Message from Bob Chinn's Crab House
With a vast seafood menu and crab specialty, this restaurant provides "a seafood lover's dream."
Editorial by Citysearch
The SceneFasten your seat belt for one of the most stimulating dining experiences in Chicago. No two nights are the same inside this 650-seat Wheeling establishment, which is consistently one of the highest-grossing restaurants in the country. Employing 350 people, from oyster shuckers to highly trained waitstaff, this is a well-oiled operation. The come-as-you-are clientele illustrates a comfortable, albeit hectic environment.
The Food
A mind-boggling daily menu of fresh flown-in seafood features rarities like flaky Hawaiian onaga and melt-in-your-mouth Florida stone crab claws, served on signature plastic plates with flatware from Target. Go easy on Chinn's delicious garlic rolls, which complement every meal. Recommended appetizer: Miniature garlic blue crab claws are a delicacy, as is the thick and creamy--perhaps Chicago's best--clam chowder. Must-have entrees include Hawaiian ahi tuna, served rare on a sizzling platter of sauteed onions, and sweet and tender "Red" King crab legs, Chinn's most popular item.
Key Points
- Menu
- Mai Tai
- Shrimp Special
The Inside Scoop
- What to Drink - Signature mai tais are popular and potent, and Chinn's serves 850 of them daily. And you can take the cup home.
- Save Money - Monday to Thursday, 3:30pm-6pm and 9pm-close, order a drink in the bar and grab a burger, wings, fish kebabs, a half-dozen oysters or clams, and more for just $1.95.
- Know Before You Go - Chinn's doesn't take reservations on Saturdays; call ahead to put your name on the "preferred seating" list, which will cut your wait in half.
Reviews for Bob Chinn's Crab House
I purchased a fish sampler at Bob chins. I did not get what I ordered. I work 10 minutes from the restaurant. When I called to complain they would not do it over. Why would I want to drive 10 minutes there and 10 minutes back to work if it was what I wanted. As I am typing this I am also reading their statement that they put on the take out. Our guests' satisfaction is our number one goal.....If after two bites you are not completely satisfied, call us immediately.
I AM NEVER GOING BACK!
THEY HAVE LOUSY CUSTOMER SERVICE!
THEY LIE ON THEIR ADVERTISEMENTS!
Posted 09/18/09 | Report Abuse
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This is the best seafood place ever! The garlic rolls are just worth going for. My favorite dish is the blue crab claws warm in garlic butter sauce, my mouth is watering right now. mmmmm! And don't forget to try the coconut cake...
Posted 07/08/09 | Report Abuse
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We have been to Bob Chinn's almost every other week and never have been so disappointed. Feel cheated by small portions. Ordered Kona Crab (no meat, just shell) Stuffed seabass (small, and no taste.) Never going back!!!!
Posted 07/01/09 | Report Abuse
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This is not a place to take someone special if you would like to impress (first date, client...) someone. We took my mother there on mother's day weekend, we arrived at the perfect time before the dinner rush.
It has been years since the last time I have eaten there and that was during lunch with colleagues, at that time, the food was good and the service was up to par.
However, this past mother;s day weekend, I was very disappointed with our server, we had a tough time understanding the menu options and we had to wait quite awhile for our waitress to take our order.
The food was good, but too expensive.
Posted 05/18/09 | Report Abuse
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First off, let me say that Chinn's suffers from one major fault - their prices are very expensive. On the flip side? They have tons of variety, and it's all very good.
As a non-seafood kind of person myself, I can only comment that those I've taken to Chinn's have really enjoyed it. As for myself, I typically order something chicken or steak, and unlike most seafood places, Chinn's doesn't disappoint. They must have some good talent in the kitchen, to be able to do so well on such a large menu. Don't miss out on their dinner rolls.
The layout is a bit odd, with a queue line for entry, and the atmosphere isn't as relaxed and informal as someplace like Joe's, but the facility is huge and they're clearly doing a ton of business.
Posted 03/22/09 | Report Abuse
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My first time ever coming to this restaurant was a few years ago. After that i decided it will be my fav for seafood urges!! This restaurant looked great as well as the good food.
Posted 10/23/08 | Report Abuse
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The food and atmosphere was great. I went there for my friend's birthday and they were very nice. There is lots of room, so it is a great place to go with a group. The food was excellent but pricey.
Posted 10/08/08 | Report Abuse
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While visiting relatives in the area we decided to go to our favorite place for a late lunch. Order the oysters for an appetizer to start the meal. After I return home late a night the nightmare began. I was unable to go to work for two day which has not occurred in my 20+ years on the job.
Posted 07/15/08 | Report Abuse
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Bob Chinn is a very good seafood restaurant for the family. I bring my family every year. keep up the good cooking.Also, if I may i would like to reserve for father's day?????
Posted 06/09/08 | Report Abuse
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Amazingly fresh food that hits your senses. Taste is divine, and the atmosphere is very friendly. If your taste buds can take the heat, try the hot peel shrimp. They are to die for.... literally!
Posted 06/09/08 | Report Abuse
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Great customer service & the best sea food by far that I have ever had. Mai Tai's are very good but they sneak up on you.Steaks are top notch and I don't mind an almost 2 hour ride to eat here.
Posted 10/04/07 | Report Abuse
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This is the best place for fresh seafood & steaks. We drive 2 hours from Wisconsin just to eat here. Every time we have eaten here the food is great & service is top notch. Watch out for the Mai tai's they will sneak up on you.
Posted 10/04/07 | Report Abuse
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If you love seafood you'll love Bob Chinn's. The food is fresh and there is alot to choose from. Everything I've ever ordered from there I've enjoyed. The service is quick and the staff is friendly. Be prepared to wait. I believe my longest wait was for almost 2 hours. but the dinner was worth the wait.
There are plently of seats but this is a popular restaurant. They also specialize in Mai Tai's. Very yummy.
My only complaint. If you just want to sit back and gab after your meal, they make you feel rushed.
Posted 05/17/06 | Report Abuse
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A bit difficult to get to but well worth the drive. The drinks are out of this world and the food is fresh. Seafood is flown daily and you can taste the difference in the quality of the food.
Posted 11/16/05 | Report Abuse
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I love the food at Bob Chin's. Best shrimp I every had. Everything is so fresh and the salids are fresh too. It's hard to get a good salid in Illinois in the winter. The drink specials are over rated.
PROS: Great food
CONS: Very expensive
Posted 07/16/05 | Report Abuse
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I have been here once but I heard so many great things about the restaruant. I think the service is what stood out the most. The waiter was very attentive, patient, and so very helpful! He was friendly and always took care of our table. I would go back for that reason alone. The rolls are very good. We were informed that it is made with olive oil. Most people things it's butter. You will definitely want more rolls! Very good food!
Posted 07/11/05 | Report Abuse
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The food at Bob Chin's is a no-frills seafood joint with delicious fish flown in fresh everyday. It's a huge restaurant and we've never waited long to get a table since it's so big. Every table gets buttery garlic rolls which are hard to resist. The king crab legs are always great along with the daily selectin of fish. Even the desserts are delicious - especially the Hawaiian cake.
PROS: Fresh fish
CONS: Loud
Posted 06/14/05 | Report Abuse
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Latest reviews from Citysearch.
Being a former Chinn's employee, I must say that just about EVERYTHING is precooked, from the fresh fish to the crabs. Don't think that you are the first one to taste your food either, because the line cooks all have their fingers in your dish tasting it. The fresh fish in cooked about 95% of the way before you even order it. Bob Chinn himself hate Americans and fat people, even though he was born right in Minnesota, not China.
Posted 10/16/08
I tripped on carpet in waiting line, fell on all 4rs, knee bleeding thru slacks. Alarmed hostess gets Bob Chinn who proceeds to insult me, says maybe my husband tripped me. Says "we call ambulances all the time." He doesn't deserve your business.
Cons: The rudest most insulting restauranteuer I've ever seen!
Posted 08/02/08
What a great seafood place. I rarely found a good seafood place around but this one is awesome. The crabs were fresh and huge. They cook it in several different ways hot and cold. However, the food is kinda pricey. I also think the place is not too cozy. Too crowded and loud. The service was wonderful. The server guided us through all the menu and gave the right suggestions.
Pros: food, service
Cons: price too expensive
Posted 01/11/08
I was here recently for my neice's baptism reception. However, after 5 minutes of the adults acting like the babies they were holding I up and left the party, but not the place, obviously. I actually found my way to the bar and had my own lunch. Now I've heard alot about this place prior to coming here, and I think I've been here when I was a little kid too. But one look at the menu and my mouth just dropped; not because of the selections, but of the prices. It's unbelieveable!!! Right off the bat, one appitizer would cost the same as 1 entree (or even more) at a cheaper place like Red Lobster. Even an order of fried rice is about $11. Needless to say, I skipped the main courses and opted for the appitizers. I had a dozen oysters ($15) and the pair of tempura fried soft shell crabs ($20). The oysters were nothing special, but the crabs were. I don't recall any seafood place that offered crabs like that. I for one was pleased with that...but my wallet wasn't. my family managed to keep the leftovers and they weren't bad either (steak, coconut shrimp, fish (not sure which one though)). I don't know if it is even fair for me to write a review just going by 2 appitizers and leftovers. But, I'd definitely go back for more...on a date or if someone else is paying ; )
Pros: Seafood specialist, plenty of seating, parking
Cons: EXPENSIVE
Posted 10/08/07
WE GO THERE AT LEAST TWICE A MONTH FOR THE GARLIC SHRIMP, BLUE CRAB APPETIZER AS WELL AS THE CALAMARI. THEY ARE THE BEST APPETIZER. YOU MUST ALWAYS TRY THEIR KING CRAB LEGS, BOILED LOBSTER, AND THE GRILLED TUNA WITH MUSHROOMS AND ONIONS. CAN'T NEVER FORGET THEY THEY TASTE LIKE.
Pros: BEST SEAFOOD
Posted 11/26/06
on my short weekend trip to chicago, we drove out to the bob chinns in wheeling. great seafood! we split the king crab legs, a fried sampler, and a pitcher of mai tais. the service was good (she poured the mai tais for us everytime we were low). the biscuits were amazing! we split the appetizer, king crab legs and pitcher of mai tais and it came to $65 which i don't think is bad at all. i probably won't go back because you have a city full of restaurants and i'm sure that there's a great seafood restaurant somewhere. if not, then i'll definitely make the drive to wheeling for some more king crab legs and especially the mai tais...
Pros: great seafood, good biscuits, mai tais are fabulous
Cons: at least a 45 minute drive outside city of chicago
Posted 10/06/06
I live in Memphis but get to Chicago 3-5 times a year, and I go to Bob Chinn's at least twice on each visit. No doubt, it is the best, freshest seafood in Chicago. I've never had anything bad there. The steaks are terrific too. Sure, the ambiance leaves a lot to be desired, but the wait staff is always great. I go there for the wonderful food not for fine china and crystal...
Pros: Seafood, seafood, seafood...
Cons: A little too noisy.
Posted 07/24/06
I've visited Bob Chinn's approximately 5-6 times in the past few years. I agree with most of the reviews already listed here....HOWEVER...=) The food is the best around - I know it's a crab place, but let loose a little bit and try the steak - it's WELL worth the try. In fact, you can add a strip steak to most seafood entrees for approximately $6. The taste can't be beat!! When I've went, it was a party of 2 or 4 - I've never had to wait more than 20 minutes. I strongly suggest calling ahead - they have reservations all days of the week except Saturday when they have preferred seating. Just a warning though - this place is a little louder than your typical fare - but the ambience can't be beat - will go back many, many, many more times.
Pros: Steak, Seafood, Ambience
Cons: Parking can be dicey, Usually packed
Posted 04/17/06
I have been going to Bob Chinns since they opened. I grew up in Wheeling and I have never had better seafood anywhere. They have a wonderful staff. I love it!!! I would kill to have thye Hawaiian Luau cake recipie it is to die for!!! We usually go early to beat the crowd! We are not the only ones that love this place!
Pros: Very fresh fish, lots of parking, great staff
Posted 10/23/05
Visited Chicago and saw this packed...wondered how good can their seafood be? And well it wasn't that great...Just lacked taste..had the crab...my guests had some fried fish..maybe we picked the wrong thing or are used to quality seafood (we live in New England)....
Posted 08/22/04
Take the money you would have spent here, and bring it somewhere with ambience and real plates. The seafood is fresh, but for the price I prefer Pappadeaux or a place where the chef has more flair with his recipes. Here the service was average, the dining room so crowded that my neighbor's elbows were practically on our table, the food disappointing and the "tableware" made me think we were at a high-school cafeteria. There were 4 of us (no picky eaters) and none of us were pleased with the food. I had crab au gratin and it was swimming in grease. The food was no better than Joe's Crab Shack where everything is deep fried (but much cheaper). Also, the waitress spilled a drink in my lap and kept hinting that I had done it (!) I don't see why people are so crazy about this place.
Pros: Fresh Seafood
Cons: , SUPER Overpriced, Loud and Crowded
Posted 07/19/04
Bob Chinn's is a seafood carnival. Larger than life in many ways, the restaurant is a true experience. Almost every seafood fancy can be accomodated here, and the freshness of the fish is a certainty given the daily air deliveries. Service tends to be pleasant and efficient, and typically unhurried.
Only drawback are the lines during the weekends and the summer, but then passing the wait with the Mai Tais in the bar is always a good option.
Pros: Good food, good value, Mai Tais!
Cons: Crowded weekends, parking
Posted 04/30/03
I strongly recommend Chicagoans or tourists experience this famous crab house at least once. That said, let me succinctly explain why I have not given any 10s for such a fun restaurant. Yes the crab, lobster and catches of the day live up to Chinn's storied reputation (10s here.) Still, 10s across the board would require me to overlook so-so cole slaw and potoato sides (-1), extortionate pricing (avg. $55 per person)(-6), long wait-time, and most annoying, Chinn's efficient but turn-table-over-asap mentality on waitstaffs part (-2). I always feel rushed in & out the door when eating here unless arriving after 9 pm. Despite these minor aggravations, Chinn's is still worth the fun and memorably large, delicious crab & lobster.
Pros: 1st rate King Crab, fun for large groups, Lobster&catchs vrygd
Cons: Rushed in and out, expensive, side dishes so-so
Posted 03/10/03
BOB CHINNS IS THE BEST SEAFOOD RESTURANT END OF STORY NOTHING ELSE NEEDS TO BE SAID... AND THE HAVE GOOD PRICINGS JUST LOOK AT OTHER SEAFOOD RESTURANTS AND COMPARE THE PRICES FOR WHAT YOU GET AND THE QUALITY OF FOOD YOU GET ... NOTHING ELSE COMES CLOSE!!!
Posted 02/15/03
Great king crab legs! I love the steak medallions! whatever you like, there's lots to choose from. And how could you not like the complimentary cups and crab leg cutters they give you!
Posted 11/07/02
This place has a really delicious seafood with quite a bit to choose from. Their combos are a great choice if you want to try more than just one dish. And the average price is not $41 and up!! With an appetizer and expensive dishes in our selection, the average price per head in our 5-person group was just under $30. I would certainly recommend!
Pros: Delicious food, Great value, Prompt seating
Posted 08/30/02
We go to Rosemont for convention shows 4 times a year and Bob Chinn's in Wheeling is always a Must Go for us! The best seafood AND steak I have ever had! Try the Kona or Dungeness Crab in garlic style! But try not go on a weekend--the line is always long.
Posted 08/13/02