, food portions just right, and the wait staff was excellent. Will definitely be back - when I have an expense account! :)
(5)Tammy B.
Had dinner at Gt's based on the reviews on Yelp. First let me say that the food was amazing. The restaurant fills up fast and we were lucky enough to walk in at 5pm on a Thursday night and get their last non reserved seat. I would recommend making reservations if possible. The menu consist of a la cart and are served on small plates that can be shared. They recommend that 2-3 servings per person. The portions are small but the flavors are amazing. I want to give it 5 stars but the price is higher than I would have expected to pay for the size of the meals. My friend and I tried the bruschetta with avocado, grapefruit and shrimp. Crab cake, lobster roll, clam chowder and fish tacos. All were wonderful and I left the restaurant wishing I had another piece of bruschetta and crab cake. I can't wait until I return to Chicago and go back.
(4)Ann S.
My go-to place for creative seafood, grear service and fun atmosphere. Plus, it is walking distance for me! What a pleasure to recommend this place.
(4)Leonard Yelp M.
The menu is very, very, limited, we left and went to Roy's . This was a huge let down. We found it very hard to come up with a balance meal. This sea food selection was surprisingly wanting. Do not believe every you hear and see on tv and the Internet .. Shalom Shalom
(1)Anne M.
Nice & swanky & aquatic-y. I'm talkin ocean scene paintings. marine-rope-knotted light fixtures. giant fish drawings. little fishing anchors incorporated into their place settings. Very maritime - me like. Over a leisurely lunch, my dining partner and I split 4 dishes, which was a good amount of food (we probably could have skipped one) but I'm glad we went for it. Everything was fantastic - fresh, flavorful & well presented. To start things off, I went with the strawberry spiked lemonade ( $10 :-/ ) . Quite good, not overly sweet - I wanted more, but held back. - Clam Chowder: Lots of clam meat, not too thick or thin, nice subtle flavor, little lovely bits of veg. Served with black ink croutons. ** The chowder tasted great, but I'm not sure why it's served in the little glass jar that it's served in - it was cute, but honestly, I was kind of annoyed eating out of it b/c the jar lid made things difficult, as did the hard corners on the bottom. Is a good old bowl too much to ask for? I'll take practical over trendy when it comes to my soup, thank you. - Salmon Gnocchi: I only had a few bites of this and took complete control over previously mentioned chowder. Big tender bites of gnocchi, lots of fresh salmon, roe, veggies - interesting combo of everything, really good. - Tuna Nicoise Salad: Great - but skimpy. Big leaves of various lettuce held 1 sliced egg, 1? sliced little potato, 4 super thin squares of tuna - a few olives... maybe more I'm forgetting. Loved the salad, but was expecting more substance. - Lobster Roll: Again, this was great but I was hoping for more. The lobster meat is served cold, not too much dressing - it was simple and delicious. I enjoyed it, but wouldn't order it from here again. The fried onions that come with the roll are hard to eat - they're tiny, and you end up having to grab a handful of little onion odds & ends and popping them in your mouth like you would with bottom-of-the-bowl popcorn tidbits. Overall, I loved the food - but the higher prices and some details mentioned above would hold me back from coming here regularly. Definitely fun & a great place to try if you're a seafood lover.
(4)Alyse S.
Best meal of my life, undoubtedly. We also had the privilege of being served by Josh, who was so kind and entertaining. Definitely the best server I've ever met. A perfect experience!
(5)S O.
Visited for first time last night with a dinner party of 6. Small plates, so order and order and order. The service was a little slow for our liking. Sort of like a tapas seafood experience but without the speedy service usually accompanied with tapas dining. All of the food great as we tried many things and shared dishes amongst the group. Shrimp bruschetta and lobster roll were my favorite. In my opinion GT is more suited for a two-person dining experience.
(4)Macy H.
great food! portions are on the smaller side.
(4)Jeremy G.
Best meal AND best cocktail that I've had in the city of Chicago. Went here for my anniversary - was extremely impressed. It's very simple - every single thing that we ordered was delicious. The mussels were great; the (shrimp?) bruschetta was delicious (despite my skepticism of bruschetta); the lobster mac and cheese was lobstery enough (speaking of skepticism, I'm very skepticism of anytime lobster's flavor is masked, i.e. lobster rolls); and I can't remember the last dish we got. All great. We waited at the bar at first, and I ordered a Final Ward, which the bartender knew off the top of her head (rare, great). I then asked her to try to give me something I'd like; she gave me a Paper Airplane that immediately became my new go-to-drink (except for the fact that I have been unable to duplicate it, and have been disappointed since then. Infuriating). I got a third one as well, which was good, but that my girlfriend loved. Great staff, not too pretentious, nice ambiance. Beat out my previous favorite, Perennial Vivant.
(5)Angela N.
LOVE love LOVE this place! Oysters: Given the description of it being sweet and salty, it was exactly on point. We went with a beginner one that was neither too sweet or salty and it was really good. Fresh & had a seasonal selection! Lobster Roll: Cold sandwich served with fried onions and pickled vegetables. The chunks of lobster were plentiful and it was delicious! I heard really good things about this and it did not disappoint. Clam Chowder: Came in a mason jar with a lid because we had split 2 for 3 people. Had chunks of oyster, pieces of potato, & creamy. So good in my tummy!! Fish Tacos (on house): Extremely yummy, the sauce that was on the taco was extremely fresh and brought all the flavors nicely together. Tuna Poke: Small serving but was also really fresh. Sad that is disappeared so quickly! YUM. Alaska Halibut: Fish was flaky and cooked perfectly. I also liked that it was juicy and not dry. The garnishes on the side also paired very well with the fish. Oyster Po'Boy: DELICIOUS! Oh they were so GOOD!! The oysters were fried but soft in the inside when you bit into (not briny or too chewy). Lobster Dumplings: Came in a cute little basket. Were told that they were steamed and looked really prettily wrapped. These were also really good and you could taste the little pieces of lobster. Ordered a whole ton of other food as well, but these were the ones that struck out to me the most. The desserts were also really really really beautifully done and tasted delicious. Service was really attentive given that they were really busy on a Wednesday night. The busser that was assigned to our section was always filling our water glasses before it was empty and switched out our plates and silverware when he noticed that they were dirty. Overall, I was really satisfied with the food, service, and atmosphere of the restaurant.
(5)Stephanie N.
Can I give 8 stars for the amount of oysters we tried and loved? This was the last stop on my home made "food tour" of Chicago for Andy N. 's bday. Got a reservation on open table at 11pm on a Saturday and it was just fine, took a corner seat at the boomerang table. This was the first time either of us tried "different oysters" from different regions to taste the difference. It was a really fun experience. The oysters were superb albiet a little pricey $3 average per oyster but totally worth the experience. We asked the waitress what she would recommend and she said the Oyster Po Boy Slider with kimchee and peanuts. At first I was like really? A po Boy slider? well fine we'll go with it. OH po BOY! was it amazing! It seriously was one of the best things I've ever put in my mouth. The oysters were fried to perfection, crisp on the outside yet still oyster-y and briny on the inside like a fresh oyster- I didn't even know that was possible. Not saltly in the batter like other fried oyster po boys, but the salt came from the actual oyster itself and it was perfect. Now I'm the type of person that ALWAYS has to end the meal with something sweet from the dessert menu, but this time I passed it up because I literally wanted to keep that oyster slider taste in my mouth. With all seriousness in my face I said, I don't even want to brush my teeth tonight, just so I can remember what this tastes like.... Can't wait to come back to try a full meal, but I know I'll end it on that oyster slider.
(5)Brooke W.
Two words. Fun & Delicious. I was back in Chicago for a weekend in April and went here for brunch to catch up with one of my friend's from college. I ordered 'Sarah's French Toast' and my friend ordered the fried chicken and waffles (which looked amazing). To go along with my meal I ordered a bellini which was perfection and had me feeling just right. The service was excellent and we even ordered a platter of oysters just because. Fun restaurant, great food and service. I will definitely be back for dinner! :)
(5)Kristie C.
((Ambiance)): dimly lit, great variety of background music, perfect to bring friends and chit chat, especially since they have community tables. not too loud, not too quiet. love the small neighborhood vibe the restaurant has. ((Service)): food came out fast, waiter was friendly and more than willing to help suggest menu items. he was also familiar with most the menu items, huge +. ((Food)) shared tapas style: -- menu changes seasonally -- (+) tuna poke w/mango /// refreshing, fresh, well marinated (+/-) corvina (steamed) w/granola /// great, because it's steamed and fresh, not so good without the granola that it comes with (+) chicken breast w/mushrooms/broccoli /// a bit richer of a dish, but tasty, and full of flavor. broccoli is barely flash-fried to a crisp, and the chicken breast was well seasoned and paired well with the creamier mushroom sauce (+) caramel tart with marinated bananas, chocolate, creme fraiche /// a bit sweet, great if you like shortbread though. ((Overall)) definitely would come back: price + ambiance + FRESH seafood and a few non-seafood items. 4 stars only bc there wasn't a huge variety of food that wasn't on either end of the spectrum - fried or raw
(4)Mark M.
First timer here. Made reservation via Open Table thru Yelp. Shared oysters, split the lobster roll. Both were very good. Service was great. Definitely would return.
(4)Emilee W.
I went in for lunch with a friend for the first time (having already been here for dinner) and really enjoyed it. We started lunch with a half dozen oysters from both the east and west coast (fabulous). Then, some pork and kimchi sliders (the absolute best). My friend had the halibut with fennel over squid ink couscous (great). I had a lunch combo with clam chowder (delicious), a tuna melt (okay), and cabbage salad with plums (awesome). We finished off lunch with a salted carmel tart with bananas (amazing). Pretty perfect mid day meal if I do say so myself. This was my second time at GT Fish & Oyster. I haven't been disappointed yet. The staff is polite and helpful. And honestly, I could probably eat 12 of the pork and kimchi sliders and call it a night.
(4)Sergio V.
Best clam chowder in US !!! must try the oyster po'boy as well
(5)Nadia S.
Reallly good oysters - so so fresh. Def a steal when you go late when the oysters are half off. Real nice chill ambiance... i liked. We got ignored towards the last half of our meal in regards to service but other than that, loved the place. Would def come back
(4)Matt S.
My wife and I ate at GT Fish & Oyster for our anniversary. We love seafood and really enjoyed our experience there. We thought the food was delicious and the small plates are a great way to eat seafood. We had reservations at 9 pm. I thought the restaurant was in a good location and it was smaller than I imagined. It can maybe sit 60 people in the dining room, but the area was busy and added maybe another 100 seats. The room itself is well designed and I loved the glass windows-very modern. We got there early and had a drink at the bar. I had a beer and my wife had one of their speciality drinks- The Waitlist. It wasn't her usual drink, she loves super sweet drinks. This was subtly sweet but nicely done. We were told our table was ready and paid our bar bill. Our waitress explained the menu and told us that most couples can eat about 4-5 plates. She gave us a minute to peruse the menu. We ended up starting with a dozen oysters, 2 of each kind they offered. We then picked the Tuna Poke, Shrimp Bruschetta, Clam Chowder, Lobster Roll and the Mussels. The oysters came out first. All 6 kinds were tasty and the cocktail sauce is out of this world. The tuna poke came out next. Probably the best poke I've had outside of Hawaii. The flavors were spot on we loved the mango on top-almost tasted pickled.Really good. Shrimp brushcetta is fantastic. Again, great flavor combinations and nice and light. Clam chowder was a must and we are glad we went with it. You noticed the bacon flavor first but it wasn't overwhelming. The clam pieces were large and tasted great. Lobster was next. It was expensive but well worth it. It was light, something that I didn't think was possible with lobster rolls. Finally, the mussels came last. We love mussels and this were among the best we have ever had. The sauce, tomato based, is unreal. I would eat it with pasta. The mussels had pieces of sourdough bread that were great to dip in the sauce. We finished with dessert, salted carmel tart and apple cobbler. BOth were great, but the salted carmel tart is something we had never had before and loved. Overall, I thought it was a great place and I would definitely go back. We left full, but not painfully full. Our waitress was great and the food speaks for itself. All in, 5 plates, dozen oyster, 2 dessert plates, 2 cocktails and 4 beers $212 with tax and tip. It was expensive, but for an anniversary, birthday I think it was well worth it.
(5)Kelly H.
I love raw oysters but because they're pricey, I've only had them a couple of times in my life. When I heard that they are half off after 10 pm every night here, I knew I had to check it out! I didn't give it 5 stars only because all the oysters were a bit small (and I had one of each kind). However, perhaps it has something to do with being in the Midwest? (My other oyster experiences have been in NYC and LA). I inhaled one in like .02 seconds, while for my previous times, I would have to chew at least a few times. Because of how quickly I went through a half dozen of them, I split a lobster roll with my friend. You MUST get it!!! The roll consisted of succulent chunks of lobster in a perfectly toasted and buttered bread. It was accompanied by a heaping handful of fried, crispy shallots. They're quite salty, but I didn't mind since I have a high salt tolerance. I was not a fan of the side of veggies, but it's only because they are soaked and served in pickling juice and I hate pickles. The place definitely has a trendy feel, so I felt underdressed in flats and jeans. However, the staff didn't seem to frown upon my casual appearance. In fact, our bartender was awesome and even let us order oysters before 10 pm at half price. Bottom line: Small portions, which explains reasonably low prices, but really fantastic. I'd recommend eating a big snack or a light meal right beforehand to avoid incurring a hefty bill, even with the half-price oysters.
(4)Lauren B.
I have been waiting for awhile to dine here and I am thrilled I was finally able to do so. With so many dark or dimly lit restaurants in the city I was pleasantly surprised to find the wood paneled walls at GT painted a winter white color, it really warmed up the space. Ambiance was great....music not to loud, a classy crowd (but not overly crowded), and the staff was quite pleasant. Lets get to the important stuff, here is what we had: Baja Shrimp Bruschetta- good but not amazing. Then again it wasn't my choice. The shrimp was cooked perfectly and the pistachio was a nice compliment to the flavor profile. Oysters- We sampled 3 of the selection. I am not an oyster expert but I liked all three. Cocktail and ponzu sauces were served with the oysters, I however cannot comment as I am a purist and eat my oysters with a squirt of lemon. Steamed Alaskan Halibut- DELICIOUS!!! Cooked perfectly- light, delicate, flaky. Loved the fennel and the squid ink couscous. I would order this time and time again. Shrimp Ravioli- Good but not amazing. The pasta was a perfect al dente. I thought the filling could have used more flavor PEI Mussels- good but also not amazing. Broth was light, not oily and laced with garlic which is always fine by me. There wasn't anything in particular that stood out about this dish but it was still tasty. Judging from all the reviews I should I worked harder at talking my dinner companion into getting the gnocchi. Oh well, more of a reason to come back again.
(3)Lochin S.
Went for my birthday on a Monday night. Still crowded and noise level high. But lets get to our food, because you all did decor to death... Shigoku oysters were the best on the list today, we tried 3 kinds. The plates come out pretty quick, first the colds then lighter hot to heavy hot. -Sunfish Ceviche with toritlla was so good, clean fresh tasting packed with flavor -BBQ Eel with wasabi potato salad. interesting salad. BBQ a bit on salty side -Black Gnoccchi squid ink very good, could drink the broth it came in. loved the different textures in this dish. -Lobster Roll-the friend onions made this worth the $22, the sandwich a bit on the small side. not sure I would get this again. -panna cotta-amazing. -strawberry shortcake, they just added yesturday, hubby had it. he loved it. the biscuit was perfectly done. two martinis and two beers. total bill was about $160 with tip. we would def go back, need to try other items on the menu. hubby is almost 6' and 190, and I am about 5'4 and 117, and were pretty content with the 5 total small plates, and dessert. we shared all of them.
(5)Laura C.
Despite the rave reviews, I wasn't blown away by my experience at GT. We had reservations, but we still had to wait on a Sunday night despite open tables. So we sauntered over to the bar and watched the oyster shuckers hard at work. Eventually, a server came over and asked us if we wanted a drink. To start, I tried The Wait List - Grey Goose, St. Germain, grapefruit, lime, and bitters. Clean, fresh and a cool visual swirl on top. A few sips later, we were taken to our communal dining table, adorned with driftwood and fishing weights. Our server, Jeff, was fantastic. Friendly, knowledgeable and really tried hard to make us feel welcome. We had a server trainee as well, who mostly just observed all night. Throughout the meal, different servers/bussers would come by to drop plates off or pick things up. They were pretty much on top of things, although they could have used a little more training on the components of the dishes. A few times, they would have to ask someone else for the answer, but they would come back quickly with a smile. For a new place (we dined during their first week of business), they still have some areas for improvement. The food menu is mostly small plates of hot and cold seafood, mix and match oysters which can be ordered by the half dozen, and a few chicken and beef dishes for those that were probably dragged here by seafoodies. Our menu and findings: Crab Agnolotti did not have a strong enough crab flavor. Pasta was cooked perfectly, but I was looking for more. When Jeff came by, he asked how I liked the dish, so I told him. He said he would let the chef know. I asked him if he meant Giuseppe Tentori, and sure enough, GT was in the kitchen, open to our feedback. GT sent out a tasting of crawfish, fava beans, and cannelini bean tortellini that had not yet graced the menu. It was one of the better dishes of the night. He even stopped by the table to chat with us, which I always love. It gives an insider look into what the restaurant is all about - the passion and the love for food. Plus, the fact that he was willing to hear feedback from the patrons means a lot. Black Gnocchi tasted as it should: light and fluffy. Squid ink seems to be pretty popular these days, kind of like a magic marker for a chef. Prawns were cooked well and dressed nicely. Cheesecake panna cotta was amazing. The best of both worlds melded into one super smooth cube and packed with cheesecake flavor; although the micro celery greens threw me off. It did add freshness, but with my disdain for celery, I ended up picking them off and banishing them to the corner of my plate. Peanut butter and chocolate was a little rich for me, but the execution and presentation worked. Overall, it was a good meal and good service in a trendy River North location. If I were in the area, I'd go back.
(3)Aimee R.
Great food, great service, would definitely recommend! We had the sunfish ceviche, crab cake, gt mac and cheese, duck confit, ricotta gnochi, baja shrimp bruschetta. All were delicious! For dessert, we had the salted caramel tart and the carrot cake. Had a great meal and would definitely go back.
(5)Melissa W.
GT Fish and Oyster holds a special place in my heart. I've searched a long time for a good seafood restaurant in the Midwest, and I've finally found it only to move to California shortly afterwards. I heard about GT Fish and Oyster from Grant Achatz's Twitter where he had taken his kids for dinner. Based off my 10+ times that I've eaten there, I've only made reservations twice for larger parties. Otherwise, it was just my husband and me and we were able to sit at the Boomerang table. The chairs aren't as comfortable, and sometimes you are a bit too close to your neighbor, but it's all good. They do have hooks under the table for your purse and/or coat. I do tend to stay away from the Cold items and order more of the Hot items. I noticed their Cold items aren't that great. Since Giuseppe spent 9 years at Charlie Trotter's, and I love the seafood at Trotter's, I expected more from the Cold dishes. I do have some Cold items as my favorite like the Shrimp Bruschetta and the Tuna Poke, but I've tried several Bentos that do not appease my palate. Service is usually good - they take your order and food comes out relatively quick. There's always people filling up water, and sparkling water is free. It's nice in the summer when they have seats on the sidewalk and the windows open to let the breeze in. Overall, I find GT Fish and Oyster good eats if I want properly prepared food, quality food, and simple but on-point flavors, which is like all the time.
(5)Troy H.
It's not a bad place; the ambience is great, and the food DEFINITELY tests a discerning palate, but food this good in such small quantites? Yeah, you can have that. My parents and I had five dishes, and while we enjoyed the food and its tastes, I walked out feeling hungry. They, used to eating much less, were okay.
(3)Basem A.
Awesome! I stopped in at the GT Fish & Oyster for a quick lunch at the bar one evening, and I absolutely loved every crumble of food I had. The place is aesthetically pleasing and upon arrival the hostesses were kind, friendly and smiling. I decided to eat lunch at the bar, and I was greeted by the bartender almost immediately. So for lunch I ordered the fish and chips. I have never had fish and chips like that in my life. The fish was so delicate, perfectly seasoned and crispy. The chips very large and everything on the plate arrived piping hot. Malt vinegar and this pickle remoulade was served along side the fish and chips. I had to have another side of the remoulade! To finish my lunch I had a salted caramel tart with bananas. The dessert was to die for! Perfect contrast of sweet and salty, I only wish there was more. My server/bartender was very nice and attentive. Another great job by the Boka Group!
(5)Galina M.
We went there just yesterday and yes the Boka guys have outdone themselves! Great seafood place...they serve smaller, tapas style dishes so it's great cuz you can try more stuff! Hard to get reservations at a decent time on weekends. Service is great and the ambiance is buzzing with the social butterflies. We got the Shrimp Bruschetta - excellent choice! Tuna poke - fresh tuna and just melted in our mouths. Eggplant - only if you love eggplant and we do, it is very very tasty! Then we got Fish Tacos - they were good, but ones at Mercadito are slightly better, but that's ok, we still immensely enjoyed! And now the last but certainly THE BEST - we had the Lobster Roll! That took it home...definitely takes the prize. We didn't have any dessert because we were stuffed, but should've judging from all the reviews. I guess we'll just have to come back again! :) super thumbs up - best new seafood place around Chi ... highly recommend!
(5)Brian C.
New small plate restaurant where the prices are pretty reasonable but be aware the bill will likely end up being substantial because you'll want to try a lot of the different food and wine. The BBQ Eel is a really interesting play on sushi although the wasabi potatoes did overpower the eel a bit. Glazed Cod was incredibly tender and went very well with the soy miso sauce, asparagus puree, and sweetness of the mango on top. Lobster mac & cheese was very good but I would have preferred larger pieces of lobster and maybe a sligthly creamier sauce that coated the pasta a little better rather than all being on the bottom of the bowl. The bar is FULLY stocked, there are plenty of oysters being shucked fresh in the middle of the bar, and the wine list is quite well chosen if a bit overpriced for my taste. All things said this is probably a 4.5 star restaurant and I look forward to my next visit to try more of the menu items. Just be aware it's already packed so you better get your reservations early or hope to get a seat at the bar. Yet another nice concept and restaurant from the Boka Restaurant Group, bravo!
(4)Rob S.
Not a fan of oysters, but I'll eat them here...and love it! This is a great place to hit after work on the way home. Great atmosphere, great service, great food. I haven't been disappointed yet.
(4)Ron A.
Went here last night. It's one of those trendy small plates places you are seeing now. Overall, a little disappointed. Food was not as flavorful as I would have expected. The Oyster po boys were excellent. The lobster roll wasn't a great creation: warm garlic toast with cold lobster didn't seem to go together well. Crab cakes weren't good. Fish and chips were okay. Tuna Crudo was good, but I'm not sure how you mess that up. You have to reserve well in advance for a good time but it seems like there is plenty of bar space for walk ins.
(3)Rob J.
My wife and I decided to crash this restaurant's highly anticipated opening weekend without a reservation. I was doubtful we would get a table but a couple beers and a dozen oysters later we had a seat at their communal table. I usually hate communal tables but the food easily made up for any awkwardness I felt with my neighbor's hovering over my Tuna Poke, Clam Chowder, Crab Agnolotti, Lobster Roll, and Lobster Mac 'N Cheese. If I had to nick pick, the only thing I would change was their beer selection, a nice IPA (re: Half Acre Daisy Cutter) on draft would pull together their attempt at the classical Boston oyster bar. One more thing, loved what they did with the interior and exterior. Looks like they put some $$$ into the decorations. Highly recommend this place and I'm looking forward to coming back.
(5)Phil X.
Saturday night. Dinner for two. It was packed. Miraculously acquired two seats at the bar. We had the Tuna Poke, Sunfish Ceviche, Crabcakes, & Lobster Mac N Cheese. The Tuna Poke was a refreshing mixture of tuna tartare, mango, and cucumber. It was delicious. I wish we had ordered two since as you probably know the servings here are tapas style. Small dishes. I had a big appetite. The cool thing about the small plates is that you get to try more before you are full. The Sunfish Ceviche and crabcakes were good too. I thought the Lobster Mac'nCheese could have been a little better. The thing that left a lasting impression out of all the things I consumed was the dessert...Salted Caramel Dessert. Sweet....and savory. This thing was ridiculous.....ridiculously aWeSoMe! If you are ever in the area and are craving something sweet...just come to GT and order this already. You won't regret it. The service was great. The bartender, who was our waiter, was attentive and very knowledgeable of the menu. The bar had a nice handful of craft brews on tap. The ambiance is classy cool. I would definitely come back here. I didn't try any of the oysters (I'm not much of an oyster guy), but I recommend this place to try. Go. The Salted Caramel Dessert is calling you.
(4)Sean B.
I generally don't recommend getting seafood in Chicago, because unless it's coming out of Lake Michigan, it's either not fresh or it's not eco-friendly because it must have been flown here from somewhere else. GT Fish & Oyster was good, but not good enough for me to break my Chicago seafood rule again. We had the seafood platter, octopus, fish tacos, shrimp bruschetta, and striped bass. The platter, octopus, and tacos were just OK. I enjoyed bruschetta. The striped bass was the one absolute standout for me. The jam, salsa verde, and vegetables complemented the fish perfectly. We also had the blueberry donuts for dessert; these were another highlight. But the "meh" octopus and taco dishes really prevented me from giving this restaurant more than 3 stars.
(3)Peggy G.
I have only wonderful things to say! We came here with a group of 6 for my father's birthday a couple weeks ago, and we could not have had a better experience. Our waitress was attentive and gave great suggestions in regards to ordering and she paced the meal beautifully. As for the food, where do I begin? Hands down my favorite dish was the fish tacos. Best fish tacos I've ever had. I will be coming back just for those alone. Other great dishes included the calamari, the mussels, and the octopus! Fresh oysters were also delicious. The only dish that fell a little flat was the lobster Mac and cheese-- the lobster pieces were perfect but the pasta was bland. We did not order dessert so I cannot comment on that. Keep it up GT Fish & Oyster! I will definitely return and I plan on sending many people your way.
(5)Navid T.
The lobster mac n cheese, shrimp bruschetta and the fish n chips are all 5 stars here. I ate at the bar and the bartender was nice and helpful
(5)Julia K.
Yumm! Great food-scallops, tuna poke, eggplant, shrimp bruscetta, sunfish ceviche, clam chowder, lobster roll, and fish tacos were excellent! Beautiful atmosphere Great place overal!
(5)Dean W.
I'm a confirmed foodie, amateur cook and very frequent biz traveler. After my first visit, I thought GT was overpriced and underwhelming. I had the tuna poke and the fish taco's with a glass of wine at lunch. I did hear good things about the raw bar so I'll probably give it another chance. Setting: GT is a sophisticated raw bar that serves, according to the bar tender small plates, dominated by seafood. It is modern, bright and open. Food First, tuna poke is a Hawaiian dish of raw tuna mixed with sesame oil and some other things (there are a variety of ways to make it). It is a subtle dish, very easy to make, and designed to highlight the tuna. At GT though, they serve it with a thick, sweet sauce (mango?) that if actually combined with the tuna would completely mask it. the sauce is either added to cover up the tuna flavor or because the nuance of the dish is lost on the chef. It would be improved by dropping the sauce and adding a crumble of red, volcanic sea salt. I've made it this way at home and it looks and tastes terrific. Second , I had the fish tacos and they were quite tasty - served hot, with great tortillas and 2 different house made hot sauces. Unfortunately, you can get somewhat bigger, more flavorful tacos at less than 1/2 the price at Big Star at the intersection of North and Damon. Third, I had a glass of white wine. Good but not memorable. Service: very friendly and professional, start to finish. Well done. For two small plates, a glass of wine and tip - I spent nearly $50 at lunch. For what you get, this is substantively overpriced. Everything seemed to be in the $11 - 16 price point so 3 things, plus tax and tip = $48; for 1/2 cup of tuna and 3 small tacos. On the plus side, the food was well executed, the service crisp and professional and the people next to me raved about the oysters from the raw bar. Also there is an impressive array of small batch booze. In summary, for what they charge the food should be more memorable. i've made better poke and had better tacos and 1/2 the price. But I'll return to give the raw bar a chance. I'll just make sure to bring my business credit card instead of my personal credit card.
(2)Julie Z.
If you love seafood....go here! I came here for a late dinner on Saturday night. The place was poppin'. B/c I have a minor obsession with king crab, I really, really wanted to order it but alas my fellow diner convinced me to save my king crab feast for another day and I am glad I did. Every single plate here is delicious. Let's do the run through: Begin at the bar: great bartender!....I had wine, co-diner had some libation that he ordered another of...good sign. We move to our table and start the goodness: -Oysters. Mmmmmmmmm. Fresh. Served with a miso/sesame type sauce + cocktail sauce. So good, we ordered another round -Tuna Poke - holy smokes. This was the first thing I thought of when I woke up the next morning. I wanted more ASAP. - Foie gras and shrimp terrine - good but my least fave - crab cake - TONS of crab. delicious - Chowder - AMAZING. SO good!!!!!! and not too thick that you get full after eating it. Light and full of seafood and bacon...you cannot go wrong with that combo. -lobster roll - I don't know what it is with East coast natives and their lobster rolls but I don't get the fascination. It was good but I would order one of the many other wonderful options they have on their menu instead of this The plates here are small which is nice b/c you get to try a lot of different things. The environment is fun and a lil loud which is something I don't mind but I could see older folks being annoyed. Our server knew that menu like the back of her hand and had great recommendations. Our runner was so very kind and attentive and gave us the best dessert recommendation: salted caramel tart. mmmmm.
(5)Amanda F.
As a Seafood Aficionado, I really wanted to like this place, but the more dishes I tried the more I was annoyed with the small plates and the price tag. I visited GT Fish & Oyster Bar for a work lunch. My boss ordered nearly two of everything. I WISH that I could rave about the seafood, but the best part of the meal was actually the dessert. I sampled three oysters. The $3.95 Wellfleet was definitely over-priced and bland. Despite my east-coast preferences, I actually preferred their Washington oysters. The homemade cocktail/horseradish sauce was a nice touch. The highlights of the hot plates were the Shrimp Bruschetta. I loved the mix of the shrimp and avocado with the salty and crunchy Bruschetta assembly. The Duck Confit and chickpea dish was very meaty and a good taste combo. The Fish n Chips were worth it for the sea salt potato wedges and the homemade tartar sauce. I'm not usually a tartar sauce fan, but this was thick and flavorful. Homemade tartar sauce is clearly the way to go. The dishes that I expected to like the best fell flat. The lobster in the Lobster Mac n' cheese was tasty because its lobster, but the Mac 'n Cheese was pretty standard. In fact, it probably should have been baked a little more. The Tuna was tasty, but more about the Asian flavor than the freshness of the tuna. It was a little too dressed up for my liking, and I really couldn't taste the tuna. Avoid the grilled Caesar salad. I just really don't see the appeal of hot lettuce. I didn't care for the Fish Tacos, but other members of the group did. Whatever the fish was didn't have a bold enough flavor to overpower the corn tortilla. Thank goodness for the Salted Caramel tart! I've never had this dish before, and it might be one of my new favorites. I knew I loved the sea salt and caramel combo, but I had no idea that it could be even better with a pie crust and warm bananas. The chocolate mouse was rich and delicious. More than a bite of the Sticky Coffee cake though would have been too over-powering. Normally, I would be inclined to give GT four stars because the food was better than average, there were some tasty picks, and the decor was cool, but then the bill came. The dishes are just too small and hit or miss to be that expensive.
(3)John W.
It get's a two because of a recent change they made, not because it has bad food. In fact the food is great if you want to go for dinner. Writing this so others don't find out like I did. I used to love to go after 10pm for the half off Oyster special to have drinks before heading to other more lively bars. They no longer offer half off Oysters so that's no longer an option. Sad because we'd spend at least $30 to $40 per person in addition to Oysters in drinks that were regular price. Probably won't be headed there as frequently since other places now have better oysters at better prices.
(2)Janice J.
Awesome...delicious....fantastic service! Headed there after work to celebrate a family gathering and was blown away by the great food and service. Although a bit on the costly side, the experience was well worth it. Everything from start to finish was perfect. The decor and overall ambiance was very zen. Every dish was seasoned to perfection. Suggestion....don't pass up dessert!
(5)Annie D.
We stopped in for lunch before leaving Chicago and what a great stop it was. We started with their oysters: GIGAMOTO (West, British Columbia) PENN COVE (West, Washington) BEAVER TAIL (East, Rhode Island) BEAU SOLEIL (East, New Brunswick) WIANNO (East, Massachusetts) They were all worth a taste, very good oysters here!! PORK BELLY SLIDER kimchi, peanuts- the meat was perfect, very good overall, kimchi had a nice touch. OYSTER PO'BOY SLIDER kimchi, peanuts- oyster was nicely fried, very good. LOBSTER ROLL lobster salad, toasted roll, fried onions- one of the best lobster roll I've had in a long time since having one in NY. FISH TACOS blackened catfish, okra, pork rinds, cabbage- just your average fish taco, the pork rinds was a nice touch. Overall, great lunch experience, service was good, oysters are a must and so is the lobster roll. I will come back here when I make a visit to Chicago again.
(4)Erick N.
Woohoo, GT Fish & Oyster becomes my 100th Yelp review! My wife and I dined at GT earlier tonight on a double date with another couple and had a great time. We had booked 5:30pm reservations via Open Table and were shocked that when we arrived the place was already half full. Midway into dinner there were already lots of people waiting in the bar area to be seated; this is a happening place! We noticed a couple of nice oval shaped tables for ten, so this is a great venue for a small group or for a celebration in addition to parties of six or less. Growing up in Boston I have always been a bit apprehensive about frequenting seafood joints when I am 1,000 miles away from the ocean, but the glowing reviews of GT made me feel comfortable diving in and taking the plunge. GT has two main rooms and they manage to have the place decorated with an oceanic theme theme that is subtle and tasteful enough that it is sophisticated rather than tacky. There some paintings of ships out at sea, a large stuffed fish, some cool looking lamps adorned with rope creating a nautical feel etc. The acoustics are on the loud side, but it is not so bad as to render conversation difficult (and they have taken steps to diminish the noise such as placing cushions underneath the tables to absorb sound). Service at GT is quite good and amazingly attentive. Despite the restaurant being packed to the gills (OK, I will stop the bad puns) our water glasses were replenished instantly after nearly every sip taken (I double dare you to try to have a water glass empty for more than 30 seconds at GT - if you can even empty it before they refill). Our primary server was friendly, informative and always present when needed and the most astonishing aspect was the amount of attention paid to napkin folding: When my friend left to use the men's room our server promptly folded his napkin and pushed in his chair - then moments later another server approached and picked back up the napkin and made further adjustments. The food was as good as the service; not the best food I have had, but definitely fresh, high quality foods that were cooked, prepared and presented well. The menu features about ten cold plates, about fifteen hot plates, a half dozen different oysters on the half shell and a few non-seafood options. They encourage patrons to share plates but as each of us had fairly different palates we indicated we wished to select our own dishes; this was readily accommodated. We each opted for three dishes; all three of mine were good but my favorite was the Bento - three different small dishes in a tray including tuna sashimi, salmon tartar with a great sesame sauce and hamachi. The was a fun dish and looked so beautiful that I gazed at it for a while before digging in. My second dish was a fried oyster po'boy slider and was so good I promptly ordered a second (only negative was they were teeny tiny). My fish tacos also were excellent and some of the best fish tacos I have consumed. All the ingredients really gelled well in all of the dishes. Everybody in our party was very pleased with their food and there were several additional items on the menu that sounded appealing, so I will definitely be back. The dessert (I had a caramel tart with bananas and chocolate sauce) was succulent too; the caramel was awesome. What is nice is GT's website had their up-to-date menu; what I had looked at online earlier today was the actual menu tonight - so you know exactly what to expect. GT does not just have great food but has a full bar as well featuring several cocktails by the Boka group mixologist Benjamin Schiller, a vast wine menu, a few beers on tap and several bottled brewskis. Unfortunately the beer on tap I wanted to try was out (the Goose Island stout with squid ink) but my cocktail (The Old Money) was a good second choice. GT Fish & Oyster has received a lot of accolades in recent months including being named one of Chicago's best new restaurants in 2011 by several food experts in an Eater Chicago article and being granted Bib Gourmand status by the Michelin man. While I feel that the pricing is reasonable for the quality, compared to other Bib Gourmand restaurants I have dined in the portions are quite small so in order to receive a filling meal you do have to spend quite a bit more than most other Bib Gourmand venues. Between the four of us we consumed fifteen dishes (including dessert) and seven beverages; the final tab including tax and tip came to $80 per/person. This was enough food to leave satisfied, but it was not a feast by any means. Overall dinner was a great experience and I definitely recommend GT Fish & Oyster to anybody seeking good seafood in Chicago.
(4)Shing H.
Great food and ambiance. I would recommend everything I tried -- oysters, shrimp bruschetta, clam chowder, copper river salmon, lobster roll, mac & cheese -- and would love to go back one of these days to try everything else.
(4)KC C.
GT is a nice place, environment, and the cocktails are very good. I've been here for brunch and dinner, and will go back here again. Mixologist specialties are awesome. I'm a fan of fresh shucked oysters, and they offer several varieties to choose from. the little Miller chaser for the brunch bloody mary is a nice touch-been a long time since I had a Miller pony. Another River North fine cuisine challenger for Graham Elliot-take your family, or a date here, and GT will take great care of you.
(4)Glen W.
Seafood is not a Chicago speciality and unfortunately this place does not quite break that mold, despite a good effort.
(3)Daniel S.
Solid small plate restaurant. I am not a lover of all fish (oyster and lobster included in the not like) and I still enjoyed my meal. I went with people who really like oysters so they liked it even more of course. If you are a lobster and oyster lover, you are giving this 4 stars probably. It is worth a visit if you are looking for a trendy, fun spot for small fish plates...and oysters.
(3)Cara T.
My hubby and I made a reservation at GT on a Saturday afternoon. We ordered several dishes, since the menu is tapas style, and our server did an excellent job of spacing out our courses. The service was very attentive...I think my water glass was filled every time I took a drink! We started with oysters and the sunfish ceviche. I have not had much experience with oysters and my husband had zero. Our server was knowledgeable and gave us a lesson on East Coast vs. West Coast. We ended up with 3 Fanny Bay (west coast) and an assortment of 3 east coast. I am pretty sure I am only a west coast fan--but I only tried one east coast. Regret of the meal--Not getting 3 Fanny Bay and 3 of 1 east coast (Oysters are impossible to split!). I loved the GT cocktail sauce. The sunfish ceviche was super fresh and had really interesting flavors---I love the chimichurri sauce. Our next course was the oyster sliders and clam chowder. The oyster slider was a tasty little bite, but I could pass on that next time. The clam chowder is the best chowder I have ever tasted. And the presentation was so cute (in a little glass canister). I wouldn't share this next time :) Our next course was the crab cake and the gnocchi. The crab cake was FULL of crab and the red pepper aioli was excellent. The gnocchi was good, but I just don't like gnocchi--it's not my favorite dish anywhere. My favorite thing about both of these dishes were the bites I took with all of the elements. It was obvious how well thought out each dish was with a fork of all the component parts. The layers of flavor were truly impressive. We ended our meal with the lobster roll. I loved the dressing, or lack of dressing. It was simply lobster meat on a butter roll with fried onion strings. The onion strings added a lot of flavor to the roll. You wouldn't think some deep fried onions would do that, but it really turned an ordinary roll into something truly stellar. I would definitely come back to GT. I don't think I would come here in a large group. I feel like it's a more intimate setting. The bar was pretty happening and there were some small groups of three or four, just not many. I can't wait to go back to GT. It's fairly close to my work, so I could see coming back for lunch or maybe after-work dinner. Great food and excellent service.
(4)Mony K.
Took my girlfriend here for a date and it was just perfect. The service was spectacular, the Dragon's Milk ale I had got me tipsy and did I mention, the amazing Oyster? We each got a dozen oysters and destroyed it! It was delish. We even came on a different night for the half off oysters which is after 10pm. We shared all the dishes, so it came along something like this. Oysters, a pork dish, fish, and two others of which I forgot. What I do remember is that none of the dishes disappointed us. We enjoyed each dish as it held its own wait. Will probably be a local to this restaurant and def bringing friends for happy hour specials. Oh, the price is steep, but I think it's worth it to at least hit it up once.
(5)Beth J.
The food was good. It was not the kind of place that you sit and have a bottle of wine while you chat with your table for awhile. The server was very attentive, but I did feel the pressure for them to turn over the tables. While I thought the food was good I wasn't loving how little you get for the price. That being said I am a fish and chip snob and this place is worth a try. The lobster roll and ceviche were really good as well. We went during a weeknight and it was packed, so I can't imagine trying to go on a weekend.
(4)Kimi O.
Perfect lunch spot when you deserve a treat! The nautical decor makes you feel like you teleported to New England, the service was very friendly, and most importantly the food was topnotch. I had half a dozen oysters and the clam chowder. My husband had the crab cake, the pork belly slider, and also the clam chowder. Everything was delicious but my favorites were the clam chowder (best I've had) and the crab cake. The table next to us ordered the mussels which I will definitely order next time along with the clam chowder!
(4)Julien D.
Lovely setting and great atmosphere. The staff id very kind however the food is not that stunning, at all. Still a place to go if you want that type of setting but font expect the best food around.
(3)Angela Z.
Let me first say that I have been waiting forever for this place to open. The Clam Chowder has been calling my name. So I went on the second day it opened since the first I had a meeting :( I ordered the Clam Chowder that was brought out in a nice mason jar and opened in front of me. It has a bit of hot sauce on the top which was a nice addition. It was full of meat and very tasty. The homemade rosemary croutons were very tasty. I was quiet full after that but onto the desserts Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese gelato was the best thing I have eaten in a while. I absolutely love desserts and boy o boy this was tasty. Since It was so good I had to try another. I debated the cherry pie or key lime pie. I went with the cherry with the Tahitian Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. It was good but I am not a huge fan of tart. So then I just had to have the Key Lime that was served in a mason jar. It was very tasty although it was lemon on the bottom and not lime. But a definite must have. I will return and try the fish and chips and other things that looked extremely tasty on the menu.
(4)Suzy D.
My husband and I came here for dinner on a Friday night without a reservation. We were seated right away at a communal table. The place was packed and pretty lively, but I enjoyed the atmosphere. We started with a dozen oysters. The kushee were my favorite. Then we had the oyster kimchee peanut sliders. They were tasty, but I did not taste the peanuts, just the kimchee. I would say they should add a little bit more peanut. Then we shared the lobster mac n cheese and the lobster roll. Both of these dishes had nice chunks of lobster. The portions were small but the dishes were delicious and very satisfying. I really liked that the lobster roll did not have too much mayonnaise. I was able to taste the lobster and it was wonderful. We will be back! If you're a fan of seafood, come here!
(4)Ha-ti N.
If you've been thinking about going here to try it out, don't wait anymore. This is a must-try for all adventurous seafood lovers. Came here for a last minute date night. Looked up on open table to see if they had openings and they didn't til 11pm. BUMMER. So I called (because I don't trust anything/anyone) and she said there wasn't a table til 11:15pm. Then she double checked (thank you phone lady!) and found me a two-seater at 915pm. Awesome. It was meant to be. Coming in its super busy - lots of good energy buzzing around. They have community tables (I'm just calling them that because don't know what else to call them) - where people who didn't necessarily come together sit at the same table. I thought about it, and I don't think I mind it. But I see it being a customer turn-off sometimes. ANYWAY I thought since I made a last minute reservation, theyd plop us in a community table. They didn't ! we got a cozy corner booth in the back. I was super happy about that. Service is awesome. Let's talk about food. It's like a tapas style way of dining so you just order a handful of dishes to share. My boyfriend and I got the king crab legs ($45 and the amount was not worth the $45 so beware), the gnocchi with smoked salmon + tobiko, the shrimp & foie gras terrine, the sunfish ceviche, a dozen oysters (osprey + penn) and the stout chocolate mousse. All of it was delicious!! I recommend the oysters form st. edwards island over anything else I've tried in the past. Sweet and creamy! I think what made the gnocchi was the tobiko - i loved the texture. The shrimp & foie gras terrine I feel like is something most people would overlook but it was the most flavorful thing I had that night! DELICIOUS. Ceviche was solid. Crab legs were yummy obv. and the stout mousse was way more than I expected. Come here if your taste buds are craving delightful surprises.
(4)Jaison C.
This is one of those rare dining experiences that do not come quite often. Everything. I mean everything was 99.99% perfect. The staff, the food, the atmosphere, and even Chef Tentori coming out to say hello to nearly everyone that was there. We ordered almost everything there was to order on the menu: Tuna Poke - excellent Raw oysters - as long as they're fresh, will always be excellent Fried Oyster slider - so good, we ordered it again like fat fools Gnocchi - Utterly amazing. Just so fresh and full of flavor Clam linguini - very good and refreshing Lobster mac and cheese - extremely light and flavorful Fish tacos - came complimentary, were ok at best. We also got to enjoy 4 of the desserts on the menu which all were very decadent and rich. My only complaint was that we waited almost 30 minutes after our reservation, but they made up for it by giving us a few complimentary dishes. I will be back, soon.
(5)Masha G.
Service was amazing. Staff knows how to make you feel special and welcomed. It was a crowded Friday night dinner and was a few of us, our waiter was phenomenal, knowledgeable and very attentive. Dishes were delivered to the table one after another, with perfect timing that we tried it all and food didn't stay cold waiting it's turn to get to our plates. Food wise - very interesting combinations and good quality. I am not a fan of oysters, so I won't say a thing about it, BUT the rest was great! Foiegras and shrimp terrine dish was a delight, another fav of mine were shrimp ravioli and "GT mac and cheese". It was definitely a treat, though a quite pricey one. Overall I loved the place - great place to go for a special night. Impressive.
(4)Keith O.
Went there for the first time this past Saturday night and had a great experience. Food was terrific, drinks were outstanding, and the service was impeccable. Everything we tried was excellent but the oyster po' boy and clam chowder stood out. Can't give it five stars until I've experienced it more than once, but I highly recommend it.
(4)Lisa Z.
We went at lunch and service was not all that great. The restaurant was crowded, and we rarely saw our server. However, when he did appear, he was friendly and helpful. I found portions to be very small for the price that you pay. I ordered the fish tacos, which were excellent, but I definitely left hungry. Others shared this sentiment. The crab cake is just that -- one crab cake. The oysters were fine, but I'm not a big oyster lover, so take that for what it's worth!
(3)Mindy S.
It is a rare occurrence to take a first look at the menu, and see so many delicious sounding dishes, that I am sad that I cannot try everything I want to that night. Everything about GT was wonderful - the service was impeccable, the food arrived very quickly, the ambiance was cool (although tables were a bit close together), and the food was amazing. The menu changes frequently, but last week, we tried: -- Lobster Roll - omg. So wonderful. Lots of lobster -- Oysters - fresh, sauces were tangy, awesome with their home-made red and green sauces -- Clam Chowder - not incredibly thick, but tons of flavor, small portion -- Sunfish ceviche - yes, get this, everybody recommends it, good portion size -- Gnocci - yum! Plump pieces, best gnocci we've had in a long time The entire experience at GT Fish is certainly worth every penny and your time. There are many small tables for 2 or 4, but also larger family-style tables that they will seat parties of 3 or larger. Really a great use of space here. On our way out, we made a reservation for our next visit, as it took about 6 weeks to get a Sat night @ 8pm reservation this time, and the walk-in wait (at that time) was 2.5 hours.
(5)Judith J.
I checked this place out on 02.22.12 during Restaurant Week for lunch and it was wonderful and I do plan to come back again. We had their RW lunch menu: Crab Cake, Shrimp Bruschetta, Whitefish, Scallops, Carrot Cake and Chocolate Mousse. Everything was delish and very flavorful. I was pleasantly surprised by the carrot cake, I normally do not like it because it is too heavy, but this was perfect. I would skip the Choc Mousse was not tasty at all. Our server Kristin was very nice and helpful. The atmosphere and decor was wonderful. They even gave us a $10 gift card for our next lunch visit...Yeah! The only down side to this great experience was the guy sitting next to us from out of town talking so loud I could not even hear my own thoughts. I wanted to tell him to use his inside voice!
(4)Rosemary M.
We had an early reservation at 5pm, but the place was already busy at the bar and tables beside us. The room we sat in was beautiful, enough decor and plush to warrant my cocktail dress. Our waiter was excellent with recommendations (oysters, how many plates to order (tapas style), cocktail drinks) and not stuffy as some places can be. The food; fresh with delicious combinations I would have never thought of. Starters: Tuna Poke (5 stars) Sunfish Ceviche (5 stars) Pork Belly Slider (3 stars) Effingham (West, British Columbia) (5 stars) Clam Chowder (i didn't have it but was told it was really good) ~this was enough for us, pretty full. I honestly can't wait to go back. Great job GT Fish & Oyster!!
(5)Amanda Z.
THIS PLACE IS FANCY. It took all my money. Twice. Here is what you should get: -Oysters, duh. I am a new fan, and these were totally delicious. Fresh, salty, and lovely, served with a tasty vinaigrette, these made me want oysters all the time. -Hamachi sashimi. Delicate and lovely with champagne grapes. (Told ya. FANCY.) -Oyster po'boy slider. YUM. -Mussels. There are a lot. They are tasty. Skip: -Lobster mac n cheese. I KNOW. I will get roasted for this. But it's too rich for my taste. Too much richness, not enough cheesiness. AND I LOVE CHEESE. Make a reservation. (Be nice and honor that reservation.) We had to wait a bit on my second visit for our reservation. As in 45 minutes after my reservation. I was annoyed and hungry. The sweet bartender who poured a totally delicious manhattan made up for it. But still. If you take reservations, PLEASE honor them, or at least keep the guests updated. We had to keep going over to the hostesses and reminding them that, yes, we were still here, and no, we were not at our table. Food is good, drinks are good. When I'm feeling fancy and less-broke, I might go again. Unless someone ELSE wants to take me and pay...
(4)R K.
I've been here twice and enjoyed both experiences. Both times were a Friday night, and we were able to get seating at the communal table pretty quickly. Atmosphere - communal style tables with small plates- i used to dislike this, but it's fun. Food - seafood small plates. i really shouldn't be commenting i've been sick for the past few weeks i think my whole sense of taste is off. that being said, things that i could still taste (and are worth mentioning) include - the scallops - prepared well and paired with a tamarind based sauce and lemon garnish. other almost as good dishes - P.E.I mussels (the sauce was serious comfort for my cold), cod croquettes (not too heavy and balanced well with a fennel and orange salad), escolar + short ribs (meat and fish together are a thing i'm really liking lately), lobster mac and cheese (also not too heavy, good amount of lobster, just ditch the peas). And of course, the oysters. You have to come here and get oysters. And after 10 they are half off. Service = hit or miss (at least at the communal table). the first time = great - friendly waitress that was knowledgeable with good recs, second time = we never saw our waitress except to order and bring the bill.
(3)Billy Boy F.
This place is a very different dining experience . The portions are on the small side . That being said the taste and quality is amazing . The Chowder was the best In the world. Lobster Mac was stellar . The real jewel of the meal was desert . Banana Carmel tart . Unbelievable
(5)Eliza C.
It almost hurts me to give this spot only 3 stars after all of the anticipation. But c'est le vie. Will Order Again: - The Waitlist. Ridiculously good! - Oyster Po Boy Slider. Couldn't taste the oyster but the bread and kimchi were a fantastic mix. - Lobster Roll. Tasted all the right flavors. Meh: - Kusshi. Fresh but blander than I'm used to. - Baja Shrimp Bruschetta. Fresh but couldn't taste the shrimp?? - Hamachi Sashimi. Fresh but couldn't taste the hamachi?? But I'll come back and give them another shot at wowing me. I'm fair like that.
(3)Eric Y.
Overall, a good spot for seafood though it had it's ups and downs. There's a nice cocktail list with some different takes on classics. The fresh oysters are really fresh and tasty, with house made cocktail sauce. The place is a small-plates, tapas-style restaurant so we ordered a bunch of different things and shared. Some were really good and some weren't. The hits included shirmp-foie gras terrine, lobster roll, duck confit, and pork belly. The pork belly was especially good, served with pickled mustard seeds, pickled shallots, figs and Tuscan kale. Misses included the mac and cheese (not enough lobster), sashimi bento box (not enough fish), oyster po-boy (not oystery enough), clam chowder (not clammy enough). For dessert, the warm toffee cake is really, really good. I was disappointed after reading the article in the Chicago Tribune that this was the best place to get fried clams in Chicago, like the kind you get in New England, you know, with the belly still attached. Alas, no clams on the menu. WTF! It's weird that the best food at this seafood house was not seafood.
(3)Amer A.
Beautiful restaurant in River North. Attentive service from friendly staff. High quality food, though not ground breaking. The small plates style allows one to sample a good swath of the menu. Highlights include the grilled octopus and the chocolate pie. The seafood platter was disappointing in its modest contents and princely fee. The lobster roll, while good is not special.
(3)Mary M.
I wanted to eat here for months and was finally able to grab an early dinner with a girlfriend after work. The service was very attentive throughout the meal. Our server made a few suggestions with our food choices. The Smoked Platter was my favorite with samples of different smoked fish as well as playful extras such as mini pretzels with whole grain mustard, beets with caviar. The lobster mac and cheese was highly recommended, but just OK in my opinion. The lobster roll was very good. As far as drinks, I didn't enjoy the Cosmo - very grapefruity. I tried a couple of the chardonnays offered by the glass and was disappointed. The apple pie dessert was tasty. While it wasn't bad, I think I'll take some time to try other places and circle back to GT at a later date.
(3)Johnny T.
A perfect idea for lunch or dinner. As in all things in life, though, it's best to know how to handle a situation so as to get the most out of it. Simply put: don't go for lunch expecting a dinner experience and don't go to dinner expecting intimacy. The word is out. People know about GT. People like GT. There are going to be crowds. It's going to be loud. Ask yourself if the food's worth. If so, ask yourself if the noise/chaos level is worth it. Make these decisions before-hand and ensure that you have a five-star experience. Lunch: I think this is the easier experience. No wait of which to speak. No real need for reservations. Plenty of room from which to choose both in and out. See? See how easy that was? Now, before you make that first selection of seafood, ask about the drink menu. I'm not talkin' booze. I'm talkin' lemonade. Fizzy lemonade with berry flavoring. Sip slow because it comes in a small, skinny glass with lots of ice. And, it's not cheap. But, it might be the best lemonade you'll have all summer. Oops. Sorry, it's autumn now. Only seven months to go... I don't know if plates are meant to be shared, but do it. It's lunch and you have stuff to do afterward. Tuna poke, shrimp bruschetta, crab cake, and whitefish are all solid choices for a winning lunch. You're going to want dessert. Refrain so as to not look like a piggy but make a note to self to come back for the key lime pie. You're also going to want the lobster roll. Don't order it. Go to New England Seafood Company Fish Market and get a bigger one, served cold, on buttered roll, and packed with lobster meat. It will change your life but that's a review for another day... Dinner: Have your friends make reservations at 6:30. 6:30 is the new 8 when it comes to top-notch restos. It's true. Old folks time is still 5 pm, so no worries about jumping the shark. But, if you want to eat a leisurely dinner without feeling rushed or frenzied take my advice. You have been warned... Once your friends have arrived, ask to be sat with them. Resist the urge to 'bless' the gaggle of hostesses who'd rather chat amongst themselves than do their jobs. Walk to the table yourself. Make a stink-eye at said delinquent hostessES (yes, plural. In a down economy. Who do nothing). Drinks. It's night time. Do it. Do it a lot. Be like Johnny and order... - the Old Money: bourbon served with the biggest ice cube you've ever seen. Sip, don't slurp. Enjoy and pretend to be classy. Get very drunk. Start to make decisions like... - the Bomb Pop/Italian Ice. I don't know that it's still on the menu. It's reminiscent of the drink you've had (admit it) at Rockit but better... and boozier, which will lead to... - a perfectly crisp pinot grigio. Good, back to classy so you can have... - a boozy coffee. I think its Christian name is not all that PC. We have drinks covered, yes? Food. If there are four of you, get no less the 12 dishes. You're sharing and you want something to soak up all that liquor. Plus, the food is frighteningly good. You're going to want to eat a lot of it. Of note, the ceviche and the po' boys. Get them both. In fact, contemplate putting in an order of po' boys (they come four to a plate) for yourself. They're delicious and you won't want to share. The eel is as good as you think it should be, the terrine is a surprising revelation, the mac & cheese can be hit or miss and there's no reason at all to order the mussels. I was disappointed with them but after 11 other dishes of wonderfulness, there's not much cause for complaint. Remember the dessert you passed up at lunch? Get it now. In fact, order them all. There were four on menu at the time of my last visit. While all were satisfactory, the key lime pie stole the show and I, in turn, stole it from my dining companions. Remember, I am an only child. Does it seem like we ordered a lot? We did! Does it seem like such a meal would take a long time? It did! Are we happy we arrived at 6:30? You betcha! The minor glitches I've experienced at GT are no match for the amazing quality of food, drink and service (actual wait staff, not the coven up front). You owe it to yourselves to try it. But, do it right. Follow my rules.
(5)Lauren C.
The food and the service were very very very good, but making us wait 35 minutes after our reservation time and not giving us a free appetizer/drink is unacceptable. If you know we will not be seated on time and you have my number/e-mail you should call and let us know.
(4)M B.
I haven't been to GT since it opened but I was so glad I went back. It was four of us, we split everything and everything we got was delicious. We started with oysters which Im trying to acquire a taste for and they were really good! Don't ask me which they were though - all I know is that half were east coast and the other half were west coast. We then got the grilled artichokes and the seared tuna salad - both looked really yummy but I didn't eat them because I had the clam chowder coming. I love the chowder here because it's a lighter version than traditional new england clam chowders but still delicious and full of clams. I went to college in new england so I know good chowder! We then got the lobster dumplings, octopus, crab cake and lobster roll. The octopus was very tender and was almost a little crispy on the outside but not fried. The crab cake was full of crab and not breading and the lobster roll was perfection, I could have eaten two of them. We ended the meal with the carrot cake and the key lime pie. The dessert was my least favorite, I thought the carrot cake was a little dry but I wasn't really in the mood for dessert anyway just had a spoon. A few tips: If the waiter doesn't mention it, they have two lobster rolls - cold with mayo and warm with melted butter. We opted for warm and it was to die for They have bread and butter upon request And they will split one glass of wine between two people if you ask. Read some reviews about brunch here so I will have to try that next!
(5)Jen N.
I love GT! It's trendy yet not "fancy", can be loud, nice modern & sea motif, has 2 communal tables, and is popular for late dining as well- actually oysters are half-price after 10pm. The bar is good and of their specialty cocktails I love the "Waitlist" martini, delish. The menu is not too big, it's just right. Understand that they are small portions. The oysters are great, of course, but there's also menu items for those who are not that into seafood, namely the lobster mac and cheese (the portion for this is enough for a meal, especially if you have had an appetizer). My favorite thing was the shrimp bruschetta it is KILLER. I also love the halibut with Israeli cous cous, it was wonderful, but again you're gonna want to order more than just one food item as they are smaller. Only negative is the service was slow and could have been better, especially for the prices, your bill will add up, for 2 people our bill was about $180 with drinks. Try the salted caramel tart for desert, it is to die for. And how sweet is this- if you go here for your birthday they give you a gift of a $20 certificate for your next visit, it's a little thing but is appreciated.
(5)Lois A.
Beautiful place! I've been here a couple of times in the last few weeks and I definitely have a few favorites. I love the baja shrimp bruschetta . This is such a perfect bite of shrimp with avocado that I could eat an entire plate of it. The avocado creme is insane! The oyster sliders are perfect. I really loved the lobster roll - the onions on the side thrown into the roll made it really flavorful. I also couldn't get enough of the gnocchi or the fish tacos. The lobster bisque and clam chowder were both good. Beware the heat of the lobster bisque underneath that delicious pastry that shelters it. Hot!! Maybe a little too hot as the lobster keeps cooking a bit longer than it should. I also had some lobster pasta dish tonight that I had high hopes for that was only ok. The only thing I've had that I disliked was the oyster caesar salad. The lettuce was so limp...it just wasn't good. Service is excellent. I am excited to try some of dishes that are not of the sea. The chicken and the short rib really do sound fantastic. This place fills up fast!
(4)Victor R.
O M G Basil Gnocchi! Amazing.
(5)H F.
Over priced and tiny portions. Avoid the hype and feeling like a moron for paying $12 for a cup Campbell's clam chowder, $13 for tablespoon sized tuna poke that includes tasteless tuna as an after thought. They get one star because the staff is nice. Lastly, AVOID the sugared chocolate colored cardboard they call dessert. Actually just avoid this place altogether and go somewhere else. This place is one of the worst in the city.
(1)Chris L.
So i've been on an oyster kick for the past couple of years. I find that I can't get enough of them. Knowing this, my wife took me here for my birthday. It took some time to get us to our table but I'll let that slide. Reason? We waited by the bar. Not at the bar...by the bar. Not 2 minutes after finding a spot to stand, the bartender came out from behind the bar with some menus to take our order. Now THAT'S impressive. Anyways, on to the meal. We started with a dozen oysters. The mignonette that comes with was outstanding, though the oysters needed nothing added to them. You'd think to yourself, "How can I follow up oysters?" Well, you'd be surprised. Most of the dishes we had from that point on were out of this world. The shrimp bruscetta had some nice heat that paired well with the avocado "cream." The poke gave me flashbacks to our honeymoon in Hawai'i. The lobster mac was perfect. I wasn't in the mood for it (the wife was) but I changed my tune once I tried it. The best part of the night (other than the oysters) were the oyster po'boy sliders. Now, I'd never had kimchi before. The word "fermented" never appealed to me. If all kimchi tastes like this...I'm sold. Everything paired together so well. The bun...the crisp of the oyster...the heat from the thai peppers...the tart from the kimchi. Our waitress suggested these to us because they were recognized by the Beard Award folks. I can see why. We'll definitely be back.
(4)Calvin B.
You have to get the lobster roll!!!! It is delicious!
(5)Sam I.
Service is fast and good. The oysters are the best in chi. Fish tacos are my favorite. Great space and ambiance.
(4)Jen A.
GT Fish and Oyster is my new favorite seafood spot in the city. I'm very fortunate that it is around the corner from my office at the Merchandise Mart, so I've been able to try this place out for lunch a few times. Big hit: the lobster roll. It's a MUST. Sure, it's a $20 sandwich but you will not regret it. There is a TON of lobster and the bread is soft and buttery. The lobster mac n cheese is also insanely delicious. After eating it for lunch I promptly went home and tried to make it- I just had to have it again. Aside from the great food, the service is always fast and the ambiance is comfy yet elegant.
(5)Michelle W.
Love!!: Foie gras and shrimp terrine Lobster mac and cheese Oysters Okay: Smelt Eggplants Sunfish ceviche
(4)Katrina S.
Being a huge fan of seafood I really looked forward to checking this place out. My first impression walking in the door was, "very niiiiccee.." Floor to ceiling windows looking out on the busy city street, dim lighting, cool wrap around bar, sleek, sophisticated and ... sexy. We sat down and ordered a cocktail. Perhaps I ordered wrong "the wait list". It tasted like one of those sour candies that forces you into a pucker? Not sexy. We tried the fish tacos first. They were wet on the bottom and falling apart so we had to eat them with a fork. I also came across several bones. Pulling bones out your your mouth? Not sexy. I had heard so many raves about their lobster roll that we decided we had to order one. For the most part it was excellent; fresh and light with big chunks of fresh lobster, celery, just the right amount of mayo and good bread. Excellent as far as flavor and freshness. The issue I had here which was magnified by the aforementioned bones was that I bit down on a few shells that coulda cracked a tooth.. Pulling shells out of your mouth? Definitely not sexy... Perhaps I just hit some backwards lottery because I have quite a few friends that had an entirely different experience. I will give them another chance and hope it's waaaayy more sexy. P.S. Service was good. Bathrooms strange, small and not so clean. Pricey for what you get. Street parking difficult as to be expected with it's location.
(3)Desirae K.
Pains me to give GT Fish & Oyster 2 stars. I was so pumped to try this place and am so bummed that my taste buds left underwhelmed. Maybe I should have asked the waiter for a recommendation. Cold: (-) Hamachi Civiche - the citrus was very strong and overpowered the fish. (+/-) BBQ Eel - this was OK. Not great, but not memorable. Hot: (-) Berkshire Pork Belly - dry & flavorless. (-) Fish Taco - boring, basic and nothing special. Oysters (+) Fat Bastard - This is my first experience with a Fat Bastard, plump and loveable. (+) Kusshi - Dainty with a deep cup. Never met a Kusshi I didn't love, clean & light. (+) Naked Cowboy - Rich, firm wild oyster on the slightly bigger side. Strong mineral flavor with a touch of iodine & brine. Who doesn't love a naked cowboy? Dessert (+) Mousse (I don't remember the exact name) - mousse was absolutely delightful and the perfect size. Staff was friendly and attentive. The space is absolute gorgeousness. Would I go back to GT? For cocktails, oysters and dessert - maybe. Definitely not worth it for the dinner I had.
(2)Melinda Q.
Swanky, tasty and New England with an Asian flair! Can't go wrong with the mini Po' Boy sliders topped with Kim Chi - won some James Beard accolade apparently. Tapas style menu allows you to taste lots and order seconds on dishes you like.
(5)K K.
I liked everything we ordered: several varieties of fresh oysters, tuna poke, oyster po' boy, lobster mac n cheese, and a lobster roll. All of it was good. The service was solid. The location and decor were solid. So, if everything was good, why only 3 stars? Perhaps it's just about expectations. We have tried to get reservations several times over the past year. GT is a tough table to get on short notice. Combine that with the 4-star rating and I suppose our hopes were high for a great meal. It could also be about the price. Although there are more expensive places to eat in the city, GT isn't cheap. The lobster roll was $28. GT is good. It just isn't my first choice in a city packed with great food options.
(3)Jonathan W.
I went here with group of 12 which I would actually NOT recommend. Seems a little counter-intuitive but the dishes are very small, expensive and hard to share. It was difficult for everyone to try everything with out ordering three of the same dish. Plus everyone ended up getting a micro bite of their $20+ lobster roll, even after ordering three. I would recommend this place for a smaller group of 3-4 in order to keep the price-to-portion ratio a little less out of whack. The food was great and the space is pretty. The price is a bit steep however.
(3)maurice s.
I was expecting so much more. Portions are remarkably small and not at all suitable for sharing like they suggest. Prices are very high for what you get. The decor is downright tacky and doesn't fit the modern space. The quality of the food and service was very high, however, so I can't really go lower than 3 stars. If you're in the area and want drinks, oysters, and other small plates, I'd recommend Frontera instead.
(3)A P.
Great! I love GT Fish House. Oyster Sliders, tune poke, fish tacos -- yum! And the hostess and staff are friendly and helpful.
(5)My C.
Love their seafood.
(4)Joel C.
First of all, getting a table is rather difficult because this place if very popular. We got lucky and got an 8 o'clock reservation for three probably because someone cancelled. Unfortunately, we had to wait a half hour for them to seat us. The host was accommodating and said it would be worth our while. When finally seated, we ordered the raw oysters (various kinds) and they were awesome. It felt like they melted in your mouth they were so fresh. The cold bbq eel dish was excellent and the po boy sliders were so good. The fish tacos were good, but I've had better in the San Diego area. The lobster macaroni and cheese is to die for. The lobster roll (fan favorite on this site) was good, but I don't know about great. My bro had a piece of lobster shell in it and they took it off the bill (nice). To top the meal off, they gave us a complimentary bananas foster crumbly dessert thing for our long wait. Yeah! Overall, excellent food if you can get a table and they're really accomodating.
(4)Alden V.
We got a table by the street window it's a very cool vibe inside and provides a lively but not overbearing environment. The service was prompt and very helpful. The dishes are tapas style. 2-3 dishes per person, we ordered oysters and 4 dishes to share. I love the oyster selection from around the country/world. I was a novice going into it, our waitress was helpful in guiding us to a good variety and pointing out the tasting differences between oysters from the various waters. The ceviche and crab cake are absolute must haves! Everything was as fresh as it gets and flavors are loud. We brought out own bottle of Prisoner, no problem. As it was my birthday, they gave me a $25 gift card to use for next time! Great service, I can't wait to go back. Loved it!
(5)Temi C.
I love the ambiance here! It would be a great venue for a date, birthday dinner or a shower. A group of girlfriends and I started out with the infamous kimchi oyster sliders. They were delicious, but watch out because mine had a huge chunk of shell in it. The kitchen was extremely generous and threw in a new slider, fresh oyster, and fish and chips. Wow, great service! One of my friends had dined at GT Fish &Oyster before and shared that the lobster mac and cheese and lobster roll were passable. We went with the octopus potato salad, sliders, fish tacos, and fresh oysters. Octopus salad was yummy as were the sliders and fish tacos. I made the mistake of asking for a really big fresh oyster. They're not kidding when they say they're big. The fish and chips were the best ones I've had next to Fish in SF. The drinks were strong in a subtle way. I would definitely return or take out-of-towners.
(4)Ron C.
Here's a place that gets everything right. Many times one travels downtown to enjoy a special occasion with a friend or loved one and they are met with pretentious food, over decorated interior, and an overall feeling of uneasiness. Not at GT Fish. They are very pleasant and informative at the door. The maritime themed decor is subtle and classy. Service was graceful and knowledgeable, answering every annoying question and making great recommendations. Wine list rocks. Cocktails are made perfectly. And while the menu doesn't scream of originality and creativity (which was my only critique while I was there) the food was spectacular. For example: I ordered clam chowder and thought to myself 'I wish they had something other than just boring ol' clam chowder' and after my first spoonful I had to admit that it was the greatest clam chowder I have ever had. And that sentiment resonated throughout the meal. The quality and preparation of these foods are easily above and beyond what I would expect for the price. All the while, managers are checking in, severs are on point, and even Chef Giuseppe comes by the table. Truly blown away.
(5)Kiki H.
The food was fine. The oyster po boys are delicious. As is the lobster roll. I only give it three stars for service. We waited 30 minutes past our reservation on a Wednesday night and received no apology, no offering of a drink or appetizer. Nothing. The host and hostess were indifferent. Our server was fine, nothing special. Would I come back, maybe. No rush.
(3)Emily M.
My hubby took me to GT Fish & Oyster for my birthday and I was floored by not only how delicious the food was, but also by the impeccable service. This place is quite popular so you should def make a reservation 6-8 weeks in advance, or go any day after 10pm for 1/2 priced oysters. We started off with 2 dozen oysters (mix of east and west coast) and they were phenomenal. So good in fact that we decided to order another dozen and they brought us out an additional 1/2 dozen at no charge. The waiter recommended we try the oyster po boy sandwiches (they are small, like $4/ea) so we ordered a few. Apparently these po boys won some sort of magazine award and I can see why...they were amazing! We finished the meal off by splitting the lobster mac n cheese. Holy sh*t was this incredible...probably the best lobster mac n cheese I've ever eaten. There were huge succulent pieces of lobster in almost every bite....mmmm so good! They also have a great drink and wine selection. I ordered the Waitlist and my hubby had the Old Money...they were both fantastic. To top off the evening, they brought out a special dessert for my birthday and included a $20 gift certificate to be used on a future visit. I will definitely be returning, probably after 10pm for 1/2 priced oysters!
(5)Courtney W.
Finally made it out to GT for my boyfriend's birthday. I had been trying to get a reservation for two months and finally was able to get in around 5:45 on his actual birthday, very lucky indeed! The atmosphere was amazing, just the right amount of light but not so dark that you can't see the person sitting across from you. It was a busy but not too loud at all. We started with a Dogfish Head Pumpkin Ale ($8) and a Grey Goose and 7-Up ($10). Not too bad for a high-end place. Our server, Patrick, was amazing. He gave us some great suggestions and we tried out a few. We started with the Tuna Poke (which Patrick suggested, $12) and I thought tuna, cucumbers, and mangos would be a bad combination but man was I wrong! It was outstanding. Next, we had the Baja Shrimp Bruschetta (Patrick also suggested this, $11). Again, a weird combination of Baja shrimp, avocado, and grapefruit but man was it delicious! Both of the previous two items were on the "Cold" side of the menu. Patrick suggested we try the scallops which were garnished with candied bacon, all over butternut squash puree. I thought I didn't like butternut squash but this was to die for. The scallops literally melted in your mouth. We next had the Whitefish with pureed sun ripened tomato puree all over callentini beans and squid. It was good, not as good as the other dishes but it did not disappoint it just had a lot to follow. Last but not least, we had the Lobster Roll with friend onions on a toasted roll. I love lobster rolls, I have had the one at Fish Bar and this was much better (and I liked the one at Fish Bar!). At $22 it wasn't too bad but one of the most expensive things that we ordered. Patrick also recommended an awesome white wine from Malborough, NZ that I couldn't stop talking about. For dessert, we had the Salted Caramel Tart with thinly sliced bananas, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream. I will for sure be back in order to try the rest of the menu items, even if I have to wait two more months for a table. We ordered five plates because it is more like seafood "tapas" if you will. If you are thinking of making a reservation, call and ask to sit in Patrick's section, you will not be disappointed.
(5)Mia G.
If I were to return I would get the shrimp bruschetta and the fish + sweetbread dish. Skip the oyster po'boys. And then get another order each of the shrimp bruschetta and the fish+sweetbread. Had the waitlist too. It was great.
(4)Jinah Y.
went for lunch during RESTAURANT WEEK and was very impressed. i opted for the seared tuna salad which was bigger than expected and the perfect starter. next was a basil gnocchi w/shrimp which was great but not as impressive as the salad. the pasta was slimy and a bit soggy but otherwise flavorful--probably wouldn't order that again if it is offered on the regular menu. however the dessert was sex on a plate! im salivating thinking about that brownie parfait. the whipped topping and caramel were so smooth and the brownie was the perfect amount of chewy goodness. i asked and they do not offer it as a regular dessert but if that's how amazing the rest of the desserts are then i'd go back just for that...
(5)Kelly P.
Had a really lovely Friday afternoon here. I went to Chowdah Fest in Chicago this year and after sampling GT's station, they handed me a $15 gift card to use on lunch. The restaurant itself is beautiful! I loved all the glass and subtle nautical/fishy touches. Major points for the flatware as well. The menu is meant to be shared and sampled and between two people, four dishes were plenty. The clam chowder really is remarkable. I was also a big fan of a shrimp, avocado and grapefruit bruschetta we had. Our heavier choices were the fish and chips and crab cake. Everything was presented with great detail, especially the chowder in two split mason jars. Only had one glass of cava each but the lemonade cocktails all sounded very refreshing for lunch. I'm looking forward to coming again for dinner; I imagine the entire place is a bit livelier. I'd really like to be able to use one of the large tables available for groups so I can eat even more!
(5)Mark K.
Had dinner here last night. Oysters were fresh and expertly shucked. Po boy slider was as advertised - a must have. Everything was delicious, and service impeccable. One of the best seafood restaurants, if not the best, in the city. My wife and I loved it!
(5)Helen Y.
my bf and I went here on Valentine's Day and we had great experiences! we booked the reservation 2 weeks in advance and they placed us in the downstairs private dining area where it's quiet and elegant. we got the V-Day set, 6 courses including the appetizer and the dessert. they do offer wine pairing for $50 per person but we ordered our own wines. the food was very tasty, fresh and looked beautiful while in the plates! the staff there are quite tentative, caring and know what food they are serving. the waiter takes away my dirty plate and placed new silver sets on time without disturbing the conversation. we were both quite satisfied with dining here and quite look forward to coming back soon.
(5)steven l.
I really really really enjoyed this place. The service was great and the food was very good. I ordered 12 oysters in which the chucker chose for us to try and the oysters were top notch and extremly delicious! Also ordered the ciopino which was extremly delicious and had a rather good piece of fish clams mussels and shrimp. The mac and cheese with crab was top notch and delicious with nothing over powering. Rich and chewy it was something I'd order again. The oyster sliders were awesome. 2 bites and they're gone but it was fresh and crunchy with a delicious flavor of the ocean. The hamachi ceviche was delicious with a perfect amount of citurs in it. The hamachi was very fresh and it came with cucumbers lemon juice mandarin oranges and 4 slices of hamachi. Froed Cauliflower was different and delicious a mix of yogurt and onions with fried cauliflower left my tongue with a nice tangy flavor. Ordered the "Old money" drink which was awesome. Overall an awesome experience with great service and delicious food. I will definitely be coming back when I come visit Chicago again.
(5)Anne K.
In a city with so many options for food and new ones popping out left and right, this restaurant is definitely a winner. Seafood is exceptional and oysters out of this world. The atmosphere is so hard to describe: It's contemporary, it's traditional, it's busy, it's quiet, it's hidden, it's a great place to meet your friends, it's romantic, it's fun, it's... it's... it's... JUST FANTASTIC!!! Great location as you don't have to worry about tourists with their fanny packs and shopping bags (not that I don't appreciate tourists, but we Chicagoans like a place just to ourselves sometimes). Completely reasonably priced for the quality of food. I think that's what draws so many people to this place and makes them come back over and over. The service is exceptional. We were really sloppy with our reservation. Made it last minute for the same night, we came waaaaay too early, but they found us a seat. We sat outside at first but decided it was too hot so we asked to see if they had anything inside. The place was packed, yet few minutes later the hostess came and re-situated us.
(5)Jacob T.
The variety and style of seafood this place has is unreal. They range from traditional options such as clam chowder and fish & chips to more contemporary options such as tuna poke and the incredibly delicious lobster mac & cheese. You will leave neither hungry nor unsatisfied. This is a must-visit.
(5)Mitchell O.
GT Fish & Oyster clearly fills a niche. Very slick. Very happening. The food was pretty good....in some cases, very good. Just not quite enough of it. Great wine choices. Took baby boy out for birthday on a Saturday. Joint was jumping. Got a great table by the window after declining the firs two options. I don't think the hostess ever forgave me on that one. Had a dream waiter. Engaged, knowledgeable, a master of the soft sale, her tip showed our appreciation. Don't see this really as a guy place. Especially guys with big appetite. Small plates, seafood, sleek as a runway queen at the top of her game, GT's more of place to eat fashionably and well and be seen. Not a criticism; just an observation. Would certainly go back; probably for brunch.
(3)Tyson T.
This place is not at all what I was expecting, but that wasn't a bad thing. When we first arrived, I didn't know what to make of the crowd since it was a mix of hipsters, cougars, business people, etc. However, after getting a seat at the bar very quickly, the mixed crowd actually worked out pretty well. The bartender was great and made sure we had drinks the entire time as we waited around 45 minutes. Not too bad on a Saturday evening without a reservation. On to the food...The dinner plates are more like a tapas restaurant, small and meant to share. I usually want a massive entree all to myself as sharing doesn't work out too well since my wife and I have pretty different tastes in food. However, with seafood, we are on the same page and all the different dishes were good to great. The lobster mac and cheese sounds bizarre, but it is so delicious that we ordered it twice! The fish tacos were also very tasty and flavorful. We also had the bay sea scallops and and BBQ eel which were good, but not the best I've ever had. However, while they only featured 6 different types of oysters, which is pretty minimal for a place that advertises as an "oyster bar", they are probably the best I've had in the city. It's quite pricey as they range $2.50 - $3.75 per oyster, but they are well worth it. The service was also top notch.
(4)Lauren F.
Couldn't have picked a more perfect place to celebrate the first day of the last year in my twenties! GT Fish & Oyster sure knows how to make a girl feel special! Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a great dinner with friends, GT Fish & Oyster is the place to go! We had reservations for a Wednesday night at 6:30pm and were seated right away, even though we arrived a little early. There were several open tables when we arrived but by the time we left the place was packed! The restaurant decor is just perfect-modern and classy but with a rustic, east-coast fish market kind of feel as well...a great place to see and be seen! (Also a great spot for larger groups, if you have a reservation!) Our waiter was super nice, attentive, and very knowledgable-he explained how the menu works (smaller plates meant to be shared) and gave us recommendations on his favorites. We started with cocktails-me the Clean Break and my fiancee the Old Money-both were the perfect way to kick-off the meal. At long last, let's get to the food! *Baja Shrimp Bruschetta-avocado, toasted pistachio, grapefruit, cilantro: One of my favorites of the meal! So incredibly flavorful and bright-the perfect start to the meal! *Oyster Po'boy Sliders-kimchi, peanuts: We only ordered 2 of these but I could have easily eaten half a dozen! Full of flavor (do you see a pattern here) and just completely satisfying! *Clam Chowder-neuske's bacon, house made oyster crackers: Now this definitely ain't your average chowda! The rich flavor of the neusuke's bacon and the big chunks of clams and potatoes took this dish to a whole new level. *Fish Tacos-garlic marinade, chipotle aioli, chicharron: A birthday extra from the chef! One of GT's more popular dishes, I enjoyed them, but I definitely enjoyed the other things we ordered more! *Lobster Roll-lobster salad, pickled vegetables, fried onions: Yum!! A buttery roll overflowing with huge chunks of lobster...you don't have to ask me twice! *GT "Mac and Cheese"-lobster, english peas: My advice-skip this dish and try something else. Don't get me wrong, everything we had here was delicious, but this was definitely the least "special" of the bunch. *Key Lime Pie-deconstructed: Tart, delicious, and so fun to eat! Plus it came with a candle and "Happy Birthday" written in chocolate, what's not to like?! As a birthday treat, they graciously presented me with a $20 gift card for my next visit....as if I needed an excuse to return! I'm already looking forward to our next visit!
(5)Dinah T.
It's a Friday night, just got paid and wanted to try someplace new...seafood yeah. So we Yelped Seafood in Chicago and BAM! GT Fish & Oyster it is! When we got there it was pretty busy, we didn't have reservation however we didn't have to wait too long as they offered us to sit outside...oh heck yeah! It was a beautiful night thanks! The Hostess was sweet and accommodating. While we were waiting by the busy bar, the bartender also came up to us and gave us a drink menu, who does that?!? Impressive service right at the starting gate and we haven't even ordered anything yet! We read the reviews and tried out what my fellow Yelpers recommended and boy was it worth it! Inside there were community high top tables, a long angular bar full of people drinking and eating. Around the corner were the dining area and then a sliding glass door to eat outside. It does get loud inside with people chatting away and music playing, pretty happening place to be. I'm glad we sat outside it was peaceful and they also had music playing through the speakers. They offered us different type of drinking water, we went for tap (no ice came with it). The bus boy was on top to it, he made sure our water glasses were filled...I hate asking for more water. You know that you'll be paying a pretty penny here when the bus boy offers you different types of water (tap or bottled) so be prepared. We were told that the dishes are small plate sizes, so it was recommended to us to try a few dishes throughout the night. They weren't kidding; beautiful platting and the flavors was top notch. You won't be asking to a box to go for your food. On to the food, we started off with a dozen oysters, 6 different types: Clevedon Coast, Deer Creek, Sun Hollow, Caraquet, Fire Lake, and Old 1871. I didn't like the Clevedon Coast taste, but the rest of them were so sweet, briny, buttery, and they all tasted like it was right out of the fresh water. The sizes are not like the oysters you see in the other places. They were small to medium sizes more like a teaspoon sizes vs. a tablespoon size oyster meat. It came with their house made cocktail sauce and a vinegar onion sauce, plus two different type of bottled hot sauce. I was expecting bread and butter before dinner but this place didn't serve that, oh well. We tried the Po Boy oyster sliders; it had kimchee and peanuts in it. The bread tasted like sweet Hawaiian bread. It was pretty good, however be careful biting down because I found a piece of an oyster shell in mine; luckily I didn't chip a tooth. I told the bus boy, the slider was good however look what I bit into. He apologized and he told the manger right away and he came to our table and apologized as well and said he will take care of them, so nice and quick response! We also tried their grilled Octopus (small serving size I wanted more octopus..boo) The traditional lobster roll (mayo mix) came with fried shoe string sweet onions. The bread was sweet and buttery. Lots of lobster pieces, light mayo mix no fillers just lobster, lobster, lobster! I would Totally get this again and not share, LOL! Their lobster mac and cheese was also good, ear shell pasta, thick creamy cheese and oh yeah more lobster! To end this great meal, we tried their deconstructed key lime pie. I didn't care much of this dessert. It was way to tart and overly sweet for me. It was more key lime filling than equal part gram cracker crumbs. I would like the balance of the two to define it as a pie...where's the crust man! I wanted the key lime pie in the jar as I saw a picture of it on Yelp, but it must have been an older picture. I wouldn't order it again and I LOVE key lime pie. I wasn't want I expected... Overall, this was a great 1st time dining experience! For the amount of money you'll spend here for two, it's worth to try it out. If you want good oysters from different parts of the nation come here and oh don't forget the lobster roll! I'd come back again for a seafood craving and great service!
(4)Meredith K.
I had to update my review even though its remaining the same number of stars. I've been here a handful of times now and I have to say that they are consistent no matter what time of day. Also GT just may have the best dresses hosts in Chicago. We came in for Easter brunch - well we came her on a Sunday for my friend's birthday and it happened to be Easter. So it was a set menu, no choices except for drinks and add-ons. We were so impressed! For $45 we had 9 dishes! It started w/ churros, monkey bread and French toast. Mmmm carbs! Then shrimp, smoked fish quiche, and crab benedict. At this point I was stuffed but no, there are three more dishes to go! Chicken & waffle, lobster roll and duck confit chilaquiles. I didn't eat the chilaquiles because I don't eat duck. The only small miss was the chicken. It was pretty dry. Everything else blew our socks off! So very happy. This place hits it out of the park in every way, every time. I look forward to returning.
(5)Dan L.
Been here for lunch, dinner and now brunch. Always enjoyed the laid back ambience and quality food. A few orders of oyster po' boy sliders and micheladas alone could make for a solid brunch. But, the shrimp & grits were tasty, too. Steak and eggs are very good, but the short rib latke is meant to be eaten with the kim chi hollandaise and egg yolk. On its own, it's a bit salty.
(4)Allison V.
Get the oysters....try them ALL. Service - fantastic. Oysters - pure awesomeness Brunch/Lunch was great. I will definitely be back.
(5)Annie V.
I seriously cannot got enough of this place. Brunch is spectacular. Dinner is amazing. Everything is super fresh and dishes are very balanced. My husband and I go here regularly and have yet to be disappointed. Only weird thing about this place is every time we go, they always want to seat us at the same exact table. It's happened more than 5 times. Bizarre, but clearly nothing to really complain about. The cocktails are so tasty. The whitefish quiche at brunch is super good and we've never had a bad oyster. A must try!
(5)allison k.
I really like this place. They serve an mix of food that changes seasonally. Good for sharing. Some are more hit or miss but everything is always interesting. Excellent whiskey selection and well stocked bar.
(4)Igor M.
Our small group had lunch at GT F&O to celebrate a birthday. When we arrived the restaurant was fairly empty; there was definitely more staff than patrons, which was a bit awkward as they all seemed to congregate in the middle of the room looking for things to do. In about 30 minutes however things went back to normal: the lunch crowd kept everyone busy. The service was pretty good: drinks proactively refilled, empty plates taken away promptly, server very helpful and knowledgeable about the menu. A nice personal touch: I mentioned that it was a birthday celebration while making a reservation and the restaurant took notice. No, there was no tacky clapping and singing by waitstaff. Instead, our server presented the birthday lady a $20 gift certificate, and the dessert came with a "Happy Birthday" message and a candle. The food was very good. We split a dozen oysters (chef's choice), which were fresh. Clam chowder was good, though a little too salty for my taste. Lobster roll was excellent. Wine list is fairly extensive; we had a bottle of pretty good viognier for about $40.
(4)Lynn G.
The food was servicible. It felt like a tourist restaurant.
(3)Ryan R.
Good not great seafood and inconsistent. Last time I was there bathroom was disgusting with garbage piling up all over the floor. Service ok as well.
(3)Lisa C.
This place is like crack.....you'll always want to go back. The food is not only very fresh but the flavors are phenomenal!! I'd like to recommend a specific dish but everything is awesome (try the fish tacos). They have awesome and refreshing cocktails for the summer. To my surprise, many of these drinks are available without alcohol if you have to head back to the office. Have never had a bad experience here.
(5)Marisa S.
I would go back just for the lobster mac. While most of the food at GT Fish & Oyster is meant to be shared (like tapas) you can go in and just order the lobster mac for a nice solo dinner. Pair it with a great glass of wine... perfection!
(4)Michael B.
This place does it right. Food, service, ambiance, buzz, attitude, attention to detail all come together seamlessly to create a memorable experience. First the food,. Outstanding, innovative small seafood share plates. As we finished one dish we anxiously anticipated what delicious treat will arrive next while disecting all the reasons why was we just ate was so fabulous . The plates are all different and one more delicious than the other. We also tried three vegetable dishes that were also memorable and more than held their own to the fish; , the grilled artichoke hearts, basil eggplant and stuffed zucchini flowers. The grilled Octopus was one of the best I've eaten, crisp, tasty and tender on the inside. PERFECT. The Lobster roll, EXCELLENT, Lobster Mac and Cheese KILLER (we sprinkled some crispy onion strings from another dish on top which added "a little more cowbell". Basically, just order the entire right side of the menu, buckle up and prepare for multiple gustatory orgasms.(you know.." Oh my god..., whew...this is fabulous...more, more!!" kind of reactions). The buzz, vibe, scene is vibrant, but in a tasteful and sophisticated while still being welcoming and comfortable. The cherry on top are the people. Happy, genuine, sincere and highly professional. Agnes our server was fabulous and her smile lit up our table all night long. Katie, the manager is wonderful. Beautiful, elegant, highly professional, friendly and accommodating, she made our night exceptional by taking care of a request we had for a special occasion and then doubling down with a little extra unexpected generosity. THANK YOU! We're fans and will return with friends!
(5)William W.
This was my second time at GT Fish & Oyster and it was the best dining experience I've had in Chicago. Chef Tentori and I follow each other on Twitter, so in the morning I sent him a message saying id be in with a date later and I'd like to meet him and say hello. Not only did he come directly to our table to introduce himself but we somehow got the best table in the house..not sure if he had a hand in it. After that our waiter couldn't have been more hospitable and helpful. He took his time to help us select items off the menu we could share and enjoy. Chef Tentori ensued to make sure we had the best dining experience possible. I can't wait till Boka's new restaurants open. They simply do everything right.
(5)Thomas G.
My wife and I went to brunch here and thoroughly enjoyed it. Great variety of raw oysters that were fantastic and prepared perfectly. Also, the lobster roll is a must try. Extremely buttery/rich so good to split with another. Service was great too. Give it a shot.
(4)Ritu R.
Brunch! We had a dozen oysters to start with. Did the open faces breakfast sandwich, whitefish quiche and biscuits and gravy! every plate was clean. Added a oyster po boy for each of us! OMG we see why its voted one of the top ten in the country! Which btw is available for all meals they serve and is absolutely delish! GT is a fave and we will be back ;)
(5)Graham W.
Everything was so good. Definitely coming back.
(5)Matthew F.
We walked in for Saturday date night, and walked out with a new go-to restaurant in our 'hood. Before I get into individual dishes, it's worth noting that everything is prepared with a very light touch. There are no heavy creams or other cheap gimmicks that interfere with the freshness or flavor of the ingredients. We ordered 7 plates total (5 dinner, 2 dessert) and left feeling satisfied, not stuffed. Here's the plate-by-plate rundown: Tuna Poke - Very fresh, with cucumber, mango and sesame. A nice quantity of tuna, and we're off to a great start. Shrimp Bruschetta - The use of thin toast really lets the main flavors (avocado, pistachio, grapefruit) speak. The avocado was a bit dominant for my liking, meaning this is the only plate I'd give a "B" grade to instead of an "A." Fish Tacos - Amazing. The chicharron is a clever touch. Try them with both hot sauces, "Burn" & "Smoulder." My date & I agreed that, at some point in the very near future, we're coming back to GT to sit at the bar for fish tacos & wine. Trout - A paella-inspired dish, with saffron couscous, sepia and a bit of chorizo. Each bite a little different. Yum. Crab Cake - Mini crab loaf, you mean? All crab meat. Delicious. Desserts were a deconstructed key lime pie and the "Chicago mix," inspired by the caramel & cheese popcorn combo. Gorgeous presentation - we Instagrammed the hell out of these - and neither too sweet nor too heavy. The service was in line with other Boka Restaurant Group spots, which is to say impeccable. Our server, Maurice, was personable but never insincere, polished but not a bit stuffy. We were looking for a dry, mineral-y white wine, and he put us on to the perfect bottle. And the rest of the wait staff is pleasantly attentive. We also had a nice chat with Oscar, the manager, who visited every table. The value for the money is outstanding, the concept is smart, and the decor (upscale crab shack?) is on point. I have a feeling I'll be here a LOT this summer.
(5)Janna R.
Limited seating but great for catching up with a friend and a cocktail. Mussels in red sauce, tuna tartar and fish tacos were great :). They make a pretty strong old fashioned but my friend loved her margarita made signature with a cinnamon finish.
(4)Vincent B.
Came for mothers day; we had a reservation but they took a while to seat us. The food was pretty good; our party had salmon, mussels, some salad, and biscuts; all very fresh and subtle; although the biscuit got kind of boring after a while. Individual dishes were not huge so its probably best to get a couple and share around.
(4)Matthew P.
Great seafood indeed. GT has a great seafood menu designed to order many items. The portions are more like appetizer size and allow one to order multiple items in one sitting. My girl and I ordered six oysters off the raw bar, a lobster roll, halibut, and shrimp. They were all beautifully presented and delicious. Also, the deserts looked amazing. If your in the mood for fine dining seafood, I would highly recommend GT.
(4)Cheryl D.
Great seafood dishes and refreshing cocktails. We had the sunfish ceviche, octopus, fish & chips, lobster roll, mac & cheese, pleasure seeker cocktail. The best was the Fish & Chips; it was so light and crunchy. The mac & cheese was ok.
(4)Kate M.
I really liked GT Fish & Oyster. The drinks were good, the food was delicious, and the service was mostly good. I was approximately 30 minutes late due to a puppy emergency and slightly frazzled by the time I arrived. We sat at the bar and I quickly ordered a drink. Some kind of vodka something with a fresh grapefruit flavor. It was very good and refreshing. Since it was my birthday I went with my normal "I don't want to make any decisions!" attitude and let him order everything. Good choice. We had some tasty oysters, tuna poke, mussels in a tomato sauce, gnocchi with some kind of deliciousness and shrimp, and it was all fantastic. The service was mostly good. The bartender was friendly and attentive. The only issue was when we asked for more tiny forks and someone behind the bar (not a bartender, not a manager, just a guy in a purple shirt) acted like we were asking for the moon. They're just forks. It's my birthday after all, a tiny fork isn't asking that much, is it? GT Fish & Oyster is very pretty. It's nice and bright and open but also has a warm feeling to it from the balance of light and dark decor. I'm excited about going back to GT Fish & Oyster when I'm less frazzled and not in a hurry to get home to the pup. Maybe next time I'll bring my own tiny forks, just in case...
(4)Deepti P.
Besides the loud, bar-like ambiance (especially in the front section) this place was actually pretty great. I went with my husband for our anniversary, hence the comments on the loud surroundings, -- come on people, we're an old married couple just trying to have a nice meal :) Overall, we definitely enjoyed our meal and our cocktails. Get the first cocktail on their list, the one with St. Germain. It's perfect. For food, get the fresh oysters. Seriously, why are you even here if you don't like oysters? They were so yummy and really perfectly fresh. Next, we got the ceviche dish. It was alright, nothing to write home about. I might be slightly biased because my mother-in-law makes pretty much the best ceviche ever. For hot dishes we got the scaollop/lobster canneloni dish on a corn puree. Simply delicious. This is more of an appetizer style dish also, but each bite was perfect. Onto the heavier portioned entrees. We then got the lobster roll and the lobster mac&cheese. I know that sounds like a lot---and it is!! We were definitely stuffed afterwards and decided that we should have gotten two lobster rolls and skipped the mac&cheese entirely. Not that it was bad, but totally not worth the wasting of precious room/calories that we could have put towards another lobster roll. So delectable, so rich, so perfect. We got the "hot" version which means the lobster is cooked in a butter/chive/citrus sauce. I haven't gotten to try the cold/aioli version yet, but this was pretty much heaven in a buttery roll. Dessert, which I somehow manage to always have room for even when I am doubled over from being full, was a wonderful decision. We got the salted caramel tart topped with bananas and chantilly cream, upon the waitress' recommendation. Man oh man. So. Good. I knew when my even more full husband, who swore he would only have one bite, proceeded to eat exactly half that this was really that good. Definitely would come back, even if it was just to have a lobster roll and that dessert. Just might need to bring my ear plugs :)
(4)Jori E.
With the likes of Pearl Tavern and Kinmont opening in Chicago GT better step up their game. The atmosphere in the restaurant is always enjoyable and the oysters, are well, oysters- doesn't take much to prepare and present them. So if you want oysters and a nice atmosphere and bar GT is your place. If you are looking to go beyond that and enjoy their menu I would advise that there are probably other places to better spend your money for some quality seafood. The mussels are minuscule, the smallest mussels I've ever had that are just smothered in garlic. The tuna poke was cut terribly with lots of fat left over. The mahi mahi portion was a joke (three pieces the size of a bite size twix bar). We left feeling very underwhelmed and wishing we had gone somewhere else and not wasted the money. We won't be back and will probably rather spend the price tag at Pearl Tavern or Kinmont.
(2)Justin B.
Dropped in for restaurant week; $22 got me the clam chowder, the mahi mahi and a scoop of salted caramel ice cream for dessert. The four-star reviews is a blend of the highs (the five-star chowder and fast, friendly service) and the lows (the bland two-star mahi mahi dish). I can't comment really on dessert; I opted out of the two choices since I have a nut allergy. But the staff was very friendly given that this was restaurant week; big kudos for not giving me the Groupon/voucher/restaurant week death stare and treating me like a normal customer. As a result, I will bring my wife's family here for dinner when they come out in February!
(4)Tom C.
I had a very, very good meal at this restaurant last week. We had probably 10 different items from the menu, all of which were really good. I particularly remember the po'boy sliders, the PEI mussels, and the lobster roll. We had a dozen oysters, sampling across the offerings, and they were good. The sazeracs were GREAT. I blame them for my inability to remember enough to write a really detailed review. But, I can say that I enjoyed my whole meal and will go back at my next opportunity!
(5)TJ U.
Not impressed. I actually tried almost everything since we had a large group. I want to say more but not much else to say other then service was good. Really just all goes back to the food to give this place 2 stars. Poor presentation and very fishy. Stick to steak if your visiting the Midwest.
(2)Abby G.
This place was recommended by several of my friends when I visited Chicago. We had an assortment of small plates but my faborite were the tacos and the fish n chips. Highly recommend!
(5)Helen H.
Good food, good service Pricey but cool ambiance and suchhhh good oysters
(4)Haley D.
4.5 stars. Food was a 5, experience was a 4. Had my first trip to GT Fish & Oyster on Valentines day. We had a 9 pm reservation, and upon arrival they let us know they were running a little late. They attempted to seat up around 9 30, but I was cold and the table was by the door, so we opted to wait for a seat in the back dining room. Sat closer to 10, but I understand some of this was my choice. Had a nice glass of wine while we waited, so no complaints there. Once we sat everything was amazing. The waiter was knowledgeable and helped us pick both some oysters and wine. There was a fixed menu for valentines day so I cannot speak to the full menu, but everything we tried was good. The only course I did not love was the steamed turbot with shellfish ragout. The marinated tuna, capon breast, beef tenderloin, brillat-savarin and red velvet cake were all delicious and beautifully prepared. Its not often I truly enjoy everything on a fixed menu. Had another drink at the bar after dinner. I tried the Dominican Outfit, which i would definitely recommend if you are a rum drinker. Overall a very good meal! I cant wait to go back.
(4)Kai Y.
We had dinner reservation at Alinea one night in Chicago. For that day's lunch, we decided to have something good but not too big. We did some research on Yelp. GT seemed like a good option, since the lobster roll pictures on yelp were saying welcome to us. We walked to the restaurant from our hotel. We loved the interior the moment we walked in. It was classic Chicago style with a modern twist. Love the black and white checkered floor, the mahogany color bar and tables. The big oversized windows attract a lot of natural light and serve a perfect venue for people watching if you happen to sit next to the window. Very easy to be seated right away at a lunch our on a week day. Service were quick and friendly. We ordered nothing but lobster rolls, one with the traditional style of being served cold with mayonnaise, the other was sautéd with butter. Both were very tasty. We wish there're more places like this one in Chicago in the bay area. It's good dining experience like this reminds us how wonderful a city really is.
(4)Liz S.
We finally came back to GT Fish & Oyster to give it one more chance and had a much better experience in that we actually got to eat some food. Our server was extremely professional and knowledgeable. We started with the oysters, which are not my thing but my husband absolutely loved them. We followed this up with the beet salad (very good, but you can't go wrong with beets and prosciutto), the clam chowder, and the octopus. The clam chowder was only ok (I would not get it again), but the octopus was very good. Finally, we split the cold lobster roll, which was delicious. As others have noted, the portions are small and pricey. We probably could have used one more dish but decided just to have a snack later. We will likely try to come back.
(4)Arthur M.
Our server was the man who trained me during my stage for the Boka group- Oscar. He's found his center. The service between him and the busser was lowkey and at the same time on top of everything. And everything turned out to be a lot. After months on the couch smoking mj I decided this would be the day I started to prepare for my third Chicago marathon. I went from 0 to 13 miles the afternoon before dinner. I was so out of shape that in the middle of the run I broke down and bought a chipwich from the ice cream man. The night of my visit to GT Fish I was sore and wicked hungry. My companion and I got oysters to begin. They were shucked perfectly, a point of pride for me, as a former oyster shucker. Oysters were fried as croutons with the next course, a Caesar salad. This was followed by an excellent little fried oyster shooter on a small brioche bun with kimchee. The trifecta of oysters was well done. My companion was by now full. We got a small citrus bright chowder and moved into heavier fare. The clam bake arrived at the table in a black cauldron and the runner pulled the lid and revealed steamed clams, mussels, shrimp, corn and sausage in a white wine sauce with toasted bread. The weird part was the inclusion of Japanese style seaweed, traditionally served cold, to the hot dish. Finally we got lobster mac and cheese, the lobster roll, fried onion strings and pickled veg. My companion was stoned from food. We're both from Massachusetts and have both eaten native seafood for years. That said- The seafood was the freshest I've had in the Midwest. Oscar paced the meal perfectly, mostly one plate at a time. Except for the lobster roll and it's best friend lobster mac and cheese.
(5)Shawn R.
Excellent oyster experience! Six varieties of oysters. Service is beyond reproach. Muscles, and tuna Poke, beers are all outstanding. This is a once in a life time experience for me because while I do not regret going at $3 an oyster I will never go back.
(5)Roberto C.
Came for brunch, had biscuit with lobster gravy and my partner had the crab Benedict. Absolutely wonderful. Chef Giuseppe Tentori got it right. My dish was tasty, well balanced, not greasy. The freshly-baked biscuits were delicious, the lobster super fresh (so much better than the one I had recently had at Drago's in New Orleans!). The crab benedict was really good as well, with a whipped Hollandaise sauce that wasn't too buttery or disgusting and that was the perfect t complement to the amazing poached eggs (yes, I do not take my poached eggs for granted). I had a Peach cider with bourbon to go with the meal, and it complemented the tasty food perfectly. The restaurant is very "chic", resembling a New England chalet/yacht interior. Waiters were attentive and asked about food allergies and all the proper things that should be asked about at an upscale restaurant. Overall, I wanna be back!!
(5)Rachel R.
One of my very favorite restaurants in the city. I'll be honest, I will a little apprehensive about what to expect as far as quality and freshness of the seafood. I have to say that having grown up in costal Southern California and ate numerous meals in Portland, Seattle, Boston and other coastal cities, the seafood and fish served at GT is top notch. We've had brunch and dinner numerous times and have never been disappointed with anything we've ordered. We always try to sample something new or seasonal, but never skip the Po boys. Absolutely amazing! The lobster roll in divine and the clam chowder is some of the best I've ever had. The tartare is clean and fresh and the mac n cheese is amazing, yet a little indulgent. For drinks, I love the Waitlist (vodka based) and The Ole Timer (bourbon based). They also have a great wine list. Service is never anything less than spectacular! I recommend this place to local friends and people in town visiting and will continue to do so.
(5)Samantha H.
Having been here a bunch of times, I feel the need to update. I've been for brunch, lunch, and dinner. The best thing on the menu is the poke tuna. It is unreal. The shrimp bruschetta is also amazing. As far as brunch goes, the shrimp and grits are awesome. The chilaquiles were very tasty but there needed to be some more meat. The tortillas overtook the dish. The bloodies are pretty solid and the bellini is great. The best server there is Nom (who also expos at Tru, which is not surprising). This is definitely one of my go-tos and will continue to be!
(5)Angie M.
Go big or go home. It's really what you have to do at GT Fish & Oyster. The oysters. Oh man... they're fabulous. Sometimes raw oysters get a bit too slimy, but the selections at GT are fantastic. They're expertly shelled, maintaining that gorgeous brine and are served on ice with a mignonette sauce and a cocktail sauce. I did my due diligence and tried both, but my heart belongs to the mignonette with a few dashes of the hot sauce. The result is a briney, sweet treat from the sea. So good. Caviar service. Perfection. If you can think of something more luxurious than a caviar platter consisting of egg, chives, pickled red onion, creme fraiche, capers and toast squares, I'd like to hear it. Also not to be missed are the poboy sandwich, the seared tuna nicoise salad and the baja shrimp bruschetta. So fabulous, so well crafted and just absolutely delicious bites. I cannot say enough about the cocktail menu. Eric, bartender extraordinaire, mixed up one of their best, the Wait List, made of Grey Goose vodka, St. Germain, grapefruit, lime and bitters. Fantastic. And lethal. Round two was the Clean Break, made from Plymouth gin, Pimm's No. 1, cucumber, grapefruit oil and Peychaud's bitters. I normally despise gin, but I didn't even know it was a gin drink until he let me in on the secret. Mind? Blown. Will you spend a pretty penny at GT? Yes. Is it worth it? Abso-fucking-lutely.
(5)Peter H.
Second time here last nite, and the busboy was even better than the first awesome one we encountered. He snuck us two hot sauces to go and was super friendly and funny. Salted caramel tart = OMG. Octopus was amazing. Fish tacos unreal. Lobster roll was good, but not worth $28. Tuna poke was good, but not great. Po boy slider, order it EVERY TIME you go.
(5)Cynthia C.
Casual yet elegant atmosphere. Love the tapas style dishes and the oysters were Incredible. Also highly recommend the tuna poke, lobster Mac and cheese, lobster roll, and fish tacos
(4)Matteo C.
Great restaurant where the delicate, natural taste of seafood is allowed to shine through. The restaurant decorations are quirky but make for an overall cool effect, with fishing nets strewn over chandeliers and full-length glass windows. The only shame are the two televisions plastered on top of the bar. Seafood is front and center here, and the crudo section is one of a kind. Raw scallops and thin slices of hamachi were accompanied by sauces that complemented the fish without overpowering it. The monkfish rice was a mix between a Spanish paella and a risotto, and the cast iron pot it was served in made it worth agressively scraping the edges to get crispy bits of rice. The clam chowder was the classical New England affair, although the cream wasn't piled on so high that the texture and flavor of the clams was lost. Desserts included classic combinations like a peanut butter malt sundae and a chocolate meringue tart, but the careful construction of flavor and impeccable technique made the final product memorable nevertheless. For carefully and creatively prepared seafood, GT Fish and Oyster is a compelling choice, more so than some top seafood restaurants in other large US cities.
(5)Jeremy B.
Food was awesome. We had the clam chowder which was unreal, the ceviche which I can only describe as fish guacamole, and of course the lobster roll. Bring enough people so that you can order a big spread. Also some of the best wait staff I've had. There's attentive and then there's the service here. Definitely a cut above.
(5)lori c.
everything that we had was great. the portions are a bit small, but they do warn you about the "small plates" and recommend at least 3-4 plates per person, which means it can get a bit pricey. the crab cake was delicious but a few days ago we had the crab cake at shaws crab house that was excellent (and cheaper). I was a little disappointed because I made an open table reservation noting that we were celebrating a birthday and when the restaurant hostess called to confirm our reservation I mentioned again that we were celebrating a birthday and she acknowledged it. when we arrived, sat, and ate...there was no mention of the birthday. so, when I got the bill, I wrote on the bottom "p.s. it's his birthday" and finally they came out with a happy birthday dessert and even gave him a $20 gift card. it would have been nice to have the hostess mention "happy birthday" when we arrived as I noted it upon making my reservation and reiterated the reason of our visit with the hostess when she called to reconfim two days prior. great recovery, and again, food & service were great; but portions are smaller. I do want to go back and try the lobster mac'n cheese though!
(4)Distinguished T.
Went for the Saturday brunch before a show. You got to try the Fried Oyster Sliders. It is appetizer sized. So order a few. They are awesome. Just that gets them 4 stars. Service was great and quick. The waitress asked if we were going to a show and by when we needed to be out. Great awareness! Rest of the food was above average. I would love to go back for dinner sometime.
(4)Gary T.
My favorite place to eat in Chicago!
(5)Mansi R.
Stopped by for dinner while we were in town. The kimchi oyster sliders were amazing! We order 2 initially with some other oysters and ended up getting 2 more because they were so good. The service was great. Loved the ambiance of the restaurant. We stopped by the Irish pub after dinner for a summer shandy.
(5)Jarred P.
Wow, this place was fantastic. My girlfriend tried her best to hype it up too much, but to no avail. We arrived fairly late on a Friday night, were seated at a 'communal' table and were thoroughly impressed throughout our meal. Shrimp Bruschetta: excellent, very tasty sauce. Gnocchi: terrific Prawns: very good, you might be turned off by being served the WHOLE prawn Mac & Cheese: amazing, and we consider ourselves Mac & Cheese connoisseurs Oysters: fresh and delicious Fish tacos: perhaps a little salty, but still good Deconstructed Key Lime Pie: very tart, our opinions were split
(5)Tristan B.
We have seen the reviews and they all the great the lobster looked awesome and they seem pretty nice on the freebies. Well, our experience was not really amazing. We love the oysters but they ran out of lobster and did not had the courtesy to tell us. The food took extra long and even the couple next to us who arrived 30 minutes later got their food before and got a complimentary appetizer. I know this is kind of our experience but I believe that a restaurant of that caliber should be more attentive to their patrons and all of them. I guess good luck if you are going there because you may not get the right food and/or the service
(1)Alex R.
I had lunch here with a group of 5 and we decided to order several dishes and share as a table. The shrimp bruschetta was very good, the fish tacos were amazing with that heavenly aioli. The oysters, were fresh, but I'm not a big fan so don't have much to say about that. The swordfish with potatoes was the only dish i didn't love- nothing special. The seared tuna sandwich with the fried pickles- OMG....still dreaming about it. The table also raved about the lobster mac n cheese, but I'm an odd one and don't like mac n'cheese. If you feel like seafood this is a must- they are don't amazing things with flavor.
(4)Jim B.
Nice professional place. Brunch Saturday and Sunday. Good cran cake benedict and whitefish omelette.
(4)Laura L.
When our server endorsed the $4 po' boy sliders ("They're Michelin-rated!"), I yielded but expected mostly hype. I was wrong. They're delicious. And thank you, GT, for the unsolicited birthday treat. Very personal touch. I'll be back.
(4)Chih F.
I had a lobster roll and it was so fresh and tasty. One of best lobster roll I have ever had.
(5)Abbie F.
I went for Restaurant Week 2014 lunch and had the tuna salad, lobster roll and devils food for dessert. I sat at the bar and the service was good. My water glass was constantly filled and my food came our perfectly spaced. The tuna salad was probably my favorite part. I thought the dressing was a little overpowering of the tuna but overall it was delicious. I also loved the pickled vegetables that came with the lobster roll. Lobster roll could have been better. Too much bread in my opinion and there was a spice that took away the lobster flavor. The dessert was ok. The cake was a little dry but turned out to be much better when eaten with the ice cream. The ice cream was amazing!
(3)Shane E.
I'd never had oysters prior to my visit last night to GT, but my eyes have been opened. We started out with a few of the East Coast Oysters and a few of the oyster po'boy sliders, all of which were fresh and tasty. I had the lobster roll for the main course, which didn't disappoint. We finished off the meal with the chocolate ganache - incredible. The overall dining experience was pretty great - our waitress was intentive and quick but not intrusive whatsoever. I haven't had better seafood in Chicago.
(4)Lu H.
My husband and I decided to give GT a second chance. We went there on a Sunday night. We were seated right away, the music was not as loud as last time. We had eggplant, oyster po-boy, halibut, softshell crab, and fish and chips. Eggplant--very good, on the sweet side, but good. The little tofu in there added different texture and flavor. Oyster po-boy sandwich--I have no problem with the sandwich, I just had a problem with the so-called "kimchi". It's no kimchi, so don't call it kimchi. Call it pickled cabbage and I'd be fine. And it's a little bit on the dry side... Softshell crab--this was the best dish of what we had. The crab was fried perfectly, the sweet corn added extra taste to the crab. Loved it! Halibut--the fish was perfectly cooked, BUT it's lacking salt. The couscous under it had minimal taste either. Fish and chips--my least favorite. The batter was too thick, the fish was A-OK, I've had wayyy better fish and chips at multiple west coast airports. For dessert we had some toffee cake. Now that was very good and unique. The cake was moist, not too sweet. The toffee on top gives it some sweetness but not overpowering. Like last time, I think GT's dessert overshines everything else. They must have a very good pastry chef...
(3)Andrea H.
I have come here twice for dinner and once for a business lunch. The business lunch was awkward as many of the plates are small and meant for sharing and the main lunch dishes are not easy to eat (whole fish, real caesar salad.) They're just kind of messy. But dinner has been stellar both times. The first I got the Oyster po' boy which was SO GOOD. I love buttery, soft bread and this is what the sandwiches here are served on so I'm in heaven. The oysters were lightly breaded (though not too much) and nicely seasoned. The lobster roll my friend got looked amazing too and was gone super fast. I tried to steal some when he wasn't looking but was not successful haha. The second time I came for dinner, we got the fish tacos and tuna poke, as well as the shrimp bruschetta. I really loved the tuna poke. In my opinion, tuna should always and only be served with mango and cucumber, I love the mix of salty and sweet. I also was a fan of the shrimp bruschetta, which was kicked up a notch by a generous sprinkling of cilantro. The shrimp tasted very fresh and the avocado added richness and substance to what's usually a very light dish. I would recommend coming for dinner and sitting at the bar. Oh and the waiting list drink is awesome too. Oh and the service is pretty great for such a busy restaurant. Guiseppe himself even stopped by our table to say hello which I was stoked about because I had been wanting to meet the chef after which this restaurant is named (Guiseppe Tentori fyi.)
(4)Tony L.
Ordered 3 of the Clevedon and 3 of the Old 1871 oysters, we ended up ordering half dozen more of the Old 1871. They were that good! The clam chowder was above average, clams were meaty. And finished off with the fish tacos. I normally do not like fish tacos but let me tell you, these were great! Overall must go if in Chicago. Service - excellent Food - delicious
(5)Sandra G.
Went here & had oysters... & then had some more oysters & some wine... & then just topped it off with some ... Yep, u know it; just a few more oysters. 'Nuff said. 4 stars b/c the head bartender reprimanded his busboy in front of us for something so irrelevant I cannot recall it. That's just a no no in my book. Food & wine were otherwise mmm mmm good! Will visit again soon.
(4)A M.
This place was sooooo good! The lobster roll was amazing and the oysters were great! I have never tried oysters and for being my first time, I cant say I was disappointed. The service was a little spotty, but all in all good experience!
(5)Layne S.
Too rich for my blood... Wait staff was excellent. Very good, flavorful food, yet too expensive for a regular visit. Portions were small, so probably not a destination restaurant for me for occasions. That said, I'll go back every time GT participates in Restaurant Week.
(5)Jim K.
GT's got some of the cleanest, freshest seafood I've had in this city. Every time I go I grab a sample of oysters... and I'm never disappointed. Had the chilaquiles for brunch the other day, and it was also amazing. One thing that's really set this place apart for me is the service. Every server I've had has been supreme, and they have never led me towards a bad menu decision. Also, they're bar is wonderful. Being a bourbon fan, they get extra points for having a fine selection. GT's is the kind of place that, while it is expensive, I've never felt I was being ripped off, or even over-paying. I look forward to going back.
(5)James P.
We went to GT for the first time for an early dinner. And after a long week at work it was just what we needed! The waiter was great and very knowledgable on the cocktails and food. The food was all excellent, from the dozen oysters to the sliders and off menu lobster Mac and cheese. This place made me feel like I was on the east coast and to that it deserves 5 stars.
(5)Stefanie L.
The manager got in touch with me and apologized for the experience. She invited us back to try again and sent a gift card. Next time we are in Chicago, we'll be sure to give Gt another chance! Hopefully, I can update my review to 5 stars!
(3)Maureen C.
Oysters were pretty good, entree sizes were relatively small for the price, but nonetheless delicious. We really liked that po'boy sandwich w/ the kimchee. yum! I will probably return, just cuz i LOVE seafood, and this place was pretty yummy.
(4)Niti B.
Still amazing as ever! Came her last night expecting restaurant week menu but found out they were only serving a pre-fix for lunch. Either way we chose food over football and didn't regret our superbowl sunday plans! This time around my friends and I shared: Shrimp bruschetta - as great as I remembered it, perfect 2 bite starter! Lobster dumplings - steamed to perfection. mouth watering just thinking about them! Fish tacos - If I could make them at home this would me my breakfast lunch and dinner! Fresh and light. Octopus - dressed with purple potatos and a lipsmacking beer mustard. Octopus was tender and juicy. Fish and Chips - beer battered fish that was flakey and the crust was light and left absolutely no taste of grease or being fried. accompanied by chips that were exactly the right amount of potato! For dessert we couldn't decide and had the sticky toffee cake and pear gingerbread crumble topped with cinnamon vanilla ice cream. Both desserts were heavenly and the perfect ending to the perfect meal. The best part was that we weren't stuffed...just satisfied and per person only cost $44!!! Just about what we would have spent on restaurant week!
(5)Amy W.
I came here with my boyfriend a week or two ago during Restaurant Week for lunch. It was absolutely packed for a Sunday! I loved the decor and the boomerang table where people could sit and order drinks or appetizers while waiting for tables. Our waiter was also really friendly and attentive. For a place that has "Fish & Oyster" in its name, I think I was expecting dishes that highlighted seafood as the star of the show, rather than dishes that happen to just have some sort of fish or shrimp in it (if that makes sense.) In any case, the Restaurant Week menu was definitely a good deal compared to the regular menu. We ordered a whole round of raw oysters as well. I'd definitely come back to get my fix of oysters, but perhaps not for the other food. Don't get me wrong; it was all good, but just not blow-my-mind or amazing-good. If you come here, though, do yourself a favor and order the bourbon bloody Mary. The smokiness and the bacon -- oh my! I wanted to drink it all day.
(3)Joel G.
Very enjoyable dinner at this location. Our friends at Boka made arrangements for us and we hit the location on a Thursday. Excellent shellfish and selection. Enjoyed most everything we had with the exception of the Mac and Cheese dish which I find let's me down at nearly every restaurant I eat at so I do not hold this against any location I try this at. I should eventually get it through my head not to order this. Sunfish Ceviche is a must have #1 dish to get here Stuff squid is a must have Fish Tacos are excellent Mussels are good but I find these hard to ruin unless someone over cooks them Crudo is a great option but it varies seasonally and can be a bit expesive. Excellent wine list, solid cocktails, decent beer selection Atmosphere is very pleasant, simple cool color scheme, great date night place If you have a larger dinner party you can ask for to sit at the communal table but need to call well in advance.
(4)Allyen W.
Great oyster bar. Sat at the bar with Rick serving. Great cocktails. Based on Rick's recommendation, got the Oyster Po Boy Slider...this is simply divine! The cook who came up with this should be canonized. The kimchi on it was amazing. I will travel the 1,000+ miles from home just for these sliders when the hankering possesses me!
(4)Anne-Michele D.
The oysters were delicious! They have an excellent assortment of oysters to choose from and they cut them from the muscle which I love. Not a speck of grit in them at all which seems to plague a lot of oyster bars. I had the crab cake for lunch and my husband had the tuna BLT. Both were delicious. I would rate this place 5-star except for the price. They do not sell oysters by the dozen (I could easily have eaten 2 dozen), rather they sell them by the oyster ($3+ per oyster) with a minimum order of six. So a minimum of $36 for a dozen oysters is just ridiculous. $72 for lunch for two people with only iced tea for drinks means I wouldn't come here as often as I might. The service was excellent - drink was never empty and no sooner did my husband take the lemon out of his drink and place it on the table than someone was there to pick it up. Ambiance was above average.
(4)Jenny L.
Prior to my trip to Chicago, I kept seeing it on tv. It was on my To Do list. We went there for lunch. The restaurant was not busy but yet the service was slow. Kitchen was slow and servers were all too busy with themselves. Food was delicious!
(3)Hiba A.
My friend Toni and I came here on a recommendation. I think this place definitely lived up to our expectations. We left content and a good amount of full. We each paid about 35-40, which I thought was a bit much for the amount of food we got, but we definitely got what we paid for. We had a 5 pm reservation on Saturday. At first, the place looked sparsely occupied, but quickly picked up and was very full by the time we left. Service was great and prompt; or waitress was super attentive and informative. We got the following to share: shrimp bruschetta, clam chowder, fish tacos, lobster gnocchi, and escolar. Shrimp bruschetta- I could eat this all day! All the ingredients meld together for a perfect bite of food. You get two for 11, which was a bit pricy, but definitely my favorite of our dishes. Clam chowder- chunky and hearty with lots of flavor. I really liked their house made oyster crackers. Fish tacos- you get three small/medium sized tacos. We thought they were pretty good, though I've definitely had better elsewhere for cheaper. I think they were made a tad too salty. *Try their hot sauces with the tacos! We really enjoyed both hot sauces. Neither was too spicy, yet had just the right amount of kick. Lobster gnocchi- This was yum! My second favorite. The squash was my favorite part of this dish. The dish was hearty, well textured; I could have kept eating more of this. Escolar- I'm a big fan of squash, so I loved the butternut squash in this dish. This was my first time trying escargot, and I think it worked pretty well with the rest of the ingredients in this dish. The escolar was light, cooked very well, so it almost melted in my mouth. Overall, I would recommend this place, and would be back to try the other dishes I missed. Classy date place as well as a nice place to come with a few friends.
(4)Mike W.
Oysters: Outstanding and very fresh. We enjoyed sampling the different types they offer. Rest of the food: Just okay, and overpriced. By far the most disappointing dish was the lobster mac and cheese. There were some nice chunks of lobster in the dish, but not nearly enough to justify spending $17. But even worse than the small amount of lobster was the mac n cheese itself. The cheese sauce was very runny and had very little flavor. If all you want to do is eat oysters and don't mind spending some cash, then you might enjoy GT. Otherwise take a pass.
(3)Antaash U.
My friends and I were finally able to score dinner reservations at a reasonable time thanks to it being Superbowl Sunday. We're the kind of people who put food before football! Good thing we did, because GT was FABULOUS. The mood at GT is comfortable and has a New England charm about it. I immediately like it. Keep in mind that they take the small plate approach and recommend about 2-3 dishes per person. My party of three decided to order: BAJA SHRIMP BRUSCHETTA: avocado, toasted pistachio, grapefruit, cilantro. WOW. It was a great indication of the fantastic food we were about to eat. Everything about this was on point. The textures and flavors were a nice compliment to one another and took your mouth on a wild roller coaster ride. Yes. It was that good. Next, we had the OCTOPUS: beer mustard, wasabi, purple potatoes, hearts of palm, maitake mushroom. The octopus was cooked to perfection. Not the least bit rubbery and the taste was fresh and clean. I would highly recommend it! Moving on. Our third dish was the FISH TACOS: garlic marinade, chipotle aioli, chicharron (which we eliminated because of dietary restrictions). WOW. Probably the best fish tacos I have ever eaten, and I have eaten my share of fish tacos. For our fourth selection, our waitress highly recommended the FISH AND CHIPS: beer battered cod, steak fries, malt vinegar, dill pickle remoulade, which she claimed were her favorite. Thank god we followed her recommendation because they were delicious. The fish was light and flaky and not the least bit greasy. How they accomplished that, I will never know! The fifth selection was LOBSTER ROLL lobster salad, pickled vegetables, fried onions. This was light and fresh, and I enjoyed every bite of it. Our sixth selection was the GT "MAC AND CHEESE" lobster, english peas. I love my mac and cheese and I love my seafood, so this was a no-brainer. What I loved about this was the chunks of lobster that were in the Mac and Cheese. Every bite was sinfully delicious. As if that wasn't enough, we had to order dessert! We ordered the sticky toffee cake and some pear and ginger crumble. Both desserts were delicious and a perfect end to a perfect dinner. The meal is pricey but worth it's weight in gold. The dishes are executed perfectly and the seafood is oh so fresh. It's one case where you really do get what you pay for. With that said, I am excited to go back and try the brunch, which is a little more budget friendly!
(4)Manda Bear B.
*********************** 800 ************************* Being a fan of the Michelin Starred chef Giuseppe Tentori of BOKA in Chi Town. Chef Tentori was chef de cuisine at the famed Charlie Trotter's. Chef Tentori has recently numerous awards: one star by Michelin Star; "Best New Chef" by Food & Wine Magazine in 2008; James Beard Foundation "Best Chef Great Lakes" semi-finalist 2009; three stars by the Chicago Tribune at Boka and GT Fish & Oyster, and CS Magazine's "Chef of the Year" 2011. I've got to tried his food for years, finally made it to GT Fish & Oyster. Walked in the beautiful silver metallic sign on the dark wood wall, opening to a spacious welcome area, a big bar, and the dining area on the left. Candle lights, fresh flowers, gorgeous setting and wall design, charming, chic, intimate and lovely ambiance. Nice cocktails menu by mixologist Benjamin Schiller, try these: - The Wailist -Grey Goose vodka, St. Germain, grapefruit, lime, bitters - GT Manhattan- Old Weller Antique - GT Barrel, Carpano Antica, Averna Amaro, Costello bitters - Old Money - Benchmark bourbon, Aperol, Nux Alpina walnut liqueur, allspice - my Fav, wonder why?! Love the wine list with some impressive Burgundy, Bordeaux, Italian and bubbles, although a nice selection for white wines, price as low as $30 to $900, new and old world. If you love beers, 25+ choices on the menu. - GT oyster shooter tuna, cucumber, tobiko caviar - as the name of the resto, you got to try some oysters. This was refreshing and sweet. - Royal Caviar Service with blini, egg white, egg yolk, chai, minced shallot, caper, everything was perfect. - Foie Gras & shrimp terrine apricot chutney, pickled onion, szechuan peppercorn, how much I missed Foie Gras in California, this was so delicious ;-) - Cold Green tea soba noodles shrimp, tofu, thai chili soy vinaigrette - my best friend loves this dish so much. - Octopus beer mustard, wasabi, purple potatoes, hearts of palm, maitake - this was my favorite dishes of all. - Lobster roll lobster salad, pickled vegetables, fried onions - this is a must order here. The lobster was big chunk of meat, tasty! - Nantucket Bay scallops sweet potato, brussels sprout leaves, balsamic bacon vinaigrette - luckily it was the scallop seasons, beautifully seared, delicious. - Chocolate dessert - chocolate lovers, this is for you :-) - Banana, chocolate, creamy dessert - tasty, creamy, my best friend ate it all! Every dish was as good as it gets, very reasonable price point, great service from start to finish. I got to see chef Tentori again and congrats to him on good things going on for him. I'm a fan then, and a fan now, always love his food; 1 of my favorite chefs in Chicago. I'm so looking forward to return to GT Fish & Oyster to try the rest of the dishes on the menu and next time, I'll definitely try the bar, just because it looks so cool! I Highly recommend it to all seafood lovers.
(5)Dan R.
We dined here for lunch during restaurant week and had an excellent time! Our waiter was very fun and friendly. We started off with some oysters of course, paired with white wine. Absolutely delicious. Clam chowder was very good, nothing too special. We ordered some IPA's. The lobster roll was one of the best I have had, hands down. Atmosphere was classy and calm. I can't wait to come back.
(5)Lu N.
One of my favorite places in the city! Best lobster roll! Oyster slider! And fresh oysters!! Yummmm
(5)L. Danovia ..
Love, Love, Love this place. Always prompt and courteous service. Fried chicken and waffles never disappoint. Maybe it's that special syrup? Try them the next time you want a good Sunday brunch.
(5)Hilary T.
Oysters made have made me sick everything was mediocre and overpriced. Our bartender was fabulous but all the other staff have attitudes and did not make us feel welcome. Probably won't be coming back.
(2)Meredith B.
Good lord this place was delicious. They take late reservations which was a marvelous delight, because we could not get in when we tried at 9 pm, so we made a reservation for 11 (yes) and they took it! Place was hopping. Dim lighting, noisy, trendy. We got a bottle of pinot grigio, so can't vouch for the cocktails. Everything looked incredibly delicious. We started with oysters, 2 west coast and 2 east coast each. I don't remember what they were called, but oh. my. god. The little ones (I think west coast?) were freakin' unbelievable. Glorious, beautiful ocean taste. There was a glorious mignonette, along with regular cocktail sauce, but do yourself a favor and eat it with the mignonette! I could eat those all day. East coast (bigger, more traditional looking) were good too. Yum. I want some now. I started with the tuna poke ($12), a delicious scoop of beautiful fresh raw tuna, bright red, along with what I believe was a mango puree as well as some mango slices, then some cucumber slices and black sesame seeds. It was great, clean, and refreshing. It's a small portion, but it'd be fine for sharing, everyone could have a few forkfuls. So light and succulent. The clam chowder was next ($8) - served in a mason jar with (I think) potatoes, bacon, and homemade croutons. Oh mah goooood. SOOOO GOOD YOU GUYS. Just delicious. Savory and homey and glorious. All the plates here are varying degrees of small, but could easily be shared with 1-2 other people. I wish I was hungry enough to try more things. We made room for key lime pie which was tart and lovely. Every bite was perfection, or close to it. I would love to come back here and try everything else. Pretty much as good as it gets.
(5)Judy H.
Went for the first time with a couple of girlfriends on a weeknight. Loved the tapas style because of course that meant we got to order a little bit of everything. Our waitress was really knowledgeable on the menu and all the different types of raw oysters. She brought us east coast oysters and west coast oysters to taste the difference. Both were exceptional. Then literally we had a little bit of everything, including: - Tuna Poke - Clam Chowder - Oyster Po'Boy Slider - Kabocha Squash Gnocchi - Fish & Chips - GT "Mac & Cheese" The fresh, raw oysters, Tuna Poke, and Oyster Po'Boy were my absolute favorites of the night. I would definitely get those again. The Clam Chowder was full of clams and spicy, which I enjoyed, but I was expecting more based on the rave reviews I had heard about. The Fish & Chips were also good, but I think I like the chips better than the fish (which was a little bit soggy...blegh), and let's be honest. $13 for good fried potatoes is a bit much. I didn't enjoy the Gnocchi or the Mac as much. The sauce and mushroom in the gnocchi dish was good, but I just personally am not a huge fan of gnocchi. The mac was just okay. Not a lot of lobster and I didn't like the cheese they used. It was a gritty not creamy. MAJOR disappointment was that we couldn't try their infamous salted caramel tart! They changed pastry chefs and can no longer serve that dessert anymore. However, the waitress did inform us that the dessert will be available at Mariano's (yes, the grocery store). Somehow, I feel like it won't be the same coming out of a grocery store as compared to a nice restaurant.
(4)Annie C.
Best fish tacos in Chicago and is definitely better than almost every fish taco place in southern California. Tuna sandwich (raw tuna of course), is also excellent.
(5)Rachel S.
OUSTANDING, son. Best seafood I've had, maybe, ever? Hyperbole aside, this place deserves a million stars. (See what I did there?) All I'm saying, is this: it's good. Also: the sticky toffee cake delighted my dessert-averse date, which is high praise indeed.
(5)Rod G.
This is one of my favorite places to eat in Chicago. I would describe it as seafood tapas, since the plates are fairly small and meant for sharing, so if you're looking for a large portion of crab legs or a lobster tail, I'd try somewhere else. But, if you're up for sharing and want well-prepared dishes that include seafood, this is the place to go. They have good, fresh oysters, the scallops are among some of the best I've had, and the lobster mac and cheese is excellent as well. 4 stars, only because you'll want to order a lot , and it can get pricey.
(4)Matt T.
I don't know...I don't know. I wasn't wowed. Another case of a lot of hype and a lot of wait to go and then be let down. Oysters are fantastic. Pricey but they are top notch oysters. That was worth it. Other dishes were fine. Just not worth the price. I won't go into my diatribe (again) on small plates, but I hate this trend and it makes you pay more for less. I want more entrees, not tiny portions for a crazy price. I was also disappointed in the cocktail list. Not very inventive these days. Same thing for the beer list...so so except for having the rare Half Acre Akari Shogun on tap. Besides the oysters, we got the snapper ceviche, which was good, but came with nothing...no crackers, chips, bread, whatever. So you just put a scoop of this tiny dish on your plate to eat by itself...hmmm. Lobster mac and cheese was fairly good but I'm not a fan of the big shells for mac dishes. Also, not much lobster for $17. We ordered the market price ($50) seafood platter. What a disappointment for the price. 4 cold mussels (boo)...two oyters (one west, one east coast)...two clams...one smaller crab leg, half a lobster tail...and that was it. For $50! Seriously...so paltry for the price. We left, on my wife's birthday, still hungry and not completely satisfied. Service was good but very rushed. We just ordered things as we went along and to see how we felt as we ate. The server came back every three mins asking us if we were ready to order more or if we needed more drinks. One nice touch was that I mentioned we were going to be 30 mins late for our reso b/c of traffic on 94 and they still fit our table in 20 mins after we arrived and put a $20 gift card on the table for our next visit for my wife's birthday...in a birthday envelope. This was very cool and something more restaurants should do. Would I go back? Maybe for some oysters at the bar but I'd prefer a different and more traditional experience for just seafood next time. I'd rather drive up to the Milwaukee Public Market and eat at St. Paul's and scarf down their delicious and affordable oysters on the regular.
(3)Traci B.
Great service and excellent food. Oysters - GREAT selection - all excellent Oyster sliders - excellent Shrimp bruschetta - very good, my boyfriend said not his favorite but ok Lobster mac and cheese - save your stomach space and money for something else... bland, very little lobster, and way too runny Overall good meal. I will go back
(4)Karen C.
I'm not very adventurous with food, I admit this. Luckily, my man-friend has a knack for getting me to try new things on a regular basis, and at GT, this new food for me was oysters. We sat at the bar and I was watching the oysters be shucked, and I figured, what the heck. Let's do this. To my amazement, they were delicious. In addition to the oysters, we ordered the steamed wild bass, which was one of the best dishes I've ever eaten. After that came the lobster mac & cheese (because who can resist that if it's on the menu?) and it was great as well. The girl next to me was chowing down on the salted caramel tart & I decided that we HAD to order that after seeing the look on her face. Holy. Cow. It was a total When Harry Met Sally moment, and I wanted what she was having. Absolutely delicious. Luckily, the man-friend doesn't have much of a sweet tooth, and I have no shame, so I finished that tart right up. The decor of the place is so great, and we had no problems getting a seat at the bar. I recommend making reservations if you can, however, just in case you can't get to the bar to eat. It's definitely a little pricey, but for the quality of the food & the knowledge of the servers, it's worth every penny. GT Fish & Oyster is definitely a good date night spot, but I think it would be fun with a larger group of friends just so you can order a ton of food & share... I can't wait to come back & do just that.
(5)Gwen D.
My friend and I met for dinner at GT Fish and Oyster before catching a show in the Loop over the weekend. The spot deserves its Michelin Bib Gourmand listing! I definitely recommend the Lobster Roll, the Baja Shrimp Bruschetta with avocado, pistachios and grapefruit, and the Oyster Po' Boy Sliders with kimchi and peanuts. I especially loved the Lobster Roll -- big, flavorful lumps of lobster are such a treat! We also enjoyed the PEI Mussels, though they were no more memorable than mussels I've tried elsewhere. Four stars, not five, because although I loved trying GT Fish and Oyster once, I'm not in a rush to go back, especially not for a $50 check. :)
(4)Candice G.
Sooo I got suspended from work and was given a single day to think about my actions (being late + tardy, and lessn't we forget perpetually delinquent). I decided to take that single service suspension day to reflect upon my life and pose one BIG question to my inner self: Bad Girl, Bad Girl- Whatcha Gonna Do? Whatcha Gonna Do When They Come For You? Well, being the clever girl I was born to be, I decided to throw caution and warning to the wind and grab that glorious Wednesday, September 21st Work Suspension Day by the big blue balls and give it the rattle and hum of a lifetime! It was in the upper 70s and sunny in Chicagoland, it was also my wing-man's (Ed S.) day off, and to top it off it was Bill Murray's Birthday. The stars were aligned and clearly, it was my lucky fate to have been involuntarily dismissed from work that day and I simply couldn't find a reason NOT to celebrate. On the Agenda for Super Suspension Day 2011 was a gamut of interesting events including, but not limited to: -Getting jazzed up -QT + heart to heart with Ed about beer, blood, boobs & blokes -Getting my septum pierced -Getting some craft beer at Burger Bar and Piece -Getting some new kicks from Akira -Interviewing for a job at a place that would make me a much 'hoppier' person -Picking up a new dress from Francesca's -A stop off at my favorite suburban bar -And a cherry popping dining experience at my new favorite Chicago eatery, GT Fish & Oyster We came for lunch and were seated promptly once checked in for our rezo. The atmosphere is clean and calm but still buzzing with activity. Ed and I lucked out by making our rezo near the end of lunch seating and were able to meet GT's resident oyster expert, Blake, and get some recos on not only oysters but some of the other key menu highlights (pretty much everything). After not one, but two rounds of drinks, we ended up ordering so much food that I can guarantee you I'd run out of yelp review characters trying to type it all out so I'll just list the must have items we won't soon forget so you'll be in the know for your visit. MUST ORDER DRINKS: *The Roadrunner - Altos Plata Tequila, Maraschino, Lemon, Grapefruit, VEP Mist *The Clean Break - Hayman's Old Tom, Pimm's No. 1, Cucumber, Grapefruit Oil, Peychaud's Bitter * The Waitlist - Grey Goose, St. Germain, Lime, Grapefruit, Bitter MUST ORDER FOOD: *Baja Shrimp Bruschetta - I could eat this forever and ever, amen *An assortment of a dozen oysters - can't go wrong there *Lobster Roll - Do it, Duh! *Fried Green Tomato *Tuna Poke *Ceviche *Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert Amazing-ness ***note- I was in a semi food coma/utopia and can't remember the dessert name but I'd still like to give a special thanks to Ed for letting me eat all but one bite of it. Luck be a Lady- Tonight! Ed and I left stuffed and feeling damn good about it while putting an action item on coming back to enjoy it all over again. Our service, much like GT itself, was first class and the entire experience left me wishing I could actually suspend time while eating at GT F and Oy on my suspension day. EFfin' Oy- That was GuT!
(5)Hana B.
Came here for lunch with coworkers for Restaurant Week. We weren't sure how big the servings were going to be, but we all ended up ordering from the fixed Restaurant Week menu anyway. Everyone loved what they ordered. I had the salad with seared tuna, lobster roll, and coconut cake for dessert. LOVED THE LOBSTER ROLL--it was definitely my favorite portion of the meal. Food was fantastic, it was filling, and I loved the interior of the place. Definitely want to come back for dinner (didn't get to try the oysters!), and I hear good things about brunch at this place as well.
(5)Noelle W.
Review for their brunch I've never been for the dinner or lunch menu, but their weekend brunch is outstanding. I went on a saturday & went back on sunday with my boyfriend. I'm also not a really big seafood person and was skeptical at first. This place has great options for those who don't care for seafood & and the seafood lover My first trip my friend and I ordered the monkey bread - skip that, nothing great and better off getting something else from the menu. To be honest, what I was really expecting it to be was actually the Sarah's French toast that's pictured on their website brunch menu. My friend ordered the shrimp & grits and it was really great. I ordered the open-faced pork belly sandwich & it was amazing. One recommendation is to ask for no lettuce b/c it made the bottom piece of the bread a little soggy. We had a few different cocktails - I can't remember the names but they were all good My friend also ordered 6 oysters and she loved them. The people next to us ordered a chicken and waffles & it looked delicious My second trip, both my boyfriend and I ordered the Open faced pork belly sandwich again. He is a super picky eater, and loved it. Essentially it's an amped up version of BLT. Their lunch menu looks great too - after my rave reviews of the brunch, my boss went for lunch and had the fish tacos. They were so good that his client and him ordered a 2nd order of the tacos.
(5)Ashley C.
Came here for birthday dinner of Carole C. and had a great time. After 1030, the oysters are half off, so we started with a dozen of those...and they were wonderful. The advantage of going late is that the oysters are half off, but the disadvantage is that you are somewhat relegated to whatever oysters weren't purchased throughout the day. Another advantage is that there is some ease of finding parking as most people have made their way away from this area after 10pm. The service here is wonderful. Our waiter made sure to make plenty suggestions to our dinner, and to suggest that we share as many plates as possible. When we were served our oysters with the different sauces (the Burn and Smolder sauces, specifically) that GT makes in-house, our waiter brought us out two bottles of each kind for us to take home. They also acknowledged Carole's birthday by presenting her with a $20 gift certificate that she could use on her next outing to GT. We definitely felt we'd be back on the quality of the service, which rivals some of the many white tablecloth restaurants that I've frequented. Drinks: The Waitlist and GT Manhattan. Waitlist is a grapefruit martini that was light but not overly fruity. I'm no fan of grapefruit, but I'd order this drink. However, that was Carole's drink, not mine. I had the GT Manhattan, which is the warm Mad Men kind of drink, after having a couple of these, you can expect to feel the liquor and may want to pass your keys to someone else. Food: Smoked Salmon Gnocchi with black truffle shavings (AMAZING, earthy and light as feather gnocchi) Lobster Bisque served in puff pastry (ehhh) Lobster Roll with onion straws (amazing as well...plenty of fresh lobster, not too mayo laden, perfect to share) Pear tart for the birthday girl for dessert (meh, could pass on this) Date cake for me for dessert (defintely yummy, but I was sad because I wanted key lime pie). I wanted key lime pie for dessert and after seeing the yelp photos, I will be back to try it. I just have to remember to call first to ask when it'll be on the menu so I'm not as disappointed. Make a reservation if you plan on going before 10pm. If you go after, even on a Friday, there's not as much pressure to do so. Dress is neat but casual, but bring a sweater in the winter as the place can get chilly. Make sure to try the oysters!!
(4)Sue S.
A great brunch spot! They have some tasty drinks - both with and without alcohol. My husband loved his spicy Bloody Mary and I enjoyed my refreshing juice drink. I had the chilaquiles with duck. It was so flavorful, crispy and savory. Loved it. It was huge though...definitely shareable if you want to try a few things. My husband had the open faced pork belly sandwich which he devoured. He actually said it was the best pork belly he's had which means a lot considering he loves the stuff. The atmosphere is great too. Would love to try it for dinner on our next trip.
(5)Donielle P.
First course: Shrimp Bruschetta--Just a little kick of spice, delicious! but wanting more; 2nd course: coffee roasted beets--surprisingly dee-lish!, 3rd course: Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos---maybe my fav fish tacos ever, 4th course: chocolate cake and salted caramel ice cream--perfect, not too sweet or rich
(5)Sir C.
So many oysters to choose from. From west coast to east cost to gulf coast. They have them all. Every oyster was fresh and had its own unique flavor. Whether it tasted sweet (east) or a bit more salty (west). Our party also tried the oyster-po-boy sliders, stuffed squid, fish ceviche, lobster mac and cheese, and the tuna tar tar. All of which was very good, but I would not say exceptional. Overall a very enjoyable experience.
(4)Gary C.
Something about the BoKa Group. They do work like D.Rose. It's nasty. GT Fish & Oyster rounded out my visits to the BoKa restaurants (that are currently available). To say the least, Chef Tentori did not disappoint. But really now...was I looking to be disappointed? I think you know the answer to that one. Aesthetically, GTF&O is pretty fun, with a few sea-themed paintings and decorations on the walls. If you're waiting, take a sneak peak at the paintings, particularly the names on the boats in the paintings. Pretty cool detail. If you're sitting starboard of the bar, you'll get a nice view the oysters..or is it port-side. Hmm.. Service, as expected, is top notch. Our server was dressed in nautical garb, with a wooden leg and eye patch. He spoke with a pirate accent and held my party up for gold and treasures... Actually, staff is fantastic. Our server took care of my oyster-noobs and I and didn't hold back any of the punches. To compare different types of oysters, our server alluded to the East Coast/West Coast feud between Notorious BIG and Tupac. One was a little more plump than the other. They also have pretty distinct tastes, with one being a little more grainy and salty than the other. How did my party like them? Well..we might just order cooked oysters next time. It's not really our cup of tea. But everything else was phenomenal. Some group favorites include the Baja Shrimp Bruschetta, Oyster Po'Boy Slider (disgustingly good...and I mean disgusting in an awesome way), and the Gnocchi with Smoked Salmon. We ordered a ton more, but talking through the meal, these stood out like a sore thumb. To round out the meal, we actually ordered dessert (something not too common for our group). We ordered a creme brulee and banana creme something-or-another (my memory is foggy today). That's not to say Chef Jordan's creations are forgettable. It just means I'm getting old. But both desserts were perfect endings to our meal. My love for the BoKa Group continues to grow, and this year should be a great one. See you soon, Chef Tentori and Co.!
(5)Erica T.
I'll start with my review by saying I'm not one to love a place just because its popular. I'm from the school that good food doesn't need all the bells and whistles to be excellent. That being said, I was really pleasantly surprised with this place! My first impression was not so great with their rude & snobby hostess (brunette, not the chipper blonde) i immediately thought that that this was going to be a run of the mill trendy location that churns out okay food but still gets high covers. Luckily, our server, bussers & the food made up for the unpleasant welcome (seriously people Restaurant 101- the host stand is the first impression & the face of your restaurant!) by snobby Sally. I immediately knew our dining experience was going to be a great one with the server (wish I caught her name!) going in depth with just the beverage menu. I mean, let's be honest, I felt like we were best friends the minute she welcomed us. I ordered the dark and stormy as my cocktail of choice and it was delicious, refreshing & balanced. We took our server's awesome suggestions and ordered: -Octopus -Tuna Poke - Lobster Roll - Oyster Po Boy. The lobster roll was amazing. It wasn't soaked in mayo & was surprisingly light despite the richness of the lobster. The octopus was the most tender that I've ever had, yet I could gone with a few more pieces on the plate. The Oyster Po Boy was really good & could see how it was recently nominated (our server told us this tidbit). The kimchee wasn't overtly hot but I felt that if it was, it would've taken away from the oyster & completely overpowered it. It was really well balanced The tuna poke was a great way to round out the meal. It was light, tropical & Asian flavored without being too salty or too sweet. We of course ordered dessert. It was really hard to choose as there was so many great options. Our server was great with her suggestions and went with the salted Caramel tart. Oh boy was it good! The combination with caramelized bananas and chantilly cream was delicious. For dishes I want to try next time: - Fish Tacos looked and smelled amazing! - PEI mussels (love them!) - seafood platter or crudo! I could always see why there is always an issue getting a reservation for this place as its a) delicious b) not very big (about the size or a bit bigger or topolobampo). I will be back!
(4)Bo P.
One of my favorite oyster spots in town! Always great choices from both coasts, plus the menu follow up is as delicious and unique as the bar can offer. By far one of the better unpretentious experiences in the neighborhood! Keep up the great job!
(5)Alyssa I.
Between the service, the atmosphere, and the Connecticut lobster roll I couldn't have asked for much more from this place.
(5)Alex B.
This review is for the bar, specifically the cocktails, and does not cover food (which is excellent and 5 star worthy, but I must first wax poetically about one cocktail they serve which brought me closer to God). Had a couple of drinks with a friend at the bar last night. When I mentioned to the bartender that I am all about the Manhattan he rolled out with a truly miraculous creation. The barrel aged (7 weeks) perfect Templeton Rye Manhattan. How good was this cocktail? It is to Manhattan's what Osetra is to caviar. This drink was smooth and robust with many layers of flavor. It was unlike any other Manhattan I have had. Often I find that a perfect Manhattan made with Rye can be a bit astringent. This was just the opposite - mellow and delicious. I've never seen a barrel aged Manhattan at any other establishment, and now I'm wondering why. So here is my request - let's see more, this is a cocktail worthy of the highest praise and sits at the top of my Manhattan experiences.
(5)Kara B.
My very first yelp review. I was sooo looking forward to trying this place. The service was great, out server was very nice and helpful. I'm also giving 1 star for ambiance. Awesome place to come have a drink after work... But not the dark n stormy- it was overwhelmingly gingery. I never send stuff back but it was undrinkable. The waiter was very nice about it. I came for the food and nothing was even halfway decent. We ordered the crab cake and it tasted like ammonia was mixed in with the canned crab. Next were the oyster sliders that the waiter insisted were the best thing on the menu. He wasn't wrong. They were edible. I'm positive the bread was that crappy Hawaiian bread from jewel. The lobster roll is what I came for. Holy hell it was so bad. Again with the Hawaiian bread and the lobster was fishy and ice cold. I had the lobster roll from Fish Bar a few days ago and it was to die for. I was hoping for a similar experience here but it was quite the opposite. The frizzled onions were actually good. The lobster Mac and cheese was definitely edible. But I could make it at home w velveta, some frozen peas and canned lobster. I've never written a bad review and I hate to do it but the reviews at this place are so misleading. The portions are miniature and the prices are outrageous. Won't be coming back.
(2)Damian G.
We were super excited to eat here for our anniversary , having gotten addicted to lobster rolls in Key West. Checked the menu before booking. "1 LB Maine Lobster Roll" was all I needed to see. $28 for a sandwich is steep but hey, lobster is lobster, and anyone who has seen a 1 LB burger has a good idea how much food to expect. My question is, 1 LB of what? Lobster? Surely you jest. Noticeably less lobster than from sandwich joint in Key West or from Da Lobsta in River North, both of which sell lobster rolls for under $15, I might add. 1 LB for lobster, bread, fried onions and salad on the side? Maybe. And even that's a stretch. Don't get me wrong, it was delicious. How could lobster, fresh bread and lots of butter not be? But less lobster for twice the price is unacceptable. From the reviews it sounds like maybe they're more generous sometimes. I wasn't impressed. Ditto for the clam chowder. Very very good but my god, we had like two tablespoons each. They split it into two small jars instead of the usual one for serving and the soup literally came up only about an inch from the bottom of each jar. Again, fresh clam isn't cheap but come on. It 's soup. GT Ramen was also good. Amazing broth and a much bigger bowl than clam chowder. I was expecting instant ramen noodles , which would have been fun to eat with an upscale broth, but instead we got slightly overcooked regular noodles with no texture. Don't expect what most people think of when they hear Ramen noodles. Oyster po boy sliders. At $4 a pop, definitely get a few of these. Very good and filling so they sort of make up for the other portion sizes. Gnocchi were final dish we got. No complaints there. Very tasty. So the meal was great flavor-wise. GT is worth trying for sure but if it's a big lobster roll you're after, skip it. You can find better for half the price. Should also add that it's pretty casual. When we arrived there was a party of 5-6 nearby with one obnoxiously loud girl among them. Our waiter had to cup his ear to hear our drink order. Not GT's fault but I guess that kind of noise wouldn't fly at a less casual place. Not really the place for a romantic dinner.
(3)Mahsa T.
Finally...my first visit to GT and it certainly won't be my last. And why didn't anyone mention how cute this place is? I'm a sucker for nautical themes (modern, upscale nautical, not LJS). Let's see, where to start...it was a cold, crappy, rainy Tuesday night (which seems to be my lucky night for getting seated at hard to get into restaurants these days!) and I had a friend visiting from out of town, so I decided to try our luck at GT. Found the perfect parking spot across the street and the warm glow from GT beckoned us. It was indeed our lucky night, we were able to get bar area seating in a matter of minutes. We loved that the hostess took initiative to ask two guys to move over a seat so that we could sit in the empty seats next to them. Even before I saw the menu, I knew I'd be ordering the lobster roll. Hubba, hubba, hubba...that lobster roll was every bit as good as others have described it. We also ordered the scallops, the crab cakes, and the shrimp bruschetta, which came in perfect threes for the three of us to share. The shrimp bruschetta was amazing!! Such wonderful flavors--it had avocado, toasted pistachio, grapefruit and cilantro. You must order it. The crab cakes were meaty and good. The scallops, however, fell short of my expectations, they were a bit undercooked. Do not leave GT without ordering at least one dessert. These are not your ordinary desserts, these desserts are just as good if not better than their entrees. We ordered the chocolate date cake, which was magnificent!!! Dates baked in with chocolate, how can you possibly go wrong with that? And we also ordered another dessert similar to a lemon meringue (but it was slightly different) and I'm usually not a fan of lemon meringue but this thing was so good I think we had to fight each other for who would get to lick the plate. Wonderful beer selection--I loved my pumpkin ale, it went perfectly with all the food. My only complaint--service--our waitress was MIA for most of our meal, one of the hosts took our order and brought us water, drinks, and silverware. Miraculously, the waitress showed up mid-meal to ask how everything was and to deliver the check and pick it up. Perhaps if you make reservations for a real table, you'll get better service.
(5)Smitcha B.
From their website, reservations: "strongly recommended" is an understatement. It should really read, reservations: ABSOLUTELY! A few Saturday nights ago, we casually strolled in without reservations and the place was booming like when heroin first hit the streets of America. The hosts told us that the wait was going to be about an hour to possibly two hours. At that moment, I was about to bee line for the door until they said, "However, the community table in the middle as well as the bar is open seating. If it's free and you want it, it's yours." In my mind that meant those seats are a free for all. Black Friday elbow shopping skills were about to come out early this year. Luckily, I didn't have to resort to that. She was slicker than I; while I was eyeballing potential openings, she already babysat two patrons about to leave at the bar. To the bar we sat and in all honesty, it worked out better this way. The bartender never moved more than five feet away from us because that's his duty and that was his station. Whether it was to order extra food or another Dogfish Head Punkin (not misspelled) Ale, our service was always readily available. Not only that, we were close to the main kitchen. It was like watching a marathon of those Food Network challenges. On our opposite peripherals were the guys shellacking the fresh oysters at top speed with those little prison style shanks. That might not be Tabasco on those oysters but some fresh human DNA blood samples, jk. The food is tapas style so don't assume that you're going to be full off of a single plate unless you eat like a rabbit. I original assumed that "GT" in the restaurant's name stood for the head chef's initials but I did read an article interviewing him in which he stated: GT stands for "General Temptation" because he wants you to be tempted to try everything. It made a lot of sense because we really did want to sample everything on the menu. Tuna Poke - mango, cucumber, black sesame ($12) is a must! The tuna is fresh, soft, and no where chewy. The tart from the mango sauce was a perfect match. If they offered this in Costco quantity, I can practically throw a bunch of it in a bowl over some rice and call it a day. Scallops - acorn squash, candied bacon, brussels sprouts, shiitake mushrooms ($14). Scallops with bacon pairing did you say? SOLD! Another solid dish. If it's available, give it a shot. Again, what it lacks in quantity is made up in quality. No brainer: Lobster Roll - lobster salad, toasted roll, fried onion ($22). The lobster chunks are plentiful and robust. The toasted roll is far from bland and the fried onion on the side is addicting. I found myself eating the fried onion like it was French fries and at times I threw it in the roll itself. I don't know how they seasoned it but I think they secretly put crack in it. I didn't have any of their oysters but it seemed like a big hit. Those guys that were working on them never seemed to stop cracking them so that tells me that those have to be quite tasty and popular. Note: they had six different oysters from a variety of places but since they're sold individually, you have to order six minimum. Keep in mind that the menu may change day to day because the imported seafood is fresh so some of your favorite dishes may be here today but gone tomorrow. That only means that they truly care about the consistency and the freshness of the food. Giuseppe Tentori "GT" is on top of his game and he knows how to cater to people's taste buds. I never knew anything about the man or even knew what he looked like when I first walked through GT Fish & Oyster's doors. On my way out of the washroom, I noticed this picture of a cocky looking chef on the wall, sitting with a wine glass to his mouth. I sat back down at the bar and to my left, I see that same man standing there full of pride and in total control. She motioned his attention and asked if he was that man from the photograph and he slyly replied, "He's my twin." He took the time to introduce himself and welcome us to his establishment as well as to the Windy City since we told him we were from LA. The man wasn't as douchey as I wrongly assumed he would be from that picture. He was very sincere, funny, and friendly. Whether you're a local or an out of towner, try to incorporate this restaurant in your agenda. You should not be disappointed because we definitely were beyond satisfied and departed quite impressed. My last request is for GT himself... Please come to LA and open up a similar restaurant and I promise you I'll be a regular. Thanks!
(5)Steven N.
Finally had a chance to try this restaurant and I was very pleasantly surprised. 2 people, expect to spend around $150. To be honest, I really wasn't that interested, so glad my wife talked me into going there. Chef Giuseppe Tentori's creative dishes are not to be missed. Below is a list of all of the dishes we ordered, but first thing you must know is that this is NOT a tapas restaurant. Unfortunately, that's sort of how it was described to us by the server when we inquired about how large the dishes are, so we over-ordered a bit. The dishes are meant to be shared, but they are a little bit larger than your typical tapas dishes. Not a big deal, of course, it just means we got to try a lot more dishes, but we also walked away super stuffed. Service was overall very enjoyable, they did a great job with hiring and training the staff there. They were pretty knowledgeable about the menu. Great atmosphere. They have a more private side for couples, small groups. They also have a more communial side of the house as well as a bar area. We very much enjoyed the overall experience. Here's what we ordered: * GT OYSTER SHOOTER with tuna, cucumber, tobiko caviar - very refreshing, nice start to the meal * CLAM CHOWDER with neuske's bacon, house made oyster crackers - very fresh clams, though a bit too salty...a bit too much "bam" * FOIE GRAS & SHRIMP TERRINE with apricot chutney, pickled onion, szechuan peppercorn - easily the best dish of the night. The foie gras was heavenly and everything goes together perfectly. Speechless. * OCTOPUS with beer mustard, wasabi, purple potatoes, hearts of palm, maitake - perfectly grilled and seasoned, balanced with sweet maitake and mustard/wasabi sauce, great contrast. * PEI MUSSELS with roasted tomatoes, basil, ciabatta - not bad, personally not a big fan of tomatoes sauce but it was done nicely. Not overly sour or sweet. The bread that comes with it is amazing. * GT "MAC AND CHEESE" with lobster, english peas - comes with 1.5 lbs of lobster, 'nuff said. * 4oz ALLEN BROTHERS BEEF TENDERLOIN with broccolini, huitlacoche polenta, cipollini onions, mushrooms - we were stuffed by the time this came, but we still found room for it because it was very tender and perfectly grilled. * Chocolate pie with stout ice cream - awesome, just awesome.
(4)Danielle S.
Living in the suburbs really puts a damper on getting around to trying new restaurants. I've been wanting to go to GT since before it opened. Well, yesterday it finally happened. For brunch. I loved the oysters. The Fire River variety was especially to my liking. I loved the Bloody Mary. one of the best I've had. French toast, crab benedict, and biscuits with lobster gravy - all superb. I still want to stop in for dinner and dessert. Or even dessert and drinks. Sadly, at this rate, it will be another 2 years for that to happen.
(5)Michael L. And Michelle G.
A place for a classy, sexy delivery of exquisite seafood options, small plate style. A place you can eat late and not feel rushed. On Friday night we had 10 pm reservations, came early, were seated early and the waiter allowed us to order morsel by morsel as if it was the way to go, without telling us the kitchen was closing until about midnight. Oysters are featured, and don't disappoint. From there, Gazpacho, raw fish, mussels, lobster, their fried oyster slider, and onward to so many incarnations of delicious and well presented seafood incarnations, always presenting the purest of the special flavor of the seafood with great twists. The wine list, with a good variety of non-typical grape presentations by the glass in both the whites and reds and over all every region is well represented. By no means do they run by the fish means white tale. Cocktails were average but the spirit selection was fanciful with Japanese whiskeys to boot. The room is nautical-lite, with light colored walls, boat pictures and well placed brass and nets, etc. but in a representative way, not as an actual theme at all. Lighting is perfect and music is low. The lay out is expansive and uncrowded for a great romantic or group fun experience to enjoy the chef's creativity, which will warrant a return visit to taste it all. Service impeccable, in my instance brought by Josh who when I asked about a certain wine, did not make-do or make up stuff, but brought over a fellow waiter Jackie who delivered as good as any wine sommelier. Thanks to the food and them, we will be back to finish off the menu, late and relaxed.
(5)Adriane P.
I had the best lobster roll in the history of western civilization. The lobster mac and cheese is nothing to sneeze at either.
(4)Tera D.
Yum. Very solid gourmet meal. Not cheap, but you get what you pay for. We started with the tuna poke, which I swear was the freshest tuna I've ever eaten. Are they receiving it live??? Seriously, quality fish. Next up was the lobster mac. Holy lobster chunks! This thing was packed with lobster, which can be pretty rare in pasta dishes. Creamy, lobstery, delicious. Then we had the mussels, which were good but nothing special. Our final round was the pot stickers and the oyster po boy slider. Pot stickers were so so, I'd skip them next time. But the po boy. Ohhhhhh the po boy. GET THE PO BOY. GET A FEW OF THEM!!! They're sliders, and being pretty full at this point we split one, which was about 2 bites each. Omg was it good. The kimchi is out of this world. Yummo. One note on the atmosphere. People called it casual, but it's pretty River North trendy if you ask me. Definitely has a "scene" feeling. It's not a bad thing, but it's definitely distinct.
(4)Andrea C.
I went here for brunch a few weekends ago, and it was delicious! I haven't been here for dinner yet, so I really didn't know what to expect. The menu was so diverse and creative that I didn't know what to choose! I had the Biscuits and Lobster Gravy, and I couldn't stop eating it. We also sampled some of the oysters - even though I'm not a huge oyster lover - and I'm glad we did. Our server was great at helping us pick out which ones we might like. One thing I thought was weird is that we were there at 11:30 a.m. on a Saturday morning and the place was empty. Maybe people just don't know that they offer brunch now, but I would highly recommend it.
(5)Katie A.
Shrimp bruschetta alone is worth visiting again and again. GT has some of the best seafood in town but the plates are very small. In my opinion the portions are more a "tasting" size than normal tapas offerings. Service is impeccable, while our server was away we had 2 other staff members check in and even received a complimentary dessert. The butter pecan ice cream that comes with the apple tart is to die for. There is a relaxed and sexy vibe here, the space is designed to look like a James Bonds yacht. Ambiance works for a date night or group experience. If you haven't been to GT, you're missing out.
(5)Kristen H.
Finally made it here for lunch here the day after Thanksgiving with some family that was in town. Everyone loved the decor and the menu satisfied everyone's taste. As a table we shared the GT Mac N Cheese that has both lobster and peas and it was really good. I'm usually very picky and particular about good mac n cheese and this was some of the better. For lunch I thoroughly enjoyed the combo of half the tuna blt and clam chowder with the cabbage slaw. I had a bite of the fish tacos and they were very good too. Overall, it's a swanky seafood place that's appealing to many crowds.
(4)Adam K.
I have been trying to come here since it opened, i heard it was tough to get in then, but this time, like 11 months after it opened, it was pretty easy, just walked in 20 minutes before the kitchen closed, with my 2 indian doctor cousins. They were also impressed. We got: Oyster Sliders w Kim Chee - Boom, small and tasty, gone in 2 seconds, put some of their green sauce on there for an added kick. 1/2 dozen oysters - really tasted fresh, not briny at all. Fish tacos - nice simple dish, a bit small for $13, but hey, we are downtown. Pecan pie dessert - OH man, this gave me diabetes and I loveed it. So good. Drinks - Manhattan - amazingly blended, not a hint of a strong flavor one way or the other. love that. Gin and Tonic - standard lime wedge was nice and green. Service was prompt and polite, not rushing us because there was a few minutes till the kitchen closes, I like that. I like it a lot., I should be back, hopefully with a woman. Seems like a great first date spot. Oyster = aphrodisiac, fyi. Holler No pool tables.
(4)Alison Y.
Met up with a college friend recently and decided to have dinner. Since I was visitin from out of town, she let me choose the restaurant. I had read Eater's 38 that stated this was the place to dine so we decided to check it out. had dinner outsidesince the weather was so nice. The place was to capacity but they were able to seat us right away nonetheless. We all shared some oysters on the half-shell which were super fresh and delicios and for our main plates we chose the lobster roll and the lobster tortellini. I thought the tortellini was really good, the hubby thought the lobster roll was good to although a little on the small side. I would say that the food is very fresh and high-quality but the portions could of been a little bigger.
(4)Andrew K.
First off, I've never been an oyster fan... but I've become a convert due to GT Fish & Oyster and my friend Alvin having a late night hankering for some fresh oysters. . Pemaquid Maine Oysters won me over. They were very clean, firm, lemony and light. Had a handful and glad we got a bunch to snack on. I'll definitely be on the look out for these bad boys from now on! . I was craving a Lobstah Roll (not Lobster, I'm allowed to bust out my Boston accent after living there for 5 years). But, the wait staff tried explaining to me about supply & demand, and global warming, and how the sequestration and Obama were effecting the borders and food inspections and.............. and all I heard was $45.... OUCH! Dude, Lobstah rolls are supposed to be $18. (BTW it did look delicious, apparently it's usually half that price or so, so there really was something crazy going on with the market price). . So instead I went for the Lobstah Mac & Cheese that had tiny chunks o'lobster, but it was pretty damn good. Great texture and portions and most importantly tasty as hell. Went well along with my Hitachino. . Sat at the bar pretty late Friday night, so seating wasn't much of an issue, but could see how it could get crowded at prime time. . I shall return for some more Pemaquids and will try to expand my knowledge of other oysters as well.
(4)Eric S.
I love seafood and so with most new places I try, I was skeptical. However, GT was an amazing find. We tried numerous dishes and each dish was great. They had their own preparations for sauces for the oysters that were excellent and really added to the experience. Each dish truly seemed unique in it's own way including the deconstructed key lime pie. Even better was the service. The staff was attentive (our water glasses were never less than half full) and cared that we were enjoying each item. I will definitely be back.
(5)Laurence L.
This place is GOOOOOD. I had the lobster roll and it's effin' delicious! The bread they serve it on is great, nothing like I've ever had. The environment inside is really nice. The staff is friendly. There's a cool bar inside as well. I went during the mid afternoon on a weekday and it wasn't so busy. Not sure what it's like at night or on weekends though.
(4)Mona E.
I don't know why I waited so long to make it down to GT Fish & Oyster because it was fantastic! We shared several things and each one was executed well with a new take on some seafood favorites. The lobster roll was amazing! I also recommend the shrimp bruschetta. It has very unique flavors and they were nice enough to put an extra one on there since we were a group of three. Besides the great seafood, I was really impressed by the desserts. We had a dessert with chocolate and dates and another that was some sort of lemon meringue and we couldn't put our forks down until there was not a crumb left on the plate. If you can manage good service, nice ambiance, great food AND fantastic desserts to end my meal with...well then, I am in love. Our actual waitress was not fantastic and was never around but the hosts made up for that by helping us find seats at the bar area and eventually taking our order, refilling drinks, etc. This place would be great to bring a date or a few friends. I will absolutely be back!
(5)Eileen Z.
The Foie Gras & Shrimp Terrine on Toasted Brioche is what's up. Somebody understands my love for acid here because the pickled onions are the perfect sour! The Lobster Roll is jam-packed with chunks of lobster. You'd think I wouldn't have to say this but you'd be surprised at how many restaurants I've gone to when ordering a lobster roll turns into a fishing around thinking, "it's a lobster roll, where's the lobster?!" fest. Don't expect it to be heavy. It's fresh, and a lot lighter and refreshing in taste, considering it's not swimming in mayonnaise or celery. Do me a favor and don't skip out on dessert. The blueberry buckle was AMAZING. Was not expecting it to be, but it was. Think blueberry pastries and toasted walnuts and almonds and almond ice cream goodness. Who could forget about the oysters? We split our options evenly between East and West coast types and slurped away. And when the "GT at the Beach" cocktail comes back for the summer season I'll be getting on that. A little tequila and a little spice doesn't hurt. This isn't your ordinary mango drink. When you first think of mango, you think sweet, right? This has a lot more balance in flavor, and the red chili flakes give the drink a little unexpected punch of heat.
(4)Karolina M.
Great food. Small shareable dishes the best was grilled octopus and the duck was amazing !!
(4)Christine D.
Service was not good. We caught one of our drinks being served to the table next to us; one main dish was apparently served to someone else too and we couldn't tell the server until he appeared when the other 4 of us were finished. Way overpriced for the portions and service.
(2)Patty T.
I went there on Valentine's day date last year and it was a really nice experience. It was a set menu for the day. We also ordered an oyster plate to share. The food was great and the service was excellent. I particularly enjoyed dessert though I am not sure anymore what it was exactly!
(4)Jessica N.
Yum.... Have been wanting to come here for a while and finally tried it out. I love the atmosphere. Like a nicer East Coast fish bar. Rundown on what we tried - Oysters - love the selection. only complaint is the "sauces" that were paired with the oysters were just "ok." homemade cocktail sauce bland and the other one didn't do much either. Poke - As someone who loves Hawaiian poke, this should just be called tuna tartare Scallops - Best thing we had. Scallops were perfect, really dense/firm without being overcooked (how!). Loved the pairing with the puree and the crunchy seeds. And AMAZING crispy bacon...helped offset the sweetness of the squash. Gnocchi - Yum....I have never seen gnocchi with smoked salmon. Unique and delicious pairing Mussels - Good, but nothing particular standout-ish from good mussels anywhere else. Generous with the garlic which i love!! I agree, pricing was a bit on the aggressive side, but for good seafood in the Midwest I wouldn't really expect anything else! Solid.
(4)Rajiv I.
The last time I was here I gave this place 4 stars - I must have been drunk even tho I been sober for greater than
(2)Chris Y.
Fantastic lobster roll . Being from New England I was amazed. Also the shrimp bruschetta was well assimilated .
(4)M Z.
Lobster rolls are to die for & the clean break drink makes want more. Been here quite a few times & always great food & service but make reservation ahead if time because they go get busy.
(5)D. K.
This review is for BRUNCH only: From the second we walked in for brunch, the service was above average. We loved the decor--especially the cool light fixtures. The food for the most part was good, although not every dish was a home run in my book. No one in our party really loved the gingerbread pancakes, and the chicken and waffles were a little dry. My crab benedict was good, but not mind-blowing. The best of the meal was the savory monkey bread. We just kept ordering those because the whole table loved them so much! We also enjoyed the churros with orange glaze afterwards. Anxious to come back for dinner.
(3)Melanie S.
I wasn't willing to brave the throngs of people to eat dinner here, but when I'd heard that GT was open for lunch, I made a reservation as soon as I could. My favorite brown Yelper (one Nishan P) joined me last Friday for lunch. He'd been here before and only had good things to say about it (as he attests in his five-star review), so I was plenty excited to try it. Even at lunch, this place is quite popular, so I highly suggest making a reservation. I joined Nishan at a corner table and menus were already at our table. I should note that the tables have padding underneath, which is a nice touch (especially if you're clumsy like I am and always bumping your knees). Our server greeted us and went over the menu. Nishan noted that the dinner menu is far more extensive and she explained that the lunch menu concentrates on their most popular items (fear not; oysters are available on the lunch menu). I asked about nonalcoholic drinks besides the ho-hum sodas and iced tea and she suggested "Johnny's lemonade," which was a strawberry lemonade with a touch of ginger. We both thought it sounded delicious and each ordered one. We sipped our refreshing lemonades. I'm not sure if the lemonade flavors change daily or not, but this one was great--tart, sweet, and a touch spicy from the ginger. Priced at $5.00, it's not cheap for a drink without any alcohol, but worth the price tag. We decided we'd share a couple small plates (side note: I find the whole sharing of small plates idea contradictory. The fact that they're small plates almost makes them unsharable by definition.) of fish tacos and tuna poke and the lobster roll. The food comes out very quickly (not sure if this is the case at dinner as well) and our tacos and tuna were set in front of us. The fish tacos (three to an order) were made with rockfish (the fish changes daily) and were simply prepared. The fish was lightly grilled and very moist, and topped with a little bit of chipotle aioli. Highly enjoyable. The tuna poke was served with cucumbers, black sesame seeds, sliced mango and a mango puree. The sweet mango was a great complement to the mild tuna. Again, great dish. The lobster roll was bigger than I expected and came with a pile of crispy fried onion strings. Nishan was expecting a warm sandwich since it's listed under 'hot' on the menu, but this was a cold sandwich of lobster salad with a touch of mayo and celery. While I liked this very much, I'd have to say that Shaw's does a better lobster roll. The crispy fried onions were fantastic though. We didn't leave a single one on the plate. We couldn't skip dessert and while I was sad that they no longer were serving the strawberry shortcake (desserts change frequently), we rebounded and ordered the key lime pie. The key lime pie is a layered dessert, served in a jar (things in jars seem to be all the rage now). The bottom layer was gingersnaps, followed by lime curd and topped with toasted meringue. I liked the dessert but the gingersnaps kinda felt like sand in my mouth as they were kinda gritty. I think I prefer a more traditional key lime pie, but if you like something fun and unique, you will enjoy this. My first visit to GT Fish and Oyster was a rousing success and I will definitely be braving the crowds to give it a try for dinner.
(4)Colleen K.
Pros: fun scene, well-crafted cocktails, fresh seafood, creative small plate concepts Cons: I really mean "small" - the prices appear reasonable, but you will end up spending $75+ per person for dinner (w/ 2 drinks), if you're hungry. But, hey, it's a trendy downtown spot, so that's par for the course. Pros make it worth it. Great decor, good service. Sat at a communal table, great crowd.
(4)Leslie S.
I am not a big eater by any means. If I have a starter and a main, I'm usually not hungry for dessert. That was definitely not the case at GT Fish & Oyster. I had seven dishes and was still hungry by the time I left. If a girl can't fill her boots with a $200 meal, something is really wrong. I agree with the other reviewers that the food was excellent. We ordered the tuna poke, monk fish tail, bbq eel, fish taco, mac n' cheese and a caesar salad with oyster croutons (a last ditch effort to reduce my hunger pains) in addition to oysters. While I wasn't a huge fan of the mac n' cheese, I found every other dish to be well prepared and presented. Nothing I ate was out of this world, but it was quite good. If only there had been more of it! So you get the picture - very small portion sizes, and you'll need at least four per person to even start to quench your appetite. But that wasn't my only complaint with GT Fish & Oyster. The noise level inside this restaurant is unbelievable. I couldn't even hear the other couple we were dining with though they were seated across the table, just 24 inches away. What's the point of going out with friends if you can't even converse over dinner? I don't foresee another trip to GT Fish & Oyster in my future - I need a restaurant that offers something a little more substantial and a little less obnoxious.
(3)Sadaf G.
We took some friends out to GT for dinner and had a fabulous experience. We made reservations on open table and had to wait about 10 mins for our table when we got there. The bar was pretty busy but we were able to find our way to a corner and get some drinks. The lobster roll, lobster mac n cheese, oyster po boys, crab cakes, and fish tacos were delicious! I thought the fish and chips were not bad. Everything at GT is small plates and comes out from lightest course to heaviest. It's nice to go with a few people that way you can try more items from the menu. Everything we had was great. We over ordered so by the time the lobster roll came out we were pretty stuffed, and that was the best thing on the menu! Definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago!
(5)Arun J.
Living in NYC, we are definitely spoiled by all the great restaurants. Chicago has its fair share too, but not nearly as many. First time we went to GT with the in laws. We had a reservation but still had to wait about 30min for our table. Oyster po boys, crab sandwiches, etc was all very good. For a almost seafood-only restaurant, this is pretty top notch. Cocktails were a little unnecessarily expensive even for NYC standards. Service was good. Atmosphere was great and nice decor. Quite loud inside, so be ready for that, especially on a Saturday night. Overall B+/A-. I'd say the one knock is that it's a little overpriced. You can also rent out the back room for a private event if you wish. We looked in to this for our rehearsal dinner. Ended up choosing Fred's instead which I highly recommend for an event like this.
(4)Belle L.
Fish & Chips -- I agree that it's the best in town as reviewed. The tartar sauce (that I skip in every establishment) is awesome. No matter how much malt vinegar I pour into the fish, the taste and flavor hardly becomes overpowering. The difference between other establishments and GT? The clean, fresh taste of the food, sauce and complementary sides. The grilled lemon is a nice touch. Steak Fries -- didn't like it at all. Since I hate super sized veggies, maybe I am biased. Rose Champagne -- the best super chilled serving in town! Kitchen -- mega exposure with neatly stacked and labeled spices in a Container Store liked storage bins. Hardest Working Employee -- the oyster preparer! Water -- is that a Voss bottle? Portion -- just right, certainly NOT the Maggiano's family style portion. Pricing -- its about $2-3 overpriced, but you pay for quality. Overall, the attention to detail about presentation and flavors, it's about right. The price could be comparable to TGI Fridays minus 25% less portion. It's fine dining. A treat.
(5)Cara M.
Yep, I'm coming back here for sure. I cannot believe how happy I was when I left GT. I went for Mother's Day for brunch with my mom and brother and it was basically love at first sight. I was recommended here by a friend who mentioned that the service is outstanding, which it was. We had Josh, who was extremely knowledgeable and professional in every way. I would definitely go back and ask for him as my server. I made reservations and we were seated right when we got there, nice. The food was awesome of course. I got the white fish quiche and my mom got the lobster roll. Amazing. I don't have a single complaint. The decor was fabulous as well.
(5)Amy K.
Hello, Yelp. It's been so long, but I am BACK! I went to GT Fish & Oyster on a work related luncheon but I will likely be coming back in the future. The service was great, we tried quite a few of the small plates and the food-food was great (particularly the shrimp bruschetta and the grilled mahi), but the dessert-food was the real winner for me. The salted caramel tart.... Ugh. Don't get me wrong, the key lime pie and the banana chocolate ganache were delish. But when I first bit into the salted caramel tart I felt like the lights dimmed and "I'll Make Love to You" by Boyz II Men started playing in my head. In retrospect, my hoarding a dessert which I was supposedly going to split with a business contact might not have been awesome for work, but whatever. Now my loyalties lie with the tart first.
(5)arpan s.
Food was ok. Prices were very high. Screwed up our reservation twice had to wait for 90 mins. Did hook us up w a very small discount.
(3)Matea B.
I've been to GT both for lunch and dinner. I would recommend it for both, and I think this is one of the better spots in River North. There's a good selection of oysters (it being an oyster bar and all), but I do think that they are on the expensive side. It's over $3/oyster, which obviously adds up very quickly. If you're not super oyster knowledgable, make sure to ask them for recommendations. However, keep in mind that some oysters are super small, so keep that in mind too when ordering. The other thing that I would recommend is to have their tasting plates. They usually have a crudo and something else. I felt that the crudo tasting was superb. I also particularly like the mussels. Also, be aware that this is a smaller plates place, but there's a wide variation in size. So, I would recommend asking your server to help you make sure you're ordering a good mix of plates (for example, the mussels are quite large while the crudo tasting is about 1.5 bites per fish with 5 different fish).
(4)Nancy S.
Oysters and drinks were great here, along with the service. The seared tuna salad was great, and I was with a friend who doesn't eat salad, so we split it; he now craves greens. The server we had the second night (yes we were here two nights in a row), remembered us from the night before and he wasn't the one who served us then. I don't think we were misbehaving the first night (but the drinks were very good so who knows?). I really enjoyed eating here all three times I have been.
(4)Sandi P.
This was hubby's choice for his birthday dinner last Saturday. I didn't make reservation until Thursday, so the only times available were 5pm or 10pm. We opted to do a pub crawl first (being careful not to eat too much) and arrived at GTs close to 10. We were invited to wait at the bar as our table wasn't ready yet. No less than 3 employees asked if we'd like water! Daughter and I opted to try a couple of their cocktails - hubby had a beer from their small but varied list. Place was hopping and the bar area was full. Really liked the decor, very clean and modern New England. Especially liked the boomerang shaped table. It wasnt long till we were escorted to our table, a comfortable table for 4 against the wall with a view of the entire dining area. Service was exemplary - our French waitress was a delight and the supporting staff who brought our food and replaced dishes and silverware with lightning speed - were excellent and very friendly. My husband a platter of oysters ( not my thing) and declared them delicious. We sampled many of the dishes on the menu and found them all to be of excellent quality and very inventive, we all had our favorites from the many small plates we ordered. Highlights included the grilled octopus (all 3 of us agreed this was the best dish), baja shrimp bruschetta (could have eaten the whole serving myself) oyster poboy sliders (I didn't care for the kimchee) and the stuffed squash blossoms. We also shared the crab cake, and clam chowder (very tasty but potatoes were a bit crunchy), and scallop and lobster cannelloni. We had to order dessert - for research purposes! We tried 3 different desserts (it was a birthday celebration after all) salted caramel tart, key lime pie and sticky toffee cake. We even received a $20 gift card for a future visit as a birthday gift! Great reason to return!
(5)Susan P.
Brunch Review Only: Awesome awesome awesome. Portions are bigger than the dinner small plates (or so the waiter told us). Oysters: 4 oysters (2 west coast, 2 east coast) - normally the minimum order is 6, but this was our first time trying them, so the waiter REALLY helped us out by describing what everything was and how to go about eating them. We really appreciate how patient he was! (WISH I could remember his name - so attentive). Brunch: Shrimp and grits and the lobster roll. Lobster roll was FANTASTIC (though I did take a REALLY hard bite of a small piece of shell left in there which didn't feel that great). The buttered texas toast that it came on was pretty special, along with the onion strings. Mimosa: white peach puree, very tastey. It's pricey, but worth it if you're into brunch and seafood. Service was excellent.
(4)Matt A.
I am a huge fan of this place food is outstanding and the service is superb. I also like their website , it allows me to send gift certs. via email which is very convenient for me as gifts. one of the greatest compliments for any restaurant should be a gifted gift certificate as it shows a great deal of faith in the food and service.
(5)Dotty K.
One of the finest dining experiences in Chicago. Our server Josh took excellent care of us and made us feel like special guests of the restaurant. The oyster poboy sliders are fabulous. Fish tacos, tuna poke and oysters were great as well. Didnt care much about the eggplant. Highly recommend.
(5)Chandler M.
Excellent Tapas style seafood place. Great for sharing. Great Service and amazing staff. If you go then I suggest that you Order Oyster poboy Sliders, Lobster Roll, Shrimp Bruschetta, Tuna Poke, Linguini, Gnocchi. Cant wait to go back again.
(5)Jennifer S.
Loved the decor, great service and pretty good food. The specialty lemonades were such a nice touch and delicious too! I tried the fish tacos and they were pretty good...would probably order something else next time though. My coworker ordered the cioppino and really enjoyed it!
(4)Stephen S.
Loved the brunch! The lobster biscuits and gravy was a great twist on a classic dish and was totally awesome. I kinda wish they menu was a little bigger as I would have loved a bit of a vegetable side to go with it. The menu instead is extremely seafood-centric which is what one should expect from a Fish and Oyster place I just always like to see a little bit more. The dishes are a little on the small side so this is a great place to share a little of this and a little of that. Just make sure that your dining companions love Fish and Oysters as much as you do!
(4)Lisa M.
I hate to give this place a mediocre rating but honestly for the money we paid that's all I can give. I really had high hopes for this place!
(2)Nishan P.
Oysters and I were once friends; not anymore. My last encounter with the bivalve mollusks had me waking up in an emergency room of a local hospital. Given the severity of my allergy, you are probably wondering what I am doing awarding 5 stars to a restaurant that advertizes oysters in its name, and dedicates a section of its menu to these denizens of the seabed. The answer lies in small plates. GT is the latest restaurant to capitalize on the small plate craze sweeping Chicago. I am a fan of the small plate concept. My constant fear when limited to one entre is that I might order the wrong thing and be stuck with a dish I don't much care for. Small plates eliminate this worry, and also let me satisfy my curiosity about multiple menu items. Armed with a reservation made three weeks in advance, we arrived to find GT a hive of activity. Despite the reservation, we had to wait 30 minutes for a table. The bar was completely full so we stood in the passage way. I didn't mind as it gave me the opportunity to examine some of the dishes as the waiters squeezed past us. Before we were even seated, I had decided on one dish I wanted to try: the Pei mussels. It looked and smelled great as it was carried past me. Our waitress suggested that we each order two dishes and share; we ended up ordering three a piece. My favorites were the tuna poke, the fish tacos, the scallops, and the sunfish ceviche. The poke, with the raw fish served on slivers cucumber and topped with pickled mango slices, tasted very fresh. The ceviche had a robust flavor and just the right amount of acidity. The fish tacos were also very flavorful. I did enjoy the snapper carpaccio, hamachi crudo, foie gras and shrimp terrine, and BBQ eel too. The Pei mussels, served in a roasted tomato sauce, were a nice size portion. One of the few dishes that failed to impress was the lobster mac and cheese. Perhaps my expectations for it were too high but it seemed to be lacking something. Be aware that the small plates typically arrive with three portions: three pieces of crudo, three tacos, three pieces of fois gras terrine. It made for awkward sharing between four diners. For certain items, like the fish tacos, our waitress pointed out the serving quantity and offered to add another. Despite not being able to sample one of the obvious specialties of GT, I thoroughly enjoyed my meal; so much so that I have already made plans for two return trips. To those friends who have suggested that I consider giving oysters another try, I say no thanks. I'd much rather spend those exorbitant hospital fees on a dozen more visits to GT.
(5)christian C.
I like the seafood tapas idea; I hope it spreads. Began with oysters from New Brunswick and PEI. Both were very good. The New Brunswick ones were milder than those from PEI, but both were plump and juicy. The remaining tapas items got better with each one, crescendoed just before the end, with the last one, the stuffed squid, a closing dud. The first item was tuna tartar with some salad greens and potatoes. It desperately needed some sea salt to perk it up and some fresh pepper would have helped. The next dish, the octopus, also had potatoes - these were in little dice-sized cubes and much tastier. The octopus was charred, delicious and nearly MIA - there were only four little bites of octopus. Next up was the Halibut in a mustard sauce. This was delicious; the halibut was excellent. The highlight of the evening were the Striped Bass fish tacos. The tortillas were light and fresh. The spicey aoili worked well, and the fried pork rinds gave it an interesting complimentary texture. You get 3 tacos in an order, and the waitress had offered four and we should have taken her up on it! The wines by the glass list was more limited than expected, but reasonable. The space had just the right blend of style, warmth, and vibe, and you could have a conversation.
(4)Sarah R.
I went with my friend last night for the third time and it did not disappoint. We didn't have a reservation so we sat at the round communal counter by the bar. We didn't need to wait long, but while we were standing for a spot, the manager or host (not sure) offered us a cocktail and was just friendly and welcoming. Each time I've been to GT, he has been equally accommodating and seems to love what he is doing. So impressive and appreciated! The food and the rest of the service was also lovely.
(5)D W.
Went for early dinner in February. Service was excellent, and we loved everything we ate -- the oysters, lobster roll, sage gnocchi, and octopus with purple potatoes (our favorite of the savory dishes). Also had some kind of out-of-this-world-delicious pecan tart for dessert -- it may have been a special for that day but highly recommended!!
(4)Robert R.
You'd think that writing a review for a Seafood restaurant when you're not really a fan of seafood might be a little difficult, and you know what? You'd be right...it is. But our server made this experience a complete joy for me despite my hesitation when the other three people in my party insisted we try this spot out. We tried *everything* on the menu. At least, I'm pretty sure we did because the food just kept coming and coming. We all agreed to share our choices and since I wasn't too excited for fish, I ordered the Egg plant. It was INCREDIBLE, and I think everyone else at my table agreed. Fish tacos were good too, but my second favorite selection was simply the oysters. I could have made a meal out of those alone. My only regret is that I was the designated driver that night. The drinks flowing from the bar looked delicious and I would have loved to have been sipping from a Martini glass, yet responsibility took over. Next time, I'm getting a room and enjoying the experience as a whole.
(4)Lucy N.
Unreal- from the atmosphere to the food and service this place is as good as it gets. Definitely a place you go to celebrate something special. The lobster mac and cheese was phenomenal as well as the fresh oysters and lobster roll. I really can't choose a favorite!
(5)Stephanie W.
I came here with my dad for dinner. (I got him a gift certificate for Christmas because I thought it would be a good "dad place". I was right.) Everything was outstanding, particularly the service and our waiter. (I wish I could remember his name!) We ordered a bottle of wine and struggled with the oyster menu. Admittedly, an oyster connoisseur (/fan) I am not, so our waiter was more than happy to recommend a couple "beginner oysters". They didn't do it for me one way or another, but I appreciated his effort and in-depth knowledge about each kind of oyster. After the oysters, we split the shrimp bruschetta, crab cake and gnocchi. Portions were small, but all were fantastic! Would definitely love to come back here again.
(5)Deanna B.
We visited here again and were so glad that we did. The food was even better this time with lots of different flavors with each bite. LOVE the fish tacos. The service was excellent.
(5)Andrea R.
Lately it's been so difficult to get a reservation at some of the new hotspots in town that I feel like I"m living in NY. GT & Oyster is no exception. I've called several times and been told i can join the 80 year old crowd at 4:30pm or the 22 year old crowd at 10:30pm. Me thinks not. Despite the difficulty in getting a reservation I have been lucky enough to eat at GT Fish & Oyster twice. Both times my friend and I scored 2 seats the communal table at the bar within seconds. No wait...even on a Friday night! Score! It's a tad bit crowded in the bar, but all part of the fun in this lively atmosphere. I've tried many things on the menu: oysters, smoke hamachi, tuna poke, cod, shrimp cocktail, lobster mac and cheese, and so on. Everything is fabulous, which I guess is why it take a billion years to score a reservation here. The several glasses of white wine I've had here have also been quite enjoyable. In a city of steakhouses we don't have too many places to get good seafood, but it looks like we do now. And who knows...perhaps I'll even make it past the bar one day??
(5)Ronald P.
Had brunch today and they nailed every aspect! Service was great. Our waiter was attentive, friendly and knowledgeable. The food was awesome. We started with potatoes and monkey bread while we debated the menu. My girl settled on the lox and bagel and I had the open face pork belly sandwich. Really, who can go wrong with pork belly and avocado which could also be called fatty magic! The coffee was fantastic as well. Strong and hot! For all that magic, the bill was a hair under $50 so no complaints from my stomach or wallet!
(5)Jen R.
Way to deliver G&T. Absolutely amazing. Overall: Restaurant week brought me in; their amazing food and service will bring me back again and again. Drinks: Had a delicious gin and grapefruit drink (not currently on the menu but our server knew exactly what I meant), Bourbon Bloody Mary with a High Life side car. The Bloody was interesting and came with many fun garnishes: quail egg, pickled onion, bacon, etc Food: Had Oysters to start, I don't even like oysters but these were fresh, not chewy and overall had great flavor. Followed with the restaurant week tasting menu: The clam chowder was phenomenal, a creamy broth but not thickened, just super flavorful. My dining companion got the tuna salad - fresh and good, but the soup was the stand out. Main course: Lobster roll - woah. So rich but not too much. The bread was some sort of brioche or Texas toast, and the lobster chunks were huge. Sides of onion rings and spicy coleslaw kicked up the dish a few notches. Dessert: Lemon tart and chocolate parfait. You know when you take a bite of something and the music stops for a second? Yes, that would be the lemon tart. The chocolate was also great but the tart was beautifully executed. Kudos to the pastry chef. Service: Prompt, friendly and on point. We started playing a game of who could drink down their tap water, pretty impossible as the staff is on it.
(5)Dolmarie M.
Great after work place or a very cool dinner with friends or a date. The menu is fabulous, my favorite was the the lobster mac & cheese(love it). Is a very cool place to hang out and you need reservation. We made reservations, we wait like 10 minutes for a table. You can hang out at bar while waiting, very cool.
(4)Ashley C.
We went here for a weeknight dinner and I was blown away. Everything was very fresh with excellent service and a neat ambiance. The service was very good and the cocktails were delicious. The food was amazing. It is some of the best seafood I had in Chicago. Very fresh even though we are in the middle of the country. I have to say my favorite dishes were the Tuna Poke, the Ceviche, and the Lobster Mac & Cheese. We also tried: the Scallops, foie gras and shrimp, fish tacos, mussels (which I normally don't like but had a few) and maybe another dish. All were very good. My least favorite was probably the BBQ eel but I am not sure that dish is for me. This is definitely one of my favorite new places, but I almost want to keep that a secret. My only complaint was that it was a little chilly. I will bring a sweater. We will be back.
(5)Hayley S.
Went here with friends for my boyfriend's birthday, we all loved it. Great drinks, great food and we ordered just about everything on the menu. The shining star of the menu - oyster po' boys. These were some of the best little bites I've ever had. The oysters are fried and paired with a kimchi slaw and seasame aioli. Awesome, everyone at the table loved them so much we ordered more. Try them and thank me later.
(4)Jourdan S.
Not feeling it. Lots of hype about this joint in the last 6 months. Don't believe it. It's just another scenester joint downtown. I eat seafood constantly and I grew up on the Connecticut shore. Despite sounding like a seafood snot, I can say I've had great seafood in Chicago ("Go 4 food", Chinatown...I know apples to oranges here) Anyhow. It is a cool space and it's certainly got a buzz to it in the media and in the dining room and bar. The food was okay at best. There was nothing special or amazing to anything I had. I started with the clam chowder (new england style). Terrible. I'm sure it gets a ton of raves because fat, dumb, midwesterners love that 1200mgs of sodium and chunks of pork belly floating around in the chowder. It tasted like bacon salt water. And I love salt, I've been known to salt a fucking chocolate donut, straight up. This chowder was composed with no thumbs and a sledgehammer. ZERO finess and very obviously not tasted before it went out of the kitchen. The bento box was meh. The fish quality was seemingly fresh but very free from any real taste. The highlight of the box was the hamachi and that was just okay. The 18 kumamoto oysters were on point and fresh, but that's no credit to the chef. The lobster roll was something for my dog. From Maine, to Maryland, no self-respecting chef/cook would make a lobster roll with mayonaise, nor would they let it out of the kitchen without topping it with a expertly harvested whole pincher claw. I'f you're a cute depaul student and old man salt and pepper takes you out to dinner here. Do yourself a favor and ruin your appetite in the bathroom with a few key bumps. He'll love you because you just drank and pushed around some greens on a plate, and you'll love it because you weren't subjected to sub par seafood and you're face will be numb. You're welcome.
(2)Shanti N.
This was my first visit to GT. I came here mid week, probably a good thing as I've heard this place can get packed. At 7 pm on a weeknight, it was no problem to snag spots at the communal table--in fact, my dinner companion and I were the only ones at the table for a large part of the meal. Almost immediately upon being seated, I realized how loud this place can get. Either the acoustics are off, or the nearby table of overgrown frat boys--who appeared to have come straight off the set of jackass or the hangover saga--were in high spirits. In any case, they were gone soon enough and I could turn my attention to the food & wine selections. Wines by the glass are comprehensive, I went with the pinot grigio. With the temperature that day topping out at 95 degrees, I was leaning toward the cold items/lighter fare, so was puzzled when the server mentioned bouillabaisse stew was one of the specials--I consider this a hearty dish, better suited to cooler months. We opted to share the smoked hamachi crudo appetizer to start. The asian pear in it was refreshing, but it seemed like the hamachi was doled out sparingly, and the edamame (presented as garnish) were a bit hard. Often at small plates places, it's easy for the eyes to get bigger than the stomach--by the time the last dish, basil gnocchi, came out I was having food fatigue and ended up picking at it. I decided to try the famous clam chowder, recommended by my dinner companion. I was glad I did, as this was the star of the show. We also shared a few other items: lobster roll (could have benefited from more acid/salt), skate wing (a-ok), and crab cake (serviceable, not the best I've had, and stringy in places). Overall the offerings were solid but I'm not entirely convinced GT would be enjoying such a high level of popularity if it were on the eastern seaboard instead of Chicago or lacking a celeb chef at the helm (bad nautical pun intended). In terms of service, I felt our server could have been a little less intrusive. She stopped by several times, including when my glass was only 1/2 empty to see if I was ready for a refill, and asking repeatedly about our dishes. This level of attention dropped off when it came time for the check. Next time I come back--if I come back--my strategy will be different, most likely sitting at the bar and ordering a drink and small plate. I will probably wait for the initial hype to fade before stopping by again.
(3)Scott V.
Went to GT for the first time several weeks ago. The oyster po'boys were amazing and the other food we ordered was very, very good. Absolutely outstanding service. An excellent restaurant that I highly recommend.
(5)Lizbeth T.
My friend and I had a fantastic meal at GT. When the excellence of the service equals the quality of the food, as it did on our visit, I happily give 5 stars. It's true that reservations are completely necessary, unless you want to take a chance on the bar. Even on a weeknight, not a single seat was open at the bar when we arrived a few minutes early for our reservation. The manager took great care of us though, and when our table was not immediately ready, both he and the hostess genuinely apologized. The space is beautiful; probably the most understated "nautical" theme I've ever encountered. Just enough to put you in a seafood state of mind. My favorite dishes were a duck and shrimp spring roll, fish tacos, gnocchi, and a caramel tart. And watch out for those small plates....they are not really that small when split between 2 people. I was still full when I woke up the next morning! The only disappointment was the lobster roll, which came highly recommended. My friend and I agreed that it lacked flavor. Yet, even that disappointment was fleeting because our overall experience was so enjoyable. Cannot wait to get back!
(5)Mike W.
super fresh fish and oysters. The mac and cheese is a little on the dry side so it's not my favorite. The oyster Po Boy cannot be beat, with the peanuts and kimchi...yum
(4)Carol K.
I came. I saw. I ate. And boy, am I glad I did!. GT Fish and Oyster House is the latest venture by the Boka Group Restaurants that took over the old Tizzi Melloul space on Kinzie. While we had a reservation to sit in the dining room, we really liked the activity in the bar area, so after our first cocktail- we just decided to forego the reservation and just eat at the bar. The decor in the place is causal yet classy (if you can call a giant table shaped like a boomerang in the bar, classy!) There are light colored walls, dark woods and nautical touches all around. I especially liked to rope chandelier and the nice touch of the fishing weight used to hold down your napkin or even your bill. We wee in no hurry so we took our time to order an array of the menu. First up- fresh oysters. There were at least 6 different kinds on the menu on the night we were there (a mix of east and west coast). We watched as they shucked them right in front of us and served them with a traditional cocktail sauce and a mignonette. Know that they have to be ordered in quantities of 6, which I found a little odd, but I am sure they have a reason for it, Too bad as we wanted 8. Next up, the well touted clam chowder served in a cute little mason jar. I thought this was a hit with tons of clams and a broth that while creamy, didn't sit that heavy. My friend swears the chowder at Shaw's better but having had both, I think it's a personal preference. The homemade rosemary croutons that go into the soup was a nice touch as was the drizzle of hot sauce across the top. We then split a couple of the entrees- the lobster roll (delicious!) and the black gnocchi (eh- not my favorite dish). And somewhere through all of this, we were introduced to the manager, Chris, who was great in righting a wrong, and ended up buying us his favorite dish of the smoked salmon . . a beautifully served dish that had such an interesting combination of flavors. Finally- we had dessert. The chef sent out Panne Cotta and we also tried the cherry pie made with Michigan cherries. A perfect way to end our meal! Service was great (thanks Shannon). Friendly, personable and with an eye that caught all that was going on around her. I was also blown away that one of the servers, Molly, took the time to come over and say hi to me. She recognized me from another restaurant that she used to work at and that I frequent. I am always amazed at people who make those connections out of context. Dinner for two with drinks and dessert ran about $160. And if you drive, valet parking is available out front for $12. Reservations are a bit hard to come by right now since they just opened, but be patient. A tip- if you go early (before 7) or are willing to sit at a communal table, you may have better luck. And there are plans to be open for lunch in the future. Definitely will be back for the service, the ambiance, but most importantly, the food!
(4)James C.
This place is the fish/seafood version of the girl and the goat. The food is amazing. We had almost everything on the menu and couldnt complain about one dish. The end all be all is the fried oyster sliders. I could eat those all day (in fact, just went back for lunch and asked for them - they arent on the lunch menu but they will make them for you per request)... Great place...
(5)C W.
Vegetarian review: I had never heard of this place and since I don't eat seafood I probably would have never considered eating here. Met up with a group of friends who enjoyed the oysters and I LOVED my meal. This place actually puts thought and effort into the vegetarian options. The desserts are outstanding!
(5)Shradha A.
great service and surprisingly good vegetarian options for lunch - their bruschetta and veg tacos were really good and they had a few other things that they could prepare vegetarian version. desserts - key lime pie and caramel tart were also quite good!
(4)Sofy G.
We were seated close to a window on a sunday at 4:30 pm... The sun was killing ME, I didn't want to be a fried chicken (I wanted to ate it lol ) btw, my husband asked the Lady if it was possible to be seated in another table and she was kind of rude... ( the place was empty) she said that better tables were just for people with reservation...Ups! I made a reservation and forgot to tld her :/ my bad... But, the place was EMPTY ... For this reason, if you want a good table ( no matter the hour or day) make a reservation! Walk-ins are not welcome :p I love Oyster, but this time I didn't tried... I grew up in a country where for like $ 1.25 you can eat 2 dozens of FRESH and DELICIOUS oysters... Maybe I was cheap but, I like to pay the right price for what I eat ( ok,ok I understand all the process to bring the oyster to the restaurant etc)... Btw, They seem to have a good selection so, next time I will try some ( thanks yelpers) This restaurant is very clean, an open I really like the space, big tables, comfy chairs that's important :) The Clean Break cocktail was fresh,and cold, very flavored I really enjoyed my drink (5 stars). Sunfish Ceviche isn't really a traditional Peruvian ceviche, but it was really good I will order it again (4 stars). Lobster roll.... (3.5 stars). Shrimp Ravioli DELICIOUS ( 4.5 stars). Clam Chowder was good too... ( closer to a Cazuela de Mariscos but white, smaller portion and not that flavored) (3.5 stars) My hubby and I always share the dessert but, not anymore here!! The chocolate tart was amazing! I will go there just to order this cake :) This is another "small plates" kind of restaurant, but their portions are Men-friendly if you know what I mean lol.
(4)Greg N.
....I have been to GT many times (mostly for lunch)....but I had a recent flurry of special occasions that had me dining with them three times in a short span. I felt the need to update my review with the latest 411. Have they succumbed to all the hype and mailed it in? Or are they raising the bar to even loftier heights? GT is still rocking their seafood symphony like Zeppelin at Madison Square Garden circa 1972. The oysters (Blue Point, Clifton and off the menu "secrets") were all sumptuous and had us all wondering how a raw shellfish could be so amazing (their house coctail sauce with fresh shallots is part of the magic). We followed that up with Krudos (a chefs preparation of raw fish that was inspired by a night where the gas service went out in the building...it was such a hit...it made the menu. Every bite was unique...and a new adventure. Next was their decadent Clam Chowder....I know that some prefer the traditional, bland heavy cream style....but I much prefer this one....lighter brother, complex flavors....smokiness from the bacon. A couple splashes of their homemade "Smoulder" hot sauce...and you are dialed in. Crab cakes were awesome....the Oyster Po Boy sliders with roasted peanuts and pickled kimchi were maybe my favorite of the evening ....halibut on squid ink cous cous....COME ON...are you serious? All those dishes...and not one flat note in the whole sonata. Well done. They then spoiled us with lemon tart and sticky toffee cake and home made creme frache ice cream.....needless to say, GT has RAISED its game...they are living up to the considerable praise and not selling out. If you love seafood (this is not a sushi bar)....and you are open to taking a culinary adventure....you will LOVE GT. Buon Apetit....
(4)Shari G.
I really wanted to like you GT Fish & Oyster. I did not like you when you first opened and I tried you for dinner. We left with the "it was ok, but not for the price and what was the hype".......decided to try you for brunch. The hostesses and bartenders were welcoming. Waiter was horrid. Could barely be bothered - not sure he cared. You were out of the pork belly sandwich...so sad. The eggs benedict was my next choice. Did I say Crab Eggs Benedict, I did, but there was almost no crab to be seen. The english muffin was soggy and the eggs were almost raw. The plate was so small that my sauce ran off. Took one bite - and oh so lackluster server - you never came back to ask how it was. Left the rest - and server, you said nothing. Chilaquilas? Soggy chips. Duck bone included at no extra charge. Oysters were good - though you must order 6???? Lox and cream cheese bagel was meh - could get it at NY Bagel for half the price with better service. Bloody Mary took 20 minutes from ordering to serving. The worst part - besides the service, food and duck bone? $120 for three of us with two little cocktails. OUCH
(1)Rachel W.
Awesome. Great ambiance, beautiful presentation, friendly & attentive service, unique menu items & such fresh seafood...so hard to find tapas seafood done well here. Plates are meant to share, and they're small, so be prepared to spend a little bit, I personally thought it was very reasonable for the quality of food. The oysters were delicious, we ordered a 2nd round, they had 2 house made hot sauces, as well as house made accompanying sauces. West coast oysters won for me, but the east coast were also tasty. Highlights were the house smoked hamachi crudo, house smoked salmon, brandade croquettes (INSANELY GOOD), & dungeness crab agnolotti. I'm not a scallop fan, but the table loved the scallop special. The lobster mac & cheese was exactly what you'd imagine it to be. The only thing I wasn't blown away by was the sockeye salmon. I cannot wait to return.
(5)Dzifaa L.
Went there on a Friday night and the place has a nice ambiance. Great service and menu. I thought the food was ok. Nothing special. Really wanted to like the place since we booked well I'm advance. Had several oysters off the menu. Just ok. Shrimp brushetta was good. Thought it was good but I feel it is a bit overrated on yelp.
(3)Beth G.
Spent much more than the average Monday dinner but the food was great and the service helpful without being overbearing. They allowed us to leisurely proceed through our shared small-plate courses despite the fact that the restaurant was crowded with scene-sters. The waiter and all food runners were knowledgable about the menu and reiterated what we were having (including listing the preparation and garnishes) when food was delivered. Our waiter also provided good guidance regarding how much food we should order. Good wine list including some affordable choices. Didn't sample the cocktails, but those looked intriguing as well. $12 price point on those. We had: 1. Oysters on the half shell. This is the recommended beginning and they are shelled right behind the bar. I sampled two different kinds but they were serving six varities) 2. Sunfish Ceviche. More like a great, slightly fishy guacamole but fresh and refreshing. 3. Baja Shrimp Bruschetta. Great combination of flavors. Perfect dose of spice. Perhaps my favorite thing I had. 4. Oyster Po'Boy Slider. Amazing flavor. Could have gotten four of these and called it a day. 5. Squash Blossoms. Crispy, stuffed with crab, good preparation. 6. Alaskan Halibut. Perfectly cooked but not all that exciting. I did enjoy the bed of squid-ink pearl couscous. 7. Sea salt caramel tart. I am not a dessert person but this was magnificent. The course sea salt and the fresh whipping cream were great compliments. We shared some unusual white port. Prices seemed reasonable given the location and the quality of ingredients. For two people to get the above dishes plus four drinks (and the port) was around $150. The ambience is fine ... nothing spectacular, and the crowd was a bit too River-North scene-y for my taste. But worth trying on a special or semi-special occasion for great seafood interpretations.
(4)Catherine W.
The restaurant is very stylish and modern inside; this is basically a small plate seafood concept. The seafood was good, but I wasn't blown away (perhaps because I've been spoiled by good seafood on both east and west coasts.). The dishes that we most enjoyed were the tuna poke, grilled whitefish, oyster po boy (with kimchi!) and the raw oysters - loved the kusshi. Also had the hamachi, fish and chips, scallops, and lobster mac and cheese., and fish tacos (with rock fish). Enjoyed the experience, but wouldn't rush to go back for the quality of food. We were also disappointed by the service, as we were given the check without being offered dessert. It was as if they were trying to rush us out.
(3)Jim V.
Really not sure what all the hype is here. I thought the portion sizes were small, the food was decent but overly prices, and the ambiance in the restaurant was unimpressive. Our waitress was very nice - she recommended we get 5 - plates for 2 people, on top of the oysters we got. The food was all fresh and tasty, but I was still pretty hungry after eating over $100 worth of food (no drinks). I'm not that big of an eater, but when you pay over $100 for dinner and then go home and have to eat cereal, something is missing. I may come back here for a light snack before going out on the weekend, but will not be back for dinner
(3)Linda B.
SUPER disappointed. And I was so excited to try this place for a long time... 3 stars because of good staff and atmosphere. Crowd is older than I thought (upper 30's and 40's) But...food and drinks weren't so great. Tried one of the recommended cocktails and wasn't anything special. Had the oysters (of course) to start with and can't go wrong with those. My favorite soup ever is clam chowder but this one was disappointing. It was really salty? I actually have salty taste buds but this was TOO salty...I'm assuming since it had bacon in it. It was still delicious and clammy and I definitely still finished it. Next was the shrimp bruschetta...a very weak two pieces of it. Interesting with the avocado, but missing some flavors. The other two dishes we ordered were the clam bake and lobster roll. Clam bake was surprisingly spicy. I don't mind spice, but not with my boiled seafood. It was a huge disappointment despite my love for seafood. The lobster roll was mediocre at best. The bread was delish but the lobster itself had nothing special about it...just regular lobster with some seasoning. Again...I love lobster rolls but this was nothing special... Then for dessert (which I hoped would brighten my meal) we ordered the salted caramel tart. I saw that it was highly recommended on here but that was another disappointment. The waitress even said it was her favorite...and asked me what I thought after we finished. I told her it was 'interesting...but just okay' and she replied 'Sorry' and walked away. (Not a bad thing, I thought it was funny though...) Maybe I'm being super picky here but no one dish was extremely satisfying. Plus the fact that it's way overpriced so I paid double what I thought it was worth. Broke and dissatisfied.
(3)Craig S.
4.5 stars. Went for lunch during restaurant week. We loved 5 of the 6 six dishes. The gnocchi with shrimp was okay but everything else was great. Excellent service as well. Will definitely be back for dinner.
(4)Cheryl F.
Fish taco heaven. By far the best I've ever had. Tried several dishes from here and enjoyed them all including dessert. Portions are small, but that gives you a reason to order and try several different items.
(4)Laura G.
I have been here twice before-once for dinner and more recently for their new brunch menu. The atmosphere is awesome, and the service has been very good both times. I went to dinner with 3 other people and everyone really enjoyed the food. The standouts were the oyster sliders and lobster mac and cheese. Everything was very fresh and tasty but the portions are very small. It was fine for me and my other girlfriend, but the boys wanted more. The portions are bigger for brunch and everything was great. Bloodys, white fish quiche, crab benedict and fried chicken and waffles-all awesome! Great way to check this place out if you are looking for a more reasonably priced meal!
(4)Ermelinda C.
The best food I have ever had and this restaurant now tops my favorite restaurant list. Superb food, superb service, worth every minute spent waiting for a table. From the cold menu I thought the west-coast oysters and the GT crudo were superb, with the tuna tartar being the highlight, in my opinion. From the hot menu, The fish tacos, the scallops, the lobster mac and cheese, and the spring blossoms were to die for - my favorite being the fish tacos. Cocktails were great and I enjoyed several of the "All too uncommon-s" with dinner. Now desert, that is something you should experience first hand, but if i were to recommend one that would be the chocolate pie - lost of chocolate filling and delicious. crunchy peanut bites. What an amazing experience, worthy of our wedding anniversary, which, by the way, they knew and surprised us with a gift certificate to spend on our visit there. More than a marketing strategy, I think that it showed a nice touch and appreciation, which is the key ingredient to a detail-oriented and successful business. Cheers!
(5)Charlie B.
Great spot. Loved the dishes and the decor. There are too few seafood spots in Chicago, so this is a welcome addition! We tried about 10 different things for our group of 4 and that was plenty of food. Not to mention how wonderful the cocktails are!
(4)David K.
A friend did the whole reservation thing for this place, but from what I understand call in early and try not to change the number of people. Or if you do call in asap. We went from 4 to 5 and let them know 3 weeks before the reservation date and their answer was "Eh....sure since you let us know kinda early." The place is upscale and has a nice vibe for just chillin after work or for a nice dinner. There was a lot more open space in the middle than I expected, but it's nice to not be too crowded in. There's a tv playing sports over by the bar too so you can watch while you're over there. I noticed they seem to print their menus daily so I guess they switch stuff around every once in a while. The menu is basically broken up into 3 sections. Hot, Cold, Not Fish pretty self explanatory. The not fish section contained a Berkshire pork, a something Chicken, and an Angus Beef (the pic used for the beef here looked like a horse at first lol). The food is served tapas style so expect to get a bunch of stuff and share. Also seafood is apparently hard to come by in Chicago so west coast folks should expect to pay a little more than they're used to. Service was pretty darn good here. They had a bit of trouble finding the wine we ordered, but pretty quickly let us know they were hunting for it and also suggested a backup wine should their mission fail. When one of the dishes we ordered wasn't ready they let us know right away and said we could reorder in 30 minutes when it'd be ready again if we still wanted it. The place even comp'd us a dish of king crab legs. Finally some dishes only come in fours so they accommodated us by adding a fifth item. The food! Raw Oysters They had 6 different raw oysters to choose from here at the ~$3 price point. Mostly east coast oysters, 1 from Washington, and 1 from New Zealand. Minimum order is 6 so if you're the only oyster eater that's more for you. We went ahead and tried them all (why choose). They were all fresh with the west coast oysters being creamier than the east coast ones. You get a mignonette sauce, house made cocktail sauce, and horseradish to accompany your oysters. Oyster Poboy Sliders ~2 Fried oysters per sandwich. It was fragrant and pretty darn good cause you're taking something good then frying it... It's served with a kimchi slaw that adds a bit of salt and heat but doesn't overpower the oyster. Lobster Roll Was enuff for all 5 of us to have a bite. It was packed with lobster and the roll was soft and buttery. A good lobster roll. It also comes with shoestring onions. Lobster Bisque en croute Bisque with a puff pastry top. The bisque itself was light, but I think maybe a little bit light on lobster flavor. I would have liked a more concentrated flavor. It did have chunks of lobster in it and the puff pastry was perfect. Clam Chowder Comes in a mini mason jar. They serve it with homemade oyster crackers and a house hot sauce. I didn't try this, but I could smell it and it looked awesome. Baja Shrimp Bruschetta Shrimp were cooked and seasoned just right. There's a little bit of heat from some chili. The bread was sliced thin and toasted just right. Diver Scallops Excellent! Scallops were cooked perfectly and the acorn squash mash that came with it was just as good. Sweet and savory. I liked that they also had a few brussel sprout leaves that went along with the scallops to give the dish a little bite. Foie and Shrimp Terrine They actually ran out at first but let us know when the next batch was ready and gave us the option of ordering if we were still interested...um Yes. It wasn't as foie-y as I expected, but was still good. The pickles and apricot went well with the terrine. Caviar They ring a bell when you order this. Honestly, I was expecting the bell to have more of a kick haha. Anyways, the caviar is served pretty traditionally with the accompaniments surrounding the caviar. They also had the thinly sliced and toasted bread to spread it all on. A few of the accompaniments were creme fraiche, diced pickled onions, caper berries, chives, egg yolk, and egg white. The caviar itself was just slightly briny and very creamy. Quite good. King Crab Legs They come in a 2 level bamboo steamer. The bottom consists of lemon and lemongrass. On top there are 6 or 7 1 inch cuts of King Crab with clarified butter in the center. The crab itself is good, but expect to pay a premium for it. Tuna Poke Awesome dish. The poke is well seasoned and creamy. It comes with a garnish that looks like picked ginger, but is actually thinly sliced green mango. Overall an excellent meal with excellent service. The seafood was all pretty fresh and tasty. Looks like a great place to just hang out and snack with friends as well.
(4)Cooper R.
I live downtown and dine here frequently. If you have friends or family in town (well maybe, except grandma), this is the place you want to go! It has a very upbeat atmosphere with a trendy/fine dining feel (similar to RPM). Its a great place to get a light meal followed by a night on the town. The menu is limited, but very good. Everything is always fresh and the wait staff is very professional. Oh and did I mention that they make great drinks?! Now, there are many great fish houses in city, some with better seafood, but they can be very stuffy. The location is great, with large open windows looking out on the city, and within short walking distance to places like Sable, Sienna, and Hubbard/Lasalle St. This place definitely appeals to the late 20's crowd.
(5)Ed M.
Friday night dinner with a large group. 6pm reservations and were seated right away. Seating space was very tight, but it was expected. Service was great and spot-on. We had some dietary restrictions and waitress was very helpful and accommodating. Very knowledgeable about the menu. We tried so many different things. My favorite was the fresh oysters. . . .sooo goood. Not slimy at all. ..fresh, oceany taste. Make sure you chew to get all the yumminess. Second fav was the fish tacos, which were the best I've had so far. Lobster roll was also pretty damn good too. although, for $30 they could probably put more lobster in that roll. Least favorite was the lobster mac n cheese. Not that it was bad. . . just nothing to write home about... if you ever wrote home. Fav sweet was the Key lime pie, which was really tart and good. Salty caramel tart was ok, but not a big standout for me. Lastly, ...clean bathrooms....woo-hoo!
(4)Suzanne P.
Oh my goodness. Can I come here every day???? My boyfriend and I came here for dinner last night to celebrate our 2 year anniversary. We had been trying to get in for months and he surprised me with a reservation and bottle of prosecco. It could not have been better. I can honestly say that this is one of the best meals I've had in Chicago, maybe even ever. Our waitress, Agnes, was incredible. She was attentive, personable, and knew the menu inside out. She made us feel special and comfortable and always made sure our glasses were full. She also had wonderful menu recommendations. We split a bottle of Tiamo Prosecco. It was heaven paired with all of our dishes. To start, we had two flights of oysters (two of each kind). We are usually West Coast oyster folks, but the East Coast ones blew our minds. I could have eaten them forever. We split four dishes. The first one that came out was the Octopus. It was absolutely incredible. The wasabi aoili was just the right amount of spicy. The actual Octopus was cooked to perfection, and paired with the hearts of palm and potato was outstanding. There was a Mahi Mahi special that came out next. It sat on a bed of coconut quinoa and was to die for. Third came the Scallops. They were wrapped in a brussel sprout leaf with bits of bacon. WOW. Just wow. Finally, we split the Lobster Roll. Delicious. The bread was fresh and buttery, the lobster was plentiful and flavorful, and we savored each bite. It was served with some onion strings which were a tad bit salty, but by the time this came out we were pretty much stuffed. I read a lot of reviews complaining about the small portions. Um...it's seafood tapas. Of course it's small! And oysters plus four dishes was about all we could handle...until we ordered the Salted Caramel Tart. Which blew our minds. I will absolutely be back. The decor, the service, the food...all amazing. 5 star experience!!!
(5)Elina S.
I gotta say I was really looking forward to this place because we made reservations like 2 months ago for a table of 2 for 6pm. I called back two weeks prior asking if we could make it for 4 people at the same time. I was told they are fully booked but are ONLY able to take us in at 5pm at the communal table, well what could you do, we did as we were told. Arrived at 5pm, right on the dot and the place was empty on a Sat night. I once again asked if we could have a normal table, and once again was denied so we just sat at the communal table. By 645 as we were leaving, there will still several empty table around us which boggles me that we could have used a more private table and been out by the time a 7pm or 730 reservation walked in, but whatever. That I did not like from the start with. Now onto the food, we were here for a bday, so our server was prolly the best part, he really knew what he was talking about and we respected that. However, we were not that impressed with the food. The tuna poke, the lobster roll, the lobster mac n' cheese, were all just a okay. The clam chowder, the oysters (and we tried all 6) and this one other fish dish that my husband got were also, just okay. edible, but not delicious. My stars count for knowledgable server, the key lime pie (which was prolly my favorite thing) and the atmosphere. But the food and the lack of accomodation left us dissapointed. I don't think we will be back.
(3)Teri Y.
Seems like other Yelpers had issues with having to wait for a table even with reservations. Maybe we got lucky or we were there on a Sunday night, but after weeks of not being able to get primetime dinner reservation on OpenTable, we suddenly saw one opened up at 7pm on Sunday. Maybe someone cancelled at the last time minute?? We snagged it right away. We didn't have to wait to be seated, contrary to what other people have experienced. Maybe it also depends on the server you get, and our server that night was very knowledgeable about the menu. She was very descriptive about the dishes and clearly was very familiar with the dishes and that added to our enthusiasm for the food. GT has jumped on the bandwagon of today's dining trend: ordering small plates for the table to share. We had a dozen of East and West Coast oysters (east coast oysters are more briny, west coast oysters are creamier). The sunfish ceviche was very good and was served on a thin slice of asian radish and accompanied with chimichurri and avocado. Definitely something that I would order again. The husband loves fish and chips and we ordered it. I'm not a fan of fish and chips but I really loved it. The fish was perfectly fried; crisp on the skin and moist inside. And they came with chunky chips, just like it's served in the UK. They recently started the Wednesday half-price oysters special from 10:30pm. Can't wait to go back for that.
(4)Michelle M.
Really, I'm not a fatass. With no reservation, came here on a Monday night at 930pm-ish with all intentions of grabbing dessert and a drink. I ate a good size dinner at home minutes prior to walking over to GT. My first impression was the ambiance with the modern touches and eye appealing accessories on the walls and tables. Just the two of us sat at the huge king sized white table. Of course I had to take a peek of the dinner menu to see what they got to offer. I immediately cursed myself, because I can't say no to food. We ordered the smoked salmon and the "specialty" lobster roll. To be honest (don't hate me people), I wasn't blown away with the lobster roll. It lacked acidity and perhaps some black pepper. I think the same dish at Devon seafood & grill on Chicago ave. was better for a fraction of the cost (during happy hour). We also had three desserts : Chocolate / peanut butter crunch cake wouldn't recommend; Keylime pie delicious; Carrot cake even more delicious. Their Waitlist cocktail was amazing. In total, we paid about $85 total including tip for two "appetizers," two desserts and my cocktail. (one of the desserts was covered by someone else) Holy crap pricey! Remember this wasn't even a dinner for me! But hey, I'm want to go back for more. Supposedly on Wednesdays they have half-off oysters. Service was notably excellent. I also think this new restaurant has some potential to be 5 stars.
(4)Ann O.
This was very disappointing tonight. Our order was filled incorrectly; the fish was lousy; the salad was wilted; the clam chowder needed a lot of help; the fish tacos were mediocre . For the price I paid, I expected much higher quality food.
(1)George N.
Incredible dining experience! Oysters were fantastic, as was Lobster Mac cheese, Mussels, Clam chowder, and Oyster po boys. Service was outstanding, very attentive. As a surprising bonus, the chef gave our large table, a large sample of every single dessert, for Free!
(5)Kyle V.
I only write a review when I feel extremely strong about a place (good or bad). I am a seafood fanatic. To keep it simple: best oysters I've have ever had, food plates are very "shareable" (i enjoy being able to have a little bit of a lot of different dishes. The service was stellar. The drinks were on par with true mixology bars. Great place. Go for the food. Ambiance was lively, not snobby, and a great date spot.
(5)Katie T.
I came back here with my brother and my mom; we came at a weird hour for us so we were looking for a snack/dessert (wanted my mom to try the key lime pie). The key lime pie which I didn't try when I came for lunch but ordered this time was small, too sour and overly hyped. The sliders (pork and oyster) that my brother got were still really good but small given their price. The oysters we got also slid down easy but were unmemorable given their price. All in all, GT is a bit overpriced given its portion. Maybe a little too hyped up.
(3)Leslie G.
We finally got seated after a 45 minute wait. As compensation free sunfish ceviche was brought to the table, an $8 item. Please note this place is not new nor is it the only rest in town with a raw bar. The service once at the table during still a busy time, Friday night at 1030pm was still lacking, that the host who did more walking around us ended taking my coffee and refill requests. The food is to be expected pricey yet robust in taste from Giuseppe. The desserts are severely lacking. Pricing for raw oysters on par with the market, however, are on the smaller side. Overall, I would only go back when I decide to become a judgmental wanna be 20-something year old who needs to check out every patron from head to toe. This is inclusive of the help.
(1)Scott R.
This review is based solely on food and service; we had an early evening meal and were not in the mood for a goofy drink that really has no connection with the food (can't wait until this trend passes); the wine and beer lists look appropriate. Clientele here is a varied assortment of young to middle age people, baby holders with a defensive edge, yelp and trip advisor patrons. Noise level is pretty high, thereby canceling out the baby and other unique ambient issues. We were by the window (tables for two) and that is a good thing. We tried (just) 4 dishes; the chowder, at 8 ounces, is surprisingly sufficent for two on a split order; very tasty clams, bacon, and a touch of heat; light on flour but big on flavor, a very nice start, but if you're looking for the holy grail at $11.00, this may not be for you. The fish tacos were a blend of very tasty and fresh fish on soft cornmeal tacos with a few accompaniments; 3 to an order so a little hard to split. I don't search out tacos as a rule, but these were very good. They cost more than at most Taco joints. We had the Connecticut style Lobster Roll (warm with drawn butter); very tasty lobster, but the rich bun almost overpowered the dish. Came with some very nice pickled veggies which were a nice touch; however, I thought this was the weakest course. We finished with a complex dish made with Bass in a sweet and savory sauce; the Bass was perfectly prepared and the accompaniments demonstrated the chef's talents to create dishes at a higher level; this is the dish we would order again without question. No dessert for us this night. Service was helpful and polished except for the rather odd failure to replace plates between two of our courses; water was poured reasonably. The price for dishes seems appropriate given the quality; course sizes were reasonable (maybe a liitle small on the Bass). Because a 4 rating is almost a punishment under the Yelp food rating system, I'm giving GT a 5; we intend to go back and start with the Oysters.
(5)Mark M.
Really good lunch. The tuna poke was very good and so was the salted caramel tart. The room itself is very nice with a seafood themed slant but not over the top with swashbucklers etc. The staff were friendly. A good lunch.
(4)Brian G.
My headline would be: Overall disappointed; High quality well flavored food but very small portions with prices too high We ordered: Shrimp Bruschetta: (based on the dish description and yelp photos): It is VERY SMALL. I think the photos here make it look much bigger than it is. The two pieces of crisp bread are very thin and only about 3-4 inches long. Oysters on the Half Shell: Very fresh and good, but expensive. I think you can get oysters as good or close to as good for much less $$$. Octopus: The octopus was interesting. At first I thought it was the chewiest octopus I ever ate. I'm talking more bites than licks to get the center of a Tootsie Pop. My wife cut it into smaller pieces and it became more edible.It was seasoned well and tender inside. The vegetables in this dish, although slight, were fabulous. There was the best purple potatoes I ever ate along with hearts of palm on a plate of delicious beer mustard. Mussels: The winner of the night due to quality AND quantity. The waiter recommended it based on my desire for a dish that may begin to fill me up a little. Everything in it was great. It entailed a crispy bordered, soft inside, perfectly buttered ciabatta, a fresh tomato, basil and garlic sauce with fresh pillow like mussels swimming inside. We asked for more ciabatta so we could soak up all the sauce. I hear the oyster po boys are good and somewhat plentiful, but we stayed away from deep fried foods last night. If anyone has any recommendations for something else on the menu that is a little more generous as far as portion size, please recommend it as I would consider going back for the mussels. Thanks!
(3)Alan T.
This is certainly not a place I would normally be able to go to, but I had a good friend come into town, and he wanted to try it out. While it's quite expensive, it's pretty damn good too, and I'd love to be able to go back sometime. The crowd really isn't my scene-it's usually women wearing too much makeup showing off their 4 carat engagement ring, and dudes with off-color collared shirts and too much crappy cologne on, but the food is delicious. Definitely worth a trip.
(4)Audrey W.
Really guys? What's with all the high star ratings? I don't feel like they deserve it. The food is definitely overpriced for what you get. 2 pieces of bruchetta for 12 dollars? Really?? come freaking on. Yes, it had 2 pieces of shrimp on each one, but I'm thinking that it was still upcharged at least 100%. No bueno! Chiopino was good, but again small for the price. Lobster mac and cheese was okay. Oysters were definitely the highlight of the meal. Thank god for the oysters or this would have been a 2 star review. After 10pm all oysters are half off guys! That's if you are willing to eat that late. I work in the pastry world and I like to order desserts as a learning experience. I call it "studying". So I ordered a sorbet trio because sorbets are a great palette cleanser. They told me 3 flavors and brought me different flavors. The waiter said "yeah, i had the flavors wrong because the changed it yesterday and I wasn't working". No staff meeting before service?! The server doesn't know the sorbet flavors? blasphemy. ANYWAY. He brought me lemon, raspberry, and white pear. All mediocre to say the least. The white pear had this licorice flavor for some odd reason. Almost like they added absinthe to the base. Lemon and raspberry are okay but nothing special. Let's come up with some new flavors guys!
(3)Lin W.
Moved to River North a few months ago, and despite the many excellent restaurants there have been back to GT four times. Just outstanding. Would skip the mixologist's work myself as i am kind of a straight up good wine kind of diner, but the mixed drinks looked pretty fun even to me. :) Keep it up GT, you are great!
(5)Sahar M.
I love this place. I love to go there with friends, have good food, drinks and quality conversation. Oyster is amazing, bluepoints are my favorite. Scallops, shrimp bruschetta, octopus...all are delicious. One of my favorite spots in Chicago.
(4)Rowena M.
Definitely lived up to its name with the dozen of fresh and tasty oysters we had. Our biggest gripe would have to be choosing which oyster to try as they were not cheap! We dined with our 5-year old daughter and unless your kid is an adventurous diner, there is virtually nothing on the menu for them. We also ordered the lobster roll which was good but would've been better if the lobster were warm instead of cold like a salad. The stuffed squash flower was amazing but the mussels were not the best. Key lime for dessert was a unique concept served in a mason jar but I really needed the graham cracker pie crust to balance the tartness. Overall a good place but too pricey. Service was good but food took long to get to our table.
(3)Guillermo M.
I highly recommend this place. The food is FANTASTIC!! From beginning to end I thought every plate had a huge attention to detail. I started with a sampler of the six oyster they had today and all of them were excellent. Loved the sauces they give you to spice them up, very different from what you find in the typical oyster bars. Then I got the agnelotti and it was awesome, what a combination of flavors and textures. Very very creative and completely balanced. I closed with the blackberry "tart" and it was extremely well done. Ice cream, nuts, fresh blackberries, the tart. I can't even describe it well but believe me it was delicious. Wine pairings recommended by the waitress were really good too. Highly recommend this place. Not extremely expensive but not cheap, but totally worth it.
(4)Marisol M.
So I have been looking all over Chicago for amazing seafood and here is definitely not a let down. The service was great. Our favorites were the mussels, oysters rockerfeller, lobster roll, lobster mac and cheese, and seared tuna salad. Enjoy!
(4)Bernadette S.
I will definitely be back to GT Fish & Oyster. For the past year, I have been saying I needed to try GT. It's right across from the Anti-Cruelty Society, where I volunteer on Sundays. The place always looks so appealing! The time finally came a couple weeks ago that we got to try GT. Reservations were limited, so we opted for the 5:30 as opposed to 9:30 option available. The hubs and I were dressed up and calling a cab when it started to POUR. (It was that day that Lala was evacuated.) Not wanting to give up my chance to eat there, I called the restaurant to see if we could push back our reservation. The hostess was really nice and told me there had just been a cancelation, and gave me a reservation for two hours later, around 7:45. When we arrived, I was surprised how big the restaurant is - I always thought it was just the little sliver on the corner! We were seated in the "sliver" next to the bar. It was really nice. I liked the decor and fun boomerang shaped bar tables. Loved the wait staff - from the waiter to the bus boy, everyone was great. I wasn't sure about which wine to order, so the waiter brought over two glasses to try before ordering. I don't drink wine much, so I really appreciated the chance to taste before ordering a glass. If you've been to Purple Pig, this place is a similar restaurant, but with the focus on fish instead of pork. Everything we ate was great - crab cakes, octopus, clam bake, halibut... I don't remember the rest, sorry! We also loved that we were given new plates and silverware between each dish (usually tapas places let your plates linger). The menu here works as tapas or individual a la carte. I think we got a total of 5 or 6 dishes, and it was the perfect portion. Downside is, this place gets really loud. Conversations carry. The guy at the bar who insisted on dropping the f bomb every-other-word could be heard clearly from 20 feet away. Definitely not the restaurant's fault, but something to consider if you're looking for a relating meal.
(4)Aboud Y.
Some delicious seafood in a meat and potatoes town. While I enjoyed my meal here (and really liked the menu), I must say nothing hit it out of the park for me. I'd give it 3.5 stars if I could...I've definitely had better.
(3)Tom D.
We dipped our spoons only once into our dessert, and decided to order another. It was obvious we didn't enjoy our dessert but we were still charged for two. That's fine, we DID order it even though we didn't eat it. I'm not a fan of oysters, so I can't make any recommendations here. But I was underwhelmed by the meal, especially when the bill came.
(1)Jami S.
I was invited back to GT after writing my first not so great review of the restaurant. I'm happy to report that our dinner last night was so good! It was a complete 100% turnaround from the first venture. The food & service couldn't have been better and I would definitely return! Our fav's would have to be the lobster roll, lobster mac n cheese & the tuna poke! Also the bartender made a delicious dirty martini. It makes me really happy & honestly a bit surprised that any restaurant in Chicago, let alone a new very popular one like GT, would take the time to read their reviews and cares enough to invite back an unhappy customer. Everyone in the restaurant couldn't have been nicer and I am very happy I gave GT another chance, it was definitely worth it!
(4)John F.
My daughter and I arrived in town late after driving out from DC. After a mix-up at our first hotel, we finally got a room at 9:30, and we badly needed dinner. GT was the answer. I started off with a Dark and Stormy, while Sarah had a ginger beer. The cold soba noodles were amazing, as was the fish and chips. We split on the grilled artichokes. The only under-performing dish was the lobster dumplings. They were fine, but not mouth-changing like the noodles or fish and chips. Staff was great, I thought the prices were reasonable for the quality, the ambience, and the location. I would definitely go back.
(4)Ashley M.
Brought my boyfriend here for his birthday a few weeks ago and we fell in love! This place was a great choice for dinner! We opted for all hot dishes this time around: the lobster roll, fish and chips, lobster mac and cheese and the clam chowder. The fish and chips was flaky and some of the best we have ever had. The lobster roll was really good and not as rich as we had anticipated. I'm not a big fan of chowder, but this one totally changed my mind. And the mac and cheese was super creamy. We shared a bottle of wine and took our time with the meal. Our waitress was really nice and made sure all of our questions were answered and checked on us throughout the night. Unlike other places that give a free dessert for birthday dinners, GT gave my boyfriend a $20 gift certificate! A BIG plus! We can't wait to go back!
(4)Brian P.
I went in with high expectations based on friends' experiences as well as the Yelp reviews. Overall, was disappointed. First, the service was poor. The hostess rushed us out of the bar area where we were enjoying our drinks, only to be sat at our table and not visited by our server for 15 minutes. Second, I wasn't blown away by the menu. There weren't that many choices and nothing jumped off the page. Of course, the food was pretty good, but hardly great. The oyster were very good. The fish tacos were average. My guests from out of town enjoyed them a lot because they don't come across them much. But there are dozens of places now that have fish tacos and these at a fish specific restaurant were ... fine. Some other small plates like the tuna poke were just fine. In all, we probably tried 1/3 of the entire menu and there is nothing I would rush back for. GT, we hardly knew ye....
(3)Char Y.
we came on a week day and were early for our reservation. we were told that we could either wait or sit at the bar. We took the first available seats at the cool boomerang and ordered clam chowder - very good with lots of clams and delicious bits. lobster roll - best ever! huge chunks of lobster with the best butter roll. black gnocchi - really pillowy gnocchi with interesting fern beside fish and chips - good, but little oily crab cake - again, chunks of crab that screams "eat me!" the whole time we were sitting, people just kept on piling in. I wish that there is a waiting area available for the restaurant since people seemed to be standing around the door and stared at us eating. otherwise, this is definitely a happening restaurant with great food that are costly. a great place to go people watch every night!
(4)Beckee W.
My obsession with oysters continues. I could go here everyday just to slurp a half dozen of these beauties on my way home from work. The other stuff was okay too...but those oysters. Tiny barnacle like dreammakers of joy.
(4)Kim H.
Can't believe it's taken me so long to share my love of this place. I have been to GT Fish & Oyster three times now (most recently on Friday, 9/9/11) and it just keeps getting better. Although the place is always packed, the servers are attentive and knowledgeable. The ambience is chic and the food is excellent. On Friday, my mate and I dined on oysters from New Zealand, New Brunswick and California. Divine. The homemade cocktail sauce is delicious and the GT Smouldering hot sauce adds a good kick. Next we selected our respective favorites. The lobster role and the king crab legs. Both are served to you fresh and full of flavor. We also tried the fried oyster sliders and the crab cake. These dishes can definitely hang with some of the best seafood in the city (and yes, you can get good seafood in this part of the Midwest!) We finished our evening with a dessert of MORE OYSTERS! A nice way to top off any meal. Yum. In short, GT is the place to be.
(5)Adrian K.
This was a fantastic meal in a great space. The bar looks like a lot of fun too. We started with a dozen oysters, both west coast, one from Fanny Bay and the other from Washington state. Both were different, but delicious, more on the sweet side, and spectacularly fresh and PLUMP, like PLUMP! The mussels, done in a fantastically sweet, rich tomato sauce was well executed. The squash blossoms stuffed with ricotta and crab was well done. I have numerous memories of fairly average, small and stupidly expensive versions in Melbourne, and this did much to make me forget these! Foie gras and shrimp terrine with apricot chutney and pickled onions. Somehow, the fresh shrimp went well with the rich, butterniness of the Foie, and the needed sweetness of the chutney and the tart onions. A really special dish. The sunfish cevice, with chimmchurri was also very good, perhaps a the chimmchuri was heavy on the citrus, and light on the heat. Also had a great cocktail, OLD MONEY - Old Forester Bourbon, Aperol, Nux Alpina, Walnut Liqueur, Allspice. An extremely good cocktail! Service was friendly, informative and attentive. Overall, a fantastic meal and I cannot wait to go back. Half price oysters after 10pm!
(4)Jeffrey M.
I've been here twice now, and it is my favorite seafood restaurant in Chicago. Both times I sat at the bar and was greeted by Chef Tentori. The "Old Money" was my cocktail of choice the first time. It is an excellent play on the Old Fashioned. On my most recent visit I had "Squid Ink", a Giuseppe Tentori and Goose Island collaboration brew and it is amazing! Supplies are extremely limited so I encourage you to head over there fast! True to it's name the selection of oysters is extensive, and they are fresh and flavorful. The Osetra Caviar was the best I've ever had. I also enjoyed the Tuna Poke, BBQ Eel, Sunfish Ceviche, and for dessert the Key Lime Pie.
(4)leyla a.
Loved it. I love Giuseppe, and his delicious food, so why wouldn't I love it. Good location, unique and tasty menu, great selection of oysters, friendly staff, sexy crowds, and they have a $10 glass of Good Harbor Chardonnay from Michigan that is surprisingly good. Both times I visited, I had to sit at the bar (because I did not have a reservation) and that suited me just fine. Bar seats became available in under twenty minutes. I like the fish-heavy menu, as I am not a pork eater and every place in town has decided to turn into a pig-only restaurant. I don't understand why ONE restaurant does something in Chicago and then every other restaurant has to immediately follow. Congrats to Chef Tentori on his opening of an unique seafood restaurant that brings contemporary elegance in a casual, yet sexy, environment. Great use of the old Tizzi Melloul space too. Bravo.
(5)Yvonne O.
When you are getting to the nitty gritty details to find something "wrong" with your dining experience, you know that you have found a winner. The food here is AMAZING. We got a "senior citizen" type reservation at 5:30 and expected that we would be the only people in the place, but it quickly filled by 6:00 - and we were not the youngest in there either. The menu is designed as small plates and you just order things and then the kitchen will structure your meal from lighter items to heavier. Small plates are usually a problem with the husband as we don't like any of the same things, but here there was plenty for each of us. We ended up ordering the following: Oyster po boy sliders (with kim chee and peanuts) Assortment of 6 East coast oysters (because West Coast oysters be frontin') Lobster and Short Rib dish (husband) Pork Belly with canellini (husband again) Seared Tuna salad with potato and mustard dressing (husband) Scallops with candied bacon and acorn squash puree (best dish of the night) Lobster Mac and Cheese with English Peas Salted Caramel Tart with Brulee Banana and Cream They also rotate the draft beer and had Matilda (hooray) and the Brooklyn Pumpkin Ale this month. The only complaints we had were the slowness in getting a drink refill (just being asked took a really long time) and no inquiry about coats when we got there (I don't want to keep my coat at the table and it was 5:30, you aren't exactly rushed at the door) That and the beans in the pork dish were undercooked. And, I also think replacing the plates and silverware on the table so often is really wasteful and unnecessary. The best part was that I had asked one of the guys about the hot sauce that they gave me for the oysters and he said it was housemade. I was sad because I loved the "burn" green sauce. At the end, we got two sample size bottles to take home! I'm not sure if everyone gets this, but it was a really nice touch. And, all this food and multiple drinks was only $200 even with a good tip! I will defintiely be back!
(4)Alex C.
The oysters were wonderful and the clam chowder was on point. Everything was great until the lobster roll arrived. Honestly, it wasn't bad just very forgettable. I wasn't expecting the best I've ever had, but much better than what i received here. What a flop. The wait staff was great, the hostess was very helpful while we waited, but the reason for the 3 stars is the lobster roll.
(3)N G.
Wow! The oysters here are the most delicious, crazy variety totally worth the 2 hour wait, seriously! Had a great time with friends, great atmosphere and a very impressive menu and service. If you like oysters or delicious food, you Must come here !
(5)Matthew M.
For clarification-- my review has nothing to do with the food itself...because we never made it in. I realize that it is their first week of opening and so mistakes can happen and should be excused. With that said, I called in earlier in the afternoon today (at 4) to ask about reserving a table. They told me they were booked but that we could walk in. We were very excited to go and decided that we would later in the evening. Prior to leaving our apartment, I thought we should call and see how long the wait was. I called and spoke with Esmerelda; I asked how long the wait would be for 2 people and received the answer: "I can't tell you." Does this mean, you can't tell me because you're not allowed to? I was very confused so I asked her to tell me approximately how long it would take for us to have a table at the bar or in the restaurant. Again, she told me she couldn't tell me or guess at all. 2 frustrating minutes later and no real response, I still had no answers and apparently neither did she because she hung up on me. My wife then tried calling and got the same answers but instead of taking that answer, she asked for the manager. After explaining that we just wanted an approximate wait time to gauge whether or not we would walk there, he rudely said an hour. She then tried to tell him that she wasn't trying to get Esmerelda in trouble but that she just needed to know so that we could pick between another restaurant. His response was: "I told you an hour" in a rude tone. I can't tell you how disappointed we are with this interaction. We've eaten at Boka and the staff (and food) are fantastic. I still want to try GT but at this point, I'm going to wait until they've figured out how to better serve their customers. With so many different restaurants in Chicago, they're differentiating point shouldn't be the rude service.
(1)Erica W.
I had an incredible meal here with two friends a few weeks ago and can't wait to go back. I first got a taste of their food at the Meals on Wheels charity ball, where their tiny bite of shrimp bruschetta was the best thing I had all night -- better than Girl & The Goat, Michael Jordan's or any of the other top-tier restaurants serving food at the event. The nautical decor is very chic and the perfect backdrop to the seafood-dominated menu. We ordered 5 dishes to share, including the shrimp bruschetta, mussels, scallops with duck tongues and a salmon dish. We cleaned every last plate and wished we had room to order 5 more things. The cocktails were great too. GT is a very welcome addition to the Chicago dining scene and will be around for a long time to come.
(5)Aaron L.
2* BBQ Eel 4.5* Clam Chowder 2.5* Crab Cakes 4* Lobster Roll 3* Crab Agnolotti 4* Peanut Butter Pie 4* Kusshi Oysters
(3)brendan k.
5 stars may be a little over the top in regards to the food, but man, phenomenal service will get you everywhere with me. My wife and I are big lobster fans (who isn't?) who were very excited with the addition of Shrimp Shack and GT to the city. I mean, a good lobster roll is hard to find, right? So after being constantly turned down by Shrimp Shack because we have a child (understandable, no gripes) we decided to give a call to GT. Having read the reviews, I figured it would be a casual setting that, while not a shells on the floor place, would be a place we could take our near-year old and enjoy a early dinner (5:15). I called and asked if they had a highchair and if it was okay and they were surprised I'd even ask. "Of course!" the hostess replied. So on Saturday we showed up at our time, and I have to say, I initially felt very uncomfortable walking in there with my child. The place is beautiful and the decor fits perfectly with the whole sailboat vibe. Everyone was dressed a little nicer than us and I was a little worried we'd bitten off more than we could chew. Once again, the hostess immediately quelled all fears and took us over to our table. I have to say, the wife, child and I go out at least once a week for dinner. I've never been in the presence of such an awesome wait-staff. They made us feel right at home and oh-so comfortable within minutes of us sitting down. I started off with half a dozen oysters (which they accidentally ended up bringing out a dozen and just took the extras off the bill) that we're great. It's hard to find good oysters in the mid west and these were top notch. Our child is just as into eating as we are so we also got an order of the Brandade Croquettes (for him) and the Smoked Hamachi Crudo. The Croquettes were amazing and an instant hit between the 3 of us and the Hamachi reminded me of something I ate at Boka once, light, full of flavor, and super tasty. We finished off with the Lobster roll and the Fish n Chips. The Lobster Roll was good, not great. I felt like there was something in the lobster salad that sort of took away the sweetness of the lobster and masked the taste a little too much. Still, very, very good though. The fish and chips though, I will have to say, were spot on! I actually think my favorite part of the night was the "chips" that had the Asian spices on them. They were out of this world! The fish was great and the batter was perfection. They easily beat out the Gage for best FnC in the city. In the end, the food is 4 stars, but the service was what really threw it over the top. We're lucky to have a child that's tame (now) when we go out, but to feel so welcomed in such a great place is just unheard of.
(5)Paul C.
GT Fish & Oyster is getting some serious hype these days. So much so, that I had to make a reservation 3 weeks in advance if I wanted to eat there on a Friday night at a reasonable time (read: 9:45). With all the buzz and hoopla surrounding the joint, I was thoroughly anticipating my Friday date night with my boo to be a letdown, but in the case of GT Fish & Oyster, the hype is well deserved. GT's oysters easily go toe-to-toe with the best oyster joints in Chicago. There were six different types of delicious oysters available on our visit (4 west coast, 2 east coast) and we ended up sampling 3. We loved the oysters so much we ended up skipping desert and getting 6 more oysters as a night cap. Oyster-philes get your butts down to GT ASAP! The dinner menu is an assortment of hot and cold small plates perfect for sharing with a date. We tried the soft shell crab which was in season and absolutely to die for. My boo loved the lobster roll. We ended with the halibut, which was good, but in comparison to the awesomeness of the other dishes, this one was a bit of a dud. The restaurant itself features of mix of communal eating and two tops. We were lucky to have a two top, although the communal tables didn't look as bad as some other places, and the two tops are so close together that they might as well be communal eating. I wish more restaurants would stand against this communal eating fad. Squeezing more customers into your small space may mean more profits in the short term, but sacrificing intimacy is going to cost many restaurants repeat business. In GT's case, the close seating makes for a noisier restaurant. I wouldn't want to go on a first date here. It's not quite cozy, which is sad because oysters make for cozy evenings. That said, there were plenty of couples on dates or celebrating birthdays at GT, but it's a better fit for established couples, not couples still trying to get to know each other. As far as service goes, GT was impeccable. Drinks were always flowing. The small plates were staggered perfectly. Our server was very friendly and outgoing and did a masterful job explaining the menu and making us feel at home. GT Fish & Oyster is a can't-miss dinner spot that lives up to the hype. Make your reservations now, because with food this good the patrons will be lining up at GT for months to come.
(5)Maureen P.
I can't tell you one darn thing about the food...I wish I could, because it looked wonderful. It looked wonderful for the 45 minutes I stood like an idiot (in what seemed to be everyone's way) waiting for our 8:15pm dinner reservation on a Saturday night. It was my soon to be sister-in-law's birthday and we were all excited to try this out. I thought there was hope the three times the host came over. The first time: Your table is just paying their bill. 2. We are waiting for your table to leave. 3. (My favorite) Your table is finishing paying their bill. Well, which one is it? He obviously didn't remember which lie he told! If he were honest and said, "listen, it's going to be 45 minutes to get your seated, I am so sorry for the wait" I would have been frustrated, but at least he was telling the truth. At the 50 minute mark, we bailed. I felt so badly for the birthday girl, but we had so much fun at a little dive Japanese restaurant down the street. Happy bday C!
(1)RD E.
Been for dinner and brunch. Cocktails were nice and strong. I'll be back
(4)Kelley B.
An amazing start to an amazing night. After work one Monday (it took 3 weeks to get a dinner reservation that wasn't after 9pm) we went to grab some dinner at the hyped GT Fish & Oyster. We started off with a beer (selection wasn't that great, but reasonably priced). After that we started with a half dozen oysters. I normally will have one and let my fiance have the rest but I LOVED the house marinades so much that I ate more than my share. You could tell the oysters were fresh. Then we each ordered an appetizer. The Tuna Poke for Zak and the Ceviche for me. Both were incredibly flavorful and light. The citrus really came out in the ceviche and left a great after taste in your mouth. They were small appetizers but were the perfect amount for one person. The Tuna Poke was great also. It was my first time having that so I don't have anything to compare it to. We then went to the main course. Zak got the Lobster Roll and I got the Basil gnocchi. The Lobster Roll was an indulgence. The buttered Texas toast it came on was so delicious. The lobster was abundant and rich. It came with onion strings that were just okay. I split the basil gnocchi with Zak. It was hand made gnocchi with shrimp. Normally gnocchi is heavy and I can only eat a few but this was surprising lighter and had a rich flavor. We ended the night with a desert. A cheese cake. I could have done with out it. But we had just gotten engaged and they wrote congratulations in chocolate to celebrate our great day. Then we had a surprise engagement party at Watershed. Overall, I would definitely recommend this place. Get your reservations now!
(5)Aaron K.
GT and the Boka Group have hit it out of the park with GT Fish & Oyster. The atmosphere here is a relaxed fish theme which is neither over-done or kitschy. The oyster selection here is second to none in the city, and mostly priced afford ably between 2 and 3 dollars per shell. The cocktail list reflects the sensibility found on all of Benjamin Schiller's lists (Boka, Girl and the Goat, GTF&O) though far brighter and more acidic on average (thus pairing perfectly with the freshness of the oysters and other seafood.) Here are a list of some of our favorite dishes. I'm sure this list will grow as we get to try more of the menu. Oysters: Talk to the guys shucking behind the bar and they will steer you in the right direction. Sunfish Ceviche: bright, refreshing and not watery (my biggest complaint about most ceviche) BBQ Eel: Inventive pairing with potato salad that really brings out the BBQ experience. This may have been my favorite dish. Shrimp Bruchetta: The shrimp, guac and jalapeños on the crispy toast evked numerous distinct flavor memories, from nachos at the ballpark to ceviche on a Puerto Vallarta beach Crab Cake: GT's not reinventing here, just presenting a darn good crab cake. Having the cayenne in the mustard makes this great for sharing. Lobster Mac & Cheese: Just like it sounds, perfectly executed. Clam Chowder: best I've ever had. Desserts: Our top 3 Carrot Cake, Peanut Butter & Chocolate, Key Lime Pie. You can't go wrong with any of them and I certainly can't pick a favorite. Guess I'm going to have to try them all again just for good measure.
(5)Leslie P.
This is the perfect place for a group night out. We were having a girls' night out for a birthday celebration, and it was perfect. We tried nearly everything on the menu (minus the oysters for me - but everyone said they were fab), and GT threw in a few extras as well. I enjoyed everything I tried, but a few standouts include: Lobster Mac (bien sur), Tuna Poke, Sunfish Ceviche, Berkshire Pork Belly, Alaskan Halibut, and the Black Gnocchi. They were amazing, and I can't imagine having to choose just one - share, share, share! Service and ambience were fantastic as well. We're occupying a large table in a packed River North restaurant on a Friday night, and I didn't feel rushed at all. I could go on, really.
(4)Kristi T.
RESTAURANT GROUP: When current BOKA executive chef Giuseppe Tentori is standing behind the bar shucking oysters at 9:30pm on a Cinco de Mayo, you know they will be top notch. And watching him could have kept me entertained all night - how is he so good?! It didn't hurt that he asked how our oysters were and made small talk either :) I may have been a tiny bit biased to love this spot before I even walked in because I love everything BOKA group does - BOKA, Perennial, Girl and the Goat, and now GT. All their restaurants are clean food, classy locations, and fabulous service. AMBIANCE: The decor reminds me of a tiny seaside restaurant in Newport, RI. The walls are white painted wood panels. The floor is a little creaky, in a cozy way. Some communal and some private seating. Simple and classic decorations. The bar is almost an L shape and to every male/Chicago sports fan amazement, there are TVs! Sometimes I think that takes away ambiance, but it doesn't here. Its on silent but available. PERFECT. DINERS: What's nice about GT is that its casual enough for anyone and any kind of group. From the cougars on the prowl at the bar, to the buzzed up group of rowdy 24 year old males, to a table of 50 something very smart looking executives, to the couple coming straight from a black tie charity event, to the bachelorette party consuming their body weight in the martini list... this place is for everyone. Dark jeans and a cute top, a fancy dress and heels, or a stylish but casual hat would all do the trick here. FOOD: Now what you really want to know. Obviously, the oysters are top notch, super fresh, super clean, and speak for themselves. The rest of the food are like seafood tapas - small plates perfect for sharing. Everything we ordered was fabulous, fresh, meticulously prepared, thoughtfully plated, and exquisitely tasteful. What we got: Tuna Poke (Cold): Fresh minced tuna with black sesame, thin cucumber shavings, and a mango puree. Crab Cake (Hot): Lightly breaded and seared 4 oz. crab cake (very fresh crab with little "other" filling) served warm over a vibrant red bell pepper aoli smear with picked cauliflower and sweet baby red onions. Clam Chowder (Hot): A white brothy (not as heavy as most) chowder with potatoes, bacon, carrots, and house made oyster crackers served in a mason jar with a lid. Perfectly peppered and spiced. Lobster Roll (Hot): Served on grilled thick cut sourdough bread with large pieces of lobster, topped with a healthy amount of fried crispy onions. - Fabulous to dunk into the clam chowder! Alaskan Halibut (Hot): Served very simply, the halibut speaks for itself on top of a small serving of whipped potatoes and grilled apple squares. The sweet and crunchy apples really made this dish! Lobster Mac and Cheese (Hot): A house specialty, this al dente half shell pasta covered in white cheese sauce with lobster bites and english peas, this is a perfect side dish to the rest of the surprisingly light dishes. We were both very happy and satisfied (not stuffed) after 6 small plates and wine (note, they have about 16 wines offered by the glass - nice!). Expect the food to be flavorful, light, fresh, and service to be some of the best you have experienced!
(5)Mihir P.
Yummly! I say. My favorite item there was the lobster roll. One of the best ones I've had outside of New England. The fried onions were amazing with it. The tuna poke was fresh but could have used some crisps to eat it with. I was excited for the miso cod but it was served with an asparagus puree which just did not go with the sweet miso. I suggest you get the halibut which was the best I've had in the city so far. Every other place overcooks it while it melted in my mouth at GT. Another winner is the crab agnolotti (ravioli). Our server was amazing. So friendly and knowledgeable. We did asked for a couple of our dishes without tobiko but she forgot to note that on one of them. She just took it back - no argument and apologized. What ticked me off was that when I was looking for her, the hostess was right next to me so I told her that we asked for the dish without tobiko. The short chubby brunette replied, "no, that's American caviar." Oh I'm so fucking impressed that you can memorize a menu. They're both fish eggs! You know what I meant.
(4)Stacie K.
Went here for dinner on a Wednesday night...and stayed late enough for the happy hour of oysters :) The server I had was super friendly, really helpful, and attentive. We got about a dozen oysters to start, then had the mussels and lobster mac n cheese. The mussels came in this tomato sauce with this delicious bread...the lobster mac n cheese was...OK. Nothing really special about it. I did enjoy the chunks of lobster, but it just wasn't as cheesy and delicious as I had envisioned it to be in my head. After that course, we had ANOTHER round of oysters (obviously). They're super fresh, and it comes with 2 different sauces. One is really horseradish-ey. The other was really vinegarey and delicious. I liked both. And I used one of their hot sauces. There are 2 - one is hotter...WAY hotter...than the other. Thinking about it now is making my mouth water.......nomnomnom.
(4)adam k.
Top-notch service amid some of the city's most tasty seafood. And do not miss the salted caramel tart for dessert. Ever.
(5)Gary R.
GT. Not sure what it stands for. Maybe Gnarly and Tarantula? Greg and Tom? Gargantuan Testicle? Anyway, I will preface this by saying I'm not a huge fan of shellfish in general. I agree with a person who once said "Eating an Oyster is like eating a huge booger." I tend to agree with that. For lunch their menu is somewhat limited. You basically get Oysters, or other crustacians. (sp?) I think they have an assortment of Krill, Plankton and Oysters. If you were a whale, this place would be fantastic for you. I ordered a Ceaser Salad that really was false advertising. It was more like a roll of lettuce with some ranch dressing on it, and some Oyster mung on it. I also had the fish and chips, which were meh....The Gorton's fisherman has done me better. The service was good and friendly, and the desserts were actually quite good. We got a chocolate Peanut Butter thingamading. That got the place another star. I think I just confirmed that GT actually does stand for Gargantuan Testicle.
(2)Brian S.
I love Chicago. And I love food. This is clearly one of the best restaurant cities in America, and I'm so happy that Tamara and I live here. But I'm also from the East Coast (just outside of Philadelphia, thank you), and there's one kind of restaurant they have there that hasn't existed, until recently, here. It's the East Coast-style seafood house. Broiled and fried fish, chowder, and shellfish. So when The Boka Group announced GT's Fish & Oyster, I couldn't wait. A Boka-styler finer dining spin on the East Coast seafood house set in Chicago. Dreams come true! The concept reminded me of the China Grill Group's popular Ed's Chowder House in New York, which I have yet to visit but imagine to be much along these same lines. It's opening weekend, and we were lucky to snag a reservation - 6 PM, far earlier than Tamara and I would normally eat, but we were meeting our friends John and Monica, who had just flown in from their honeymoon in Italy. Good friends, good food and great stories both recalling their wedding from two weekends ago and their recent gastronomic adventures on The Continent. We started with cocktails. I had the velvet hammer, which was a gorgeous bourbon-based drink to look at, but a bit overly sweet. My second was an Old Money, which I instantly recognized as a personal favorite from the Boka menu and was executed here just as well as there. For a first course, we ordered the shrimp cocktail. I don't recommend this. For $12, it was three of the smallest, wimpiest, limpest shrimp ever. Like a frozen shrimp platter from a supermarket. The cocktail sauce and charred lemon were fantastic, but there was too little actual shellfish to enjoy with it. Thankfully, though, things turned around from there into a memorable meal that we look forward to repeating soon. The clam chowder, rich in its 4 oz serving (the 8 oz would've been way too much) was absolutely delicious. I've had a lot of different chowders up and down the East Coast, and this one is far and away my favorite. The smokiness of the bacon permeated the entire dish, which was surprisingly filled with more plump clams than potatoes. The other standout of the night was the lobster mac and cheese. If you've ever had the incredible mac and cheese at Boka, you know where this is going. To Tastyville. Population: you. At Boka, they combine spiral noodles with edamame. Here, they've taken that formula to the next level, combining shells with English peas and a generous portion of perfectly cooked tail and claw lobster meat. The crab agnolotti was an interesting idea covered in too much ginger for my palate. The tuna poke and fish and chips were both very well executed, but not original enough to write much about. The lobster pot pie ended up tasting like as weird of a combination of ingredients as the name suggests - something about carrots and lobster together does not appeal to me. The mahi tacos were some of the best fish tacos I've ever had - the fish was grilled PERFECTLY, which seems to never happen to those nuggets destined for tortillas. They were also pleasantly spicy, as was the pickled cauliflower florets served with the interesting brick-like crab cake. The cake was made almost completely of jumbo lump crab, and is now my second favorite crab cake in the city after Crofton on Wells' next door to GT. We split two desserts - one a fun play on key lime pie in a jar, and the other an absolutely decadent peanut butter mousse atop praline atop an Oreo-like "house-made chocolate shortbread." I'd go back to GT again, probably for drinks and a few small plates as a light dinner for two. Team ordering for four, as we did tonight, was a great way to explore the menu, but the music was a bit too loud for two couples to converse comfortably. I'm excited that the new "trend" sweeping Chicago appears to be East Coast-style seafood restaurants, and I look forward to trying the others (notably Fish Bar and Kingfisher) soon!
(4)Mary L.
Great place for small plates, drinks and friends. I usually am not a fan of oysters, but the oysters at this establishment were so fresh.
(5)Jessie W.
Great services. The oysters were AMAZING!! We also had the fish tacos. I am a huge fish taco fan, and these were to die for! Definitely on my list of favorite Chicago restaurants. I was worried about the communal tables, so I took a later reservation to have a private table. The communal tables were also very nice, and I wouldn't have minded being seated at one!
(4)Chris S.
Fun spot that blends great food and a slightly upscale, but at the same time not stuffy atmosphere. The restaurant itself has high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows on one side, and dimmed lights, which make it feel a bit swanky, but the communal tables, nautical paintings, and naturally loud volume level make it a fun place to hang out with friends. Service is friendly and upbeat. The food is, for the most part, fantastic. The oysters are the main attraction and on my visit I sampled them all. They were fresh, sweet, briny, and fabulous. The mussels were just as good and came in a spicy tomato sauce that was perfect with the accompanying bread. The crab cakes were very good, but at $16 for one small portion, they can be skipped. Lobster bisque was beautifully presented en croute, but it looked better than it tasted, somewhat thinned down and tasting almost as much of celery and seasoning as it did lobster. Ceviche was also quite good, but again, seemed a bit pricey for what you get. This is a winner, and I'll return, but my focus will be on the oysters, and probably trying to work my way through the rest of the menu.
(4)Never M.
Loved the atmosphere. Its a great place to go with your girls, whip out the Choo's and do the whole sex in the city thing. My sisters took me here for my birthday. The service was incredible. The food was not. I tried Sunfish Ceviche, the chowder, crab cakes, fish and chips, shrimp brushetta and the mac and cheese. These were all my dishes, I WILL NOT SHARE FOOD! and you can save your judgements lol. Everything was incredibly fresh, wonderfully executed but severely under seasoned. The chef seems as though he's preparing food with diabetics or people who suffer from hypertension in mind. Theres no salt or much flavor to be found in anything. I don't remember what my sisters had but they weren't impressed either. Drinks were great, otherwise I was underwhelmed.
(2)Henry S.
The Onassis yacht sailed into Chicago, and is now permanently moored at the corner of Wells and Grand. Our server took us through an informative discussion of oysters. She was really passionate about the subject. Accompaniments include a fruit-based cocktail sauce, and red and green hot sauce bearing the GT label. Beyond the raw oysters, everything else are small-plates. BBQ Eel, Wasabi Potato Octopus salad. Diced potato and octopus topped by pieces of unagi. The wasabi mayo gave a subtle punch to every mouthful. I was most interested in how the octopus would blend with the eel. In this case, they were cut too small, and there were too few as to be negligible. Sunfish Ceviche, Chimichurri, Jicama, Avocado, Radish. A creamy and tart mélange of diced sunfish and avocado. Which was the avocado and which was the fish? No matter, keep it coming. Fish Taco. Grilled Mahi, Chipotle aioli, Chicharron, in corn tortilla. Every staff person who asked how things are going got an earful about how fantastic these were. The sprinkling of chicharron on top sent it over the edge. I'm no stranger to sprinkling crushed pork rinds on things. I have 2 bags of it at home right now, in fact. But this was one of those... 'Why didn't I think of that?' moments. Squid ink Gnocchi, Carrot Lobster broth, Prawns, Fiddlehead Ferns. The image of this dish should be printed on fabric, and featured in the Prada SS12 collection. The riot of red, green, and black was such a visual feast. All elements of the dish were good, but my favorite part was the rich murky lobster broth. If Starbucks serves soup, I will have it everyday in a venti cup. Crawfish Tail, Cannellini bean Tortellini, Prosciutto, Lobster creme fraiche, Fava beans. I've never had tortellini where the only filling is a bean puree, so this was a pleasant surprise. The crawfish looked sad and insignificant next to pasta this good. Key Lime Pie. A mason jar layered in white, sand, and yellow-green. So many color lessons today! This was a great deconstruction. Toasted meringue, crumbled gingersnaps, and lime curd. Spoon, jar, spoon, jar... I wished this jar was like the bottomless ocean. As I sip my cup of coffee, a sketch of a little dove peeked out from the rim. I squealed with delight. Good thing the chatter around me drowned me out. La Colombe! The celebrated Philly roaster is now being served at GT, ahead of their own outpost in the West Loop. Squeal!!! Why 4 stars? A very nicely appointed 'casual' place. Service was super attentive and flawless. The busboys were so attuned to how soiled plates are, and when to bring new ones. Great flavor combinations on the dishes, and great visual presentation. They give a little bottle of hot sauce to take home! I'll have my boat shoes permanently buffed, and my tan permanently glowing. I'll be at GT whenever the air horn sounds. Ahoy.
(4)Michael W.
Had 7:30 reservations last night and after reading several reviews, I was fairly excited about trying this place out. I've eaten at the rest of the Boka Group's restaurants so i did have high expectations. Only odd thing is...I love seafood, but not a big Oyster fan. So while I can't comment on the oysters, the rest of my party devoured them in seconds and gave them a great review. With that said..as soon as I walked through the glass doors, down the glass corridor and into the restaurant, I felt a high level of excitement. The decor is awesome and they raised the ceilings so right right away you feel less crowded than the former restaurant that was there (T.M.). As soon as you walk through the door you see GT peeps shucking Oysters right at the bar and you get excited to start eating. We sat down, and right away were greeted by our waiter (Patrick) who enthusiastically ran down the entire menu. We were also greeted by one of the owners (Kevin I think) who welcomed us and made several recommendations. We took their both of their advice and the list below is what we got in order of what i would describe as amazing to very tasty... 1. Lobster Roll: Amazing 2. Clam Chowder: Best I've ever had 3. Sunfish Ceviche: YUM 4. Glazed Cod: Great combo with the mango.. 5. King Crab Legs: So tasty and so easy to poke the Crab meat out 6. Lobster Mac and Cheese: Exactly 7. Shrimp Cocktail: Always a favorite 8. Brandade Croquettes: Very tasty We did have a couple other dishes which were great, I forgot the names though. We also had a couple desserts (Carrot Cake!) which were a perfect way to end the evening. Between our waiter's attitude and attentiveness, the people delivering the food (who were incredibly knowledgeable as well), the energy and AMAZING food, I can't wait to go back. In a city with a huge focus on good food, GT is gonna kill it.
(5)Cecilia Z.
Here's the honest breakdown: 3 stars for the food alone, +1 for the trendy but fun scene and surprisingly good service. The bf and I popped into GT Fish & Oyster on our last night in Chicago for a light dinner. We luckily were able to grab two seats by the bar just as another couple was leaving, as the bar area and tables seemed to be really teeming with excitement on that Sunday evening. Our bartender (whose name I unfortunately did not get), a real chill dude from San Diego, kindly tended to us while making helpful recommendations on the food and drinks. Food: - Tuna poke: while this dainty ahi tuna appetizer was of high quality and sounded promising, the flavors just weren't particularly memorable or interesting. I liked the spiced mango slices on top of the tuna, but just wished for some soy or more spice and acid to brighten everything up. - Sunfish ceviche: made with chimichurri, jicama, radish, frisee and tostada, this was like a ceviche meets guacamole both in presentation and flavor. I found the use of the different ingredients to be interesting and enjoyed the dish's lightness overall, but would have liked a little more texture besides the fried tostada chips. - Grilled caesar salad: while I normally shy away from most caesar salads, this one caught my eye mostly because of the oyster croutons. I liked this salad for the most part, especially the liberally sprinkled parmesan crisps on top that almost tasted like pork rinds. - Waffle with sweet corn ice cream and blueberries: I was itchin' for something sweet that night, so of course we had to order dessert and this seemed like the most interesting option. Surprisingly enough, my favorite part about this dessert was the crunchy, freeze-dried corn sprinkled on top, which went incredibly well with the waffle. I only wish that the waffle was a little more caramelized around the edges and airier in the center. All in all though, GT is a pretty good time. My favorite part of the experience was really just being able to wind down at the bar after a long summer day, and enjoy some of their beers on draft and by the bottle. The Avery White Rascal I had went particularly well with the White Sox vs. Tigers game that was playing right overhead.
(4)Meghan B.
Actual rating: 3.5 stars So here's my take on GT Fish & Oyster. The food is amazing. The drinks are strong. The vibe, well....it depends on what you go there for.... THE FOOD: (5 stars) Everything we had was so flavorful and fresh. I would definitely recommend the cod, the scallops (OH MAN THE SCALLOPS), and the lobster mac and cheese is a good amount of food (and very filling) for a reasonable price. The portions at GT are small are shareable and the server lets you know that right away so you can gauge how many things to try. THE AMBIANCE: (2 stars) I wanted to take my boyfriend to GT for a birthday dinner, I made a reservation weeks in advance and was super excited to try it out. I had previously checked out the Yelp reviews that mentioned that this place was loud and brushed it off as, 'oh what a bunch of complainers.' I read the reviews that mentioned that even with a reservation, they had to wait 20-45 minutes for a table and thought, 'oh yeah right, that's such an exaggeration.' Well, the Yelp reviewers were right. We waited about 25-30 minutes for a table even though we had a reservation. I noticed that every other group waiting with a reservation had to wait as well, so it seems to be a common problem. Also, the loudness factor. It's true, this place is really loud. They mentioned on their website that they're aware of this and trying to buffer the noise a bit, and that's definitely needed. My boyfriend and I sat at a small table and numerous times he had to ask me to repeat myself because he couldn't hear me over the noise of the place. My general consensus is that this place isn't that great for a date night and is probably better suited to a ladies night on the town, a business dinner, or some occasion where you want to be loud and boisterous. I know that you can also request to sit in the back of the restaurant which is less loud when you make your reservation, so maybe that would add to the good date vibes? I dunno. I feel that if you're paying these kind of prices, it would be nice not to have to stand awkwardly for 25 minutes to wait for your reserved table, and it would be nice if you could go here for a nice meal with your date and not have to yell across the table. But to end on a positive note, the food is excellent and I still think it's worth a trip. Just know what kind of vibe you're getting into!
(4)Hannah H.
The best meal I've had in a long time. WOW. Came for lunch and we had oysters, lobster rolls, lobster mac & cheese, shrimp bruschetta, pork sliders and fish tacos. Everything was phenomenal but I'd say the fish tacos weren't on the same level as everything else I had. I'd recommend passing on those. The service was excellent too...OH and the key lime pie dessert was amaaaaazing. I can't wait to come back for dinner!
(5)Ian C.
The first time I went to GT, I had to go back again a couple days later. Too many great dishes I wanted to try again. I recommend starting with a bottle of the Cava and a dozen oysters. I've done that four times now, and great meals always flow from there.
(5)Amanda S.
Beautifully designed restaurant - graceful glass entryway. Friendly hostess who promptly directed us to available seating. Overpriced small plates, but the service was impressive. Pleasant crowd for a Saturday evening pre-show dinner.
(4)Angela S.
It's just ok.
(3)Nick C.
This place and Girl & the Goat are my favorites when in Chicago! -a hip crowd or at least I didn't see any douche-bags -friendly service -creative and mouth orgasmic dishes -loved the wine list WINNER!!!
(5)Emi A.
One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. I really enjoyed their oysters and chevish. Very nice for special occasions.
(5)Reva H.
Best Ambiance, best food and best drinks! The best Oysters you could get in River North area. I love their few vegetarian options, the eggplant and cauliflower! Super delicious! Fish and Chips and Mac n Cheese are good. P.S: Half Priced Oysters everyday after 10:00 p.m.
(5)Debbie S.
Left the husband and baby at home to eat here with my friend last night to celebrate my birthday....and boy am I glad I did. We were seated by a pleasant hostess at precisely the time of our reservation -- and we had a great table in the back room, a bit away from the bar -- a good thing since the bar was so loud. We started with delicious "Waitlist" cocktails....vodka + grapefruit and very refreshing. Our excellent server recommended this cocktail and she was right on target. My friend and I shared the following dishes -- tuna poke, the baja shrimp bruschetta, the crudo of the evening (a mix of different raw items), the oyster po boys and the lobster roll. The bruschetta, po boys and lobster roll were my absolute favorites. The bruschetta was the perfect choice for a summer evening -- the combination of avocado and shrimp, plus the addition of the grapefruit and the cilantro really made the dish bright and flavorful. I'm not an oyster fan, but the oyster po boys were out of this world. The breading on the oyster, plus the kimchi and the peanuts really made for a delicious dish. And the lobster roll was outstanding -- it tasted like a good old fashioned Maine lobster roll with a bit of a twist. I couldn't stop eating it. The tuna poke was quite good -- the addition of the mangoes really helped the dish. The only disappointment was the crudo -- the textures of the items were just not that appealing (especially the raw uni and the raw shrimp). I don't think that I would order that again. We also split two desserts -- a salted caramel tart and a chocolate pie. Both were delicious....and just the right amount of sweetness. The chocolate pie came with a stout ice cream that I did not like -- it tasted too much like frozen beer. All in all, we had a fabulous evening -- the food and service were terrific and while things were brought to the table quickly (especially the cocktails) they did not try to rush us out the door. I also enjoyed the fact that even though this is a downtown spot, it didn't feel too much like a "see and be seen" type of place. If you are a seafood lover, I would definitely recommend checking out GT Fish & Oyster!
(4)Rick C.
I really wanted to love this place, but came away disappointed. We've had some great meals at Boka, so when this opened up we were excited to try it. We absolutely love seafood, so this seemed like a can't miss. I thought some dishes were pretty damn good, but most were just ok. The better entrees were the tuna poke and the lobster mac and cheese. I've had lobster mac and cheese before, but this is probably one of the better versions. A must have here. The fish tacos, fish and chips, and the shrimp terrine were just average. You can get a much better fish taco at big star for three bucks. My buddy Eric loved the oyster poboy. So much so, that he ordered another after we were all done eating and made us sit there and watch him eat it. I have to mention the desserts. The peanut butter semifreddo was amazing. If you like peanut butter, give this one a shot. Since we're pigs, we also took advantage of their half price oysters after 10:30 on wed. We had one of each. All were really fresh and it was a nice way to do an oyster sampler. Desserts and oysters may have been my more memorable parts of the meal.
(3)Lucy F.
First and foremost, GT has impeccable service. With a group of 5 on Saturday for my birthday, we bombarded in looking for a table without reservations. The hostess quoted a wait time of 1.5 hours. We knew that was what we could expect on a weekend night. But before I could even turn to look for a seat the bar, the manager Kyle asked if we would like to be seated. With a sigh of gratitude, I breathed a yes. He just had a table that just opened up. Then our servers Agnes and Jeff took over for the rest of the evening with the continued excellent service. With a party of slightly inebriated diners who want to dine family style and one person ordering ( especially oysters ), it can be quite the task. But questions answered, suggestions were given, food served just perfect and the water/ wine glasses was never empty. Quick run down on food: Oysters - we ordered every type and they were all so fresh and plump. The winner of the night was the Lady Chatterly's (briny, small) King Crab- if they could get any sweeter, I would have ordered them for dessert Fois Gras- Yum Clam chower- No NE clam chower but huge chunks of clams and sweet creamy flavors. Shrimp Bruschetta- really flavorful with savoy and citrusy flavors Trobot with Razor Clams- mild delicate flavors but firm texture and the chewy razor clams were texturally sublime. And at the end of it all, there was a lovely Birthday glass of Muscato di Asti that could be the replacement for cake for the rest of my birthdays. Thank you Kyle, Agnes and Jeff for making getting older delicious.
(5)T L.
Amazing food! Amazing service! Amazing space! All around a great place to go for a nice dinner out! While all the food was great...the lobster role was hands down my favorite!!
(4)Ceal P.
I've been surveying the Boka mini chicago empire and the latest, GT Fish and Oyster was the one I hadn't tried yet. Had very high expectations that were NOT met. Probably set myself up for failure because I had some awesome clam chowder and lobster roll for lunch at a place that blew GT fish out of the water. Small plates to share for the table. Located in river north, crowd were young professionals. Went with a group of 6 total which I think made dinner a bit difficult because all the dishes are pretty small and was too small to share for 6 but too much if we ordered 2 orders for the table. Nonetheless here's what we had and here's what I thought. Really liked: - Oyster po boy: best thing i ate all night! kim chi flavor went well with the crispy fried oyster, bun was sweet! Likes: - Fresh Oysters: had 3 types, all very fresh, $2.5-$3 each. - Tuna Poke: well seasoned, tasty, served like a tuna tartar portion - PEI mussels: fresh and came with a tasty tomato/basil sauce - lobster mac/cheese: nice chunks of lobster, the mac itself was okay, not creamy enough, cheese became chunky pretty fast. No Likes: - Shrimp/foie gras terrine: A bit of the confusing dish because the texture of the shrimp and foie didn't go well together. Didn't really enjoy the accompanying flavors either - clam chowder: watery, not thick enough to be called a chowder, taste was good, but not comparable to the delicious chowder elsewhere in the city - bento box: 3 diff preparations of octopus, tuna; none of the flavors were memorable - fish tacos: were decent, but nothing special. - short rib/langoustines: portion was way too small! the short rib was made to look like bone marrow although texturally nothing like. langoustine pieces were like an afterthought - delicious but really didn't add much to the dish overall Overall really expecting outstanding fresh seafood prepared in exciting ways, but the ingredients weren't amazing -- especially the raw fish items (poke was okay). because chicago's seafood scene is lacking, this place is a decent placeholder.
(3)Joyce C.
We came here on a Wednesday night with a party of 6. We were seated relatively on time and I think we got the best seat in the house, at a private 8 seat table by the entrance with no-one else around us, with views overlooking Grand and Wells. The decor was nice and modern, and the space itself was bigger than the outside leads on to be. Each couple ordered their own things, and we got to try the following: - Shrimp Terrine - My least favorite dish of the night. Layers of cut up cold shrimp and room temp foie gras on pressed lightly toasted white bread. It was kinda bland and just chewy. The apricot chutney and pickled onion i don't think added anything to this dish either. - Tuna Poke - This was delicious. It was fresh, light, and the mango added a bit of a tropical flair. - Fish Tacos - Grilled white fish tacos. The quality of the fish was good, but it was kinda boring. There was not enough aioli in the taco I don't think. - Fish and Chips - The fish was cooked well, and the batter was nice and crispy and not too heavy. But it was really salty, and the chips were also oversalted. - Lobster Mac and Cheese - Delicious!!! Creamy, rich, seasoned well... probably the best dish of the night. - Glazed Cod - I didn't try this dish but the overwhelming consensus was that this dish was overly salty. At the end of the meal, we skipped the coffee and dove right into: -The Peanut Butter Semifreddo with the Chocolate crust - Holy effing cow... this dessert was super duper delicious!! The semifreddo was a chilled, smooth, creamy, decadent peanut buttery ice-creamy custardlike kinda thing with a crunchy, slightly salty chocolate crumb crust on the bottom. The raspberries and the peanuts scattered around the plate were perfect complements to this wonderfully yummy dessert. -Cheesecake Panna Cotta - Also delicious, with a very soft, smooth light texture. After dessert, the boys ordered a round of oysters for themselves as we stayed long enough to take advantage of the half priced oysters on the half shell offered after 10:30p. Each of them got a tasting of each of 6 fresh oysters that were offered that night, ranging from the east to the west coast. They seemed to enjoy the oysters, commenting on how fresh they were. Overall, I would come back. I was a little underwhelmed by the entrees, but I would definitely get the desserts and the oysters next time. The service was great and they also had a decent drink menu.
(4)Jack S.
This place is off the hook (no pun intended) I had a Clam Chowder which was was Excellent, great creamy texture with a smokey bacon flavor mmm. Then I had the Lobster Roll which was Out Of This World! The BBQ Eel was so succulent Last but not least, the Lobster Mac & Cheese was heavenly, it was true comfort food at best. I finished my foodie extravaganza with Panna-Cotta "Cheescake" It was AMAZING Overall, Great Place, Great Service and Exemplary Atmosphere Happy Eating!!! "Primetime"
(5)Melissa S.
My friend and I were there this evening and had an amazing dinner outside on the patio! Frankie was our waiter and he provides great suggestions and was so helpful. I will definitely suggest and go back!!
(4)Erik W.
Food was high quality. Unfortunately, portion sizes were absolutely ridiculous. Seriously. Insanely small. Better lobster roll by *far* from Sam's Chowder Mobile. Yes, "Mobile", meaning a food truck. The oysters were half the normal size. The amount of fish in the Hamachi Crudo was 1/3 of what you get for hamachi nigiri at a top notch sushi joint for that much money. Save your money.
(1)Pam H.
We were there for lunch. They still had Chef's Week menu but that was comprised of things on the regular menu. The ciopinno was lovely.It did not taste like herbs de Provence had been dumped in which is good. It was a little short on the fish but that might have been because 1) it was an appetizer not an entree and 2) possibly because it was part of the prix fixe menu. The broth was smooth and seasoned . My friend had the clam chowder. We had a semi serious discussion whether it would have been polite to try and like the Ball jar serving dish. He opted for discretion but it was hard. It smelled nice and smoked bacon-y, but I was distracted by the ciopinno at the time. I had the salmon over quinoa. I prefer my fish coked through but the flavors were very good. Nice fresh balance to whatever they used in the quinoa as coupled with the salmon. Hs fish and chips did not get teh same rhapsodic response as teh chowder. My dessert was a cheesecake that I did not see on the regular menu, which is a pity because it was excellent. . It was not the frothy light cheesecake, more like old fashioned SaraLee in texture. The cheese almost tasted like they used a mild goat cheese,The orange flavor did not overwhelm- it was there as a fragrance and a tang. I liked that a lot. there was a coconut broth that made an excellent counterpoint. to the cheese cake. I had also ordered one of the fruit drinks that can be spiked. I had the one with peach. That was disappointing- maybe the others are better. We were there the end of March. This year it is a cold spring. The dining room was chilly, probably due to the big plate glass window wall,We will come back but I would be wary of doing so in summer when eh sun hits from the west. Service however was prompt, did not hover and when I asked what a component was the server found out for me quickly.Oh, and the coffee was good, not too hot but I wish they had offered to refill it I liked it. P.S. There are single room restrooms on the main floor. One each. There is a sign saying there are more downstairs but no indication how to find downstairs. At 1:00 pm there was a 4 person line. Have a wait person suggest and point out teh other location please.
(4)Amit S.
Ordered a dozen oysters, oyster po boys and the cheesecake. Told the bartender what kind of oysters I like and he gave me a dozen of some of the best oysters. The oyster po boys sounded interesting and at first I was not open to trying it. However, my friend that recommended this place said I had to try them and they were delicious! The cheesecake is my kind of cheesecake, fluffy and not rich and heavy like cheesecake factory. Has to be in the top 3 cheesecakes I've had. The beer that was recommended was outstanding and their hot sauces (wish they sold them) were REALLY good. This place made my trip to Chicago much more memorable.
(5)Mickey F.
Ive eaten here at least 5 times for lunch. The food is wonderful. Friendly employees complemented by a great atmosphere and location. The P.E.I mussels are fresh and piping hot. The Alaskan fish and Chips are great. Get the crab cake when its in season. My current favorite desert is the carmel salted tort get it even if you have to share it. All in all its always great for lunch. Sorry GT but I have never made for dinner perhaps some day soon!
(5)Casey N.
A-mazing! Had the basil gnocchi, grilled seabass w/ crispy polenta, lobster roll and key lime pie for dessert. Every dish exceeded my expectations. The place is effortlessly cool and just the right mix of hip and unassuming. A must visit. Food, service and ambience each receive four stars. Check out a full review of GT Fish & Oyster, including photos on my blog: caseycooks.com/2011/10/d…
(4)Charlene S.
I heard all the hype about this place and the hubs and I decided to go on a Friday during Lent. We're like Friday.. no Meat, sure, let's do it. So I had the hubs call and tried to get reservations. They said that nothing was available till 10:45 pm. But they did have a bar area that was 1st come 1st serve. But they advised us to be early Time: 5:45pm ish. Early dinner but we anticipated a long wait. But we were seated immediately in the communal area. The ambiance: Very chic. Very good use of the old tizzi melloul. Contemporary. It was dark along wall where people were seated. We were seated at a communal table with other parties of 2 or 3. It was a little awkward, having our food looked at by everyone else as it was served. But I guess this is the new trend. As in the Publican... there are groups of people seated at a long dining room table. Very modern decor. As we walked out, the place was crowded... almost lounge like. Our waiter: eccentric. Long blond hair in an updo reminding me of someone stuck in the early 90s. Quirky black framed glasses. Interesting character as he knelt by our table excited to describe the menu and kept checking in on us and telling us how "fun" everything was. I don't know if he was talking about the experience or the food... The food... we ordered 4 tapas. the BBQ eel with octopus and potato salad, the Glazed cod with miso, asparagus, tobiko, the black gnocchi with squid ink, lobster broth, prawns and the mac and cheese. Delicious. The eel and the mac and cheese were the best things... The eel was very tender and had a wonderful sweet flavor. The mac and cheese were amazing, creamy and rich with fresh peas. I don't think I've ever had fresh peas. The broth for the squid ink gnocchi was delicious. The black ink didn't taste like I've had it in the past... it was masked by the dense gnocchi. The glazed cod wasn't so memorable, but cooked perfectly. Flaky but not rubbery. We overheard the couple across from us criticize the crab agnolotti. The waiter recommended it and they weren't so keen on the recommendation. I also heard them rave about the carrot cake so I was intrigued. But when the waiter came back I asked him what he thought we should get for dessert... the carrot cake or the PB chocolate cake. He recommended the choc cake and I was disappointed. The cake was nice... crunchy and cool in texture. But the PB was overwhelming and a bit on the salty side. The hubs though, was glad to finish my half off. The waiter was 0 for 2 The lobster roll... it's been raved about. But for $22 was on the small side. I would go back for the baja shrimp bruschetta, Stuffed squid, ocean trout... sh!t... I'd go back to try everything else...
(4)Jeff J.
I came here with a friend on Monday night. Where I'm from (CT), restaurants like this probably either wouldn't be open on a Monday or would be pretty empty. This place was PACKED. We were lucky enough to snag two seats at a communal table (I thought only Chinese people did this) -- pretty cool. We started off with 2 of each type of oyster (apparently 3 West Coast kinds, and 3 East Coast kinds). The West Coast oysters were incredibly meaty, though most had a really briny finish. The East Coast oysters were much cleaner (almost crisp and sweet). We also got a bottle of NZ Babich Sauv. Blanc -- exactly as the waiter described it, so I was pleased with that. This wine paired exceptionally with the oysters. Next we got the tuna poke, sunfish ceviche, sturgeon, lobster roll, and lobster mac 'n cheese. The tuna poke was a delight, as I'm sure many reviewers have already stated. The sunfish ceviche was delectable--the acid in the dish wasn't overwhelming at all, and the flavors were very delicate. I won't lie, I ordered the dish mostly because I have great memories of catching sunfish as a kid... but had no clue people actually ate them. So many bones! When I moved off the awe of a SUNFISH ceviche, I realized, it was just a tasty ceviche... I'm not sure the use of sunfish is worth the effort. It just tasted like any other fish. Gimmick. The sturgeon was awesome... it's an oily fish, but it tastes like a refined bluefish. And the mushroom spinach pairing under it really helped frame the fish. Yes, it was oily, but the mushroom/spinach combo under it really made the oiliness purposeful. Lobster roll again was masterful, though different from the lobster rolls we eat in New England. Lobster mac 'n cheese... ehhh... it's just mac 'n cheese with lobster in it. We finished with a key lime pie in a jar. I wish there was more of the key lime and less of the crust. All in all, a wonderful meal (though the cost can add up!!).
(4)Jessica C.
I'm not even sure where to begin. The restaurant itself is very modern, open and bright. It reminded me of being on a sail boat - hence the fish oyster lingo. The service was great - I forget who our server was, but she was attentive, explained the menu thoroughly and offered suggestions. Let's get to the best part...the food. My group and I had about two oysters each. GT makes their own hot sauce which is phenomenal for the oysters, which were incredibly fresh as well. Also fantastic items to try - tuna poke, crab cake, lobster roll, my whole table pretty much tried everything and it was all great. The plates are meant to be shared. Typically they would be good to share with 2-4 people, but we had 5 people and the restaurant was very accommodating to split up our plates accordingly. Naturally, we tried EVERY dessert on the menu. Hands down, the cheesecake is definitely the best choice. Another solid memory, we each took home a small bottle of their hot sauce.
(5)Laura K.
We tried this place out on a Saturday night without reservations. It was 90 minutes for a table but we scored seats at the bar and that's where we wound up eating. The vibe is hip/upscale without being pretentious. First, the drinks were amazing. I had The Waitlist, which is Grey Goose, St. Germain, lime, grapefruit and bitters as well as The Roadrunner, which is Altos Plata tequila, maraschino, lemon, grapefruit and VEP Mist. I really enjoyed both but The Waitlist was my favorite. They have an impressive cocktail and beer list and our bartender was very knowledgeable. Next up was the reason we were drawn here in the first place: oysters! The selection changes daily and we were really pleased with our choices. (Sunset Beach, Royal Miyagi, Malpeque, Katama Bay, Beausoleil and Clevedon Coast.) So fresh and wonderful! Their ponzu mignonette sauce added a nice touch. We also had the tuna poke which was delicious. Very interesting flavor combinations with a hint of spice. The hamachi sashimi was fine but nothing spectacular. I felt their presentation didn't really highlight the fish like it should and was the only disappointment of the night. The final highlight was the oyster po'boy slider with kimchi. Or make that highlights since I managed to eat four. The bartender told the couple next to us they couldn't eat just one and he was so right. The funny thing is I didn't even think to order them, my boyfriend did. What an addicting flavor combination! Whoever came up with this little gem is genius. We had such an enjoyable evening here and I would definitely return next time we're in Chicago.
(4)Jen R.
I went here with a girlfriend on a Monday night with mixed expectations. I've heard great things, but I also don't always buy into all of the hype of new restaurants since there have been so many lately that I find slightly disappointing. Luckily, GT Fish & Oyster FAR exceeded my expectations. We were fortunate enough to get a reservation, but I think we would have been able to sit at the communal table with little to no wait. The service was great. Right away our waiter was there with a drink list and introduced us to the menu, giving a few of his recommendations but not being too pushy. We ordered the shrimp bruschetta, lobster roll and fish tacos. I think the lobster roll was my least favorite because it was a tad bland, but still really good. And the onion strings it came with more than made up for any lack in flavor! The fish tacos were amazing. There was nothing too extravagant about what they put on the tacos, but something about the way they were done was perfect. The shrimp bruschetta was by far the favorite among my friend and I. I think I could have just had a few orders of this for my whole dinner. The flavors went so well together, each piece had 3-4 decent size shrimp on it (I was surprised by this). I would go back for this alone. Also, while we were waiting for our lobster roll, we received a complimentary order of the BBQ eel on the chef. What a nice surprise! Now this is something I probably NEVER would have ordered on my own, but it was delicious! The potato/octopus mixture that it came with was a great combination with the fish. I will definitely be back!
(5)Reid S.
There are already hundreds of reviews here that are excellent so what will my 2 cents bring to this? I'm not sure but you are about to find out. Its obvious the food here is good, better then good its pretty great. I walked past dozens of half empty resturaunts until I arrived at GT which was packed. I knew I had arrived. We were seated after a beer at the bar and out server Trevor was very knowledgable of the food selection. We had the fish tacos, bruchetta , oyster sliders and fish and chips. They were all excellent but here is where they got me and why I decided on 5 stars. The flavors that Chef Guisseppi uses span the globe. This is truly a dining experience offered by a talented chef for a reasonable price. If in Chicago and not in the mood for a typical Chicago steak dinner GT should be on your list.
(5)Eileen S.
Excellent! Really enjoyable seafood place with nice vibe, attentive servers, delicious small plates for sharing.
(5)mark g.
Everything is delicious. Get there after 10 pm for 1/2 price oysters. Nice server. Pretty dang expensive - good thing I'm a billionaire.
(4)Kristen W.
Friendly & helpful staff. Delish food.
(4)Bill W.
Took my fiancé here for her birthday on Friday. Had read tons of good reviews so we were pretty excited to go. Started at the bar while we waited for our table, had a manhattan which was pretty good. Got seated and ordered a dozen mixed oysters, excellent. Could have eaten another 20. We decided to split a few things, octopus, crab cakes, ciopinno. We were completely underwhelmed by all of them. Wished I would have tried the lobster roll based on the reviews. Had a bottle of wine to go with dinner as well. All told, with tip, bill was around $250. Expensive for what we got and how we felt about most of the food. Only thing I'd go back for would be the oysters, which were probably the best I've had in Chicago.
(3)Lauren V.
Service good. Food: too small, too trendy, too expensive. Oysters good, but they are at Publican, too. Decor is really cool. Ambience is LOUD AND OBNOXIOUS. They needed to spend some $$ on sound deadening materials. My husband and I had to resort to make believe sign language to communicate during our $180 dinner. Patrick was great, and did the best he could under the circumstances. Great bottle of wine, but we probably won't be back.
(2)Matt M.
A haiku: Chowder, good oysters And diners who blab about Places in New York
(4)Chee K.
Went for a business lunch with my bankers. Delicious! The atmosphere was relaxed and the food is good as ever. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Karen M.
We went there last Saturday night and sat at a table in the bar area because we did not have a reservation. Not a problem. It was very cozy. What we ate: Shrimp brushetta - good flavors but kind of small Octupus - VERY good Oyster po boy slider - one of the best things I've ever eaten. So good with the kimchi Lobster mac 'n cheese - succulent lobster, great cheese sauce Pei mussels- Delicious! Nice presentation. Service was great. This was my second time here and really enjoyed it again. I'll be back!
(5)Cynthia L.
They say that the best way to try an expensive restaurant is to eat there at lunch. Well having said that, don't eat here for lunch to save a buck. I would stick to their dinner. We ordered the kussi oysters (my fave), Tuna Poke, Shrimp bruschetta, fish tacos, and pork belly sliders. I was saddened that they didn't have that many choices at lunch. I read the reviews on how this place is a small plate restaurant, but I guess that's more for dinner. Oysters - fresh, plump, and tasty. Try Kussi if you like a smooth, buttery finish. It's not as briney as some others. Tuna poke - super fresh, but not that much flavor. Considering that poke is at the local grocery stores in Hawaii, it's hard to pay so much for it here. I like the extra kick it has, but was not wowed by it. Shrimp bruschetta - Skip. You can make this at home. Flavors are ok, but I ordered it because the person eating with me didn't want all raw items. Fish tacos - fish was light and flaky, perfectly executed. The topping was nice, but again not too flavorful which in this case was ok because it showcased the sweetness of the fish...(rockfish, the day I went). Sliders - although a bit pricey for the size ($4) for a quarter sized slider, it was by far the tastiest $4 I have ever spent! i was smart enough to order two, and it was so satisfyingly spicy, sweet, and creamy all at the same time. So good...i'm drooling thinking about it now. It makes me sad that the best thing here was the sliders. I'm convinced that dinner is much better than lunch, although I may not be back to try din since lunch was a disappointment.
(3)Clifford R.
We had a great time at GT Fish & Oyster. Had later reservations (around 10 PM) and the place was still poppin. By the time we left around midnight, it was dying down a bit. GT Fish and Oyster is a small plate style seafood joint. They recommend 2 - 3 plates per person, but we had trouble narrowing down our choices to 15 (we had a party of 5). In the end we had a great plate of oysters (3 styles, tried New Zealand oysters for the first time, amazing!) and a bunch of small dishes. Favorites included: Tuna Poke Seared Tuna Salad Crab Tortellini King Crab Legs Lobster Mac & Cheese (!!) We had a blackberry buckle for dessert which was also really good. Our waitress was great, I wish I remembered her name. She had a bit of edge to her, and someone described her as a being a bit like Kathy Griffen. She put up with our shenanigans with a bit of her own wit. Loved her.
(4)Caesar R.
While at the Lobster Roll Rumble in NYC, the executive chef was kind enough to give me a gift card to GT Fish and Oyster in Chicago. So there was no way I wasn't going to come to this establishment whilst in the second city. Well, as far as hub bub goes, this is one of the best places we have ever been considering the vibe. The service was super friendly and fun. What an amazing start to the evening. Super fun bar staff and stylish crowd that sets a good mood for a what should have been an amazing meal. Maybe it was an off night or we are just being way too picky NYers for a change. The meal started off great when the oysters arrived with two homemade hot sauces, mignionette and housemade cocktail sauce. We sampled 3 kinds of east coast oysters and we were blown away at how fresh everything tasted. We had a great bottle of Lebanese (yeah, I was shocked too) Rose at the suggestion of the server. Then our other courses began arriving. The tuna poke with mango, cucubmer and black sesame was the best dish unfortunately. We also had the crab cake with the red bell pepper aioli and pickled vegetables was just not the best. The crab cake was a little burnt, but still filled with big chunks of crab and almost no filler. The final two courses of the lobster mac n cheese with english peas and the crawfish tails with the short rib ravioli were bland at best. But don't let me stop you from coming to this place. In fact, I would return here to try other options. The vibe of the place is worth coming for no matter what.
(3)Jeff K.
I thought the oysters were very good. Decently priced. I had something that looks like a worm on one of my half shells, but i am not put off by it. I didn't even complain. Glad that I didn't eat that! Quite, peaceful atmosphere and friendly staff...only downside was their high price. If i were on a date, what the heck, but tonight, I am paying for my sister and her hungry friends.
(4)Jenn H.
Since our first experience was so good, I took my boyfriend to GT after drinks at Aviary. I made the reservation through Open Table via Yelp and just put in the comments "Boyfriend's Birthday." Our reservation was for 10:30pm and when we arrived, we were promptly seated at a corner table. We noticed there was a card waiting for us, and when we opened it, we saw it was a birthday card with a $20 Gift Card for our next visit. It was such a nice and unexpected touch, we knew we were in for a great night. We had the same server and she remembered us from a few weeks ago. Our oysters were again wonderful, Tuna Poke great, crab legs pretty good (butter was a little salty), and the overall experience was great. We will be back SOON to spend our gift card! Thank you GT for adding to an already great night.
(5)J T.
Cool place. But, way over priced for nothing exceptional. All of the food was prepared properly and was of good quality. Wouldn't go back though.
(3)Lauren W.
Came here with a party of four on a Friday night. Our service was excellent and we were seated outside on a small patio. It was still a bit chilly but we enjoyed dining outside despite the construction site view. Our drinks were fantastic! We started out with the ceviche, which was great. From there, the four of us split the lobster roll, lobster mac and cheese, crab cakes, croquettes, some oysters (I can't remember which) and the tuna poke. Everything was good but I'd pass on the lobster roll next time. The real star of the show though, as others have stated, was the carrot cake. Holy cow! It was delicious. We also had the key lime pie which I highly recommend. Seriously, just thinking about that carrot cake makes my mouth water. Plan on having dessert at GT! It's phenomenal!
(4)Sarah M.
Fish, seafood and oysters are always welcome on my plate whether raw or cooked, so of course, this place was on my visit list since it opened. I have to admit, my expectations were very high- partially due to the fact it is part of the Boka Group and partially because of the sparkling reviews. We arrived early for our reservation so we could take in the atmosphere and see the presentation of dishes. Elegant design, noise level was quite low and dishes were well presented and streaming out of the kitchen. All positive signs. Despite either the restaurant or Opentable screwing up our reservation, we managed to score a great table more or less at the time we reserved. The service was efficient, pleasant and knowledgeable about the menu, but I felt something was..lacking. My husband and I ate: Shrimp/foie gras terrine - I'm a sucker for terrines. This one was well executed but, to echo my husband, there wasn't a whole lot of foie flavour in it. Monkfish in heirloom tomato puree - The monkfish was charming my tastebuds. The puree left much to be desired. I like my purees slightly chunky to taste all of the individual flavours as well as the cohesive whole, especially when working with heirloom tomatoes and all of their subtletys. I think it all got lost in the creamy, flat texture. Lobster roll - Excellent. Packed with lobster and light on everything else, just the way it should be, though usually is not. Pricey though. Grilled octopus and watermelon. Delightful. Mussels, octopus, clams, shrimp and crab oh my! Loved every bite. I'd return, but not anytime soon - too many others to try first..
(3)Angela S.
Whoops, should've made reservations. Came here and the line was ridiculous so I just ordered a lobster roll to go, $22 and a few minutes later I was walking back to the hotel, deliciousness in hand. Yes it's stupid expensive, but it's a lot of lobster. I don't know if it counts as a lobster salad - it was 90% lobster. Crunchy onions on the side were great. Wish I could've been there on a Wednesday for their oyster deal!
(4)Zeljko D.
This is place for showing up to be seen, not for food. Food was OK, but portions are joke. We had shrimp bruschetta, two tiny pieces of bread with few shrimp. That was a sign of things to come. I had the most ridiculous fish and chips ever. Seriously, don't intend to come here ever again, except if I start dating starved model, so that I can pretend we actually ate something. My friend was equally disappointed with what he ordered. Oh and potatoes for ship and chips, wrapped in real newspaper... I guess for authenticity. Not healthy at all. Service was fine, like you would expect from place like this.
(1)Samantha P.
Good God this place is so incredibly delicious. I went here with a large party of people and we tried a myriad of things so I'll only recite the highlights: BAJA SHRIMP BRUSCHETTA avocado, toasted pistachio, grapefruit, cilantro FOIE GRAS AND SHRIMP TERRINE apricot chutney, pickled onion, szechuan peppercorn CLAM CHOWDER that comes in a small 4 oz. sealed glass jar for individual servings. GLAZED COD miso, asparagus, preserved mango GT LOBSTER "MAC AND CHEESE" with english peas And for the oyster lovers, they profile six different oysters from all over the country with a minimum order requirement of six. It's a nice way to really taste the difference in oysters from different fishing regions. GT Fish & Oyster is a really perfect for large groups because all of the entrees are small tapas, and with a big group you can get a bite of a multitude of the fine offerings here, all of which are scrumptious.
(5)Myke F.
An amazing experience that can't be beat, as awesome for the seasoned seafood veteran or just someone looking for a culinary experiment. GT Fish & Oyster serves up nothing but the finest in seafood, and in a unique style that you won't find anywhere else. And in a casual environment with fine dining, you can't go wrong. I'll start with a few quick notes... being New England born and bred, now living in on the Pacific coast, I am VERY perticular about my seafood... I know what's good, and this place is one of the best. It's up there with Waterbar (San Fran), Providence (LA), Neptune Oyster (Boston), Le Bernardin (New York), and since you're in Chicago, up there with L2O. That said... be sure to call early for a reservation. Also, we went with two vegetarians... who ate pork and duck... it was that unique, and that delicious. The point of GT Fish & Oyster is you buy a number of small dishes and share... for the people who are reviewing on Yelp! and complaining about the portion sizes... obviously they DON'T understand the concept. The dishes are served in order, to compliment the progression of your dinner, one after the other... and it works to perfection. If you want to have fun and experiment, this is the place to be. If you love seafood, this is the place to be. If you love a tapas style, shared dinner experience, there's no place better. When I went, we went pretty crazy, and all had a little taste of almost half the menu... that said, here's where some of those dishes stand: The Berkshire Pork Belly is to die for. I've had plenty in my time, and this was honestly the best of the best... as I mentioned above, vegetarians took a taste and even wanted more. The Clam Chowder was great... so great, that we ordered it again. Being the pickey New England guy I am, I know chowder, and this is some of the best of New England's style, with a smokey mid-western twist. The Tuna Poke was some of the better raw tuna you can get... pretty standard flavors with the sesame oil and seeds, but the mango really adds a pleasantly unexpected twist. The Foie Gras and Shrimp Terrine combines shrimp and duck liver into a unique dish... it's sweet, it's spicy, and it's savory, all in one. The Oysters were super fresh, and worth paying $3 each... they have seletions from Washington, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and even Virginia! If you like Oysters in the least, you'll love how GT Fish & Oyster does it! The Crab Cake was super fresh, and served with a red pepper aioli that you could eat with a spoon by itself. It wasn't greasy in the least... crispy outside, succulent flaky inside. The Pei Mussels was the LARGEST dish... full of sauce and basil, but the best part is that it wasn't briney, salty, or fishy... truly a delightful dish. And of course... the desert... we were gonna go grab some sweets elsewhere, but decided to stay here for coffee and cake... and boy was it the right choice! The raspberry chocolate lava cake we had was the PERFECT way to end the meal. If you can't tell... this was an AMAZING experience, and you cannot be disappointed!!
(5)Sunil D.
My experience here was a good one, but far from mind blowing (would give it 3.5, but rounded up due to my River North bias). All the food was good, with fresh, high quality ingredients being used, but there were few dishes that truly wowed me. The mussels in red sauce, fish & chips and the clam chowder were all solid, while the gnocchi is the must have dish of the 8 or so we tried. The oyster selection was good and the staff was well-versed in the options (about 6-8) that were presented to us. Scallops were ok, as were the bbq eel and tuna poke. Overall it was a great atmosphere, service was very good and luckily we weren't seated at a communal table. Prices were a little on the high side, even for seafood, but like I said everything seemed to be very fresh and high quality. Although the portion sizes were very hit or miss, some were big (the mussels), while some were small even for shared plates (everything else....). In the end, everyone in my party agreed that we were glad we tried multiple dishes, but next time we'd each grab our own order of the gnocchi (which was really too split with any party greater than 1) and fish & chips.
(4)Nancy K.
It just gets better. Unable to get a reservation on a Tuesday night so ate at the bar which work well. Octopus was so good - we ordered another. Excellent oysters, octopus, cocktails, tuna poke and as always people watching.
(5)Christina P.
Let me say this - WOW! The fish was so fresh and they were so accommodating to diet restrictions. The atmosphere was great and service was stellar. Definately stop here if you are in Chicago!
(5)D T.
I was SO excited to come here, knowing they own Boka, Perennial, etc. Hands down my favorite restaurant group in Chicago. The place doesn't disappoint. Service is fantastic, decor casual and chic, food outstanding. We came for my mom's bday, and there was a note waiting for her- a gift card for her next visit!! GT- high marks. We had: Oysters- duh, outstanding. Yellowtail- great, not my favorite. Bruschetta- so-so Lobster Mac- HUGE chunks of lobster, NO JOKE. More than a fair amount of lobster. Special- sausage, corn, mussels, shrimp, broth= Heaven. Yep, worth my Catholic ass comparing it to my future residence. Chicken- Fantastic...something with this company and chicken. They KILL all other chicken dishes at restaurants. Mind blowing, really. Go! It's another gem!
(4)Kyle H.
Oh wow, this place was delicious. It was even more pleasant of a surprise, since we had made our reservation so far in advance (you gotta with this joint!) that I had totally forgotten we were going until the day before! I had really enjoyed Tizi Melloul before, but this place is definitely an excellent replacement. The service was excellent - friendly, casual but still knowledgeable, and our server seemed very approachable and good natured. He suggested the Tuna Poke, which was INCREDIBLE. We also got the steak (we had one non-seafood eater with us), the lobster mac and cheese, and an assortment of different ceviches and carpaccios. I absolutely loved everything we ate. The only reason I took off a star was because it seems a little overpriced, and I think a lot of that has to do with how hot it is right now. They know that it doesn't matter how expensive they are right now, because they're booked solid for months. Perhaps after the hype cools down people will realize that it's overpriced and they will rethink some of their prices. Whether or not they do, I will still be back. I just need to save up some dough before I go. PS - The desserts, which you may not expect from a seafood place, were OUT OF THIS WORLD. We got the exact same three desserts as the table next to us, because they looked so good. The cheesecake panna cotta was my favorite, but the key lime pie pot and carrot cake were also incredible. It would even be worth going here just for dessert, but I don't know why anyone would, because all of the food is amazing.
(4)Jeff S.
GT Fish & Oyster provides great fresh seafood, a warm enjoyable decor, but service was lacking. All our food choices including the snapper ceviche, the lobster roll and the lobster Mac and cheese were all delicious. They have a small but quality beer list and some tasty cocktails. The service however was slow, and just off. Our waiter was slow on getting drinks, had to come back to the table to ask us to remind him what we ordered and then brought us the wrong check after the meal. If the service gets on par with the food this place will be a real winner.
(4)Jen T.
The food here is actually very good. Although I have to admit, it's a bit out of my normal budget, it was well worth it to have a very good meal. Since I don't eat large volumes, I was perfectly happy to eat truly yummy dishes rather than get quantity over quality. The decor is stately and the service was kind without feeling fake.
(5)Kris L.
Ok group, little known fact, head to GT for 1/2 price oysters after 10:00 and the the tasty Millstone grapefruit cocktails this place rocks.
(3)Jims L.
Lobster roll, totally not worth it. I'm going to venture to say one of their own agreed with me. Management: I'm sure your hosts/hostesses get calls about this all the time - would it be so difficult to put your hours up on your wordpress site, perhaps right below "Dress: Casual"? I mean, I get that it's important that people know they're allowed to wear jeans to the place, but isn't it 2011, aren't you part of a great restaurant group that knows what it's customers need, I'll maybe be more interested in all your riveting articles and reviews if I only knew what time I could plan to eat there myself????????????? Alright: Sunfish ceviche, shrimp cocktail. Actually, I take that back. The apple-shiso slaw that comes with the shrimp is amazing. I spooned it when the shrimp were gone. Anyway. The tacos, and gnocchi were alright. Lastly, nice space! I do like all the touches, but was concerned with all the personalizing: hope you guys are in it for the long run, or you'll have a hard time selling the space with the furniture in any package with "GT" all over everything.
(3)David M.
The Salted Caramel Tart dessert is reason enough to come here. The dessert bumped this rating up a star, in my opinion. Ok, I guess I can talk about the actual food... We had a group of 5 on a Wednesday night (around 10pm) after hanging out at the pier. It was still somewhat busy, which was surprising, but maybe this is the spot to be on a Wednesday night? We ordered a clam bake, halibut, oyster po'boy sliders, and a gang of oysters. Since it's half-off all oysters after 10pm, I went to town...It was my first time here, so I tried all the different types of oysters, but in the end, I just ordered the cheaper ones since they tasted about the same after a while. I do have to say, some of the oysters were a little tiny, but oh well...half-off. Of everything we ordered, the oyster po'boy sliders were so different and off-the-wall, it was awesome. I'm from Los Angeles, so we've got all the trendy food trucks with sliders, but oysters battered and fried till golden brown?...Nope, never seen it here. On a side note, the ambiance and look of this place is simple, yet sophisticated. We sat at the long table right along the window looking out to the street corner. Check this place out if you're in the area!
(4)Casey Z.
Everything was exceptional. We had the crab cake, the artichokes and some oyster shooters and each item was great! Cool ambiance as well. I will definitely come back!
(4)Robin D.
Ive been wanting to go to this place for a very very long time so when my friend from Canada came to town, it was a good excuse. We went 6 months ago so this review is based on that. The food is quite good at this place especially the fish tacos, I think that's my favorite. We pretty much tried a lot of stuff Fish Tacos - 5 stars Shrimp Ravioli - 4 stars Lobster Roll - 3.5 stars Crab cake - 3.5 stars the portions here are small so be ready to order 3 to 4 orders per person since they are tapas style. I don't think its a good value for money but then again you don't go to these places for value, you go for the experience, the innovative food and it comes with a price. The service didn't blow me away. I hate these places that think that because they are always packed that they can just give you so so service. The service isnt bad but I dont think it worth a 20% tip I have 2 negatives: First the big one...When you make a reservation I dont think you should be asked to wait 45 mins especially from a place like this. It just tells you how bad their planning system is or how greedy they are to a point that they want to make their customers with reservations wait. The next one is minor, if you want a nice romantic date, this is not the place to be, it is LOUD!. When you have to shout to be heard across the table, that for me is LOUD. I dunno if I would spend my time and money going back but I might take the fish tacos to go :)
(3)Yingzi W.
Awesome place for lunch. Shared 3 dishes (that came as 3 courses) with a friend, and the waitress was so on top of things that the entire lunch only took an hour. Highly recommend the lobster mac & cheese!
(5)Brad A.
I love this place. It's great for a group or just sitting at the bar. The food is fantastic and they have a great selection. I'm a huge fan of the lobster roll and you can't go wrong with the oysters. The portions are small so you tend to order a few. That can make the bill add up quickly. They have a great selection of beer and Scotch which also will put a dent in your wallet. The place is usually packed but you can find a spot by the bar if you get there at the right time. The staff is always very friendly and helpful.
(5)Alexandra D.
Lobster roll disappointment. The bread was good, though I've had better, there was plenty of meat, but the end product was lacking in flavor. There is almost no sauce, and the sauce makes a good lobster roll. I ended up putting miracle whip on it (got it takeout). One should not have to put Miracle Whip onto a $22 ($24 with tax) sandwich. Period. The space is lovely - clean and modern, and I have heard good things about the food from others who have had dinner there. So I would give it another shot, avoiding the aforementioned lobster roll abomination. Side note - Sixteen in Trump does an awesome lobster roll around the same price so if that's what you're craving go there. Side note #2: I can't comment at length about the service, obviously, having gotten takeout but - when I walked in at 2:30pm on a Tues to an almost-empty restaurant and was told by the hostess she wasn't sure if she could accomodate a takeout order...I was pretty surprised. She came back and said OK but why it was even an issue when they were not busy at all is poor service.
(2)Mary I.
Came here with 3 girlfriends for dinner during opening week. The food was fantastic. The service was very prompt and ambiance is very trendy, yet casual. A few dishes that stuck out: lobster roll, king crab dumplings. Smoked salmon was okay, lobster mac and cheese a little runny for my liking, but besides that, everything else was pretty tasty. I already have rsvps to come back. Nice job! Price per person was about $35.
(4)Drew M.
I definitely recommend this place. The atmosphere, service and food was impeccable. I am not an oyster fan so I was a little weary on coming here but in the end actually ended up getting tricked into eating their oyster po' boy sandwich. It was amazing. We tried almost the whole menu and loved every dish. For dessert I recommend the deconstructed key lime pie and if you want a fabulous cocktail try the "wait list".
(5)Samantha H.
Dining al fresco at one Boka group's restaurant may have given me my best dinner experience this summer. Although I typically consider this to be an enormous mistake, I didn't make a reservation at GT. When I arrived the hostess were accommodating and immediately seated us outside. Any restaurant that serves small dishes and uses stemless wine glasses is fine by me. The menu at GT changes, so depending on the season/month/week you will be able to try new things. Like your fish raw? They've got that too! My biggest complaint/compliment is that the food was so delicious I would have preferred a bigger plate, but the tapas-style meal allowed me to try more things on the menu. Also: stellar service!
(5)Sam W.
Phenomenal! Made a reservation about three weeks in advance, knowing this was one of the hottest restaurants in town. Once I secured a 12:15pm spot, I invited my mom for her 58th birthday. We walked in and we warmly greeted by the host stand and quickly escorted to the patio, where we requested to sit on this sunny 72 degree afternoon. Our server, Alice, came over and helped us choose our drinks. For me, I had the GT @ The Beach and my mom had a glass of wine. The Gt @ The Beach was served in a jar and was similar to a margarita only imagine drinking it through a straw with a lime on top. (I posted a photo to this site) It was refreshing and very good. Now on to the food! We started out with the Tuna Poke and the Shrimp Bruschetta. The Poke was delicious and the preserved mango it was served with provided a somewhat cooling effect from the hint of spice in the tuna. This was the definition of fresh. The bruschetta was very interesting and the avocado mousse spread on the bottom of the bruschetta was tasty. The shrimp were plump and cooked to perfection, and the crushed pistachios on top were the perfect texture contrast. We then ordered the Lobster Roll and the Basil Gnocchi. Honestly, both dishes are now in my top five of anything that has ever entered my stomach. The Lobster roll was the meatiest lobster roll I've ever seen. It was literally overflowing with fresh, chunky lobster and the soft, buttered roll it was all wrapped up in was fantastic. Even the fried onions it came with were crispy and addicting. The Gnocchi was amazing as well. The green-colored gnocchi were as soft as pillows and came with this amazing broth with fresh shrimp and mussels. How a seafood place like GT can destroy any gnocchi I've had at Italian restaurants is wuite an accomplishment. Since it was lunch, de saw a special of an Oyster Po'Boy slider. Once again, we were blown away by the flavor. The oyster was fried and had an herby taste to it, and the mini bun came topped with kimchi and toasted peanuts. I could've eaten 10 of these if they weren't $4 each! Finally, since it was my mom's bday, we ordered the already famous key lime pie in a jar. This was so ridiculously good that I would contemplate donating bigger jars to GT just so they can serve even more of this delicious concoction to each guest. The tart key lime filling, topped with gingersnap crumbs and the most delicate meringue in the world. Plus, they decorated the plate with "Happy Birthday" and stuck a candle in the jar. Service was flawless and extremely fast. We never felt rushed or hurried and plates were cleared and silverware was replaced like clockwork. I absolutely can not wait to return to this fine establishment for the best combination of seafood and service in the city of Chicago. If YELP would let me rate 6 stars, I would have! Well done GT, well done.
(5)Obormot O.
My number 1 fancy lunch place. Even though I don't eat oysters and I've never been to this place for dinner, my lunch experience is overwhelmingly enough to rate it 5 out of 5. Dinner menu has a few more items and I'm sure they should be pretty good. Almost everything I tried tasted great. Clam chowder is an absolute must. My number one recommendation. Pork belly sliders come second and pretty much share the second place with the lobster roll. I don't drink during lunch, so I can't comment on the signature cocktails. I should visit the place for dinner one day and update this review.
(5)Grace P.
The lobster roll was pretty bomb! sunfish ceviche was pretty yummy as well. now here is where the wheels start to fall off for me hence the poor rating: the crab agnolotti was just OK. uneventful. not sure what all of the hype is about. the 'mac and cheese' was a bummer as well...the portion was super tiny. but it also wasn't as cheesy as I'd like it to be. maybe that's why its only a tiny tasting? :) (I'm not shy about my 'cheesy goodness' ) lastly, we sat on the patio on a beautiful, chicago evening...we ate most of our meal with a slight hint of smoke and cigar smoke. not so pleasant while attempting to enjoy a meal. :( I won't be going back...it was good to check off my list!
(2)Natalie H.
We made reservations for 6:30 and got right in. Service was slightly uncoordinated but otherwise impeccable. As for the food breakdown: Clam chowder - don't make the same mistake I did. Order the full size unless you want to start an all-out war with your sig. The chowder is delicious and substantial without being heavy. It's thickened with only cream and I wish they sold this by the gallon. Sunfish Ceviche - Tart and beautiful, it was a ceviche well done. The "chips" really made the dish, and it was perfect for a refreshing summer starter. Fish & Chips - while they were done extremely well, and the steak fries dusted with just the right amount of seasoning, I had no foody epiphany after biting into these delectable morsels...so I probably wouldn't order this again. Why waste precious tummy space when I need room for newer dishes I haven't tried? Lobster Mac & Cheese - creamy & unctuous, the cheese was mild and saucy but did not overpower the sweetness of the lobster. I just wish the serving was bigger. Shrimp & Foie Gras Terrine - Surprisingly, the foie gras actually complimented the shrimp. This terrine served over brioche toast accompanied by apricot preserves and pickled shallots was AMAZING. 3 small, but heavenly little bites. Lobster Roll - after hearing all the reviews beef this sammich up, I was pretty underwhelmed. I do appreciate the sheer quantity of lobster presented in this dish, but it did lack some fattiness, acid, and herbs that would have pushed this into a more memorable category for me. Strawberry Shortcake - Also a little underwhelming and one-note. The sorbet was overly sweet and not tart enough. The biscuit was thick and a little bit dry (which I don't mind), but the dish was begging for some acidity and creaminess, perhaps from some creme fraiche. The basil was nice but, unfortunately, could not save it. Cheesecake panna cotta - I wanted to make sweet, sweet love to this dish. The "panna cotta" had the texture of whipped cream but the flavor of a very condensed cheese cake that melted on the tongue like a whisper of angel wings. Huckleberries added tartness and complexity to the dish. Quite possibly the best thing I had all night (gasp! even better than the chowder? I have to go back & see!)
(5)Jill B.
We had many items as it's small/shared plates dining. The GT Crudos was a real treat. Overall, my favorites were; Tuna Poke, Shrimp Bruschetta, Seafood Ceviche & Lobster Tacos. Lobster Ravioli was a bit disappointing as pasta was overcooked. Excellent server, very knowledgeable. Also have some ridiculous (be warned, very strong, but $$$) cocktails. A definite special occassion dining experience or to impress during a business dinner.
(4)Georgie B.
Food was innovative but not as special as I think the owners think it is Server very friendly Crowd young thin pretty and wearing black Room very loud Prices a little silly ie $40 for 10oz of steamed crab legs Not worth the price and dining room not relaxing at all See and be seen here. Foodies go somewhere else.
(3)Audre L.
Had dinner here. The Lobster Roll is fab, Oyster PoBoy with Kim Chi is a fun global take on the dish. Fish Tacos are awesome, the CrabCake is very good. Plates are small, prices are not so small. Pricey but fun. The desserts are really good, this might be a good place to come to for dessert actually. The Peanut Butter Semi Freddo is perfect. The Key Lime Pie comes in a mini mason jar, and the Blackberry dessert has almond flavors. The style of the desserts and the ambiance of the bar area kind of reminds me of The Standard in NYC.
(4)Kevin B.
Fantastic fresh oysters. Really enjoyed the atmosphere. Ciopinno was unique and exciting, it had wheat berries in it which was innovative and delicious. I would go back for sure.
(4)Mer P.
I thought this was really fantastic. The oysters were very diverse and interesting and I feel like I learned something without the servers talking down to me. The other dishes including the tacos and mussels were so flavorful without being heavy in any sense. Would love to return here on a non lunch trip so I could enjoy a martini with my oysters!
(4)Amy L.
Had a 9:15 reservation on a Thursday and was seated right away. Our waiter was great with suggestions and our food was spaced out well. My faves were the tuna poke, oyster po boy, and the lobster roll (Connecticut style, with butter instead of mayo based and served warm). Boyfriend really liked the hamachi. Didn't think it was too pricey for the quality of food and service, and I was nicely full after sharing 6 plates. Look forward to returning.
(4)Amanda T.
This is the story of girl meets restaurant; girl falls in lust; girl has an amazing mind-blowing experience; and finally girl falls head over heels in love. I have so many amazing things to Say about GT Fish & Oyster I don't know where to begin. I've been wanting to try GT since it first opened, since I really like these Boka Group restaurants. We finally got around to it when I decided I wanted to go for my birthday. Reservations had to be made like a month in prior and we were still only able to get a table on a weeknight (if I wanted to go on a Fri/Sat I would have to dine at 5pm with my grandparents or 11pm with my little brother). Was it worth the wait? HELL YES. The service was first class. Our waitress (Mariam-if you have her, tip her well she's awesome) was friendly and attentive and kept coming along with copious water refills. GT was somehow informed that it was my [belated] birthday and the staff went above and beyond to make sure our GT experience was memorable. I really have to give a big shout out to Chef Giuseppe Tentori for that. Bravo maestro. There is a lovely cocktail and wine selection. I'm not really into "sweet" drinks but the Waitlist Martini was delicious. Every single dish we ordered was wonderful. We started with the oysters, had a little East Cost vs West Coast Biggie Tupac battle going on (West won for sure). The Gigamoto oyster was FUEGO; I only ordered this one because I thought it was pronounced 'jigga-moto' and it reminded me of Jay Z and gigawatt, but it was a solid choice. The tuna poke was equally delicious and very fresh. Next came the Oyster Po'Boy Sliders and the Ricotta Gnocchi. These two seriously deserve a Nobel Peace Prize, it will bring world peace, I'm sure of it. The sliders were light and just awesome. And the gnocchi is, as my mom would say, NASTY. Nasty in the best way possible with all the tabiko and smoked salmon goodness in it. We also had the Lobster Mac & Cheese, Bigoli & Clams and the Fish Tacos. All were divine in their own right. The desserts were great too. I can talk about the food at GT for hours but I suggest you get off your computer and see for yourself.
(5)Ryan B.
I couldn't put this review on my to-do list...I will make time for GT. This place is right up my alley and it should be right up yours too (you know what I mean - haha!). I love the atmosphere here, it reminded of San Fran, no wait, Cape Cod, maybe even the Hamptons. I think we settled on Seattle - probably because Seattle can do no wrong in my opinion. GT is crisp, clean, and harmonious. I think I could smell the ocean breeze. Everyone in the joint was enjoying themselves. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. We challenged our server to amaze us with their best, and he did. The oysters are incredibly fresh...Go with the Penn Cove's...Delightful. The sunfish ceviche is tasty, not to mention the friend green tomato with smoked trout...Words cannot describe. Don't even get me started on the lobster roll. Mussels were delivered to the table next to us and I might have drooled a bit...They looked like reason enough to go back very soon. The cocktail menu is fun and creative, and there is a very nice wine and craft beer list. It doesn't get much better.
(4)Nimit P.
Hello awesomeness! Like many others, I was a bit skeptical about another small plate restaurant dotting the line of up and comers in the last few years, but I must say GT is already becoming one of my favorite spots in the city. I've been a handful of time in the past six months or so and every time I've left beyond satisfied with my experience. I've probably had everything on the menu, and a few musts for us are always the Clam Chowder, Lobster roll, Crab Cake, Tuna Poke, Fish and Chips, and Oyster Po'Boy sliders. If you like oysters they have a great selection of fresh east coast and west coast oysters, and everything is generally fantastic. The bar's open late and also has the full menu available which is a nice option since it a weekend reservation can be a little tough. If you love seafood, this place is perfect a small group of four or five and just go nuts with menu!
(4)Onur U.
The first time I stopped by I found a spot at the counter and looked around for a menu. In the ten minutes it took for me to flag down a server I got bumped into several times and rudely crowded by the after-work power crowd that fills the place right around 6PM. So I said screw it, why bother. I returned recently and waited until a couple seats opened up at the bar. The service was attentive and the other patrons didn't bother us, so this is definitely the way to go. We started off with a couple cocktails and an order of oysters. The cocktails left a lot to be desired. The cocktail list features drinks that are much too sweet for me, and when I tried to direct the bar tender he grew flustered trying to understand what I was looking for. I get it. The place isn't trying to be a serious cocktail bar. Still it was annoyingly difficult to get a drink that wasn't overly sweet such that it masks the alcohol. No wonder the menu has so many vodka drinks. I'm sure they employ some excellent bar tenders, but I'll probably stick to beer in the future. The oysters were excellent and priced similarly to other places around town. Good selection featuring both east coast and west coast oysters and a shucker who knows what he's doing (read: lots of liquor left in the shell and no sand). The rest of the food was overpriced and uninteresting. The seafood was all fresh, but the eel was smothered in sweet sauce and the lobster roll was miniscule. I'll return because I love oysters and they're doing a good job with them. My strategy next time will be to stick to beer and oysters, and be sure to get a seat. With that in mind, it's nice to have another choice to get solid oysters even if they are over 2 dollars a pop. Such is life in the middle of the country,
(3)Joey T.
I went to GT for lunch on a Friday with a colleague. It was packed and I got the sense most people made reservations. Although we did not make reservations, we were able to get a good table. The decor was fun and enjoyable. I suspect that in the evenings the dress is a smart casual, but being lunchtime near the loop, most people were wearing business dress/ business casual. The service was great and very informative. We went with a bunch of west coast oysters of differing variety and some chowder. The oysters were excellent! The soup was good as well. We left pretty satisfied.
(4)Frances A.
The best lobster Mac n cheese and lobster roll I've ever had in my life, hands down. Service was great. Everyone is very knowledgable and knows their stuff. They made my friend feel really special on her birthday. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Therese F.
Went here last night for a work dinner (10 ppl) and everyone came away a fan. Service: Excellent. We arrive pretty early for the reservation but they seated us immediately and got us our drinks. With a group of 10 people, and no one had dined here before, the waiter did a fantastic job working with us to select options for the whole table. No one was ever in need of water or a drink and for an individual with dietary restrictions, the waiter pointed out which dishes they should avoid upon being brought to our table. Atmosphere: Great -- not as uber trendy as I expected based on some reviews -- still trendy and very nice but had a laid back chic feel. Food: Wonderful (broken down below). Also a good wine, beer, liquor (Pappy VanWinkle particularly), and mixed drink selection. - *Tuna Poke: Very good, would order again. - *Ceviche: Refreshing and light, great option to order first. - Baja Shrimp Bruschetta: Good, not spectacular. - Oyster Po'Boy Slider: Didn't try this one myself, but the rest of the table raved about this one. - Cauliflower: Didn't try it myself, others seemed to like it, only dish we didn't finish though so not as good as the other selections. - **Gnocchi: Hands down best dish. - Crab Cake: One of the better crab cakes I've had in the city -- one member of the group is from Boston originally and said it was one of his favorites. - Mix of East & West Oysters: I'm definitely a East Coast oyster person, although others like West Coast more -- obviously it's a personal preference. Good Oysters, not the best I've had in the city. I actually prefer the oysters at NoMi. - Fish Tacos: Also really good, but think Mercaditos are better. Still worth ordering. - **Lobster Roll: Close second for best dish -- everyone was raving over this one. The pairing of flavors between the lobster filling and the bread (slightly toasted added a nice crunch). I was hesitant based on mixed reviews, and this isn't something I would order on my own, but was glad they brought it out. - GT Lobster "Mac and Cheese": Definitely tasty, but some of the other dishes were so amazing that this was a bit outshone. It was brought out last so that may have come into play. I would recommend it for groups or smaller/more intimate pairings. Not necessarily for kids. Plan on going back.
(4)Ashley K.
I'm going with two stars based on the descriptions Yelp assigns to the star ratings. I didn't love GT but I didn't hate it. Everything that we had was fine, but for what we paid for dinner, it should have been been better than fine. I'll start with the service, which was definitely the high point. Our waitress (forgot her name) was very pleasant and helpful. The busboy kept refilling my water glass every time I took a sip. I appreciated the attention to detail but they left the water on the table, so I really could have done it myself without someone's hand in my face every 2.2 seconds. As for the ambiance, I liked the nautical theme and was glad that they didn't overkill it. But the noise level...let's get serious. I am a late (gulp) twentysomething so I understand that restaurants, especially ones with lots of open space like GT Fish & Oyster, will be noisy. I don't mind a moderate level of noise. But when I have to practically scream to talk to my dad across the table (2 top), that's pushing it, even for me. Either GT is oblivious to the fact that the design of the space will create a noisy environment, or they don't care, because the music was blasting louder than I rock out to Party in the USA when I think no one is watching. GT, I know you're in River North and I know you want to be trendy, but I just don't find it amusing to have to yell to carry on a conversation. If I wanted to do that, I'd head up to Wrigleyville. Onto the food. I had such high hopes for this place after reading other Yelpers reviews, as well as a review from a friend. Per the server's recommendation, we ordered 6 small plates for two of us. We had the fish dip, Baja shrimp bruschetta, clam chowder, lobster roll, fish & chips, and crawfish tail ravioli. To start, the majority of the food was overly salty for my personal preferences. The fish dip was quite good but came with 3 small dollops of dip. 3 small dollops of dip? I put more toothpaste on my toothbrush than the amount of dip we got for $10. Good but not worth the cost. The Baja shrimp bruschetta were great. The flavors were all really interesting, not a combination I would have ever put together, but it worked really well. I had read raves about the clam chowder, but I thought this was a huge disappointment. I knew to expect it to be more watery than most chowders, but I don't think that's a good thing with a chowder. Give me heavy and creamy any day. I didn't get a good bacon flavor from the soup and didn't notice the plethora of clams others have mentioned. The lobster roll - I wanted so badly for you blow me out of the water! If I could only eat one thing every day for the rest of my life, it would be lobster. And it's so hard to find lobster in Chicago that won't cost you your first born's college education. But this: a giant waste of $22. Like I mentioned earlier, there was nothing particularly wrong with the lobster roll (and it was done properly with minimal dressing and accoutrements), but there wasn't anything particularly stand out about it either. I think we got gypped on the lobster meat, as I noticed many of the rolls coming out seemed to be much more abundant than ours was. The bread on the roll was delish but unfortunately, I tasted way more bread than lobster. I did love the fried onions that came with the roll though. I enjoyed the fish and chips a lot. The breading on the fish was outstanding and the fish was perfectly tender. I enjoyed the fries a lot as well, but well, I've never really met a fry that I haven't liked. My dad did not care for them so much. The fries, excuse me, chips come dusted with a Japanese seasoning that gives them a malt vinegary taste. Which is fine if you like malt vinegar with your fish and chips, but kind of ruins it for you if you don't. Again though, a small portion, especially if you're sharing it among more than 2 people. Finally we had the crawfish tail ravioli, which again suffered from an oversalting problem. The ravioli were filled with a cannelini bean paste, which I thought made them seem more like pierogis than ravioli. Either way, they were decent and the lobster broth they were served in would have been amazing if it weren't quite so salty. And if it came with some bread for me to sop it up with. This was my first experience tasting fiddlehead ferns, and I have to say, I'm a fan. Overall, I was pretty disappointed. My dad took me here to celebrate our birthdays at my suggestion, which caused me to feel bad for picking a restaurant we didn't really enjoy. Don't think I'll be back any time soon.
(2)Kelly W.
Very solid-- good vibe, helpful waitstaff, wonderful food. The Cold highlights: Tuna Poke, Shrimp Bruschetta, Sunfish Ceviche (probably my fave-- bright flavors, so tasty!) Lobster Roll (I could have eaten 3 servings of this myself) Oysters: I love oysters-- the best there in my opinion were the misty point and sunset beach. Also, ask for the house made hot sauce-- the green has good, flavorful heat. Hot Highlights: Stuffed Squid was better than I expected. I preferred the cold dishes much more to the hot ones. There was some crayfish dish that I would definitely skip and replace with the clam chowder, which I am kicking myself for not trying. Also to note, good wine list, My table did bottles of this great greek white that our server recommended once we narrowed down our tastes. Speaking of tables, the one we were at was very wide and sat more than one party so it was a little weird but we managed. Overall great experience and look forward to coming back, OH, and don't you dare skip the cheesecake panna cotta.. I'm still dreaming about it.
(4)Lauren D.
We really enjoyed our dinner here. The service was great - friendly and helpful and the waitress stopped by often but not too often. The food was excellent Tuna Poke - Fresh & delicious Oyster Po Boy Sliders - Out of this world. Fave. Lobster Roll - Buttery bun, light dressing. Super tasty. PEI Mussels - Great mussels, tasty sauce & bread for left over sauce!
(4)Sean D.
Visiting cites on the east and west coasts, I've always longed for a good oyster bar in Chicago. That day has arrived! We arrived early on a Saturday evening since reservations are limited (apparently by design to build buzz) and sat at the oyster bar. The service was very informed and attentive, even when the crowds filled in. The wine list was good, but not amazing, I would have liked to see some better wines by the glass available. There are some great pics on the wines by the bottle, however, the Chablis was perfect with our oysters! The guys behind the oyster bar indicated that the oysters are flown in fresh daily and the oyster menu changes based on availability. GT had a great selection of east and west coast oysters and the staff was very well informed about the qualities of each. The oysters tasted fresh and delicious! Aside from the oysters, the lobster roll was very good. We also tried the hamachi crudo which had great flavors on the plate as well as the halibut, which was light but flavorful. The space was fun and well lit, with both casual and well dressed diners alike. Highly recommended!
(4)James W.
I really like GT and would consider it one of Chicago's new rising stars. The space has a cosmopolitan feel and, this past Saturday night there was no shortage of fashionable and beautiful people. The prices are some what high when you consider the portion sizes but, the food delivers. It is well prepare and tasty. My wife and I shared several dishes. We started with the grilled caesar salad and enjoyed a variety of raw oysters, crab cake, gnocchi, fish and chips and finished with the carrot cake. All of our choices were really good. I'm a big fan and will return again but I wish they had a larger selection of sides.
(4)Eric M.
Tough reservation to get, and understandably so, given the neighborhood (Wells St and further West in River North somewhat starved of dining action), niche (thin competition in the seafood category), hype, and affiliation. But I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the food - the oysters we had were great (east coasters big in both volume and flavor) and several of the small plates featured delicious and, at times, adventurous combinations of flavors. It isn't a traditional seafood house (for better or worse), despite the Cape Cod allusions in its decor. The place does get loud, and the staff is busy. I have a feeling it'll be that way for a while. I'll certainly be back, often.
(4)Jessica B.
I love seafood, especially oysters, so reading reviews that GT Fish & Oyster had some of the best seafood in Chicago, I said "I want to go to there." Fortunately, what I've been reading on Yelp and hearing from friends about GT Fish & Oyster is pretty true. My friend and I went for dinner and had a nice evening. The decor and ambiance is really fun and...nautical. The chalkboard walls are a great touch, so are the weights on the table as decor and the rope and see mask light fixtures. It is modern but not stark (e.g. white walls), there is a warm to it. There is communal seating but my friend and I had a two-top and it was more comfortable. It does get VERY loud in there during busy times so be prepared to lean forward to hear your companion to hear them speak. Tables are close together too so be prepared to move them around as well to get in and out of the area. The fun part of this though is that people see food appear and ask how it tastes and for recommendations. Food: My friend and I had the following dishes (with commentary included): - Lobster mac and cheese (Really good, the ratio of lobster to noodles is really favorable and it just blends together really well without overwhelming the taste of lobster. The sauce is a little runny, which I didn't mind and the cheese sauce is mild which helps with the lobster flavor as well) - Fish tacos (Really tasty as well. There are three in an order and the corn tortilla with grilled fish and lettuce is so tasty. There is some odd, crunchy crumbs on top which isn't totally necessary but this was another favorite dish) - Soft shell crab (Yeah this was pretty much one of my favorite dishes on the menu - that we ordered. It comes with arugula and strawberries, which isn't really necessary for the dish and was a bit overdressed, but the crab itself was really plump and SO tasty. OMG, I loved this) - Fish dip (This wasn't bad but not amazing. It comes with a few Terra chips and three smaller dollops of various fish. If you eat the dip alone, it's really fishy smelling and tasting but if you add in the sides with it, it's not too bad. Overall though, I wouldn't order it again) - Crab Agnolotti (I read a lot of mixed reviews about this from Yelp but our waitress recommended it and my friend and I decided to give it a try. Overall, I didn't hate it although I don't think she liked it as much. It relies a lot on the side items to give it some kind of strong flavor, which normally, I'm not a fan of happening. The crab ravioli is good but you do really need the mushrooms, boy choy, tobiko and peppers to give it a kick because the ravioli itself isn't super flavorful. And to my friend's credit, she was right, it smelled like a Yankee Candle too, but I still enjoyed it overall. But I probs wouldn't order it again) - Fois gras and shrimp terrine (This was also really good. The bread was very soft and light, so it wasn't too crisp and overwhelming and the mix of fois gras and shrimp worked really well, especially with the chutney on top. I wished there was more fois gras inside but the balance was really nice) - Mixed oysters (Yeah I can't remember the exact ones we got but they were REALLY delicious. The taste was clean, fresh and they were well prepared. The homemade shallot sauce and cocktail sauce were delicious too. I literally could rave about them all night) Overall, we were really happy with the meal, especially me, and I would absolutely go back. I won't lie, the meal is pretty expensive and we spent more than anticipated, but it was some great seafood and the oysters were the best that I've had in Chicago too. This is definitely a special night out location.
(4)Trevor H.
Every Wednesday at 10:30PM they have 1/2 price Oysters. It's a good deal for Chicago, you'll pay about what you'd expect at a coastal city, between $1 to $1.75 an oyster (as of this writing.) The oysters varieties were diverse, east coast, west coast, and overseas. There are oyster sommeliers on hand, ready to tell you about the notes of cucumber in your Penn Cove. They are master shuckers, leaving no shell fragments in any of my 20-some oysters. My partner and I ordered several dishes, and while good (glazed cod was the highlight) they all covered up the taste of the fish. I suspect all the seafood is as good as the oysters, real sashimi grade stuff, so it makes me upset that they'd dress it up so much. At any rate, I'm glad a place exists in Chicago where I can get diverse, well shucked oysters. I could do without all the pomp, but beggars can't be choosers. Consider me a Wednesday regular.
(4)Chris N.
I really liked this place. My girl and I started at the bar. She wore blue and drank red. I went for the Aged Old Money and it was a great cocktail. And if you like cocktails, it's definitely worth spending the extra $3 on aged version. The bartenders totally knew their stuff, and pretty personable to boot. For apps we went with the oyster shooters and artichoke...liked the shooters, loved the choke. We got seated and went for four dishes and that was the perfect amount of food for the two of us. The fish tacos are fantastic. Get them! If you're sharing, the menu has 3 to an order. But you can ask your server to add a fourth for the even split for an extra few bucks. Lobster roll was good, but inappropriate at $29. Out in San Fran, this is $12 sandwich from the street vendors. The space was pretty cool, the staff nice, and crowds dressed well.
(4)Steve W.
After a productive day wandering Arts Chicago (which was incredible), we decided to grab an early dinner at 5. After 30 minutes of indecision, I suddenly remembered that GT Fish & Oyster was right nearby, so we stomped on over there. Since we were so damn early, we were one of about three tables there. I have to say that the service was attentive. I've been the Perennial and Girl & the Goat, but the Boka groups really outdone themselves here. Just a constant parade of servers swapping plates, cleaning up, et al. Now to the food: the three of us ordered the Shrimp Bruschetta, Lobster Mac and Cheese, Hamachi crudo, Mussels, and Sturgeon. The Shrimp Bruschetta was absolutely delicious. I'd say there was too much avocado - a bit of a white whine - but I love avocado. The Mac and Cheese was as good as you expect. You can't screw up Hamachi crudo if the fish is great - although I liked Girl & the Goat's version better. The Mussels were alright - not particularly meaty. The Sturgeon was a real disappointment. The fish itself was cooked perfectly. It came with roasted tomatoes and eggplant puree. Now, taken in concert, the dish worked well with the acidity of the tomatoes cutting through the bland puree, but either the dish needs more tomatoes or they need to rethink the puree, which seemed to be unseasoned. So all-in-all, the food was good but not great, and the service was outstanding.
(4)Laneka G.
I went back for the lobster roll, it was good small but good the chunks of lobster were a nice size and i was happy it was not full of crunchy stuff light mayo and the roll was nice and buttery. the onion rings were ok and all the lil veggies tasted like beets to me i guess it was the pickling sauce
(4)Homer S.
This place is Fantastic & i've been a couple times. loved sitting at the bar & ordering food while talking to the guys shucking oysters & whatnot.. highlights so far... lobster mac & cheese oysters, obviously lobster roll fish tacos gnocchi cheesecake panna cotta service has been super friendly & attentive, decor is really nice & gives it a comfortable atmosphere. food was very very good. i will be back.
(5)Tracie C.
Last night I had a good dinner at the GT Fish & Oyster. However, I was expecting to have an AMAZING dinner with all these 5 star reviews. I went with my boyfriend and another couple, and we had to make reservations 3 weeks in advance for a Monday night. I will have to say that I was pleasantly surprised at how light and airy the décor was. I really enjoyed the cream colored walls and the beautiful artwork of sailboats hung throughout the restaurant. We started our dinner with the oysters and they were very tasty and fresh. Since I am a Yelper, I did my homework and knew we needed to order the Tuna Poke and the Lobster Roll. Both were good but again, nothing amazing. I don't know if I'm just a seafood snob because I'm from the East Coast and grew up eating fresh fish and crustaceans but I wanted something more. I will have to say that we had great service. Our waiter was super friendly and put up with us while we ordered 4 dozen oysters. We were also celebrating a birthday and our waiter was able to stick a candle in the dessert! We left there with a smile on our faces and a bill for $360 - not including tip! Three Stars - wouldn't go back.
(3)Marfa B.
I do not live in Chicago, but every time I am visiting, this is a place I go!!! I love everything about it: food, service, atmosphere! Great place for a date or just hang out with friends!!
(5)WM P.
This is a Boka Grp restaurant (shaking my head in disappointment). The one star is for the oysters. Basing this on two visits. One when they were relatively new and then again recently. Just plain poor. Fish tacos - inconsistent. One was really well done the other two were a mess. No balance and the fish became a side note. These are three tiny tacos, how can each one be different, with two of them being bad? Eggplant - plum sauce was like a jam and over powering. Lobster Roll - Like the tacos no balance with the ingredients. Lobster gets lost. Not even mentioning the other dishes. Consistent theme - the main ingredient was often mishandled. All of the dishes had the feeling of a first attempt, like they would be better after trying the recipe a second or third time. Avoid.
(1)Sher C.
If you make a reservation three weeks in advance and show up on time (on a weeknight, no less), you really don't expect to be shown (if that's the right word for three steps from the hostess stand) to the WORST TABLE IMAGINABLE. To be clear, I am not a princess, but was not going to spend an evening dealing with every single body that came through the door. The hostess seemed quite befuddled when my husband and I both said "no way" to the terrible table. So they told us to have a drink, where the server tried to convince us that eating at a community table was the way to go. Um, again, no. Is a table in the dining room an incredibly obnoxious request? Perhaps, since GT has a strong whiff of 'you just should be happy to be here.' Here's what we were happy about: Fabulous Clam Chowder Awesome Cocktails Attentive Servers And these brought the meh: Didn't know it was a tapas style place and no one mentioned it until we had ordered Prices seem inflated by about 25% Some dishes and dessert disappoint In retrospect, having a great cocktail at the bar, and possibly a small plate, would have been a better approach to GT. That's my recommendation to the curious who might be tempted to drop in.
(2)Amy X.
first stop on the see-food tour of chicago! this is a four-star, but more like a solid 4 compared to the 4.25 of fish bar. the value proposition here is just steeper than i had expected. but every dish was amazing in its own right, and i would love to go again for a special occasion. we tried a selection of oysters, and let me tell you, that ponzu sauce is out of the world. what else would i recommend in terms of cold dishes? tuna poke. a bit standard perhaps, but i liked it better than the (more unusual) foie and shrimp terrine and the sunfish ceviche. the ceviche had avocado, and at the end, i felt like i was eating guacamole rather than fish. i just didn't really care for the flavor/texture of the terrine. i'm all for the whole "cold meat + aspic in a loaf shape" kind of appetizer, but something about this combination just didn't suit me. in terms of hot dishes, we started out with oyster po' boy sliders. thinking that we'd maximize the dishes tried, we ordered one to share between two people. WRONG DECISION. these tiny little morsels were probably the most delicious part of our meal, with a buttery delicious roll and tangy, spicy kimchi slaw. order enough for your crew. the scallops were crazy delicious, super well cooked and came with such great flavors. the highlight of the salmon were the additional ingredients it included -- mesquite flavored mushrooms, elephant garlic, crispy duck tongue. the lobster mac and cheese was great, but not mind blowing. you'll probably want to get it in case of food regret later on. so, my biggest problem with the restaurant was the portion size. between a table of four, we shared 7 dishes + oysters -- and left with just a dull grumble in our stomachs. i know this is quality food, and i know that quality doesn't come cheap. but c'mon GT, i went home and had to go to big star to share a hot dog to quell my stomach's complaints. my wallet being mad? i can handle that. wallet ANND stomach unhappy? serve bread (or oyster crackers) and help a sister out!
(4)James V.
The only reason I was able to get a reservation for this past Sunday is because I happen to know an influential insider, otherwise, this place is booked out three weeks in advance. Our server was as knowledgeable as she is beautiful. Alice recommended the most refreshing, delicious drink, the name of which I absolutely cannot remember right now, but it was glorious. We started with some oysters, the Sunfish Ceviche, BBQ Eel, and Smoked Hamachi Crudo. The ceviche has avocado in it, and so it looked more like a guacamole than anything, but it had the bright citrus taste and light, refreshing flavor consistent with ceviche. The Hamachi was phenomenal as well, and I highly recommend you try it. The BBQ Eel was good, though not necessarily noteworthy. For hot dishes, we had the GT Lobster Mac and Cheese, Monkfish, and Fish Tacos. The mac and cheese was more like shells and cheese, and for my taste, was a little over-seasoned. The fish tacos were good, and not your standard; there was a smokiness, incorporated with the chicharron, that added a good depth to them. The monnkfish was decent, but not something I'll ever order again, now that I've looked it up on google images. For desert, Key Lime Pie, served in a crucible. It had just the right balance of tart and sweet... come to think of it, now I want more of it! GT Fish & Oyster is a great place for a formal occasion, or a nice night on the town. I highly recommend that you dress to be seen, and that when you make your reservations, you ask for Alice... if her section's not already fully booked.
(4)Scott N.
The food was outstanding here. Everything from classic and simple favorites to intricately prepared and very fancy dishes with influences from all over the world. The atmosphere was like if you took a shack bar on the dock of some tiny fishing town and plunked it down in the middle of Manhattan- somehow urban and nautical simultaneously but it really works and the place looks awesome. The service was also exceptional and our waitress and Sommelier had amazing suggestions and new the wine and food menu like the back of their hands. My only complaint is some of the seating is at big central tables and you can end up sitting next to who knows which can be good or bad. In our case 3 D-bags looking to get as drunk as possible in the 2 hours they had before their wives set curfew for them were pounding tequila shots and breaking wine glasses sending red flying all over the place but that is hardly the restaurant's fault. Overall this place is a 9/10. I would go back. Great for entertaining clients, dates, or groups.
(4)David F.
My wife and I went to GT Fish and Oyster on a Friday night pretty early for drinks and appetizers and left with a $200 bill! We really enjoyed everything about it. The cocktails to start off with are some of the best I have had in a while. The main impression that I was left with (we went 4 months ago) was the oyster po' boy sliders. They have an amazing kimchi on them and they are absolutely incredible. I could eat those all day. We didn't really have a bad dish and left very satisfied (probably OVERsatisfied). TIP: If you are more budget minded...try the mussels. They are cheap and you get quite a bang for your buck.
(5)Kara C.
The reasons I loved GT Fish and Oyster: -Cool ambiance: New England charm with a modern, urban twist -The scene: Loud, crowded and energetic (don't go expecting to have a quiet, intimate date) -The food: Amazing. Get the Lobster Mac n Cheese and the Ceviche - both outstanding -The accessibility: You can make a reservation (which you will definitely need) on Open Table -And always a great option during the summer, there's outdoor seating! GT was everything it's cracked up to be. Get on Open Table now!
(4)cynthia w.
We've had dinner a few times here. Most of the dishes and drinks have been delicious. Some are just okay. The ingredients are always fresh. The service is excellent and upbeat. I'm not a fan of communal tables, so I ask to be seated along the booth. My favorite tables are either end of booth- very cozy. New Year's Eve was really great. It was a well thought out tasting menu where just about everything we ate was wonderful! We would do that again.
(4)steve b.
Maybe my expectations were set too high, I'm really not sure, but I kinda feel like I ate at a different restaurant than some of the other people leaving reviews. We sat outside - 5:30pm reservation on a Thursday night. The table was fine & comfortable. We both ordered drinks, they were nicely presented and tasty. We ordered: Cold: -Tuna Poke: My favorite dish of the night, it was excellent. -Foie Gras & Shrimp Terrine: Well presented, but lacked flavor Hot: -Lobster Roll: Good - I've had more flavorful ones, but good. I don't think I'd get it again. -Seafood Gnocchi: Inedible - the gnocchi were so soft they were disentigrating on the plate. The waiter said they use sour cream in making them and they are soft - just a fair warning to any Gnocci fans out there that these - at least the ones we had, weren't what we were expecting. To their credit, they did not charge us for it. Dessert: Key Lime Pie - also good - loved the toasted marshmallow topping, and the filling had a good tang to it. Service was sporadic - our water glasses were filled constantly but our waiter wasn't around much - we went about 20 minutes after getting our drinks before our dinner order was taken, and then were never checked on after the hot dishes arrived, which is where the Gnocci issue was. I guess based on reviews I was expecting more - it was a good dinner, but not great - not going to rush to come back - which is unfortunate since so much of the menu looks good.
(3)Ed B.
Going there every time we're Chicago. The best oysters in Midwest. Great small food plates. Dessert is a must have. outstanding friendly service. 5 stars all the way. My favorite restuarant.
(5)Kara K.
Yesssuhhh...there's nothing like fresh seafood to get the nads pumpin. Oh..I don't have nads so let's try this again. Yessuhhh..there's nothing like fresh seafood to get the juices flowing---and GT Fish and Oyster does a great job in making that happen. As usual, my Favorite Foodie Friend had my mouth-watering for a week prior to our visit with his Flavor Flavish hype job of this place. As we approached this chic River North eatery, the hungry, little voice in my head kept saying, "Yeahhhhh boyeeeee, you're gonna eat good tonight!" Since it was a Friday, I thought we might have to wait a bit even though we had a reservation, but we were seated immediately at a cozy 2-top. The sexy lighting, posh decor and beautiful people had me bright-eyed and the menu offerings got me bushy-tailed. It was going to be a good, good night. I could feel it. First order of business, though--cocktails. Of the hand-crafted variety.The Waitlist (you little tease you) tempted me with his sexy blend of Grey Goose. St. Germain, lime, grapefruit and bitters and had me whipped after just one sip. FFF had the Old Money --Black Maple Hill Bourbon, Aperol, Nux Alpina Walnut Liquer and Allspice--and it was mighty tasty. Now that our taste buds were sufficiently whet, it was time for some action. That action came in the form of a dozen and a half Kumamoto and Kusshi oysters. All hail Kumamotos in their juicy, meaty glory! The accompanying ponzu mignonette and cocktail sauce were the perfect complements to these superb oysters. Next up was the sunfish ceviche. This amazing, light and flavorful dish composed of sunfish, chimichurri, jicama and avocado came together to create a rave in my mouth. All that was missing was the E, whistles and glow sticks. Next was the lobster roll and the Alaskan King crab legs.O.M. G. Juicy, sweet and succulent. If I were alone I would have stuck a leg in my mouth and fallen face-first into the butter---that's how good and fresh they were. And even though my stomach was begging me to stop, FFF taunted me by telling me I had to have the GT Lobster Mac n Cheese. "No FFF!" I wailed. "Why are you doing this to me?" He just laughed sinisterly and told the waiter to bring us an order for the table and one to go. "Bastard!" I said in my best 40s film star voice and tried to slap him. He caught my hand the moment before it hit his face and said, "It's for your own good, dollface." He was right. Nirvana was reached the moment the first creamy, tender, perfectly seasoned bite touched my lips. I hit the "like" button hard on GT FIsh and Oyster. Decor was fabulous, service was on-point, the crowd was chic and the food, plating and presentation were DOPE!!!!!! Giuseppe Tentori, I'm a fan.
(5)Jeff K.
Yes! I swear. I was over whelmed with the dining experience here. I was prepared for the worst given the hype, reviews, location... I judge and I judge often and I judge hard. But from the moment we got there to the time I walked out, I had a top dining experience in Chicago. I swear. First off, our waiter James was THE BEST! I came here with my boyfriend for his birthday and we were in no rush. James did a superb job not only talking us through the menu, but he also realized we were in no rush and kept the pace of the meal perfect. Also SUPER knowledgeable about the wine list (more so then the manager or this random guy that came over and tried to "help" us pick out the wine we wanted). Kudos, James. As for the food: Baja Shrimp Bruchetta = AMAZE. Oyster Po'boy slider= I WANT IT RIGHT NOW!. Octopus= we were told it was the serving staff recommendation and favorite, IT'S MY FAVORITE NOW TOO. Ricotta Gnocchi= pure pillows of JOY! And to top off the meal, Salted Caramel Tart. Tears of joy and I think it came up in my dream that night (I am not normally a dessert guy). Thank you so a wonderful meal, GT. I would come back here in a heart beat.
(5)Tai K.
Best.Oysters.Ever. The clam bake was delicious too!
(5)Sam H.
My experience here was absolutely top-notch. Kudos to bartender Rick! Solid scotch and cocktail recommendations. Got stood up (on my BIRTHDAY no less!) and decided to keep my plans and take myself out to dinner. I started with 1/2 doz oysters, Rick recommended that I go with a mix instead of all of my tried and true fanny bay. Great start - I want their ponzu shallot mignonette on everything I eat. Dude who brought out the oysters was nice enough to bring me some fresh horseradish, because that's the kind of girl I am. The shrimp avocado bruschetta's a little small (two pieces, four shrimp) for the price. So tasty though! The grapefruit and toasted pistachio really elevate the dish. Worth it. As my entree, I had the gnocchi with smoked salmon. Holy.... this might be one of the best things I've ever eaten. Super light gnocchi, and the smoke from the salmon in the cream sauce almost reads as a carbonara. Again, a small plate but just perfect for how rich and delicious every bite was. Finished off with a few bites of perfectly caramelized and crunchy brown sugar creme brûlée. I could have done without the raisin compote on top but it didn't take away from the dark tasty custard. Who says you need company to enjoy a birthday?! Thanks for the treats, GT. I'll be back
(5)Allison M.
I moved to Chicago about 5 months ago and this was BY FAR the best place I've been to. The food was AMAZING, our server was soo thoughtful and energetic, and the drinks were of the perfect size. I went here on a Thursday night around 8:30pm. My date made the reservations earlier in the week and that was the only time they had available. So I would def make reservations as early as possible! We both didn't mind a late dinner - so 8:30 was perfect for us. We ordered a mix between west coast and east coast oysters. West coast were bigger and more "buttery tasting". The east coast ones were smaller and had more "salty fish taste". Date preferred the west coast and I preferred east coast. Nothing wrong with either - just different taste preferences. The second I ate the oyster I knew it was the best oyster I have ever had! We ordered another round of oysters because they were so delicious! We also shared the fish tacos which were also to die for! I wish we sampled the dinner menu more, but we wanted to save room for dessert. We ordered one (key lime pie) - but was mistakenly given two (something chocolatey but cant remember as we didnt' actually order it). This was the only mixup the entire night. Our waitress took off the dessert we did not order, but said to enjoy it anyways! A bit pricey, but TOTALLY worth it! love love love
(5)Charles A.
The prices for individual tapas style dishes make this a prohibitively expensive choice for a casual lunch. We perused the online menu and chose to go here but were caught off guard when the waitress recommended ordering 3-4 dishes a piece that were priced at $12-15 each. We felt that this should have been mentioned on the online lunch menu somewhere. This would be a place to take a client you are trying to impress.
(3)Kate L.
GT Fish & Oyster was probably one of the better meals I've had in Chicago. The atmosphere was beautiful and the service was excellent. The small plates menu allowed us to try a variety of items, all of which we thoroughly enjoyed. Everyone in my group agreed that the oyster po boys were our favorite. It's an item that I never would have ordered without the server's suggestion, but I'm glad I did. I also really enjoyed that we were able to order individual oysters if we just wanted a taste, which was nice. They allowed us to bring our own cupcakes for a friend's birthday and brought them out in a very nice presentation when dinner was over, which I really appreciated. The meal was a little bit pricey but definitely worth it. Highly recommend!
(5)Teresa C.
Food was excellent. You must get the lobster roll. The restaurant is really packed, so be prepared to wait for your table even if you have a reservation.
(4)Samuel M.
Came here for dinner tonight - I've been meaning to make the trip for a long time, as I've heard uniformly good things. The interior is swanky without feeling stuffy or uninviting. Lots of large tables, with interesting conformations (one has a centerpiece of small logs, another is shaped like an enlarged boomerang). The service is very attentive - water glasses are never empty, and the hosts and waitstaff solicit diners just the right amount. They also make a decent manhattan - a touch too sweet, but by no means egregiously so. With respect to the food, as is the case with most new restaurants in Chicago, GT Fish and Oyster focuses on small plates. Everything we ordered was tasty, and in a very sophisticated way - the dishes were almost uniformly nuanced and intriguing. However, with the exception of the scallops and the fish tacos, none of them blew me away. Seared tuna niçoise salad is served over surprisingly flavorful bib lettuce, and the fish is left perfectly sashimi-raw on the inside. As they'd better be in a place with oysters in its name, the oysters are fantastic - we sampled the mirada, the quilcene, and the orleans, all of which are meaty with just the right amount of brine. Shrimp bruschetta served over avocado mousse is very good; at first glance I found this dish cliche, but the shrimp were seasoned thoroughly in a cumin-based spice rub, adding unexpected panache. Tiny oyster po boys are an interesting mixture that works very well - fried oysters, kimchi, and sweet hawaiian bread. The scallop dish stands out in a city full of pedestrian analogous offerings; the mollusks are seared to perfection, and their unusual accompaniments (fried duck tongue and pickled "buddha hand", a Southeast Asian citrus) complemented very nicely. Whitefish tacos with fennel are excellent and served on impossibly soft tortillas. The only dish which I felt I'd had elsewhere was the cioppino; very good, but sort of the same mixture of seafood served in tomato broth that I am used to eating at other restaurants. Also, it was a tad light on the seafood (which was a shame, as my lone piece of tilefish was exceptional). Desserts (we sampled a divine salted caramel tart and a date cake) are as distinctive as the entrees. The one thing that kept me from going bananas was the price. As I've said in past reviews, I like not being served a trough full of food, but for my personal dining habits this place is a bit steep. After sharing oysters and six ~$13 small plates between three of us (actually more like 2.5, as one of us wasn't that hungry), we needed to order an extra plate and multiple desserts to be sated. However, I want to emphasize that by no means do I feel fleeced - this food is very high quality, and it's served in an expensive area of town known for extortionate pricing. All in all, GT Fish & Oyster offers an excellent dining experience, but by no means one of the best I've had in this loaded culinary city. I'd be very down to come back for half price oysters (always available after 10 PM) and a drink or two as a component of a hedonistic night out in the future, and maybe will try that lobster roll that everyone raves about.
(4)Joshua W.
Fantastic staff and totally knowledgeable in every area...wine, oysters, food....you name it. Fresh as can be product with outstanding quality ingredients in the dishes make everything we have tried outstanding. Rolled in late last night for some wine and oysters at the bar, also tried the tuna poke, pork belly slider, and lobster roll and all were right on the mark with vibrant flavors, perfect balance, and just damn good.
(5)Tanya S.
Best dining experience I've had in a long time! Our server, Josh, was super friendly and knew the menu like the back of his hand. His recommendations and tips were spot on. EVERYTHING we ordered was phenomenal: crudos, octopus, lobster mac and cheese, oyster po' boy slider, Berkshire pork belly, salted caramel tart, and strawberry tiramisu. I have had my fair share of octopus and pork belly, and I have no qualms in saying that GT's were the best I've ever had. I am definitely coming back!
(5)Brian B.
Awesome! Food was unreal, absolutely delicious, service was just enough to be attentive but not overly so, and prices while a little high were offset by the quality of the dishes. Definitely going back!
(5)Raj S.
Wifey and I went to GT Fish and oyster last night for the second time. We had geriatric hour reservations and we were seated right away. We shared: oysters - really fresh, great house made mignonette and hot sauces. They even gave us some small bottles of the hot sauce to take home. soft shell crab- the crab was good, but the roasted corn was the star. Also had "popcorn" sauce which was buttery and delicious. lobster roll- good, but small portion for the price. Liked the pickled vegetables as well. clam bake- more like a seafood stew and surprisingly good, with shrimp, clams, mussels. salted caramel tart - delicious. Struck a nice sweet-salty balance with caramelized bananas and creme fraiche. Service was attentive but not obtrusive. We left feeling satisfied but not overly full. My only real criticism is that everything, including drinks, is a bit overpriced, especially for the portion size.
(4)Lisa L.
Service very good. Prices decent. Food was pretty good. Only real complain, this restaurant seating is very close and it is very loud.
(4)Agnes F.
went to GT several times and have tried different dishes: tuna poke, shrimp bruscetta, walleye pike, gnocci, they are all quite good but the shining star at GT has consistently been the desserts wow, i am generally not a big dessert girl but GT has definitely won me over on that (the goat milk panna cotta is officially my fav dessert) so a perfect day will be, grab dozens of oysters, order some cocktails and then try all their desserts!!
(4)kris w.
Let's just say I felt like smoking a cigarette after eating here and I don't smoke. This place is off the chain and for only being open a couple of weeks I was impressed by the great service and really fun ambience. Then there's the food. Holy canoly! Definitely recommend a cocktail off the specialty menu. I too loved the oysters, lobster roll, and especially the key lime pie. I will definitely make this a must go back again and again destination. You should too.
(5)Clark G.
Hmmm this is a tuffy because the food was really good. The quality of the fish was excellent. We had the halibut (wonderful but about 2 oz), lobster roll was really good, oysters - awesome, king crab (stuffed in 4 bite size pasta shells $21 rip off!), shrimp bruschetta (only two - wtf?), fish tacos (saved me from having to order tai when I got home) and of course desert and coffee. Tro in a two tree drinks a piece and badabing $300. It made really miss Joe's Stone Crab. :-(
(3)Jaime E.
Loved it
(5)Jen A.
I thought the lobster roll was amazing, although the bread was a bit greasy. Everything else was just good. We tried 4 different oysters which were fine, but pretty much all tasted the same. The crab cake was nice and light. Everything here (except the lobster roll) is just very small, I wouldn't even consider it "tapas" style. Bill was $170 for two people. That included their cheapest bottle of wine.
(3)Lauralee O.
Many of the dishes were...bland. The quality of the seafood can't be questioned, but for that price I expect to be consistently blown away by the flavor. Or at least give me enough food! This restaurant truly embraces the small plate concept. Some of the dishes were solid, but many were mediocre at best. I was totally unimpressed by the bruschetta and the halibut. I thoroughly enjoyed the oyster po-boy and the chowder, however. The cocktails were excellent. But the best part of the meal by far was the dessert: order the caramel tart if you go. (But consider going somewhere else.)
(2)Irissa N.
We went here because we were in town for Mother's Day and we had a gift certificate. We called before and they said it would be a two hour wait. When we got there, they were able to squeeze us in in 10 minutes top. It was a two person table by the window. It was really busy but the atmosphere was great. We ordered about 8 tapas total between me and my mom. They were all delicious. The best was the Black Gnocchi and the Ceviche. Overall, great place, a little pricey but what can you do, it is Chicago.
(4)Kate S.
We went on a Friday night around 7:30 without a reservation. However, we were able to get 2 seats at the bar quickly. The bartender was nice and answered all of our questions. I had one of the signature cocktails which was okay, but then switched to wine. Oysters were delicious, as were fish tacos. Lobster roll sandwich was okay, but way overpriced for the size. We'll be back and try to sit at a regular table. Bar got busy and people were reaching in for drinks, etc. while we ate (our fault not GT's so I didn't knock a star off for that). This place is good, but loud and pricey.
(3)Alex R.
Came here the other night and was very impressed. The ambiance was classy yet relaxed, and the food was delicious. We loved the unique lobster bisque, oyster sliders, lobster mac & cheese, and the creme brulee. One of the best things about our meal was the fantastic service of our waiter Trevor. He was one of the most kind, enthusiastic and attentive servers I've had in a while. I'll be back!
(4)Robert G.
Outstanding food. Nice people. Load (too) music. Service just ok.
(4)Erik J.
After dinner at GT Fish and Oyster last night, I can't say I would change anything about this place. EVERYTHING was great - food, service, ambiance, value. The menu is features primarily small plates. We had the oysters (6 different), poke, ceviche, lobster roll, and the crab with bok choy and mushrooms, and were thrilled by them all. The wine list, while not huge, has something for everyone in both taste and price. GT also has a well-edited selection of beers. The restaurant was not as crowded as I'd feared. We showed up a little early for a 7 PM reservation and easily found seats at the bar. At 7 exactly, we were shown to our table. The bartenders deserve recognition as well. They couldn't have been more friendly, efficient or accommodating. I'd recommend GT Fish & Oyster for any occasion - casual weeknight dinner to dressy weekend event. We will definitely be back!
(5)Derek T.
I came here to celebrate my wife's birthday because she loves seafood and seafood places are decently hard to come by in Chicago compared to a city like Seattle (where my wife is from) They have a great and diverse menu with a lot of fun options to chose from. The menu reminded me of seafood tapas which is great to me because I enjoy trying lots of different things. I loved the decor and atmosphere and the food was delicious. Don't come here if you are someone who is looking for a big meal to walk away stuffed from, because that's not the point. This is a place that you come to enjoy different tastes that are high quality and enjoyable. I look forward to coming back again
(5)Paula R.
I'm not one to Yelp... why you say...? Because I used to work in the service industry and I always wondered why a Yelp review was worth so much. How do you know the person yelping isn't crazier than the person serving them, but as they say everything is subject to change. And now I find myself a yelper... I came in to GT Oyster last night, and I have to admit my dining experience was spectacular due to Delphine. She went above the call of duty. Her table side manner was professional, but friendly and warm. I wasn't interested in making my own decisions so I left it up to Delphine. I'm a bit of a picky eater, and I don't like to take chances with my food. She was patient, kind and informative about the menu. So I trusted her recommendation. Here's what I had for those who are interested... The lobster roll -Connecticut style (it was delicious), lobster mac and cheese(my waist is hating me, but worth it), and salted carmel tart with a great bottle of Roussane grape wine. Now, that I am on the other side, and I am the one tipping it's a new experience, and I must say this experience was 5 star! GT Oyster - well done hiring Delphine- I'LL BE BACK!!
(5)Amy D.
GT oyster serves up a great lunch, beware though even though it is just lunch the dress code is pretty much in affect, i was quite surprised how dressed up everyone was. Of course you cannot come to a place that is known for their oysters and not order them, so we order oysters from four different regions. As always they were super fresh and briny, and loved the mignonette. Our server was great, she got the bar tender to make me a Bellini when it wasn't on the menu. As nice as the gesture was it really needed more peach nectar, it was more just like a flute of champy, but i cant complain about that. My sis ordered the tuna poke, and it was a great dish to eat along with the oysters, light, refreshing, and loved the mango element. I ordered the fish tacos, and they were served right with the double stacked corn tortillas, but the flavours were really flat. You typically eat Mexican for bold flavours, i felt like they played it too safe with the tacos. Overall i really enjoyed the oysters, and the surroundings at GT and i would definitely go back but i would stick to just oysters next time.
(3)tracy r.
Everything was great. Clam chowder, ceviche, fish and chips, wine, everything was GREAT! I wish they had more than a one person at a time bathroom...but otherwise great decor.
(5)Marie F.
I was really excited to try GT on Friday. Tuna poke and fish tacos are a must. I didnt really care for the shrimp bruschetta (I didnt think grapefruit, guacamole and shrimp was a good mix). The cod and polenta was good - wish there was more polenta. the restaurant itself was really really loud (might have been the table of obnoxious guys next to us) - it would have been nice if it were a little more conversation-friendly.
(4)Jamie B.
I had extremely high expectations for this place, and after dining here last night I just don't see the appeal. I am a very hard critic and not easy to please, and I aknowledge that up front. I am going to compare this place to other outstanding seafood restaurants I have been to, just so it is fair. I do not think the oysters were that great, I think they were very overpriced and shucked incorrectly....every oyster I ate had bits of shell in it. The drinks were not cold, and only two types of vodka are carried: Grey Goose and Russian Standard...I opted for the latter, and did not enjoy it. Being a Ketel One gal myself, this was somewhat disappointing. After starting off with a not so chilled $12 martini, the rest of the experience was just "meh" as they say. The 6 small plates my party and I shared were all very rich and decadent, but really lacked seafood all together. What meager bits and pieces were there were not even enough for one person to enjoy. A lot of fillers, but not so much protein. Final bill came to $259 for 4 of us, not including gratuity. We each had two drinks and left hungry. I guess I am just spoiled by the fabulous seafood in Boston.
(3)T L.
Made our way to GT Fish & Oyster last weekend. The place is hot right now so we'd suggest reservations well in advance. We made them late in the week for Saturday and had to settle for a 10:30 slot. Dieing from starvation, well dieing may be an overstatement, at 9, we stopped in to see if they could squeeze us in. They couldn't, but we hung out at the bar and acted like vultures over the shoulders of 2 guys sitting there checking their smart-phones. Using telepathic messaging, or maybe it was our dirty looks, we managed to get the guys to leave and took their seats. The food here is primarily of the "small plate" variety with the menu split into cold and hot items. They also have a nice selection of raw oysters, hence the name. We went with a dozen Peacock Cove oysters. These East Coast buggers were small but very tasty. We also ordered the Shrimp Bruschetta because when we checked in on foursquare a tip popped up suggesting we order it. We're not ones to reject tips from total strangers so brushetta it was. From the hot menu we also ordered the Lobster roll because we heard a lot about that item before we went, and we also ordered the mahi mahi tacos. It was all very good, but the tacos were the best, hand's down. The tacos came with a chipotle aioli and a sprinkling of chicharrons (which we found out later is some kind of pork) and served in a corn tortilla. Get the tacos! The service was excellent, the ambiance was hip and happening. The crowd, especially that late on a Saturday night leaned toward youngish. We'll be going back to try other menu items, but we'll definitely be ordering the tacos again.
(5)A.L. S.
Small plates to share. Lobster roll, BBQ eel salad and tuna poke were delicious. The squid ink gnocchi was sub-par. I would recommend skipping it. The carrot cake was super sweet and decadent and paired well with the sweet dessert wines. Don't get their glasses of Chardonnay. Ambiance was really quaint
(4)Melissa S.
Oh, yum yum yum yum yum! Have eaten here three times now, twice at the communal tables. Service is impeccable, food is amazing, and we've tried everything on the menu but haven't found a thing we didn't like. Sure, there are some things I like more than others, but honestly you can't go wrong with anything you pick. I love the fact that you can just walk in and pretty much not wait to get a spot at the communal tables. This is key when you aren't the type of person to make reservations way in advance. The only food item I have a beef with is the lobster po' boy - it is so giant and WAAAY too much bread - it just doesn't fit with the rest of the plates at all in my opinion. Perhaps mini lobster po'boy sliders would have been more appropriate. My personal faves are the foie + shrimp terrine and the fish tacos. The hubs enjoyed his oysters.
(5)Alex W.
This place was absolutely delicious. If you want amazing oysters and great seafood, this is the place to go. It's a bit on the expensive side, but the quality is totally worth the price.
(4)Jennifer M.
My new favorite oyster bar! Items I tried and will have again: oysters, oyster po-boy sliders (amazing), bento (great way to try 3 different options at once!), fish and chips (these aren't just typical fish n chips- they are to die for!), and the salted caramel tart for dessert. The staff is incredibly helpful, friendly, and fun. Can't wait to return!!
(5)Scott B.
I have been meaning to try this restaurant for a long time now. A blistering hot day made it perfect for a nice seafood meal. Being a HUGE fan of the BOKA group, I came in with very high expectations. GT exceeded them all. The service was outstanding from start to finish. The hostesses were very apologetic about our wait for the table, even though we were early and were still seated on time. Our waiter (Frankie) was very helpful with recommendations and knowledgeable about the menu and oysters. We tried the Reach Island Oysters to start and the Clevedon Coast to finish the meal. Both were great, but I would choose the latter if choosing between the two. In between those, we tried to Gnocchi and Lobster Roll. Both were delicious. It was the best Lobster roll I have had in Chicago. To the person complaining about it below, I don't think they know what they are supposed to taste like and the buttery roll is a huge part of a classic roll. The cocktails were spot on. I tried the Dark and Stormy and The Waitlist. Overall a great dinner. Great design by 555 International as always. Music wasn't so loud I couldn't hear my friend speak. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Marco H.
this is a tapas style place. so order at least 3 items per person. like the design of the restaurant. very casual. my highlights: -the escolar (white tuna) -king crab legs with citrus and butter -hamachi sashimi -fish taco (excellent!) -tuna poke (also excellent) the crab cakes were decent. everyone ravs about the lobster mac and cheese. I thought it was ok. then again, being from the south i have a high bar for mac and cheese.
(4)C H.
Amazing seafood...and for the most part, I hate seafood. The service is fantastic, if not a little over-aggressive, and the food was truly gorgeous. We had Oysters, Lobster Rolls (both), Clam Chowder, Fish and Chips, shrimp bruchetta...I can't remember what else, but all of it, everything was delicious. Crisp, clean, flavorful.
(5)Marcus Z.
The Staff: About as friendly as I've ever experienced anywhere The Wait: The gap between the cold dishes and hot dishes being served was really my only complaint. We waited awhile. The Food: Oysters, Gnocchi, Smoked Hamachi, and Lobster Roll. Of all these, I could've done without the Hamachi. Oysters were fresh and I enjoyed their house sauce. Desert menu didnt really leave me wanting to try anything.
(4)Curt C.
I have been to GT Fish and Oyster three times now - once for lunch and twice for dinner. I have tried about 60% of the menu. First, the theme/concept. GT is a small-plates restaurant almost all of which are seafood based. You may think you've seen similar items on other menus, and you probably have, but an entire menu of these little culinary firecrackers is pretty unique. The room is comfortable and not overdesigned. Traditional flourishes like crown molding, black boards, and chandeliers have been utilized in a way that feels comfortable and just slightly new. I don't think there is a seat in the place that doesn't offer a nice warm view. My favorite element however is the casualness of it all. This is one of the best restaurants in town, yet shorts and grubby beach wear are completely acceptable. The place just could not feel more welcoming. That being said, the service is outstanding. Servers are really well trained and have large support staffs. In three visits, I can't ever remembering wanting for anything. Now the food. Each of my visits started with a tour of their oyster menu. Every day they have between six and eight different varieties. The flavor disparity is shocking and I recommend trying as many as you can. Parenthetically, I like being at a restaurant where the quality of shellfish is so unquestionable that I can be comfortable ordering as many as I think I can eat without fear of a bad one. The cocktail sauce has chopped cucumbers in it and I have never had a better one. The menu is divided between hot and cold sides. Starting with the cold side, I really enjoyed the Tuna Poke with cucumber and what looks like raw quail egg yolks but turns out to be a concentrated mango puree. It's a surprising combination of sparkling flavors. My favorite cold dish (and maybe my favorite dish on the menu) is the Sunfish ceviche served with a radish slaw and eaten like guacamole off of home-made tortilla chips. We also tried the Shrimp Bruschetta, Soft Shell Crab, and Foie Gras and Shrimp Terrine, all of which were delicious. On the hot side, the server will direct you toward the Lobster Roll and you should take his advice. It's terrific and easy to share. I also loved the fish tacos which are fresh tasting and satisfying. They also offer an opportunity to try the house made hot sauce. The basil Gnocchi was so good I wished for a huge bowl of it. At the opposite ends of the frou frou scale are the crab medallions and fish and chips. Both are terrific and worth ordering - the fish and chips for the excellent roumalade (tartar sauce) and the crab legs for the artistic presentation. Below the "line," there are typically three non-fish entrees which are completely unnecessary given the accessibility of everything else on the menu. Just for sh!ts and giggles, and on my third visit in 10 days, I ordered the Berkshire Pork Belly which was a wonderful take on cassoulet if maybe a bit much for a warm summer night. Still, bacon, right!? The desserts are all great and I think I have had them all. The choices are reminiscent of those you would find in a fine steak house, but rather than oversized they are petite and carefully crafted - really the perfect cap for such a tasty meal. My favorite is the carrot cake which is as expected but with a surprise ingredient. There were only two things I didn't love. The first was the eel which looked awesome, but tasted just too much like the sushi pieces you can get anywhere. And at four bites an order seemed less than a value. The second was the Mussels which again, were just too pedestrian given the other items on the menu. In summary, this place is great. Work hard to get a reservation. Then show up and relax which is what this place is made for.
(5)Monica A.
Really good food at a decent price. Small plates makes it perfect for sharing and trying many dishes. Shrimp Brushetta was great, could skip the Tuna Poke (I think it is better at HUB51), mini Oyster Po'Boy sliders are amazing, Lobster Mac-n-cheese good as well. But by far the best dish was the Mussels...and must have. The sauce is amazing. Even our Toffee Cake desert was delightful. Nice little gem.
(4)Eazmg C.
our meal from most favorite to least order: lobster roll, carrot cake, fish and chips, clam chowder, and shrimp bruschetta. too be honest though it was all pretty good, and i noticed a lot of people already commented, but i would agree it's overpriced especially considering the smaller portions.
(4)anthony t.
Passed it many times and it was always so busy so I decided to pop in with a friend and we got a seat at the bar. Ordered quite a few apps and of course some oysters and everything was excellent. Why four stars? Bartender didnt pay too much attention to us but he was very busy so overall we loved the place.
(4)Mitch G.
I love this place. Our meal started with a Dark & Stormy and an Old Money. Two amazing cocktails. We split a few of the nights freshest oysters. Our waiter Franky explained which were sweet, salty, etc. and really helped us out well. All we knew about oysters was that we liked them and these were easily the best I've ever had. Our dinner consisted of shrimp and fois gras toasts, fried green tomato with basil and roe, grilled sea bass, and their famous Lobster Mac and Cheese. I really dug their small plate style and I must say the sea bass was the winner but all were amazing. We ate here before a raging Phish show and achieved the desired effect. Full but not stuffed, delighted with the feeling one gets when their expectations are exceeded and with a nice buzz as well thanks to their excellent beer and cocktail list. Expect to spend 125+ if your going to do it right, and expect to feel like it was worth every penny.
(5)Caitlin G.
Chris at GT called both my roommate and I today to apologize for the way that the restaurant handled the situation. He did handle these phone calls well and we appreciate him taking the time to get back with us. We do wish we didn't have to do so much follow up on our end but in the end they did make it right.
(4)Jim P.
Meh. Went there before a recent concert. Service was outstanding. Food was good but certainly not great. Cocktails are $12 and they can't seem to pour enough. We didn't have a reservation but were seated fairly quickly. Server was attractive, knowledgeable, attentive. Lobster mac and cheese was ok. Lobster roll was outstanding. The 4 of us were disappointed overall.
(3)Robert Z.
What can I say about GT? If you love eating over a dozen of oysters this is the place. The price adds up but you shouldn't eat oysters too often anyway. You can choose from a variety of regions like your tasting wines. Don't leave without having dessert which is surprisingly made in-house - they are so good I thought they must have outsourced from a bakery. I always try key lime pie when I see it on the menu of seafood restaurants and never imagined my favorite would end up in Chicago - its a parfait serving and it is BEYOND!
(4)Jeanette S.
The lobster mac and cheese is fantastic. We sat at the oyster bar so it was fun to watch everything being shucked. Great quality, fresh oysters when we were there. The place was very busy so it was quite noisy, but still a nice time. We would go back!
(4)Steven M.
Went there with a business partner Monday night. Odd place. It was very very loud and energetic -- so that could be good if you're in that mood. Awesome and creative food, including cocktails. Had a bunch of small plates (they are all small plates) that we shared. Outstanding were the Hamachi Crudo and Steamed Halibut. So so were the Lobster Rolls (one of the reasons I came) and fish taco's. Don't get me wrong, very very edible -- but -- I've had better Lobster Rolls (Neptune Oyster Bar in Boston) and fish taco's (various). At the end, the consensus was -- well, it was pretty good -- but -- not worth the price. I sort of like the vibe and flavor of Shaw's in Chicago better.
(3)Melissa S.
amazing! beautiful room, great service and fantastic food we had the lobster mac and cheese, foie gras, bruschetta, croquettes, fish tacos, tuna poke, ceviche, and fish and chips my favorites were the tuna, mac and cheese and ceviche they only thing i wouldnt get again were the croquettes the key lime dessert was too die for and im not much of a dessert person nor do i really care for key lime pie but the food here was so good i knew i had to have a dessert
(5)Gina D.
Sat at the bar and grabed some appetizers and drinks. Fresh seafood is a must and they got it! The restaurant has a low key atomsphere my huband and I enjoy. We look forward to going back and trying out some other items on the menu. The bartender made some great drinks!
(4)Katie U.
LOVED the lobster mac and cheese, ahi tuna poke, and mahi tacos. Crab cakes were just OK. You have to try the desserts too. . .keylime pie, cheesecake and carrot cake! I think the portions are about 1 order per 3 people. Service, food presentation, and decor was wonderful. If I had to pick my absolute favorite, it would be the lobster mac and cheese. I can't stop thinking about it .
(5)Kathy C.
My husband and I went to GT last night to celebrate his birthday. We were very excited to give this place a try and were disappointed by the initial service we received. We did not have reservations, but arrived around 5pm on a Wednesday afternoon hoping to snag seats at the bar. My husband arrived first and sat at the bar, but put his name into the hostess station. After I arrived, we ordered drinks and were about to order some oysters when the hostess interrupted our order with the bartender and said that they had a table ready for us. We asked if we could finish our drinks at the bar and have some oysters before moving, but she said that our names would go back on a wait list if we didn't take the table now. Fine - we picked up drinks and moved to a table for two by the window. Twenty minutes later and after watching a half dozen other tables be seated and have their orders taken around us, we still hadn't seen a server. The place was still only about 1/3 full and was very . I went up to the host station and let them know that we were waiting for a server - the host graciously apologized and came over to talk us through the menu while we waited for our server to come by. Once she did come by, the server was very good. The server told us about a few specials, her menu recommendations and we put in our first order for a dozen oysters, tuna poke and sunfish ceviche. The oysters were very fresh and delicious, but the $3/oyster is a little steep for me to come back for them. The tuna poke was made with mango puree and preserved mango on thin cucumber slices. I thought this was good, but my husband liked the sunfish ceviche better, which was very limey and had a light avocado puree. Our next order included the bouillebasse special, which had a lobster saffron broth, a "lobster tail", shrimp, clams and mussels. We also ordered the eel, which came with a potato salad. I was thoroughly unimpressed with both. The eel came in four, one-inch pieces atop cubes of potatoes and octopus, of which there was hardly any. It was very "meh" to me, especially knowing that for $12 you could get a huge fillet of eel at any sushi restaurant that was cooked just as well. The special was also disappointing - the lobster "tail" was so tiny, the 3-4 individual shrimp also in the pot dwarfed it. The broth was good, but the three pieces of bread that had some sort of spread already on them were not enough to soak it up. And there were maybe 2-3 each of the mussels and clams. Finally, we ordered the lobster roll, which came with some fried onions on the side, the brandade croquettes, basic gnocchi, and foie gras/shrimp dish. The lobster roll was delicious and there was probably 6oz of lobster meat on the buttered roll. I liked that there wasn't too much mayo. The croquettes were lukewarm and did not stand out, and the foie dish just didn't really make that much sense. The shrimp were smoky and the foie didn't go very well with this - I thought it needed something sweet to balance the dish, which it lacked. My husband thought the basil gnocchi was the best dish. There were bits of octopus and mussels in bowl along with tomatoes, so it was a nice summer pasta dish that wasn't too heavy. We ended up spending around $275 total, including drinks, food, tax and tip. We were full, but I left disappointed given all of the the hype I had heard about this place.
(3)Julie S.
Highly recommend this place, whether it's for a date or for a business dinner. Long waits... so best to try and go early. You can hang out by the bar and have some drinks and oysters while you wait for a table. I am not a huge oyster fan but GT's are the best and freshest I have ever had and would absolutely have them again. Definitely worth trying. The servers can advise, but we had a mix and enjoyed them all. We had excellent and attentive service. The food was well timed and very good. The menu is designed as small plates so a group of people can sample most of the menu. The servers will add on to portion sizes for your larger group. Some recommendations are the tuna poke, scallops, BBQ eel, and crab cake. The lobster roll is OK - but not something you have to try. May want to skip the clam chowder, it's not as chunky as you would like and a little rich.
(4)Junie B.
The only reason why GT gets 4 stars instead of 5 is it is way too loud and obnoxious. Other than that this place is pretty much amazing. We started with oysters. Holy MF'n oysters. The are half off after 10:30 BTW. They are fresh and delish. I recommend the pebble beach - super large and creamy. We shared a Lobster Roll and we had to order another one. Here's the 4 star story - at the communal table, a group of people (most likely coworkers) showed up and one chick was suuuuuuper wasted. She was like a five year old trying to get the table's attention, stealing her neighbor's blackberry, drinking other people's wine. It was hilar until it got really awkward. Finally the blackberry dude grabs her and takes her outside. He must have scolded her because she came back in with a pouty face. Five minutes later b!tch was escorted to a cab by another dude at the table. Yet, the servers never said anything to them about the noise. Loss of one star for unprotective servers/management to defend other diners' experiences. Thanks.
(4)Peter G.
Great staff and amazing food. Go there on a Sunday when it isn't so mocked and Your able to enjoy your evening more.
(5)Devon C.
Absolutely amazing food! Unique, mouth watering creations! I was especially surprised by the dessert. Modern, fun space with great service.
(5)Jennifer A.
Wonderful service and food! I took my husband here for his birthday and he received a 25.00 gift card for our next visit, nice touch. It was packed but we were still able to have a nice conversation and hear each other. Can not wait to go back !
(5)Ladan S.
Great Seafood - a gret experience. You must try this restaurant.
(4)Josh S.
The oysters were great and the rest of the menu items were amazing. For seafood lovers this place is a must. One of the best restaurants in Chicago.
(5)Dee B.
This tapas resturant was clean, trendy small and with good service. Waiter recommended that you order between 4-6 small plates from the cold to hot part of the menu. We just ordered from the hot and order three plates a piece to share. The food was very good and tasty. We enjoyed our meal and dessert. Will go back. Left feeling satisfyied but not over full.
(3)Mark P.
First thing to note was that this place is very casual, which I liked. Living in River North, I appreciate a place that has quality food, but is casual without being touristy. I wasn't wearing flip-flops but I may have been in the minority of men without sandals on. The service was helpful, but casual as well. Even had a couple TVs at the bar playing sports. The bathroom was dirty and the place is quite loud. Food was hit and miss. The tuna poke and oysters were good. I really liked the sauces they served with the oysters. The sunfish dish buried the flavor of the fish. The crab cake was one of the worst I've ever had. The gnocci was overdone. I didn't find the menu to be all that interesting - flavors and options you'd expect from a small plate seafood restaurant. Everything was fresh and professionally done, of course. I'd go back to sit at the bar with shorts on and have some oysters.
(3)Megan W.
A sleek, Cape-Cod style decor and fantastic service. The oysters were so fresh! I recommend the Tuna Poke and Fish Tacos.
(5)Lucas P.
This place came very highly recommended by one of our friends and we went here on our anniversary. We had an assortment of foods including monk fish tail and the tuna poke which were great. Then we took one of the recommendations from the server of octopus with warm watermelon, which was not good at all. I did eat it, but more out of respect. This restaurant serves a tapas style menu and is meant to share. However for small plates it is expensive. Wine and drink list is great. Worth going, but not a true favorite
(4)Beth N.
5/5 for food and interior, 3/5 for service. We had been wanting to try this place since it opened and finally went for my fiance's bday. When I called to make the res, they asked if it was a special occasion. While this usually doesn't result in special treatment, when we showed up there was an envelope at our table with a $25 gift card for our next visit! Very awesome!! We shared the lobster roll (a must), sunfish ceviche (if you like avocado and cilantro, amazing) and the oysters were outstanding! I loved the interior of the restaurant and general ambiance would have been perfect if not for one incredibly rowdy group at one of the larger tables. Annoying to the point where the entire dining room rolled their eyes and I had hoped one of the staff would ask them to quiet down. Our waitress could have been a little more friendly -- not even cracking a smile until the end of the night when we said how much we loved the food and the La Colombe coffee. At one point we wondered if she forgot about our second drinks and we had to flag her down later when we were ready for the check. We will definitely be back to taste more of the awesome menu, $25 gift card in tow!
(4)Vicky C.
So my friend and I went to GT Fish & Oyster right after work, around 6ish so we didn't have to wait for a table. We were seated at the communal table right by the hostess stand. The ambience was upscale, good people watching, floor to ceiling windows and entry way. The only complaint that I have is that it is NOISY, as in noticeably noisy once it got packed -- partly due to the acoustics of the place, louder than necessary music and amount of people talking which hey, they really can't control that last one. Props to our waitress, Miriam who did an excellent job on recommending dishes and oysters with a fun sarcastic tone, my kind of waitress. This is what we ordered: Oyster po'boy sliders with kimchee and peanuts Clam chowder Clam Bake with clams, mussels, sausage, corn GT Lobster 'Mac and Cheese' english peas - as mentioned by other yelpers, plenty of large chunks of lobster Grilled Octopus and watermelon salad Key Lime Pie - perfect amount of tartness (4) Oysters - 2 were east coast, 2 were west coast and I unfortunately cannot remember the names of them since they were suggested by my server. Oysters were served with mignonette sauce and a kickier sauce Needless to say, we were stuffed at the end of the evening. My friend had some stomach issues several days earlier so we opted not to try the tuna poke which I had heard was a must-try or other raw items. I ended up ordering a few oysters to sample because who goes to an oyster bar and doesn't at least try the oysters. My least favorite was the grilled octopus with watermelon salad. I wasn't crazy about the combination of octopus, clams and watermelon. Does anyone else think that's odd? Our waitress thought maybe it was the timing of when that dish came out, but really the flavors just didn't work well together for me. The clam chowder was just ok, nothing extraordinary, thinner than most clam chowders I've had but she kept recommending it because of the weather outside, roughly 60ish temps. I probably wouldn't order this again. Highlights would be the lobster mac n cheese, oyster po'boy and the key lime pie. Both the key lime pie and the clam chowder were served in those little jars, cute and small but the portion was perfect for two tiny ladies. I think if we had a larger group, the portions would've have been pretty disappointing. Overall, a good seafood place in Chicago (a city that is desperately in need of a good seafood joint). I would return!
(4)TJ M.
Top 3 dinners my wife and I have ever had. Started with the Shrimp Bruschetta, then had the Crab Cake, followed by the Sea Bass, then finished with the Lobster Roll. All were very outstanding and very tasteful. We ended with a Peanut Butter and Raspberry desert, which was very good as well. We didn't have a reservation, we walked in and sat at the bar. The bartender/waitress was extremely friendly and noticed my wife was pregnant and made her a special drink that she loved. Overall great food, atmosphere, and service.
(5)Joseph S.
This will be the next great place to be. Super cool but reserved decor, with a boomerang shaped counter in the generous bar area. The lobster roll was superb, the clam chowder is really unbelievable, served in a small mason jar, and, had one of each of the oysters, and all were fresh and tasty! If you like bourbon, must try the Velvet Brick cocktail.
(5)Brett P.
Oysters were fresh, delicious and shucked expertly. My friends and I started off the evening with a selection from both the east and west coast and they were some of the best oysters I have had in Chicago. Things got a little hit and miss after that for us. Hits: Crab cake, this was the favorite of the table, great sauce accompanying the plump and crab filled cake. Lobster Mac and Cheese, peas complimented the lobster filled dish, solid dish Carrot Cake and Key Lime Pie, neither were knock your socks off good, but if you got all of the components in one bite it was a nice ending to the meal. Misses: Basil Gnocchi with Mussels, shrimp, cherry tomato, seafood component of the dish was excellently cooked, but the dish was ruined by the gnocchi. Tasted undercooked and had a mushy, fall apart texture. Not appetizing. Strong tomato flavor. Shrimp and Foie Terrine -- I did not mind this as much as my tablemates, but I was the only one who took a second bite. Muted flavors on the terrrine, brioche toast had no reason to be on the plate, apricot chutney was not good on its own and overpowered the terrine when it was eaten together. Kind of a mess. Squash Blossoms, could have been a mozzerella stick at Fridays -- pointless to order. So-So: Lobster Roll -- good amount of lobster, no counterpoint in flavor to the lobster, no punch. Not satisfied, but it is not like eating large chunks of lobster is ever too hard on the taste buds. Other things to note: Service was really good, took time to explain the menu to us, very patient and helpful. Never had to worry about water being refilled, etc... Ambience is nice, fits the area, but as others have noted repeatedly, you cannot hear the person next to you (and we were there on a Monday night). Found the drink prices to be very high, even for the area. $17 for a Blantons, $14 for a Makers Mark? Give me a break.
(3)Liz L.
Phenomenal. Our reservation was for 9:45 and we pretty much got there on the dot. We were told to grab some drinks from the bar while our table was getting ready. We waited for 15 minutes, several parties that came in after us were seated so we went up to the guy who told us to wait and asked if our table was ready. Totally nonchalantly, he was like "Sure!" I don't know if he just forgot because it was so hectic in there, but not cool that we have to remind someone they told us to wait, especially when he had reservations. That's the only minus point from my experience and without it, GT Fish & Oyster would have easily had 5 stars. Our waiter was super nice and cool. He gave us the exact amount of attention. He didn't pressure us about ordering too much and made an effort not to make us feel bad that we weren't ordering dessert. He made great suggestions about what to have and what order to have the dishes in and made sure everything came out at the exactly right intervals. We had the softshell crab, smoked haddock dip with taro chips, shrimp bruschetta, brandade croquettes, and mussels. Everything was absolutely delicious, the seafood was so fresh and cooked so perfectly. The shrimp brushcetta was especially good, I didn't know shrimp could be that tender and juicy. The elements of the dish were pretty unique but came together perfectly. The mussels were also fabulous and that says a lot because I actually never liked mussels. They were super fresh and did not have the weird rubbery taste that mediocre mussels have. The sauce was not overpowering and complemented the mussels perfectly. Love the ambiance, super chic and modern but not pretentious at all. People who were obviously management were walking around making sure everything was good and even cleaning up tables. Shows that they're really committed, definitely a plus!
(4)Nikki L.
Get ready to empty your wallets. I came here for a friend's birthday dinner with 10 other people. We sat at a large table by the front window (which I walked into on the way in) and were greeted promptly. The service was impecable, our server was always there when we needed her, she was well versed in the menu and gave great recommendations. I could tell she had passion for food and people, a great combo for this industry. We ordered an insane amount of oysters, I didn't eat any, but I could tell my friends loved them so much, they ordered two more rounds ($$$). I had the clam chowder, which was served in a mini mason jar, cute; and tried a little lobster bisque which was covered with a huge puff pastry. We decided to order a few things to share for the table and everything was great, not good, but GREAT. I wish I could give it 5 stars, however the price point was a bit high and would not be a place I could go to often. However, it is great for that special occasion and I look forward to coming back again, maybe with the parents next time ;-)
(4)Cassie C.
I had previously experienced GT Fish and Oyster and was disappointed with the services. I had decided to give it another shot this past Tuesday with the same party. I knew it was going to be a great meal when I walked in and they were playing my favorite Stones album followed by what seemed to be my ipod with indie rock hits from 2008- now. The atmosphere was cozy yet buzzing even on a Tuesday night. Not only was the staff accommodating but the meal was amazing. The oysters were fresh (I'm a West Coast fan) and their house-made cocktail sauces were great. The baja shrimp bruschetta was light and every bite had the right amount of flavor. The scallops may have been the best scallops that I've had in Chicago. We also indulged in the crab cake and date cake which were both delicious however, I was more impressed with the oysters and scallops. The service didn't miss a beat and I always had a hand crafted cocktail at my side. Thank you GT for changing my mind and my making full until the new year.
(5)james c.
Good service, good food, small portions esp for the price and I am from SF. This is my real issue: we were more than a bit surprised that after my dinner companion bit down on a fish taco and almost broke his tooth on a piece of rock hard chicharon it wasn't taken off the bill, despite a $150 tab. The restaurant manager had the gall to come over with a dish of the chicharon powder they used and tried to make excuses -- "ok, if you add only powder to the tacos how did we end up with a hard chunk"? We did get 3 small hot sauces which was insulting, arrogant, bad management. It is sad to see this from what could have been good albeit expensive experience. I guess this is what happens when a trendy restaurant can treat customers anyway they feel. Shame on you guys, you can do better and DO THE RIGHT THING. Diners out there, food shouldn't come with an attitude.
(2)Jeff L.
This place is really good. We went on a Friday night and unlike most new hip spots, we were not rushed through our meal. Our waitress Miriam was so nice and made sure we ordered the right food and enough. I'l highly recommend the Lobster Roll and the Oyster Po' Boy Sliders. The Shrimp Bruschetta had a nice little kick to it.
(5)Carole C.
I am a seafood lover & was excited to dine here having heard so much. Reservations were difficult at 8, all we could do was choose between 5:30 & 10, after 10 the oysters are 1/2 price, a great deal but not as many to choose from & the ones we picked were the tiniest I've ever seen, but delicious, the lobster bisque (bland) I could have skipped, the gnocchi was delightful, the lobster roll was good but I've had better at Nathan's in Coney Island... Sorry! No key lime pie on menu anymore & that sucked but highly recommend the date cake, and not the pear tart the waiter liked. Drinks are imaginative & good, ambience noisy but fun. I will go back but no later than 8...& will explore more cold options. They do encourage sharing & I found their prices very reasonable, they left a $20 gift card in homage to my birthday...so sweet. We will definitely be back...could have made better menu selections!!
(3)Erika P.
Went for the first time last night and was blown away by the food and the service. Chef Tentori is brilliant by really letting the fish/seafood be the star and keeping each dish simple but wonderful. Everything is shared plates and here's my take: -listen to your server's suggestions. Courtney pointed us in the right direction and knew the menu/wine list thoroughly. Her enthusiasm for the food was genuine and spot on! -lobster roll. MUST try. It's happiness on a plate. I was with some friends, one being from New England who works for Food & Wine. As you can imagine, he was skeptical about the Chicago lobster roll and twice he called it "perfect." It is. -tuna poke - so fresh and amazing. Reminded my friend of his recent trip to Japan and right off the boat tuna prepared in the fish markets. -BBQ eel - really loved this. Almost a cinnamon taste to my palate. Very different and delicious. -fish taco - again the fish is the star. Not loaded with "sauces" or anything that will mask the really wonderful, fresh fish. It's simple and this is again, the brilliance behind Chef Tentori's dishes. -crab cake - loaded with crab and barely anything else. Very good. It's true the place is loud but you get used to it, and it just adds to the fun, playful atmosphere...the food, wine list, and service make it 5 stars in my book. Boka group has another hit and this will definitely be my "go to" place for fantastic, fresh, seafood plates.
(5)Allie K.
GT is a great place! Went the other night and had a wonderful experience! As expected, the restaurant was very busy, but I was able to sit at the bar. The service was very attentive and extremely friendly, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable. I ordered a number of dishes but I would have to say the BBQ Eel was OUT OF THIS WORLD! and the Tuna Poke was to delicious as well. I would highly recommend GT to anyone. Chef Tentori has proved himself once again!
(4)Sara W.
Went here with a friend of mine and we were both willing to have a "nice" dinner and pay for it, however as soon as we were greeted by the hostess she stated at 5:30 on a Thursday, "You can sit at a table but need to be out by 6:45." Uhhh okay, but not really. It was kind of weird. The food was fresh overall, but not that great with the flavors. I felt like they were afraid of any real robust taste. The sliders were good but the bread was too sweet for the little kimchi they put on the roll. The ceviche was listed as made with chimichurri, however it was bland. I love chimichurri and this wasn't it. The best thing we had were the fish tacos and the oysters are super fresh and meaty. The ambiance is great, but I just felt like flavors were lacking and the initial welcome wasn't welcoming.
(3)Bruce S.
I am a transplant from NYC and I moved to Chicago close to a year ago, and I find Chicago to be a great eating town, as good as NY if not better in certain areas. When i heard about the opening of GT Fish bar I was very excited because I have been frequenting clam and oyster bars as long as I can remember. So first let me say that the place is beautifully decorated and the oysters were as good as they get, but as far as the clam chowder and the lobster roll, I was very disappointed. Not that they were bad, but to me they didn't have the taste of what a lobster roll or clam chowder should be like. If you have ever been to New England and had either of the two, you would know exactly what I mean. The lobster roll had the consistency of lobster but not the sweet taste. Lobster rolls should be knuckles and claws with just a slather of mayo, not with any condiments to take away from the true taste of the lobster and the clam chowder was not clam chowder, it was clam soup. A very good soup but not clam chowder. Again the consistency of clams, but not the taste. If you have ever had real New England clam chowder you can taste the sea before you even get to the clams and its very thick and creamy with potatoes and minced clams that actually taste like clams. Would I go back? Yes but not for the lobster roll or clam chowder. I would definitely try other selections on the menu, but for now I think the best lobster roll I have had in Chicago is at Shaw's.
(3)Dr. J.
OH MY GOSH!!!!!!! Chicago needs this place! River North needs this place! All of my friends and I need this place! Simply put, GT Fish & Oyster is FUN and will bring out the "foodie" in everyone! What a vision! The food is incredible! The oysters are mouth-wateringly fresh with garnishments as the perfect opportunity for a star chef to display his talents! The two house-made hot sauces will even make Rick Bayless jealous. They are not yet available for purchase so the next time I eat here, I will have to bring along a "senior citizen" who is willing to steal restaurant condiments. They're that good! I'm sure the design team had a blast with this one! I kept looking around for the signature Boka lycra panels to be hoisted as sails. The paintings of old ships will inspire everyone from the Chicago Yacht Club. Just wait, GT -- some sailor is going to come in, discover your clam chowder so cleverly served in a jar, and force you to provision his yacht for a lake Michigan journey. One dish was better than the next! My only regret is that we couldn't eat everything on the menu. The beet marinated and house-smoked salmon was so damn good we ordered it again. The Crab Agnolotti was so sophisticated in taste and texture that it literally made me laugh and then brought tears to my eyes! This place really gets it right! And, our culinary delight was delivered with very attentive service. I don't know how this group does it, but there is a very characteristic sense of food knowledge and attention to detail that is displayed by all who work there. It is clear that everyone involved with this restaurant is passionate about delivering the best food experience possible. The best part about this place is that they are open for LUNCH! This means I can eat there twice a day! Hmmmmm. Clam Chowder for lunch and then Lobster Bisque for dinner... Congratulations BOKA Group on a job well done!
(5)John W.
Great ambiance, great service. It's a tad over priced however. The oysters are fresh and probably the best we've had in the city. BBQ eel is delicious but small. Lobster mac and cheese is perfectly light. Mussels weren't good-must have been an off night. Overall, definitely worth checking out
(4)kb j.
We went on a weekend evening. We had a reservation and were seated promptly after arrival. We were led through the bustling bar area to the dining room. The tables are closely packed together. The menu offers a variety of small plate seafood options (there are a limited number of non-seafood choices). Highly recommended are the tuna poke, the Po Bo oyster sandwich and the fish tacos. The wine list includes several by-the-glass selections and many bottle choices. Service was friendly and well-paced.
(5)Dillon D.
Quick and to the point, you need to find your way here....Lobster roll "cape cod" style is one amazing alternative. Tuna poke and the avocado/shrimp bruschetta is dynamite. Plan ahead and make it happen.....for all the people that bitch about the price, Red Lobster has your table ready for you.....
(5)Meg E.
i left here drunk on oysters. the mussels, ceviche and desserts were delicious. its a great place to grab a cocktail OR have dinner -- thumbs up. dont get the chicken - meh.
(4)Sarah M.
My husband I went here on Black Friday with another couple. Call me picky but I am kind of over the whole "small plates to share" fad that trendy restaurants are into now. Because someone always gets less and it makes it tricky when splitting checks like we do. Plate-sharing (IMHO) is an overpriced way to squeeze consumers and this oyster bar does it well. The fish and chips were good and the caramel salt dessert was to die for but the environment is very LOUD and communal seating makes conversations un-private. One person in our party is hard of hearing and so it made for a difficult place to talk at all. When he did speak or laugh loudly other patrons did the obnoxious head-turn at him. The drinks were good and the waitstaff was helpful and friendly but I think I don't think I'll go back. Too pricey for too small of portions ..but that's part and parcel of the River North area I suppose.
(3)Leslie H.
Seafood was unbelievably good, including some of the best oysters I've ever had, dirty martinis were also delicious! We did have a hard time getting our waiter's attention as we'd like to have ordered more drinks.
(4)Nirav S.
lobster roll LOVE! fish taco's yumm!
(4)Bonnie K.
I LOVED IT! The mussels were my fave!! The service was excellent and the food was so amazing! Will for sure be back!
(5)Alice K.
this review is a few months old and overdue, and all i remember was that the food quality was good, portions a bit small, pricey but understandable for seafood, the wait was long even with a reservation, the interior was nice and clean. the best thing i had was the oyster po boy. if i ever go back, i hope they still have those on the menu.
(3)Victoria B.
I would give this place a solid 4 stars for the food, the atmosphere and the service. It was really good and completely unlike anything else I had to eat during a long weekend visit to Chicago. We happened to go for lunch on a Friday and it seemed to be a very popular, slightly trendy lunch venue for business men and women. The oyster selection was pretty good - I was shocked by the selection seeing as it is the Midwest. But my favorite thing we tried was the Baja shrimp bruschetta, which had the perfect balance of crunch, flavor and spice. I loved it and I actually think it might have been my favorite bite of the whole weekend. My least favorite was the tuna poke, which was good, but a little one note and too mango-y and sweet. I just wish it had something else to brighten it up - maybe some fried taro chips for texture and more acid/heat? I don't know. It was just kind of ehh for me. The lobster roll was tiny, but it was very tasty and I liked the sides a lot (fried onions and giardiniera). It wouldn't fly in Maine as it was more of a lobster salad and the bun itself wasn't quite right, but who cares?
(4)Andrew W.
We have always been a fan of the Boka Group restaurants and so we wanted to try GT fish and Oyster for my sister's birthday. The interior of the restaurant has a very suave marina feel to it. Carlos was our waiter and even tho it was he second night waiting tables, we had a great night with him. He even gave my sister a dessert for her birthday so we appreciated the whole evening. Highly recommend for people who are in mood for excellent seafood and small plate sharing.
(5)mike s.
Awesome food, lived up to the hype in my opinion. Also has great service and enjoyable interior/ atmosphere. Had 8-10 menu items with a group and literally everything was tasty.
(5)Marissa D.
a little late on this - and i'm sure by now everyone knows that GT is a winner. i can add briefly to this consensus after dining here twice. really like the atmosphere here, great drinks at the bar, and the food is so delicious. some of my favorites include the clam chowder (which needs to be served in bigger portions because the small "tapas" portion just isn't enough!), the lobster roll, the oyster po boy, amazing oysters, the fish and chips, bbq eel, and the mac and cheese. love it here and am sure it'll be a good stand-by for a nice meal out.
(4)Sarah S.
A fun place - always had super nice waitstaff and overall great food. Oysters are awesome, and the desserts did blow me away. Where did it lose that one star for me? A couple dishes that don't quite cut it- the glazed cod was overbearingly sweet and the baja shrimp bruschetta was a little on the bland side. Should that stop you from going there? Absolutely not, plenty of other really delicious things on the menu...
(4)Arlene S.
Had a great experience at GT Fish and Oyster this past weekend. Service was great and my mouth was watering for oysters and I was not disappointed. East and West coast, one was better than the other. Make sure you make reservations. This is a hot spot. The portions are like tappas and you can taste more food. Which made me smile! Try the dessert like key lime pie. Mmm Mmm good! I will definitely return!
(5)Sarah M.
Excellent food, small portions, amazing oysters, great ambiance, wonderful location, terrible service. Our waitress was dim, uninterested, unfriendly, and slow. We would probably go back again for an oyster fix and just hope for a better server!
(4)Greg G.
I really struggled whether or not to write this review since GT Fish and Oyster is....was one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago's river north. I've come here for Brunch/Lunch/Dinner multiple times and frankly I was surprised I didn't already have a yelp review for this place. The food is great here. I love their lobster rolls and their fish tacos have the perfect amount of spice and flavor to them. They have delish cocktails and their service is amazing. I could go on and on about how awesome this place is, but I don't think I can go back. We came here Saturday night for drinks and some small plates of food. The first plate we ordered the cesar salad was great until someone found a dead moth or a baby cockroach in their salad (it had 2 antennas and wings), we couldn't really tell, it was covered in salad dressing and it was taken away almost immediately. I get it. It happens. They cleared our plates and the manager was kind enough to expense our meal and drinks, however the meal was ruined. Half our table left almost right away due to feeling sick. No one wanted to eat anymore, appetites were lost.. and now I don't think I can eat there again without thinking about that stupid bug. The only thing that worries me is that there is very rarely just ONE bug.. They might need to check out their kitchen for some infestation or something. Anyway, it's a great restaurant, don't let my bad experience deter you from going there. but if anyone else has had a bug in their food at this place I'd be curious to hear about it, otherwise we were just a freak accident. I give this place 5 stars minus that one bug incident.
(3)Laurie D.
I had a wonderful time tonight! Our meal was delicious and the service was great. We had the hamachi crudo, the oyster po'boys, the lobster roll, and the monkfish. For dessert I ordered key lime and we lucked out and were able to try the chocolate ganache as well. For drinks, we had Old Dog New Tricks. Can't wait to return. Bless you Giuseppe Tentori.
(5)Tiziana C.
Great décor and ambiance. The food was definitely good but the portions are extremely small. While it's okay to have small plates, the waiter should have explained it.
(4)Kate H.
Delicious oysters, seafood crudo was insane, fun trendy atmosphere. We love it here! Great service as well.
(5)Marc B.
I had a perfect before theatre meal here Saturday night. Well to be honest I strictly had oysters. I love oysters. I get them often as an appetizer. However, once I had the first 6, I kept ordering them. They were all delicious! My date loved her Branzino as well. The staff moved our meal along in a timely manner without feeling rushed, because they asked if we had after dinner plans. Clean, simply decorated place with good seafood. Safe, easy, satisfying choice for dinner.
(5)Yao W.
It has the best clam chowder in Chicago! Rich in flavor and tender in texture, this soup makes a good appetizer. Plus it's contained in a cute transparent jar that is very special. The lobster roll was very tasty too! However the mussels were mediocre.
(4)Mary Ann C.
Fantastic! Excellent first impression. This place has been on my radar for a long time, and my husband and I found ourselves in the area a bit early for a cocktail date with friends. So...down Wells we walked! 1. We found only one open seat at the bar. A busser immediately came over and helped us move over to a central table that was also open for bar guests. He made sure we were comfortable and happy. Stunning and super impressive. 2. The server was very friendly and eager for us to enjoy our meal. Maggie gave us plenty of suggestions and tips. Great job. 3. Drinks....Wow! Balanced, tasty, and interesting cocktails. The "Old Dog New Tricks" was fantastic. 4. Food.......yummmmmmmm! Great oysters. Amazing oyster po-boy sliders. I could have eaten 10 on these! Sunshine cerviche was delicious. We also had a seasonal pasta with crawfish and corn. Cannot wait for another visit to try more. This is a great place!
(5)natalie b.
We came here for a friend's birthday brunch and were blown away with the level of service. Everyone was friendly and welcoming. The mimosas were awesome and the food was good. I must admit I never think of this place for brunch and now I feel like the brunch blew the lunch menu out of the water. I'll be back!
(5)Annie P.
Came here for my bday is October...sorry for the late review. Their oyster selection is fantastic, the lobster roll was pretty good, the chowder was amazing, the tacos sucked, the tartar was also amazing. The only item I wish we had tried that we didn't was the fish and chips... for next time I guess.
(5)Timothy W.
Just ate there on Feb 26 for my birthday. Had some "fresh" oysters. Me and my whole family were sick as dogs. So much for being protected at upscale restaurants. When i called back two days later to make sure they knew. The response from the manager was nobody complained that night. That was because they were all like me, barely able to get out of bed.
(1)Roberta K.
Chef Giuseppe is Amazing and Mauricio is Excellent with his knowledge of the menu and wine pairings. Perfecto!
(5)Annie B.
This is one of those places where you have a lot of trouble rating everything in order of your favorites because everything is so ridiculously delicious and you don't want to upset the shrimp brushetta by talking about how amazing the mussels are.. you get the point. So, my recommendations in no particular order: Shrimp Brushetta Oyster Po'Boy Sliders (Order at least one per person) GT Ramen PEI Mussels (after we finished the mussels, I ate the roasted tomato sauce by the spoonful, with little to no shame) GT Mac & Cheese The people we went with loved the Clam Chowder as well. We ordered a bottle of the Grune Veltliner Salomon Undhof which at $44 is a great price. Also tried the Clean Break cocktail which is delicious, especially if you like gin. This place is definitely on the pricer side (our bill was $207 without tip for 4 people) but it's reasonable and definitely worth it.
(5)Michelle K.
GT Fish & Oyster is one place that actually lived up to its hype. It had been on my list of places to go for a very long time and I finally got the chance to go today with two friends. We called around 1 to try to make a dinner reservation and it was understandable that we'd only be able to come in around 5 or 5:15 or 9:30. We opted to come in at 5:15. When we got there, the restaurant was pretty empty but started to fill up over the course of the dinner. My two friends were really impressed with the interior and I would have to agree--it was well decorated and felt comfortable but also modern. The mirrors everywhere did reflect so much light that it was hard to take good pictures if that matters to you! We ordered a few oysters each--my favorite was the Sunset Cove (one of the West Coast oysters). The description describes it as creamy and sweet and it was. It wasn't as salty as the others which I preferred to the other ones. They were also large in size and well worth the $3. They did leave me wishing I lived by a coast so that I could eat oysters more often. I forgot how much I loved them! We ordered a few dishes to share! Shrimp bruschetta: This was wonderful. The avocado and shrimp went so well together as well as the slight cilantro. It had a subtle kick to it and the subtlety of the grapefruit paired so well. All of the flavors went well together and it left us excited for the rest of the dishes to come! Oyster po'boy sliders: This dish was beautifully created and went unexpected well together. The fried oyster, their take on kimchi, and the peanuts blended well together. It had just the right amount of crisp and give. The kimchi made the dish lighter than it might have been otherwise. It was good but I'd love to try something else on the menu next time! Lobster roll: This was the last dish to come out and it left me feeling like I could have eaten it but I could have also done without. The bun was warm and well buttered... Maybe a little too much but yummy nonetheless. The lobster was delicious and the celery made it light in a way that balanced out the bread. It came with onion strings which were a little salty but also delicious. Very crispy! Fish tacos: The fish tacos were one of the messiest things to eat. The fish--I can't remember what it was today--but it was sturdy enough to hold all of the flavors of the garlic and chipotle aioli and the chicharron. It did feel like it was missing something though so it let me use the famous GT sauces. I liked both--the green one had a little bit more of a slow burn and the red one had more of an immediate kick! Octopus: This dish was recommended to us by the waitress but we asked for it without the olives--it's not a listed ingredient but olives are the only ingredient that I cannot eat... HEH. Like the others on the list, this dish had so many different flavors that unexpectedly came together SO well. The yogurt, lemon, potato, and greens went so well with the octopus. The octopus was poached before being broiled and it was absolutely fantastic. Unanimously, this dish was our favorite! Overall, if I were to go back, I'd definitely order the shrimp and octopus dishes again. The others were delicious but I'd rather try other things on the menu such as the poke, grilled white asparagus, gnocchi, or squash blossom. SO happy with this dinner choice!
(5)Mary B.
What in the world did I just eat? I'm pretty sure it was frickin fanTASTIC. I went there for a birthday brunch back in August. We had the private room downstairs, which was great, but it felt like we were being head to a dungeon! Let me first tell you how amazing the bacon was. I'm reallllly picky about bacon because I love it so much and this may have been the best bacon I've ever had. Bold statement, I know. Chilaquiles-Duck Confit, salsa, fried egg-this was my second favorite after the bacon. I had never had duck confit but it was surprisingly good and very well made. Crab Benedict-a little overpowering but damn, not bad at all. I like my poached eggs a little runny and these were cooked perfectly. The Chicken and Waffles kind of threw me for a loop. Honestly, it sounds okay but fried chicken and waffles? Just give me some waffles with bananas or something. I feel like you either like this meal a lot, or just don't care to have both of these items together. I'm definitely the latter. The service was PHENOMENAL. Everyone was so polite and attentive. 5 stars to them! I'm definitely going to come back for dinner sometime. Brunch was pretty good but I have a feeling I'd LOVE their dinner. I'll have to save up, though! It's definitely on the pricey side.
(4)Gamaliel E.
Loved the drinks, atmosphere, oysters, and appetizers! Can't wait to go back.
(5)Sierra G.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. The menu is comprised of small plates that are meant for sharing. I've tried most of the dishes and don't have anything but nice things to say. No complaints here! The dishes are seafood-centric, but there are a couple dishes for non-fish eaters and a couple for vegetarians. They are also happy to make substitutions on the dishes. I would recommend the oysters (if that is your thing), fish tacos, eggplant (vegetarian), po boy sliders with kimchi, and the lobster roll. The lobster roll is served with plenty of fried onions for crunch and they are generous with the lobster meat. The key to a killer lobster roll is the toasted soft roll and GT does a perfect buttery grill on the bun. They have a salted caramel tart that is not to be missed. I recommend ordering one less menu item than you think you need and saving room (or calories) for dessert because it is worth it! The space is beautifully decorated with a chic nautical theme and the service is spot on- the servers always often great suggestions. The bathroom also has a gold sink that I am obsessed with. Points for style!
(5)Arisa T.
Fantastic selection wine, had some amazing whites that went well with the fresh oysters they served. Minimum order of 6 oysters, but very well executed.
(4)Ashley L.
So. Good. My husband and I love oysters (order an average of 3 dozen or so for appetizer). The oysters here are so amazing and fresh. The food is also so good. After our oyster fest appetizers - we usually order about 4 dishes to share. The lobster roll is a staple on the menu and should be. Not a soggy buttery mess - but a light and refreshing entree for your own or to share. They also hosted an Oyster Shucking class which only gave us more favorable experience of the restaurant and how they truly focus on serving fresh and sustainable items. Wait staff is also very nice and friendly. Have not had any negative aspects. Will be back many many more times!
(5)Matthew M.
Oysters: great variety, very fresh. Only reason I would return. Lobster roll: tasty, good split-top roll, outstanding pickled veg mix BUT simple web search will yield equal quality, better portioning, much better price. Asparagus: absolutely negligible portion size for price point. Beer: $11 for a Rosa.... $11 for a Rosa?! Cocktails: very good, fair price for River North. Cool space; good date night; better options if you are not seeking out oysters specifically or do not know when you are eating one oyster from the next. I do, and that alone got the third star.
(3)Thu D.
I came here with 2 girlfriends on a Wednesday after work without a reservation because they were booked, but we were seated at the bar pretty quickly and later moved to a table, which was really nice. The restaurant itself is very pretty, a rustic but elegant feel with high ceilings and white curtains. My friends and I are oyster fanatics, so we each got 2 kinds to share - 1 east coast and 1 west coast so we could savor that briny and sweet goodness. They were hands down the best oysters that I've had in the city! We would've ordered more except we also got the fish tacos, octopus, and Pei mussels and were stuffed by the time we were done thanks to the crispy ciabatta that we dipped in the generous helping of roasted tomato sauce from the mussels. Everything was delicious and it was surprisingly not that expensive - a little more than $30 with tip. Next time I go, I will definitely be putting down more oysters and some wine!
(5)Danny W.
Seems silly to review a restaurant that already has feedback from 672 patrons but at the risk they were all robots (I'm decidedly not a robot; I'll prove it if I have to), I'll try. GT rocks! My recos: -Arctic Char -Oyster Sliders -Bruschetta -Poke -Grilled Octopus Excellent service and the actual space is nice too. Also, they give you a gift card if you celebrate a birthday (assuming you're not a robot).
(4)Jeremy J.
We went to GT Fish & Oyster for a Sunday brunch during Restaurant Week, although we didn't order from the fixed price menu since we didn't want anything from it. Instead we ordered the Biscuits and Lobster Gravy, Grits and Shrimps, Country Potatoes and of course, oysters -- two orders of everything on the list a total of 12. The biscuits and gravy we thought was on the bland side, good but missing something. Maybe if it had a little kick or spice to it, it would have been better. Nevertheless, it had a good amount of lobster chunks in it and I ate it all. The grits with shrimp, on the other hand, was surprisingly yummy. It was our first time eating grits and this item on the menu was a winner! Delicious, it was. We very much enjoyed it. The potatoes were very good. I like my breakfast potatoes with some salsa or pic ode gallo but GT only had this salsa verde served warm, and it was fantastic with the potatoes. I absolutely enjoyed that. Lastly, the oysters. Whenever we travel, we like to find a place with oysters (you know what they say about oysters -- heeheehee) and GT didn't disappoint. Our favorite was the Dabob Bay. They were a good size and very clean tasting. Splash some in-house hot sauce, with GT's own sauces and a little horseradish, they were absolutely delightful. Overall, GT was a good choice. I could easily give the joint 5 stars but the biscuits and gravy kind of brought the rating down a bit. I'll definitely return, however.
(4)Leila T.
Not as good as I expected. We started with 2 of each oyster that they had on the menu, these were great and really fresh. Then we had: - oyster sliders: these would be amazing if there were more fried oysters within the slider. It felt like so much fried empty breading. - fish tacos: these were unpleasant... There's crispy little things on top of the tacos, I'm still not sure what they were and they did not taste good. This dish made my stomach hurt, it was just odd and did not sit well. - lobster mac & cheese: soo bland. I had to ask the waiter to bring salt & pepper to the table. After immense amounts of salt and pepper it tasted slightly better but overall very disappointed.
(2)Karla B.
The food was generally great but it was incredibly loud. I went with girlfriends to catch up and we had trouble hearing each other from across the table when seated in the dining room. However, the food didn't disappoint. We had oysters, sunfish ceviche, and the shrimp brushetta to begin. The server added a third piece of brushetta to our order and thank goodness she did, because I wouldn't have wanted to share. The toasted pistachio spread was incredible and was perfectly paired with the shrimp. For our shared main entrees we had the fish & chips, shark tacos, and crab cake. The crab cake came with pickled vegetables which were great. However, the crab cake was disappointingly small for $18. The three of us barely had a bite each. The fish & chips were my favorite because of the house dill pickle remoulade served with it. Delish! The food deserves a 4, however since we struggled to hear each other, even though we felt like we were yelling, I had to give 3 stars.
(3)Anthony D.
Not only one of my favorite Chicago restaurants, but one of the best in the country. Perfectly prepared seafood, some of the best oysters in the country, and knowledgeable staff that will pair hand crafted cocktails with any of the food selections you make. Great overall, cannot say enough good things here.
(5)Dana G.
We celebrated my birthday there and the evening was spectacular. The host gave us one of the seats near the window and we were treated very well for the rest of the evening. Items to order: - Sunfish Ceviche - Oyster Po'Boy Sliders - Octopus - Whole Grain Gnocchi Everything from the food, to the atmosphere, to the service was sensational. I look forward to returning to try other menu items.
(5)Armil B.
My wife and I went there on a Sunday night to celebrate our anniversary. Our server, Angela, was great and was very helpful in helping us decide our order. We started with 6 oysters that, two cold, and two hot dishes. Since it was our anniversary, GT gave us complimentary Po Boys oysters sliders...DELICIOUS! I loved the Cold Soba dish while my wife enjoyed the Shishoto noddles. We definitely will come there again.
(5)Kay S.
An old friend of mine was visiting from London and we were both craving seafood yesterday. After perusing yelp reviews, we settled on GT because at the very least, if the food or service sucked, there'd be another great restaurant/bar around the corner in River North. We ordered a handful of items: shrimp bruschetta, clam chowder, the famous lobster roll, and of course my bud had to choose good ole fish & chips. Portions definitely are on the smaller side (no surprise given that that detail's stated in most reviews), but most everything was scrumptious. So much so that I didn't want to share my lobster roll, but my friend and I decided early on to divvy everything up so we could taste a variety of seafood. My friend had a slight gripe: that the fish & chips were not nearly as great as that offered in London, but of course this seems to be a much cheaper and quicker alternative for those of us who reside in Chicago! The ambiance and service were stellar, but I wouldn't expect anything less in a place like this. We had a wonderful server, Boban, and my friend and him seemed to bond immediately over both being Europeans. It was quite adorable, and he was quite adorable, as was several other people of the waitstaff--can you say eye-candy? Don't worry, professionalism was definitely maintained, as was that nice balance between attentiveness and giving us alone time. Kudos to training your staff well, GT. It all added to the experience. Can't say we had anything less than a jolly good time!
(5)Jon O.
The simplistic, basic style of the food is what makes me a fan of GT Oyster. The Tuna Poke was well balanced with a lite mango dressing and cucumbers and topped with ginger and black sesame seeds. It was a great dish to get things started but I wish I had ordered two because it was so delicious!
(4)Eric G.
First time trying oysters ever. We tried three from the west coast and three from the east coast. East coast was definitely the winner. GT Fish & Oyster was a very good choice for restaurant week. After the oysters I had the shrimp bruschetta appetizer. The sauce on this is amazing, highly recommend. Next came the New England clam chowder. Very good and came with some delightful gourmet type croutons. For my main course I had the po boy oyster. Next time I'll go with a fish. It wasn't bad, just not as good as the gfs tuna. Finally we finished off with chocolate ganache. Highly recommend. All in all I would recommend this place if you are a big seafood fan. The staff was very welcoming, knowledgeable and attentive. Enjoy!
(4)Mariam K.
For starters, let me just say... if you don't like seafood.. don't come here.. because you won't really find anything else to eat. I went with 2 other friends and we were told the plates are fairly small so we ordered a bunch of different stuff. Oyster poboy sliders - amaze (it was my first time trying oysters) fish tacos - pretty good fish and chips - not a fan of this pei mussels - first time trying this... acquired taste maine lobster roll - I didn't like the fact that it was so cold, my least favorite crab cake - really good mac and cheese - delish side of fries - delish! Needless to say, we ordered too much... but somehow we finished everything. For all seafood lovers - this would probably be one of the top seafood restaurants in Chicago.
(4)Leticia M.
GT Fish & Oyster became one of my favorite spots in Chicago. Came twice for lunch and brunch and both experiences were amazing. The staff is very friendly, well informed and the food was outstanding. Can't wait to come back!
(5)Mopsie B.
Went here for the first time ever over the weekend. This place is gorgeous, aesthetically. It is simple, clean, and very light and airy, especially the front area. Service was professional and knowledgeable but not pretentious. They have some cocktail specialties which are interesting. Also a pretty extensive beer list. The wines are fairly pricey with no real deals to note. Frankly, the wines by the glass are way overpriced for what they are. So that is a little disappointing. The menu is small plates, which is nice if you are into sharing. It's really hard to get full here, though. We got a dozen oysters, and two plates per person for our table of six and they do recommend 2-3 plates per person. The portions are really small for the price, unfortunately. The food is quite good. One person or even two could make a meal out of the fish tacos or mussels. We did not try any meats- just all seafood. There is nothing on the menu less than $12. I am not complaining- the food is very high quality, but it is going to run pretty steep if you are hungry and/or get a bottle of wine. (No bottles under $40). Desserts are works of art, especially the ice cream cake. Check it out on payday- you will not be disappointed, even if you do need a snack a couple hours later!
(4)Kim G.
I've eaten here twice now and not been disappointed either time. Most recently we had a reservation but wanted to eat outside. We probably waited 40 minutes for a table but enjoyed a glass of wine at the bar. The bartender was not overly friendly but the wine was good. When we got to our table the server was helpful and attentive. We all shared the oyster po' boy sliders, shrimp bruschetta, fish and chips, eggplant and fish tacos. I loved the first 3 items. The oysters and the fish were so tender and cooked perfectly. The shrimp bruschetta was wonderful. I could have eaten several more! I did not care for the fish tacos. To me the fish had a funny taste to it, however, the others at my table thought they were fine. The eggplant was just okay. It was a little too heavy and sweet for me. Overall if you want seafood and are okay with small plates I definitely would recommend this place.
(4)svetlana k.
Their oysters are the best in the city hands down. Been here many times for dinner and keep coming back. This time had the seafood tower. I would say skip it and get yourself more oysters instead. Their clam chowder is delicious. Their oyster poboy sliders are one of my favorite sandwiches in the city. I would skip on the cocktails and opt for wine instead. Very mediocre drinks. The desert, chocolate ganache, was light and airy unlike many other super dense mousses. Great dinner.
(5)Cali G.
This restaurant is out of this world. We started with a really good bottle of white wine, and we ordered oysters, mussels, trout and octopus. All the dishes were amazing. One different from another.. I have to say that the oysters were by far the best oysters I ever had. The mussels were cooked in a red garlic sauce and came with italian garlic bread for dipping.. Yummy!! The trout was crispy and wrapped in dried prosciutto. Yummy!!! The octopus had this smoked flavor to it. So incredible.. Each dish had it's own spices and unique flavors. The decor is very nice. Highly recommend this restaurant to anyone anytime for any occasion. Yes, there is valet parking. $12.
(5)Norah S.
It is good. I went there with my parents and we had a good brunch with oysters :p if it's not that far from my place I would want to do brunch there again
(5)Fei W.
Ceviche ceviche ceviche!!! Last minute we changed our Friday night plans to come here instead of Maude's. What a great decision, not that I don't love Maude's. We tried: - 6 oysters, 3 east coast, 3 west coast. Consensus was west coast were superior. - oyster shooter - I really enjoyed this with the tuna and the caviar - ceviche. I don't even really know what kind of fish sunfish is, but I don't care. This ceviche was some of the best I've ever had. Our entire party agreed and we ordered a second round. - fish tacos - rivals some of the fish tacos I've had in SoCal. That's saying a lot. We also ordered a second round of these. They come with crispy pork skin on top and one person in our group doesn't eat pork. They were very accommodating and brought us the pork topper on the side. I think they're better than the ones at Mercadito, and they're not even fried! - gnocchi - I'm not a huge gnocchi fan, but it was a good execution for gnocchi - gt mac & cheese - lobster mac & cheese that somehow manages to taste delicious and not too heavy. - crab cake - this was good, but after being blown away by the ceviche and the tacos, it really couldn't hold its own. It's not too heavy for a crab cake, and the proportion of crab to cake is just right. For dessert we split the key lime pie and the chocolate pie. I'm not a huge dessert person, but I liked the key lime a lot. I like my desserts a little tart with the sweet. I also got the Clean break and my friends got the Waitlist. The drinks were tasty and not too sweet. We followed it up with a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc that paired nicely with our small plates. Our server was excellent and really on top of things. When we ordered the 2nd round of fish tacos, she brought it out with the pork on the side though we forgot to remind her. Top notch. I definitely want to come back to try the oyster po' boy, the cioppino, and maybe the foie gras. If it was a special occasion, maybe I'd go for the caviar service. But whatever you do, get the damn ceviche.
(5)Alice Z.
Love this place. fun ambiance, delicious seafood dishes. Great for drinks, brunch, dinner, EVERYTHING. Went here for brunch this time, team ordered: - monkey bread - not as soft as some i've had. Pillsbury is better, frankly... - Lobster roll - connecticut style with butter instead of mayo. fresh lobster, delicious bread. Onion rings side were a debatable choice for brunch though - Biscuits with lobster gravy - pleasant surprise that there was a lot of lobster in this dish. Loved it. - Oyster po boys with kimchi. We ordered 4. devoured them - Crab eggs benedict. Also delicious Would definitely return. Highly recommended!
(4)Franklin K.
I went there with a few co-workers yesterday and the drinks were good and the oysters were also quite good. The ceviche and clam chowder appetizers were quite tasty and I can say confidently that I've never had better clam chowder before. However, the entrees were another story. I had the Roasted Fish in which it was Bass, and it was not good at all. It was super dry, with a really bad taste/after taste. I've had a lot of fish before and this was probably one of the worst prepared fish I've ever had. I tried the Salmon and Halibut and those were also really dry and not very good. I actually sent my fish back to get the fish tacos and I have to say, those were the worst fish tacos I've ever had! I've gone to a lot of restaurants that serve fish tacos and they've all been very good (Big & Little's have the best fish tacos in Chicago) and I simply cannot believe how bad the fish tacos were. They actually literally tasted like what poop smells like, just plain awful. The saving grace of this restaurant was the service. The waiter was very accommodating and took the food that we didn't like off the bill. 6 people with two bottles of white wine, and 1-2 drinks per person with 2 oysters per person and entree's for everyone came out to be a little under $600. Overrated place, but service was good and appetizers/drinks were good.
(2)JJ K.
Omg. One of the best.... No no. The best seafood I had since I came to Chicago in 2007. Clam chowder was differently good. Unique but really delicious. Poboy slider, I can eat for three meals everyday. Seriously, I only had one just so that I can try lobster roll (amazing too) but next time, I'm ordering at lease three. Service is great too. Very friendly. I don't know why it took me this long to try this place. Love it.
(5)Jaime G.
Jonesing for oysters? Try the GT Fish Oyster House in River North. Wide selection of oysters from East and West coasts. When i was there for lunch, they had at least 6 different kinds of oysters and most were very good. Like the fact that they were pretty fast to bring to the table and that the decor is cool. Can't really say much about the rest of their offerings (like the chowders and lobster roll) since I wasn't too impressed. A little pricey and suggest that you don't stray too far from the core oyster offerings if you come.
(3)Jenny H.
Holy Mother of Pearl!! This is probably your best bet for the freshest oysters in the city! Great variety from both coasts! Between the five of us, we each slurped down a couple, well some of us might've had extra. Of course, we could've asked the server to keep them comin' but the brunch menu was too hard to resist! If you're looking for something light, take your land-lubber self across the street to Meli, 'cause it's all stick-to-your-ribs good eatin'. My open faced pork belly sandwich was no short of fatty decadence with a side of crisped shoestring spuds. They got our order wrong and we ended up with an extra plate of crab benedict... score? Even then, it was generously drowned in sauce. I couldn't remember much halfway through, as the food coma shortly set in. I remember tasting the whitefish quiche and thought that was the safest bet for a "lighter" taste profile. Good times had by all, I will definitely return for dinner!
(4)Jackie D.
This was the first restaurant I tried when arriving in Chicago and it was debatably the best overall dining experience of my entire trip. After MUCH Restaurant Week research, I decided this place would be a great starting point so we made reservations for lunch a few weeks ahead of time. When we walked in, it was super busy so we grabbed a drink and waited at the bar until our table was ready. Upon further review, we saw that you can eat at the bar while watching them open their delectable oysters and mix their mouthwatering cocktails so we told the hostess we would just sit there and save a table. Great decision. Our waitress was super helpful, quick with our drink order, and wonderful with suggestions on what else to do while in town. Then came the food. Each course was timed perfectly so you weren't waiting longer than a few minutes for the next item and the quality was top notch. I started with a sampler of oysters that was PHENOMENAL. AND I'M FROM THE GULF COAST. These babies were clean, juicy, and a couple of them were surprisingly sweet. VERY enjoyable. On the Restaurant Week Menu, I started with the Ahi Tuna salad and my sister started with the clam chowder. Both were delicious, full of different flavors and textures but surprisingly balanced. The bacon in the clam chowder was PERFECTION and the salad was crisp, fresh, and left me wanting more. Thankfully, the main course arrived soon after. I went with the Lobster Roll and she had the Gnocchi. I know what you're thinking...lobster roll? Outside of New England? Yes, and it was SO GOOD. The pickled veggies on the side were an ideal complement to the creamy lobster which was stuffed between two buttery pieces of Texas toast. The fried onion straws on the side were good too, but maybe something a little less greasy next time? Her gnocchi was so good, it was gone before I could get a bite! Lastly, the desserts. Oh man. I got the tart which I believe was lemon meringue with a raspberry sorbet on the side and she got the chocolate mousse. Wonderfully decadent end to a satisfying and awe inspiring meal that we wouldn't forget for the duration of our stay. If you are in Chicago looking for seafood presented in a sophisticated yet accessible way, try this place. Prices were reasonable on the non-Restaurant week menu and the waitstaff was outstanding.
(5)Sam M.
Food was expensive and just OK. Highlight of the experience was one of the chefs making a sarcastic comment toward my date. Gfy.
(1)Terri F.
Went here for lunch last week with my daughter. It was comfortable the service was attentive. The food was wonderful. the Thai chili soup was great fish and chips were crispy. However even though the lobster roll my daughter had looked amazing and she said that it was great, I'm not sure $37 for a lunch entrée is appropriate. The waiter kept telling us that the portion sizes were small and so we ordered fish and chips, lobster roll, and the Thai soup. Which was too much. We ended up not finishing our entrées.
(3)Maria D.
A Real Gem for Seafood Junkies! About This Place If you appreciate fresh fish and oysters but bored with traditional seafood presentations, you are at the right place! In this California beach-house-like atmosphere with touches of glam and elegance, everyone is passionate about the menu! The service was absolutely top notch! Our girl Agnes knew all the ingredients in the dishes that won our hearts. She gave us a whole class on oysters and made amazing wine suggestions! Food & Wine Our favorites were crudo sampler (raw but well dressed in sauces & herbs, there were all our favorites: tuna, hamacci, salmon, squid & shrimp guacamole) and the Alaskan Halibut, presented on the bed of shaved asparagus with smoke-charred tomatoes in citrus sauce. Both dishes took our breath away!(please see pics) Both deserts were outstanding as well... especially the Carmel Tart:) From presentation to taste everything was perfect! Wine list was very interesting and after dinner beverages pretty special, especially the glass of fine Madeira Agnes suggested! In conclusion, we felt the place presented a unique (delicious experience) and great value!
(5)Chelle L.
I think I may have found a new favorite restaurant! Stopped in on a Monday night to grab some dinner with my husband after an extra crappy day, and GT fish and oyster turned our moods right around. They had a selection of oysters with many kinds that we had never tried before which was a treat. Every dish we ordered was delicious (aside from the lobster ramen- waay too salty). Our server was sweet and knowledgeable, and the restaurant is cozy and romantic inside. We'll definitely be back!
(5)Manny B.
Overrated, overpriced, and nothing special. I was disappointed and felt like why did we waste our time. I took 6 to dinner there and only one of the six even felt it was average. The staff is nice and try really hard, I liked them and the counter set up. Sorry, but I love good places, not for me.
(1)Nikki I.
This place is amazing! We went after getting hitched at city hall!! The oysters were amazing. I grew up in Boston so I had to try the clam chowder, excellent, New Englander approved! Also the Lobster roll...yes yes yes!! Put it all with a nice bottle of champagne and you are having the best meal ever!
(5)Diana M.
My husband and I have dined here twice and have thoroughly enjoyed it both times. The ambiance is very romantic and intimate. The oysters are phenomenal, the food delicious yet unique, the drinks well-made and the staff very friendly. The last time we came was on a snowy Saturday evening and had a lovely window seat for two. I would definitely recommend this restaurant and will be back again.
(5)K T.
Had an amazing meal. The price tag was worth the flavor. Oysters on the half shelf then a simple but, extremely flavorful seared tuna salad. I closed my eyes and savored each bite. I will be back for another round.
(4)Rachel P.
Pros: * Service was very friendly * Food was very good - excellent clam chowder, crab legs, oysters * cocktails, wine were good Cons: * Seafood platter should have included shrimp but arrived without - we had to ask for it * Lobster was overcooked * key lime pie skewed more towards sour rather than a balance between sweet/sour * VERY loud - not recommended for a date, though might be better if you sit at the bar * Server seemed swamped - we didn't see her much and she forgot several things we asked for (wine menu, etc) but was very friendly when we did see her
(3)J C.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. The oysters are amazing. Awesome staff.
(5)Meagan R.
Came here to celebrate our birthdays and couldn't be more impressed with the customer service. Not only did the entire staff treat us nicely and like we were special, the food was fantastic, the dessert was great and one of the hosts chased us down the street when we forgot to carry home a gift. Great food and even better customer service.
(5)Ghostfaceknitter W.
This place is great! The oyster selection was very diverse and although I am more a fan of west coast oysters, their east offerings were darn tasty. I loved that we could order piece by piece instead of everything at once. That way we got to explore each dish without feeling like there was 'too much' going on in front of us / mixing fish and flavors. I would definitely order the shrimp bruschetta over and over (I've been dreaming about it ever since). We ordered 6 different dishes and they were all very delicious - the least 'stand-out' was the cevice, but even that was incredibly good. Do yourself a favor and save room for dessert - the Caramel Tart was seriously the best dessert I have had in ages - complete with bananas foster toppings and salt. It was seriously a dessert that I tasted and with full open mouth gasped 'HOLY SHIT'. The only reason I give it 4 instead of 5 is because I spent A LOT of money here and didn't really get the service experience for that. The food was top notch but the 'za za za' of fine seafood dining was lacking a little. But this place is awesome and I'll go back for a less wallet heavy meal soon. mmmm shrimp bruschetta....... drool.
(4)Kristin T.
This place is good for: foodies, your trendy sister, people with money, a romantic dinner for two This place is not so good for: picky eaters, people who don't share, cheapskates, your parents who can't read in dim light
(4)Laura K.
Fabulous small plates seafood! I seek out great seafood restaurants and great small plates restaurant. Finding one in the same was my JACKPOT! Add in my husband and some great cocktails and you have found my heaven! GT has a great atmosphere, the staff was excellent, and the food was outstanding. The major standouts were the oyster po boy and the clam chowder...oh and the lobster mac n cheese....oh and the lobster roll too... Needless to say, the only thing that I wasn't over the moon about were the fish tacos (which were still good, they just lacked flavor. Had they served it with some sauce, they would have won me over with those too.) It certainly is not cheap, but it is on par with the restaurants in that area, and the food is excellent and well worth the $$$. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Alicia M.
Good food and nice service. I went for brunch and got the butternut egg strata. My friend go the special of lobster Benedict. She liked it but said it was very rich. Overall I nice meal, cool space, but nothing that blew me away. A fun spot to try for brunch if you've never been.
(3)Mish G.
Dined on a Saturday for lunch. They only offer a brunch menu on Saturday, so I was a little disapointed on the limited menu after looking at their menu through Yelp. The oyster selection was great and was very happy with the selection we made. The whitefish quiche was the best entree and would get it again! The smoked lox on a bagel was tasty but nothing special and the crab benedict was tasty again nothing special.
(3)Bryan M.
We went here for my Fiancee's birthday and we had an excellent experience. We originally started off ordering a bottle of Pinot Grigio, which they were out of. Our waitress recommended a similar bottle and it was quite good. We started off with an oyster platter, choosing 3 different samples. Each was better than the last. Secondly, we had the Shrimp Bruschetta. It was pretty good, I would try another appetizer the next time. Next we each got a clam chowder, it was probably the best clam chowder I've ever had and the presentation was great. The oyster po' boy slider was the very best thing we had. It was so good. I wish we would have gotten more of these. Finally we had key lime pie for dessert which they wrote "Happy Birthday" on. Overall we had a really nice time. We'll definitely try to go back.
(5)Sam M.
2nd time there and quality all around. I'm generally not a fan of the small plates dinning scenario, but this place is pretty good and the wait staff was excellent, considering our indecisiveness. All the oysters are top drawer and I could easily down a bucket of the lobster gnocchi. The tuna poke was pretty awesome as well. Only thing I think they could do better is the fish tacos. Key lime pie is always an awesome desert, but they take it to a new level.
(4)Rachel G.
Yes, you guessed it: another rave review for GT! I went for a late lunch/early dinner with a party of 5 and, my lord, everything was just fabulous! We sat outside and experienced attentive, informed, helpful, professional, down to earth, friendly service from everyone right down to the bus staff. Need I say more about that? This team knows what they're doing. The food. Oh, the food. I think I have died and gone to oyster heaven. I tried a few different varieties and only wish that I had order about 50 more of each and not had to share. They were all so fresh and just delectable! This is a small plate concept kind of place so get ready to share dishes. That being said, my group tried the crab cake, mussels, lobster roll, oyster po boy, seared tuna salad, watermelon and shishito salad, and lemon panna cotta for dessert. EVERYTHING was perfect. My favorites were actually the salads (just beautiful and so complex!) and the crab cake which was packed full of crabby goodness. You will not find any of those breadcrumb packed crab cake impostors here. I didn't personally try to lobster roll, but I wish that I had. It looked amazing and everyone else loved it. The panna cotta was wonderful as well and had a berry sorbet on top. It was delicate, but all the flavors came through beautifully. I cannot wait to come back to this incredible, wonderful restaurant. Oyster me again, please!
(5)S R.
Sea food lovers will enjoy this spot! I would consider GT a small plates establishment. My boyfriend and I ordered 1 dozen oysters (2 of each oyester), tuna poke (our favorite), lobster mac and cheese, octopus, and dessert & drinks! Our bill was pretty high, but we value taste and quality the most. You will definitely find that here!!
(4)Jessica D.
Great quality seafood, probably one of the best in Chicago. We ordered the Oysters sample menu, and a few items of the menu. The ones that stood out were the Hamachi crudo, Crab Cakes (best I've had) and the Octopus. Everything was delicious, and service was ok.
(4)Leang E.
What a great looking space. I love all the glass windows and how casually elegant the decor is with the sea theme. Our waitress was helpful with recommendations and nice enough, but slightly distant. I really liked the bourbon bloodymary here. Our party of 3 decided to each pick a plate and share it amongst the group. First we started with an east and west coast oyster, and we all agreed that we like the east coast better. It was a unique cocktail sauce. We then shared the duck chiquiles, whitefish quiche, and the lobster roll. The portions aren't very big, but the flavor was really good. They do the Connecticut butter style in addition to their house mayo based lobster roll, and we had the Connecticut butter style. It was good, but my favorite will be out in Boston at Neptune's Oyster. I would love to come back and try other things in addition to getting more of that bourbon bloodymary!
(4)Natalie L.
Happy Birthday to me!! I'm not a fan of celebrating my birthday. But if I'm going to swallow being a year older, it sure helps to swallow it with some oysters and wash it down with a bottle of pinot. Hubby arranged for just that and then some including the best fish tacos I've ever had. The highlight of the meal might have been dessert ... a delicious salted caramel tart. Service was good. Our server was spot on with his recommendations. I don't think we would have picked out the yaki soba noodles without the nudge but I'm glad we did! And for my birthday, GT gave me a $20 gift card to come back! Sort of a shameless marketing substitute for the free dessert with a candle, but I'll take it (and use it)!
(5)Marcela S.
Loved the venue but was disappointed by the food. We went there for brunch and I so badly wanted to love everything but did not. Here's what we had... Lobster roll: bread too dense, nothing special about the flavor (and we're talkin lobster here, shouldn't need much help) Po Boy oyster slider: my favorite thing we had. The kim chi made it something special. Crab eggs Benedict: not a fan. Oysters: delicious, 6 options, $3 each. Not sure if that's typical. Bloody Mary: disappointingly not spicy and lacking in flavor. But it was pretty! Service was great, decor very chic. Maybe the dinner is more impressive and worth the price tag?
(3)Noreen B.
First time at GT Fish & Oyster and my friend and I both liked it very much. The Tuna Poke was amazing, so fresh and perfect balance of flavors. My friend said it was better than the Poke she gets in Hawaii. I love the small bites you can get. Both of us had an Oyster Po'Boy Slider and I also had a fried squash blossom stuffed with crab. OMG so so good. For our main meal I had the PEI Mussels and my friend had the fish tacos. She loved the taco's, said they were great. i wish I took the bite she offered. The mussels were lovely and the marinara sauce should be bottled! Our dessert was the Peanut Butter Malt Sundae. Just get it! Our waiter was wonderful, very attentive but not annoyingly so. My friend ordered a scotch and soda and the soda was flat. When the problem couldn't be fixed he happily suggested an alternative. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because there were no points offered for an Open Table reservation and that just annoys me.
(4)Judy R.
Went to a late dinner last Saturday. Our party of 5 were blown away!! The service was fantastic. Oscar, Juan, Moss and Emily were excellent to us. We started with the oysters which were absolutely delicious and FRESH. We tried a ton of things but my favorites were the Shrimp bruschetta, fish tacos, fish and chips, sirloin and lobster and the lobster mac and cheese. I guess I pretty much loved everything! I had 2 margaritas that were outstanding as well. We will definitely be back!
(5)Shelly D.
I've dined here before but last night was my first time for dinner. We sat at the bar first and the bartender was so nice and friendly! Our waiter was nice as well. The shark tacos were awesome and he did a great job recommending those! My only complaint was when he recommended the crab. He told us that it was a crab leg and was $20. We decided to go ahead with it...he hadn't steered us wrong yet. After we ordered the crab a large bowl was brought out and we were told it was for the shell. When the crab came out, it was a TINY part of a leg that was cut into 4 little bites. While the crab was good, I felt we were misled and it was a total waste of money. I could've gone to any other nice restaurants and gotten a whole lb of crab for another $15-$20! All in all the experience was good but a little upset about spending $20 on a bit of crab.
(4)Lynee W.
Great late night dinner. Every bite had every flavor...sweet, sour, spice, etc. This meal was a party in the mouth. Had bruschetta, fish tacos, oyster slider and the key lime and chocolate malt dessert. All items were so so good. Go here.
(5)Rob D.
What an awesome place, can't wait to go back. Had to sit at a communal bar table because we didn't have reservations but still received 5 star service and 5 star food. Oysters were über fresh and delicious! The PEI Mussels were perfectly steamed in a tomato broth that was to die for. Although not on the menu the nite we went in, the kitchen made us a lobster Mac n Cheese. Big chunks of lobster and a delightful cheese sauce. We had just about finished when the manager said the chef would like us to try the fish tacos... What a treat the char grilled fish shone through as the star of the tacos. Dessert was a chocolate meringue tart and key lime pie both were extraordinary. The wine list is expansive with good wines for every budget.
(5)Elizabeth W.
Great food great service. My only complaint is that they don't have wifi for the customers.
(5)Big Brown R.
Food was great, environment was lively yet you could carry a nice conversation (even for 6pm) and they were very nice in making sure they seated us with an area that had our sleeping baby (if you have kids, you understand) with us. Not a place for kids, but if you have to bring a baby that is well behaved and sleeping, call ahead. 4 stars for everything - only took one star away as their cocktail menu was limited and not the best I have seen.
(4)Neil D.
Went for Easter Brunch on a beautiful Sunday Afternoon. We were a family of Six celebrating Easter after Mass at Holy Name Cathedral. We were seated in there downstairs party room which was very comfortable. I give the service and food Five Stars and thought the portions were very Generous for a very Good Restuarant serving excellent Seafood.
(4)Samantha E.
This is the place to be after 10pm if you want some cheap delicious oysters. Every night of the week (save for Saturday) oysters are half off after 10pm. So if you are really craving a good drink and some amazing oysters, this is the place to go. It's also a pretty good idea for a late date. The rest of the menu also looks amazing and the drink selection is pretty big. The bar area is beautiful and the service was great. When a few oysters were missing from our large order, the staff was quick to grab some more as soon as we mentioned it.
(5)Melissa P.
Came for lunch and ate the Oyster sampler platter and had the lobster roll (traditional style).One of the better lobster rolls I have had in the city. Doesn't taste like you are eating a spoonful of mayo. Shoe-string fries are clutch. Space is open and airy, great for a business lunch. Staff knows their stuff about the seafood. Will definitely be back to try more oysters! Not a good place if you don't eat sea-food. Limited menu for non-fish eaters.
(4)Musseta G.
This review is about over years late but better late than never. We are used to be regulars. The food was amazing for the price, nice atmosphere and good service. We stopped going there from late 2013, I started to feel their food lack of consistency... However, i will still recommend it to my friends. Its a good restaurant in this price range.
(5)Sylvia H.
Thinking this would be a cool spot to stop in with my girls on a Saturday night, sadly was not. The experience started off poorly with a rude greeting from the hostess that instantly made us uncomfortable. I guess the seating options are emphasized to be limited. Our waiter on the other hand was a pleasure, very efficient, accommodating, and friendly. The food wasn't worth the hefty bill in regards to quality or portions. Not going back.
(1)Anne B.
I went for my first time during restaurant week. It was fabulous! Every course was so good. There were 2 options for each course and since I went with a group, I was able to get a taste of both options....there wasn't a bad option in the bunch. I will definitely be back!
(5)Vivian H.
Came here for a late dinner and the place was bumpiiiin! Kinda dressy. We had the foie gras/shrimp terrine -- amazeballs. Then the fish&chips bc I had a brain fart when ordering.. I'd intended to get the fish tacos :( The fish&chips were fine, nothing special. The lobster roll looked kinda small but was definitely filling. After these 3 we were already stuffed actually but it was a celebratory dinner so.. bring on the oysters! Boyfriend enjoyed these immensely. And then we ordered 2 desserts because my boyfriend is a skinny fatass. Deconstructed key lime pie and a pecan pie.. both divine. I would come back just for oysters, that foie/shrimp terrine, and DESSERTS! Our server was a little gastronome and kept telling us how the orange really cuts through the pecan pie, etc. Cute. And our water was seriously refilled 30 seconds after it's half full (or half empty?) every time.
(4)Doris L.
Came to Chicago for the weekend with a friend. We had late night dinner at GT on Saturday night. It was busy, but just the right busy where it was too crowded. Everything was orderly, the front door was never packed with patrons even though there was always a bit of a wait at the door from 9-10. Mixed crowd, couples, people on dates, groups of friends. When the late crowd trickled in from events, some of them were dressed in their formal attire, but mostly a decent crowd dressed in business casual. My friend loved the Malaspina oysters that night and for me it was the Chunu from N.B. The half price after 10pm was a bonus! We had a lovely fish crudo; gravlax, eel terrine style, scallop, i liked the tuna and pesto sunfish the most. I'm missing a 5th , maybe hamachi? Like most other reviews, the fish tacos were yummy. We waited too long to consume the last one so it got soggy, but that was our fault. I enjoyed the tortilla itself with the combo. Eggplant was nice, Maybe a bit too heavy with its sauce. Oyster po'boy. It was delicious. The little bit of heat was a good touch. Lemon meringue - i would skip this next time. Too sweet for me when the meringue hit the marshmallow. The meringue chunks itself was too sweet, it didn't need th marshmallow. Service was great (filling up water, checking on us, timed serving of our food). The only thing that could have been better would be the server who brought us our glass of white just brought it to the table without checking what it was we orderr (a chardonnay and grenache blanc). My friend and I ordered different kind of whites so we had to taste each other's just to make sure we both got our wine accordingly.
(4)Jordan U.
Really enjoyed my lunch at GT Fish & Oyster. It was a business lunch so I can't speak about their cocktails but we ordered a bunch of small plates that have it a tapas sort of feel. If memory serves me correctly we ordered the tuna poke (phenomenal), shrimp bruschetta (well done), lobster Mac and cheese (divine), Niçoise salad (good but didn't blow me away), 1/2 dozen oysters (solid), and a soba noodle thing (surprisingly delicious). Presentation was well done with generally friendly and attentive service. A little pricey but worth it for the quality. Would like to go back to try an entree or two and get them to 5 stars.
(4)Katie M.
Service was excellent, the level of a much more expensive place. Great meal, we had the calamari, fish tacos and fish n chips. Turned out to be just right. All delicious. Love the atmosphere too!
(5)Louise P.
Everything here was perfect. Seriously, a perfect meal for a pescetarian. Wine and fish!
(5)John K.
BEST BEST BEST oysters I have had in the city. This is the place to take your friend that has never had oysters, but wants to try them. Go after 10pm and the oysters are half price!!!!! The lobster roll is great and the oyster sliders are great. The muscles are good. Tuna poke was ok. The beer and wine are good as well. Would recommend going somewhere cheaper for dinner, then coming here after dinner for drinks and 1/2 price oysters.
(5)Lincoln B.
Good food and excellent service. Definitely expensive bc it is small plates priced like entrees. Fish tacos were very tasty. Lobster mac&cheese was good, but only a few good sized chunks of lobster. Mussels were probably my favorite - big tray of fresh mussels in a tasty tomato sauce.
(4)Lauren G.
The drinks and Food never disappoint. I love the spiked lemonade cocktails - so delicious! I also always enjoy the oyster po boy sliders and the tuna poke. This time around, we also tried the lobster Mac and cheese and the octopus, both of which were delicious as well. Sadly, however, when we were walking away, my boyfriend told me that he had asked twice (once when making the reservation and once as a follow up the day of) to bring out a birthday dessert for me, and they had forgotten to. He was really disappointed, as the whole reason we went was for my birthday. On top of that, we were seated ten minutes past our reservation time (not too bad) and served the wrong drinks the first time around (again, not a big deal, but combined with the birthday mishap, a bit of an added disappointment). The service and reservation service just didn't match up to the quality of the food this time around.
(3)Matthew G.
excellent fresh seafood in smaller plates format; be careful not to over order;
(5)Ben H.
Fantastic fresh seafood. Fish & Chips, Oysters, Mussels, bruschetta all were delicious. Lobster Mac & Cheese not a bad choice!
(5)Farrah W.
Went there for Sunday brunch and our group pretty much ordered everything on the menu. It was all delicious. The monkey bread was to die for! I personally ordered the chicken and waffles and the waffle was delicious. The only reason I did not give them 5 stars is because the chicken could have used more flavor and I wish there were smaller pieces.
(4)Nhu N.
I frequented this place as a birthday surprise for a significant other. He's been wanting to visit. The service here was lackluster. Our waiter was more than attentive to his bigger party and forgot an order off of our party of two. It was disappointing. The busboys were more attentive than our waiter. Which is sad, or this place would have gotten a 5. The food was phenomenal, however. But I'd rather not go into detail as the service left a sour taste in my mouth. Definitely go try it out if you are a fan of seafood!
(3)Jonas B.
I've been here for lunch several times, and I'm always thrilled. The much-hyped lobster roll is truly exceptional, the pork belly slider is so good we always end up ordering a few more, and I love that they have a bunch of interesting non-alcholic drinks that are more appropriate for a business lunch. Highly recommended.
(5)Sunshine A.
After reading a few write ups on GT Oyster and Fish, I decided that I should probably check it out. I had made reservations a few weeks prior, since a reservation for the upcoming weekend was booked solid. Fast fwd a few weeks - we get to my 6:30 reservation and the place was kind of empty, and I mentioned that to the hostess. She said that it was still early, and that the place was just a few mins away from being packed - she was right. The ambiance of GT is very nice and upscale. We were given a nice table at the window, which was nice to do some people watching along Wells. Our table was next to a 'communal' table were couples were being sat, but a few had moved because they didn't like being sat with total strangers. It was basically a huge dining room table with about 12 chairs. Anyway, we started with drinks - I had the waitlist which was pretty good and on the stronger side, while he went with a traditional beer. Now onto the food - when they say small plates, they def mean small plates. I did enjoy the variety of flavors and unique dishes, but I'm not sure if I'd go back, not because I didn't enjoy the food, but because I am not a HUGE seafood person. We had the lobster roll, a few oysters (my first time trying oysters - pretty good), baja shrimp bruschetta, lobster mac n cheese, house smoked salmon, scallops and key lime pie. I'll give them 3 stars. Cute place for a date or birthday dinner.
(3)Bora H.
New updated menu: Escolar. Oh my, that was delicious.
(5)Max M.
This review is for the bar: Me loves raw bars, Modern Cape Cod decor, and a nice cold brew. In a city bursting at the seams with steak this, hot dog that, burger stacks, a seafood centric restaurant is a welcome addition. C'mon Chicago, don't let the whole Mid-West thing stop you from importing some fresh fish for us foodies. LA still has my heart when it comes to a naked piece of sashimi grade poisson! GT Fish & Oyster makes my belly feel closer to LA while the decor takes me back to my East Coast roots. Three stars for the fact that it is a bit pricey, but everything I tried hit the spot. I will have to go back for dinner.
(3)Pascal M.
I had a dream where i was at a restaurant and everything was perfect. Then that dream came true after I went to GT Fish Oyster. My girlfriend (LaShawnta) and I came here not too long ago and had a wonderful experience. We started with a dozen oysters, one each of their selection from the East and West. West won that battle. We then moved on to their Tuna Poke and Sunfish Ceviche. Both were outstanding. The tuna poke is a beautiful presentation delivering fresh clean flavors. The mango puree is perfect with the texture of the tuna. The Ceviche offered similar clean flavors, but was pure matrimony since it's all mixed and has the fresh ingredients on top. We also had their Foie Gras and Shrimp terrine, which was good but there's some other items I wish we ordered (hamachi crudo and the bbq eel). We then shared their Clam Chowder and Lobster Bisque. Whoah...The Lobster Bisque very well may have been the best soup I've ever had in my life. A presentation that will have your jaw dropping, but closed right back up as you stuff your face. The puff pastry is excellent with it too. The Clam Chowder was really good too, it just got purely over shadowed by the bisque. For our entrees, I had the lobster roll. It was good, but not great. It's pricey (deservedly), so I think I'd just prefer making this at home. LaShawnta got the Ricotta Gnocchi. She continually had to give me the sideye as I would try to sneak bites. The Ricotta is beautifully light and the smoked salmon adds to the heavenly texture while adding some richness. Their cocktails are great too. Lashawnta go the Vineyard Sour, which is a must for any Sangria lover. The Roadrunner, Clean Break, and Wait list were great too. Old money was my favorite. So I guess basically all their cocktails are fantastic. Service, setting, food, and drink are all A+ material. Glad my dream turned to reality.
(5)Seyi A.
Food was great! I will definitely come back here
(4)Diana P.
One of the best seafood places I've been to in a long time. Everything was fresh, tasty and made my mouth smile. Portions are small and because the food tasted so good, we wished the portions were bigger but hey, what can you do. Prices, very reasonable for an upscale seafood place. Here's what we had an my review: Tuna Poke: my favorite dishes on the menu Sunfish Ceviche: incredible, tasty, fresh, a bit salty but works so well Baja Shrimp Bruschetta: avocado, toasted pistachio, grapefruit, great flavors with a bit of a kick to it Fish Tacos: very good but not 5 star, probably would go for a 4 star Lobster Mac & Cheese: come just for this if anything! Obviously, based on the other reviews if you come here and don't try this, you don't take YELP seriously. Oysters: great, but how could they not be at "GT Fish & OYSTER" We sat at a communal table, which we thought was strange at first (dining room table where you sit with randoms), however, worked out well and got us a reservations. Highly recommend trying this place out-nice CAPE COD decor inside too. Not overly stuffy but dark.
(5)Tammy M.
Absolutely loved our waitress Ashley! She was such a huge part of my enjoyment of the evening. From her suggestion on the Oyster Shooter to 2 spot on wine suggestions, she was fantastic and I can't wait to return and sit in her section again. Everything that we had was wonderful: Lobster Roll, Soft Shell Crab, Eel, and Smelt. I highly recommend this place and definitely request to sit in Ashley's section, like I said she is so full of energy and great recommendations.
(5)John K.
This place is amazing!!! I really liked everything we had. It's tapas style so be ready to share a lot of food. If you like seafood this is the place for you. They have really fresh oysters and everything tasted good. If you go and decide not to drink you could actually get out of there at quite a reasonable price!! Simply if you like seafood. GO!!!!
(5)Michael C.
Yeaaaah... I don't knooooowwww.... Let's see... Drink wise - The Roadrunner and the Clean Break were both really tasty. I liked the smoked jalapeño tequila in the Roadrunner. Like a margarita with a little bite. Good stuff. Food wise - The clam chowder was pretty tasty, the bay scallops were intriguing because they were served with crispy duck tongue... the scallops and the dish were again... just pretty good. The fish and chips was actually very good. Well... the fish was. They have a home made tartar sauce that is excellent. The "chips" weren't so much. They were huge potato wedges that weren't crispy like chips, but more like if you cut a baked potato into quarters and seasoned them slightly. Could have been better. Bouillabaisse... overdone. I didn't think the mussels were all that tasty, the scallops, shrimp and lobster were all way overcooked. it was taken off the bill. Oysters after 10 PM are half off... we ordered some "Fat Bastards"... I had had a couple drinks at this point, so I didn't pay much attention to where they were from, but they were very good. The Salted Caramel Tart... this was really good. Creme Fraiche, chocolate, tiny chunks of apple... very tasty. I think on the whole, it was pretty underwhelming. I was really hoping to like it, but I just can't bring myself to give it more than three stars. I'll end up giving GT another shot, maybe just for a ton of oysters...
(3)Jeff R.
I love going out to eat with friends and trying new places always looking for that next great meal. GT has great pedigree and a lot of buzz, but in a word we were all disappointed with the product. I love the concept of a fish centric casual fun spot in the heart of River North. The bar area is large and decorated with plenty of high class seafaring decorations. There's also a separate back room that has most of the dining space. GT continues the popular trend of "small plates" where they encourage you to order many and share (it must be profitable as every new restaurant pushes this). We obliged and tried five different plates from the rather large but straightforward menu (divided into two sections - hot and cold). Aside from the food being completely mediocre we were astonished at the large number at the bottom of our bill (and we didn't drink THAT much but I suppose multiple $8-14 plates can add up quickly). My favorite flavor came from a last minute addition of sliders (don't remember which fish was inside). They were very tasty. Next best was probably the GT lobster mac n cheese (remember we're mac n cheese experts). We absolutely could not finish the ravioli dish and everything else was flatly ho-hum (specifically: tuna poke, fish tacos, and shrimp bruschetta). And unfortunately for all of us, Ari and Tali ordered completely different things than we did and also found only one dish worth remembering and a lot of mediocre. Oh well, we tried and enjoyed our conversations and admiring the crowd in a very well designed space though we just wouldn't return for most of the food (and have much larger wallets) even though Phil Vettel gives it three stars.
(2)Surya K.
Sometimes on a Sunday morning you just need brunch. Luckily, I found GT today. After a disappointing start to my brunch-venture and encountering too many lines and not so great restaurants, I noticed a few empty tables at GT. After trying the food, I have no idea why this place didn't have a line out the door. Because I'm a sweet and savory lover, I tried the chicken and waffles. I think they might have been the best waffles I've ever had. Crispy not soggy, slightly sweet and maybe made with a touch of maple syrup, and topped with just a touch of brown sugared butter. I drool just thinking about it. And then there was the chicken. Three heaping pieces of juicy and tender (Chik-fil-A ain't got nothing on these bad boys) chicken. Crisp outer coating, perfectly salted to go with the sweet waffles. My brunch companion had the french toast, which was also divine. Normally I avoid sweet breakfast dishes but this toast wasn't overly sugary and paired perfectly with the citrus it was served with. Add some great coffee and there's a new neighborhood brunch winner. Can't wait to go back and try the oysters!
(5)Jenn G.
Best seafood in Chicago! You totally feel like you're in a New England seafood restaurant when you walk into GT, and the food lives up to that expectation. The dishes are meant to be shared and as such are pretty small. I don't think you can share a dish with more than 2 people or there won't be enough to go around for even a taste. But the prices are pretty reasonable for the quality. I went with my dad last month and we shared a bunch of plates, all of which were really good. The crab cakes were excellent and had big chunks of real crab in it - not a lot of filler, so you really got the delicious crab flavor. The baja shrimp bruscetta was very good - interesting choice of the grapefruit on there and I was a little skeptical that it would be bitter, but it was a great pairing with the shrimp. The tuna poke was also great - very fresh and flavorful. This was also my first foray into oysters - if you're not sure about trying oysters, THIS is the place to make the leap of faith. They were AMAZING. My only issue is that now I'm spoiled and will have to keep going to really good restaurants to live up to GT's standards. We also had a key lime pie dessert, and while flavor-wise it was quite delicious, functionally the presentation made it very hard to eat. It was served in a jar, so you had to really dig to get a bit wtih the graham cracker crust at the bottom at the same time as the key lime and merengue. I'm looking forward to coming back here soon - if you're looking for good seafood in Chicago - your search can end here!
(4)Claire C.
GT Fish & Oyster is fantastic! I love small plates and sea food so I was excited to try this place. My boyfriend and I are serious foodies so I'll spare you the list of everrrrrything we got and stick with the best of the best. Tuna Poke- unreal, my favorite! Baja Shrimp Bruschetta- also amazing. This was the boyfriend's top plate of the night... and he doesn't usually like bruchetta. It was just that good. Fish Tacos- delicious. Fish tacos topped with chicharrón? yes please! Clam Chowder- I am not a big soup person but when you put bacon in it I get on board. Did I mention how good the dark and stormy was? Mmmhmm. I will be back for more!!
(5)Teresa L.
Chicago Restaurant week round 3! Made a rsvp early in advance for lunch during restaurant week. Me and a friend ordered most everything on the menu for restaurant week, with the exception of the gnocchi with butternut and shrimp, which was probably a good idea, from reading the other reviews posted online. Appetizers were seared tuna nicoise salad and boston clam chowder. The clam chowder had neuske's bacon, housemade oyster crackers and some kind of red colored, flavored olive oil or something, I couldnt quite put my finger on it. But it was probably one of the best clam chowders I have had, which says alot, as I have sampled many a clam chowder up and down the coast of Ca and Seattle too! It wasn't too overpowering with cream, not crazy salty like most clam chowders, and there were SIGNIFICANT chunks of freshfresh clams. The home made oyster crackers were fun too, very flavorful. The seared tuna salad had red potatoes, eggs, haricot verts, olives, pickled onions and cider mustard vinaigrette. My friend didn't like olives, so I helped her out with that respect :D Nicely balanced dressing on the salad, and haricot verts were crisp, tuna was tender and just barely seared. A refreshing counterpart to the clam chowder. We both got the lobster roll with pickled vegetables and fried onions. It was a very small roll, but since the bread was very buttery and rich, it definitely was enough, and I ended up only eating about half of the roll... but I did finish all of the lobster salad. So grateful that it wasn't dripping in mayo. Instead, it was lightly tossed with the creamy emulsion and the celery in the lobster salad brought a nice crunchy texture to the roll. The picked veggies had cauliflower, carrots and golden beets. Tart and refreshing, it helped cut the delicious fried onion strings on the side. I would definitely come back and get the lobster roll during restaurant week, but I don't think it is worth $18 it usually costs on the normal lunch menu. Ordered one each of the blood orange and lemon tart and the chocolate parfait. The blood orange tart had a meringue topped that was slightly carmelized creme brulee style, and had a scoop of blood orange citrus sorbet on the side. I think there were shavings of astronaut ice cream too, underlying the sorbet and the bottom of the tart (those fluffy things we used to eat in grade school, remember?) It was refreshingly not too sweet and was a nice way to end such a large meal. The chocolate parfait came in a cute mason-like jar with brownie type bit on the bottom, a caramel layer, a whipped cream layer and crunchy chocolate shavings on top. Decadent, for sure, but perfect for all the chocolate lovers out there. Will try to go back next time with a larger group to try the oysters. I think it's a bit odd that they require you to order at least 6 oysters per plate... and I can only eat 2 at the most, if I want to eat anything else. Good to always leave something for next time though. :D
(4)Bob W.
GT Fish and Oyster was quite underwhelming despite good reviews here and on LTH forum. Very nice interior and service was top notch, but the food itself neither impressed with the quality of preparation nor the quality of the seafood. My wife ordered an oyster shooter to start which she claimed was quite unappetizing. Not because of the oyster, but by whatever green concoction they placed it in. They then brought out our fried oyster sliders. These things are totally worth the hype and they are served on Hawaiian buns, basically the only roll I can stand. You can see why James Beard called this one of their best bites of food in 2011. Then we went for fish tacos because I had heard good things and I love fish tacos. These did nothing for me, paling in comparison to Del Seoul's version or basically any Mexican restaurant of any repute. Our main dish was the lobster roll since we keep trying to understand the North East's obsession with them. They claim it is one pound, but I can guarantee there is not a pound of lobster here, so it must mean with the roll. Unlike other lobster rolls this one isn't incredibly buttery, but I think it is better for it. Meanwhile the lobster was a bit cold and less than tenderized in butter. I think it says something that the breads here are worth more comment than the seafood. Also the fried onion strings served with it are quite delicious if oily. I would come back if only to get sliders. I suspect that if we ordered differently we might have been more satisfied (for instance, we love mussels but did not order any).
(3)Christina P.
Hi, my name is Christina and I have an addiction to GT Fish & Oyster. But really, who can (or would) blame me? Gorgeous ambiance (very Martha Stewart Living with a Hamptons feature photoshoot) incredible service, hard to get reservation (but oh-so worth it) and sexytime people watching. Don't even get me started on the food. Expansive oyster selection, innovative twists on otherwise 'standard food' (I absolutely die for the fish tacos, crab cakes and tuna tartare) all sharable and paced out to not overwhelm your dining experience. It's hands down my Summer 2011 dining hot spot - and should be yours as well
(5)Jeff S.
I've been to GT Fish 3 times now, and have left happy each time. Twice for dinner, and once for lunch. I was seated on time all three times, and service was great on two occasions, and so-so my first time there (although the waiter did seem to be trying). The following is a mini-review of what I've ordered in the number of times I've been here: Lobster Roll: Good, although after having been to Neptune Oyster in Boston, a bit underwhelming. A fair amount of lobster, and the right type of buttery roll was used. The lobster was cooked properly, but didn't "wow" me. Foie Gras and Shrimp Terrine: This was one of the two cold dishes we ordered, and it was definitely one of my favorites. It was paired with sweet things - an apricot chutney (amazing in its own right) and pickled onions which reminds me of another foie gras dish I had not too long ago... This was the first time I had cold foie gras, and what I really liked about this one was that it was unspoiled by a rich sauce or other flavors being introduced to it - you were able to experience the rich and buttery goodness of the liver. It went nicely with the shrimp, but the best part was throwing everything together into one bite. A great way to start. Sunfish Ceviche: The chimichurri sauce itself was tangy but didn't overpower the milder tasting sunfish. Besides the green coloring from the chimichurri, you also had some small chunks of avocado thrown in there for good measure. All a great combination of course, and quite tasty with the tostadas served alongside it. We purposely got the ceviche to balance out the richness of the foie gras. Basil Gnocchi: I am a particular fan of gnocchi. When it's made right. Light and fluffy but still starchy, it's a unique texture that maybe not everyone loves. GT did it justice in this application, although I do have to say that it was my least favorite dish of the night. The gnocchi itself was of melt in your mouth variety, which is always a positive. But my feeling about the rest of the dish and the sauce was that they didn't really wow the tastebuds. The mussels, shrimp, and cherry tomato gave it some extra flavor and cooked well, but overall I'd say this dish was relatively flat, probably due to the incredible foie gras and ceviche. Not to say that this wasn't good - it was just a bit underwhelming compared to the other all-stars on this menu. Kobe Short Rib Agnolotti: The agnolotti itself was delicious, although I question the need for kobe beef in anything that's minced up (kobe burgers somewhat confound me). The sauce was good, flavors were well balanced, and the pasta itself was tender. Overall, a great dish that left me wanting a few more pieces. Oyster po'boys: Consistently the best thing on the menu, and it seems GT switches between a pork belly and oyster slider, but everything else is the same. A couple of fried oysters or a decent sized portion of pork belly, thrown in between a Hawaiian bread bun, some fairly spicy red chili, and topped with some kimchi. Mmmmmm, I love kimchi, just like any good Korean. Seems to be a favorite at the table. Not just because of the kimchi, mind you (although that helps a lot). It was basically the perfect blend of flavors and textures. When you first bite into one of these nuggets smashed full of fantastic, you immediately notice the heat and POW! of the kimchi and red chili. All in all, a beautifully constructed dish, married to ingredients I would have never put together. I mean who knew peanuts and kimchi would go together so well? Chocolate, raspberry, caramel, peanut semi-freddo and blueberry buckle for desserts: The semi-freddo is the dessert that everyone wants. It was a cold dish and it seemed to have every decadent ingredient on the must-have list: raspberry sauce, caramel, chocolate, chocolate cookie crumbs, peanuts, peanut butter. This thing was rich, creamy, and pretty much THE dessert to get. Quite possibly the best dessert I have ever had. Second up was what we thought was a cookie when I saw it from afar, but it was not. The blueberry buckle had toasted walnuts and almonds atop a scoop of almond ice cream and this blueberry pastry. There was also a blueberry sauce that was either sitting below the pastry, or baked inside. Either way, this was really good. Not nearly as rich and decadent as the semi-freddo, but damn good in it's own right. It sort of reminded me of Christmas for some reason. Definitely not as sweet of a dessert, but the subtle flavors blended well to win you over. And this was not an easy task to do sitting next to the semi-freddo. So yes, GT Fish & Oyster, you are yet another staple in my list of recommendations for Chicagoans looking for a great meal. It's not just seafood as the name would suggest - it's definitely an interesting combination of Italian, Asian, and even Latin flavors and cooking techniques that really set this place apart.
(5)Marisa V.
The irony of this review is that I do not eat any seafood - let alone oysters, haha...but I have many comments after having a 3 hour dinner there with 4 co-workers who raved about all things of the sea. In a nutshell, the atmosphere is classy, the service was impeccable and the variety of the menu also allows for non seafood eaters like myself to have some options. There are 3 land-living options on the menu to include chicken and beef. I think the third was pork belly... To be honest, the chicken wasn't great but hello Marisa, it's an oyster place. There were pureed potatoes, however, that I would consider taking a bath in. Ok, that's gross - but I'd definitely eat a whole bowl. :) As I mentioned above, we were there for 3 hours - and there was not one moment when food was not on the table after we ordered. They did a remarkable job timing the arrival of plates and oysters in some kind of order that makes sense for people who eat that food, haha. The table favorites were the lobster mac and cheese and the crab cakes. I actually do eat crab cakes sometimes and I found theirs to be very well balanced between the crab and citrus flavors. The oyster lovers at the table were pleased. All those slippery suckers were gone in minutes. (Eeeewwww.) We were gluttonous enough to order all 4 desserts for the table - and I am so glad we did! The Panna Cotta was my absolute favorite. Fresh and light with graham cracker crumbles and a fresh fruit glaze. I'd probably go back just for dessert. The people watching was great too. So many trendy people of all ages. Our server was Eric and he was delightful. Very personable and knowledgeable about the menu and wine pairings. Did a perfect job handling the timing of everything. Had a great sense of humor too, which was key for our rowdy bunch after a bottle of wine, haha. He even waited for us and held the door open on the way out, which has never been done for me in the history of my restaurant visits. Classy, classy!
(4)Gabe M.
Super happy with this place. Love the main dining room with that large table. Excellent decor. Good service. And very good food. Some good options. This place has a feel on par with Boston's Neptune Oyster on Salem Street, a place thats on a different planet. This place is actually larger. The only negative that I can think of that would bring it up, I don't know if they have the option of the CT style lobster roll which would be hot drawn butter. That would be great. Really happy this place is in Chi-Town. Great work.
(4)neesha d.
Just moving here from new york i am a bit of a food snob- however this place was awesome!!!! what a great introduction to the fine food of chicago. The cocktails are quite nice- i feel like you can judge a bar by the way they make a dark and stormy- it was really well made. the food is just delicious- we started with oysters which were fresh and wonderful. there was an amazing squid and watermelon dish that was out of this world! the lobster mac adn cheese and toro tartar were tasty. will definitely be going back there again and taking friends. thank you chicago!
(5)Alison C.
Clean, fresh but a bit cold. sat near door. wait staff was very good.
(3)Ann E.
One word for this place - AMAZEBALLS! Was there with girlfriends celebrating two birthdays. If they are told ahead of time it's your birthday, you're seated with a "happy birthday" and given a little birthday card with a treat inside! Service was great, Edith was a terrific server, food was unbelievable. We ordered (all small plates) the bruschetta, oyster sliders, fish taco, octopus, gnocchi, tuna poke, and salted caramel for desert. Great drink suggestions were also given. All around terrific!
(5)Janice E.
Ambiance is awesome! Food is excellent! Giuseppe is talented
(5)Jeff M.
We went there for lunch on "National Lobster Day" and ordered three dishes: ahi tuna salad, fish tacos and mussels. The food was tasty. The portion of the mussels was generous. However, the salad was excessively overpriced at $12 with only four pieces of tuna and maybe three pieces of medium-sized lettuce. None of those dishes were filling enough. Please expect to order at least two dishes to fill a normal person up!
(3)Maria G.
Enjoyed every single minute of our dining experience at GT Fish and Oyster. We were seated almost immediately and the place was really bursting with energy on a Saturday night. First up were the drinks, I highly recommend the 'Clean Break'. It was refreshing and not overly sweet. Perfect. The oysters were tasty and clean - loved the homemade hot sauce. The ceviche was the best ceviche I have ever had, just incredible. The crab cake was crunchy and meaty. It was our anniversary, so I had to give my husband meat, and the strip loin did not disappoint. It was tender and juicy. Lastly, the scallops were beyond - sweet, divine and crunchy bacon. Need I say more. I will have to return for desert! Ask for Oscar, he's the best waiter.
(5)Duncan B.
Amazing Oysters! I believe we tried one of everything on the menu! Crab sliders, original lobster roll, etc. Frankie was spot in as our server and very cool crowd!
(5)B.D. K.
The most pretentious place I have ever eaten at - mostly because of the customers, and also because of the portion to price ratio. One tiny bite of Monkish, and 1/3 of a fingerling potato? wow...
(1)J D.
One of my favorite restaurants in the city! I have been on many occasions... dinner, drinks and appetizers, lunch, and restaurant week and every experience has been top notch. The service has always been great. The staff is friendly, genuine and very attentive. I love the crab cakes, oysters, mussels and the lobster roll. The wine list is great as well as the cocktail list. Rick the bartender has made me many different cocktails by just telling him what I like. His creations have been some of my favorite drinks in the city. Go here, you will love it!
(5)David P.
Food was good, not great. For the prices I would expect better ambiance. The dining room has sparse walls and flat panel tvs in the dining room. Is it a restaurant or a sports bar. The service was awkward. Not sure if it was a lack of humor or just being socially retarded but it was just off all night. Calamari was overlooked but sauces were good. I had a great salad and the Chilean sea bass was good, again not memorable. Someone in my party had the special which was in edible due to being over salted. The chocolate molten cake and key lime tart were both very good. I would not go back. I just think there is better bang for the buck in overall experience in Chicago.
(3)Scott B.
This is a cool place with great small plates. The lobster roll and oyster po-boy very good. This is a fun spot for a night out w/ lot's of energy.
(4)Lesley S.
I really enjoyed GT. The oysters were fantastic and the wait staff gave us some great recommendations and were very friendly. We had the tuna poke, BBQ eel, 2 types of oysters, lobster mac and cheese and the glazed cod. All were delish. Only downside- might have been because it had just opened, but we waited 2 hours for a table and ended up just getting seated at the bar.
(4)faline m.
I have been here twice, once for lunch and once for dinner. liked the food when i went for lunch, especially the fried green tomato with trout. raved to my husband about it and talk about disappointment on my second visit. fish and chips tasted like the fish was dipped in chlorine. the crab legs were too salty. shrimp on the bruschetta was not good. on top of that we sat outside and the road works on wells make it so dusty. good people watching though!
(1)Reynolds W.
We went on a Monday night. The staff was friendly, exceptionally well-trained, and knowledgeable. Our party was 3, and we took the waitress' suggestion of 2-3 per person, ordering 9 items. With no fanfare, just impeccable timing the items arrived sequentially with no piling up of plates and, when it became apparent our eyes had been bigger than our stomachs, she volunteered and was easily able to cancel the last two items, which were "awaiting preparation." Base on our wide sampling I can say without hesitation you may order anything that appeals to you and it will be exquisite. The Shrimp Bruschetta and the Fish Dip were especially memorable. There are 3 meat entrees for those of you who are just at a seafood place to be sociable. I have never had a better restaurant experience. UPDATE: I returned, party of four this time. I take back none of the compliments from the first trip. Still outstanding.
(5)Christine M.
Love the relaxed nautical-themed atmosphere. Our server Ashley was knowledgeable and friendly. Every dish was excellent. Super fresh oysters (I'm not a fan, but the vinaigrette made it, and the oyster fans in the party loved them). The ceviche was a little like guacamole with buttery fish bites and a bright citrusy salad. We had a difficult time picking a favorite dish, but the bruschetta with avocado mousse and shrimp and the crab cake (more like a loaf of pure melt-in-your-mouth crab meat) were candidates. Fish and chips had an amazingly light, crispy coating, and the steak fries and tartar sauce with them were also delicious. The brandade croquettes were so velvety smooth -- my personal favorite. And the brown sugar creme brulee with raisin chutney - oh my goodness. The waitlist cocktail was also incredible. They even accommodated a vegetarian in our party with a lovely pasta dish with vegetables. Would definitely recommend. :)
(5)Charm S.
Menu options are creative; many have a surprising complexity of flavors that unfold in your mouth with each bite. Their oyster selection is fabulous, and they offer short-season oysters that are otherwise difficult to find elsewhere in Chicago. The service is always good and sometimes great. One of the very best places in Chicago for seafood, if not THE best!
(5)Paulius N.
communal tables- now were all friends, but for some, flatware dilemma Two of us were graciously seated at one of the communal tables at 6:00 on a Friday evening. I for one, like this idea a lot. You can meet some interesting people, and/or you can keep to yourself. Worst case scenario you flash gang signs at the people that annoy you, in hopes they run away in horror. Our table was cool. Across from us a beautiful young Russian couple, that may or may not have been discussing where to acquire one of those tiny little giraffes. Next to us was a nice family of three who REALLY had to force their son out of the basement and away from his computer to join them. We chatted a bit but respected each others space. Our waitress lady was genuinely charming. I believe her name was Miriam. Service went of without a hitch. The table had plenty of space, a very cool light fixture, and a good view of the room. The food: Small plates starting with squash blossoms, a hamachi appetizer, BBQ eel, and "brandades" which were similar to croquettes. Squash blossoms were very good. and knowing that each one you eat means one less zucchini in the fall makes it that much better. Both the hamachi and the eel were exceptional, and the brandades were just OK. Next, sunfish seviche. Bright, redolent of lime, nicely done. And the "smelts". You know, they tasted fine. But they were either the smallest smelts I ever saw, or they were average size minnows. I wouldn't have a problem eating fried minnows anyway. Key Lime pie was out of the freakin world too. So there you have it. GT Fish and Oyster is okey dokey. Carry on.
(4)xoxo j.
yesssss.... Finally a Chi-town seafood option that doesn't involve nondescript BYOB sushi counters or stodgy boys-club-esque steakhouses touting massive sized surf + turf. I need a break from pork belly, pork butt, pork in a jar, pork from next door... I need me some crustaceans + shellfish. stat. I'm not going to lie, it wasn't easy getting resos for a decent hour on Friday night of opening weekend, but I'm glad we did b/c the wait was 3+ hours once we arrived at 8pm. The place is pretty small... so even though people are encouraged to wait at the bar... there really isn't all that much space to wait. In any case, it was a complete zoo, but I give the staff credit b/c they were totally composed, friendly, apologetic, and frankly just did their best. Our server was awesome though - super friendly, enthusiastic, and a friggin champ. He's obviously earned his stripes - he survived Stephanie Izard's GATG opening, so he's clearly a master at high-profile openings. He walked us through the menu and told us that everything is small plates and comes out as it's ready {hallelujah! Enough with fancy-pants staging + timing at restaurants. Just give me my friggin salad already, I don't care if no one else has food in front of them...}. He also mentioned that if we just feel like snacking, he recommends 2-3 plates but if we're ready to grub meal-style, then he recommends 3-4 items... Either my pea-sized stomach has finally met it's match, or these plates are super teeny tiny. Me and my dinner companion {a regular sized man with a non-pea sized stomach} could have easily done 5-6 plates. We were tempted to order more, but instead saved the room for more vino and dessert. FOOD *sunfish ceviche :: super tasty, super light, super small *brandade croquettes :: i'm not a fan of fried balls, but these were light on the palate and really tasty - the fennel salad was sooooo good and totally balanced the plate. thumbs up. *black gnocchi :: drool, drool, drool... i love the broth as opposed to the typical cream that gnocchi is normally drowned in. i wish the gnocchi was a little more chewy or al dente... these bad boys were smushy {but delish} *stuffed squid :: loved everything about this dish except for the saffron rice... it didn't kill the dish, but it do much to elevate it either. VINO *the un-oaked chard tastes like a sauvignon blanc... and honestly, I ordered it with a lot of elbows in my face and the bartender was pretty crazed, so there's a good chance it was a mis-pour. *there's a random spanish red blend with some sort of acronym {GST? G-something-something?} ... look for it, it's lovely. DESSERT I can live without dessert, but we got the carrot cake which was pretty good. I was expecting the horrific {yet characteristic} GInormous carrot cake wedge, but to my surprise they came out in little squares piled on a small plate. They were like carrot cake brownies and pretty damn tasty. OTHER NOTES :: *NO SRIRACHA... noOOoooooOoo... aaaaauuuggghh.... They were really excited to bring me their house hot sauces - all bottled, labeled, and prettied-up with GT's brand... There were two versions, and sadly neither had any spice whatsoever. Fail. Call this gastro-blasphemy, but my meal would have been perfect with some tried and true rooster sauce. Sad face. *Restrooms... only one per sex! Crazy... maybe this won't be so bad when there aren't 200 people packed in a 90 person restaurant, but I thought it was pretty nutty that there was only one restroom for the males and the femmes. Anyways, hi-five GT for a successful Day Two. Open Table resos start this Monday, so get one to avoid hours of standing awkwardly around the bar counter. And don't forget to BYOS {bring your own sriracha}.
(4)A A.
One of the best meals I've ever had in Chicago. And I've lived here for 9 years and have been to a ton of restaurants in the city so I think that's saying a lot. Must haves: Oyster po-boys...amazing esp with the kimchi adds a really interesting twist! Fish Tacos Lobster Mac n Cheese Gnocchi with Scallops Fish and Chips The service was also great. Our waiter was hilarious and even brought out a complementary dish for us. Final word: great place, great food, great service!
(5)Erika O.
The food is good, but pricey. Not really well served. Oysters are great.
(3)Tu'ens N.
I tried the oysters (a mix), the lobster bisque, lobster roll, cod, shrimp bruschetta and the "cheesecake". All were awesome except the cod which, honestly, sucked. It was really sweet, with no texture (i.e., no crispy seared side or anything) sitting in a little pond of asparagus puree which is also soft and kind of gross. Anyways the server who was great said that dish was a work in progress and welcomed that feedback. The lobster bisque may have been my favorite and the oysters we tried were all really good but I don't remember which they were. Sorry for the low-info review. The cheesecake pannacotta was interesting and good even for a non-dessert lover. Design etc is good too.
(4)John T.
we carried out a couple of lobster rolls and their lobster mac and cheese. Each was tasty and well worth the money. We will be coming back!
(4)Edgar B.
exceptional oysters, great atmosphere, maybe too much staff standing around sometimes. I love the black and white tiles. one minus is the annoying crowd, lots of fakes. but hey, money talks.
(4)Penelope Y.
I was here for the second time about a month ago, fantastic again. Oysters, wow! There were 4 of us and we ordered so much food and loved all of it! Shrimp bruschetta, coba noodles, oyster sliders, gnocchi, lobster roll, Mac and cheese. We also enjoyed a bottle of Sancerre that was very good. Service was great as well.
(5)Valentina V.
Another one of my favs! Great food and overall vibe. They have a communal table for when you don't have a reservation, otherwise I would recommend making one. The fish is really fresh and I'm a sucker for "tapas" style dinner. I've only been with one other person and the portions have worked out well. I keep dreaming about the starfish ceviche, yum!!
(5)Klar Z.
Plate-sharing has never been a problem for me but I walked away from GT last night feeling pretty unsatisfied, even though my date and I shared four different plates (we had the crab cake, the shrimp bruschetta, the lobster mac and cheese and the fish tacos. The fish tacos were by far the best--we wished we had just ordered four plates of those.) Between the price, the small servings and the unbelievable loudness of the restaurant, I didn't have a very fulfilling experience and won't be back. (Also, I wish they had more than a one-seater in the ladies restroom. The first time I went someone had vomited in the sink and covered it up with towels, which was unpleasant to say the least [I realize this is not the restaurant's fault] and the second time there was a steadily-growing line.)
(2)Sahar A.
GT Fish and Oyster, you are officially my favorite place to eat in Chicago. The food is tasty, fresh and fun, but the carrot cake is LIFE CHANGING. I thought the server was just being silly when he double arm pumped at our decision to take his dessert suggestion, but upon my first bite, I understood his enthusiasm. While I'm a huge dessert lover, this carrot cake is something EVERYONE should have in their lives. It comes with cream cheese gelato (I. KNOW.), fried carrot chips, toasted walnuts and, of course, the carrot cake. Do yourself a favor and go here for dinner, or just dessert, and order the carrot cake. You can thank me later.
(5)Lucia Z.
Really yummy oysters with a great selection.
(4)Tyler W.
My absolute favorite spot in River North. Get the oyster po'boy sliders and thank me later. Chef Giuseppe came out to meet us and really made us feel at home.
(5)Gregory L.
Finally, a Seafood bar nestling into River North which is not "A" a chain "B" a steakhouse or "C" coaxed with a crowd of yachting/country club old timers.(no offense, you have your places) But then again... I really wished GT would have gotten it right. Thoughtfully choosing the menus' dishes and cocktails with plenty of trial and error. Everything on the menu sounds delectable. Sure, some of it is. In fact all of the FOOD was. If I had known that with a party of 4, each dish would supply us with the portion of an amuse, I wouldn't have come so hungry. GT Fish & Oyster, wrapped in glossy white wooden walls encasing a clear glass entry partition sets the mood right away. It gives you the feeling that you will be in for some seafood, but leave your searsuckers and boat shoes at home. Black painted accents with the white walls, acquire the chic and trendy atmosphere. Combining brass light fixtures, a stitch designed floor and enameled wooden counter tops brings the whole seashore scene to life. Arriving before my party at 4:30 opening night, I thought I would try and beat the rush so I can really see what this place is all about. Gazing over the cocktail menu just in awe of all these elements I had yet to experience; creole bitters, Grapefruit oil and a barrel aged Manhattan! I started with the "Old Money" Bourbon, Aperol, Walnut liquer, bitters, and allspice all mixed together and poured in a glass full of rocks. What a sin and tragedy to ruin such an amazing concoction by watering it down with a glass full of ice. The complexity was completely lost. Next, a barrel aged Manhattan. This concept is relatively new to Chicago. The mixologist will make a large batch of a cocktail, then age it in a barrel. How could I turn down this opportunity? I tried to the second time around, but apparently the server just brought me another one, even though I said I will stick to the water. Of course I was still charged another $15 for a glass of whisky flavored sweet vermouth. The bartenders are all very friendly and willing to answer all of the questions you may have about their menu. Ask away, they encourage it. As for the beer, hold up a few months until they know what they are talking about. The diner seated next to me asked about the Alpha King, I butted in and said it's a Pale Ale. The bartender said "Not really, it isn't even classified as a Pale Ale." Even though Alpha King is 3Floyd's fame to their APA line. (American Pale Ale) I didn't want to argue though. Ah yes, down to the food: Foie Gras Terrine, Oysters, Pot Pie, Stuffed squid, Pork Belly Seated communally at one of their tables in the dining room, the table was wide and large enough to fit two parties of four without even realizing they are literally at the same table. We ordered the terrine and the oysters. The terrine was of foie gras and shrimp served with an apricot chutney, toast and pickled onions on the side. Since this was a terrine, I knew it was going to be gelatinous and probably unappealing to most unfamiliar with terrines. It was a great first dish, cold, light and full of different levels of flavor. The shrimp lightened the depth and body of the rich foie. The pickled onions brought some acidity to compliment the shrimp and add spice to the foie. The chutney added the sweet and citrus flavors to the entire dish. Very well executed, but not large enough for all four of us to really try more than a taste. The lobster Pot Pie, in all honesty was sort of a disappointment. From the photos posted on their site, I was hoping it was going to have a nice phyllo or pie crust on top to bring a nice hearty dish together. No crust here. Just the combination of peas, potatoes, celery, lobster and I believe a Mornay sauce scooped into a ramekin and stuck under the boiler. Quick and easy $16. The squid was stuffed with Chorizo and shrimp and served on a bed of saffron risotto. Just a great "tapa" all together. Really easy for 3 people to try it. Since we had 4, we had to cut pieces in half, so everyone could have a taste. The saffron risotto showed me that a true Italian was behind the works of this dish. My bite was really outstanding. And finally with one dish that was not seafood... The token pork belly. Seared perfect Berkshire pork belly can make all my worries go away. Such a rich and comforting dish. The cannelini beans added even more body to the pork belly, and the fresh slaw lightened it up with a crunch. Eventhough I give GT 3 stars, I want you to know that it is a place you have to check out. Perfect for a party of 2. Great ambience and a fun army of employees. In a few months, I'm sure the overly sweetened cosmos (haha, the ladies ordered) and for some reason salty Highland Daisies will be perfected. Welcome to the neighborhood, and I'll probably see you again soon!
(3)dani f.
Host would not seat us at either of 2 nice side banquet tables available when my husband and I entered an empty dining room because they hold them for 3 people. Meanwhile, within minutes, both tables were occupied by 2 other couples . Food very disappointing. The fish and chips and lobster roll not nearly as good as less pricey East Coast places. Also don't like small plate options that require diner to order extra plates and spend more $. Dani ( From NY but now living in Chicago)
(2)Pam J.
...this is more of a 4.5 star place Definite fan! The food, service and decor were great! The only complaint - prices were a little high. Yes, it's fish and seafood, but they serve small plates. Nonetheless, still worth the trip and monies. Must haves: the fish tacos and po' boy. Super delicious. I would definitely go back. I love restaurants that serve small plates - gives customers the chance to try several items on the menu in one visit. That being said, I need to go back and try the dishes we didn't order! ~ BoKa group, you've done it again ~
(4)Raytus C.
The shocker was the waiter telling us a normal meal would be 3 items from the menu. Prices were really high, so that was kind of shocking. Started with tuna tartar topped with mango, and toast with shrimp and avocado sauce. Both were acceptable, but nothing to rock you back in the chair. Then we had the mussels from the entire menu. The mussels were of fine quality, but the tomato broth - while very pretty - also didn't reach the exceptional. We had a nice chocolate mousse dessert, easily the high point of an otherwise pricey mediocre meal.
(2)Jeanus T.
Very nice interior and pretty good size dining rooms. They have community tables setup in the middle surrounding by tables of 2 or 4. Food's really good. We ordered a dozen oysters (all 6 different kinds that they offer) and the tuna poke for appetizer, and that was impressive. The we had the oyster poboys sliders, very very good!!! Also had the lobster roll and lobster macaroni. The lobster roll was very nice and big. I loved the bread. It made the whole thing better because of the bread. Though I thought the lobster macaroni wasn't as good as the others, relatively speaking. It just wasn't cheesy enough. Lastly, we had the date cake for dessert. They put cream cheese on top, at first we were like, that's kind of unusual, but then it was actually a very nice balance to the sweetness of the cake. Very well done. I reserved a star for the scollops that we didn't try. Definitely will try that next time.
(4)Blair J.
Love that they offer oysters from Chesapeake Bay. Since living in Chicago, I have not had oysters from bk home (VA). The hot and cold plates were delectable. Cod with the mango puree simply amazing. I would recommend the lobster roll. Hands down!!! It was so rich and tender. The carrot cake is fried and rich, but so worth it. Plus, it comes in small cubes, so you don't feel as guilty. Definitely will be back for more oysters, lobster rolls, & the cod. Would have given 5 stars, but they were out of stock on wine and on a cold plate.
(4)D S.
My wife and I had dinner here tonight. The service was really fantastic and so was the food/drinks. Our waitress, Courtney(?), was extremely personable and knowledgeable about all the menu items. She provided especially helpful details about the Oysters. We ordered a smorgasbord of food including the Oysters, Chowder, Fried Green Tomatoes, Salad, Fish Tacos, and Lobster Roll. All the food was very tasty and served efficiently but not rushed at all. The bar has a phenom mixologist, John, who made our drinks. He's very good at creating and customizing drinks to your taste. We both ordered drinks by providing basic taste/ingredients and were very satisfied. Overall we enjoyed the great service, the menu, drinks and the place has an upbeat vibe. Based on the crowd you might want to plan in advance and make reservations.
(5)Brit T.
The small plates were all pretty good but the star of the night was definitely the jalepeno cocktail I ordered. So good!
(4)Vlad T.
I have been here many times (sat at the bar and in the dining room) and had almost everything on the menu! All of it is good! My absolute favorites: Waitlist martini, Oysters - always fresh, always consistent, Baja shrimp bruchetta - very tasty, Oyster Po'boy slider - so delicate and kimchi is a nice touch, and saving the best for last: Lobster roll - its their signature dish, cold and fresh and the bread it served on - out of this world! Lobster roll is just so memorable - never get tired of it! I prefer to sit at the bar, although it gets crowded later on at night, but then it could be a great people watching spot. If you decide to go last minute, get there 6:30-7 on the weekday and you will still find a couple of spots at the bar.
(5)Sonja S.
I had been eying the spot on my early morning dog trudges, watching as things developed- abnormally excited by anything within walking distance of my apartment with the word OYSTER in its name.... I heart oysters, I do and I was counting the days until I could dive in head first to a briny, coppery delish plate of oyster goodness and walk home the afterglow of natures perfect food. So this is funny ( well at least to me) I was going to see Devotchka at the House of Blues (another story all together) and I decided that since I was taking myself on a date, I should treat myself right... I was walking down to a totally different restaurant and errrrrk did a left hand turn into GTS. It was 5:15. I walked up to the hostess station ( that does not sound cool enough for the actual restaurant) and said, are you open? The very adorable trio standing there said yes! I said how long have you been open? They chorused 45 minutes! I said no I mean open for business - 45 minutes!!! they said... I thought uh oh Seated at the oyster bar, I conferred with the Oyster Man ( this is a VERY technical review) and he suggested that I try the Fire something oysters. I ordered 6 Kumamotos and 6 Fire something or others, and a Waitlist ( a grapfruity yummy cocktail that was a perfect foil for the oysters to come) When the oysters arrived I set about demolishing the dozen in record time. The Fire oysters were a revelation,. as a huge Kumamoto fan, I was enthralled with the coppery yet sweet taste of these little jewels. After plowing through the oysters I ordered the tuna poke. This was not actually a poke at all. Yes I know there are very many versions of poke- but this was a diced velvet serving of deep red tuna, structured on top of thin slices of cucumber and topped with ribbons of mango. No seaweed, no sesame oil. All the same it was delicious. Running out of time for my concert I had to leave. But I have to say, I was thrilled. Yes this place is too pricey for the size of the portions, yes its going to be crazy busy for even a weeknight stop in - but as a treat, absolutely. This review id probably premature as I haven't had a full on dinner there. YET. But I have to say to visit a restaurant 45 minutes after their official opening and have GREAT service, a delicious cocktail and impeccable seafood ( teeny portion aside) home run - as I said to the darling trio on my way out- y'all are gonna make a ton of money!
(4)Juliette C.
Went to GT last night with bf and a couple of friends. The friends were nice enough to say they liked it, but apart from 2 dishes that were just okay, the rest was extremely disappointing. Let's start with the good: we loved the po boy sliders. The salted caramel tart was pretty good too. The sauce of the mussels was pretty good (tomato, basil and garlic) but hid the taste of mussels and would be better with goat cheese. Now the rest was pretty bland. And for the price, that's an expensive bland. The oyster shooters were terrible. I love shooters. These were covered by a weird taste substance, so you could not feel their taste. The Tuna poke was pretty tasteless. The Mahi was decent, though not impressive. Same with the octopus. The wasabi sauce was good but there wasn't enough. The Peruvian potatoes were a miss, and there was not enough octobus, like 3 tiny bites. Last the GT mac and cheese was the blandest thing I ever ate. Did not taste like lobster or anything. Just overcooked pasta with some vague taste. My friends' pumpin pie was not very tasty either. Add the fact that it is hard to park around there. Chicago has much much better places that this. Go there next time!
(1)Emily B.
One of the best meals I have had in a very long time! Fish tacos are beyond compare (and I've had a lot of fish tacos in my time!).
(5)Jessica G.
we had lunch. clam chowder to start... which was pretty awesome tons of clams the lobster roll was good.. but needed something maybe some butter fish and chips were like 3 tiny sticks i do not recommend the steak fries, it's like eating basically a baked potato each time. tooo big
(3)Wenbo X.
Amazing oysters. The food here is very good, and isn't very expensive either. Great to have lunch at with family or friends.
(5)Mei C.
Small portions, expensive, bland, neither seasoned, nor caramelized, or well prepared. No 'uomo' on combination of flavors. Though seafood is not overcooked. For the price, they need to take it to the top. The ingredients are superior, just the execution for the price. I see why there are a lot of stars from some other reviewers because the quality of food is high but for the price it needs to wow.
(2)Lindsey C.
I came here for lunch this week and I'm SO glad I did! The husband had a variety of oysters and raved about them and the sauce. I had the baja shrimp bruschetta appetizer - amazing!!!!!!!! We both had the fish tacos. I had never had fish tacos before and I had NO idea they could be THAT good!!!!!!!!!!! For dessert we split the key lime pie, which they serve in a cute little jar, very New England style and sooooo delicious!
(5)Charlie J.
Really enjoyed our night out here. Lively, but not loud. Trendy, but not over-the-top. Beautiful people, but not in any pretentious way. Really good mixology...sit at the bar for a while before you get your table, enjoy a couple of raw ones while you do. Loved the small plates and got to share quite a bit with my lovely wife. Really good wine list with a good price range. Was a fanatic for the Key Lime Pie served in a jar (upside down). Service was extremely attentive and knowledgeable. We got a cozy spot surrounded by mirrors and old ship lights. Really really really recommend this!
(4)Dave L.
This place was fantastic. I did need to book my Saturday 530pm reservation several weeks in advance so keep that in mind. We started off with some oysters, which were all fantastic, I really enjoyed the two garnishes that came with them. We then had 6 dishes off the menu; 3 hot and 3 cold. Cold dishes: 1. The Tuna Poke was amazing, and it is a MUST. The mango garnish had some jalapeno in it to give it a little kick. I would come back just to get this and the gnocchi (see below). 2. The Baja shrimp bruschetta was also very good, and while the grapefruit concerned me at first, it was definitely not overpowering, and added a nice shot of flavor into the dish. 3. BBQ Eel, I really enjoyed this one as well, the wasabi is barely noticeable and was not spicy (in a good way!) Warm dishes: 1. Basil Gnocchi - this was incredible, everything was prepared wonderfully; I'm a sucker for cherry tomatoes. 2. Crab agnolotti - I wasn't overwhelmed with this dish. My review is a couple weeks late, and I really can't remember much from this one. It wasn't "bad" but you're not going to gush about it on yelp two weeks after the fact. 3. A squash/seafood thingy that is not on the menu anymore. This thing was not good. I think its a very positive sign for the restaurant that its already off the menu. This was the only negative of the evening food-wise. Dessert: We had a chocolate cake/mousse thingy and it was good. I'm not a big dessert guy, I'd rather double-down on things like the poke or the gnocchi, but it was still good. This will be something I will include on my future reviews is, "would my dad find this place too noisy?" The answer is a resounding YES. My dad would find this place much too loud. I found the place a little loud, but overall I enjoyed the atmosphere. In terms of service, I'd just say average, our waiter asked up front if we had any allergies, and my girlfriend does not always react well to spicy foods. After several times insisting that he'd make sure nothing spicy would come out and cripple my girlfriend, the poke came out with some jalapeno extract or something in the apricot preserves, and the bruschetta came out with some peppers on top. He was extremely apologetic, but still disappointing. Luckily nothing was too spicy for the girlfriend, so all's well that ends well. He did help me select an very nice bottle of wine. Service was also a little slow in the beginning when we were selecting dishes, but after food started arriving, either the service improved, or I was just in a much better mood eating the awesomeness in front of me. This place is great, and will definitely now be part of the "nice restaurants" rotation whenever I have friends in from out of town or want a nice date-night.
(5)Dave C.
When it's good, it's great. The shrimp bruschetta, the oyster po boy sliders, the salte caramel tart. Absurdly good. Unfortunately, the other stuff, while not bad at all, is not in the same league, hence the four stars. We should have listened to our waiter. Everything that he recommended that we ordered was stellar, the other stuff was the not so good. If only we had stuck with just what he recommended, we probably would have had a five star meal. I'll be back, if for no other reason than to sit at the bar by myself and down 5+ oyster po boys....
(4)Jonathan D.
This was an excellent choice for a birthday dinner. The food is small plates but pass around easily. They serve some of the best oysters I have experienced in the Mid-West. The desserts are outstanding as well. There is a good selection of wines and liquors, though the beer list is a bit small. Even with a group of 10, it feels very intimate. The wait staff is friendly and on top of things, make great recommendations.
(5)J Z.
This place offers something for everyone. I didn't know it was a share plates type of place but it turned out great. Our waitress (Agness, maybe) was terrific, offering great suggestions. The oyster po boy and fish tacos were only a couple of things we had. They were delicious. The lobster roll and mac and cheese didn't float my boat but my friends seemed to like them. We also had the crude platter which was fine but not substantial enough for my liking. Our drinks were nice sized pours. Overall it was a fun place with interesting and tasty food.
(4)Heather F.
I had my theoretical lunch meal all planned out for GT Fish, as part of my big Fish Bar/GT Fish show down, but alas, the lunch menu is much smaller than the dinner menu, and it was not feasible. I will have to finish conducting my research at a later date. In any event, the scene here is nice; definitely less casual than Fish Bar, there's a good vibe, and the staff was very attentive and friendly. When we asked about the "oyster crouton" that came on the caesar salad, he even brought us out a bunch to try (best fried oyster I've ever had). Did get to try the lobster roll, and I found it to be far superior to Fish Bar. Tons of meat, plump big pieces that were perfectly cooked and tender, just slightly coated, (not a mayo sandwich), with small pieces of celery and herbs. The bun was not too sweet. Came with a pile of fried onion straw pieces, which was nice to munch on. It is very rich though, so I would definitely recommend ordering a beverage other than water to cut through the indulgence. For dessert we had the key lime pie, which was sort of an upside down version in a jar with toasted meringue on top (very good, a little bit difficult to share successfully with a group due to meringue separation issues). We also had the peanut butter dessert which was wonderful. Am definitely going to come back for dinner.
(4)Mary L.
I would give this place another try - and definitely would not decide to go/not go based on my review if you are going for oysters. That said, we went specifically for lobster rolls, and we were very disappointed. We work in DC, where lobster rolls are plentiful, so we know what we are talking about when saying this was a rip off. The taste of the roll was delicious, but it was 1/2 of a roll for full price. I'm not a big eater, and even I was still hungry after eating what was an appetizer portion for a full lunch price. The restaurant needs to either take this off the menu or suck it up and give everyone a full sandwich instead of 1/2.
(2)Jeff K.
We stopped by without a reservation and dined at the boomerang table in the bar. Server was informed and attentive. The food was fresh and well prepared but generally not spectacular. New addition to the menu Oyster Po boy was amazing. Some of the portions can be tiny...specifically the BAJA SHRIMP BRUSCHETTA - SMOKED HAMACHI CRUDO was uninspired and the pasta in the Mac and Cheese was a bit overcooked.
(3)Melissa M.
We had an excellent experience... great service and this place is great for groups. Highly recommend the Oyster Po'Boy Sliders!
(5)Darren A.
Great food and unique plate size for a seafood restaurant. Great set up and friendly, knowledgeable service. I would definitely go back.
(4)Elizabeth G.
This place has a long list of glowing reviews and I want to add to that list: 1. The food is amazing. The ingredients are fresh, the concepts are innovative yet simple, and I thoroughly enjoyed eating all of it. A lot of high end restaurants use a million ingredients to make their food taste good. The trick is to find a place that you enjoy not just while you're eating it, but afterward as well. And that I did! I had practically everything on the menu and I walked away feeling great. 2. Ambiance- simple and elegant- much like this sentence! 3. Staff and the service- honestly the best I've ever experienced. I went to GT to celebrate an engagement and everyone from the hostess to the chef to the manager came out to personally congratulate us. They did so many nice things to make the night memorable that I can't even count. They sent us a delicious dessert, the manager picked out the perfect wine, they gave us a card- just to name a few! Chris, Agnes, Kevin, Hector, Gabby, and Giuseppe- it was wonderful to meet each one of you- thank you so much for making the night so special!
(5)Kristina R.
Lunch, Tuna Poke, outstanding! Lobster roll, good but a little $$ for what it is.
(3)SL-S L.
Someone sent me a message saying that the salad was brown because it's grilled. In our case, it was brown because it was wilted lettuce. We showed it to the waitress, and she agreed that the color was not due to the grilled lettuce, but because it was bad lettuce. Just wanted to clarify that.
(3)John B.
Small plate, 'purist' cooking style (e.g., seasoning is scarce on all dishes), oysters were as advertised, and desserts are pretty good. I'm not blown away mostly because the price matches and is sometimes above what you get. I highly recommend the lobster roll, but it ain't as big as your head. I want to give this joint 3.5 stars.
(3)Dina I.
Gets better and better. Can't get over the oysters, bbq eel, chowder, mussels, halibut, bass, the entire raw cold section of the menu (especially the hamachi, salmon (cured with beets to give it an oh-so-yummy vibrant red tint!), poke, you get the point)! Oh, and while the key lime is so fresh and tart, I loved the panna cotta. It was a light enough of a dessert to cap off another night of massive eating. Love Chris, the GM, as well!
(5)lucky r.
I really like this place---Tapas style seafood dishes. Service was wonderful. Nice casual trendy restaurant. My guess and I would definitely go back! As with everybody you have to have the lobster mac n cheese and the mussels.
(4)Dawn N.
My husband & I learned of GT's from 190North & I did further research on Yelp. We went at 4:30 on a Sunday via reservation on Opentable.com & sat at a 2top. I wanted to avoid the loud ambiance I kept reading about so I could focus on the food during my 1st visit. I have to say the reviews are pretty accurate! On the plus side...impeccable service, noteworthy decor, exciting vibe, great people watching, & some mouth-watering dishes. On the minus side....very expensive for the small portions, which add up quickly when you are expected to order 2-3 per person, many dishes were overly salty or citrusy, inconsistent experience between the dishes, & poor desert execution. I was full when we left but my husband seriously wanted to go to McDonalds!!! After dropping close to $200 for 2 people, we went to McDonalds!!! Get it out of your system if you must, as we did, but we more than likely won't be returning. Best dishes we tried: sunrise ceviche, $22 lobster roll (yikes!), tartare, salmon.
(3)Jay G.
This place is legit. No reservations so we sat at bar, best martini and oysters I've had in a while. Can't wait to go back. Just like the surrounding restaurants in River North it's not cheap.
(5)Bridgett B.
Went last Thursday with friends for my husband's birthday and it lived up to the hype. The service was fantastic. We waited a bit longer than our reservation and were sent a round of free drinks for our trouble. A birthday card and small gift were waiting at the table when we sat down, and our wait staff made fantastic recommendations as to what to try. I was especially impressed with the oysters, chowder, and lobster roll. It can be a bit loud, and reservations are tricky to come by at popular dining hours, but you should definitely check this place out.
(4)Livery H.
I came here because of the oyster bar, with a few days left in Chicago, why not see how they do at a raw bar. In comparison to the oysters of Massachusetts, I would rather have spent the $3/oyster on more drinks. I was really excited about the food as well, everything sounded tempting. I ordered the poke, octopus and watermelon, basil gnocchi, and the fish and chips. Poke was great, octupus and watermelon, even better, basil gnocchi was to die for, fish -- the best I ever had but the chips left me wanting some type of flavor. - "the waitlist" was a pleasant, deceptively strong drink - ordered two deserts - the cheesecake left me feeling obese and unhappy, the blackberry pie thing and almond ice cream made me want to ask for a pint of the ice cream to take home - overall- the staff was great, they seated us at a nice table, with a reservation, the price was a more than I usually like to give but I knew what I was getting into
(3)Joe D.
Finally made it over to this place after reading so many good things about it. All the staff was super nice and helpful and most of the food did not disappoint. Started off with a selection of oysters served with house made cocktail and hot sauces. All the oysters were very clean and fresh. Moved on to the sunfish ceviche which was quite refreshing. The softshell crab came out next and was terrific, but I've been ruined on softshell crab after Longman and Eagle set the bar so high. GT came close. Lobster roll came out next. Served with fried onions, which were spectacular considering they are just fried onions. Surprisingly enough, the bread was the star of the lobster roll. Buttery and crisp on the outside, warm and soft on the inside. I would've liked the lobster to be the star of this dish, but it was still pretty damn terrific. Enjoyed a bottle of Sancerre from an impressive wine list, but couldn't make it to dessert this night.
(4)Laura T.
There are so many wonderful restaurants to choose from in River North and GT not only adds to that list, but stands apart. Admittedly, it is sometimes difficult to get a table or spot at the bar, but those types of problems are to be expected where food is great, prices are reasonable, and the service matches the crowd's energy and enthusiasm for a fun dining experience. While I haven't tried everything on GT's menu, I have dined here at least a dozen times, and here are some tips: Apps: the Kusshi oysters are divine, the tuna poke is delicious and the cerviches may cause battles if you planned to share (because you won't want to); Main: the crab legs were a little disappointing, the mussels are phenomenal (and huge), the fish tacos are a crowd pleaser, and the lobster roll brings back memories of Montauk (although recently tried this requesting less mayo and the sweet succulent lobster ... well you get the idea). If you have any room left (which is sometimes a challenge since the food is delicious) in the summertime, do yourself a favor and order the key lime pie - I don't even like key lime pie and I dream of GT's take on it. The drink list is extensive and well thought -- if you are looking for a perfect wine to pair with your meal or just for your preferences - talk to the bartender Rick, you will not be disappointed!
(4)miss k.
If I could give 6 stars, I would. I went with three friends of mine last dinner and we were in awe of everything we ate. The food is delicious, our waitress was friendly and attentive, and the ambiance is chic and inviting. We had a great time. I can't wait to go back!
(5)Janet C.
Very disappointing. This place is not sure if it wants to be a fine dining experience (given the price and menu) or a noisy bar scene (given the noisy bar). We were there on a Friday night and could not get over the noise level in the bar. We had to shout across our table to hold a conversation. The restaurant played Prince music at full volume and a good percentage of the patrons were there just to drink. The bathroom was filthy. Our server was very nice, until we complained that she brought all of our warm plates out at the same time (when she had indicated she would take care of the timing for us), then she pretty much disappeared. It seems like an ok place to sit at the bar and drink and eat oysters but if you want a culinary experience or a nice dinner with friends, look elsewhere.
(1)neal s.
I had high expectations for GT, maybe too high. The food was very good and quite tasty but the portions were tiny and expensive. I am getting a bit tired of tapas-style everything and the communal dining experience. It just wasn't fun. As far as the service, the general staff was attentive but our waiter was cloyingly annoying and needlessly theatrical, I mean come on, this is supposed a New England style seafood joint not an audition. Bottom line, we won't be back
(2)daisy J.
this place was yummy! it's not often you get small plates seafood and this place knocked it out of the park! we had the tuna (awesome), bbq eel (good - but not wow), fish taco (amazing), oysters (great), scallops (yum), lobster mac (insane)! for dessert we had the blackberry buckle - who does a buckle?! GT does, and it's perfect. my only complaint is i wish there was more of the toasted almond ice cream! my only complaint is while i spent about $80 i did leave feeling hungry. their dishes lack a carb component which makes it hard to just fill up on smaller portions of fish. the lobster mac helped, but i would have liked to have seen either some bread served or something more dense added to help fill you up.
(4)Michael M.
Re.....donk!
(5)Joanna K.
absolutely fabulous...LOVED the oysters, dug the hamachi (complex, absolutely delightful, loved the punch from the habanero--enough to add interest but does NOT overwhelm the dish)...and then, the lobster roll? heaven. finished it all. yum. service was attentive and helpful; drinks were great. will definitely be back!!
(4)Julie B.
Yum! What amazing food. I had three plates- first the shrimp brushetta with avocado, chili, and grapefruit. Very good. Next were the fish tacos with grilled rock fish. It sounds like the fish they use changes, as the waitress told us what it was for the day. The tacos were also very good, although the sauce was a bit too plentiful. May want to ask them to go light on the mayo sauce if you order those. Next, and by far my favorite, was the grilled octopus on top of watermelon slices. It was joined by lump crab meat and mussels. Everything was perfectly cooked and flavored. That is one dish not to miss. The portions are definitely tiny for the price (everything is tapas style), and they suggest you order three plates per person. Average price per plate is around $12. They have an extensive alcohol menu. The crowd was lively and well dressed, and it was packed on a Monday night. A great happy hour/ date/ out with friends spot.
(4)Lo M.
Overall the food was good, but not phenomenal. Add to the fact that the price tag for dinner with drinks for two was close to $200.00, I won't really be recommending this place to friends when there are tastier options in this category for a lesser price. We were seated near the bar area which had a couple of loud groups in Ed Hardy tshirts that had seemed to be doing a bar crawl and had apparently stumbled over from Rockits. It kind of ruined the otherwise great modern nautical feel of the place. Because of it's proximity to some douche bag bars in the area, this might happen more often than I am sure the owners would like. Fish tacos were good. Oysters were some of the best that I have had. But overall, nothing that really blew you away. Restaurants have a lot of competition in Chicago and there is nothing really driving me to go back and spend another $150 to $200 on a few small plates and cocktails.
(3)Ronald T.
If you're a fan of oysters you won't be disappointed. The selection is great but on the pricier side, about $3 per oyster with a minimum order of 6. This may come as a shock, but I think the best thing I had was their panna cotta cheesecake and this is coming from someone that isn't much of desert fan. It easily tops as one of the best cheesecakes I've had. It's different... it was light, not too sweet, and had a silky texture to it. Definitely order this if you have room for desert and are a cheesecake fan. Their lobster roll was good but for $22 I think I was expecting either more lobster or something a little more special. It really is just a regular lobster roll. The fish tacos were fantastic, the best entree of the night. The clam chowder was a close second. The service was impeccable. The one really annoying thing about this place is the row of tables against the wall in the 2nd room. If you have to move your table to get to your seat, the tables are too close to each other. My wife is a size 0-2, so that gives you a frame of reference. I understand the place needs to make money, but that can really kill the experience. I felt like I was close enough to elbow the guy next to me and of course I could hear every single word of the conversation from the tables next to us even if they whispered. Overall, I think if you're into seafood and oysters, this place is definitely worth trying.
(4)marc z.
good, good atmosphere. like the freshness of the dishes as well as the communal atmosphere of the boomerang table.
(4)Eunice A.
Stumbled upon what seemed to be one of the best restaurants in Chicago! Loved the first visit so much that instead of journeying to other restaurants on my short visit, I came back the very next day! I normally dislike clam chowder, but this place was hands down the best--tasted even better than the one in Fisherman's Outlet in San Francisco. Oysters are fresh beyond belief too. I would definitely come back here when I am in town again.
(5)Food M.
Take a pass on Sunday brunch Sat down expecting a great breakfast. Very limited menu. Had crabmeat Benedict. Could not find the crab meat. Tasteless Came with nothing else. Partner had bagels and lox. No onion. No capers and nothing else. If you going to offer that, then do it right. A drizzle of creme fraiche has to go. I expected more from Boca Group. Very disappointed. Boca set a high standard at all there other sites. They fell very short here. On s side note, waiter was very good
(2)Kate G.
I'd like to begin by saying that I'm not usually the type of restaurant-goer who places a high premium on quality of service. If the food is delicious, I usually ignore a few service-related faux pas. However, dining at GT Fish and Oyster highlighted the importance of good service for me. If the customer service is repeatedly disappointing, especially at a restaurant that's supposed to be high-end, it ultimately makes for a frustrating experience. When my fiancé and I arrived at GT Fish & Oyster, we were told by the hostess that there would be a 25-minute wait, which was fine with us. After waiting for twice that time (50 minutes), we checked in with the hostess and were told we were next on the list to be seated. However, a few minutes later, a different couple was seated ahead of us. We heard the hostess say to the person who seated them, "You seated the wrong people." However, we received no apology and waited another 10-15 minutes until we were finally seated. After we were seated, we waited another 10 minutes for our waitress to take our drink orders. When she finally came by our table, she told us that the the menu is all small plates, and we should order at least 4-5 dishes. I understand that small plates are popular and have eaten them at a number of other restaurants, but there was no indication on the menu that all the dishes were small plates. Plus, many of the items on the menu, such as fish & chips, clam chowder, lobster roll, etc., are not traditionally served as small plates. This came as a surprise for us, as we were planning on each ordering one item and realized we'd be spending considerably more money than we initially expected. Our waitress did not return to take our dinner orders for another 20 minutes. When she came back, she was out of breath, as it seemed to have dawned on her that she needed to take our order and ran to our table. No apology was given for the wait, however, and she instead complained about being out of breath. We ordered four dishes, and she proceeded to say that we'd "probably be filled up" with what we ordered but acted rather skeptical and unhappy that we didn't order more. We ordered the Sunfish Ceviche, Shrimp Bruschetta, Mussels, and GT Mac N Cheese. My fiancé enjoyed the Sunfish Ceviche, though I wasn't blown away by the flavors. The Shrimp Bruschetta arrived soon after we finished the ceviche. Though the Bruschetta was tasty, there were only two pieces, and the shrimp, while fresh and well-cooked, were not particularly large, considering what we paid for it. The Bruschetta was mostly dominated by a smear of avocado spread. After finishing the Shrimp Bruschetta, we waited another 15 minutes for the Lobster Mac N Cheese. While I don't think you can really mess up Lobster Mac N Cheese and the dish was tasty overall, we weren't blown away by it. For $19, I would expect more lobster, more cheese, and a richer flavor. Instead, I felt like we were mostly eating pasta in a thin cheese sauce. The mussels arrived last. I'd recommend ordering these. Served in a roasted tomato broth, they were plump and fresh and accompanied by pieces of toasted and buttered ciabatta. Overall, while the food wasn't bad, it wasn't anything impressive either and wasn't good enough to make up for the poor service, especially considering what we were paying. The man who was refilling our waters and clearing our plates was the nicest person we encountered the whole evening. He was much more friendly than our waitress and the hostess. So on the one hand, props to him, but on the other hand, it shouldn't be the case that the person bussing tables knows more about customer service than the other waitstaff and hostess. My fiancé and I won't be back.
(2)Phoebe C.
Our party of 14 made a reservation and were seated at the wooden boomerang table near the entrance. Good call, GT, as certain members of our party were very rowdy compared to other patrons. Seems like there is a variety of seating areas ranging from casual (bar, front of restaurant) to more intimate (back of restaurant). FOOD - what I liked: -Oysters. At $3, they are definitely on the expensive side, but I like the variety. Conversely, it also felt overwhelming. Regardless, how can you not have oysters at a place that has "oyster" in its name? I just picked the three largest oysters 'cause size matters...ha. -Fish and chips. I usually stay away from fish and chips, because "chips" sound so cool but then I remember it's just French fries. I have to say - best fish and chips I've ever had. Everything is fried, obviously, but it tastes so light. Oh, and the tartar sauce is bomb. -Maine lobster roll at MP - $30 in July 2015. Pricey but worth. I think what GT does well is they keep things simple. Their items are not overdressed, and you taste quality seafood at face value. It comes with pickled shallots and cauliflower, which is interesting. FOOD - pass: -Fish tacos. Contrary to what another Yelper mentioned, their fish tacos are NOT better than fish tacos in San Diego. Lies...don't go to the Midwest for fish tacos. -Oyster poboy sliders. I love me some oyster poboy, but I didn't like their Asian fusion twist with kimchi. Felt like the kimchi overpowered the light and deliciously fried oysters. DESSERT (Their pastry game is strong thanks to their pastry chef. Seriously, if anything, come for their dessert.): -The Vacherin. Green tea ice cream with strawberry compote and wafers was mind-blowing. -Gin and tonic sorbet. My cousin, who is dairy-free, loves gin and tonics. He got the gin and tonic sorbet and absolutely loved it. It tastes exactly like gin and tonic. Side note: I really feel I can start a business making strictly alcoholic ice creams and sorbets. However, is it not a thing because alcohol freezes differently? Gimme a shoutout if you are a chemist. *mic drop
(4)Rachel W.
Seafood lovers dream!!! Shrimp Bruschetta*** Tuna Tar Tar Oyster Slider*** Fish Tacos Maine Lobster Roll ***fav Great service & ambiance. We went at 4:30pm. As one of the few people in restaurant, we were greeted with enthusiasm. Our waiter gave us delightful recommendations and even tipped me on how to take a better picture. *first yelp review!
(5)Lisa L.
came expecting some phenomenal food because of their ratings. however, I just found them mediocre. I came with a friend so we were able to share two entrees, the soft shell crab sandwich and the main lobster roll. the main lobster roll was delicious but pretty standard, good decent amount of lobster, good balance of mayonnaise and I love the crispy toasted butter roll. at the time, market price was $34 for me, which I thought was a bit expensive since there exists the same quality lobster roll for much less in ny. so maybe it's just Chicago? the soft shell crab sandwich came with a somewhat small crab, but it was nicely done with a flavorful topping, didn't care too much for the bun. again, overpriced in my opinion both the entrees came with either chips or fries that were so greasy they were inedible. complete waste. i'd suggest the lunch special if you really want to try the food. sunfish ceviche.. yea, three starts worth.
(3)Jaimie P.
This is some of the best seafood I've had in my life. It was excellent. I love the atmosphere and staff was great. Overall, exceptionally delicious and amazing experience!
(5)Sara K.
The food and service here are spot-on. I was very impressed. We had oysters, the gnocchi (which have quail eggs baked inside them), and the lobster rolls, which were worth every penny. My only complaints are a) the cocktails--mine (gin + grapefruit, as far as I could tell) was a bit bland and b) the acoustics. It can be difficult to hear the servers, and for them to hear you. And if you're seated next to somebody noisy, then it feels like that person is yelling into your ear throughout the meal. When you're seated next to drunk, screeching divorcées for an hour, as we were, this can be very grating--and was part of why we didn't stick around for dessert. Still, I'll definitely come back again.
(4)Andrew D.
Wowza! This place is further proof of Chicago's place on the global food map. You can really have quality portions of any type of food in this city, including seafood! GT's River North space is a romantic, upscale joint I'd normally recommend for date night. We were here for my friend's 30th birthday, and the accommodations were awesome. We had our own private room that was hidden behind the kitchen in the basement of the restaurant. It looked like a ship captain's private lounge/war room. We had a prix fixe menu selected by staff and were able to try a varietal of menu items, both seafood and non-seafood. Every bite I tried was incredible; no complaints. To begin the meal, we were offered the wines that would accompany our entire meal. In white, we were given bottles of a crisp French Sancerre. Great offering to pair with the seafood dishes. For the hotter and non-seafood dishes, we had a California Pinot Noir which was slightly chilled, as a Pinot should be. Great recommendations. As for our food, our menu included the following dishes: to begin - Hamachi crudo(refreshing palate cleanser), tuna poke (fresh tartarelike app), sunfish ceviche, shrimp bruschetta (both delightfully and surprisingly spicy), main - oyster po'boy (love fried oysters - Asian influence in sauces), fish tacos (standard, fresh), mac & cheese (solid, enjoyed the lobster inside), and pork belly (despite not being seafood, perfectly grilled with an amazing sauce). Looking forward to coming back for standard lunch or dinner service!
(5)Dennis S.
Lobster roll, lobster roll, lobster roll. Did I mention the lobster roll? That's what we go for. Late lunch, wine, appetizers, and always their fabulous lobster roll, with so many chuncks of tasty moist lobster that it's falling out of the bun. Everything else is good too, like the tuna poke and the ceviche, but this is, for me, the best place in Chicago to get a lobster roll, year round.
(5)Dianne S.
I adore this place. I've eaten dinner here with my husband and lunch solo. Both times I've been met with friendly, attentive service. The food is fresh and delicious! I like the subtle spicy kick of their clam chowder and its generously packed with clams. The white fish on a bed of mashed squash was such a unique but great flavor combination along with the scattered roasted brussels sprouts. My dessert was so inventive yet still pleasing to the palate. I had the key lime pie with gin and tonic sorbet. The pie came sprinkled with mini meringues that added a delightful crunch of texture to the creamy pie, and the sorbet tasted exactly like a frozen gin and tonic. Portions are definitely a bit on the smaller side but there are plenty of oyster choices to fill up your tummy!
(5)Cynthia T.
Nice ambience, dishes are small but they recommended sharing so it was suggested to order several dishes per person. It's a little pricey for ordering multiple dishes but we did enjoy everything we ate.
(4)Gino W.
I was looking for a restaurant that would be good enough to feature on my food blog. Considering the seafood restaurants I have gone to in Chicago that never failed, I figured I could not go wrong with another seafood restaurant option. I would not classify my experience at GT Fish & Oyster to be a failure, but it was not what I was expecting in a seafood restaurant. Sazarec. Cold green tea soba. Shrimp bruschetta. Seared tuna salad. Gnocchi. Whitefish. Lobster roll. Key lime pie. Chocolate torte. The sazarec was extremely heavy-handed on the alcohol and absent on flavour. The green tea soba was outstanding! The shrimp bruschetta was a hit. The seared tuna salad looked wonderful, but still elicited a brief smile only. As to the gnocchi, it was also comme si, comme ca. The whitefish, which was from the Restaurant Week offerings, was light on flavour while the sauce took centre stage on that dish. I must admit that the lobster roll was rather appetizing, along with the fried onion rings and pickled root vegetables. The desserts reminded me of offerings that I've had to Sugar-Fixe in Oak Park. The oyster selections were limited. The oyster menu had about 7-9 offerings and they are all of the variety that you let slide down your throat. The "large plate" seafood items were at market price. There were a few non-seafood options on the menu, for those who may not want to indulge any seafood. GT Fish & Oyster seems like a great place to go for drinks. For those who like to sample a few glasses of wine or a few cocktails and small plates, I recommend the restaurant highly. It's a place full of vibrant people, a lot of energy, and some rather good table service.
(3)Amy O.
I went during the work week for lunch. Service was great. For some reason I thought the portions were going to be small and they were not. I had a salad with seared tuna on it. Also the vegetarian tofu eggplant dish had a little kick and was fantastic. We also got a lobster mac and cheese for the table that had big chunks of lobster in it. My friend was raving about the lobster roll. The "Market Price" description for the roll scared me away but it did look pretty tasty and you can order it hot with butter or the more traditional cold style. Also my friend raved over the thai soup.
(5)Kavita S.
A group of friends and I went to GT Fish & Oyster for Sunday brunch and we were not disappointed. The service was fantastic and I really liked the sleek interior design and the pretty view from our table. We ordered the churros which were super crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Not the best, but a fun way to start the meal. The winner at the table was the OYSTER PO'BOY SLIDER!!! Hands down it was the best little bundle of flavor and texture I've tasted in a while. The kimchi on the slider had a pleasant kick to it and the peanuts provided a nice texture. I will return just for the sliders and will definitely order more than a few per person next time! The Shrimp and Grits with the tasso ham were absolutely delicious and the grits were cooked perfectly. The rest of the table ordered the Biscuits and Gravy, Steak and Eggs, and the Crab Benedict. The brunch cocktails were up to the mark. Every dish was better than average and everyone left with happy bellies! I will definitely be back for lunch/dinner! Next time I'll tackle the oysters and other seafood dishes, along with more PO'BOY SLIDERS!!!
(4)Jackie M.
This would be the Tapas style seafood joint that's good for 2 to 4 people. My gf and I sat in the communal table near the bar area, because it was at least an hour for table. We literally ordered one of each oyster from the menu. The oysters were so fresh that I can taste the difference between the east and west coast. I'm so glad that there is a decent seafood restaurant that serves variety of fresh oysters. The portion is quite small, therefore we ordered about 4 entree between 2 people. lobster roll: sufficient portion to share between 2 person. It was delicious and garlicky. mussel: quite forgettable which was drenched in tomatoe sauce and too tangy. Fish taco: it was okay, but not amazing. Average good and the fish was fresh. Fish and Chips: Nicely fried on the outside and juicy inside. I took one star away because I'm not a fan of communal table due to lack of personal space and dislike hearing other's convo.
(4)Rachel N.
In all honestly, I'm 95% sure that at the age of 87, my grandmother parties harder than I do - as I am the geriatric one in our pairing and I made the res, we hit GT at 6p on a random Wednesday night - and was colored surprised to find it slammed - tables filed w all sorts of delicious Chicago-style bros, gals on gals on gals, all of whom were clearly celebrating unoffish galentine's day or some shizz, and a few other Gold Coast retiree types - thus, it was before we'd even noshed on our apps that the noise level that started off at a dull roar quickly devolved into a feverish pitch - and while this generally makes the night a bit harder as noise = sadness when one has hearing aids, which Pearl does, somehow the rest of the meal being pretty fantastic made up for the acoustic assault. Vibe is dressy cas - lots of afterworkers still in business attire - the resto itself is dark and soft modern - diner beware, the booth benches are ridiculously low, so if you tuck into one of these bad boys, ask for a pillow or two to sit on, or else your chin will be resting upon the table top. While clearly I was pushing for an entire meal of the caviar service, somehow we managed to get diverted to other tasty options - started w a hamachi crudo (peas, daikon, fresno chili, melon), artichoke salad (endive, whipped ranch, trout roe), and sunfish ceviche (chimichurri, jicama, radish, tostada) - and then eased into the octopus (chickpeas, kohlrabi, beet, cipollini) and effing quail egg yolk gnocchi, which rocked my world with its pillowy bounty of flavor explosion. Winners were...everything? Maybe the artichoke salad is a skip as I don't know that it was particularly thrilling, though the arti/ranch combo was a fun classed up version of my childhood favorite - perhaps try the five grain instead (smoked salmon, cashew, poached yolk), or perhaps if you feel like ballin, the seafood platter (lobster, king crab, oysters, shrimp) - and if I had an extendable stomach, the soft shell crab (chili, pea, almond, frisee) and lobster rolls would have been mine. Alas. They rec 3-4 small plates per person - which will probably be a lot of food if you're a dainty eater - I think 5 dishes was plenty to split btwn 2 ladies - but portions are not massive - a plate could be shared btwn 2-3 people easily, but if you're with any more than that, consider getting two orders of whatever you're noshing on to ensure everyone gets more than just the tip. Plates run from $9-18, with a few things clocking in at MP (read: mad dollars) and the caviar service taking it home with options ranging from $54-122. Din for two w drinks will comfortably cost you $120 + tip, depending on how much you're boozing. Overall, def worth a trip, I'll happily be back anytime I'm in the 60093.
(4)David A.
Been here for breakfast/brunch and dinner. It can be as easy as walking in and sitting at the bar or in the bar area or as we did for dinner, making a reservation for the dining room. First off, the brunch menu was a huge value, they have a well thought out menu and they aren't trying to bend you over the table or bar with their prices. I will need to report back on the morning concoction another time. As for dinner, recommend going for a starter plate of an oyster mix, job well done! The drinks were great, a scotch old fashioned made the right way, and my wife picking from their cocktail menu was equally impressed. It was a bit pricey in the end but I highly recommend GT and will be back. How's that for a 100th review....
(5)Nick D.
This place was very good I love the taste of the lobster roll the fresh oysters and the ambience. They have outdoor seating which is great because you can people watch and just interact with everybody. I chose to have a lobster roll and it was delicious a month if you come to this place.
(5)Jul N.
A friend visiting from out of town recommended we go here - she used to live in the city and it was among her favorite spots at the time. It was going to be a Saturday brunch, and I didn't want to spend tooo much money, but how could I say no to my friend's request? Got there and was seated immediately. Bright, open layout and plenty cool (the AC was pretty blasty), and as other reviewers have noted, several different seating areas from casual/bar to more formal. I had an EXCELLENT Bloody Mary with bourbon, and a Miller pony (any other chaser beers?). For lunch, roasted tomato and corn shrimp and grits. SO GOOD. Several juicy jumbo prawns and perfectly cooked grits and creamy, roasted tomato sauce. A decent portion. My bill for a strong drink + tasty meal was under $35. Friendly wait service, just some weirdness from the hosts when my friend and I asked where the restrooms were and were directed downstairs because the only upstairs bathroom was occupied. Downstairs near the kitchen was a very hot, cramped bathroom that didn't really seam like it is intended for customers (judging from the cooks' looks and the offhanded way the hosts told us to go down there). Whatever. All in all, a great experience, and I'll be back.
(4)Jeff F.
It's really difficult as a New Englander to come to Chicago to have seafood instead of steak, but I'm glad I did. Here's the rundown: Absolutely get: - Po'Boy (ridiculous, fully regretting not getting more Po'Boys) - Oysters - perfectly shucked, great selection - Shrimp Bruschetta - Vacherin Dessert Pass on the: - Monkfish - Tuna Poke - no crackers? - Black & Tan and Carrot Cake desserts I'll be back for Po'Boys at the very least.
(4)Susie C.
I love this place!! We came here for lunch on a Friday afternoon. It wasn't too crowded so was happy! I really like the decor of this restaurant. The waiter was very nice and helpful. Really appreciate the service. My husband and I each started with their New England clam chowder. He heard great things about this soup so we both ordered it. This is by far the meatiest soup we've had. It was pretty expensive $11 for 8 oz but it was so tasty and came in a cute container. For entree I ordered the lobster roll and it came with a side of french onions and veggies. This was a very tasty lobster roll - although I felt it was a heart attack meal but it was just so good..I just had to eat it. My husband had their fish sandwich which he enjoyed as well. We shared a lobster mac and cheese - that was also very good. It came with chunks of lobsters..oh my!! We were so stuffed afterwards. Our waiter did warn us that we ordered too much food and he was right. This was a really good meal! Definitely would come back. The bathroom is also very cute.
(5)Sunny K.
Absolutely fantastic. My friend and I went on a dinner date on a Thursday evening after work to have some fish and oysters. We started out by ordering one of each Oyster variety (there are 6, $3 each). Then we ordered a few mains; the mussels, the hamachi crudo. Our server, Josh, was the most accommodating man. He brought over a free plate of salmon bruschetta on the house for us to try. Great start! The oysters were AMAZING and left us wanting more, but by the time we finished the mussels we were stuffed. I thought the hamachi crudo was so-so, the fresh oysters and mussels are much nicer. For dessert we took a gamble and ordered the vacherin, something neither of us had tried before. It was a green tea meringue atop some strawberry sorbet, which was a lot sweeter than we'd hoped it would be. Josh brought over another plate of dessert (again, on the house), the Black & Tan, a chocolate stout cake and some coconut ice cream, which we weren't expecting -- I have no idea if GT is trying something new here or they thought my friend and I were intense foodies, but we got two free dishes with our dinner, and the entire bill only came to about $35 per person. In terms of the experience: seamless coat-check, fine service, intimate location for a dinner with a good friend, fantastic drinks. The only downside I'd say I experienced was a 10 minute wait despite a reservation. However, I had fun at the bar. Very much enjoyed dining at GT Fish & Oyster and would probably come back in the near future.
(5)Candace L.
Snazzy little restaurant, cute decor, black & white tiles, with a cool bar. If you don't have a reservation, the communal table is a bit small and awkward and wouldn't suggest it unless you get the middle table. Rather, sit at the bar and you'll have a much more enjoyable time. I suggest getting there around 6-7 before it gets really crowded though. The GT hot sauces were goood! I wish I brought a bottle back with me. Try it! - Oysters (min. of 6) - their oysters are so fresh! The Hudson's were delicious. It comes with a ponzu type sauce and the cocktail + horseradish. Very good! You can't come here w/o getting oysters! - Tuna Poke - the poke was more like a tartar, which was kind of weird. It was still good and rich in flavor, but I was expecting something a bit different. - Whole Grain Gnocchi - not that big of a fan.. the texture of the gnocchi was off. It was too soft and not chewy at all. The smoked salmon, however, was delicious. - Maine Lobster Roll - large and in charge! Huge chunks of lobster that overflowed the roll. Oh and the roll! So nice and buttery; great texture! Definitely goes well with the GT Smolder sauce! - Arnold Palmer sorbet - omg so good! It tastes exactly like an Arnold Palmer. Even with 25 degree weather I still had to try it!
(4)BestBloody M.
GT FISH & OYSTER I'm honestly pretty convinced that nothing pairs better with a Bloody Mary than oysters. As they say "When you eat oysters, you wake up", which is always the case with a good Bloody Mary first thing in the morning after a long night of hellish drinking. When I heard this half traditional - half modern River North seafood joint served brunch I was pretty ecstatic to stop by and suck down some of those salty zinc packed delicious morsels. The Pregame Surprise Suprise, of course we decided to start with the obvious, Bloody's and Oysters. Not knowing a lot about oysters I always think it's a pretty safe bet to get a variation from the east and west coast. Personally I like small to medium size ones so I always tend to ask first and have the waiter educate me on what they have in stock. As much as I love oysters I can't stand to take more than 2-3 chews with each one. The waiter recommended we go with Washington and New England oysters because they both weren't large. They came served over ice with homemade cocktail sauce and MIgnonette. If you're not familiar with Mignonette sauce it's made with minced shallots, vinegar and cracked white pepper. Personally I love it on oysters and always add a dash of hot sauce and some fresh squeeze lemon. As I had suspected they were delicious - chilled, salty, spicy and sour all in one bite. As I'm sure you suspected we washed them down with some Bloody's, garnished with pickled treats and tasty shrimp. I do want to point out that the mix wasn't just boring tomato juice out of the can but actually made with Chicago's own Stu's Bloody Mary Mix. If you aren't familiar with Stu's I highly recommend getting to know their products a little better. Made locally with all fresh ingredients it's a company you'll learn to love. Not only did the garnishes and mix pass my test but it was also served with Miller High Life sidecar(mini 6 oz beer - in a sense you're getting two drinks in one). I do want to mention that if you or or brunch companion isn't a huge Bloody Mary drinker GT still has you covered. They have a whole menu of just brunch cocktails that all sounded mouthwatering. Peach Purée Bellini, Paloma(tequila, lime, grapefruit beer and BBQ bitters), Michelada, Mimosa and plenty more. Pretty much any brunch cocktail beverage your alcoholic taste buds could crave. The Grub The brunch menu was packed with all sorts of your favorite breakfast items with that GT seafood twist - Lobster Biscuits and Gravy, Crab Benedict, Shrimp and Grits, Oyster Po'boy slider, Bagel and Cured Gravlax and so much more delicious items. After going back and forth between the Biscuits and Gravy and the Benedict I decided to go south on the menu towards Hollandaise city. My girlfriend went with the Duck Confit Chilaquiles, which for some reason I've never been a huge fan of. Not sure the reason because Im pretty much obsessed with anything and everything to do with Mexican food so who knows maybe I've just had bad Chilaquiles dishes. Just as I had anticipated the food was just as good as the cocktails. My Benedict was packed with crab and Swiss Chard and mighty good. If your not familiar with Swiss Chard it's a leafy green vegetable used in Mediterranean dishes and when steamed it's similar to a spinach or greens. Personally it was fantastic but the Chard took away from some of that crab taste I love and was a little overpowering in my opinion. I also had about five bites of the Chilaquiles because they were so good and really made me rethink my opinion on this Mexican dish. The Consensus Overall everything about GT Fish & Oyster was perfect. I had heard good things for years and everything I had heard was true. This is a River North seafood joint that's here to stay. If you're downtown looking for a great spot for some oysters or to get your seafood game on head to GT Fish & Oyster. Cheers!
(5)Genevieve L.
Good quality small plates. Don't be fooled by the size of the plates. They're packed with protein and flavor so you'll get full sooner than you think. Tuna poke? Good Crudo? Good Lobster mac and cheese? GOOOOOODDD! Just be sure you make reservations before coming otherwise you'll have to creep around the bar for empty seats. Luckily there were only 2 of us so it wasn't that long of a wait. And surprisingly the bar service was extremely attentive and much faster than table side
(5)Susan S.
Love this place. So many small plates to choose from. My husband I and come here as often as we can. If you can't get reservations, the bar is a fun alternative.
(4)Bruce P.
My wife and I celebrated our anniversary last Friday at G.T.'s, and so glad we did. The food is always fresh and delicious, and the service exemplary. A special shout out to Emily for handling an awkward situation with the valet with particular professionalism and clarity. If I owned a restaurant, I'd want Emily in charge.
(4)Molly S.
Came into town for Lolla and wanted to grab some oysters. This place was great - the raw oysters are super fresh and delicious, the oyster po-boy sliders were AMAZING, and our server Spencer was a delight. Definitely would come back!!!
(5)Gerry S.
Okay. Mean Girls moment, here. Have you ever met a cute guy or girl who is also bright and witty and shares your interests and you should totally be best friends only for some reason you can't stand them? And no matter how hard you try because maybe they're actually more than cute they're super hot and if they'd just shut up you might be able to get past their personality long enough to make out with them and that would be awesome, but instead they keep talking and the more they say, the more you hate them? Yeah. Welcome to my experience with GT. What a disappointment. GT should be a lovely restaurant. The space is thoughtfully appointed and the staff are friendly and helpful. The price point is certainly upscale, in keeping with the neighborhood. The ingredients are clearly fresh and carefully prepared. This place should be a no-brainer. And it wasn't. Because I'm clearly not on the same page with the palate of the chef here. He or she is putting out food that has a particular point of view, and I am SO not a fan. Take for example their roasted oysters: I understand it's not a huge leap to go from putting horseradish on a raw oyster to using horseradish with a roasted oyster. But for me, a roasted oyster is a completely different beast. The sharp brininess is gone, leaving behind the subtle, sweet oyster taste. And the horseradish that GT includes in their roasted oyster preparation to my taste entirely overwhelmed the taste of the seafood. The oyster might as well not have even been there. Then there's the pork belly. I mean...come on. Who doesn't love some bacon? Well, apparently I don't. Not when it's been braised. Actually, I think calling it "braised" is being kind. The pork belly was stewed. And stewed pork belly? It's a fatty, slimy mess. No, no, NO. And that's the story of my whole dinner: One dish after another that I really wanted to like more than I did, that is, when I didn't just hate it start to finish. I'm sorry, GT. I totally wanted to be besties. Maybe even friends with bennies. But we're just not meant to be.
(2)Karen X.
Came here for restaurant week and had a lovely time! The seafood is very fresh and is cooked and presented in very cool and innovative ways. The tapas style makes it possible to try a lot of different things, but it does get pretty pricey if you are just ordering off the menu rather than the restaurant week option! Anyways, a good place to try with friends for a fun evening out, but not the place to go for a value meal that will leave you feeling stuffed.
(5)Andre W.
I had a very delicious meal here! I was excited to come for restaurant week as I have been wanting to try this place for quite some time. 4 courses for $44 wasn't to bad and all worth every penny. The first course was the tuna poke which is the best I've had since I had been to Hawaii. The mango, cucumber and black sesame definitely complimented this delicious appetizer. 2nd course was the seared tuna salad...very good as well. This dish included egg, red potato and cider mustard vinaigrette. 3rd course was the grilled whitefish which came with brussels sprouts, squash and apple ginger. This combination was awesome as the flavor made me want more due to the portion bing a little small which was fine since I had 4 courses. 4th course was the key lime pie which was ok as it came with sorbet. I enjoyed 2 glasses of a pretty good red wine (Tempranillo Rioja) to wash all of this down. I came back on the final day of restaurant week for lunch on an invite from some friends. The fried oyster po' boy roll was pretty good...smaller than what most po'boys look like, but was very good. I hear the oysters and lobster mac & cheese here is something to celebrate so I will definitely be back soon. The setup of this place was cool and the staff was great as they made sure we had everything we needed.
(5)Alex K.
This is the best seafood in Chicago, with perfect portions. Get the mussels and the oyster sliders!
(5)Jenny S.
Just had lunch here with a colleague and it was amazing! Let me preface this review by saying that I have a crustacean allergy (shrimp, lobster, crayfish, etc.) so I was not looking forward to eating here but since it was my colleague's birthday and she wanted to try it out, I obliged. And I can say now that I am very happy I went! I was pleasantly surprised by all my options. The waiter informed us that the majority of the dishes are meant for sharing so we ordered three hot plates, drinks and a dessert. We were stuffed! And the service was excellent! Food: Fish Tacos with chipotle aioli Fish and Chips with dill pickle remoulade Eggplant and Tofu with plum hoisin sauce Cocktail: Desert Oasis spiked with tequila Dessert: Peanut Butter ice cream, mini oreos and pieces of fudge and brittle Everything was excellent! If I had to pick favorites I would choose the fish tacos and the desert oasis. I would highly recommend this place! It's a bit too pricey for me to come here often, but if you're the same way, I would definitely say save this place for the next time you want to splurge for a special event or date night!
(4)Patrick M.
Wasn't very impressed with GT at all. Had a 9:30 reservation and had to wait for about 15 minutes at the bar when there were clearly open tables to be had. While waiting at the bar it took about 10 minutes to get a drink. 1 bartender and plenty of employees standing around talking to each other. After we were finally seated it took a while to get menus and then there seemed to be some confusion among the staff as to who our waiter was. A manager came over when he could probably tell we had been waiting a long time but he didn't really do anything to remedy the situation. Ordered a number of things and none of them really caught my attention. Best part of the meal was the hot sauce that is bottled on the table. I doubt I would decide to go there again unless meeting others. Too many other options in the neighborhood with better food and better service.
(2)Kevin K.
Had planned to come here for a month and it couldn't have been more disappointing. Might as well have been at Red Lobster for their endless shrimp scampi fest. Siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiike If G&T is "seafood", Red Lobster belongs in another category... "below shit". Knew of the hype but had other plans until Monday lunch opened up. Near-empty at 11:35 so we bellied up to the bar. What proceeded to take place for the next forty minutes was one of the very best experiences during our weekend in Chicago. G&T is top 3 of the 30+ restaurants we tried. Service worked quickly after we grabbed two stools. The cocktail was beautiful, refreshing. It's not on their menu now so they flip cocktails quick.. fantastic news. Food arrived damn fast, even before cocktail #1 was emptied. First was the tuna BLT. My God! My eyes started at the edge of the pieces and moved inward. - Excellent seasoning and crust. Check. - Huge slices. Check. - Well-peppered. Check. - Meaty, rare-purple center. Check. Then came the spicy aioli and salty bacon for excellent interplay, fresh tomato and crisp bread as accent. Bam! Next was the clam chowder. You could grow a beard for 2 years and go on "Deadliest Catch", or you could just eat this soup. Huge clams like the ones you dig out of the shell. Crisp celery chunks and a salty-spicing that'll blow your hair back just like at the ocean. And award the 2015 Nobel Prize to whomever realized soup can be served in a clamping jar.. no lukewarm last-bite. Finally came that lobster roll. Take a gulp and ignore the $28 ticket. I know you're not Fletch putting all this on the Underhill's bill, but that lobster roll, or more accurately, lobster-salad roll, is easily the most refreshing I've had. Huge... no... HUGE chunks of lobster. They rain down out of the sandwich and onto your plate like a short-lived spring shower.. just as short-lived as your sandwich on the plate. The pickled veggies and spicing are at banh mi lightness. I prefer hot-buttered, heart-stopping lobster rolls, but this is still #2 I've ever eaten. G&T is Chicago's answer to "It's cold in the winter, let's go to the Beach." Damn we'll be back.
(5)Randy F.
GT Fish & Oyster was our choice for a great Sunday brunch while visiting CHI-town. Unable to secure reservations at the widely popular Girl and the Goat, we figured that hitting one of that restaurant teams other acclaimed spots would be a good way to go. It's a short walk if you're located in River North and the restaurant is both modern and sleek with both indoor and outdoor seating. They began serving brunch in addition to dinner and lunch service a little while ago, but I had heard great things about their take on several classics, all with a seafood twist. Service was top-notch and while I wouldn't call it a family destination, they do have high chairs and the like for those looking for a family-friendly brunch spot. Our selection: Dozen Raw Oysters - this place is all about the seafood and they have a great oyster selection available from the start of brunch. Most of the oysters were ones I've never had and I've had my fair share of oysters. Chef's Creek, Cranberry Creek, Caraquet, Misty Point and Old 1871 were all new to me. Each was fresh and delicious and they serve it with a wonderful hot sauce that I believe is their signature GT sauce. $3/oyster which isn't bad for a fancy place like this. Everything Monkey Bread - their savory take on the traditionally sweet and cinnamon Monkey Bread. It's essentially like a french brioche but served with a wonderful dill buttermilk cream sauce. I was a bit disappointed it wasn't what I was expecting but the table loved it. $7. Oyster Po'Boy Slider - a signature item they also serve at dinner. A perfectly fried oyster is placed on a slider with kimchi and peanuts. I gulfed it down as an appetizer, but order a few for the table if you're hungry. $4. Fried Chicken and Waffles - a nice take on a Southern classic. Crispy fried chicken on top of fantastic maple syrup waffles. I really loved the waffles. I wish the chicken had been dark meat, but it was still tender and juicy. $11. Biscuits and Gravy - this dish had caught my eye as it used to be made with lobster. They've since switched the recipe to crab and shrimp, but a lobster stock is still used for the gravy. Very decadent. The poached egg was perfect. Bloody Mary - they used to offer a bourbon Bloody Mary with a thick slab of bacon but now only offer the regular Bloody Mary with a shrimp and pickled vegetable garnish. It was strong. Overall, we had a great family brunch here. The food was spot-on and the service was top notch. The highlights are definitely the raw oyster and seafood items and I suspect that dinner with seafood dishes is even better. GT Fish & Oyster accepts credit cards including American Express.
(4)Helen L.
Enjoyed the food and atmosphere! Moved from Florida to Chicago, oysters were delicious and a great selection!
(5)Ann H.
Been here a few times for brunch but this was our first dinner and it was wonderful! Top recommendations and feedback: 1. Clam chowder - yes yes yes! This is the most flavorful and hands down the best clam chowder I have had in my life. I grew up on cans and cans of this stuff so I didn't know how good it could be! MUST TRY! 5/5 2. Po boy oyster sliders - fabulous flavor and good portions! Balanced flavor with the oyster and kimchi! Wow! Could eat at least 2 of these!! 5/5 3. Fish tacos - good balanced flavor- could use more slaw but didn't think it was that unique or blew other fish tacos out of the water... 3/5. - will not order again 4. Lobster Mac n cheese. Mmm well this certainly tastes delicious but beware very heavy! There isn't that much lobster either so it's a little difficult to justify the heavy price tag. 4/5 Oysters - so good I had a few at the start of the meal. All in all a delicious meal! Recommended and will return! Service was good and waiter was charismatic!
(5)Natalie N.
We recently returned with the kids for Brunch. When we arrived it was surprising to see the restaurant was mostly empty but filled up during our meal. We shared churros and oyster sliders. Both were absolutely delicious. I love those damn oyster sliders. I got the crab benedict and it was really great. Both of the kids got chicken and waffles. The waffles were definitely better than the chicken. Husband got the ricotta pancakes. When the pancakes arrived, they didn't look very appetizing but holy shit were the delicious. Not only is GT a great spot for dinner, their brunch is also great.
(4)Elizabeth F.
We came here for my boyfriend's birthday and had our favorite dinner to date. First off, our server Maggie was knowledgable and helpful, helping us decide how many small plates to order and what type of oysters we might like best. Second, the ambiance was perfect for a date night or intimate dinner and we loved the casual yet intimate decor. And for the food, it was all fantastic. We ordered two rounds of oysters, all of which fit our palettes perfectly (thanks to Maggie). We also got tuna pokè (which we've been dreaming about ever since), oyster po'boy sliders, and crab gnocchi. Maggie also picked out a great white wine to pair with. Not only was the food delicious, but we learned a lot about what kind of oysters we prefer and would like to order in the future. Overall, a fantastic experience. Plus, they brought my boyfriend a free birthday dessert! Doesn't get a whole lot better. My only suggestion is to secure a reservation and ask for a personal table if you so desire. There are communal tables, which definitely would have affected our date night experience!
(5)Eric C.
Excellent all-around seafood restaurant with a mix of traditional dishes (lobster mac and cheese - not great) and interesting flavors (shrimp and avocado over crispy bread - GET THIS). I enjoyed the small plates philosophy which encouraged sharing and trying many different things. NOTE: the monkfish and shrimp dish over flavorful, paella-esque rice was outstanding and is worth a trip just to try.
(4)Kat A.
I've been here 4 times so far. The first 3 times weren't so bad service wise. Food has always been great. The servers aren't the friendliest, except for one. This past time I had made a reservation for 12 people at 8pm on a Saturday night...made it a month in advance. We had to wait 45 minutes for our table because management failed to move the guests prior to us out of our table. They apologized several times, but what good does that do? They sent out 4 plates for the inconvenience but they were small plates...for 12 people, that's a nibble per person! We were starving and annoyed with having to wait that long. The food was still good as usual. I've ordered oysters in the past...always a good choice. I always have to order the clam chowder. It is chock full of potatoes, clams and other goodies. It does have a little kick to it. The lobster roll is also amazing. Can't compare to Boston, but it's the best I've had in Chicago thus far. I've had it prepared both hot and cold...I prefer the cold with the mayonnaise as opposed to the hot with butter. The server this past visit didn't even ask if we wanted it hot or cold...but luckily sent it out cold. The waiter came by once to check on us...and he only checked on half the table before running off. We asked for checks to be split (I know it's a pain...and even worse that there were 12 of us). He screwed up splitting a couple of the checks, so when we told him about the error he said really nastily, "I'll fix it, just wait!" After dropping off the checks we didn't see him again. He sent someone else to pick up the checks/payment. I am still extremely disappointed in having to wait that long after having made the reservation a month in advance and for having such a rude waiter. I think I can hold off coming here for a while. In the mean time I'll test out other restaurants for clam chowder.
(3)Melissa A.
GT Fish and Oyster you have let me down. I never thought I would have to give you guys 2 stars but the service we received was horrendous and I am not exaggerating. We had reservations for a party of 12 at 8pm and our whole party was there on time. When we arrived, the hostess told us they were still getting our table ready and that we could get drinks while we waited. We waited....and waited. Then the hostess comes to tell us they're waiting for one more table to leave before our table would be ready since they had to combine tables to seat our party. Ok, that's fine but we literally waited 45 minutes before being seated which is absolutely ridiculous since we had reservations. Once we were seated, our server, Boban, came to see if we wanted to start off with any drinks. I don't believe he ever introduced himself by name and if it weren't for the check, I'd never have known. We received awful service and he was possibly the rudest waiter I've encountered in a while. First off, he mumbled, spoke really fast so it was hard to understand him, and was very long winded. I didn't have much of a problem with that however. I did have a problem with him only checking on us once throughout the meal and that was by him standing at the head of the table yelling to the whole group if everything was ok, and when we said yes he then walked off quickly. Even at that point I wasn't upset with the service since I was enjoying my time there. Let's skip to dessert where my sister had mentioned to him earlier about wanting to order a dessert for our other sister (birthday girl) with a candle in it. So we're trying to be discreet when he comes by and quietly tell him which dessert we wanted when he loudly announces that another guest in our party already ordered a key lime pie for the birthday girl. Um sir, could you be any louder?? That's when I started to get annoyed with him. Let's just say that wasn't the worst part of the night. Skip to the end of the night when the check comes and we ask to split the bill per couple. I understand servers hate nothing more than people asking for separate checks...I really do. I wouldn't have minded if he straight up said no, we prefer not to, but instead he repeated our question "You want separate checks?" followed by a LONG pause while staring at us, sigh, and a fine. Was that really necessary? I think not. Then comes the check and he made a mistake on mine and my sister's. He combined ours together and added the dessert that someone else ordered. That's fine, not a huge deal. So I told my sister, "Oh, this is wrong" and Boban overheard me saying that and replied in a snide tone, "Will you just hold on, I'll fix it, alright?" Whoa there cowboy, first off I wasn't even talking to you and secondly there was no need for that attitude. I was not pleased with the service I received that day and I really don't know if I would come back to GT again. Sorry for rambling but I was outraged with the service, and looking back we should have mentioned the poor service to the manager. Ok, enough of the complaining, let's talk food. We received 4 small starter dishes complimentary from GT for the long wait. Everyone got to try a bite of the small plates which were ceviche and a tuna poke. For entrees, I ordered a clam chowder and split a lobster roll with my sister. The clam chowder hands down was the best part of the meal, not only because it came in an adorable little jar. It was much lighter than other ones I've had and I loved that it was packed with potatoes and clams! I completely forgot that they usually ask whether you want your lobster roll hot or cold because our server never asked us. Ours was served cold with a side of fried onion strings and a little dish of pickled veggies. The roll is definitely on the smaller side but had a decent amount of lobster in it; I literally ate my half of the roll in 3 bites. And these three bites were somewhat ladylike bites I like to think. I also tried half of my other sister's fish tacos which were pretty good if you ever find the fish that is, it was mostly lettuce, chipotle aioli, and a bite of fish. For dessert, we ordered a chocolate meringue tart and the key lime pie both of which were good but not outstanding. I would probably suggest skipping dessert here and going elsewhere if you want to end the night on a sweet note. Overall I don't think I would return to GT Fish and Oyster. The food is good but not good enough to offset the terrible service and small portions they serve.
(2)Lexie V.
Came here for a date night with my boyfriend and had a fantastic experience! We had a reservation on a Thursday night and it was a full house for our entire dinner. Our table was in a prime location of the restaurant and was a 4 top table - so we had plenty of space and privacy. One of the highlights of our experience at GT was the service! Our waitress was so warm and on top of every detail. She even gave us a gift card at the end of our meal after realizing we were celebrating an occasion. For the food - Wow! We were so impressed with each dish we had. GT offers small plates, meant to be shared - which we loved. We started with oysters and then ordered 4-5 small plates for the 2 of us and left completely satisfied. Our server did an awesome job of spacing out the timing that each dish came out. Highlights: - Oysters: some of the best quality oysters in the city - Grilled Octopus: this was my favorite dish, great flavor and served with purple potatoes - yum! - Lobster roll - Tuna Poke - Ceviche We will definitely be back to GT!
(5)Iman J.
Once upon a time I used to live a block away from GT. Once upon a time my credit card statement would be filled with transactions from GT Fish & Oyster. Oh those were the days. On a weekly, sometimes more than once a week, my girlfriend and I would walk over to GT. Grab two seats at the bar and order our usual... the bartenders would know exactly what that was. Tuna Poke - one of our favorite starters ever Lobster Roll - I've had lobster rolls across the east coast and this is still my favorite Fish Tacos - Order of 4 instead of 3 - I've had fish tacos up and down the California coast and these are still my favorite Lobster Mac & Cheese - heaven That was our staple. That was our happiness thanks to the amazing chef Giuseppe and their great staff. Embarrassing fact: Up until recently I had never tried a non-seafood dish there. The last time we went to GT I decided I also wanted a little beef so ordered the tenderloin. MIND BLOWN. It was so good I ordered a second order of it. Yep, I love steak that much. What don't they do right here? I can't wait to go back again and again and again.
(5)Erica L.
It was love at first shuck as they say here at GT Fish & Oyster. From the well decorated space to the food to the dinner service. The bar service was okay - I had arrived early for my reservation so I waited for Hubby there. There were only 2 other people sitting at the bar, but it took a while before someone acknowledged me and asked if I wanted to see a drink menu. Thanks for making me feel a little awkward! When we got seated it was a different experience, prompt and attentive. I tried the Waitlist cocktail, which was delicious. We started with 6 oysters. They were fresh and tasted exactly how they were described on the menu. The Branzino was my favorite dish, well seasoned (not too much salt) and went great with the black garlic and figs. The Octopus was also tasty. The fish tacos were delicious. I loved the juxtaposition of the fish with the crunchy, salty chicharron. The entree comes with 3 tacos, but the server was willing to make it an even 4, which we declined. Since the portion sizes were small, we added an order of the Salmon Belly Crudo, which was a nice light way to end the meal. For dessert I was torn between the Lemon Panna Cotta and the Peanut Butter Malt Sundae. We opted for the latter, and we didn't regret it. I love Ovaltine so to have it in ice cream form was a treat. Although the menu advertises Oreos, it comes with homemade chocolate sandwhich cookies, which I thought were much better than Oreos and the best part of the dessert. They blew the fudge cake away. In fact, I'd petition to have them add a bowl of those cookies with or without ice cream or sorbet as a dessert option.
(4)Jennifer K.
GT Fish & Oyster was not on my Weekend in Chicago schedule, but I am just glad that I ended up coming here thanks for a quick search using my Yelp App. We were looking for a place for a pre dinner snack and drinks as the wait for a table at Frontera Grill maybe taking forever. GT had a communal table that can sit the 6 of us and was happy to serve us whatever we want! A great cocktail and beer list made all of us happy. And of course we ended up ordering some oysters from their daily menu. A few appetizers and even the clam chowder. Service was excellent and attentive. Definitely worth coming back for some more oysters and a drink or 2 next time I am in town!
(4)Chris T.
My family and I visited GT Fish & Oyster for brunch on fathers day this year and was happily impressed with how good the food was. We started with the monkey bread and oyster po boy sliders. The monkey bread was really really good especially with the ill sauce. Out of the two my favorite was the oyster po boy slider which was topped with kimchi which was just out of this world, they were amazing! For my main dish I wanted to go with something a little different and i decided to go with the chilaquiies. The amazing combination of duck confit, salsa verde, queso fresco and fried egg was sooooooo amazing It was very filling and complete comfort food. It was perfect in every possible way. I really really enjoyed GT Fish & Oyster, they use very fresh and delicious ingredients that delight your palate. If your end up nearby give this place a try and i promise you will not be disappointed.
(4)Mario B.
Very disappointed in the Lobster Roll, for 33 dollars the lobster should have been falling off the too thick bun. The thick bun was the host instead of the lobster. The bun should have been thinner with much emphasis on the lobster. The fried onions should be left off the menu as well as the small portion of pickles they offer. Won't go there again.
(1)Stefanie B.
I checked this place out because a friend of mine raved about this place! And I also love Lobster Rolls so I had lunch there. As soon as I looked on the menu I was SHOCKED to see the lunch prices so crazy! $17 for mac and cheese with peas which wasn't good. Tasted like creamy noodles with peas. The peas were too over powering for my liking. I got ONE porkbelly slider with kimchee and peanuts. Ok I don't like nuts in my food for this very reason...it's weird and unnecessary. The kimchee needed to be aged more and the peanuts did not blend well with such different tastes. The Lobster Roll was $30 not much lobster in it and the fried onion rings was also unnecessary. I give it 3 stars because it's not like the restaurant is gross...I just don't get the big deal
(3)Josh M.
Stopped here for a brunch session. New to the neighborhood and figured I would check it out. Solid beers on tap, $9 bucks a pop, felt like I was back in NYC. What didnt make me feel like NYC was the fact that we were the only people brunching at the bar. Little prim and proper here. Not in a bad way. Check it.
(4)Kateryna G.
The food: 2/5. I went to GT Fish&Oyster about a year ago and loved it, but it seems they either got a new chef or the quality of their food has gone downhill. I had their tuna poke for an app, which I've had before and that was the highlight of our meal, sadly. Sunfish ceviche was mediocre as I was expecting its typical fresh and zesty flavor, but it was bland. Fish tacos were the worst I've ever had, completely tasteless and with very little unseasoned mahi mahi in it. I should've send them back. Fish and chips were very greasy, and branzino came in two tiny tasteless fillets and some kind of potato balls, which were undercooked and uneatable. The entire meal was god-awful. The service: 3/5. The service was a little too eager, not giving us much of a chance to look over the menu and then to enjoy our food. They grabbed our signed receipt right after we signed it and while we were still finishing our drinks. Overall: 2/5. The current menu lacks any flavor, so I'm unlikely to return after the most recent disappointment.
(2)Sarah G.
This review is for brunch, and I love me some brunch! And I would go back here for their amazingly addicting and hard to share churros in a second. That orange cream cheese you dip them in is heavenly! But then their biscuits and gravy which came with lobster and hash and a poached egg...sounds amazing right? Ya, it was just so so . Not quite enough seasoning for me in the gravy which made me so sad! But the biscuits were pretty great which is good because I am pretty picky with my biscuits. My friend got the chicken and waffles and she was pretty content and it was a pretty big portion too, so that was the winner between our orders. The staff at the bar were also quite entertaining--I showed up early and just grabbed a bloody mary, but it was the morning after valentine's day and I showed up alone, so of course they all assumed that I was needing a drink because I was alone or possibly I was being stood up. I had to keep reminding them that I swore I had a friend coming to visit, so it was pretty hilarious. I was hoping for a free drink but at least the bloody mary came with a shrimp and sausage on it. So worth the price tag. And this restaurant is pretty cool ambiance wise too. So I would go back! Especially for all of the oysters I saw that I didn't get to order....
(3)Eliza B.
Went for my birthday dinner last night and was hoping to order the halibut I ate last summer (it was the best halibut I'd ever eaten!!) but unfortunately they have since taken it off the menu. In the spirit of "Go big or go home" I decided to order the king crab and it was a stellar decision! This was some of the meatiest, tender, and flavorful crab I've had and dipped in melted butter... Ahhh delicious! We enjoyed the mac-n-cheese as an appetizer - it definitely turned out to be a crowd pleaser! My husband had fresh/raw oysters and the monkfish (aka "poor man's lobster) which he thoroughly enjoyed as well! Our server was attentive, friendly, knowledgable, and even added a bday candle to my dessert which I thought was really sweet! I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone desiring a quality seafood fix! It defiantly was the perfect choice for me to celebrate!!
(5)Emma N.
I've been to GT Fish & Oyster twice now, and both times I have been satisfied with the food. The prices, however, are pretty steep for the shared portions. Most recently I went here for lunch with some colleagues. We ordered a few dozen oysters for the table, and they were pretty average in comparison to other oysters I've had in the city. The clam chowder was really good, but it was a very small portion for the price. I was also a little disappointed in their fish tacos. The flavor was kind of bland, and there was too much of the chicharron. I'm open to give GT another try since it's so close to my office, but I think next time I'll go for happy hour as the two meals I had left me wanting more (food).
(3)Brian G.
I was skeptical at first. "A seafood place downtown? It's going to be so touristy!" was my initial thought. I took my best friend here not too long ago while he was visiting and our entire conversation consisted of us just saying "Mmm" back and forth. The caviar service was fantastic, the oysters were amazing, the lobster roll is the best lobster roll I've had outside of Florida and the calamari was cooked perfectly. Drop the idea that God restaurants can't exist in the downtown area and give this place a try. You won't regret it.
(4)Diana C.
Ordered the Deep Bay, Deer Creek, and Katama Bay oysters. My personal favorite were the Deep Bay (small delicate and briny). $3 each (min 6) Also ordered the "Lobster" Mac n Cheese ($17).... Which they switched to CRAB Mac n Cheese for availability reasons. Very disappointed... But the vibe was great.
(3)Kim L.
Took the BF here for his bday dinner and he loved it! They did end up charging us for his bday dessert to blow out his candles but oh well. In order from favorite to least favorite: Oysters - fresh selection Tuna Poke - really fresh cuts of tuna but weird that they didn't come with crackers Oyster po boys - tiny but delicious bites Lobster mac - creamy and good chunks of lobster Fish tacos - not the best but still good with the GT hot sauce Mussels - not my favorite mussels but good Good service and better food.
(5)Jeffrey C.
I'm constantly amazed by two things in Chicago (well, three if you count how bitterly cold it can get). One, Chicagoans have an amazing propensity to dine and drink lavishly and often, and two, Chicagoans have an amazing propensity to dine and drink lavishly and often at any time of any day with utter disregard for wait times. Thus, it was that the wife and I had an anniversary dinner at the much-acclaimed GT Fish & Oyster, on a Wednesday, past the happiest of hours, just ex post facto of the work sundial, with reservations, yet still facing a not insignificant wait. But I guess I've become accustomed to that, especially when the food is as good as it is at GT. As you may have guessed, this trend River North joint with trendy River North prices ($9 for a pint? Mmkay, then) specializes in oysters, fish, and its by-creations. The oyster shucking station, directly in the middle of an l-shaped bar, is a marvel to watch. Those suckers go for roughly $3 a pop, but watching the oyster shucking chef go to town on those bad boys is worth the price of admission. The aptly named "burn" and "smoulder" hot sauces are absolute musts. Past the oysters, we went down the fried route. Ordering an oyster po-boy in Chicago would normally just make me long for a trip to New Orleans, but these anything but cheap sandwiches came snuggled in a King's Hawaiian roll with a distinctly Asian fusion flavor. N'awlin's, it ain't. Good, it is. The same could be said for the Maine Lobster Roll, a $28 gargantuan price of a sandwich (take the restaurant week deal while you still can!). Is it worth that price point? I'm still not sure, but it's amazingly tasty, especially since we ordered it hot, Connecticut style--hold the mayo, drench the butter. Service was top-notch, one of the best we've had in Chicago, and that's not just because they offered us gratis clam chowder (which, all bacon'ed up, I would totally pay for on my own dime). So, if you're willing to put in some wait time, I daresay a GT experience is one of the best I've had in River North.
(5)Kim L.
Found this place via Yelp for the best oysters around and they delivered. Six selections of oysters and great. Sat at the bar. Staff friendly with the exception of a manager who when asked for recommendations of an entertainment bar, mumbled a few things and walked away...really? Maybe it's just a Chicago attitude, but where we're from we welcome visitors and actually write things down for them! Disregarded his attitude as he couldn't be bothered-and the sweet bartenders totally made up for that. Key lime pie amazing, but the gin and tonic sorbet was killer. Much to our surprise, the bartender brought another dessert for our to try-totally going above and beyond. Super cute tshirts, "99 problems and the fish ain't one" made a great gift!
(5)Darcy O.
Because much has already been said, I will simply share my impression of the dishes we ordered: Must try: Poke (Flavors pop and it's healthy too!) Fried oyster sliders (love that kimchee addition) Maybe try: Soft shell crab Monk fish w/ saffron rice Try if you just won the lottery: Lobster roll (I didn't ask what market price was, but based on a lobster joint I used to go to in DC, I assumed perhaps $20 for one small roll....it was $40!) Avoid: Mac and cheese (great concept, but surprisingly bland and lacking in cheese flavor in particular) In general, be prepared to spend here. My husband and I ordered the above dishes plus two drinks each and ended up with a bill (including tip) just short of $200. I guess it goes to show you why so many restaurants have gone small plates: it's profitable!
(4)Sheila C.
This is why I spend time, energy, and money to eat out ... Thoughtfully prepared dishes, quality ingredients, no overwhelming the flavors with too much cream or butter, just really really perfect food. Service was also attentive and gracious...our favorite was the oyster slider and the chocolate tarte... My only criticism would be on portion sizing for certain dishes. The fish and chips is entirely too small for the price point. And we dine out everywhere around the world so this isn't a "typical American who only cares about quantity" point of view...but again - a small criticism... Overall incredible experience...
(5)Tricia D.
Wow, like wow! Hands down, the best RW meal I partook in for 2014. My life is complete! 8 reasons I was blown away by GT: 1) that delicious clam chowder! 2) the substance in the clam chowder. It was jam packed with clams! It was perfect! 3) the cutest presentation ever for aforementioned chowder. It came in a little mason jar! 4) the RW meal was a fantastic value for lunch: $22! Frame of reference: lobster roll is usually $28. 5) lobby roll was so simple, pure, and fresh, not overly tossed with mayo or anything. Less is more! 6) they had me at chocolate dessert with pb ice cream on top! 7) awesome decor! 8) brunch options like pancakes and french toast, even at a seafood place
(5)David W.
After a couple of hours of delayed flights, I finally made it into town and headed straight here for dinner...figured I'd eat myself into a food coma before turning in for the night. And being on the ol' expense account, why not blow it all in one place? Started off with some shrimp bruschetta, pretty good, but nothing super memorable about it, good or bad. Next up was some some clam chowder here and I'd say it's a little bit too much on the watery side, but the amount of seafood in there was plentiful which helped make up for it. Fish tacos were next, again...good, but not something I'd come here for. Then the last thing was the oyster po' boy sliders which were definitely the star of the meal. Perfectly fried, I should've just went for these. Finished off with some of the key lime dessert which is in a mason jar, a nice interpretation. Only issue is I think I've now come to the conclusion I'm not a huge fan of key lime pie...it always sounds a lot better than it comes out! Overall, this is a solid choice though a little bit on the pricey side...not sure I'd come back if I were spending my own dime.
(3)Laura Kathryn S.
Yum. Seriously anytime I can afford this place, IM THERE! The oyster sliders make me want to die they're so good. The lobster mac and cheese is the best Mac and cheese I've had in all my life and it would be even without the lobster. I need to know what three cheese are all melted in there. I'm drooling thinking about it. The oysters are presented so nicely and they taste great. They have a nice selection for a variety of tastes. Also, do yourself a favor and drink "a clean break". Yum.
(5)Elizabeth E.
I have been here a few times and for whatever reason have never gotten around to writing a review but most recently I was here with a work colleague. We were going easy on the booze so each of us only had one drink. I had wine and he had a dirty martini. We were both satisfied :) As for food: A dozen oysters to start. Yum, we did two of each that were offered - half west coast and half east coast... We did the hamachi crudo which is really unique and to be honest, not my favorite. I would tell you to go to Sienna Tavern for their Hamachi crudo instead. This crudo comes swimming in a green sauce that really doesn't add much. Overall, was a bit bland. We split the lobster roll - love lobster rolls and this one does not disappoint. Not a ton of mayo - really let's the shellfish speak for itself. The waitress was pushing the po'boy but I'm glad we did lobster roll instead. The order comes with a ton of onion shoestrings - I was not totally impressed with these and felt like they were a plate filler. We split the branzino, this is a typically pretty expensive fish and it was here as well (~$25) for two small pieces, we each probably had about 3-4 oz. This is steamed and is seemingly very healthy - but again a bit bland. We finished with the muscles. I'm usually a bigger fan of muscles in white wine sauce but this red sauce is not to be missed. These really hit the spot. I will certainly go back. Love the look/feel inside GT and there's more things for me to dig into on the menu. Great place for sharing with 1-4 people.
(4)Saba A.
Came in with out reservations with a girl friend at 7:45 p.m. on a Saturday night. No table available until 10, but that's the benefit of living in the area and waiting for a bar table seating that offer a full service menu. Otherwise, make a reservation. I would definitely go here for a date, or even celebrating a milestone birthday. The ambiance is chatty around the bar area, but perhaps more of a fine dining and quiet environment in the dining room itself. It's an older, professional crowd, which I enjoyed. Service at the bar was excellent. Waters being refilled and new plates being provided. I was able to score seats at the bar in 15 minutes after walking in, but if we were in a group of more than 2, I wouldn't take that chance, and definitely don't come here that hungry if you're doing it that way too. Cocktail list was not so bad, I got the wait list, perfectly sweet with grapefruit, but lots of folks at the bar were going for wine too. My girl friend ordered a drink that she changed her mind on due to it being so strong, and they avoided the charge on the receipt and our waitress happily recommended another drink to her. As far as the food, oysters I would give 4/5. I have had better. 6 to choose from, 3 from East Coast, 3 from the West Coast, I felt they were a little bit more chilled than they should have been, but perhaps is because I came in with very high expectations. Don't over think about mac and cheese if you consider ordering the mac and cheese, with chunks of lobster, and not an overwhelming filling flavor of cheese, it's perfect to share. The shells are tender, and it'll be the best mac and cheese you have ever tasted. The shrimp bruschetta is served for two, 4 small shrimp perfectly seasoned on each piece, so good! I only get dessert when I can share it, and my girl friend and I were impressed with the presentation and taste of the chocolate ganache. A real beauty, and the perfect way we ended our night at GT. Would I come back? Yes- possibly to try the fish oysters and check out the scene during the Summer, for oysters? I'd rather go to Ditka's- I liked the ones there a bit better.
(4)Michelangelo V.
Honest review food is amaizin but be warned it is small portions n expensive but dont let that not make u go because this is the best seafood restaurant in chicago from the amaizing service like they treat u like royalty then the ambiance is really nice the food is so good the (oysters) are amaizing like best u ever had they are famous for it u need to try all of it to see which ones u like best then get the smoked tuna salad with grilled peaches idk what its called but really is the greatest thing youll ever eat then the clam chower is amaizing my friend got the raw tuna idk what it was called but it wasnt that good then the mac n cheeze wasnt good so dont get that but the fish tacos the halibut is amaizing the penut butter icecream is so amaziing trust me this place u will not regret it best food
(5)Kimberly B.
My sister and I enjoyed ourselves, some of the best oysters I've had in Chicago. Everything was delicious!
(5)Renad J.
Came here for brunch yesterday. I usually come for dinner and am never disappointed. I felt the same about brunch. We had a dozen assorted delicious and fabulous oysters. The po' boy was so crispy with yummy kimchi. It's pretty tiny though so order one for each person. The 5 grain salad was good if you like that sort of healthy food. We had the ricotta pancakes for dessert. They were really light and fluffy and sweet. One of my face places in the chi to eat. The oysters alone are worth it. It was a bit warm in there otherwise I love the ambience and service.
(5)Norm J.
I've been to GT Fish & Oyster for dinner a couple of times and I have always enjoyed my dining experience. I highly recommend trying: - Lobster Gnocchi - Lobster Roll - Fish Tacos - Octopus However, when I went to GT Fish & Oyster I was slightly disappointment. The food just wasn't as good as I had expected. - Everything Monkey Bread: Usually monkey bread sticky and sweet. This tasted like an everything bagel. My dining companion and I were both disappointed with this dish. - Crab Benedict: this was good and the crab on the benedict was plentiful, however all you get with this dish is the benedict. No sides come with this dish which was strange because the plate the benedict comes on is the size of a frisbee.
(3)Shahzad A.
Best seafood place in Chicago! Great ambiance with great service. Great place for a night out.
(5)Emily P.
I tried GT Fish & Oyster yesterday to kick start Chicago Restaurant Week 2014. I'd give this place 3.5 stars if I could. There were some things that were quite tasty, but I don't think I'll be coming back... FOOD: Delicious clam chowder, Burn hot sauce (you can buy a bottle for $7 if you like it), & oysters. The shrimp bruschetta was good. The seared tuna salad and grilled magi were average. The portions for restaurant week were very, very small. This is were they lost half of a star. SERVICE: This is where GT lost a star. 3/4 members of our group arrived thirty minutes early so we were asked to wait (totally fine). We were told we'd be seated closer to our reservation time (7:45pm). We went over by the bar and grabbed some drinks. The bartender handed us the tab and a friend asked the bartender if he preferred cash or credit. Although I realize either would've worked, the bartender curtly raised his eyebrows, threw up his hands in the air and exclaimed, "Anything works!" A bit after 7:45pm all for of us checked back at the front desk at 7:45pm to see if we would have to wait longer and the man at the front desk replied, "We'll come get you." (We were annoyed at the response more than the fact that we had to wait (it was only a few minutes after 7:45pm). Our waitress was much friendlier. I do have to say that nobody ever stated their name while helping us. DECOR. It's a very small, simple restaurant. The washroom wasn't disgusting, but it wasn't the cleanest washroom I've seen.
(3)Emma K.
The BF & I came here for Restaurant Week lunch last Sunday. I was especially excited since we've both been on diets and this was our one cheat. GT Fish & Oyster's food & service didn't disappoint! The food was delicious. I got the salad with seared tuna option and the boyfriend opted for the clam chowder, both of which were delicious. We both got the lobster roll that came with fried onions and pickled vegetables, and the chocolate cake for dessert. Everything was yummy, although the lobster roll was definitely my favorite course. Dessert was actually my least favorite. I appreciated that all of the portions were somewhat small so that we didn't waddle out of Restaurant Week like we did last year. The service was great. Our waiter was attentive and explained the menus and concept. The assistant manager stopped by near the end of our meal and gave us him card telling us to email him should we ever need reservations. My only complaint would probably be that everything was almost too attentive. Our waters were re-filled the second we took a sip. Plates, which I assume were placed on our table in case we were sharing as the normal menu encourages, were put down and then taken away between every course. The second our plates were taken away from one course, another server was right behind the person clearing our table with our next course. There was no breather in between, and I wanted to relax and enjoy the experience. I realize this #firstworldproblem is much better than the alternative of horrible service, but wanted to mention it all the same. The pricing for Restaurant Week lunch was great at $22 per person. I would probably come back (the brunch menu looked delicious) and make my parents or boyfriend buy :)
(4)Charlie C.
Meh.. nothing special. Super small plates and very pricey for what it is. Two stars for service which was great and 1 star for well designed interior space. Wasn't really impressed with the cuisine and the concept though.
(3)Levi K.
I thought their valentines menu and set up was a total disaster. I reserved dinner seats weeks ahead at GT only to find out last minute that it was a fixed menu and by that time all other restaurants were booked so I decided to go with it. The issue was the restaurant thought they could skyrocket the prices because of the holiday by making the fixed dinner menu $95 per person without drinks. Where a normal dinner would run you $100 tops for two people with drinks and a bountiful amount of food, the fixed dinner menu was six courses of literally a bite sized portions of food. Don't get me wrong, what we were served was very good but absolutely not $95 good and definitely not one bite per course good. It didn't help that there was a 10 minute wait in between being served courses and a 20 minute lapse in our reservation before we could even sit down. The server we had was also very cold, unhelpful, didn't of course take our orders because it was a fixed menu, and didn't even bring us the food to explain what it is and it felt odd to tip on a face just being there and no service performed. I'm sure going there any other night is just fine because you get what you pay for but on valentines day this restaurant should be desert due to what they were running.
(1)Tara L.
Wow GT, you have changed, and not for the better! :( Our first visit back in 2012 was outstanding, borderline perfect, and our most recent visit? The polar opposite. What happened? Well, first indicator, freshness of raw oysters was questionable, as within an hour of consumption, Husband and I weren't feeling so hot and had upset stomachs. Secondly, food portions were pretty embarrassing for the price (especially the clam chowder, 8 oz. for $11? Is it magical?). Lobster mac and cheese had 2 large pieces of lobster meat, and the rest was cheese, cream, peas, and pasta. $17 is too steep for my liking because flavors weren't unique. Tuna poke was pretty fresh, but a sad portion for the $15 price tag. Wow. just wow. How two years of time can change the integrity of a restaurant.
(2)Arielle A.
Went for dinner on a busy Friday night. The wine list is pretty extensive with a good selection of old and new world. We sampled three different whites, none were remarkable and we settled on the white Rioja. The oysters were pretty good but the cold appetizers were mediocre. The crab salad had too much mayonnaise and the smoked fish platter was just not great. The octopus sausage was downright vile and one of the options tasted like frozen fish cakes. The grilled octopus was quite good and the monkfish was very yummy. Service was average.
(3)Maddie R.
Absolutely superb. Service was great, food was amazing, and I loved the decor. Only bad thing was the market price for lobster roll was $39 today :(, but hopefully when we come back it won't be quite as expensive. But anyway, we came in for the $22 lunch option for Chef's Week and were blown away. Three of the five of us did this option, so we all got to try almost everything. The menu included 2 options each for an appetizer, entree, and dessert. We also ordered oysters. I tried: App: Seared Tuna Salad: Really tasty. The tuna was perfectly cooked and the vinaigrette added a nice tang. Entree: Whitefish: Perfectly flaky, and sat atop an asparagus puree with potato croquettes. The croquettes were amaaazing. The fish and the sauce complemented each other very nicely. Oyster Po'Boy Roll: THIS. SANDWICH. Omg I've never tasted such heaven in a sandwich I swear. It came on toasty bread with kimchi and peanuts and made my foodie dreams come true. It wasn't greasy at all and not overly-breaded like some fried sandwiches. You got a mouth full of vibrant flavor in every single bite. It also came with pickled vegetables, which had a very refreshing taste, and shoe-string fries. Seriously, get this sandwich. Either as the roll or as the sliders, you won't regret it. Dessert: Black and Tan: This blew my mind. The chocolate-peanut butter-banana flavor was something I have never experienced in that sort of combination before. With the addition of the pretzel and candied nuts, WOW. Key Lime Pie: This was so refreshingly delicious its amazing. All the flavors really complemented each other. The gin and tonic sorbet was awesome. It was like lemon ice but 10x better. The whipped cream and meringues were very light and tasty. This whole dessert was a masterpiece. Overall, we all loved GT Fish and Oyster and cannot wait to come back. HIGHLY recommend to oyster lovers. Personally, the East Beach Blonde oysters were my fav. If you're in Chicago, this is not to be missed.
(5)Simon K.
The oysters are freaking amazing. The best part of the night was my conversation with the waitress when I was ordering: Me: "So I'll take 6 of these 4 oysters types" Her: "So you want 2 of each?" Me: "No, 6" Her: Looks at me confused. "6 of each??" Me: Now realizing that must not be a typical order "yes......" But after that encounter, she was awesome. And so were the oysters. So succulent, sweet, salty, and plump. And their version of cocktail sauce went great with the oysters. I also tried the lobster roll but I've definitely had better rolls elsewhere. They were soft, plump, and came on a fluffy roll but it was lacking some flavor. We tried the ceviche as well, but it too was lacking. Nothing that was inedible, just missing a hint of flavor. The oysters can be a bit pricey. At 3-3.50 a piece, the bill will stack up faster than the shells of the oysters you'll be sucking out. I'll be back... when I get a raise...
(4)A. S.
Holy Cow! SO DELICIOUS and worth every penny! We tried their 5 grain salad (almond cheese, salmon, egg... need I say more?), Monk Fish (with a delicious bed of shrimp, mussles, and sausage paella), Mac and Cheese with crab (MY ABSOLUTE NEW FAVORITE MAC AND CHEESE IN CHICAGO), and the most delicious gnocchi I have ever had in my life. I will definitely go back (especially since I tend to stay away from shrimp, lobster, crab, etc. and I loved every bite here!!!). We ended the evening with tea and dessert. I have never enjoyed EVERY bite of my food so much! Seriously, don't miss your chance to go there!!
(5)Chien W.
First time trying raw oyster. Slightly pricey but it's totally worth it. Make sure you try the Lobster roll and fried chicken waffle. Churro was too sweet tho.
(4)Grace K.
Got a little porked out after day 1 of Chicago and seeked out seafood. The fried oyster with kimchi slider is really freaking good. A nice balance of ingredients and a perfect little bite.
(4)Suresh P.
Went last night for the first time. Had 6:30 pm reservation. Got seated at a nice table for 2 near the entrance. Good people watching space. Maurice, the server , was fantastic. Food was great. Will definitely repeat.
(5)Katie F.
Maybe this was the place to be three years ago, but after a recent visit, I do not feel compelled to return. We had high hopes for the evening, even taking an early reservation just to get in to this well-esteemed location. Unfortunately, we were soon to be disappointed. As always, it's worth it to take some time to reflect on the highlights: -Delicious cocktail -Unique, well-crafted hamachi crudo -Alluring flavor profile and execution of the octopus Now, here is what brought a potentially 4 star review to 2 stars: -The sunfish ceviche is glorified guacamole, and not even good guac at that. Clunky and lacked flavor or finesse. -Oyster po'boy slider-meh. It was fine but not as delicious as hoped for. -Squash blossom-while the flavor was there, it was brought in such a quick succession in relation to the other dishes that by the time we got to it, it was cold and a bit greasy. -Service-So sneaky! Our server presented such a great front initially, and then completely ignored our request. We noted that we were attempting to create our own tasting menu (in Chicago it seems hard to find a pescatarian tasting menu) so we wanted our courses spaced out accordingly. We wanted to enjoy them one at a time. Our server seemed to absolutely comprehend our wishes and seemed so competent that nothing looked like it would get in the way of a wonderful culinary experience. Except, oh wait, we got 4 dishes in under 15 minutes. Uhhh, what? Didn't we request they come out one by one? Why are there three dishes on the table at the same time, then? My stomach sank-at this point, we were locked into paying for everything (well over $100) and it was very clear we would not be getting the experience we wanted. We couldn't wait to get out of there. We ended up bolting as soon as we paid our bill, and had an outstanding experience at Prosecco, where we ended our evening with drinks and dessert. Please be advised-having tried Kinmont and GT within three days, Kinmont blows GT out of the water for service, taste, and overall experience. Oh, and it's significantly less expensive. Save yourself time, stress, and disappointment, and go to the better fish-driven restaurant, just a few blocks away (in my opinion).
(2)Vince V.
Great food, great service, nice atmosphere. There are so many choices in the City of Chicago, but GT makes you want to go back.
(5)Jenny K.
As soon as I told my study abroad roommate that I was coming to visit, she made reservations to this restaurant as well as The Girl & the Goat. These two are apparently Chicago restaurant powerhouses. Since she was able to get an earlier reservation here at 7pm (she made the reservation a week in advance), we chose this restaurant for dinner (but still went to the The Girl & the Goat for second dinner, hehe). I got there just past 7pm and was immediately seated to our table - a table for two right by the front entrance near the bar. Overall, it was a fantastic foodie experience. We got the following dishes: - clam chowder: served in cute mason jars with homemade oyster crackers on the side. Loved the chunky consistency of bacon, clams and potatoes. In the top 3 clam chowders I've ever had - tuna poke: wonderful flavors, fresh tuna, great plating - squid: delicious, consistency/texture was not too chewy - oyster po boy with kimchi: kimchi was authentic & delicious! the oyster cake was just salty enough to accentuate taste of oyster, slider roll tasted fresh - mac & cheese: least impressive plating & flavors; though good, nothing unique about it To drink, I had a couple of rye whiskey based cocktails - one that the bartender created after hearing which flavors I liked and another one that was off the menu - was impressed by both. Both were whiskey-forward but very smooth I will definitely return here (I hear the menu rotates every couple of weeks).
(4)Helen S.
Dinner here was among the best meals I've had in Chicago. My friend and I split the following dishes: 1. Green tea soba noodles - refreshing vinaigrette, plump shrimp, really flavorful, great light starter 2. Housemade clam chowder - wonderful, some of the best clam chowder that I've had 3. Oyster Po'boy sliders - who knew kimchi would go with this so well? Fried oysters were the perfect texture too. I definitely wanted another order of this. 4. Lemon panna cotta - really light and refreshing palette cleanser, creamy yet clean. Beautiful dish. Ambiance was super gorgeous (berry date-y), service was top notch (waiter must've been like wtf why does she drink so much water?), and food was incredible. I'd definitely love to come back.
(5)Kyle D.
Overall: Great tasting food and a fantastic setting make this some of the best seafood in town. The good: Fantastic food, great atmosphere, great drinks. Came here for V-day and was blown away. 6 course menu was delicious: Tuna, fish, hen, tenderloin, red velvet, all of it was amazing. The oysters and drinks beforehand were fantastic as well. Plenty of drink options. Atmosphere was romantic yet lively. The bad: Even with a reservation, we had to wait 30 minutes. Of course the Oysters and drinks helped, but still... The pricing hurts too, but you should know what you're getting into if you come here. Atmosphere: 10/10 Service: 9/10 Food: 10/10
(5)Sonia B.
GT Fish and Oyster is phenomenal. We came here for Restaurant Week this year, and loved everything. It was also our first time trying oysters (I know), so we couldn't have a picked a better place! We especially liked their Clam Chowder, Oyster Po' Boy sandwich, Key Lime Pie, and Rasberry Ganache Tart. YUM! I would highly recommend coming here if you want some great seafood!
(5)D B.
Loved the room vibe and food was clean and fresh small plates.Our waitress was knowledgeable and helpful. Staff to client ratio ensured excellent service without being cloying. Baked oysters with Parmesan and horseradish butter hinted of Rockefeller but yummy and decadent. Seared ahi Tuna suggested nicoise , and the restraint on dressing was appreciated . seared scallops in miso aioli were cooked just right. Fish tacos were a bit heavy on the diced chicharon and would have benefit from radish or pickled daikon for crunch and acidity. My friend had listed that it was her birthday in the online reservation and they comped the white chocolate cheesecake in addition to the apple pie sundae . lastly a birthday card with a gift card as an unexpected bonus. kudos all around
(4)scott y.
Have been coming to GT'S for three years now. Returned July 4th, 2015 for a early dinner. I love the overall feel of the place. The service is always top notch... My only complaint is every time I have been I have ordered the seafood platter always great. Received the bill to see their seafood platter went up to $75.00. It's good but not that good. Time to start checking out a different venue for seafood. Thanks GT'S but, no thanks...
(2)Emily L.
Just went in for a quick snack. Smoked platter, oyster po boy sliders, and key lime for dessert. All the food was amazing! I need to go back again for the sliders. The oysters were perfectly crispy and creamy. The buns were slightly toasted for an extra crunch and the kimchee was just the right spiciness and acidity. I was expecting the key lime to be too sour by it was made perfectly. It was the right balance of flavor and texture of the lime, cream, and cookie crunch. Definitely try out this restaurant!
(5)Dalia M.
FINALLY ate here as we had been hoping to with a couple after our move to Chicago. My best friend loves shellfish and loves GT Oyster. Came on Saturday night for a late dinner. We were seated on time at our table and had a really great time here. Service was really good - thank you, Gustavo! We had 3 dozen oysters (variety), mussels, fish tacos, lobster roll and lobster mac and cheese. Everything satisfied my longstanding craving for fresh seafood. We tried to order two types of wine that they were out of so they suggested another bottle and we ended up doing that. We had a little issue with the wine price on the check not matching what was quoted but Gustavo was patient with me and had the manager fix it right away. It's a pricy place but we were celebrating a lot of things with our friends and experience our first weekend night out in Chicago as residents!
(4)Brea L.
Food was excellent and server was very informative. Fresh seafood and perfect for sharing; get a mix of everything. Main complaint would be that we ordered martinis and they were awful. Drinks were not good; food yes, but just stick with water.
(4)Christopher L.
Came here for lunch, it was very busy, which is good sign. We had some amazing type of sliders to begin then had the fried chicken and waffles. The is was not greasy at all very good , fun hip place.
(5)Kristi W.
Loved this reco by my foodie friend from Chicago. Very cute spot with a nice bar and great food. A little loud - wouldn't recommend it for a romantic dinner - but a fun place. The seared tuna salad, crabcake, halibut and squash blossoms were all delicious. But the lobster roll was another level - I would have liked another! Buttery, soft, sweet bread, big chunks of tender lobster. Delish. Nice wine list and good dessert selection. I was thinking about the malt sundae when the waiter read my mind and brought one over - on the house! Very friendly and efficient service. Nice atmosphere and fabulous food - overall an excellent choice!
(4)Bill M.
This is a pretty fancy place. Very nice on the inside. They have a nice bar that, as a business traveler, you can enjoy a quiet meal alone. They have a nice list of bourbons, scotches, and other whiskeys. They had 6 oysters to choose from. I had some belon, and a couple of others. The belon oysters were awesome. Also had a stone crab claw and an octopus plate. The octopus was great. I just wish there was more of it.
(3)Olga T.
This is such a great restaurant!!!! We had a fabulous dinner here and I'm still dreaming about their oyster po-boys. Here's what we ordered: 1) Four oyster po'boy sliders - Heavenly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 2) Four fish tacos - Also very very yummy! The order came with 3 but we had them add an extra fourth taco for a small charge. 3) Tuna Poke - delicious! I loved the mango kick 4) Sunfish ceviche - delicious!!!! I would highly recommend this restaurant!!!!!!!!!!!!! Make sure to make a reservation as they do get very busy!
(4)Mark W.
Let me just start by saying that dining out is one of my favorite things to do. I'm very liberal when it comes to paying a premium for an amazing meal and experience. I have essentially no savings in my bank account because I eat nice meals way too often. I do, however, expect to feel as though i've eaten a meal after paying the bill (it was over $100 without even ordering alcohol). My girlfriend and I were excited to eat some oysters (which were great) and get some good seafood last night. We were starving. We had the pleasure of sitting behind a table with some obviously important people. There were managers visiting their table on a rotation every five minutes to make sure that they were satisfied. It was a treat to watch what great service looks like from afar. After the oysters we requested some bread because we were so hungry and needed something to tide us over. Glad we did. The bread hit the spot. This is our detox week. So, as I mentioned before, we didn't order any boozy drinks. We ordered the shrimp bruschetta as an appetizer, the scallops and the swordfish for entrees which we would share. Let me just say the appetizer was very tasty. But consisted of only two tiny pieces. The 'entrees' came out and were actually comparable in size to the appetizer. I've never been so underwhelmed by a meal in my life. They must have cut the swordfish filets in to 1/100th's to serve unless they're catching premature baby swordfishes. The scallops were good. But they were just scallops. Nothing else. Maybe it's the waiter's fault for not recommending that we order more. I made mention to us being ravenous about five times, so, if he cared in the slightest he would have mentioned the small portions. I'm not sure why there are so many high ratings for this restaurant. Don't be fooled by their irreverent T-shirts dawning funny puns like 'I got 99 problems but a fish ain't one'. They're not the down to earth, hip folks they're pretending to be. Perhaps people haven't been to other legit seafood places without the pretense of being in a loop location. But for my money I'll be taking my business to Bow & Stern every time (great food and drinks, great portions, wonderful staff). Hell, even Joe's or Shaw's if you're going to stick in the loop. Somewhere where they care about the customer even if he/she isn't a VIP of sorts. I felt like we were the only two people in a room where everyone was laughing at a joke we didn't understand. The bottom line is, you can do better and deserve better, people. Don't sell yourselves short. You deserve to be fed. And fed well.
(2)Kockyo X.
The host had i standed there and waited for 10 minutes. There was empty seats at the bar table right near the host stands and she didn't even say anything to make me seat down there. The clam chowder and the lobster roll were great. The lobster roll is loaded with a good amount of fresh lobster meat. The oysters are below my expectations. They aren't that fresh. I've read good reviews about GT hot sauces but I didn't think they go well with the oysters.
(2)Meredith K.
Portions are SMALL for the price you pay I don't think it's worth the money. I can see why this restaurant is always busy, trendy neighborhood, a ton of seafood options, popular chef. However, I think there are better restaurants in the city that are less expensive with the same seafood quality.
(3)Kalyn H.
I used OpenTable to book a table here for a late lunch on Friday. I loved the food!!! The oysters we selected were medium-large, salty, plump and delicious! We also had the shrimp bruschetta that everyone raves about and a couple of the oyster po' boy sliders. They even hooked us up with some birthday chocolate sorbet. :-) No complaints! Can't wait to go back!
(5)Raquel R.
Came here for Chef Week and YUMMO. Scrumptious flavors in every course. The serving sizes were a bit small but with three courses plus dessert, it was just the right amount of food in the end. GREAT service and the wine was a WONDERFUL addition to our meal. I think it's safe to say you can plan to spend some cash should you come here for their regular menu but it's a good atmosphere to enjoy a night out with friends and the regular menu is one that encourages sharing which always makes for a fun time.
(4)Rinny K.
I have eaten at alot of places but I have to say that this place does not meet my expectations. The portion was extremely small for the price of the lobster roll. The photos on yelp does not do it any justice. The sandwiches was small and I was hoping the lobster was a little more seasoned or flavored. Also the on the menu it says its one pound which again is misleading. Basically I could've made this at home without a recipe. It' taste like Texas toast and steamed lobster meat thrown on top of bread. No joke lol the clam chowder was great but it's not as thick as I'm use to. Not worth 11.00 either. Drinks were great. I think the only reason why this place had great reviews is because of the decor, clients, and location. I would not come back. The wait staff however were wonderful and the table bus boy are fast and efficient. Our waiter apologized a d offered us to try the dessert however I was not interested. This place is more so for social gatherings than good eats. Why can't we try for both?
(2)Cindy C.
I had dinner with my friends and had a lovely dinner. We started off with a platter of oysters and ordered several plates of food. All the dishes were really good. I especially loved the monkfish, the oyster po boy with kimchi and the octopus. My husband also enjoyed the lobster mac and cheese. The dessert was just ok. I ordered the key lime pie. Service was also great.
(5)Lala G.
Food was SO fresh and delicious. Excellent selection of oysters. We truly enjoyed everything we ate. I'm docking 2 stars because I felt rushed by our waiter. I felt like I was in a race to finish each dish. Also, I did not like how our waiter came to grab the check super fast and looked at it for a good minute in front of us before taking it. Are you making sure we left a tip? So awkward. I didn't know it was going to be the nascar of seafood dinner eating...
(3)Lloyd M.
Excellent meal, one of the most inventive seafood restaurants I have been to, but no WOW dish that makes it totally memorable. GT serves small plate (tapas) style, where you share multiple dishes with your friends. We had the tuna crudo first, which was good. I love tuna and the crudo part was almost like guacamole. Then had the sunfish ceviche, also quite good, especially the quality of the sun fish. Monkfish was dish number three, and one I quite thoroughly enjoyed. It came with a a risotto that also had sausage and shellfish and reminded me of paella. The fourth dish was brazino, quite tasty. Finished with eggplant, created Chinese style. The hoisin sauce gave it a sweet flavor and it actually ended up substituting for dessert. Price was very reasonable and service was solid.
(4)John G.
I had my birthday dinner with family and small plates were perfect for fun and sharing. 5 of us each ordered 2 plates for sharing. Our waiter, Gustavo, had the kitchen add some extra portions to make sure we all had enough to share. We started with delicious tuna poke, perfectly seared tuna nicoise salad, salmon belly which was a little bland but the spicy sauces on the table livened them up. The sockeye salmon melted in our mouth, fish tacos were fresh with mahi mahi, fish and chips were lightly battered and the chips were big crunchy spears of potatoes, pork cheeks were tender, eggplant was full of flavor and the mussels were the high point. We all shared desserts and liked them all with my favorite the lemon panna cotta. They put on a candle and wrote happy birthday on the plate. We all enjoyed our meals and the service was excellent.
(4)Sam K.
This place has great food! No questions about that. We had a combination of fresh oysters (highly recommended), crab cakes, lobster roll (highly recommended), calamari, and others. It is tapas style kind of restaurant. The waiters are also very professional. Service can be slow due to too many customers or complex dishes. The pricing can be on the high side with our spending about $50-100 per person. However the higher pricing is due to ordering a lot of food; the $100 folks were stuffed.
(4)Angela Y.
Came here on a friend's friend's recommendation, and I'm SO glad! Made an early dinner reservation (4:15p on a Friday evening). We ordered: Variety of oysters Shrimp Bruschetta Ceviche Clam Chowder Whole Roasted Fish Mac and Cheese Po boy sliders For dessert: hazelnut tart, carrot cake, and key lime pie. The kimchi was the actual star of the po boy sliders. Shrimp bruschetta and ceviche were refreshing starters...and the clam chowder was amazing - and presented so nicely! The whole roasted fish was cooked perfectly, mac and cheese had huge chunks of lobster and super creamy. Food was delicious and the service was wonderful - Staff was extremely attentive. Our water glasses were never empty. Whenever one of us left the table (quite often) a server would come by and fold our napkins nicely. I would definitely come back again : )
(4)Shan D.
My buddy and I wanted to check this spot out on a Friday night. We prefer to sit at the bar if at all possible and had a great time. Tried a bunch of items on the menu: The oysters are fresh and bigger than other places I've had in Chicago. The lobster mac and cheese is amazing. And they don't cheat you out of the lobster. The lobster roll was just ok, but it's because we both both don't like mayo. Learned you can get it with butter. The mussels were heavily drenched in marinara sauce. I prefer a lighter broth/sauce with my mussels. The scallops are huge and cooked to perfection. Don't miss out on the Po' Boys. They aren't too bready and are full of flavor. The salted caramel was awesome. Definitely a must try. We met the manager who asked us about our experience. Told him our thoughts which were mostly positive. He sent over a round of drinks and another dessert (the blueberry waffle). Had an amazing time and can't wait to come back.
(5)Dai W.
Last minute booking with OpenTable Went there during a week night and always a great service. Explaining the different options to dine. I can put a 5 stars for the service - Very professional and friendly. The food was fresh and well prepared from the appetizers to the dessert Had oysters - delicious both from east or west coast. The fish was great too. I would recommend this place for business or romantic dinner. If you just want to sit down at the bar - the scene is great
(4)Edward L.
Decor and ambiance is great at GT, however everything else was disappointing. 1. The best item on the menu is Shrimp Bruschetta. The avocado spread is light and creamy and the grapefruit gives it a real fresh kick with every bite. 2. We also tried a dozen oysters (smallest oysters I have evern seen), Sunfish Ceviche, Fish and Chips, Fish Tacos, Lobster roll, and the Octopus with delicata squash. Everything was okay in terms of flavor. 3. Portions are HORRIBLE for the price point. Portions are for ants. Not functioning human beings. 4. Try during restaurant week to cross off the list. Then go to the many other great seafood restaurants that have better flavor and portion quantity!
(2)Karen T.
People ask me all the time what my favorite restaurant in Chicago is. I get teased about boyfriend's and my penchant for Michelin stars on occasion. Yes, we do make a point of eating well. But we've never been about accolades or the trends. For me, it's a balance between a good environment, consistency in quality and continual push in flavors, for better or for worse. So GT is probably going to be up there as an answer for me. It's the only place I've been back to several times in the last year besides Next (and I'm a season ticket holders there). I'm a sucker for oysters, and GT is aptly named. I always enjoy whatever oysters are in, the oyster po boy slider is always a yummy bite, the salad with haricot verts is intriguing and the lobster mac and cheese is well done. Drinks are also always on point and I've never had bad service. Most recently, I had lunch with a girlfriend there, and I finally tried that expensive lobster roll. Also fabulous like the rest of the menu. Go. Go. Go.
(4)Christopher M.
I can't tell you anything bad about GT except for the prices, but then again that's to be expected for this neighborhood, right? The drinks, the wine, the oysters, the apps, the main courses ... it's all great, but my oh my do you pay for what you get. And although what you get is very good, I don't really think it's worth the extravagant price. I think a month ago I would have given them 4 stars, but now that Kinmont is on the scene I can't think of much of a reason to come here. If you are in need of a seafood fix I'd head over to Kinmont ... it's better and cheaper. 91/365
(3)Winnie D.
Great place great food esp the fish tacos best tacos I've ever had! Will definitely coming back.
(5)Eva H.
Wow, that clam chowder was amazing! Never had one like it before. Oyster po'boy did not disappoint either - but I actually thought the bun was the best part of the sandwich. Also had a deliciously light soba noodle dish that had just the right amount of complimentary sauce. We were recommended the steamed fish dish, which was ok...but I've never found a steamed fish as good as grandma made. The tuna poke was tasty, but I wish there was more for the price we paid. We basically ordered all the dishes recommended by Yelp reviewers and didn't go wrong.
(4)Brayden K.
I've been here twice for lunch and had a good experience both times. The service is friendly and efficient. We had reservations and were seated immediately. We didn't feel rushed or anything and we were still in and out in under an hour. The decor is straightforward and pleasant. The food, yummy. The first time I came I had the oyster po'boy sliders and a cup of clam chowder. I have tried a lot of clam chowders, and although I wouldn't put their chowder in the top 10%, it's certainly in the top 25%. The oyster po'boys were very good but not as good as the lobster roll that my wife was munching on. Definitely worth trying. I'm not ashamed to admit that I ate the last third of her roll once she was done. Yes, I eat off my wife's plate when necessary. On my second visit I had the fish tacos. These little tacos are very, very special. So yummy. They alone are worth a trip to this restaurant for lunch. My tongue still tingles at the thought of them. So in summary, get reservations and you will have an efficient and pleasant lunch. Definitely try the tacos and convince your eating buddy to get the lobster roll. Good things will happen.
(4)Rufin A.
GT FISH & OYSTER has definitely become one of my fav places to go in Chicago. It never disappoints. Favs: Oysters (of course!), Pork Belly and Duck Confit. Staff: 10/10; very helpful with recommendations and wine parings Atmosphere: sexy, dim lighting and definitely trendy on a non-pretentious level Can't wait to go back!
(5)Kelly W.
Oysters, pork belly sandwich and Bloody Mary are amazing!! Service is great! Will be coming back soon.
(5)Michael B.
Excellent restaurant. Fresh lobster roll, good oyster selection, great layout and fun. Our server told us to order more plates, since they tend to be on the smaller side, so we split 5 and it was more than enough, with some drinks. It is pricier, but you should expect that given the location, layout and ambiance.
(5)Hollina U.
Came here for lunch during Chef Week. It was an amazing deal--- 3 courses for $22! I got the clam chowder (which was pretty solid), the lobster roll, and the chocolate meringue tart. The lobster roll wasn't bad, but I don't really like eating cold seafood. But it was still good. My favorite part of the meal was the chocolate meringue tart! It was absolutely amazing! One of the best desserts I've had in Chicago. It was paired with a raspberry sorbet that was beautiful and the chocolate was so rich and delicious. The service could have been better, but I guess it gets busy during Chef Week... I would come back, but mainly just to try more desserts!
(5)Evelina L.
Finally was able to come here for lunch during Chicago Chef week. What a great experience! I took someone here that lives in Paris and he was super excited to try a lobster roll for the first time in his life. After some clam chowder, the lobster roll arrived and he was more then thrilled with the taste and presentation! The pickled veggies were amazing, but I could have stayed away from the fried onion straws. The food and the ambiance was so good, that my french friend just told me that he came back the next day and had the EXACT same thing. Way to impress, GT!!! (PS, he also loved the meringue, so good job there) Can't wait to make reservations for dinner!
(5)Natasha R.
I haven't had an amazing dinner like the one I just experienced at GT Fish & Oyster for quite some time now. I first picked a different restaurant for our anniversary dinner, but switched last minute and so happy I did! Everything we tried was beyond excellent - we started off with oysters (our first time ever). I had no idea which ones to get, so we went with 2 kinds one each of the East Coast vs West Coast - they were so good, that we ended up ordering a couple more. The cocktail sauce they come with was out of this world - it's definitely on our list to come back here just for the oysters. We both ordered clam chowder soups and 1LB Main Lobster Rolls - Connecticut Style - and omg those lobster rolls are to die for. Connecticut style is warmed up with butter - definitely the way to go. The bread was so soft and there was so much lobster meat - it was just amazing. It also comes on with a side of pickled vegetables and friend onions. As for dessert, we were wayyy too full to eat there, but I ordered Key Lime Pie to go - she warned us it won't be pretty because of the way it was served in the dish, but I didn't care. It was just as good as I expected it to be :) Our sever, wish I remembered her name, was excellent and very helpful especially in the oyster department. Everyone at the restaurant was nice, but the only thing sucked was not having any "anniversary" dishes to remember the meal by - they never asked if we were celebrating anything special and I forgot to tell them over the phone - oh well. I love the layout of the restaurant and the big, spacious windows throughout the building- very cozy for some reason. This was a very memorable evening and it's definitely a place we will come back to - the brunch menu looks too good to pass up!
(5)Rich B.
I was just going through my wallet and came across the receipt for this dinner and kind of sighed at the memory of it. A work colleague and I had to grab bite to eat before an event when I was recently in Chicago. We ate a lot of oysters (paired with Scotch (Ardbeg!)) Our waiter was passionate about the food and his excitement was a bit contagious as we kept ordering more and more. Oysters, as I said, were great. There was a dish that had a quail egg on it. There was something else that was amazing. Also, Scotch. Attractive and very cool space.
(5)Pack C.
I took my out of town friends there. They all love it. The food was really good. Recommend make reservation: we were there at 9pm wkday and we got community table. Our favorite is clam chowder. We also had fish taco, raw oyster, steak tenderloin, and braised pig cheek. They were all good! Steak tenderloin was probably my #2 favorite. It beat other dishes by its side: spinach & polenta with eggplant purée. I would definitely go back there again!
(4)Raji V.
Great ambiance, food and dessert!
(3)Shannon H.
Perfection!!! My husband and I came here for a pre-dinner drink & appetizer and everything was wonderful. We were greeted by friendly staff at the door and were lucky to be seated in Scott's section. His drink recommendations - the Calico beer for my husband and the Cherrier Sancerre white wine for me - were spot on. Next came the appetizer - mussels in a roasted tomato sauce served on a hot Staub brasserie plate. Amazing! From the moment we walked in until we left we were pampered, surprised, intrigued, and most importantly.... completely satisfied. Bravo!
(5)Sara R.
I cam with a big (15 girl) bachelorette party. We reserved the private room which was so cool. GT Fish & Oyster was the easiest to work with & was very accommodating to our group (bachelorette parties are notoriously annoying and they treated us great). The waitress was wonderful, the liaison who helped plan out the meal (we did a set menu thing) was great. The food was so delicious. Was definitely a highlight and would highly recommend for a group activity!
(5)Kenzie L.
We ate family style and had a fantastic meal - throw in a bottle of wine and this night was perfect. Everything we ate was delicious and they brought it all out in just the right order for us.
(5)Jayme C.
Michelin starred, and Food and Wines Best New Chef 2008, Giuseppe Tentori, has developed a menu that's half-traditional, half modern, in an ever changing small plates format. Part of the Boka group. The first time I tried GT it was a double date and I am pretty sure we ordered one of everything. Oysters....oh so good and fresh. Shucked to order, yum! As I look at the current menu I do not see most of the plates that we ordered but that is the best part about GT, constantly changing the options. I recall we ordered skate fish and tuna crudo which were both great. Husband and I have also been here for brunch, the chicken and waffles are crave worthy. Cocktails are made well. My go to river north "lets grab a drink and some small plates!" Giving four star bc I went in on a weekend at 3ish and the kitchen was closed till dinner :(
(4)Wassim E.
This place definitely deserve a 4.5. Pretty much every plate was memorable. I'd recommend having 2 plates per person as this number seem to be the right amount of food We had the oyster slides, lobster roll, sunshine ceviche and clam showder. All 4 plates were great and would recommend them equally. We had the chocolate meringue pie for dessert and that was also very delicious. The service was also very attentive as they checked on us multiple times. Overall, a great dining experience.
(4)Mike S.
The oysters are superb, and what a wonderful selection. I had the lobster mac&cheese for dinner. On subsequent trip I have eaten the gnocchi, the lobster roll (both Maine and Connecticut styles), oyster po' boy and the fish and chips. Everything is fresh, and very well seasoned. Be aware that other than the sandwich-like meals (lobster roll and po' boy), the servings are intended to be small so you'll need to get several items. But that is a good thing. The bar is well stocked, and the bartenders are knowledgeable about cocktails and the menu. All in all a very nice place for a meal of various tasty plates.
(4)Linda D.
The food was decent, but the service made it taste horrible. It took 15mm to bring oysters and almost an hour to bring other small plates. This would have been quite jarring all on its own, but we had to watch the server bestow lavish attention on the table next to ours, where a friend of the chef was seated. Epic fail!!
(1)Marka L.
On the top of my list for restaurants in Chicago. The oysters were delightful, I also enjoyed the duck, the shark tacos and the sunfish ceviche. I was not impressed by the po boys although they say they are one of the most popular items. I was very impressed with out server Maggie (on the outside patio), but not so impressed with her manager who was helping out. I asked him if there were any specials and he said no, then I over heard our waitress tell the next table they had Washington State oysters as a special (my favorite kind). When I asked him about it, he had to confirm with her.... In my opinion she knew her stuff much better then he did and he should have let her do her job on her own because she was wonderful. Even served us 4 Washington State oysters on the house because of the mix up!
(4)Tron S.
This place is amazing! The oysters were hands down the best I've ever had. Our waiter Paul was very knowledgable on what to order and the cadence in which it arrived. This is not a place to rush through the meal. We ate and enjoyed every bite along with two bottles of Prosecco. I wasn't blown away by the shrimp bruschetta however the fish tacos made up for it. Rounded it all out with lemon panna cotta and an Irish coffee. Superb!
(5)Gigi C.
Yes, good but teeny portions Nice ambiance. pricey
(4)Amy K.
Go for brunch and get the chilaquiles!
(4)Marisa Y.
Came here with my parents when they were visiting town. I was expecting amazing, based on Yelp and a friend's experience (and frankly the prices), but was pretty underwhelmed. Nothing I had was bad, but for the prices and portion sizes (SMALL), I expected more than solid. My favorites were the tuna poke (delicious, but there needs to be more!!!), lobster mac and cheese, and mussels. Oyster po boys were great and probably the best deal on the menu. We ordered the octopus at my dad's insistence and I think my parents liked it (full disclosure: I'm not a fan of octopus ever). I thought the fish tacos were creative, but way more lettuce than fish (what's up with that?!?!).
(3)Brian M.
I don't understand all of these five star ratings. First of all, I hadn't realized that this was a small plate/tapas style place until I was ordering, otherwise I never would have come here. After spending a bunch of money in Chicago, I was looking for an affordable dinner for my last night there, and this menu seemed to fit the bill. That is until you realize that you need three plates to feel like you had a complete meal. You can get better clam chowder out of a can of progreso soup than this place serves. Mac and cheese looked delicious but just didn't taste right. Lobster Roll was ok but I've definitely had better. Also we were seated on the most uncomfortable bar stools over a table that was just too low. Ended up standing at the table because my back was hurting. Definitely won't be coming back.
(2)Sara A.
I was craving really good seafood when I went there, not my cup of tea. Too casual at their presentations, more of a slider and very small plates (the price is too high for the quantities), I did not feel I went to a FISH place after I left. If what you are looking for is a good bar and a nice small dish to go with. If you are picky about your oysters that's the place to go. Won't come again, wasn't worth the $75 we paid.
(3)Annette V.
Delicious. What else do I need to say about GT Fish & Oyster that the other 800+ reviewers haven't said? I decided I had to try it after the third or fourth time it came highly recommended. I've been twice and, with the exception of the mediocre squash blossom, everything I've tried was really great. My favorites were the fish tacos, octopus, halibut, and (naturally) oysters. My FAVORITE favorite though was, surprisingly (to me at least, because I'm not big on kimchi), the oyster po'boy slider. I seriously could've order a half dozen oysters and an half dozen sliders and been totally satisfied. While I think the cocktail list could be a little stronger, it's certainly not bad, and the wines are really quite nice. If you enjoy seafood, you'll enjoy GT Fish & Oyster.
(4)Daniela R.
Our dining experience was sub par. Everything we ordered was delicious from the shrimp bruschetta to the oyster po boy (we had to order another round). The waiters recommendations were great although I will say I didn't love the apple crumble dessert. The caramel was very bitter. Other than that everything was great and we loved our experience. Side note: we had a reservation for 8:00 and we ended up waiting like 10 minutes to be seated and there was an awkward waiting area.
(4)Sonny S.
If you're looking to taste some of the freshest seafood in the Midwest prepared by a Michelin Star award winning chef, come to GT Fish & Oyster located in trendy River North! Giuseppe Tentori is the culinary genius behind this eatery. I've been here enough times to know that you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. The ambiance of GT is really great - not too loud, but not so silent that you think you're in a library. The streamlined interior is chic/classy and incorporates the nautical theme along with glass walls, white panels and dark wood which makes the space pop while feeling spacious all at the same time. It gets crowded so book reservations through OpenTable. Walk-ins are cool too - if you can't get a table sit at the cool boomerang table they have or at the bar. Now the food - menu changes seasonally, but here's what's good: OYSTERS (duh) Freshest and cleanest I've had - not a bit of dirt or grit on these delicious bivalve mollusks! Selection always changes, but my favorite are the Kumamotos - so creamy and sweet. Dabob Bays and Forbiddens are good too - served with ponzu mignonette & house made cocktail sauce & their famous hot sauce duo. Tip: oysters are 1/2 off after 10 pm chyeahhh. PORK BELLY SLIDERS Pork belly is salty and fatty (...in a good way) complemented by tangy kimchi and peanuts for texture. At $4 a pop, they're worth every penny - treat yoself! CLAM CHOWDER Not your typical thick stick-a-spoon-in-and-it-stands-up-chowder. A much lighter version that is just as delicious and dare I say I *whispers* prefer this over the traditional one. I know! Don't kill me! It's loaded with chunks of clam meat and there's a smokiness from neuske's bacon served with house made oyster crackers. Guh get it. GREEN TEA SOBA NOODLES This dish is served cold with shrimp, tofu, bok choy, and a thai chili vinaigrette. It's such a refreshing dish if you're looking for something light and easy on your waistline. WHITEFISH SANDWICH The portion for this dish is quite generous not that I'm complaining. It's a beer battered flaky whitefish sandwiched between a toasted tuscan roll with cajun remoulade, pickled veggies and salt and vinegar chips. LOBSTER ROLL ...and now the pièce de résistance...wait for it...wait for it...as you may have guessed, it's the LOBSTER ROLL and GT knows how to make a good one. The buttery roll acts as a vehicle which is stuffed to the brink with large chunks of lobster tossed lightly in mayo with celery. It doesn't get much better than this. The sandwich is served with fried onion strings and pickled veggies. You HAVE to get this at least once. I could eat it for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert, lol. BANANA CHOCOLATE GANACHE Not only is the seafood delicious here, but the desserts are just as good. This comes with chunks of flourless chocolate cake covered in rich chocolate ganache accompanied by berry sauce, berries and mint. The presentation of beautiful and the dish was (almost) too pretty to eat. BLOOD ORANGE LEMON TART If you end up getting the lobster roll, which I recommend, you might want to end with something lighter than chocolate ganache. Enter the blood orange and lemon tart. It's tangy from the citrus, refreshing and is served with a lovely quenelle of blood orange sorbet to cleanse your palate. Perfect ending! I can't say enough good things about this place. Like the food, the service was on point! Water glasses were always filled and plates were cleared in a timely fashion. Every server I've had has been friendly and knowledgeable about the menu offering suggestions and answer questions. Parking in the area is tricky, but it's possible so make sure you try out GT Fish & Oyster soon!
(5)Eric T.
As I always say, we are regular folks, just trying new places. The place is really nice and the atmosphere is quite upbeat. The service was impeccable! Everyone from front of the house to bus-guys were courteous, friendly, and really added +1 star rating. The food tasted phenomenal. We had: - Seared Tuna Salad - great - Mackerel - great needed more flavor, loved the garnishes - Grilled Octopus - great if you like curry flavor otherwise skip it - Oyster Po'Boy Sliders - absolutely great!! The kimchi gave that extra bit of flavor! $4/ea is steep but delicious - GT Mac-n-cheese - oh yeah! Winner of the night! - Key Lime Pie -good We also had raw oysters... They were fine, but I'm sorry for $3+ EACH I was thinking of those big oysters you get at other seafood places, as opposed to the tiny 2" ones served here. For a place specializing in oysters, it feels counterintuitive to have it at such ridiculous prices. For this alone I wanted to give 3 Stars, but all the other attributes worked really well so I'll give it a 4 star. I WOULD come back, but for the oyster po' boys and mac-n-cheese.
(4)Ada H.
THE place for amazing seafood. Obviously, you cannot go wrong with any restaurant that has GT (Giuseppe Tentori) at the helm. While I like Boka, GT is so much better. The atmosphere, the employees, and the overall vibe made a good impression for me. The first time I came here was during Chicago Restaurant Week. That first time was so great that I came a second time to try the rest of the Restaurant Week menu. After that, I was hooked, and now wanna come here all the time. The Restaurant Week menu offered a three course lunch menu for $22 per person (see photo). The first time I chose the clam chowder, the lobster roll, and the blood orange and lemon pie. The clam chowder was good, but the lobster roll and meringue pie was amazing! I still have dreams about the blood orange sorbet with the meringue... The second time I went I tried the other options which were the seared tuna salad, basil gnocchi, and the chocolate parfait. I really loved the tuna salad. I felt that the gnocci was very good. And the poor chocolate parfait couldn't stand a chance since I already fell in love with the pie dessert. The second time we also ordered a few Malaspina oysters (one of my favorites), and the monkey bread which is on the brunch menu. That monkey bread was sooo good! I can't wait to return to try everything else on the menu. The interior is gorgeous. Very upscale Hamptons feeling. The service was decent. Pleasant but not overly friendly. And there is valet and street parking if you can find a spot.
(5)Cole K.
This place was great! My fiance and I stopped here while in Chicago after getting recommended to go by our airbnb host. We looked up reviews and decided to give it a try as a lot of other seafood places were not open on Mondays or past 2:30 until dinner. We were not disappointed! The corner location is open and modern and we wer immediately welcomed to sit at the bar or we could be shown to a table. We chose the bar and greeted with a friendly welcome. Over the course of our visit we had 3 awesome varieties of Oysters from east and west coasts. The mignonette was not the best I've had but the hot and cocktail sauces were great. The Oysters were extremely fresh and I am a oyster fanatic. In addition we had the Oyster 'Po Boy with Kim chi and peanuts on a soft hawaiian roll. Perfextion! The Thai soup with clams, shrimp and mussels was also great. We will be remaking both of these when we are back on the west coast for sure! We also struck up great conversation and learned a tremendous amount from Rick (I believe he was the Operations or General manager) about Bourbon and Whiskey. He was great and their selection is out of hand. Go here! It's really good and our service was very good. We will definitely be coming back and recommending to friends and family travelling here.
(4)Linn L.
Was invited for fancy lunch with my sister in town who had never had oysters before. Seemed like a good spot to be introduced to it here! Ordered a dozen of west/east coast oyster and for my newbie sister it just said 'slurp'. She loved it! And I was so happy. Continued with po-boy sandwich, some fried oysters (although also hided in a piece of bread) and then the dessert. Some kind of chocolatey treat and another lemony darling. Heard sister saying 'mmm, mm, mmmmm' around a hundred times. If I would have been here myself, I would have given it a three star. But sister really liked it and if she would decide I am most certain of that she would have given it a four. So this is for you, sis.
(4)Brian M.
I am revisiting a similar theme in this review as many of my previous reviews...service makes or breaks the visit. My wife and I visited GT Fish & Oyster while on a short trip to Chicago. Given the wide range of amazing restaurants, we did our research and thought we had made the right choice. Were we ever wrong. We were looking for a makeshift tasting menu (GT does not have one). We ordered five dishes requesting that their delivery be spread out. Despite the waitress assurances that we would be accommodated, we received four dishes within five minutes of each other. While we may have been ordering a smaller quantity of food than our neighbors, we still expect a certain level of service that was not met by GT. With so many great options in Chicago, this place is a must-pass.
(2)marcey b.
We had a wonderful time at this restaurant. Inventive menu, attentive service by Maurice, just a wonderful evening. Highly recommend!
(5)Robert K.
Great Oyster Sliders in Chicago's Michelin rated seafood joint nestled in River North. Amazing decor and very helpful waiter staff. Pricey wine menu but every extensive. Try the fish tacos, and the red snapper. Also the sliders are nationally raved about! Get a reservation early and bring a date!
(5)Natalie C.
I've been to GT Fish and Oyster twice now, once for dinner and once for brunch. Everything I've ever had here is absolutely fantastic, and super fresh. The oysters (both fresh and also fried in a delight brunch poboy with kimchi and cashews) make my soul weep with happiness. Shrimp bruschetta/ceviche w avocado is also divine. Obviously their seafood is supreme, however their other items are a delight as well *cough* get the chicken and waffles they will pleasure your palate like there is no tomorrow *cough*
(5)Andrew D.
Food was overpriced and i am under impressed. My top three choices were sold out and it was both mine and my friends birthday. Server didnt try to offer anything special to compensate - service was lousy. Table next to us looked like they had some for their birthday tho. Also drinks were not good. Not worth the time or money to eat here.
(2)Steph U.
Just a heads up, this is going to be a pretty long post. I have a lot to say about the Restaurant Week menu and it was definitely not an experience to brag about. If you want to come here for Restaurant Week, PLEASE READ THIS FIRST! The only reason I'm giving this place 2 stars is for the service. The food, on the other hand, was extremely disappointing and so not worth it for Restaurant Week. After reading reviews and seeing that this was a top pick for Restaurant Week, my boyfriend and I decided to come here for a late dinner last Thursday. It was $44 for a 4 course preset menu, average for Restaurant Week. There were two choices for each course, so we each ordered one, so we could taste everything. For the first course, I had the tuna poke and my boyfriend had the shrimp bruschetta. The tuna poke...was not poke. I don't think this restaurant understood the difference between chopped sashimi and poke. Poke usually has a marinade/sauce and is mixed with other things like onions, seaweed, etc. This poke was bland and literally was just chopped up fish without any seasonings. It came with some weird (what I think was) ginger topping, cucumbers, and a dollop of some kind of mango mayonnaise (I think...not sure what that really was). Now, in theory this sounds good, but, honest to god, I was so incredibly disappointed. This was by no means "poke". The shrimp bruschetta was actually alright. It was just one piece of bread with some shrimp on it. It was a lot tastier than the poke, but very, very small. The next course I ordered the clam chowder and my boyfriend ordered the ahi salad. The salad was actually a pretty large portion, which was nice, but once again, it didn't have too much flavor. The seared ahi was exactly the same as the poke, except with a little sear on the edges. Also, it was impossible to eat the salad without a fork and a knife. It was like 3 giant pieces of lettuce with some toppings. The clam chowder was served in a cute little bowl and was actually not bad (this was probably my favorite dish). The next course was bar far the most disappointing and actually almost funny. I ordered the oyster po' boy and my boyfriend ordered the mahi mahi. The oyster po' boy was ALL bread and mayo served with some interesting (what I think were) pickled veggies and a HUGE portion of deep fried onion strings. I couldn't taste any of the oyster in the po' boy and it was so incredibly oily and fried that it was hard to eat. The bread was alright, but who wants to just eat bread for dinner?? The mahi mahi...oh man. This was actually really funny. When they brought out the plate, it literally looked like they took two pieces of sashimi and cooked it and put it on a plate. It was two BITE-SIZED pieces of mahi mahi on a plate with some black rice. That's it. It was almost like Barbie doll food, the portion was THAT small, and thus, laughable. The mahi mahi was actually tasty, but wow, who gets full off of two bites? That's just mean to give so little of something that was actually good. The last course was dessert. I ordered the coconut cake and my boyfriend got some peanut butter chocolate cake with salted caramel ice cream. Okay, they did an awesome job of making these sound freaking delicious, but wow oh wow, once again we were disappointed. The coconut cake was so freaking DRY, it was almost too crumbly and weird to eat. The peanut butter cake was alright, but it seemed weird paired with the salted caramel ice cream. If you ate them apart, they were much better. The peanut butter was somewhat overpowering, which was probably why it was better to eat them separate. Oh we also ordered oysters, which weren't a part of the preset menu. I never knew there was a difference between west coast and east coast oysters, and that was the night I learned that the west coast is DEFINITELY the BEST coast. We ordered two sets of east coast salty oysters and one set of west coast sweet oysters after getting a recommendation from our server. Not only were the oysters pretty pathetic looking (incredibly small), but the east coast oysters were unbearably salty. The west coast ones were actually really good. I was so sad that we ordered the east coast ones..but at least now I know.. The service was actually really good, with multiple servers constantly checking on us, refilling our water, etc. There was a bit of an awkward moment at the end of the dinner though, when the waiter asked "how was your meal?" and we literally didn't know how to answer. We didn't want to be rude, and so my boyfriend merely responded "it was...uhm.. alright." The server was obviously not expecting this reaction and had his own awkward pause and was like "ohhhh ahh okay let me get you the check" and quickly left. Looking around at the other people who were doing the prefix menu, you could tell how disappointed they were as well. Overall, I don't think I'll be back. It was very pricy for what you get and not even very good. Go somewhere else.
(2)Susan C.
I went to this place with a couple of my friends and it is a nice quaint little place. I order the chicken and waffle and it was delicious. The waitstaff was very attentive to make sure everything was good. I have yet to go back to try other selection they have on the menu. You don't have to make a reservation and it's easily accessible by train and after that walking to the place. It's right across the street from the anti-cruelty society so you won't miss the place.
(4)Vincent W.
Getting good seafood in the Midwest seems incredibly hard (being landlocked in between the two coasts). However, it's not impossible. I have been to a small handful of restaurants in the Chicagoland area that take seafood seriously and get it right on a consistent basis. Unfortunately I can't say this for GT Oyster and Fish. We had a party of 9 (a relatively large group, especially during Restaurant Week) and they understandably had troubles seating us on time for our 8:30 reservation. So we took advantage of their free coat check, grabbed a couple of drinks at the bar area and kept each other entertained until the table was ready. We got seated around 9pm, and I was brimming with excitement. I had scouted the items I wanted to try that were listed on the menu online, but as they brought us the paper menus I noticed that none of the items I really wanted were available (ceviche, oyster shooters). The waiter calmly told me that the menu listed online was no longer available and was a seasonal thing, and assured me that he would tell his marketing team to make the update. I joked with him about furious, but in reality I was a bit disappointed. He suggested a few dishes and I for the most part took his advice and ordered the following. Half a Dozen West Coast Oysters - They had three types of West Coast Oyster offerings that my friend insisted on us ordering (as opposed to the East Coast ones). Not knowing a ton about oysters (outside of what they should taste like), I let him take the lead. They started the night on a good note, because I thought they all were relatively sweet and tasty, but not nearly the freshest or sweetest oysters I've had. Scallop Crudo - The waiter had suggested for me to order this in lieu of the ceviche, due to its similar preparation, and the presentation of this dish was beautiful. Thinly sliced raw scallops inside a shell, on top of a bed of little dried beans, toppled with some bright orange fish roe. Unfortunately, the execution did not do any of it justice. The scallops were tossed heavily in olive oil and garlic, basically rendering any semblance of the sweet scallop taste to be completely overpowered. The textures were good, but unfortunately the taste was not. I was very disappointed. Oyster Po Boy - This ended up being my favorite item of the night. It's a fried oyster on top of kim chi with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts. While I couldn't really taste the oyster with the batter and kim chi completely overpowering it, I did like the textures and the overall taste of the slider. Almost to the point where I was tempted to order another one (only $4). Gnocchi Scallops - I enjoyed the light sauce that came with the gnocchi because it allowed the scallops to shine. Unfortunately, the scallops were not that sweet and the gnocchi was not that good. The gnocchi felt more like filler, and the scallops were cut into pieces that made it indistinguishable from the gnocchi. Some of them were so flavorless that the only way I was able to tell that they were scallops was from the texture. Lobster Mac and Cheese - While the dish tasted exactly how I thought it would, there really wasn't anything special about this. It reminded me of the mac and cheese my mom would make me when I was sick (minus the chunks of lobster meat). The lobster was present and applied relatively generously. And the peas added a nice element to the dish, but it was overall a bit average and not worth the waiters ranting and raving about. Overall, I can't help feeling disappointed. I really wanted a nice night out with some great seafood. I want to say it was a product of what I ordered, but I don't feel like seafood is really highlighted in any of the dishes I tried (outside of the west coast oysters). Since seafood is in the namesake of the restaurant, I feel like my criticism is justified. My individual bill came out to be $80 w/ T&T (no drinks, all food), and I left feeling a bit empty (emotionally; physically I felt like I had a carb overload). Maybe it was the waiter's suggestions (incredibly nice fellow, maybe just has different taste in what's good), maybe it was an off night. But I probably won't care to try it again to find out.
(2)Alex A.
I do NOT understand how this place gets good ratings. The food is mediocre and the service is horrendous. I came here with a larger party over the weekend. Even with prior reservations, we had to wait almost an hour to be seated. Our server was very distracted/inattentive, and rarely came to check on us. We were waiting quite a while before he came back to take our order. Was not amused by the staff continuously reaching over me or across me to take plates (before I was finished) and pour water (all over the table). They seemed in an extreme hurry to turn the table over even though we had waited a very long time for ours. The environment was extremely noisy to the point where we were shouting at each other from across the table. We were also seated by a window with poor insulation, so many of us sat through the entire dinner with our coats on. Cold plates were seasoned well, but the portions were extremely small - enough for one person only, not for sharing - especially if you were waiting a ridiculously long time to be seated. The lobster mac and cheese was underwhelming: hardly any lobster (microscopic pieces); the pasta was soggy and overcooked; and the sauce was gummy. The lobster roll was nothing compared to Boston, but very good, albeit overpriced (better and cheaper in New England, sigh). The buttered roll saved this dish. I have no issue paying a premium for good food, but this was overpriced tourist food. Very disappointing given their reputation. Would not recommend and would not dine here again.
(2)Ilana B.
Just wow. Great attention to detail. Every ingredient fresh and perfectly prepared. I am in heaven right now. Friendly staff, and our waiter Scott did a great job -- personable, helpful, and had a lightness and happiness about him. Excellent experience.
(5)Shawn H.
My girls and I went here last night for dinner. First of all...Ashley rocks! Absolutely the best waitress I have ever had. The four of us tried to make decisions for our plates to order , but once Ashley made her recommendations we let her pick every plate and dessert. Best choice we made all night :) Great lobster roll to the tuna to the carrot cake. All was good, we will be going back soon. Great decor and you will not regret coming here!
(5)Tiffany L.
best fish tacos i've had. also shared the mussels, oyster po boy sliders(YUM), and a jalapeno raw fish appetizer. everything was good, no complaints!
(4)Jessica O.
This dinner was fantastic. It wasn't Alinea quality, however we weren't paying those prices either. For the price point, this was a fabulous meal. We had: *Oysters (2 of each) * Shrimp Bruschetta *Hamachi Crudo *Smoked Fish Platter *Shoshito salad *Squash blossoms *Octopus *Uni and White Asparagus *Eggplant and Tofu *Chicago Mix and *Chocolate Meringue Tart Yummmm. I think I liked pretty much everything that we tried, I abstained from the octoups and uni, but the folks in my party had nothing but great things to say. The place is a little loud, but the cocktails were delicious and the food was fabulous. I love nothing more than a great small plates concept which is well executed. Highly recommend!
(5)Lisa M.
This is the most efficient eatery I've ever experienced. The entire staff hovered over our table the entire time. While I love an attentive staff, this was over the top. At one point I kinda snapped when a support staff asked to clear our plates. "Go ahead, I know you're dying to." It was obvious I had offended him so I apologized. "I'm just doing my job." I felt rushed & a little bit hassled. The place was packed yet there was enough people on the floor that several staff gathered 2 feet away, urgently eyeing every move we made. The last time I had this level of service was at a Country Club in Memphis back in the 80s. The food was good. I had the Crudo Snapper. It was an unusual combo of flavours. Very delicate but full of textures. I was put off by the crunch of the pomegranate seeds as it made it feel like I was eating hard candy. The snapper was a little lost but over all, good. The Eggplant was AMAZING! I would eat this for dessert. I felt the tofu was an afterthought but maybe it's supposed to be a counter to the tastiness of the eggplant. We asked for bread to spread it on. A garlic butter crostini would've been better than sourdough. I'm a huge fan of monkfish so I was excited to find one on the menu. It came over cooked & over salted. My boyfriend hates to complain about food but I seriously couldn't eat it. I felt my ankles swelling in real time. They took it back & brought us a nicely cooked fish & well but not overly seasoned dish. The ritual here is very hands on but the spiel is so involved it is tinged with condescension. They put everything out there before it's needed. I felt like a fire that needed to be put out rather than a follower on a gastronomical path to glory. I did appreciate the experience because I felt appreciated but if I go back again I'll sit at the bar.
(3)Gregory C.
I love the Maine Lobster Roll - The oysters were amazing. The mussels were cool.
(4)Alexander E.
Awesome service. Very intriguing menu. Lots of great flavors. Def recommend if visiting Chicago. Make sure you make a reservation and try the oysters. The waiters are very attentive. You almost never have to ask for anything. 5 stars for this Chicago classic.
(5)Michelle H.
Great ambiance... you definitely pay for the ambiance, not the food. Well, I'll have to say that the Shrimp Bruschetta was pretty good. Everything else was mediocre, nothing to rave about. The Swordfish Ceviche was good but the chips were wayyyyy too salty. The Lobster Roll was disappointing. The bread was soaked in butter, couldn't even taste the lobster. Maybe they should've saved some of the salt from the chips to put on their bland lobster instead. The portions are small/tapas style so I recommend ordering at least 2-3 dishes per person if this is going to be your main meal.
(3)Helena S.
We ordered the lobster roll that was very expensive and wasn't that good at all. The eggplants were hedious. The gnocci weren't that bad but a little bland. Service was great thought!!
(2)Rachel H.
I planned my office's holiday party with GT and it was fabulous. From my first contact with Jenny to the last nibbles of dessert, we were very impressed. We sat in the private space in the basement to which the route was a little freaky, but so is any sea adventure. The space itself was nicely appointed and has it's own closet for coat checking. Nice touch. The private event menu was served family style and gave as an opportunity to try a ton of their offerings. I'm just glad our office is a little adventurous and doesn't have any shellfish allergies. The lobster roll and the fried oyster po'boy were my favorites, but everything else we tried was also top notch (oysters, tuna poke, shrimp bruschetta, fish tacos and mac n cheese - all great) as were the cocktails we tried. The capper to this lovely afternoon (made better by not having to return to the office) was that salted caramel tart. My sweet tooth is a baby tooth, but this was just too good. The crust is perfect. We had great food, great drinks and great service. I'll definitely return and would recommend to anyone planning a group event.
(5)David B.
I went for the first time back in November and wasn't sure what to expect. I like seafood, but I'm used to pretty simple seafood dishes. And I don't like oysters. So I was very pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed my meal. Between the two of us, we shared the tuna poke (excellent!), the GT crudos (a great mix of flavors, except neither of us want the foie gras which topped one of the crudos), the fish tacos (a highlight!), clam chowder (which they split into two small mason jars, and we both loved it) and - from the non-seafood menu - the duck confit. That dish was great, too. Everything was very, very good and I would both want to have it all again when I return, and also try all new stuff! Our waiter was fantastic and we enjoyed the slow pacing of the meal and the atmosphere. It was a bit loud for conversation, but we managed just fine. Well worth the time and money.
(4)Yoorah K.
Had an amazing time at GT! Came to Chicago for the IEEE 2014 exhibition and needed a drink to relax before the last day. GT was recommended to me by a good friend for the oyster bar. (I love oysters!) Came here alone for an early dinner. Had a seat at the bar served by a lovely man named Ray. Such a great atmosphere in GT. Ended up getting 3 dozen oysters, tuna poke, and clam chowder. Had a glass of red wine, and two cocktails (can't remember the names though). Oysters- absolutely delicious. Had some of all 6 types. I did have a bit of sand in a few, but didn't deter me from finishing. Perhaps I was already a little buzzed, but just reminded me they were fresh. Tuna poke- Very fresh. The texture reminded me of sashimi (tuna poke is raw) and I loved it! It was laid upon a circle of cucumber slices, and presentation was beautiful. Looked like a flower. Clam chowder- I have to steal this recipe. I live in the South, but I would have this one over any clam chowder you could make/buy here. (Sorry mom and dad.) It was packed full of clam and oyster and the rest of the delicious ingredients!! Every spoonful was a heavenly (and large!) bite. They had used a little hot sauce on top and it had just enough kick to awaken me from my tipsy stupor. Stealing this recipe! Atmosphere- amazing. I don't live in the city anymore due to work. Actually, I don't even live near a city now.. Coming to GT reminds me of home. Sitting at the bar, you could hear the hustle and bustle, the nonstop chatter, the sighs of relief of the people getting off work. It didn't matter that I was eating and drinking by myself. Ended up chatting with a lawyer beside me who had just come back from Coachella. I will have to come back before I leave Chicago!
(5)Hamman L.
My husband and I went there last weekend for our anniversary dinner. We were seated right away at a great cozy corner booth! Our Food was really delicious. We both thought that some of the portions were way too small for the cost. I am happy to spend money to go to a nice restaurant, but I felt like the portions were small. Everyone from the hostess to the busboy to the waiter were great! It was a great place for a nice night out!
(4)James L.
Who knew seafood would be this tasty in Chicago? Came here with coworkers, the small dish style allowed us to try various dishes with a great drink menu go along with the food. Individual plates are not expensive, but can add up if you ordered a lot. Best part of the meal includes their fresh oysters, claim chower, lobster roll, and their red colored hot sauce. Must try if you are in Chicago.
(5)Tim O.
I enjoyed brunch here. The oysters were top-notch and chilaquiles with duck were good as well. It was an excellent selection at the mid-range price point. Will definitely be returning.
(4)Raquel D.
I've been wanting to go here for quite some time. And finally forced my family out during restaurant week during the cold - snow, super bowl and all. I literally could not get oysters and lobster rolls out of my mind for a week. We got there early on a Sunday and was able to sit at the bar since we didn't have a reservation. We were offered a table with a time limit, but the bar seemed better. First off, the brunch menu is amazing - already knew I was going to come back for that! But that wasn't why I was here. It was for that lobster roll I've been dreaming of....and it was absolutely amazing. Small...but enough and plenty satisfying for restaurant week. The roll was buttery and crisp with meaty chunks of lobster. yea, baby! The clam chowder was stellar - I swear the mason jar presentation made it taste even better! Oysters were fresh and succulent. Hubby got po' boy sliders, which was an explosion of flavor and yumminess. Bloody Mary - on point. I was pleasantly surprised when our dessert came as I had forgotten all about it - coconut cake and sorbet was the perfect ending. Too bad the portions were smaller than usual ...I'm a self-proclaimed oinker and probably could have eaten double what was given (eek!). The bartender and staff were super nice and attentive though. AT first, it seemed like they weren't into us as we had a toddler and all, but she was asleep and well-behaved once she woke up and received lots of their attention as well, which was nice. She even got a cute little kiddie sippy cup. We'll def be back!!
(4)Ryan J.
I should have written this review ages ago. A recent date to GT inspired me to get online and sing their praises. This place is a must if you like seafood. The dishes are unique and flavorful compared to the typical Chicago steak & seafood joint. Giuseppe Tentori is a true artist and as humble as he is gifted. The servers are knowledgable about the menu and will make genuine recommendations. Our server, "Mas" was probably the best server I have come across in a long while; her personality was a true compliment to our dining experience. Things you must order: octopus; tuna poke; clam chowder; fish tacos; eggplant (trust me); key lime pie. Best seat in the house - dining room corner booth. Ive been there for business lunches as well and the menu is equally good.
(5)Don M.
The food and service were exceptional. You can't go wrong with this place!
(5)Maggie G.
One of my favorite places in the city. Always enjoy fresh oysters and great cocktails. I try to pick a few things off the menu and do shared plates. The eggplant and tofu dish was wonderful. I wanted to eat it all myself. Great servers. I love that they always ask if there any food allergies before taking an order.
(5)Andrea R.
4-5 star food & service, 3 stars for ambience, 2 stars for prices & portion sizes- so overall 3 stars. Dined here last night for the hubby's birthday, and while the food & service was excellent, for the price tag (~$100 per person with food & drink), I've had much more memorable dining experiences elsewhere where I didn't leave almost hungry. The ambience and decor was fine, but nothing special. Now that that's out of the way, I will say that everything we tried here was excellent. The dishes are small plates, so we were able to try a number of things on the menu: - Sampling of oysters delicious and fresh - Smoked tuna cold dish- fresh heirloom tomatoes with chunks of smoked tuna. Very good, but small portion - Squash blossom- crab, mozzarella & zucchini mixed together & deep fried - very good & sinful - Branzino- delicious but very small portion of fish. This is a "small plate", but priced close to what you would pay for a full entree portion elsewhere - Mussels-- 5 stars-- this dish was the standout & I would come back just for this. A good portion of mussels in a sauce of crushed tomatoes, garlic & basil with big chunks of buttery fresh bread to dip in. Soooo good, I could have licked the plate if I were at home For drinks I had wine and hubby had the white negroni which he said was very good. Service was very helpful & attentive. Overall we weren't disappointed with anything that we ate, but for the price tag there are other more memorable restaurants I would choose to go to. I would definitely come back for the mussels & oysters though!
(3)Emily K.
Three Words: Oyster Po'Boy Sliders! Life changing!! The food, service, ambiance are all wonderful! Everything we had was delicious. I would seriously fly to Chicago just to eat at GT Fish & Oyster and then catch a flight back home. Just go!
(5)Dana J.
I went on a business lunch and I was impressed. Our waitress was inviting and explain how that their plate portions were small and that we should order from both sides of the menu. I had the O.G. lemonade unspiked. It was delicious the ginger beer give it a kick. I also had the fish tacos,clam chowder and the key lime pie with gin and tonic sherbet. Everything was delicious. Will go back.
(5)Lily Z.
I came here for my birthday with a couple of friends. I've been anxious to try this place for the longest time since I've heard such great things. Between the three of us, we split tuna poke (delicious and fresh with a nice mango flavor), oysters (really liked the Old Fashioned but I disliked the other one. I can't remember the name, but it was a West Coast oyster), oyster po'boy (ordered mine without peanuts and it was very tasty), lobster mac and cheese (I don't even like mac and cheese but I found myself licking the serving spoon! Disliked the peas because it gave the dish a gritty texture), eggplant (pleasant, but not amazing) and key lime pie (severely disappointed, dissatisfying interpretation of key lime pie). By the time we were seated, the restaurant was almost half empty, which was a relief because it was quite noisy. Service was good. Although the dinner was a bit pricey, I enjoyed myself and look forward to ordering my own bowl of lobster mac and cheese (without peas of course).
(4)Kelly K.
GT Fish never fails to disappoint! The tuna poke and lobster roll (Maine style!) are consistently great. Perfect place for a nice lunch or fun dinner with friends.
(4)Ellie H.
It's a great place for seafood lover in Chicago. I really like its creative way the chefs combine different ingredients in a dish.
(5)David C.
Clam Chowder: A Great tasting, extremely well presented, not too heavy on the cream, and very generous on the seafood. Oysters: A Freshest I've eaten. Can hang with Hog Island (SF). Definitely have nice variety of seasonal ones as well. Lobster Roll: B Cooked to perfection, served with fried onions and pickled veggies. Skimped a little bit on the lobster portions; didn't look as generous as some of the older pictures on yelp. Definitely a letdown since this was what we came in to eat. GT offers great tasting fresh seafood, but not too sure about the value proposition. Prices were a bit steep for what we got.
(3)Kristina W.
My sister had been recommending GT Fish & Oyster for awhile, so I finally made the trip down from Evanston on a Saturday around noon. When we got there, they only offered us the brunch menu ... I was a little upset because I had looked at the lunch menu online and seen a few dishes I wanted to order that weren't offered for brunch. I ended up ordering the Biscuits & Lobster Gravy ( s3-media3.ak.yelpcdn.com… ), while my friend ordered the Crab Benedict ( s3-media4.ak.yelpcdn.com… ). Both of these dishes were good, but nothing especially outstanding or memorable. We tried each other's dishes and agreed that the Biscuits with gravy was the better of the two. Fortunately, they were also serving oysters during brunch, which is what I REALLY came for anyways... We got 2 of each of the 4 options ( s3-media4.ak.yelpcdn.com… ), and all were amazing. These are definitely the best oysters I've had in Chicago. A clear winner. OVERALL: DO Come for lunch or dinner. DON'T come for Brunch (SAT-SUN 10-2:30). Oysters, the highlight of my meal (& the restaurant's specialty) are available throughout the day, and the brunch menu is not especially spectacular or innovative compared to lunch & dinner.
(4)tony a.
What a wonderful stop for a great lunch in Chicago. This place really is wonderful. We were in Chicago for about 24 hours and this seemed like a place we do not have in the Detroit area. We sat at the bar which seemed appropriate as we were going to have oysters. They were fresh and well shucked with no grit in them. Then I had the clam chowder with bacon and WOW, I would come back for just this. Do not think about Chicago for New England style clam chowder normally but will think of this place from now on. A great selection of bourbons to choose from and some nice craft cocktails. Service was spot on from start to finish. Yummy!
(4)Carlos P.
If you are visiting in town you must visit this place, my gf and I came here for the first time with some friends that live in Chicago and they know the owner and we were treated like royalty, this place was amazing for great fresh seafood we ordered a lil of everything but my fav were the oysters so fresh and clean tasting it was melt in your mouth! Another fav was the mussels just about everything we had was so good, we will def come back here
(5)