4. Restaurants

Bob Chinn’s Crab House

393 S Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling, IL, 60090
  • (847) 520-3633
  • Store is closed

Bob Chinn’s Crab House Menu

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Visit below restaurant in Wheeling for healthy meals suggestion.

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  • Melissa R.

    The food was very good. The garlic rolls were good but very garlic. We are from the East Coast so crab cakes are hard to find but this was pure lump crab meat. The lobster roll was good. Served on Texas toast. The egg rolls we ordered as an appetizer they were ok but wouldn't order them again. The service was great and very helpful.

    (5)

  • Yan H.

    The seafood is excellent,liked this place

    (5)

  • Rayi L.

    Best place for sea food! You won't regret! Try crab and lobster definitely! The bread are awesome!

    (5)

  • Antonio M.

    Service doesn't reflect prices. The food was good had crab legs for an appetizer, blackened salmon for my main course and a coconut dessert. The waiter was attentive but the service was nothing special. Threw my drink straw at me like I was at a diner off an intersection. For the amount of money they charge your better off enjoying a meal in River North.

    (2)

  • Charlotte W.

    This place is utterly delicious. Whenever I go with the fam, we get the King Crab. Sooo good, with butter for dipping and some other sort of sauce which I personally like. Coconut shrimp is delicious, love the strawberry lemonade which seems to be made fresh, Mai Tai's are good if you're wanting an alcoholic beverage, and really I have no complaints to make about the food in general! A bit pricey, but it is definitely worth it. Interior is nothing fancy, pretty casual for the price of dining, and service has always been good. Definitely a busy place so if you intend to get the king crab or come with a large party, best to call ahead!

    (4)

  • Heather M.

    I have gone here off and on throughout the years and I've always loved the food. I always get crab legs or lobster. I haven't tried the stone crab but I will eventually!!! My family has had their steaks which were always cooked to perfection. You must get the Mai Tai drinks here. This is a great place to eat for a casual dinner, big groups, birthday events and even date night. This usually would be where we would go to celebrate. Warning though... It is great food and so you will walk away with a pricey bill. Per person you are looking at $50-$100 depending on what you order.

    (5)

  • Justin H.

    I got the crab vermicelli and chicken stir fry. It was delicious and quick. I don't the crab should be 27 dollars though. Maybe 18 at best.

    (4)

  • Rafael M.

    Everyone in the area knows Bob Chinn's. Pretty much everything on the menu is delicious and the servings are generous. The steaks are also excellent - the porterhouse is my favorite. If you haven't gone here before, try a Mai Tai with some crab legs - you won't regret it.

    (5)

  • Marcy G.

    One of the best seafood in the Chicagoland area! They now offer lobster rolls for us craving them ($19.99). A few of the best items on the menu include, swordfish, egg rolls (yes, I typed egg rolls) and their known garlic rolls / cole slaw! There lunch menu offers the same size portions as their dinner. They serve up to 3pm the lunch menu!

    (4)

  • Dennis R.

    A great place for seafood, depending on what you're coming for. Could be either 3 or 4 stars according to your dining preference. If you want great King Crab and large lobster tails, this is the place. Sure they are pricey but that's the case unless you live on the coast or buy poor quality. If cost is a concern you can fly some in but that's the case with anything at a restaurant. I've tried some of the small crab and lobster tails but after you get the big guys you lose patience messing with shell work and small portions. If you want seafood in general you may want to evaluate your options. Anytime I or others in my party have experimented with other items the results haven't been noteworthy. You can find just about everything they have at equal or better quality with far lower prices. In my experience the fish wasn't as firm as I would like or wasn't particularly flavorful. Once I ordered 'prawns' that weren't very large either. For the most part the shrimp isn't bad but if you're screwing up shrimp you're being careless. For the land lubber? Not enough experience to properly judge. Who goes to seafood joints for meat? The other day I tried for the first time the bargain bar menu. Mon-Thurs 3:30-6pm and 9pm-close you can order from a limited menu for $3.50 as long as you order a drink over $2, with an 8oz strip steak being $7. It's a pretty good deal but personally only 2-3 of the items appeal to me so I probably won't be taking advantage of it often. The coconut shrimp and fries were good. Egg foo young wasn't bad but was a little sweet to completely enjoy. Strip steak wasn't bad but we know good steak so not worth it to foodies, not to mention it wasn't medium-rare as requested. Fish sampler was just alright but with the help of sauce and only being $3.50 it is a viable option. Other positives - Been coming for years and never had bad service - Garlic rolls, I could eat them until my heart gave out - Mai Tais taste good and are actually strong - Seafood gumbo is pretty good - Variety of cooking styles

    (4)

  • Aishwarya R.

    I've been there twice and loved the crab recipes esp king crab meat fried rice. I liked the fact that seating & serving were all quick. Great place if you love sea food. I'd say the pricing was worth it for the quality of the food that was served. There are items in the menu which costs a little less as well, but then I didn't want to waste my time to open up the crab and get the meat out of it. so fried rice was a great choice I felt.

    (4)

  • Jacy C.

    The garlic oil rolls are delicious. Definitely something different. The atmosphere is a little dated, but that kind of adds to the history and cozy feel of the place. The wait staff is very friendly, and the place is huge. I got the sockeye salmon, and it was absolutely delicious. PACKED with Omega 3's -- even the color of the fish screamed FRESH. It was a huge slab of meat, and it came with garlic potatoes and coleslaw. The Mai Tai's are delicious. You have to get one! Also, you can get $9 shrimp or oysters for $5 extra with any purchase of an entree. It's of course, a little pricey, but for good quality seafood, it is totally worth it! The swordfish was absolutely delicious as well. Both the salmon and swordfish were blackened and seasoned well. I also enjoyed the ginger terriaki sauce that came on the side with the salmon.

    (4)

  • Ju L.

    The theme of this review is: Americaaaaaaahh! For having been named the highest grossing restaurant in the US, this sprawling 700-seat eatery sits in a very random suburb, 45 minutes' drive from Chicago proper. It's a seafood joint owned by a 2nd generation Chinese guy who sources much of his fish from Hawaii, but the interior is thoroughly Corn-bred American Family Restaurant. Waitstaff wear uniforms that look like Hawaiian-print scrubs from the '80s, but are the epitome of Midwestern-accented friendliness. True to its Cracker Barrel feel, Bob Chinn's served up a truly gutbusting meal. You can choose to have your Bob Chinn's Famous Mai-Tai arrive in a 27oz plastic souvenir tiki cup (either way, there's no hint of the dark rum with which it's made). Hot rolls with pillowy, steaming interiors make their way to the table early, mounded with minced garlic and oil. We started with raw appetizers to fuel us for perusing the menu. A dozen blue points were $14 and not the best, not the worst. The Alaskan king salmon was clearly a lovely fish (and at its peak season), but in nigiri form, it was sliced too raggedly atop rice that fell apart too easily. I should note that the menu is lots of surf, some turf, with Asian options peeking out alongside the pasta alfredo and lobster rolls. You might see a salmon filet steamed with oyster sauce, sesame oil, and scallion, for example. That's what one of my friends ordered - the same salmon as the nigiri, supplemented by a mound of white rice. The fish was very tender, but not my thing for that place and time. He seemed to enjoy it fine. My other friend ordered the pan fried scallops, which our waitress declared was her favorite dish. The huge scallops came 8 to a plate, lightly battered and pan-fried rather than seared, fresh but a little oversalted. My green lip mussels were technically an appetizer, but arrived in an even huger pile. Each mollusk was enormous, which made me happy as a... well, you know. I can't imagine the average person would be pleased to find barnacles on a couple of the mussels, or even a fingernail-sized little crab (sho cute). But the mussels were good: very fat and never tough. Unfortunately they were sitting in incredibly salty mariniere. I wanted to mop up the plentiful juice with bread, but it was just too salty. Both my gluttonous friends also went for the lobster special: Add a lobster to any entree for $10, no sharing. One enormous whole lobster was brought out for each of them, sliced cleanly in half and seasoned thoroughly. They're adamant about the no-sharing rule, but I snuck a taste of the claw meat under the watchful eye of our waitress. Not bad. Someone had told us to ask for Bob Chinn himself during our visit, but unfortunately the 92-year-old known for being active in his business was in Hawaii at the time. If I were going to intellectualize dinner (and why not, I've got time), I'd say Bob Chinn's is perfectly emblematic of everything America is. An entrepreneur from an immigrant background finds success by adapting his culture into the American theatre of eating: pushing excessive portions, decent value, and maybe a bit too much sodium. For better or worse, it's the Disney of seafood restaurants. Hundreds of tables, hundreds of employees, and multiple wait stations give the operation a Model T sort of efficiency. As the eater, I feel no care from (or for) the person (or machine?) making that deliciously hot garlic roll when I bite into it. I guess that's OK once in awhile. At least, it allows the garlic rolls to fall under that most American of mantras: Free refills!

    (3)

  • Liz T.

    This place is a staple in the area. You can't live in the northern suburbs of Chicago without going here at least once. It's just one of those places. Bon Chinn's has been around for a long, long time. They haven't remodeled in a long time; however, I don't think they really should. It's got that tacky but loveable thing going on. The food is excellent and this is a well oiled machine. It's a bit tough to park, but they've got a valet system going. The service is quick and even if there is a wait it will go by quickly. We've been here a few times and have never been disappointed. Keep in mind, it is not cheap to come here. Your bill can easily rack up especially after a couple of drinks. This is where you can get excellent seafood without flying all the way to the coast.

    (4)

  • Matt G.

    Ive been here two times. And the reason i am giving it two stars is because the mai tais are great and the service is good. But ive felt crappy both times after my meal. First i had a pasta with crab meat. It just didnt do it for me. It looked sort of off colored and let me tell ya, when i got home, I got cleaned out. 2nd time i got the lobster roll, it wasnt good. At all. Was completely covered in like a mayo or sauce? I dont even know. Figured they would have these things down with how much seafood they push out. Ill go get liquored up, but thats about it.

    (2)

  • Hannah H.

    Bob Chinn's is a local favorite for anything seafood. The restaurant was started by Bob Chinn, who is originally from Duluth, MN, and opened this restaurant after several restaurant ventures back in '82. The restaurant offers Alaskan King Crab Legs, the fresh catch(es) of the day, shrimp, soups, oysters, sandwiches, and combos. My family and I usually come here for the King Crab Legs, but we find the price to be a bit more steep compared to other seafood restaurants. The crab legs are served cold, with melted butter, and not overly salted. I've had their fried shrimp, which is pretty solid, all crisply deep-fried, and their lunch combo platters are pretty decent. I think the portion is small for what you pay for, so keep that in mind. +Alaskan King Crabs (make sure you have the correct amount that was ordered!)

    (3)

  • Yen B.

    The only best thing I like about this place are the garlic bread it's amazing. The food is ok.., but I think it's too over price.

    (4)

  • PJ L.

    We celebrated birthdays last night at Bob Chinn's and had one of the very best servers ever! Matt R listened and remembered all of the dietary restrictions at our table --two folks had serious health concerns-- communicated several times with the kitchen, and served us with congeniality and grace. Bravo Matt R!!

    (4)

  • Michael V.

    The fish of the day was prepared perfectly..I loved the BV Asian version..if you don't try the salad bar, you are missing a great layout. You don't normally see anchovies, avacado, chic peas, and all kinds if things that make your salad a meal. The menu is all in compassion from steak ( my brother gave it a 10) to shell and fresh fish. Bit high priced, but I thought it was worth every dollar.

    (5)

  • Paul P.

    My wife and I went there for the first time and it was... good. I was expecting knock your socks off spectacular but again , just good. The garlic crab claw app was amazing and ample and the entrees were delicious as well. My wife got the Alaskan king crab, I the lobster tail, both were fantastic. Here's my issue... Since this location doesn't take reservations we called ahead to be put on accelerated seating but we still waited roughly 45 mins. I had my eyes and mind on their 16 ounce lobster tail all night and was excited when we were finally seated to get my mits on that bad boy, but to my dismay come my time to order it was sold out. I obviously went with the 14 ounce tail but I can get that anywhere. All said and done, the food was great, service was stellar and it really was a fun atmosphere.

    (4)

  • Brett W.

    This is as good as it gets for seafood, in Maui... I mean Wheeling IL! You forget you are in Illinois when you go this gem. The fish is amazing, everything you order will be cooked perfectly or they will fix it! Huge diverse seafood menu. Bob is so friendly and if you see him you may get a free flash light! The price is just right as well. The world famous Mai Tais are worth is. The service is 5 star. I highly recommend Bob Chins.

    (5)

  • Jenny H.

    Birthday? Bob Chinn's Business? Bob Chinn's Baby? that includes finding out you are NOT the father-- you find yourself at Bob Chinn's It's not unusual to find an intermingling of the birthday bunch, men in black, and the kiddos. Somehow in this rustic, nautical establishment, we've all found a peaceful coexistence amongst heaps of oily garlic rolls and rounds of mai tais. We're landlocked, so it's tough to find a decent place to shed the landlubbering without getting slapped in the bowels. Ze poison is no bueno. Bob Chinn's offers up the freshest seafood in the area. Growing up, my parents had a habit of only eating out at Chinese restaurants. Bob appeases with asian-style preps: Kona Crab-- ginger onion style. Lobster- cantonese style. Asian Basa (self explanatory). They even offered to saute the spinach in a garlic-ginger style. And to top it all off, they got my oh-so-serious-all-the-time father to proudly don a "Best Legs in Town" bib. Almost everytime we get dinner, we see good ole Bob himself (can you believe he's 90?!) shuffling around, chatting it up with folks. A must order dessert is Bob's "Slice of Paradise"-- an interesting purple hue (sweet potato?) pie with a macadamia crust and whip. Not too sweet, and by far the perfect way to end an epic seafaring meal.

    (4)

  • Mallory S.

    This place was SO underwhelming. For an expensive restaurant I didn't expect for the fish to be drenched in disgusting sauces. My brother ordered chicken, it literally looked like a Lean Cuisine. My overpriced crab was good but that was about it... Might as well just go to Joes. Won't return for any birthday meals anytime soon or any meals at all not recommend to anyone

    (2)

  • Amy P.

    This is my favorite restaurant in Northern Illinois hands down. From the blue point oysters to the crab legs to the filet mignon.... Yes! I said filet mignon! Bob Chunks has the BEST steak in the state in my opinion. When I want steak I come to a crabhouse :). And their garlic rolls, yum!!! But leave room for dessert if you can. The peanut butter, banana chocolate whatever it is called is nom, nom, nom...

    (5)

  • Sarah Beth B.

    People are crazy for Bob Chinn's! I am not one of those people. I came in to bob chinn's with appropriate expectations -- delicious food in a move-em-through, cheesy decor atmosphere. But I was let down! I ordered mahi-mahi, a fish I love and have had it probably 2 or 3 dozen times in my life. But at Bob Chinn's, it was totally dry and overcooked. The small portion of fries and teeny, absurdly-in-plastic-salad-dressing-cup coleslaw I got with it really just did not seem to justify the thirty dollar price tag. I know people rave about the rolls, which were really good on first bite! But after a few minutes in the basket, they turned hard as rocks-- they had clearly been microwaved. I get the schtick-- it can be totally fun to go to a tacky restaurant for fancy food. And I know that the price reflects the fact that the obviously fresh seafood had to get to the midwest. But it just didn't taste great enough, and the cheapo touches seemed like a step too far. Plus, the waitresses were grabbing plates the SECOND they became empty-- it was a thursday night! there was no wait! slow down! My in-laws LOVE this place, so I know I'll be back and I'll explore other options on the menu. But even if I ordered something that turned out better, I'm just not sure the food justifies the experience.

    (2)

  • Janet P.

    MEDIUM RARE PRIME RIB deserves a 5 star Of course the Crab is awesome here. Garlic bread , which you will get for free as starter. its a bummer that we need. to drive 30 minutes from chicago to here because once we had the mai tai, we got a sleepy on the way back. pricing here is reasonable since the seafood are all the way from hawaii. Make sure to read his interviews posted at the exit, its interesting :)

    (5)

  • Greg B.

    Oh Chinn, you seafood peddling Chinn, where shall I begin, you huckster?! Perhaps at one point huge arrows needed to be drawn upon the floor to direct traffic, to direct the massive herds of cattle coming through this place during the nineties when all were fat and flush from a fruitful economy. Those times are gone though, Chinn. Chinn, they are gone! Quit insulting my intelligence and take the theme park directives down. This is not a theme park. You are a Chinn, a seafood demigod, not a elephant tamer at the circus. A dignified man like myself can't enjoy such an experience. I don't want to pay four hundred dollars to be treated like, and end up looking like, cattle. I applaud you for being able to accommodate thousands of giant land creatures per night, but I, a genteel fellow, can find my way through your eatery just fine, Chinn. Lets just stop this. It is true your competition at this location is nil, and I applaud your selection of location for that fact, but still...to seduce the wealthier suburbanites who care not about dropping four hundred dollars on a fresh, delicate, exotic seafood dinner that is sure to be ruined by your insistence on stuffing the diner beforehand with extremely heavy, olive oil drenched garlic rolls, deadly little rolls that overload the palate, is insulting, even to them. Leave them be, Chinn, you marketing sage. Four hundred dollars, four thousand calories, and four ton giants wandering around this seafood spectacle turned me off. You are better than this, Chinn. Stop this madness before it's too late. Never in my life have I seen somebody take advantage of an overindulgent culture quite the way you do, you master. I admire and despise you, Chinn. I will only return when management starts zapping some of the behemoths who reach for yet another oil roll with a cattle prod.

    (2)

  • Will P.

    Very good, conflicting atmosphere I never imagined theme park-type lines in a restaurant (you know the kind where you go through one set of maze barriers only to reach another room with more maze barriers), but Bob Chinn's had them. Upon arrival we were given a number then called up to wait in a line, next get past that line to a second line, after that line then seating. Our waiter was fast zooming from table to table. No problem though, when we needed him he was around. I had the bacon wrapped scallops with fries and seafood gumbo. Wife had the seafood pot pie. The gumbo was not thick, had plenty of goodies to eat inside. The bacon wrapped scallops were not big and I received 6. They were however packed with flavor. The fries were also tasty. The pot pie was loaded with seafood. It was not super heavy either. We ended with key lime pie and it was up to par with the rest of the good food we had. I see why this place does the most restaurant sales in the country, they can do seafood.

    (4)

  • Rich G.

    Bob Chins is an ok restaurant, the food is way overpriced and restaurant has a dive look.. I've been here at least 100 times and have sooooo many of their free cups.. I would say don't waste your money here there is better restaurants in the area.

    (1)

  • Connor B.

    I will go ahead and keep this review short, because there already are 780 other reviews of Bob Chinn's. Location and Ambiance: Great location, and a very quick and robust ambiance. Food: I ordered sired tuna, and it was fantastic! I really enjoyed my meal, and it was cooked perfectly. Staff: The staff was fantastic, our waiter got a 20% tip which was well deserved. Overall, Bob Chinn's is a quality meal. As evident by the other nearly 800 reviews which average 4 stars, its a good place to eat. Maybe not the best ever, but definitely worth going back to. Thanks, Connor Brady

    (4)

  • Ryan R.

    Excellent. Generous portions of every type of crab imaginable. They only have the freshest seafood. The salad bar is very good as well. Kids meals are available and seating is not an issue if you come on a Sunday night. As I walked thru the place, there are ropes set up for lines at lunch and Friday and Saturday nights. It's quite pricey for a casual looking place, but remember, your here to eat crab and not a burger.

    (5)

  • Luba P.

    So this place is definitely good...but I was not blown away. I liked Cooper's Hawke better actually for the seafood. It is extremely crowded, and the customers varied from families coming from baseball games to couples on dates, and men is business attire. PROs: -Friendly waiters and service -The fish tempura sampler app - MUST TRY. So moist and flavorful -Swordfish...so good! CONs: -Cheap roll soaked in oil...with garlic on top...no -Dirty spoon for dessert...twice! -The 'signature' purple dessert, tastes like flavorless yam with a tub of whipped cream and coconut on top, which we would've given the other desserts a try -The other entrees were all just ok, but nothing mind blowing -Too many menu choices, which make it overwhelming to order

    (3)

  • Foodie A.

    Aloha Friday at Bob Chinn's with my wonderful father. Our waitress was rush rush rush. She came up to us while we were eating our gumbo and asked us what we wanted for lunch. RUDE!!! Umm, waitress manners??? Then, in the middle of service they switched waiters. Well, this guy was like, whatever. Best thing to do for lunch is to sit in the bar. The service is extremely better and polite. No attitudes in the bar. Lunch today was Caterpillar Sushi, Green Point Mussels, Gumbo Soup, Clam Chowder Soup and Garlic Rolls. Drinks were a regular Mai Tai and a Weiss Beer. Everything hit the spot. I gotta say the small soups are way filling, so have something small to follow. I took my Caterpillar Roll home. Oh oh FYI the desserts here are really yummy. So, try and save room or take something home. They also have Birthday cakes:) Best is the Luau Cake

    (4)

  • Mike M.

    Food and service is always outstanding! Yes, it is expensive. However, I don't mind paying more here because I always get excellent food and service. You are paying more because the food is higher quality, not because they have expensive decorations. It's strictly all about the food quality here. Crab and fish here is obviously better than most other restaurants. However, their steaks are also better than most steak houses. I can never leave without getting a piece of key lime pie (which I take home because between the garlic rolls, appetizer, and my meal I'm stuffed). I have never been disappointed with a meal here.

    (5)

  • Flavor Hunter K.

    Was a big fan of prime rib steak here before, they serve you the steak based on the weight which is including fat parts, my steak was full of fat, less meat. Server didn't even bother to take care of it.

    (2)

  • Mai S.

    Overpriced seafood with horrible sides! My $80 king crab legs came with fries and coleslaw on plastic plates. Every time I come here - I feel rip off. I don't come here often ....

    (1)

  • Sara B.

    For the prices, I thought this place was extremely overrated. My ahi tuna was so-so. We have cooked better tasting seafood at home. Will not be going back.

    (2)

  • J B.

    Very expensive for what you get We've been coming here for years. Every time we're in Chicago we make a point of coming here. We were really disappointed today. Over $100 for 4 for lunch, no alcohol, only appetizers. Service was okay We'll go to red lobster next time

    (1)

  • Annie G.

    Bob Chins is always awesome. I love there garlic rolls and the salad bar. I have had a number of different seafood dishes each better than the next. My only critique is the atmosphere the building itself and the dinning room look like only termites are holding it together. It kind of takes away from the fine dinning experience i usually expect with a 60 - 70 dollar a person check.

    (5)

  • Matthew E.

    Was there for a family event. The wait staff was on the ball with our large party. And the food, let's just say the portions were plentiful. Delicious!

    (4)

  • Yoel J.

    This place is so packed. Even though they don't take reservation, they will take your number in advance and put your name on the list, so I don't see much of a difference. We had to wait 15 minutes. They told the customer who was on the line before us they had an hour wait. We were escorted to the table promptly and received our menus. We ordered a dozen of oysters and the bacon wrapped scallops as an appetizer. Oysters were okay but pretty good for about $1 a piece. The scallops were just bleh, but it's hard to go wrong with bacon. We all ordered the crab legs for our main. We asked our waitress if we have 2 orders of crab legs would be enough for a party of 3, and she said it was only three legs per order. It costs over $60 for for one order so at $23 per leg that is STEEP. Originally I wanted to order a lobster dish, but it was way too pricey when lobster should be at a discount these days. The crab legs were fantastic. So meaty, so juicy, so tasty. It was only 3 legs per person, but I was satisfyingly stuffed. Probably some of the best quality shellfish you can get in the region, despite the hard hit to your wallet. Our bill was almost $280 before tip with 2 appetizers and 9 crab legs. I would definitely come back for their delicious food, but not anytime soon.

    (4)

  • Andrew W.

    It's an experience. Disney-esque lines (but much, much quicker, especially on a Tuesday night). Extensive menu of steak, sushi, seafood. Opted for the strip: comparable to a Longhorn or similar restaurant--meat quality just ok, "tenderized" (with a cleaver?), soaked in butter before it hit the grill. Came with a side of boiled (and heavily buttered) red potatoes (my choice of about 4 possible sides) and the greasiest buttered, garlicky roll I've ever experienced (it was nasty to look at but tasted reallllllly good). Ordered the salad bar (a buck more than the side salad) and started with some fresh oysters (best part of dinner). Server was friendly but infrequent. It's something to experience... but the $30 price tag for a so-so dinner means I'll probably only experience it once.

    (3)

  • Sarah S.

    BEST snow crab ever.. MOST expensive also, but at least I got what was paid for Service was top notch and being someone in my parties birthday they were very good at handling that. Tried an array of apps and other sides and all were excellent, but then the crab showed up and nothing compared to that... WOW go for the crab.. ask for fresh limes/juice and put a lot of pepper on the lime juice and use that to dip.. it was EXCELLENT

    (4)

  • Joel P.

    Great seafood, lousy service. Last three trips to Chinns have been a disappointment largely thanks to poor decisions made by their staff. Without going into elaborate detail, there have been mistakes made including; forgetting items, not having what I ordered then bringing it up 20min later and showing rudeness when I bring issues up politely (not all on same visit). Overall, they need to take some time to retrain the staff in proper customer service. I never ask for comps but when they clearly make a mistake a good restaurant, especially at this price point, will make things right... it will be a while before I roll the dice over there again.

    (2)

  • Dr S.

    disgusting and very cheap looking interior... like they try to fit 500 people in one room.. lol another overrated , overpriced restaurant..... seems like all of the restaurants are ripoffs nowadays.... absolutely no value in eating out anymore... wish i knew how to cook anyway, yelp will prolly delete this review but whatever..... lmao regards, doc

    (1)

  • Sissi L.

    Bob chinn's our first choice every time I have friends visit here. Never disappointed. Seafood are fresh, food are well cooked. Lucky enough we can see Bob. He used to come to his Restuarant often when he was younger. Bob is very humorous. For his food, very creative--he used to travel a lot, study the food in the world and combine, innovate them to his own style. Highly recommended--- Ohh delicious garlic rolls! Crabmeat vermicelli Alaska king carb---seriously, big as a king. Sweet and super fresh. Hawaiian Kona crab--- is bigger than the Kona we can eat at Hawaii. Very tasty. $10 side lobster. Dessert-- paradise. (Very special) Tips: After 9:00 pm. Happy hour, with ordering the drinks, all the oysters, steaks are around $5. They are worth a try!

    (5)

  • Chris S.

    How anyone could complain about Bob Chinn's astonishes me. We arrive twice a year, once in January and again May when in town for business and everything has always been exactly how it always is: good service, good value (remember seafood isn't cheap) and consistency. This isn't an upscale spot, but serves good food and the price likely doesn't soar because they decor is average and casual, yet the food could rival that served at a more upscale restaurant with fancy dishes. I've never had their shellfish or crabs, but likely tried most of the fish on the menu over the years and they've all been great. The salad bar and crab soup is darn good, too. If a local or from out of town this place is a great option.

    (4)

  • Lilly W.

    This have to be my favorite restaurant in Chicago. Everytime I am back visiting my parents I will make an effort to stop by. I would have given it 5 star until my last experience there wasn't completely pleasant (they messed up my order twice, overcooked the crab both times, one for my plate in the restaurant, and one for to-go). I had to wait extra extra time for both things, and they did not even offer any compensations for wasting my time (appetizers while I am waiting, or actually watching all of my friends eat). Even the chef came out later and said it wast totally their fault because the crab was almost crunchy. Nevertheless, I will still be going back and hopefully they don't mess up my orders anymore. My fav dish there is the Kona Crab. It is just so delicious. I haven't found this "kona" crab anywhere else yet. I like it ginger onion style or just steamed, super juicy and tender crab. All of their other seafood that I have tried are super fresh too. The king crab leg, the blue crab claws, the edamame (great flavor). Also their salad bar is super fresh and good too. Definitely a place worth to try at least once. :)

    (4)

  • Tony M.

    My favorite is the fresh Guava juice with free refills that is not offered at most other establishments! Excellent service every time I go there for over a decade! Fresh seafood everyday and aged tender juicy steaks that melt in your mouth! This place has been my favorite place since coming here in 1997. Best service and food every time in come here! You also get what you pay for here! This place is not cheap. If you want cheap, go to super dawg next door! The menu changes everyday with the fresh catch of fish, crab, or lobster in season, etc... The famous Mai Tai are awesome here! This is why I can come here every week and not be bored!

    (5)

  • Sue M.

    This is my favorite restaurant of all time. The food here is always so fresh and the service is always great. I usually get the crab leg and strip steak combo when I go. The lobster and steamed fish are also good choices. You really cannot go wrong with anything you order off their menu. I'd definitely give this place a try if you haven't already.

    (5)

  • Samantha E.

    Completely unimpressed. I think I had built Bob Chinn's up into something much more than it could ever have been. Staring at pictures of the garlic rolls had me dreaming for ages but they did not deliver. They were greasy and lacking in flavor. The menu was busy and had plenty of options but nothing spoke to me or was well priced. We stopped by for a quick lunch so we just went for the easy fried items. Nothing worth even writing about.

    (1)

  • Cory K.

    At first glance you wouldn't think this place was fairly famous for seafood. You start off by being herded around through a couple lines before you are seated. After that you get a menu with so many options you kind of get overwhelmed. However once you land on what you want it was wonderful. The garlic bread takes garlic bread to a whole new level. I had a surf and turf entree and it was wonderful, a bit pricey. I would say try this place at least once.

    (4)

  • Kimberly H.

    Always love the Copper River Salmon when it is in season! Great service!

    (5)

  • Danny H.

    This place has a good atmosphere and great service. Our waitress was courteous and helpful. But the prices for this place are way overboard. I paid $20 for a lobster sandwich and fries. They have a nice variety of dishes and their food is fresh, but for a little extra I could've gone to a seafood buffet. Do not choose the pasta dishes here. There is nothing unique or exciting about them.

    (4)

  • Joseph W.

    Good lobster meat can't complain and had an asian touch to it. Good snow crab. Came in on the special so the price was very fair for the quantity received. Clam could have a few more for the price paid Good bread Service perfect. All in all the place is good and i would recommend to other travelers. Its a huge place and was packed on a Wednesday.

    (5)

  • Peter H.

    Best Mai Tais ever!!

    (5)

  • Luis M.

    Good example of you get what you pay for. Moderate to high pricing with great seafood, decent wait staff and the environment is very casual. This is a very good local seafood place. I will definitely return as I enjoyed my experience at this restaurant. We started our evening waiting at the bar until we were seated. We enjoyed their classic Mai Tai drinks and raw oysters which were very good. When seated we indulged in their seafood entrees which were great. We enjoyed stir fried grouper and Alaskan snow crab legs along with the garlic House rolls all of which equalled a fantastic meal.

    (4)

  • Arthur M.

    My friends and I went back to Bob Chinn's. We got oysters and poke. They got Mai Tai's in souvenir tiki cups. We split 20 oz premium select king crab legs, dayboat scallops, and a 1LB Cantonese style lobster. It was a fun night. I laughed so hard when a female in our party said the Cantonese style lobster made her feel dirty. Seriously though, we needed wetnaps. What I thought about laying in bed before sleep was how many times the server used the phrase, "Bob's favorite."

    (5)

  • Joseph L.

    Overrated. I'm not quite sure why everyone thinks this place is amazing. It is tasty but they have almost nothing on the menu that is cheap. If you have lots of money to spend, come here but if not, come only once a year. The food is average at best. The appetizers were better than the entre's I thought.

    (3)

  • Mike G.

    Hands down my favorite place. Best crabs in the state and nationally ranked food all around. It does not have a weak dish. Everything on the menu is FRESH. Service can be a bit slow on the weekends but it doesn't matter this place is worth the wait. Best drink Mai Tai or guava juice. Best appetizer: calamari or Mexican ceviche Best entrée: surf and turf king crabs and sirloin Best side dish asparagus (extra charge) Best soup: clam chowder or seafood gumbo Best dessert strawberry shortcake or fried ice cream This place has charm it has style it cares. They give you free garlic bread that changes everything you thought you knew about good garlic bread. You will come back!

    (5)

  • Greg S.

    Please note that this review is only based on this one visit here, two days ago. Evening started off well enough. No wait for a table for 5 on a Friday night @ 7PM. We ordered appetizers to start, as well as drinks for the table, except for me. I had one from the bar. We had also requested water for the table. That's where it started to go downhill. We didn't get our water until I asked the waiter agin AFTER we had all received our main courses. And the one person who wasn't drinking an alcoholic beverage didn't get water. Her soft drink had even been empty for several minutes, as the server kept asking us we needed more beer or Mai tais. We finally asked again is she could have water. Only then did she get water. The only salt on the table is their signature season salt, which is clearly labeled to contain MSG. I kindly asked the waiter for regular table salt, which again, took more than a few minutes to procure. I also made the mistake of ordering my fish grilled instead of blackened, as I usually do. When it arrived. It seemed to have a lot of that season salt. At first I didn't think too much of it, since I was enjoying the company that I was keeping. I got home thinking that this dinner isn't sitting well with me. Then I remembered the season salt has MSG. I'm thinking the next 12-15 hours are going to be trouble, as I have my long run in the morning (I'm training for the Chicago Marathon). I was right. Did not sleep well at all, and it hit me all of a sudden, in the middle of my run by the Totem Pole on the lakefront path!!! Just a mix of sub-par service from a place that I've been to frequently with my parents and friends, and a bad reaction to the food that I had (really, the MSG). I'll go back, but the service had better be up to par! And I will order my fish without the season salt.

    (2)

  • Lauren S.

    yummy! little pricey! You know a restaurant is doing something right if they are ALWAYS packed! Fun atmosphere! I had a great waiter when I was there the last time!

    (4)

  • Christina L.

    I've been going to bob chinns for years, and the quality of the food has been plummeting in the past 3. I think it may have to do with bob passing his legacy on to his children, but they are truly just destroying the legacy he has built. The food was once amazing, but now it's only an ehh. Every time I go back the fish of the day is Asian basa, which is really just a mushy bottom feeder that they change the name off, similar to a carp. I do still enjoy the blackened grouper but rarely go back unless I'm really craving that. The only thing bobs is doing right is they get you in fast with minimal wait even when it appears very busy. But the noise is unbelievably loud. Not a good place to take the significant other on a date. Better place for loud friends.

    (3)

  • Somchai S.

    At work we have a tradition where every two weeks someone from our team picks where we go for lunch. When it was finally my week, I chose Bob Chinn's. The decor is dated and eclectic as the same time. I am not sure whether I like it or not... Our group of 7 were seated in the corner of the patio. It felt like eating at your grandparents covered porch. What the place lacked in ambiance, it made up for in food. I had my first lobster roll with a side of green beans. The bread was nicely toasted and the roll was delicious. Our waitress was a bit odd... So service could definitely be improved. I would go back to try some other items!

    (3)

  • Hanh S.

    This by far is my favorite sit down restaurant. The garlic rolls and cole slaw they give you up front I down immediately. The mai tais are everything they advertise- strong, and AMAZING. You even get to keep your plastic and tiki cups after you leave. I've never had a bad- or even FAIR- waiter. They are always great. Always quick, friendly, and super knowledgeable about eyerything. They really make this place even greater than it already is. My family frequents this place anytime we have a celebration to go. My go to is always the premium select Red Alaskan Crab Legs. They literally melt in my mouth how fresh they are. They are better than anywhere else I've been- including the east and west coasts. I haven't tried their steaks, but my family always orders them and say they're very good. Yes, this place is EXPENSIVE. Be prepared for a 3 figure bill. But the quality of the food (according to my waiter, Bob Chinn charters boats SOLELY for his business and not anywhere else) overseas and has it shipped daily into O'Hare. It's worth the money.

    (5)

  • Lisa W.

    I was actually looking forward to eating here while on vacation because of their garlic bread rolls...but they seemed a little different on the day we went. The garlic rolls didn't seem so buttery and garlicky, which would be good for a health nut, but, cmon, that's what everyone raves about when you come to Bob Chinn's Crab House. The few times that I do come here, I'm always puzzled at what to get because there are so much options. I settled with the crab meat with garlic noodles since they got rid of the pot pie!!! The dish is ok, nothing special. There was lots of crab meet in the dish, but didn't taste so fresh. The service was friendly and prompt. Not too sure if I would come back here again. All their dishes are pretty pricey!

    (3)

  • Bart H.

    So I will keep this one short and sweet, this is the best seafood around for my money and I have verified that with my 20+ visits. Only negative is now I can't go to lesser seafood joints... Red Lobster and Joes Seafood and I am really not even a big fan of Shaws either anymore but I am going to give that one more shot. Crab cake nuggets - Awesome Ahi Tuna (chargrilled) - Best I have ever had Garlic Rolls - Awesome Mai Thais - Out of this world awesomeness Definitely pricy but I think you get what you pay for. Super casual atmosphere. Lunch is a lot less expensive and the portion difference is negligible.

    (5)

  • Alan C.

    Outstanding. Never had a bad meal. Not cheap and usually full and loud , but I think it's quite good.

    (5)

  • Diana G.

    We usually only come here on special occasions since it's a bit far for us. It does get crowded and is a bit pricey. I like the Kona Crab and the potatoes are so good. Mai Tais are soooooooooo good and strong! =)

    (3)

  • Ken C.

    Wow steamed Asian Basa is terrific. This was my second time here, the Resturant is not beautiful and the prices are not cheap but the seafood is fresh fresh fresh flown in daily and oh so good. Try the crab the Lobster the shell fish the Basa the Bass the Halibut! It 'a all great and they gross more sales then almost any independent resturant in the US.

    (4)

  • Kimi G.

    The best seafood in the Chicagoland area!!! There's always a wait but it's always worth it! I've gone so many times and the service is always incredible. Last time I went, the waitress came by right away and apologized saying she'd be by a few minutes to take our drink orders. We waited a whopping 5 minutes and when she came back she said, "You two are so sweet waiting so patiently, I'm going to give you a free dessert." Sounds great to us!!! I've never ordered anything on the menu that I didn't love including steak. The best clam chowder ever with big chunks of clam! Words can't describe how good the mai tais and garlic rolls are, incredible. The best deals are for lunch or if you go before 6:00 for dinner. Sometimes they have a special that includes fish and steak, soup, dessert, and a small mai tai for like $22 which is an unbelievable deal! But only before 6:00 so go early. We got there at 5:57 and they gave it to us with no problem! Like I said, great service! This place is famous for a reason, it's awesome. Expensive, but awesome.

    (5)

  • Peter R.

    The garlic rolls drenched in butter gets 4 stars alone!!! This place is like Six Flags Great America on weekends. It is always full with a line out the door. I have been here countless times, for bdays, get togethers, anniversaries...and just because. The thing is I don't really eat "seafood" but the menu here has something for everyone. I can understand how some people can think this place is overrated, but a place like this wouldn't last as long without the key ingredient...which is quality. I have always received good service here, always friendly with a smile. It is best to try and go here on a weekday when its not so hectic, but if you must go here on a weekend, make sure you have reservations. Oh, and please have a Mai Tai before you leave. This place get a FIVE STAR salute!!!

    (5)

  • Jacqueline S.

    Crab legs, awesome. Casual/classy atmosphere...CHECK! We really enjoyed our experience. We went for my birthday and order the crab leg/steak dinner. The steak was a little cold and undercooked, but the crab legs (and crab clump appetizer) was awesome. I'm the crab eater...my boyfriend is the steak eater; therefore, we like the crab...we were okay with the steak. They did bring me out a pie and sang to me for my bday!

    (4)

  • Pamela B.

    Mmmm this is tough, just wasn't the same the last two visits....it's almost as if they expect you to pay the high price and accept the mediocre service...our food was also less than what we've come to expect over the years...step it up Bob, three strikes and you are out.

    (3)

  • PJ J.

    The food is still the same, I have to knock off some stars for service after last night. I don't know what I did to get the table cleared while we were still chewing, place wasn't closing. I will charge it to an off night, and possibly a stressed out new server, but I swear I was totally courteous but still got rushed and shafted. I am totally bummed.

    (2)

  • Kamilah S.

    I didn't want to give 2 stars because my boyfriend and his cousin came here about 2 months ago and raved about the food, I guess they were having an off day!!!! My boyfriend and I came here on a Saturday night, Dee was our waitress. We had the Jonah stone crab for our appetizer, excellent. The hot butter garlic rolls were to die for. DINNER TIME. We both ordered the ex-crab-aganza (its pretty much all the crab the restaurant has to offer). Dee, our waitress told us that it only comes cold (my boyfriend and his cousin had just been here and ordered the exact same dish and it was served steamed), I was so confused. Dee went in the back and asked could they steam the dish, she returned and stated they could and also informed us that the 2 bite policy (which is, the menu states that if you order a dish and after 2 bites you don't like it, they will make you another dish to your liking) is voided and we could not return the dish to the kitchen. We both said okay. Our food comes out and it had ABSOLUTELY NO FLAVOR. It tasted as if they had BOILED, not STEAMED. It wasn't even hot, it was luke warm at best and BLAND. We also added a steak and a whole Maine lobster, The steak was seasoned PERFECTLY, but the lobster looked so delicious and looked like it was seasoned to perfection, I took a bite and all you could taste was paprika, nothing else. We could have went to RED LOBSTER and had better service and food. THEN our waitress disappeared. We wanted more rolls, more water. COULD NOT FIND HER. We look up and she is very attentive to the table across from us. She brought them 3 basket of garlic rolls and drinks. We both agreed to come back to give it another chance, but it will be a long time before we return. I have been hearing such good things, I just wished I could have experienced some of those things.

    (2)

  • Meghan S.

    Went to Bob Chinn's Crab House last night what an experience! First off the place is huge, secondly the servers wear these awesome brightly colored jackets with fish all over them, and thirdly the food and service was great! Kona crab and the garlic knot bread balls were amazing. Didn't get around to the famous Mai Tais but they do serve great craft beers. Plus Mr. Chinn himself was there greeting people at the door when we left, how cool! Highly recommend if you find yourself in Chicago.

    (4)

  • Lasairiona M.

    What a great night out! The place was PACKED - which is only ever a good sign, it was loud and the atmosphere was great. It's definitely an 'upscale' seafood place and it's not somewhere you just go for fish'n'chips! Our server (Gary) ROCKED (and reminded us all of Ace Ventura!), he helped us make some very hard decisions about what seafood novices like us should order and what would go well with our choices. We had a fairly big group, chicken Parmesan, tuna, crab stuffed shrimp, swordfish and salmon - all of which went down an absolute storm - everyone LOVED their food, though portions aren't exactly 'ample'. Gary was informed and decisive and made great recommendations! Garlic rolls received a mixed reaction, some people loved them, some people hated the big chunks of garlic - it's about preference I think. Mai Tai was delicious - very, very, VERY easy to drink and I'd definitely recommend the Key lime pie or peanut butter cheesecake. Next time I'm in town I'd definitely go back!

    (4)

  • Ellen F.

    i haven't been to Chinn's in at least 5 years. I used to go regularly. The food and service WAS consistent. Food selection, preparation and presentation WAS always reliable. NOT ANY MORE! I was so disappointed! The food was awful, the portions were smaller, prices higher, presentation embarassing. They haven't changed one thing (including the carpet) since I started going 20+ years ago. The place used to be mobbed, we'd have to wait outside. Challenging to find a seat at the bar. NOT ANY MORE. 7:00 on a Thursday night, I don't think the place was at 25% of capacity. What happened to the gumbo? My mouth used to water thinking about it. It was awful and the "cup" was 1/2 the size it used to be. "Prime" steak? Denny's has better looking strip steak then I saw last night. Shrimp looked like it came from a store-bought box of frozen shrimp. Sent those back for grilled shrimp with garlic sauce. Disgusting! We wouldn't eat even one. Needless to say, that was the end of an era....my last visit ever to Bob Chinn's.

    (1)

  • Judith M.

    Had a great dinner last night for my aunt Jan's 95th birthday. Delicious steak and lobster tails. Yummy

    (5)

  • Angela W.

    The food was just o.k. to me. It seems like the prices got higher & the portions have gotten smaller. Not impressed!

    (2)

  • Mike A.

    Time and time again I get dragged to this place by friends and relatives. Aside from the garlic bread rolls and the Mai Tai, the shellfish is overpriced and the rest of the fish items bland. I have ordered many different items from the menu, looking to find something that will stand out. Unfortunately each time left disappointed. About 7yrs ago had a great king crab meal, but now they just jacked up the price and made the meal too expensive. You get the same portion about $15 cheaper @ Shaw's. Side choices are limited and the fried rice side is beyond dry. It seems that over the years they have just gotten plain lazy. Someday soon a strong competitor will come to the area and these guys will have to step up. It would be great if Oceanaire or some other high end seafood place would open in Northbrook Court.

    (2)

  • Steve S.

    Why do people go here? For $27 per person AT LUNCH my friend and I got - truly awful Arnold Palmers served in a cheap plastic cup - Water served in a plastic cup - Paper napkins - A truly dingy decor, which has obviously not been refurbished in over a decade. The fish was fresh and good yes. But for $27 I think we deserve better than paper napkins, plastic cups, and 1970's decor.

    (1)

  • Justine G.

    Time after time, this place is always a 5 star in my book. It's been awhile since I had been here and have been craving their Alaskan King Crab legs. I ordered the 16 oz King Crab legs with the red potatoes and boy was it DE-LI-OUS! Others in my party got the Surf & Turf, and the 'Lobster Meat' which is prepared in 3 ways. One with a garlic penne pasta, stir fry style with asparagus and a spicy pepper like dish. Everyone one I was with had rave reviews, and let me tell you...if you love garlic you will Loooovvveee the Garlic Rolls they serve before your dinner. They have fresh fish flown in daily. That alone is what makes it so yummy! Take your favorite sea food lover here, they will not be disappointed. Mmmmmm-Mmm.

    (5)

  • Christina K.

    I went there last night with my family for my parents' 30th anniversary and I got to say I was impressed. I didn't know what to expect because I have never been there before but I heard lots of great things about their food. I got a 8 oz filet and it was delicious. My parents got the crab legs and some kind of steak and they were so happy. Everyone enjoyed their food and their garlic bread, let me say WHOA! So good! Also, our server Nicole was very nice and took great care of us. I liked how she cleared our plates after we finished which most servers forget to do. I also liked how we didn't feel rushed because in all honestly, we were taking our sweet time, lol. She was also good about asking for refills and checking up on us. Nicole alone should get an A for service. I think service is just as equally important as the quality of food. Now, why this is a 4 star review rather than a 5 is because I was not happy with the temperature of the food. Despite the fact that the food did taste good, it could have been hotter. I felt like some of the food was sitting at the window. My filet felt a bit room temperature and the green beans were not even hot. My brother also said he felt like his potatoes were a bit undercooked. I understand that not everything will be made at the same time and whatever because it was a large order, but I definitely think that they could have a done a better job keeping the food heated. Other than that everything else was fine. I definitely will return in the future.

    (4)

  • Laura M.

    Met some friends here last night and had a great time! We had dragon rolls, shrimp cocktail, calamari, and king crab legs. Everything was prepared to perfection-especially the crab legs, which were tender, HUGE, and MEATY! I won't be forgetting this meal anytime soon.

    (5)

  • Ryan P.

    There is something unique and nostalgic about this place. The dining room is huge, but the buzz created by all of the other diners is all part of the experience. I enjoyed an enormous 7 lb Alaskan with 3 friends and co-workers that was AMAZING! The garlic rolls will get you started, but the seafood is so fresh that you'll never want to leave. Gotta get the coconut cream cake. Wow

    (5)

  • Morgan P.

    Kim R. Popped our Bob Chinn cherry! He made it an experience we will never forget! He was an awesome waiter, always making us laugh. He had more than enough meat to fill our mouths and we had crabs for days.

    (5)

  • Maria S.

    If you can't find something to enjoy on Bob Chinn's extensive menu, you're just not trying that hard. Seriously. Whatever your seafood craving, Bob Chinn's will likely be able to oblige. People rave about the buttery, garlicky rolls, but one was more than enough for me. (If you eat them, they'll keep bringing more. My dining companion had four, I think, but I lost count.) Can't decide? Try the fish sampler for lunch, and ask for it chargrilled. All the fresh catches of the day are served on bamboo skewers and each offers a tasty bite of the ocean's bounty. I don't understand the price hike during the dinner hours, so I'll stick with Bob Chinn's for lunch. It's definitely a Chicago institution.

    (3)

  • Francesca L.

    When I was little going to Bob Chinn's was a major event. For days leading up to our dining experience we would talk about every aspect of the restaurant: waiting in a huge line to be seated, the salad bar, the crab legs, stealing sips of the adults mai tais, the awesome plastic cups, the cool wait staff, the crazy decor, etc. Bob Chinn's was truly the coolest and best restaurant and we only got to eat there once every year. A few years ago, I realized my husband had never been there and we decided to meet some out of town friends there for dinner. Since then, we've been back about three more times. Unfortunately, I don't see any more meals at Bob Chinn's in our future. I think the service, quality and experience has dramatically declined over the years. We planned accordingly and didn't really have to wait to be seated. The lines can be pretty long so plan ahead. The mai tais were less than ok and very sweet. I cannot help but wonder what is actually in the mai tais since they are made well in advance and portioned into gallon jugs for easy serving. This is kinda sad considering it is one of the things that made BC famous. I've had homemade mai tais fresh in Hawaii and I would say the ones at BC's do not even compare. The garlic rolls are still amazing and the reason I ended up giving BC's 2 stars instead of 1. The wait staff is also still hilarious and very friendly. Another star for them!! We've had a variety of entrees during our last few visits. I would say nothing stood out as extraordinary or special. Most recently I had the Ahi Tuna and the presentation and flavor were less than basic. It is sad to say but I think BC has become more of a commercialized dining spot that is no better than most chain restaurants. Try it out at least once for the nostalgic feeling but don't plan on having the best meal of your life.

    (2)

  • Jon F.

    It has all been said, but one more time: Hand washing stations. Awesome.

    (5)

  • Jackie M.

    Too overrated. Overall, the seafood was okay. I usually go to authentic Chinese restaurant and order a whole steam king crab, fish, and etc, which is very fresh. Very americanized fried rice. I didn't expect the food to be placed on a platter, forgot that I wasnt in Hooters. The prime rib is good and the seafood is reasonably priced. I'm sure it's more fresh and less garlic/butter than Red lobster.

    (3)

  • Ryan H.

    Note ahead of time, I do not like sea-food other than sushi so I am only reviewing what I have eaten from Bob Chins, THEIR STEAKS! Wow, the best steaks I have ever had have come on a plate at Bob Chins! I may have this wrong but they sell more steaks a week than all other steak houses in the country.. Now that's crazy! The reason I did not give Bob Chins 5 stars is because there are a couple things that do irk me about there. Their Mai Tai's are pretty good but I would only stick with one.. not because of the alcohol but because they are too sweet and it will make you ill. Also this is a very expensive place to eat, not good for groups at all or your check will be in the high hundreds!

    (4)

  • Steve G.

    It was okay. I went there for lunch and had the tuna. It was okay, it wasn't great. I have been hearing about this place for 20 years and I wasn't that excited when I left. It is near my work so I will try it at least once more to see if maybe I went on a off day.

    (3)

  • Dave B.

    I don't know how to rate Bob Chinn's so I'm plumping for "right in the middle". On one hand, the seafood was fantastic. The garlic bread appetizer was delicious, and I then had crab cakes, and mixed kebab, both of which were very well received. On the other hand, the "signature" mai tai came in an uncomfortably sticky cup, and the sheer scale of the place was enough to give me the heebie jeebies. It literally took four or five people to guide me from door to my seat -- the bathroom was bigger than many restaurants I usually dine in. Much as I enjoyed the food, I hope to never return. p.s. please put a trash can by the sink - it's just uncomfortable to watch EVERYONE come over and wash their hands, and then walk back to their table with the soiled paper towel.

    (3)

  • Rashna S.

    This place has reallyl nice customer service and the food is 'fantasic!' The seafood is fresh, as you can't go wrong with any fish dish there. There also have really good appetizers. We shared the crab cake bites for the table, and I would def reccomend ordering that next time you go! I want to try the King Stone Crab, as I got the Soft Shell crab which was yummy!

    (5)

  • Meg P.

    Amazing. Never disappoints. Had the lobster potpie last week and have been day dreaming of it ever since.

    (5)

  • Vince E.

    Bob Chinn's is known for crab, but as far as I am concerned, he had me at the bread. Gooey garlic and butter loaded bread brought out to you before your meal. Cancel the meal, just bring me more bread! While I was here, I had the king crab and strip steak, a good way to try both their specialties. I also got to meet the legendary bob chinn himself, who still comes around to greet guests at dinner time. Also, pour on some of that pink salt concoction on the table. They say it's seasoning, its so good I think its crack. The restaurant has a laid back hawaiian theme, for which it seems kind of pricey. However, the food is genuinely great, and that night, Tim my server, deserves 5 stars as well

    (4)

  • Alan S.

    I have taken my family to this seafood establishment. My mom really likes the restaurant. I would say the garlic soaked rolls are the best appetizers along with any fish / seafood meal. They have a variety of drinks and a wide selection of food. Parking is plenty. I do admitt they are a little pricey but they deliver quality food with a clean environment. Go and check out this restaurant if you LIKE SEAFOOD. you will NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.

    (5)

  • Ann H.

    Don't get me wrong - Bob Chinn's has good seafood. You will get a good meal here and surely enjoy a Mai tai, if you decide to indulge. The garlic buttery rolls are consistently fabulous. I guess I just feel as if it has lost a bit of the specialness it had years back. I've lived in the Wheeling / Buffalo Grove area for almost 40 years. The meals at Chinn's used to be a step above all the rest locally. For some reason, It just seems like it's a good, solid meal. But, nothing way special as an overall experience. They do offer some great weekday specials that are worth checking out. I still go to Chinn's and will continue. It's just that the days of waiting in a really long line are over for me - there are other comparable options to enjoy.

    (3)

  • Robert G.

    Ah, Bob Chinn's. It's been 20 years and you haven't changed. Not the riverside (but not river view) location on Milwaukee Avenue, or the factory-like lines at the front of the restaurant that divide customers into groups of 1-3, 4, or 5+. Nor the kitschy custom mugs served with every Mai Tai. We went for lunch, because my cousins and I got a bunch of gift cards. I've been tired all week, so I got a cold coffee-like-shake thing that tasted pretty good, and snacked on a great deal of appetizers. They were as follows: Oyster platter -- surprisingly fresh. Oyster doesn't really taste like anything, but the cocktail sauce and fresh lemon were decent accompaniments, and the oysters were tender, not tough. We're a good thousand miles from the nearest ocean, so count me impressed. Crab... appetizer... something -- Good, nearly impossible to get the crab meat out without swallowing crab shell, but that's just how crab is. Chicken wings -- decent. I figure, if you're going to do wings sweet, you should probably go all in, more than Bob Chinn's does here. Garlic rolls -- very good. Lots of fresh garlic and spices, a good open crumb. Rolling the whole deal in a stick of butter helps. This, as you might imagine, took a while to get through, and there being 9-10 of us, we chatted while we waited for our food. It seemed to take a while, but eventually it arrived. For whatever reason, I was focused on ordering lobster today, so I picked up a 10 ounce lobster tail, with fried rice. It came served with a lime, which I used quite a bit of. This was a good choice -- not the best, like the time I pan roasted Pinchy (really). The texture was okay (maybe a bit overcooked, but it's honestly hard to say), the flavor was present, and the accompanying shot of butter made it all better. Still, it was lobster, and I did like it. The fried rice did its job as a supporting actor, but otherwise was nothing to write home about. My wife got shrimp with marinara sauce. The sauce was fresh and brightly flavored, which was a surprise, and the shrimp in her dish were cooked properly. Good overall. Somehow, we managed to get through all this without being completely stuffed. So we ordered dessert as well. My wife and I split a luau cake with lychee sherbet. The cake was flavored very nicely, with lots of coconut flavor. And the sherbet was so good, I'd consider making it at home. Service was friendly but spotty. My coffee went missing for a while because it was forgotten, and the cake came out without any sherbet -- I had to ask for it after it was clear no one else was coming. In general, the staff leans too far to the "interrupt conversation" side of asking-if-you're-food-is-okay philosophy. We're doing fine, thank you. Still, I found Bob Chinn's to be better than I remembered when it came to the food, which is what matters to me. And I left feeling like I'd spent a $50 gift card quite well.

    (4)

  • J J.

    What can I say, great consistent food. I do the surf and turf typically (king crab legs and filet). The filet is great and I have to say that I've only had one instance where it wasn't cooked to my liking. I usually have calamari or blue stone crab claws as the appetizer. Fyi, crab claws are super garlicky (I like it that way). Calamari is top notch, very light breading and their cocktail sauce compliments it well. As always, love the garlic bread rolls. Service is almost always perfect. The only thing I don't appreciate is being crammed in to tight seating. They could do with a few less seats so I'm not sharing my elbow space with someone else.

    (4)

  • Allen B.

    "Bob Cheeze FO SHEEZE son." That's the best way I can describe this delectable "Seafood Extravaganza" place of establishment. The garlic rolls...wow, must I really discuss the garlic rolls? I'm going to call them "phenoms", phenoms covered in deliciousness that re-clog any artery. I have been going to this place since I was 8 years old and in no way have I ever been despondent to attend. Bob Cheezies never fails to please my stomach. Their signature Mai Tai's...awesome, their king crab feast dinners...tremendous, their 32oz porterhouse steak accompanied with a 2lb maine lobster dinner for DOS!...lavishly unscrutinized. Enough said. Bob Cheezie, I commend you for supplying our taste buds with savorable treats from your seafood menu. Seafood and land "lubbers" (you'll know what I mean when you see the menu), check this place out because if you don't you'll regret it...FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIVES.

    (5)

  • Adele O.

    This place has gone severely downhill on three counts: food, service and management. I have gone there for the last time. For the prices they charge, the value is sorely lacking. The garlic rolls were swimming in grease. We ordered beverages and an appetizer. The beverages arrived but were flat as a board. The waitperson said she'd get us replacements from another dispenser. She went right back to the same dispenser. They were still flat. 40 minutes later, no appetizer (and the waitress didn't return to take our orders). When she did return and we asked where the appetizer was, she stopped taking our orders and ran to the kitchen to 'check on it'. Obviously, she never put the order in in the first place and she lied, saying the kitchen 'lost the ticket'. The service was slow (and it was during an off hour--the place was 3/4 empty). My two dining companions ordered sea bass, and were served a whole fish (skin, head and tail) sitting up on the plate. They said that they thought they were getting a fillet, and didn't want to mess with something that was looking at them, so decided to opt for salmon. Their salmon dishes arrived. My lunch was still nowhere to be found. They each bit into their salmon. It was not even the variety of salmon that they had ordered (and they know their salmon!) It was drier than the desert in Arizona--inedible. They asked for a manager. Steve was less than helpful. He kept smirking and said that he would have salmon cooked again, less dry. Again, the salmon came out. My lunch was still MIA. I asked where my lunch was. They went to the kitchen and brought it out shortly thereafter. In the meantime, my buddies bit into their new salmon. Not only was it cold this time, it was downright raw!! I ate some of my lunch, and was going to bring home the rest, but a busser took it away. I can understand why THEY WERE CLOSED DOWN BY THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT....http://abc7chicago.com/archive/85043­28/. I had horrible GI upset all night. Steve the manager insisted we pay the whole bill. We agreed to pay for what we ate. That wasn't enough for smirking Steve! He threatened to call 'the authorities'. We said to go ahead. Customer service?? The customer is always right? We were willing to pay 2/3 of the bill! Bad food, poor service, and a horrible, uncaring smirking manager...not recommended. Tough to say after dining at Bob Chinn's for over 20 years on a fairly regular basis.

    (1)

  • Katelyn C.

    Yay, I'm a fan is right. I have nothing against the place. Sadly enough, my wonderful boyfriend decided to take me here for our first official date, so we have to go here a few times a year, for the past few years. I just honestly believe it is overpriced, but he is playing, so I guess I shouldn't complain. What is annoying is how the servers always expect us to share something/not spend a lot of money/card super hard/watch us close like we are going to bail on paying/think we won't tip well. First of all, we tip AT LEAST 20%, I used a fake id here for two years (so you are not that great), we actually have decent paying jobs and like to eat out and spend our money. Any who, my mother worked here for ten years, knows the owners and knows the banquet place and ice house is haunted, so that's creepy. Extra star for the creepy.

    (4)

  • Karen L.

    I must say that this is one of my top 10 favorites! I have been coming for years and I leave extremely happy every time. Bob Chinn's is always busy no matter what time of the day we go. I love their buttery, garlicky rolls (mmmm...I'm getting hungry just thinking about their rolls now), Mai Tais and their super large menu with fresh seafood. The last time I went in, I tried the Ahi Poki. The tuna was so soft, it just melted in my mouth. I cannot wait to go back for more!!!

    (5)

  • Audrey S.

    Two words: cockroaches and salty. I have gone here for years, but I won't unless it is a function that I am forced to go. I have personally seen a cockroach on the floor. A colleague of min has gone in with a cockroach on her table. The server just switched her to a different table and just scooped up the cockroach and gave the table to another person. YUCK. Seriously, with all of the seafood casings and people who walk through there, the number of roaches have got to be through the roof. The food is increasingly salty and sloppy. The bread rolls are great, I admit, but who doesn't love garlic and butter on a carb?? If you want a great deal and great food on seafood, head to the city to a Chinese restaurant called Triple Crown. It's got amazing seafood with the Asian flair that Bob Chinn's tries to hit.

    (1)

  • Kevin W.

    Top line takeaway: If you stick to the steak (yes, steak) and the king crab, u will have a 5 star food experience. I will do my critically-acclaimed rating of dishes on a Yelp 5-star scale: 5 - King Crab Select 5 - Steak (Porterhouse). You'd be surprised how good a steak is at a "seafood" place. On par if not better than a Wolfgang's. Dry aged. Perfectly cooked med rare. And a much better value than u get at any nice steakhouses frankly. 4 - Garlic Bread. free 4 - King Crab fingers. The skinny fingers of the king crab. Decent, but still prefer the King Crab Select monster legs. 4 - Kona Crab sauteed in garlic. Was decent. Moist. 3 - Sides of fries. Side of veggies. Nothing special. 3 - Shrimp sauteed in garlic sauce. Big but have had way better. Woulda been better raw or not cooked to hardness. 1 - Pasta with garlic/no sauce. Terrible. Everyone took a max of 1 bite then no more. Universal fail, don't bother. Please remove from menu. In summary, next time I would skip the variety and have everyone get King Crab and Porterhouses.

    (4)

  • Reed N.

    The King crab is, again, the SH@T!!! The garlic rolls are beyond garlicy good as well. Everything else is OK... but come here to drop some dough and eat the stuff they are known for. Service is impeccable.

    (4)

  • Allie J.

    I absolutely love this place!!! It is definitely always packed, but they always find a way to accommodate you, even if it means sitting in the bar area, where you still get great service. I am not much of a cooked fish fan so I usually get the salad bar and of course a couple Mai Tais, which are to die for!! I always have someone else drive me home, obviously. Ok so they just recently started serving Sushi there and it is absolutely delicious, it is so fresh! I love it. Ok so end long rant about how amazing Bob Chinns is, but I think that it was absolutely necessary.

    (5)

  • Big D.

    Great crab legs. Good place to bring the kids. Definitely not the place for a romantic dinner. The gumbo is pretty good too. The garlic rolls tasted stale...

    (3)

  • Tracy L.

    Love love love this place. Haven't found a thing on the menu that I don't like. Very tasty dinner rolls and Mai thai's.

    (5)

  • E S.

    I have never been impressed with this place. I love their garlic rolls, but when I got the crab legs (too salty) and the steak was something I could make at home. Oh, but their desserts are good - red velvet cake, and carrot cake! Their fast lunch is cheap, but nothing great as far as taste.

    (3)

  • Ellen C.

    I went for their happy hour at 9pm. They have a really cheap food happy hour menu ($3.75 a plate), but the catch is that you have to order a $2 drink (doesn't have to be alcoholic) with each plate. They didn't have very many happy hour-priced drinks, so the check came out to be quite a lot. Food was mediocre, but hey, a ~$5 steak isn't so bad, right? Our waitress was super nice, too. We had a very large party, and she didn't mind working with us in separating the checks.

    (3)

  • Anthony C.

    I've been coming to Chinn's since the 80s and the place never dissappoints. The food is the star of the circus here and I can say I've never had a bad meal. Appetizers are excellent, fresh raw oysters are delicious. The entrees are top-quality, fresh and well-prepared. Even the meat is some of the best that you'll ever have. The only hesitation I have about Chinn's is the scale of the place. It's one of the highest grossing restaurants in the country so it's always busy and loud. Reservations are not accepted so be prepared to wait for a table on a weekend. It can seem like you are being rushed through dinner at times because it's all about turning tables at Chinn's. However, the wait staff is attentive and professional. My recommendation is to come early before the evening rush, take your time and enjoy the rustic ambiance and great food.

    (4)

  • Jacqueline M.

    Oh my! I am seriously considering going into the Witness Protection Program with my (gulp!) two-star rating for Bob Chinn's. I can sense fanatical Chinn diners are already plotting my death. My brother being one of them (sorry, Scottie). But hear me out: I simply have to take some of the weight off the happy side of the scale. Yes, I am going to stand my ground at the risk of a facing a guillotine. I have to be a dissenter. I have to shout at the top of my lungs (for added drama, yes) that... I JUST DON'T GET THIS PLACE. Please, friends and fans alike, don't write me telling me that I haven't given it a chance. Don't tell me that I just don't understand the quirky charm. Or that the picnic-bench decor and mosaic wooden bowls are part of the charm (they're not, they are part of the 70's). You must know this: I HAVE GIVEN BOB CHINN'S AT LEAST 5 TIMES TO PROVE ITSELF TO ME. 5 times for anything to prove itself is a lot. What's the cliche here? Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. And 5 times? Oh, that's major shame! As for the food, almost all of it is plain, boring, greasy, or really small portioned. We ordered some spicy lobster dish for around $20.00 and got what boiled down to be deep-fried lobster chunks over a disorganized and unappetizing mess of vegetables of fried tidbits (hush puppies?). It looked like what you'd find in a kids meal at Long John Silver's (full disclosure: I haven't actually been to LJS). And those garlic rolls. Yes, they have something about them that is savory but come on: anything bathed in butter and garlic is going to be uber tasty. Seriously, take a tennis ball, dunk it in garlic and oil and I am sure you'll find plenty of folks that we fawn over the luscious yummyness of all that buttery garlicky goodness. When I ask friends and fans what is it specifically that they find so addicting about Chinn's more often than not, I hear this: "Oh, they have the freshest fish! And their garlic rolls are amazing!". FRIENDS, THINK ABOUT THIS FOR A MOMENT. NO REALLY. THINK ABOUT THIS CAREFULLY. Shouldn't us diners EXPECT that the food we are being served is fresh? Boasting about the freshness of their product is like raving about a dry cleaner for being the best because the clothes always come out clean. Or saying that a man is "wonderful" because he doesn't swear at his girfriend. Not sure how Chinn's has cast a spell across so many diners across Chicago and the world (yes, the world. this place is loaded with out-of-towners). But... they have and for that (and only that) I will give them credit. The rest of the "experience" is forgettable. (winces) Okay, kids. Have at me you Bob Chinn's freakazoids.. I am prepared for battle. I have a whole basket of butter soaked garlic rolls ready for launch if it gets to that!

    (2)

  • Simon K.

    One of the best places in the north suburbs, and possibly in the midwest, to get seafood. Their menu is enormous and has all types of seafood, as well as steak and pasta. The only cons to this place are the prices and interior decorum (if that matters to you). However, the taste of the food and solid portion sizes are well worth the cost. Personal Recommendation: Lunch - Seafood Pot Pie or Fish Tacos; Dinner - Scallops and Steak (Menu always changes based on availability)

    (4)

  • Theresa C.

    Came here with a few friends while visiting Chicago for the first time in a long while. I told them that I wanted seafood so we came here. The decor wasn't the nicest as it was a large open area, but I guess it was ok for the family oriented nature. We got the calamari and oysters as appetizers and both were decent, but nothing out of the ordinary. The calamari pieces were larger than I normally eat so that was kinda fun. We went on to order lobster Cantonese style, cold crab with a mayo sauce, steak and shared everything family style. Everything tasted good, but it was kind of interesting that the best dish of the night was the steak instead of seafood while we were at a "crab" house, but I think that speaks more for the steak than it does for the seafood. It was a very decent seafood meal with a very reasonable price tag which made it a 4 in my book. If it was just on food, it would be a 3 because nothing was out of the ordinary. I probably won't be back here again because its about 30 min north of Chicago and I don't think it would warrant the travel.

    (4)

  • G E.

    One of the better sea food places in the suburbs. It's always busy but worth the wait. If you want fresh sea food and are not worried about the cost or wait time you will love this place.

    (4)

  • Shugz F.

    I've been to Bob Chinn's several times and all times except for the experience I'm about to write about were enjoyable. We went for lunch to celebrate a wedding anniversary. I called ahead and make reservations and informed them that we will be needing high chairs. As we were walking up to the hostess with our six month old in a stroller, she stopped us and said no strollers allowed in the restaurant. We asked why and she said that's the rule. Then rolled her eyes and said ok fine just come this way. My sister was already there with her stroller parked next to the table. The hostess then said, see there is no space for any stollers here. There's no space. Which was surprising to me because there was no one else seated around us and plenty of room. She then muttered and walked away. When our guests of honor arrived she started discussing the stroller matter with them (they don't have kids and didn't even bring a stroller with them!). This made me very upset. She was very rude and curt. Honestly, I think there was some underlying racism involved. Sad. Anyways, our waiter was beyond amazing (Matt) and the food was delcious as usual. We did complain to the other hostess while leaving. I love Bob Chinns but after this experience I'm not sure if we will be returning.

    (2)

  • Timothy B.

    Bob Chinn's is easily the best sea. Food restaurant in the Chicago area. Love their clam chowder, garlic rolls and day boat scallops. Everything I have had there has been fantastic. Been going about twice a year for 18 years and no plans to stop anytime soon.

    (5)

  • Jasmin V.

    I came here for my birthday this year. We made reservations for a Monday night. We got seated right away and all the food was brought out very fast! We started with the garlic rolls and they just kept coming the rest of the night. I don't know why but they are so good. I don't think it's the bread maybe the fact that they are covered in oil and garlic?? We also got the calamari and Portabello mushrooms. Calamari was better than average but not the best. Portabello mushrooms were good and different. I haven't had anything like it before they were sliced and in some sort of soy sauce. I got the crab meat fried rice which came with egg foo young and garlic rib tips. The crab meat fried rice was awesome with big chunks of crab meat. Egg foo young was okay and garlic rib tips were good but I wish there was more rib tips than sauce. My sister got salt and pepper shrimp which was AMAZING! I will definitely get that next time because I ate half of here shrimps. We also got a free chocolate cake which was average for my birthday. And then we ordered the bread pudding. It was definitely large enough to share and way too big for 3 people. If you have enough room. It had chunks of bananas and raisins in it. Oh yes I can't forget about their mai-tai's. It is a must get anytime I'm there.

    (5)

  • Corinna K.

    We always end up here at least once a year to get our seafood fix. This time we were on our way home from Timber Ridge Resort and decided that it would be a great last dinner for the vacation. It was a Tuesday, so we were able to get seats for 4 right away without a wait. The kids were given the activity sheet/menu to color and we were handed their extensive menu to browse through. The place was busy for a weekday and just as lively as it would have been if you come in early during the weekend. I decided to get the combo of Kona crab with ginger and onion with a steak. My husband ordered his usual unclean dungeness crab and the kids got an order of cheese pizza and fried fish mix. We were ready for a feast! The famous garlic rolls came first. Just as oily and garlicky as all the times we've had them. We gobbled those up pretty quickly. Then the waitress comes around and asks if we wanted our coleslaw. I thought that was strange because it always came with our orders without saying. But I guess the restaurant doesn't want anything to go to waste so that's understandable. I told her "yes, all four of us would like some." She then came back with two containers and tossed them onto the table and then walked away. I'm guessing the kids' meal does not come with it, but I wish she would've said something. The guava juice we ordered was just as we remember and our cups were refilled fairly quickly during the first half of our meal. The appetizer of a half dozen raw oysters came next. Half of the oysters we had did not taste too fresh. The last one I had was so fishy that I could not swallow it. My husband also had one which he had to spit out. Since we finished the plate already, we decided not to mention it to the waitress. The kids' meals came out next. The cheese pizza was just that. The fried fish combo was pretty impressive. It was a chunky mix of a variety of fish fried in a light batter and came with a side of fries. I saw at least 4 different varieties of fish and there were quite a few pieces in the order. I thought this was a value for the price. My steak was done nicely and as ordered in medium rare. My kona crab was ok, but not as good as I remembered perhaps because 1) there was way way way too much sauce for the dish. (I've had it before and it was just lightly coated in sauce) 2) The sauce was way too sweet and basically overpowered any crab taste. 3) The sauce was very thick. A garlic sauce might have been better. My husband's dungeness crab was ok. He apparently forgot to tell the waitress how he wanted it done and she didn't ask him when he ordered so he ended up with a plain steamed crab vs the garlic style which he had wanted. It ended up good since we could taste the sweetness of the crabmeat and the butter dip was good enough. When he got to the claw part, he searched his plate for a shell cracker. None was to be found. When we asked the waitress for one, she said "oh, you actually need it"? To me that was just another strange comment. I remember that these crackers come with all shell-fish (crab or lobster) dishes. We never had to ask and the last time we came about a year ago was none different. This time there were also no packets of hand wipes included with the dish. I guess they are cutting back costs and expect their guests to go to the hand wash station from now on which is just fine. But I guess when you're used to normally having something available from the restaurant and then having it change on you, it just feels strange. We were stuffed and so I didn't get to try any desserts though I would've just loved to have a piece of their Hawaiian passion fruit cheesecake or the luau cake. Next time I guess! I would recommend Bob Chinns for a great seafood meal. Your bill will come out pretty hefty, but that's to be expected at any great seafood restaurant in town. But don't come in expecting high class service because that is not what you'll get here.

    (4)

  • Annemarie D.

    I have loved this place for years. It's not a place I went often because of the price and distance. But when I did go it was always great. The food is still great. I got the King Crab and a filet. The server asked if I wanted the legs steamed or cold. I wasn't really sure what to order, so I said steamed. Then my companion ordered and the server mentioned that the steamed isn't good. Uhm hello then why did I order that?!! I changed it to cold. Our food came on an old looking serving tray. No nice presentation here. They still have the gimmicky seating. Get in the line that corresponds with the size of your party. I don't think anything in the interior has been upgraded since the 90's. If this was a cheap greasy spoon, I could overlook the interior. However, you will drop some coin here. You either love or hate the rolls. I scrape off all the garlic. I think you would sweat that stinking rose out for weeks if you ate the garlic. Service is usually good. There are a lot of other choices at this price point though so you may want to shop around if ambiance matters to you.

    (3)

  • Josh V.

    Phenomenal King Crab Legs.. Excellent Mai Thais... Filet Mignon was also delicious. Stay away from the sashimi, it is definitely sub-par. This place is fun and great on occasion, but definitely not worth the price as you can easily get a 5 star meal for the same price at many places that are more diverse with a better ambience.. Good overall, but I will probably never go there again, it's a place you'll want to try once but it's nothing to rave about and those who do obviously are feeding into the hype and don't know what good food really should be for $80+ per person..

    (3)

  • Chris L.

    Absolutely the best seafood place in all of Illinois. That's saying something. Pricey but definitely worth it for the food.

    (5)

  • Philip M.

    You guys have to be kidding me, right!? Went here last week to celebrate a family birthday....wow...not good. Picture the most touristy restaurant you can, and you've got Bob Chinn's. Very tacky inside. People flock to this place too...it was packed and we were led around like cattle into various lines before we can finally be seated. The highlight was really our server, she was very nice and VERY into Bob Chinn's. She made everything sound amazing. First thing out were these disgusting rolls completely saturated in oil, butter and garlic. I like garlic rolls, but this was just way over the top. Our table ordered an array of seafood from crab legs, lobster tail, mussels, oysters and even steak - 2 words that will sum up the food RED LOBSTER. The food ranged from gross to halfway decent. To sum this place up. Tacky, Non-authentic "seafood" restaurant.

    (1)

  • Matt R.

    Bob Chins is Bob Chins. If you haven't been here, you are missing out. That means even if you're a vegetarian. However, even if you're going on lunch, you'd best prepare for some pretty pricey food (and well worth it). Also remember: lots of times they don't take reservations. Bob Chins has background. I mean the man (Bob Chin) who started it is still alive, and still keeps things going from day to day. He started his own legacy, and it deserves praise accordingly. We had a big family meal, starting out with: Clam chowder, which I think the family was content with. Nothing to say there. For drinks, we had the Hawaii passion? Or something? It was pretty good. I mean, as a man who has grown up with people who appreciate fruity drinks, my appreciation of them is no exception. This was a tasty tasty drink along the lines of a Mai Tai - smoothy, fruity, and full of flavor. Whoever mixes the drinks definitely knows what they're doing. To complement all of that, we had some edamame - and I must say, this edamame is something special. I have been trying to sell my family on eating edamame for quite some time and this is the first time they have ever enjoyed it. It was also fresh and warm. Lots of restaurants simply cannot get this right. Whether it was pure luck or chef preference, it was spot on and a great start to a huge meal. Dinner was the asian seabass. I had this because I sincerely hope that this was not the type of seabass that is overfished, and also because it was pretty darn good. My family also had the shrimp hollandaise, which I believe they were quite satisfied with. We also had a side of grilled asparagus, and I love asparagus. If it's made well and crunchy but grilled, I am very happy. Thankfully that is how it came out. Only Claim Jumpers and Bob Chins have ever made this the right way, at least in my own personal preference.

    (5)

  • Mariam K.

    HANDS DOWN.. THE BEST SEAFOOD EVER! I came here with my husband who hates seafood because of the smell and taste.. and has always said he's "allergic" to seafood ... so that he never has to eat it (he's really not)... and he liked the grouper (FISH) that I had ordered. So that has to say a lot about their food. Of course.. when we got there, there was a wait.. there usually always is because it's busy all times of the day, everyday.. we finally got seated.. and they served us these delicious fresh garlic butter rolls - obsessed with them... I tried baking them at home once.. couldn't do it. Started looking at the menu.. and the options were endless... I wanted to order everything! The prices are high for such a casual restaurant... but it's worth every penny! Anyway... so I order the grouper, as I had mentioned earlier.. and they let me pick how I wanted it cooked - blackened, fried, chargrilled, steamed, sauteed with lemon.. and a couple other options... I chose blackened and I think I would order the same thing every time I go there from this point on because it was the best fish I've ever had! My husband ordered the surf and turf, (crab legs and prime rib) which he said was one of the best meals he's ever had! So the husband loves this place too now.. which is great.. since I can never go to seafood restaurants, because most seafood restaurants lack in their quality of steaks... so now we have BOB CHINN... where I get to have the best seafood in town and he gets to have his amazing steak!

    (5)

  • Kat L.

    Dark like Outback Steakhouse. Loud like Hooters. But definitely an upgrade on quality food. For my birthday, went here with a few friends. after the rave, we had to try it. A massive Alaskan King Crab. 6 1/2 lb to share between 5 people. It can come with a few sides, (potatoes, rice, or fries) but I'm more a fan of other things than plain starch starch starch. I vouched for mashed sweet potato (mmm) and salted, buttery asparagus (i like mine a bit more soft than the slight crisp. nothing amazing, but still okay. Coleslaw for free. I'm not a cole slaw fan. But it was really sweet! I finished mine. Clam chowder was delish. Very meaty, not over salted. The crab flesh was very chunky--- although the texture was a little inconsistent. Not juicy through and through. The smaller finger portions weren't as good as the... "thigh" .... still. pretty yum! They serve with melted butter and their own special crab meat mayo/horseradish/zingy type of sauce. Pretty good, but overhwhelms the crab meat. For being as busy as they were on a Friday, service was still pretty attentive. We were constantly getting refills on our drinks. huge thumbs up. I definitely put this place on my list of places to check out. I have to come back a few more times for a definitive review, but so far, pretty good. Great quality. Great service. Great portions. Not anything I'd crave in the middle of the night over, but still a good go-to place for seafood lovers like me. PS. They put a packing list near the entry way!! So you could see when the crab / fish was flown in! so awesome. if that's not a guarantee for freshness, i dunno what is.

    (4)

  • Eileen H.

    Do you want a nice, quiet, romantic place to take someone on your first date? Then Bob Chinn's is NOT the place for you. However, if you want to go to a fun place to eat with a group of friends or your family that serves top-notch seafood smack dab in the middle of the Midwest, then Bob Chinn's is definitely the place for you! Having grown up in the northern suburbs of Chicago, I had the privilege of eating at Bob Chinn's many times. When I returned to the area for work back in October, it was near the top of my list of must-haves while I was there. My two cousins and I met up with my good friend Ellaine from college, who I haven't seen in 15 years. I started off with the extra large famous Bob Chinn's mai tai (only $7.50!) while waiting at the bar for my friend to arrive. If you come here on a weekend or a holiday, you could spend a good chunk of time waiting to be seated, but since it was a Wednesday night we were seated immediately. As soon as we were seated our server brought us some of the garlic rolls drowning in garlic butter. Yummy! I had to limit myself to only one to save room for the rest of the food. We ordered the Jonah Stone crab claws and the crabcake nuggets for our appetizers. Both were delicious, but I wish there were a couple more crab claws for the price. Even though Bob Chinn's is a CRAB house, the best thing I have ever eaten there was their Florida grouper, which isn't always on the menu. On the drive over I told my cousin if it's on the menu, I'm going to order it. And, lucky me! they had it that night! I was definitely NOT disappointed. I very seldom order fish when I go out to eat, but this fish is TO DIE FOR. It was every bit as good as I remember it. Both of my cousins ordered the fettuccine alfredo with crab cakes and my friend had the new york strip and scallops. They all enjoyed their meals as well. One secret about Bob Chinn's is that their steaks are equally as good as their seafood. The server came by later and asked if we wanted dessert, and I was prepared to say 'no, i'm too stuffed,' until she said the three magic words: 'Red velvet cake'. Luckily I was the only one who ordered dessert, because it was big enough to share between the four of us! So I had a wonderful dinner that night, and was reunited with two old friends: Ellaine and Bob Chinn!

    (5)

  • Jaci Y.

    Bob Chinn's my first time there was about a week ago. It was jammed packed with customers waiting to feast on the wonderful crab legs and steak! I had gone with a few friend to take part in this Bob Chinn's Crab House experience. It was an amazing feast of King Crab Legs, and porterhouse steak, done to the perfect medium rare. I also enjoyed their side dishes, which was fried rice and their french fries. I love the guava juice, which was $3.00 and it included free refills. It was worth the $$$, because we got great service and fabulous crab legs!

    (4)

  • Kevin S.

    I made a big mistake of introducing my gf to the wonderful world of crab about a year ago.....now shes a crab junkie. We usually go to joes crab shack so I can get crawfish but decided to hit up bob chinns after a few friends recommended it. walking in the dining room seemed like it a time capsule . The posters on the wall looked old and some just were out of place, everything just screamed old.....but then the food came. zero complaints.....I explained to her THIS is what crab should be. I got the 20oz king crab and 2 mai tais which burned my stomach (in a good way)..... we will return asap.

    (4)

  • Mahsa T.

    I hate to say anything bad about such a longstanding and popular establishment here in Wheeling with a reputation that extends throughout the Chicagoland area, but I'm on Yelp to give my honest opinion and not to jump on any bandwagons. Over the years, I've dined here many, many times and if I were to rate them based on my last 3 visits here, I'd have to give them 2 stars. First reason why I think this place is overrated, the service. I have never received great service here. I've received ok service and horrible service by waiters and waitresses who are too busy running back and forth between their tables and who can't answer questions about items on the menu and who forget about you once they've taken your order. I even had a waitress completely ignore us after we ordered the lunch special and asked for water instead of ordering drinks. Second reason, the food is just not good. I question the people who rave about this place--whether they've ever had good seafood to compare this against. The quality of their food has definitely gone downhill over the years. The seafood is not as fresh as they claim it is. The food did not sit well in my stomach the last two times I went there and I got horrible food poisoning the very last time I went there. And when I called to tell a manager about it, I didn't even get an apology. They tried to claim it wasn't from their food. I've tried several different kinds of fish here over the years and was never really wowed by anything. Everything is bland and lacks any real flavor. The only items I would recommend are the crab legs and the coconut fried shrimp. The garlic rolls are good, but could be a little less greasy. I've even had the lunch steak special, which frankly was better than their fish. Besides the lunch specials, everything else is just way overpriced and not worth it. There's not much atmosphere here as it looks like a giant warehouse as other reviewers have mentioned and it gets loud. If you're looking for a good seafood restaurant, I would not recommend this place. There are much better places in the burbs like Demetri's, Pete Miller's, and in the city, Devon's and Joe's Seafood.

    (2)

  • Rick M.

    After fighting the horrendous Friday afternoon traffic we finally got to our hotel. We needed a real treat. So we decided to splurge and go to Bob Chinn's for dinner. I've been here a few times years ago while on business trips so I knew it was great. My wife is a real seafood maven who grew up in Florida so I was certain she would enjoy it. We had red king crabs,Jonas stone crabs and Cantonese style lobster. It was all superb. Be sure to Ask for Alberto, he's entertaining as well as a great waiter. We'll come back the next time we're in Chicago whether the traffic is good (doubtful) or bad.

    (5)

  • susan h.

    the food has gone down in quality. The clam chowder was like eating paste. Not at all flavorful. The cod was good - BV style. the service was not great either. I think the one in Naperville does a much better job.

    (2)

  • Barb B.

    We don't usually go to Bob Chinn's- no particular reason why not- but this past week some friends who used to live here came back for a visit with their young daughter, and they wanted to come back here. So it was a blast from the past for us. I had some trepidation though, because a few of our friends who were here over the christmas holiday did not enjoy it here. But I do have friends who come here a lot and love it, and I also read the yelp reviews before coming! I have concluded that this is the kind of restaurant where you have to look at the menu ahead of time and get recommendations from regulars unless you are coming to eat their specialty, the king crab legs. So got my recommendations and decided ahead of time to get the guava juice, sea bass asian-style, crabmeat vermicelli, oysters with hot sauce, and coconut cake. After we got there though, the group ruled and our server made recommendations- so we ordered some other things- First off, our server was very helpful. I had been going to order the sea bass, but she nicely suggested that I might want the asian basa since it is very much like the sea bass. I ordered it asian style with steamed rice, and was very glad I got that instead because the sea bass was 11/2 lbs, very expensive, and would have been way too much food. And the ASIAN BASA was great- I highly recommend it, asian style which is a ginger/cilantro/soy type dressing, very flavorful and not too strong. For appetizers, the table ordered the calamari which was nothing special, the CRABMEAT VERMICELLI which was AMAZING (I know someone who orders this as their main meal every time it is THAT GOOD), and the crab claws which were small and disappointing. We are not a garlic bread crowd, so they gave us regular rolls with PASSION FRUIT BUTTER which is incredible. Even if you like garlic rolls, you have to try this butter with regular rolls too. And the waitress nicely brought the table some melted garlic butter for anyone who wanted to dip their food or rolls in it. The cole slaw was delivered in little sealed plastic containers, I am not sure why they even bother to give it to you- maybe because otherwise you do not get a vegetable unless you order one extra. I DID order MASHED SWEET POTATOES which have sweet cherries in them- these are FABULOUS and you need to get them. Someone ordered the king crab legs, which, as expected, were perfectly cooked and as the signature dish of the restaurant, they were as promised :-). Another person ordered the Asian Basa but they asked for the Bob Chinn version which is apparently his original way of preparing the fish. This person was disappointed and said it tasted sweet, like teriyaki sweet. She is going to order the asian-style in the future. My husband ordered shrimp fried rice. To our amazement and disappointment, his meal never showed up for at least a half hour after all of us had been served. So we had to sit and wait while our waitress passed us again and again, apologizing. When his meal finally arrived it was 100% dry, overcooked, and terrible. I have no idea what happened back in the kitchen, but can only say that if your dish shows up late, sample it immediately and if there is something wrong send it back at once. His was practically inedible. We have had this in the past and it is delicious, so I can only assume that this order got "lost"? In the end, we all enjoyed our food except my husband. I really wanted to order the coconut cake because I know it is incredible and have had it in the past- along with the oysters which you must try with soy and tabasco. But we had eaten so much that we were full. What else- other than my husband's meal our food came promptly and was very good. The guava juice was good but next time I'm going to get something else just because it wasn't my style. Two people got the signature mai tai's and they are as good as always. We were seated promptly on a Saturday night at around 6:45PM. The restaurant was crowded but not jammed as it used to be. This is probably because there is another Chinn's on Ogden and I imagine people are going there too. I will definitely come back here, even though it is not my style of restaurant- I prefer quiet, lush, and decadent. But I did love my food. I recommend to anyone who is not a regular that you really study the menu and research the food before sitting down to order- unless you are getting only crab legs :-) Here is a menu link bobchinns.com/menu_dinne…

    (4)

  • T N.

    So good! So expensive! So worth it! So under-dressed but that's part of the charm. If I received a bonus, this would be the first restaurant I would want to splurge on.

    (5)

  • Chris L.

    I'm not a big seafood eater, so I'm sure there are many places that are better quality without the hype. That being said, I have been here a few times and the meals were nothing short of delicious (and pricey)! I have the surf and turf each time, and each time I'm impressed by the flavor of the steak. I honestly expected that the seafood would be more of a focus, but both were equally cooked well. So, for someone who doesn't eat much seafood, this place gets a thumbs up. Of course, for fresh seafood in the midwest, you expect to pay more. I'm not sure if the prices are really reasonable compared to other seafood places, but I don't have any regrets. I usually go here early (~17:00) to beat the crowd, especially on the weekend. On top of that, you can get super cheap oysters during happy hour as well!

    (5)

  • Jon K.

    Very good seafood, excellent service!! The rolls are to die for and the Purple Japanese Sweet Potato Pie was out of this world!

    (4)

  • Ed L.

    Say it isn't so Bob ! This is the 2nd bad experience I had in a relatively short span... I was willing to forgive the last one, as I usually have a pretty meal.... The last time I was at BC's, my Mom's Steak was not Medium....IT WAS BLUE, AS IN HALF ALIVE! This last experience just confirmed that Bob Chinn's has fallen from grace. Can someone call Chef Robert Irvine please ??? Bob needs to be featured on Restaurant Impossible !!! First things first.... I am not a big fan of eating in a DARK booth. We always ask to sit in the back, outer, SUNNY section of the Restaurant and usually get accommodated...this time we got attitude! This is the first time I went and the place was EMPTY at 2 pm/ The beverage service has started to gross me out...( not a lot of ice and it makes me feel like someone took the cup and dunked into a vat to fill. Coke all over the outside of the cup !!) I also got a bent fork ! This is pretty bad.... The food was mediocre at best... I would have to say there are ABSOLUTELY NO STANDARDS ANYMORE !! Dont forget, Bob's was shut down on a Health Code Violation last year ! I think BC's lost the Edge! I really hope Bob redoes this place....

    (1)

  • Sean K.

    Came in on a Sunday night around 7:30. There was a substantial amount of other people at that time. We ordered the caterpillar roll, lobster tempura, and basa roll for starters. All were good, but I felt the basa roll was the best. I had the basa stuffed with crab (excellent), and the rest of the group (we all shared) got the lobster pot pie (worth the price, lots of large lobster chunks!), crab legs with prime rib (very good crab and the rib Cooked to order was tender), and veggie burger (didn't try it.) we finished with the choconananut and chocolate fudge pecan pie slices. Both were excellent choices. Our waitress was great, but many people were bringing out our food and many thing were forgotten (side of asparagus, ALL of the toppings for the veggie burger which they brought out with just bread and the patty with fries, ketchup wasn't brought to the table automatically with fries, they gave me the potatoes instead of the rice I asked for...) and the poor waitres was getting a bit flustered with all the mistakes coming from either the kitchen or other people bringing stuff to our table. Anyways the food and service were very good. Just be prepared to reach deep in those pockets.

    (4)

  • Mai T.

    Located in the Burbs, this IL chain was hyped to the max. BF took me here for our date one night in IL and was telling me all about the BISCUITS. W.O.W. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!! You think Red Lobster's biscuits are good, this place will blow your mind. Since it was a seafood restaurant, of course I had to try the Clam Chowder that it's well known for. W-O-N-D-E-R-F-U-L. Let's just say I would make a trip out here to have just the soup again any day. We had our meals too and they didn't disappoint this seafood lover! The atmosphere made it seem like I was on a pirate ship or even on a Hawaiian cruise. The staff wore cute Hawaiian themed shirts. This place is HUGE (twss!) It was very spacious. I have to come back here to try the other recommendations!

    (4)

  • Matt C.

    Based on the reviews, a recommendation from a friend and Bob Chinn's being considered one of the best sea food restaurants in the area we decided hit the place up. First observations: - cattle herding style lines when you walk in....am I at a carnival??? - Very busy, loud and interior decor and ambiance to be desired. - Is this really it? We must be in the wrong part of the restaurant. Service: - Our server appeared to have to many tables and could not give the attention needed to each one. Asked for a minute to look at the menu and he came back 15 minutes later. WTF - Ordered food at 7:00 pm. Food arrived at 8:05!!!!! Server came by at 7:45 and reminded me that we've been waiting a while and said it would be ready in 5. The manager came by moments later and was apologetic. Assured us that the bill would be discounted. Food: I ordered the surf and turf (lobster and steak). My wife ordered the crab cakes. The steak was excellent. I mean really really good. I wish I could cook a steak like Chinn. Crab cakes were huge and tasted the way a crab cake should. In conclusion: The food is what makes this place shine. However, the service and general ambiance of Bob Chinns was seriously lacking which is why I rated it 3 stars. I received a discount for the long wait, so 5 stars to management.

    (3)

  • Ronda P.

    Worst restaurant ever! I have visited this establishment three times in the last ten years and each experience has been terrible. I won't even attempt to dine in the dining room, I refuses to be treated like cattle with the lines. I can stand in lines at Wendy's and be treated better. I have been with elderly guests whom are poorly expected to stand than be offered a chair and today, the food was awful, alcoholic beverages were like water, when we discussed our displeasure with the manger, he wouldn't even remove or replace the drinks, he claimed to many sips had been taken from the drink. For the amount of money spent, when two middle age adults are dissatisfied enough to request management, you would expect representatives of the establishment to respectfully take into consideration a customer complaint. I will never step foot in this restaurant again. What use to be a high end restaurant has become a sad, old excuse for a evening out.

    (1)

  • Yane Y.

    Wow! This place is..... expensive! But hey! You get what you pay for. We went this past weekend with a couple of friends. I don't think my pockets can afford to handle coming here frequently, but I totally recommend it!!! After reading all the reviews, we noted that their king crab legs and their kona crabs were excellent (along with their garlic bread). King Crab Legs (steamed) - Humongous! Filling! Meaty! Tasty... if you can appreciate king crab legs. Kona Crab - We will have to get this next time. Clam Chowder Soup - Everyone (4 people) at the table tried this and agreed that it was good! If you're into clam chowder, check it out! We also tried the Halibut Steak (Chargrilled). It was good, but maybe a little too salty... maybe it was an off day... the cook got excited shaking the salt! My husband tried their lobster (Bob Chinn's style). It was good! I enjoyed it as well.... Definitely need to check this place out!!! Oh!! The environment is FUN. I guess it's also a great place for birthdays. There were about 5-6 birthday parties while we were there on Friday night. okay, have fun!

    (4)

  • mian g.

    I live to eat. In my world seafood is king. In seafood Bob Chinn's is unbeatable. I thought about not writing this review b/c it pains me know I am 1124 miles away. The one thing you HAVE to get here is the KONA CRAB. It might be a reason for me to pack up my family and move to Chicago. Kona crab is served either ginger onion (cantonese), cold, garlic, or chili style. We had the cantonese and garlic. While we liked the cantonese style we found the ginger and onion too overpowering. The garlic is the way to go. One thing you need is patience when eating this bad boy. It has a flat body and the shell is soft. So for beginners it might be annoying to pick through all the tiny pieces of shell to get the meat. We also had the Nigerian Prawns and Little neck clams. Skip the prawn. Yes they are huge but at a whopping $8/prawn you're better off saving that money for an extra Mai Tai. Ah yes the famous Mai Tai with your souvenir Tiki cup. These things are sweet and pack a big punch. Perfect excuse for a souvenir for your inlaws.

    (5)

  • Buster M.

    Food was fantastic. Crab was extremely meaty and the prime rib was awesome. The service was impeccable. Darcell was attentive and accommodating. Five stars! If you love excellent food and service, this place deserves a try.

    (5)

  • Murrel G.

    Fresh scallops.....good service very knowledgable staff. The scallops were very fresh and nicely done. I prefer mine seared a bit more. I do like the fact that you get a whole plate of what you ordered and very little sides. Over all a great selection of seafoods.

    (3)

  • Ed L.

    My favorite seafood restaurant in the Chicagoland area. If you go with a few friends sit in the bar area, the service seems better and the atmosphere is much more laid back then the huge restaurant side, and much quieter as well.

    (5)

  • Howard C.

    I mean, what can you say?!? Bob Chinn's is really about as top notch you can get in my opinion. The kona crab is a personal favorite and the salad bar is just wonderful. The garlic rolls bring me to a place where only so many food items can take me. I wish I could afford to come here more often than special occasions, but just freaking wonderful. I cannot stress enough how AMAZING the garlic rolls are! It really is just an all-time favorite if you live around here. Just do it for goodness sakes. It bites into your wallet a bit, but just eat in the rest of the week. Totally worth it! And I didn't want to forget to mention that they are one of the top selling steak houses in the nation as well, which just goes to show you how well they do EVERYTHING! Do yourself the biggest favor you can do for the year and whether it's for your birthday, anniversary or just feel like dropping some dough on an awesome meal, get over to Bob Chinn's right away. Enjoy my people!

    (5)

  • George K.

    Grew up going to this place and every time it delivers no matter what I order. The steaks are always excellent and the Bay Scallops are another prime choice. My compatriot Dragon got the crab cakes and they were tremendous. You have to get a mai tai when you come...it's sweet and fruity and full of more alcohol than a Sunday communion. Word of caution: The garlic rolls are delicious and addicting with an unfortunate side effect of seeping into your pores so your significant other does not want to be near you for the next 12 hours. I guess it's better than faking a headache!

    (5)

  • Heather L.

    I hadn't been here in years and always thought I'd be standing and waiting for an hour- not the case. 7pm on a Friday, two of us got in to this huge restaurant immediately. The hostess situation is a little too mechanical-"stand over there, and now over there, no not there, over there...." We were told the red king crab legs were what we had to order. They are in season for two weeks only. At $48 for 16 ounces we weren't so sure we cared that much. After staring at the large menu and sipping half my yummy souvenier mai tai cup we decided to take the plunge and ordered the 20 ounce red king crab legs for $53 each. And sooooo glad we did! Armed with bibs and unlimited supplies of melted butter, we were in heaven. It's a lot of food and I didn't even touch my side dish of boiled red potatoes or our second serving of yummy garlic rolls. We were stuffed. So yummy and a fun casual, though not cheap, night out. And definitely get a mai tai.

    (4)

  • Candice G.

    Garlic Rolls = Orgasmic. You WILL put them in your mouth and you WILL like it. The place is huge... like the size of a Target huge. The Mai Tai's are delicious and deadly and can be purchased in pitcher form... bring a driver because you WILL be rocked by the time you leave. The food is delicious and offers LOTS of seafood options, meat options, and a few veggie items. The garlic crab claws are the real hit but the server told us that they usually sell out before the weekend hits and if they do get them on the weekend they never have any left past lunch. The service is phenom! It's very corporate, but those people work hard for their money. One time, our server offered to crack all the crab legs at our table for my fam. The fam declined but he showed us all a special trick that makes it easy peasy. I love Bob Chinn's! It's totally worth the trip out to Wheeling from Naperville.

    (5)

  • Andrea K.

    8 of us of us drove in from downtown. It was about a 45 minute drive. A great experience. 4 stars for the price & service. Fresh seafood in the Midwest is hard to find. Especially in such large portions for a great price! There's a large parking lot. Went there for lunch, not as crowded as the dinner time, I was told. Our server was Angella, who was very patient, kind, attentive. Never ending guava juice. great! a bit in the sweet side. You can always just add more ice/water Free garlic rolls sitting in butter. great! You just know it's not good for you. Ordered the lobster- cantonese style. A bit on the salty saucey side. Was not the traditional cantonese style that i am familiar with that is fried with dried spices, peppers, and jalapeno. This sauce was more soy sauce based, with a few black beans, green onions, few fried egg noodles as a garnish. It was different but good. Was very very salty. it cam with either white rice, pork fried rice, or veggies. I would go witht he pork fried rice or white rice to tone down the lobster sauce a bit. The pork fried rice was very flavorful. The serving size of the lobster was huge- especially for $19. Would recommend. Had the crab cakes. 5 small nugget sized crab cakes with a dipping sauce of mayonnaisse & ketchup. the 1st crab cake I had was good, but the rest were ok. Not sure if it was because I was starving. I probably wouldn't order the crab cakes again. Wasn't impressed. BF had the Kona crab in garlic sauce & for an additional $5- you can add on fish tacos. The kona crab was ok. The server highly recommended that saying many people like the sweet taste of it. The fish taco was ok, not much flavor to the fish unless you add the sides that came with it. Friend ordered the crab vermicelli (under appetizers, but you can have it as an entree). It was very flavorful. Strong salty flavor. I would probably order that next time. The vermicelli was moist, well cooked, and flavorful. It looked like something you could order at a chinese restaurant.

    (4)

  • Diana Y.

    aged steak (uhhhmayzing) at a crab house? yes, i still eat it. been eating here for years. its a family tradition whenever i come into town i must eat here. crab? lobster? yes. butter? double yes. garlic rolls? woooo. i have never had a bad meal here. it is just good food in a non-fine-dining atmosphere. love it.

    (4)

  • Cori S.

    I don't eat seafood but I still LOVE Bob Chinns. They have great steak & chicken too! The atmosphere is so electric! The Mai Tai's are a must! Those garlic rolls at dinner are addictive!! Its well worth the wait when its crowded. Go with a group cause parties over 8 get better seating sometimes.

    (5)

  • Donna S.

    My wife and I went out for a celebratory birthday dinner. Bob Chinn's has been one of our all time favorite places to eat for years. We ordered drinks, and appetizers. Everything was going great... So I thought. As my wife went to eat her first oyster, a worm emerged from the oyster shell. She screamed, and had to resist the urge to vomit. Quickly, I flagged our waiter down who took back the oysters. Unfortunately, at that point my wife had lost her appetite. I appreciate that the manager took care of the remaining bill, which is why I am giving them one star. However, we will not be returning to Bob Chinn's anytime soon, for fear of another date night ending up at Taco Bell...

    (1)

  • Karen P.

    Just left there and I am happily stuffed. Food is pricey but being that I had a 10% off coupon for signing up at their website and a $50 gift card, this lunch date with my husband and young daughter was only $20 tip included. Our waiter was very friendly and efficient. Sorry I did not catch his name but it was a great experience. He was quick, concerned, helpful and not overbearing. Clearly dinner on Sunday afternoon is the best time to go there. There was no wait and no rush. We've dined here before and also had good experiences. Today we ordered the crab vermicelli appetizer. VERY GOOD. Huge chucks of crab and flavorful noodles. I can't stress this enough. I had the Asian stuffed basa with crab meat with the new red potatoes. I thought the serving size was great and flavors were delicious. I brought half home in a doggy bag. My husband had the blackened mahi mahi and fried rice. He said the fish was great though the portion too small. He mentioned the rice was average. Nothing to talk about. My daughter kids cheeseburger was huge. That made her very happy. She had steamed broccoli on the side. We were able to bring home our signature drink cups and our server nicely topped the cups off with more drinks before we left. Non-alcoholic. The garlic rolls were good. I just had one as I just knew that too many would ruin my diet, health, appetite, sanity etc....but I could have easily had the whole basket for myself or maybe two baskets.

    (4)

  • Rick F.

    I had a craving for Fresh King Crab Legs! Bob Chinn's always has the freshest! So not much has changed since the last review! Seafood is the best. I loved it! Again service is spotty, the atmosphere is the same!

    (4)

  • Tamara M.

    Bob Chinn, I think I love you It seems almost superfluous to add to 202 good reviews, but I'll put in my 2-cents anyway. I'm not from Chicago, so nostalgia isn't a factor. I am, however, in town on business not too far away, and so, so happy to find a gem like this nearby. When we first walked in, I was glad we were visiting Bob Chinn's on a very snowy day just after Christmas. There were lanes mapped out depending on how many people were in your party, indicating that big crowds are the norm. Even on the day we were there, there were plenty of folks braving the weather for some very fine seafood. To start, of course, I had to have the famous Mai Tai in the souvenir tiki cup! Some of the Hawaiian touches reminded me a bit of Dukes (HI and CA). The Mai Tai was killer, highly alcoholic and nice and sweet. We started with a dozen oysters. They were superbly fresh and tasty, and served as they should be, with horseradish, hot sauce, cocktail sauce and lemon, all on the side so you can dress them up yourself. Oh, and the garlic bread IS all it's cracked up to be. We both decided we wanted crab, and our server was very helpful in explaining the differences between the many varieties. I opted for the Kona, while my dining companion chose Alaskan Red King crab with Prime Rib. Mine was very garlicky, but very tasty! The meat was sweet and flaky. The sides of red potato and coleslaw were perfect. The Alaskan was more meaty and firm, and needed nothing more than a touch of butter. The house special dessert was a pie made with purple potato with a macadamia crust. It was heavy, but not overly sweet. All in all, a great meal!

    (4)

  • Kat A.

    I went here again with my boyfriend and he had the king crab pot pie, I just had to tell everyone how amazingly delicious it was :)

    (5)

  • Pari S.

    Been here a few times and realized, I haven't written a review on this place yet. So here it goes. Nice huge restaurant with lots of parking... there's valet parking available. Been here on different days of the week before, and on weekends - it can get crazy busy. I've seen lines go out the door. There are huge waiting areas... and even outside it is somewhat covered, so if you have to wait outside, you don't get the cold air draft. As you walk in you will see the roped off lines and area. Kind of reminds me of waiting in line for a roller coaster ride.... but Its really to be seated only. Service is always good here though... they appear cheerful and pretty helpful. I like how the employees all wear a neon fish pattern uniform shirt. Makes me smile every time i see that print. They have a little souvenir counter/corner... and you'll see that pattern on their plastic cups, gifts etc. Kinda cool. This restaurant is a seafood place with some asian twist. Menu is just a plain piece of white paper. There are no pictures. You just have to read it carefully and ask alot of questions. I've had some really good food here... then I've had some "what was that dish remind me not to ever get it again"... I admit, Took me a few visits, before I got it right. I say, stick to the seafood and steaks. Don't try anything weird, or something you normally wouldn't get at a seafood restaurant. It's pretty pricey here. I don't mind paying more for good food. But is really disappointing when you pay more for "blah" food. Good food = 2 Losters with a porterhouse steak. That is like the best combo of food ever... that I've ever had here. The steak was huge, the lobsters huge... everything was good and tasted Great!! So worth the price too!! I've ordered the "seven way catch of the day"... Its ordering the fish of the day, and having it cooked either way you want. Fried, battered, steamed, and some other ways too. I had mine battered and fried. The fish was fresh, but there was really no flavor to it. I needed a "wow" factor... and It never came. My fish was just served with a side of fried rice, and a tartar sauce. It cost me over $20 for my dish. I also want to talk about the garlic bread they serve. I think you either like it, or you don't. The bread roll is crispy, hot... and definitely a bread roll. But it gets slathered with butter sauce and tons of garlic powder. The bread basket with the paper, to help soak up the oil... is completely greasy. I was not a fan of the bread roll. I want to be able to control how much butter I have on my roll, so when I saw that... It made my tummy churn a lil bit. I couldn't imagine all the butter grease I would be eatting. Just my preference. I also want to mention... if you go here and want to eat pasta... bad idea. Stick to the seafood and steak. As you see, I still go there to eat. So yes, you should try it too. Definitely an experience. I find its more fun to go in a bigger group with all your friends. p.s. The Mai Thai's there are pretty awesome. :)

    (3)

  • Tina H.

    Charity messaged me. Wow! That's a first. Charity, thank you. I really really appreciate you taking the time to message me. Thank you for the clarification! I change my mind - 5-star!

    (5)

  • Nari H.

    I teeter bt giving this place a 3 or 4 stars, so 3.5 stars for sure. Hype: SO MUCH hype about this place. Does it deliver? Sort of. Food/Price: Menu is extensive and for seafood prices, it's not out of this world, but it IS fresh seafood so be prepared to pay for fresh seafood prices. Most entree items for dinner cost well over $10 and many of them are over $20 per plate. IF you don't know what to get, ask for a recommendation because there are so many things to choose from! Some of the dishes we ate were alright, some were pretty good. THe Hawaiian combo dish was a good choice, but the one I got - and I can't remember now... wasn't that great. Ambiance/Deco: At first, the atmosphere threw me off a little. It's a super casual place so don't expect anything really nice or fancy. Service: This is what makes this place shine. Their service, especially for the kids was - I thought - pretty darn good. If I was a family of four, I'd eat here, just to have a decent meal with good service. I'd recommend it - and if i lived closer i might eat there a little more often, but for now this place is reserved for special occasions.

    (3)

  • Jean B.

    Have been to Bob Chinn's many times. Quality has diminished while prices have not. Had kona crab that was fairly tasteless and difficult to eat. Would never order again. Friend had a good but unremarkable shrimp and pasta dish. For the price point, can find better food elsewhere. Service was ok. Ambiance has lost it's charm. Do not find it cute to go through various lines just to get seated. Not worth it.

    (1)

  • Heidi A.

    What happened? I used to come here with my family years ago. Disappointed with my last visit. The food lacked flavor, even the blue crab claws were just okay. The lobster still had the green insides.

    (2)

  • Adriane P.

    Given the preponderance of people on here who live to eat and I eat to live, thus one might disregard my opinion. However, it may add weight to the meter of my praise. I'm hard to please. This place is fantastic. I've eaten here maybe 12 times in the last five years. The bread rolls are warm, soft, drowning in butter and herbs (admitedly fattening, free, damn good-don't load up tho!). The mai tais are fantastic, strong, but fruity and you get a complimentary souvenier plastic tiki cup. I've had the scallops, crab cakes, crab lasagna, crab ravioli, surf and turf, mo chi ball ice cream, (it comes with 3 flavors or it did as i ordered it) and aloha cake at various times. Each time, each item exceeded my wildest culinary dreams. Oddly the servers have been almost exclusively women. I don't think there's any sinister motive behind it, as some of the waitresses have been older or less than becoming. That being said, the service is attentive without being overbearing. I usually eat at the hightops in the bar, once the dining room. Bob and Marilyn are decent people and smart, the place is not too expensive for what you get, they fly the sea food in fresh daily via jet from what I've heard. Lunch specials for some dishes run maybe $9 or $10, the mai tais are like $9 or $12 for huge ass cups. If you ever hit the burbs check this place out! Best seafood in Illinois.

    (5)

  • Michelle M.

    Did you know? Bob Chinn's is the only restaurant in the Chicago area that flies in their seafood fresh. In addition, they also have happy hour meals for $3.25 weekdays from 3:30-6pm and 9pm to 10:30pm. I only came here for happy hour before of the cheap specials. It's $3.25 for the bar special which consists of a full meal, but you do have to buy the drink. Check it out here bobchinns.com/promo_325_… . I sound like I'm advertising for it, but where else can I find that price besides McDonalds? The $2.99 meals are so unsatisfying. So my sister was in town last weekend and we decided to give this place a shot for regular dinner. They say no reservations, but you can actually call in and save yourself a spot. DO THAT. The wait was way out of the door for a bunch of hungry people at 8pm on a Saturday night. The line moves fast though. After being seated, my sister and I ordered the Nigerian Prawns and Lobster Cantonese to share. It was absolutely amazing, to die for, delicious, savory, and I would definitely come back again to try other items. Nigerian prawns aren't regular prawns. They're about 3x bigger than jumbo prawns and more succulent. The lobster cantonese was straight up lobster meat and done to perfection. To finish off, we had dessert with the coconut lychee, which really tasted like cancun/caribbean. Overall, I loved the whole experience, the food, the ambiance. It's a definite go for family & friends. It's not that romantic for dates. Just remember to get something seafood!

    (5)

  • Steven P.

    Not a fan of poor quality and bad decor. Plastic plates, paper towels for napkins, and really bad atmosphere. This place is the worst.

    (1)

  • Glenn P.

    New diet - eat BC fish sampler and then get the runs for the rest of the day. Loose weight fast. Food tasted good but did not like the hidden microbes I got with my lunch.

    (2)

  • Charmed Life S.

    This place is way over rated. The food ranges from average to nasty and the place is just way to over priced for the quality of food that you are getting. Those so called butter garlic rolls were disgusting! Way too much garlic and way too much butter. YUK! And for a seafood place the seafood tasted way too fishy. Seafood at a seafood restaurant should be fresh, not fishy. For the poor quality and high prices here you might as well just go to Red Lobster, (which I am not a fan of either). It's almost as if they are trying to mask the fishy stale taste of their seafood with tons of garlic. Sorry, doesn't work. All the garlic in the world doesn't save seafood that is not fresh to begin with. Our waiter was polite and helpful. The strawberry lemonade was tasty. But that is not enough for me to ever go there again. I guess it was worth going once to at least say I've been there. p.s Garlic rolls at Red Lobster are 10000000xs better.

    (2)

  • Nick L.

    I remember when I first came to the US and my boss pointed this place out as being a huge restaurant. It looked like a shack to me from the outside and on the inside it looked like it needed some serious updating. Having said that, it kinda adds to the charm/rusticity of the place. I subsequently had to take my family here for a try and have been back many times (having met Bob Chinn himselfon 2 separate occasions as he did his rounds). The food is pretty good - not knock your socks off amazing. Nice garlic rolls to start the meal. The steaks (allegedly they cook more steaks that the rest of America (I'm exaggerating their claim) are cooked well if a little light. Shelled seafood is pricey (no oceans near here) for what you get but it's good. Fish is cooked very well and the halibut, monkfish and snapper I've tried were very tasty. All the other dishes I've had/tried have been good as well. Service is great - you will have an enjoyable experience I am sure.

    (4)

  • Maggie D.

    I have to be honest, I was disappointed. Went on our first (last) visit and were unimpressed. Lots of hype, nothing special, quite expensive. We went at 5 PM to avoid the crowd; That was a good idea. We had a cozy booth (four of us). The salad bar was a welcome change, don't see them much anymore. It was filled with great items...avocado (nice), seaweed crackers, garbonzo beans, plus the usual very fresh and attractively presented. I had the chargrilled salmon. BIG PIECE! I'd rate it just "okay." I had to ask for lemons. Imagine! Oh, and table salt. They use a Chin "blend" of seasonings instead. Anyhow, the salmon came with a half sweet potato and some quite ordinary coleslaw. (Home-made? I don't really think so, honestly.) Tom had the prime rib and said it was very good, but he said he liked others (less expensive) just as well. The garlic rolls everybody raves about? Meh. They need salt. Ha! Swimming in (probably) olive oil. I didn't really enjoy them and, if I'd paid extra for them, I'd have been heartily disappointed. The service was excellent. No complaints. It's really obvious this place is well managed and more than staffed to handily serve the thousands of people they serve each week. In short, for $120 for two, I've had better. And cheaper. Lots of hype. I just don't see it. (Red Lobster's catch-of-the-day and others is a better value and more to my liking, frankly.

    (2)

  • Colleen S.

    Quality was really off for Sunday brunch yesterday. NO seasoning in the fish sampler tempura. NO seasoning in the steamed Maine lobster. It was terrible and just tasted like the tomalley (liver). Still overpriced but food prep VERY poor. From table of 8 only the prime rib had good taste. VERY disappointed. We are done with Bob Chin's now.

    (1)

  • Jason A.

    Delicious, fresh food. The customer service is second to none. I can see why people come out to the 'burbs to eat here. The decor is tacky, similar to a Chuck E' Cheese for Seafood, but don't be fooled. Get the Alaskan snow crab when it's in season, because they fly it out fresh from Alaska. Be prepared to spend money!

    (4)

  • Sumi P.

    Let me start this review by saying I have been coming to Chinn's for the last fourteen years, and their seafood is great. I have a loyalty card and my family comes here for birthdays and family dinners quite often. They have the best fried calamari I've ever had. They also have amazing overly-garlicified, drenched in butter, definitely will cause some serious artery clogging dinner rolls. Both are awesome. They also have great king crab legs and a killer aioli sauce to go with it. Having said that, went there last night with my moms and little bro. Got seated, and ordered the calamari and a couple of cups of their clam chowder. Our waitress, CHARITY, was already unfriendly right from the start. She brought us our chowder and I asked for some tabasco sauce. She gave me a look like I'm already a difficult customer. She stopped at five tables (I counted), and was casually talking to customers who did not call her over, but she just opted to make stops on the way to get my sauce. While my chowder is getting colder, I notice there are no oyster crackers which usually come with the soup, so Charity returns ten minutes later, I say, we didn't get any oyster crackers, and she says very rudely and while walking away, "You have to ask for those now". Really, Bob Chinn? You charge 4.50 for a cup of chowder and I have to request oyster crackers?!??!! What a joke? Anyway, after bringing a few tables their drinks, and chatting with some staff, she brought oyster crackers out 20 minutes after she brought my soup. Not a good start. Anyway we overlooked all this, but Charity continued to be rude to us and also both the owner, Bob Chinn himself and the manager went to every table around us, about six, and skipped us over when it came time to ask how we were doing. I don't know what their deal is but it was extremely rude and by this point I as livid. We were so upset by how our waitress and the owner/managers were behaving that we asked for our check after the appetizer b/c we couldn't stand to be there any longer. Of course once we did this, Charity and another manager started fawning over us and asking if everything was ok, but by this point, it was too little way too late. We got out of there and had to find a new place to eat dinner. I guess we turned it into a progressive dinner, but not by choice. See the thing is, their food here is great, but the prices are outrageous. So though it seems like a casual joint where they herd you into lines before seating like cattle headed for slaughterhouse, and the waiters look like they pulled them out of a cheap hawaiian safari tour, the prices are extraordinarily high. The king crab legs are so expensive here ($53 for 16 oz.), so it is hard to pay these steep prices when the customer service is so, so poor. In the past their service was great, but nowadays it has severely declined while prices have maintained a steep incline. Sadly, I will not be back here. If you do go here, do NOT sit in Charity's section.

    (1)

  • Dennis M.

    What more can you say about this restaurant? My family comes back here every year for the tradition lobsterfest. Service is always friendly and always check to see our table. Food was excellent! Steak were cooked right. The sauce on Cantonese style can add a bit more of salt. What else should I say here? I am a happy customer

    (5)

  • Bailey Z.

    I can't believe that this place is ranked as high as it is in terms of volume of food served. At first glance, it reminded me of a Joe's Crab Shack type of restaurant - seafood galore. I came here for dinner on my second night in Chicago. Getting here was an adventure in itself because I had to learn the metro, but it wasn't too much of a hassle. As I scanned the dinner menu, I realized they don't mess around when it comes to their seafood. Apparently all their seafood is fresh and never frozen, which explains the high prices. All their seafood is supposedly imported fresh daily. We started off with some a half dozen oysters and crab meat vermicelli for our appetizers. The oysters were very fresh and some of the cleanest that I have ever had. The vermicelli was also very good and they were very generous with the amount of crab meat they put in that dish. The garlic bread was also quite addictive. I could have filled up on that alone if I had not stopped myself. For the month of October, they had specials every week. I ended up getting the one pound Maine lobster with an 8 oz. steak, which also came with a side of vegetables, a bowl of soup, and a red velvet cake for dessert (that's after I declined the coleslaw). I guess that's where this place wins in volume of food served. However, my dinner wasn't cooked that well. The lobster was very rubbery and the steak was pretty tough for medium rare. If anything, the red velvet cake takes the win. As for the crabs, they are quality. If anything, just stick to the crab meat dinners. Here is where this place sucked. After paying for the dinner with my credit card, I didn't realize it at the time that they never returned it to me. I didn't find out until two days later when I reached for my card to pay for lunch. At that point, it was too far to go back to pick it up and it could have already been tampered with. After canceling it, I realized what a big mistake on the restaurant's part.

    (2)

  • David C.

    Scratch that holy ridiculousness, worse then the Old Country Buffet how they packed the place in and shuttled you through like cattle and sat you at a plain table looking like it came from a rummage sale! Horrible since the last time I have been there a few years ago!

    (1)

  • Amani T.

    It was amazing ! We were served by NATASHA and she was super sweet. I loved the fish and the garlic bread.

    (5)

  • Carol W.

    Bob.... What happened? The quality has so declined yet the prices continue to rise. Was looking forward to dinner Friday night all week and was so disappointed. Chinn's is starting to look worn, and the food was not good. In fact both my husband and I had a hard time finding a menu item that looked good. He ended up with sushi and I got what I thought would be safe... Crab. It was dry and puny floating around in a liquid that looked like dishwater. So sad. It used to be such a great restaurant.

    (1)

  • Lily P.

    Bob chinn's place is a great place where you need to try out. The bread is a heart attack waiting to happen but probably worth it. The olive oil, garlic, butter...amazing. Go starve yourself ahead of hand since this meal is worth eating! I got the crab legs (there are tons of deals for eating there so look up for them) and we just all sat around a table eating them. You can make a mess since no one cares and everyone is very nice. The portions were great and the service was super fast. It is a great place to eat with friends, bring the family, and have a loud conversation and lots of laughs. Bob chinn was there that night and he is an awesome character. he loves just walking around making sure everyone is happy and chatting it up with everyone. He came over and kept on asking why I wasn't drinking and offered to get me a drink. He was very entertaining and we got a group picture with him.

    (3)

  • Zak F.

    Mai Tais, and garlic rolls And Crab legs galore Youll going to be so stuffed Youll need to butter the door I live in the city But its worth the commute For the best crab legs in the city There is no dispute I love this place And recommend it to you Just get there early So you don't have to wait in queue

    (5)

  • Alex K.

    I think I got the snow crab, but the waiter suggested we get both types of sauces, which was a great suggestion. Garlic base sauce, and the other kind on the side. I really enjoyed the fresh crab, and the garlic rolls were to die for. Between the two, I was super full, and super satisfied.

    (5)

  • Rachael N.

    If you're looking for a quick fix of seafood and are far from the east and west coasts, Bob Chinn's is the place to be. The night started out with the choosing of beverage- my cousin recommended guava juice, so I got it. Not the real guava with fiber as I was expecting, but still good nonetheless. And bottomless as well!My cousin grew up in Philippines, so if he likes the guava juice, I took that as being authentic. Next, as you wait, you get served "garlic bread"- great pieces of toasted white bread, slatered in olive oil and garlic. Next, your choice of seafood. My family members tried a variety of foods- from the famous stuffed sea bass to the other seafood on the menu, each of them were of good portion and of good taste. I got the "ex-crab-a-ganza"- an assortment of Jonah stone crab, prawns, and 2 other types of crab (one was a Hawaiin crab with a super thin crust- who's meat was the sweetest I've ever tasted). I finished it all. It was a messy ordeal- but I later told my cousins that, "if I had been on a date, I would have been cleaner... but whatever, it's good food" as I licked the claws clean. It's not the most tender type of seafood, but definitely a large amount (even for seafood) and well worth the drive! Bob Chinn's is well worth it- if you're craving crab, it's a must go!

    (4)

  • Patrick M.

    One of favorite places to go with my wife for seafood. Always packed, a bit pricey, but always leave satisfied. We typically go for date night or with friends and the appetizers, rolls, and drinks don't disappoint. I usually get the salmon and my wife gets the lobster tails. Great place. I highly recommend.

    (5)

  • Derrick P.

    When you see a place that looks like the Disney World of restaurants - amusement park like setup, signs and advertisements announcing it's greatness, blue Christmas lights, and even it's own side street named after the founder - you're asking for trouble. But, at my first bite, all the advertisement and hype fizzled away. At that moment, my sentiment went from awe, wonder, and excitement to disgust and disappointment. It was akin to finding out Santa Claus didn't actually exist. This place screamed advertising everywhere. The waitress even had her own memorized speech - throwing out all kinds of questionable statistics about the restaurant. But, when we asked her specific questions about the food, she was dumbfounded and wasn't able to answer. I also got the sense that she was trying to push things on the menu that weren't necessarily the best (according to my fellow yelp reviewers), but that the restaurant just had to get rid of. Let me preface by saying that I grew up near the ocean and am used to having quality seafood, including shellfish. I know what a proper crab, lobster, fish should taste like. However, my other friends at the table were from Atlanta, not so experienced with seafood. Regardless, all of us had the same feelings about this place - not worth your money. I got the stuffed sea bass...terrible. Despite the waitress claiming that the fish was caught fresh day of, it tasted like the kind of fish you would get at a hospital or high school cafeteria - old, overcooked, low quality. As for the lump crabmeat, there was no taste - I could have easily gone to the local supermarket and poured some crabmeat in the dish to make it taste a little better. What frustrated me was that, while this truly was one of the worst tasting fish I've had outside of cheap all-you-can-eat buffets, they somehow managed to charge a hefty $25+ for this meal. But it wasn't just me. According to my friend, the king crab legs - while large and impressive - were tasteless. The shrimp was nothing special beyond any other standard mid-end seafood restaurant. The only reason why I did not give this place 1-star is because the Mai Tai's and the side of mashed sweet potatoes were good. Not amazing, but good. Above average. If you're not very familiar with seafood, then this place should be fine. But if you're a seafood person, then save your money and disappointment on this place.

    (2)

  • Dale F.

    Went for lunch. First time in years. I realize it is a destination, but does anyone else notice how "old" and dated it is?? Are the plates from a church basement? Our seafood covered in a bland brown Asian sauce. Maybe more expensive items are better, this was only a$20 item. Hopefully the seafood is not as old as the decor.

    (2)

  • K D.

    The name can b a little confusing, u think maybe it had more of an Asian inspired seafood house but it's just your typical seafood shack n nothing different..it was good to try because it's probably the the only decent seafood place around Chicago land but lack in flavors. If your looking for lots of different flavors for seafood then this isn't the place but if your looking for your classic all American seafood shack then definitely try it!!

    (2)

  • Miriam W.

    We go to Bob C's every time we're in the area. We've had very good meals here, and quite average meals here. Last night we had the oysters on the half shell, which are half price before 6 pm. I had the fried seafood sampler...the fish and scallops were both very good on this dish, but the calamari and shrimp were both overcooked. Doug had the grouper and really loved it, and he's hard to please when it comes to fish. They've got the whole service thing down pat here, and it's surely a gold mine for the owner, as it's not cheap. Portion sizes are underwhelming and the salad bar will cost you an extra 6 bucks with an entree order. I'm a fan of the garlic bread rolls they bring to the table, and most of the fish and seafood I've had here over the years has been pretty good, with the exception of an anemic lobster they served me on one visit. This is a fun place to go with a crowd.

    (3)

  • Kay K.

    This place is amazing!! We made a reservation on a Saturday night and waited maybe five minutes to be seated. The decor is very casual, which I found refreshing for a nice restaurant. The food was excellent. We had the premium crab legs & a couple sushi rolls, which was MORE than enough for two people! The crab legs were second to none & the sushi was great, too! What stood out the most, though, was the service. Our waitress, Sue K, was the best. We hadn't been here in years, so she helped us pick our food and drinks, recommending her favorites along the way. Then, she gave us a crab leg cracking lesson. She spent a ton of time at our table, checking up on us throughout the two hours we were there. It was a packed Saturday night, so it was such a treat to have such am attentive server!!! And I cannot forget to mention the phenomenal mai tais!!! They were a perfect mix of alcohol & juices, and very reasonably priced!! Cannot say enough good things about Chinn's, we will definitely be back!!

    (5)

  • Aaron M.

    It blows my mind how people in IL or the Chicagoland have not been to Bob Chinns....it is the best seafood place i have ever been too! The blue crab claws in butter garlic sauce is a great starter and topped with the Premium select Red Alaskan King crab is a must!!!!!! Service is amazing and its a one of a kind Crab house!!! An absolute must if you are in the Chicagoland area!!!

    (5)

  • Elle J.

    Over the last few years I have noticed that while the quality of food is still much better than your average seafood place, the service in some cases has dwindled. Also, beware if you are a Loyalty Program member - read the rules carefully. I've had a Loyalty card for over a year now and have used it frequently, however on a recent trip there I was informed it couldn't be used on a Saturday night. That particular "rule" is not noted on the back of the card, therefore I didn't realize it until it was too late - and I was stuck with a $250 bill (I had over $300 in credits I was planning to use instead). Even though I'm a frequent diner, most of the servers know me, and admittedly this was my own mistake, they would not make an exception and allow me to use my accrued points. Wasn't real happy about that one.

    (4)

  • Jay K.

    After you sit down you forget about the cattle lines that you were standing in. I've been here several times for lunch and dinner. I have dined in the bar at the bar and in the dining room. The service is good, the drinks are good, the food is great and that's why I go there. Sometimes we'll get the biggest lobster tail they have as an appetizer and a pitcher of margaritas. The tail can be as big as 36 ounces. When the server brings it to your table it attracts attention from the other diners. The tail is cut up in bite size pieces so you can just dig in as soon as it served and it won't get cold while your cutting it. The fish is always fresh and well prepared. The catch of the day is usually the fish I'll try. My only compliant would be that the fish portions are sometimes too small for the price. The steaks are very good too if you need a red meat fix but why? If you want a steak go to a steak joint. Come here for the huge menu of fresh fish and seafood. Oh, the hot buttered garlic rolls are worth the trip right there. If you don't want to wait in line try the bar area but the line usually moves fairly fast. Also try going after prime dining times for a shorter wait.

    (5)

  • Diandian W.

    Crab is so fresh! And I love the gawa juicy!!!!!!Service is good too. It's a popular restaurant. Do not forget to make a reservation.

    (5)

  • Andrew H.

    I'm tempted to give 5 stars here, as the restaurant is incredibly unique. It is so large that there are three staging areas before being seated and hostesses with walkie talkies. The menu is different from your common seafood houses a la McCormick&Schmick's. Thanks to Bob Chinn, many of the items have an Asian twist. And as a crab house, they have a wealth of crab varieties. While the prices are not cheap, the ambiance is rather casual -- a fine option for family dining with the kids. The employees wear shorts and Hawaiian shirts. The service is usually more than satisfactory. However, there will be long long waits if you go during primetime hours even though the restaurant is colossal. The menu is already huge but they always have a variety of specials. Most recently, I had an early-dinner special consisting of a Mai Tai, 6oz prime rib, steamed Basa fish, crab soup, and dessert for less than $20. Now they even have sushi -- we ordered the rainbow roll. It met my expectations, I wasn't expecting the best sushi as this is not a traditional Asian restaurant. The fish size was large but the rice was not the right consistency. It also fell apart too easily. The desserts are unique as well - the paradise cake is a requirement every visit but they have plenty of other uncommon creations. Perhaps the brief closing mandated by the health department has stained its reputation, but I think it's still worth patronizing. Good quality, large and unique menu, and a memorable experience for the sheer size of the restaurant.

    (4)

  • Insun M.

    This trip the food and service was top notch! Oyster rockefellers were fantastic. Large oysters with a not over the top creamy sauce. Went on a monday so they were running a special on their kona crab with king crab. The portion was about what I expected and it was cooked perfectly in the garlic and butter. Also tried the stir fried lobster meat with asparagus with the sirloin. Steak was perfectly seasoned and cooked. It is a bit of a splurge on a weekday dinner but in my opinion well worth the price for the quality of the food you receive. Definitely a must return kind of place.

    (4)

  • Joe T.

    Mmm. A loud, wild, happening crabhouse. Crabby food and friendly people. I had some awesome complimentary garlic rolls to begin with. Then moved onto some delectable New England Clam Chowder wit hot sauce to appetize - and then *drumroll* - went on to my Southern Crab Claws meal which was great. I love snow crab legs too - but my buddy got those and I stole some of those off his plate while he was in the bathroom. So yeah best of both worlds, baby! I'm a seafood fiend and love a lively and happening dining experience. So this place was definitely on my list of to-go restaurants the last time I was in Chicago. Pricing is obviously a tad steep being as it's fresh seafood - however it's still much less than at a quiet, elegant seafood restaurant. I highly recommend this place to the seafood fiend in Chicagoland that wants something a little more "real" than Joe's Crab Shack or Red Lobster!

    (4)

  • Karl M.

    Definitely bring a designated drunk.

    (4)

  • james w.

    Shame on this restaurant for the greed they displayed on Father's Day. My kids took my wife and i there for lunch because we love the clam chowder soup. Much to my shock and disgust, the waiter informed us that Bob Chinn's was not offering a lunch menu that day. This is pure unadulterated greed on their part, especially in light of the fact that they're one of the busiest restaurants in the United States. Basically Bob Chinns stuck out a great big middle finger to all the dad's that day, many of whom were paying for the lunch due to the tough economic times were in right now

    (1)

  • Rick H.

    Bob Chinn's Crab House was a fantastic find! A coworker and I were visiting from Indiana and wanted some steak and seafood after a busy work day. We drove all around the area, and found out that restaurants we visited were packed and there were long waiting lines. Fortunately, we had some persistence and discovered Chinn's. We were pleasantly surprised. The waiter who served us was super enthusiastic and very knowledgeable. For starters he served us two delicious helpings of bread lathered in olive oil and garlic. He also encouraged us to each have one of their signature Mai Tai drinks- wonderful and highly recommended. Plus Chinn's cleans and wraps the cup your Mai Tai was served in- a nice souvenir! Too many seafood and steak offerings (but that was a good thing!)... various types of fishes served in a variety of ways, crab, shrimp and lobster, as well as a few types of steaks. We both settled on prime rib and a special fare for 1 lb of lobster with a regular entree. Truly wonderful. The prime rib was cooked beautifully medium rare- deliciously juicy and succulent. The lobster was to die for- sweet and heavenly! Also I had an order of red-skinned, boiled potatoes that was a nice complement to the steak and lobster. A great meal and a great experience. Highly recommended!

    (5)

  • Derek C.

    ok ok ok... everyone knows about how great the seafood is here. no doubt about that, some of the best. but the biggest secret here... the toffee coffee. absolutely awesome, but make sure to get it with baileys.

    (5)

  • Daniel M.

    Great seafood place - steaks are good as well!

    (4)

  • Amanda C.

    I was between a 1 and a 2 for this review, but then I realized I wanted to give a 2 just because everyone else seems to like it here but I can't see why. I went here for dinner last night and the service was APPALLING. My dad chose the restaurant because he says it's his favorite one (??) which I have no idea how that could be. Maybe it has gone downhill in the past 30 years but I will not be going back. Our server, Tina, was incredibly rude. She snappily took our order while basically yelling at us. My younger brother was playing with his silverware which apparently bothered her so she physically GRABBED him and yelled at him to stop because it's like nails on a chalkboard for her. Sorry I'm not sorry, how would he have known that? It seriously lasted for 2 seconds and in any case it is NEVER appropriate to touch a patron especially in a forceful way. What if he had some kind of mental or health problem? Moving on. My mom asked Tina about the $25 gift certificate she had signed up for online and without even letting her finish, Tina snapped that it takes 2-3 weeks and if she did it last week it wasn't valid. She never offered to speak to a manager about this and when I asked that she do so a manager came up to the table and stared at us and said "you wanted to talk to me." No wonder the staff is so rude if the managers act the same way. Needless to say, the certificate was not honored. Customer service: 0. At this point I wanted to leave to go to Hackney's down the street, but got in trouble for my complaints so decided to keep my mouth shut. I will say that my brother has a peanut allergy and they have some kind of allergy ticket they put on the food of people who have allergies, so that is nice that they are able to accomodate that. Remember this for later in this review. I am guessing people go here for the "awesome" seafood instead of the service and atmosphere, especially since it feels like a Red Lobster. Out of 5 entrees no one was overly impressed with our food. I ordered Shrimp Primavera thinking it was going to have a red sauce, and unfortunately it was oriental and tasted like I could have gotten it from New Jeanny's Chinese down my street for a quarter of the price. The rolls and cole slaw were great. Finally, it was my other brother's birthday (not the one with the allergy who was shoved by the waitress) so they brough him a piece of cake. Nice gesture, right? Wrong. The waitress put it on the table and said "It's peanut cake. Keep it away from him." (meaning the one with the allergy) After knowing my brother has a deathly peanut allergy, why in the world she would bring a peanut cake to our table is beyond me. Did they have no other desserts to bring? Even if not, she should have surely asked first if it was okay to bring out. I am livid about my experience here and will never be returning. I know this restaurant has a highly loyal following and this review won't change that, but their service and quality really should be better for the type of restaurant it's supposed to be.

    (1)

  • Sheila B.

    My favorite restaurant!!! I've been going there for over 20 years!!! Never had a bad meal!!!! If you like garlic......go there!

    (5)

  • Scott F.

    This is tough to do....but it has to be said somewhere. For some reason, they have decided to split the alaskan king crab legs into "premium" and "select" grades of crab parts that you get to break apart. Instead of getting a few whole legs, you now either get the "shaft only" or "elbows and shoulders" as I have no other means to describe it. I like the entire leg, but as it is now, you CANNOT get that. Does this seem insane to anyone else? I understand that for a "premium" you can get just the "shafts", but to then give the elbows and shoulders ONLY (no shaft at all) to the people who order the regular crab legs? Really? what sense is this? The crab is always good and fresh, so this killed me to give this review. Why again would you change something that packs em' in?

    (2)

  • Rosalynn E.

    I used to LOVE this place. The seafood is great, however, after my experience last night, I'd much rather eat somewhere else. We were celebrating my parents Anniversary and an early Father's Day dinner and figured we should come here since we haven't in a long time. We told the waitress we wanted 1 Red Alaskan 20oz crab legs for the 3 of us to share, while my sister ordered something else. We got the food and were surprised to see that 20oz gives you so much crab but didn't think twice about how much they gave us. Long story short, the waitress gave us 3 orders of the crabs. We didn't realize this until we saw the bill (and after she spilled butter on my mom.) I work in the industry and I understand how mistakes and misunderstandings are made however, I can and will not tolerate how management handled the situation. When I brought up the issue to the manager, not only did he accuse us of something that didn't happen (saying "we changed our minds and wanted 3 orders") he said it was our fault for not saying something in the first place....So what- if we did, the food was already made, that's still money wasted for a misunderstanding from the server and yet.....it's OUR fault!? I'd don't expect a fine dining experience everywhere but I DO expect a better sense of hospitality than that- ESPECIALLY from a place that is so well known. Very disappointed. Will not be coming back.

    (1)

  • Alexa T.

    I give this restaurant 1 star for food and 1 star for kitsch appeal. I'm laughing as I write this. And that's the effect of an evening dining at Bob Chinn's! The menu is extensive and hilarious (what's a "crab-crab?") ranging from fried who-knows-whats (this was actually a game we played at the table) to Asian-inspired stir fry. The massive steamed crab was really pretty exciting - we got to meet "Charles" before he was cut up and brought back to our table. I did have a nice feast on crab at Bob Chinn's. All of the staff wears Hawaiian shirts, the menu jumps between continents, and the decor sends you out to sea. The whole experience leaves you unsure of where you are, and that's the appeal of Bob Chinn's.

    (2)

  • Justin D.

    I've been here on 3 different occasions now. Never has this place "blown me away". For the price you pay, the quality of the food is just mediocre. So here is a rundown of my latest experience. We showed up around 6:30 on a Saturday night and waited for about 45 minutes. Once they called our number, we were moved to another line where we waited another 10 minutes before being sent to one more line where we waited 5 minutes. Honestly, your dining experience shouldn't feel like an amusement park. Once we were finally settled in we placed our order immediately so we wouldn't have to wait much longer to eat. We had plenty of "waiting" time earlier allowing us to look over the menu and decide what we wanted well before being seated. So here is what we had: Drinks: Mai Tai - These were good. Definitely had a little kick to em. Pre-dinner: Garlic rolls. The rolls were good, but you better like garlic because these are basically rolls covered in oil and tons of minced garlic. Appetizer: 4 x stone crab claws. I was pretty disappointed with these. They tasted like they just pulled them out of deep freeze and thawed them out shortly before serving them. They were fairly tasteless and watery. Dinner: I had the Red King Crab legs. It was basically 2 big legs for $60. They were just average tasting. They came out luke warm, border line cold with drawn butter and another dipping sauce which kind of tasted like a dijon mustard. On a high note, the meat was very easy to remove and I didn't have to spend several minutes trying to get at it. My other half had the special which consisted of cantonese style scallop and lobster along with crab fried rice. So the lobster and scallops contained 1 single small lobster claw and a bunch of small bay scallops. It was ok, personally I felt the sauce overpowered the flavor of the seafood, but my gf being cantonese enjoyed the flavor. The crab fried rice was good, but definitely not worth what they are charging. Dessert: My gf's meal came with 1/2 slice of any of the pies or cakes. We shared a 1/2 slice of the passion cheesecake. I thought the taste overall was good, but a little on the sweet side and it was mostly angel food cake with a thin slice of cheese cake. So, sorry to several of my friends and fellow yelpers who think this place is something special. I have to disagree. The quality is not worth the price. For great seafood I would choose Joe's Stone Crab or Shaw's Crabhouse.

    (3)

  • Scott B.

    Really. Nothing bad to say and everything good. A staple in the community for many years. It is hard to have a bad meal at my favorite fresh fish place. Service is excellent.

    (4)

  • Amy L.

    Garlic rolls, alaskan king crab, and oysters. Done and done.

    (4)

  • Jeanie S.

    When I hear someone talk about Bob Chinns...all I can think about is how overpriced they are. We went there after a good day of shopping and brought my partners' mom and uncle and aunt from cali who was visiting for a week. They're from the Bay area so of course, it wasn't as good to them as it would of been for others. Our server was great. And since his relatives mainly speak Chinese, he had another server help them out with their order and our food arrived as they had asked for. We all agreed that the food was good but it wasn't great for the monies worth. But honestly, what is up with all the raves about their garlic bread? It wasn't even all that great.

    (3)

  • Diane B.

    I love Bob Chinn's so much that I had them cater my wedding!! So if you really want to enjoy Chinn's, there is really only one way to do it.... 1. when you enter the restaurant, notice the slips of paper showing when the most recent shipments of fish were... pick the most recent one and plan to order that fish. 2. ask to be seated in Tim D's area. If you are so lucky, ask him what he recommends and eat that. But Tim D is not a secret, so if his section is full, then just order what you saw on the door when you entered. 3. enjoy your feast. If for some reason there is something not good about it (has happened maybe once in my lifetime of eating there), tell them... and get something else! My personal favorites? Ahi Poke, oysters, peel and eat shrimp, dungeoness crab, onaga, king salmon, day boat scallops... yuuummm....

    (5)

  • Shailesh J.

    I visited bob chins wid my family . All of us just like to eat fish being from coastal city of mumbai ... I read a lot of reviews about bobchins so thought of treating my family with the best sea food chicago can provide. To be frank I was a bit dissapointed with the quality of seafood and the price ..i think their mai tais are also quite over rated.overall not the experience I was looking for ..

    (3)

  • Chris S.

    Pretty awesome place and it is massive. They are willing to accommodate and make you any meal you want. Oysters were very good and well priced. I ended up having a seafood medley in a marinara minus the pasta. The amount of seafood they provided for the cost was alarming. So much and so good. You can get upscale seafood here or anything you want deep fried if you want to die by the age of 40. Definitely check this place.

    (4)

  • Frank A.

    I can't believe I've never reviewed this place, when I've been here countless times! This place IS the place to go for seafood. I've had a variety of menu items ranging from crab vermicelli, Jona, Alaskan, snow, blue, Lobster, various fish and other stuff I can't remember. It's all excellent. What is really different is that some of the seafood can be cooked in different ways. Yes, other place do this too, but BC's can do it with an Asian flair (Cantonese), which is what I love. One of the memorable times was when we ordered the 32 oz porterhouse w/ 2 lb lobster split down the middle for 2. It was awesome. Yes, they can cook a mean steak! I thought the garlic rolls are a lil overrated, but everything else on the menu is REALLY good. Haven't had one bad experience. Great drinks and service as well. BTW. Don't sleep on the crab claw appetizer in garlic. I can pretty much inhale that dish EASILY and have room for more!

    (5)

  • Mauricio L.

    This Place is Huge! Came here with a party of 20. They quickly sat us in a private room towards the back of the restaurant.. We came here on a Tuesday and this place was packed. I ordered the surf and turf, which came with a good amount of crab legs and a steak. The crabs were awesome! Can't say much for the steak though. Well it's Bob Chinn's Crab House, not Bob Chinn's Steak House, so I can't really complain. I had a couple of Bob Chinn's famous Mai Tai's which came in a nice souvenir cup. We were even greeted by Mr. Chinn himself toward the end of our meal. I will definitely come back here again, just not for the steak.

    (4)

  • Eric B.

    Successful restaurateurs occasionally thank loyal customers with special events which may involve freebies or significant price rollbacks. But as often happens, such well-intentioned promotions can draw in more customers than the restaurant can handle. Bob Chinn's one-day Anniversary Special was a prix-fixe dinner for two. This included two Mai Tais, two cups of soup, one shared appetizer, two entrees, and two desserts. All of this for an unbelievable $30. The same items ordered individually off the current dinner menu would total closer to $90. Yep, it was the most intense mob scene we've ever experienced there. Chinn's does not take reservations and the hostess was telling new arrivals to expect a 2-hour-plus wait. Fast-forward to 7 PM, when we were finally seated. Our friendly and alert server advised us to order asap because the kitchen had already run out of the stone crab claw entree and was perilously low on other items. The Mai Tais were served full-strength in the iconic souvenir tiki cups. Decadent garlic rolls dripping with olive oil arrived next, then Chinn's New England clam chowder, which rivals any I've had out East. We were also delighted with the crab vermicelli - chunks of crabmeat stir-fried with cellophane noodles - and fried calamari. Yes, all portions were full-size. The prime rib entree came medium-rare as ordered (Chinn's serves steakhouse-caliber beef). Steamed Asian basa filet in a teriyaki broth with scallions fell short of greatness because it arrived lukewarm. By 8 PM the only remaining dessert options were red velvet cake and mud pie. We did not suffer. Indeed, Chinn's ran out of most Anniversary Special items not long after we ordered. Although our experience was good, those who arrived later were surely disappointed, and rightly so after waiting hours for a table. Chinn's offers other specials, though, so my advice is to sign up for their email list and get there early!

    (4)

  • Megan K.

    Bob Chinn's is hands down the best place to get seafood in the Chicagoland area. I live nearby so I go there all the time. Its our go-to place for all occasions. I highly recommend the Surf and Turf with Bairdi Snow Crab legs and an 8 oz NY strip steak.

    (5)

  • Mikey J.

    I've eaten seafood on the East coast, West, South, and even on the islands of the U.S, but I always come back to Bob Chinn's for some good ol' fresh and tasty seafood. I'm not sure why this is my favorite seafood restaurant in the country: maybe it's the casual, family-like atmosphere or the quick and friendly service. Could it be those delicious garlic bread rolls or the mai tais? Maybe the Kona crab or those delicious Hawaiian/Asian inspired desserts? If you're ever in the neighborhood, I highly recommend it. Bring some friends you haven't seen in a while and get ready for a wonderful catch-up.

    (5)

  • Dina E.

    Bob Chinn's is always good and consistent.

    (5)

  • Chuck G.

    Bob Chinn's is a special kind of restaurant that you should only go to knowing ahead of time what to expect. Below are some rules to follow to fully enjoy this wonderful place: -After 5pm, expect to wait, especially if you have a group larger than 4 people. It won't be a long wait but you will stand in line like at Disney World. -Expect the freshest and tastiest seafood you have ever eaten. Obviously the crab is the highlight item, but the clam chowder is (as 2 friends have told me) better than any they have ever had, including in Boston. -Expect nothing fancy. This is not a restaurant you go to for the ambiance. It is loud, crowded, and busy. The wait staff is constantly running from table to table. Be careful when you go to the (awesome) salad bar. -Expect an average to slightly above-average steak. Why would you go here and not eat seafood anyways? -Do not expect fine china and mother of pearl inlaid flatware. You are paying for the food. This is a fairly expensive restaurant so eating on upgraded cafeteria plates might put some people off. Not me though. -Expect above-average but not great service. During their busiest times, the service can be a little slow. Large and popular restaurants often suffer from this. -Expect a very strong and very tasty Mai-Tai. They are known for these, and they are awesome. The sometimes slow service prevents me from giving Bob Chinn's 5 stars but their food should earn them 6. Oh, and I hope you like garlic. The garlic rolls come dripping in garlic butter. I think I just blocked an artery typing this. Yum!

    (4)

  • Christine W.

    bob chinn's = love casual atmosphere, wide selection of fresh seafood, and friendly staff. we always eat family style and our standard dinner consists of: king crab legs (steamed), kona crab (ginger onion), asian sea bass (steamed asian style), and seafood primavera. along with each entree, you get your choice of side (free refills), so we add rice, veggies, and potatoes to the mix. and let's not forget the free garlic rolls and coleslaw. our tab for this feast is usually around $150 for our party of 4, but we leave with a nice doggybag for lunch the next day, too! the kona crab (ginger onion) is my absolute FAVORITE! the crabmeat has a unique, slightly sweet taste and is very tender. fair warning: be careful of the little shell bits as you're devouring this dish. you have to do a little work to finagle the crabmeat out of the shell, but you're soon rewarded with melt-in-your-mouth goodness. i recently stopped by for lunch on a weekday and was surprised with the selection and affordable prices. my boyfriend and i shared one of their "super lunch specials" ($21) which included a mai tai, salad, coleslaw, king crab meat fried rice, lobster claws with scallops in a cantonese sauce, and 1/2 slice of dessert. all of that paired with their free garlic rolls was just the right amount of food for one delicious lunch for 2! i've been eating here for YEARS and have always left happy... although sometimes suffering a food coma.

    (5)

  • Angela H.

    Bf and I hardly ever get the same thing off the menu but the Special Menu Item seemed like such a great deal - mai tai lite, clam chowder, lots of seafood and half a slice of pie! sadly it was a huge dissapointment. reminded me of really bad chinese food. the food didn't even come out hot.

    (2)

  • Jessie N.

    I was taken along to Bob Chin's during a visit up north. My coworker had been raving about this place for months and I finally got the chance to try it. We came after the lunch rush so we were seated right away. The pros: Garlic rolls - These things are AMAZING. Luckily my friend had eaten these before and had the good sense to ask for extra napkins before they were even brought over. Waiter - Ours was very attentive (Could also be because we were one of the only tables seated in her section). Food - The fish was delicious and FRESH. They pride themselves on flying in fresh fish daily and you can really taste it. The one and only con: Price - A tad bit on the high side. Could be for the price of flying in all that fish daily (side note - check out the bills in the front for proof!) Luckily I was on a trip for work and was able to get the bill comped. I can't wait to try this place again. I will definitely be getting one of those yummy looking mai tais next time!

    (4)

  • Adrienne M.

    I've been coming here ever since I was little, and once again just recently went for my Anniversary. I love this place so much and have tried everything from the seafood to the pasta to the steak, and there is NOTHING that has disappointed me. There's a reason this restaurant is one of the top places in the nation!

    (5)

  • Dan K.

    Oh yeah, now were talking. A huge and famous place with the best surf and turf I have ever had, king crab and not lobster. It is always chaotic when we go but I would not have it any other way. Food somehow gets to us in the mosh pit of people eating good food.

    (5)

  • Melisha S.

    Really disappointing experience at Chinn's. The restaurant is dated, service is terrible and the food was unforgettable in the worst way. Calamari was ok, crab vermicelli appetizer was weird and gross. Steaks not cooked correctly, crab over-cooked. I don't know how this place is still open. We won't be back. Waste of time and money.

    (1)

  • J T.

    Overrated.

    (2)

  • Brady H.

    This place is massive and a Chicago area institution. I only go for the king crab legs - and over the years the prices have gone up a lot. I recently read that in the past the king crab season was short so each captain and crew would work long and dangerous hours to haul in as many crabs as they could. Dangerous conditions for the workers, but good news for people like me since this meant a glut of crabs and low prices. However, I recently was wondering why the prices of crabs has gone up and I no longer see "discounted" prices - the people in charge of king crab season have changed the rules. I believe now each boat receives a quota and they have more or less as much time as they need to flil that quota, so no need to work 48 hours at a time in a dangerous storm. The supply of crabs is now much more regulated so no more glut and no need to sell any at low prices. Sigh. Well, the gauva juice is still a good deal.

    (4)

  • Ken K.

    The steak was the only thing that could have been better here, though rumor has it that in terms of steak, this is one of the highest grossing restaurants in the country. Whatever. Other than that, the garlic bread, the crab legs and the fried rice as a side (ingenious) were absolutely gratifying. I do have one regret: not ordering my own clam chowder. Holy sweet mother of... that was a mighty fine cup of clam chowder. I devoured my friend's in 3.7 seconds flat. It's okay, he lives in Chicago. He can go back and get another one.

    (4)

  • Mike B.

    This is the must eat restraunt in Chicagoland! The seafodd is fantastic especilally the crab legs...the best I have ever eaten. Have a Mai Tai and keep the glass...our favorite cups now at home.

    (5)

  • Steven M.

    Came here to celebrate a late bday. It was on an early Sunday afternoon and there was no wait. I was reluctant to come here because of the cattle call I remember it was. Wait to get in, hurry your ass up to order, get your food in under 5 and get the hell out. That was not the case. It was pleasant and the server was on top of us the whole time. Those rolls soaked in olive oil and garlic were pretty good. And the salad bar would have been a meal in itself. With guacamole, bacon, pickled garlic and just about anything else you could want. I didn't have any room in the big bowl that they gave me for the salad. I ordered the asian basa with mango chutney on top of a bed of sweet mashed. The fish was light and tender, but the mango made the day. I did have a piece of cheese cake because I just wasn't completely stuffed. The menu seemed a little busy, but we all got what we wanted and left content.

    (5)

  • Janice M.

    Back when I used to live in the northern suburb area of Chicago, I had gone to Bob Chinn's several times. As you walk in, there is a little gift shop that sells Bob Chinn's goodies. I thought it was odd but I later found tons of Bob Chinn's cups from that gift shop that my aunt has collected over the years of going to Bob Chinn's. The meal always starts with those yummy garlic rolls. I usually fill my stomach half full with those rolls before getting to the entree. Another awesomeness about this restaurant is their daily fresh catch. It is whatever that comes in that day and it changes from day-to-day. I thought it was super neat! It reminds me of those restaurant by the ocean that I used to go to back when I lived in Bangkok. For a seafood restaurant in a midwest, Bob Chinn's does pretty well in terms of having fresh seafood and the food here is decent. In addition, for how busy this place gets, the service is top notch! The waiters/waitresses are on top of things! Also, it always makes you feel welcomed when you see an old man in hawaiian shirt goes from one table to another making sure everything was going alright. :) There has not been once that I didn't see Bob when I visited Bob Chinn's . So, Why 4 star? As you have read from other reviews, this place is absolutely LOUD and not an ideal place to if you have an infant. Also, the wait sometimes can be extremely unpleasant.

    (4)

  • Will S.

    When Bob Chin is still the host you know your in the right place... Why are you even reading a review... Hands down a must and post your 5 stars later!

    (5)

  • Mill V.

    I got crabs. I got the Ex-crab-agonza to try a little of everything. Kona, King, Dungeness, and Snow and A BIG PRAWN came with the meal. Loved every crab, really loving the king crab. My mom got the scallops, and those were tender and buttery, just perfect. We started with the sashimi plate. It is a little underwhelming. The tuna was mediocre. The salmon and hamachi were great. The half shell scallops were tasty. It was a completely awesome experience. Food came out lightning fast. We went on a Saturday, and it went smooth. We also got dessert, the little piece of Bob's heaven. It was good, but I can pass on it next time. Wasn't a fan of the mai tai, I have had damn good ones, this one was just ok. Next time, all I want is king crab. Be ready to spend big! Totally worth it.

    (4)

  • Joann K.

    I don't even know where to start with this place... Hands down the best Mai Tai. You have to be careful with these because it tastes so delicious you don't even realize there's alcohol and it'll hit you out of no where. If you order the larger size you get to take home a tiki cup! The garlic bread rolls are to die for. Bread rolls smothered in oil and little chunks of garlic...YUM YUM YUM! If you want more just ask but don't eat too many so you can enjoy the main course. My mom would always say that Bob Chinn's is the only place she'll order raw oysters because they're fresh and don't taste/smell fishy. Now that I am older I enjoy eat their oysters and understand what my mom was talking about. Other places it just tastes like you have a slimy piece of the ocean in your mouth...not here! My go to dish is the lobster tail and filet mignon. The lobster tail is always perfectly cooked and dipping it into the butter... my mouth is just watering writing this review. And YES I said steak! Not only is their seafood delicious but so is their steak. My parents always order the dinner for two. Its a 32oz porterhouse and 20oz of fresh king crab legs. For a massive piece of meat, its always well seasoned and cooked perfectly. They also offer grilled onions to go with the steak which is a perfect touch of sweetness. The sides are delicious as well. They have everything from potatoes, variety of veggies, and fried rice. I always get the potatoes but after trying their fried rice I'm always in a dilemma now. I would HIGHLY recommend coming here for happy hour as well. They have something to satisfy everyone. Everything from pastas, pizza, oysters, burgers, and pay a little more and you can get steak! I have nothing but good things to say and good memories from Bob Chinn's. I highly recommend coming here for dinner. It can get busy on the weekends so expect a long wait. Enjoy!

    (5)

  • Jerome J.

    I've never eaten here that I didn't like. PERIOD. From the garlic rolls, to the mai tais, to the steaks (you have to have great steak at a seafood place in the Chicago area), to the crab claws, crab legs, lobster, to the dessert (try the Bob's Slice of Paradise), it's all delicious! Definitely takes me back to Hawaii with his island-inspired dishes. Everything's very fresh and well prepared. It's not fancy dining, but it's fun and good eating. Breakfast is awesome too. It gets crazy around holidays when all of the offices have their gatherings, but it's worth the wait.

    (5)

  • Leslie S.

    If you have alot of money to piss away, go here. If you like a dirty environment this is the place for you. The latest flood closed the place for a few days. It was hoped it was forever but they are back. In the past they were closed by the board of health for violations. Now you can enjoy the old filth along with new mold and decay from the flood. We used to go here for special occasions, however, the last visit changed that. My aunt ordered dungeness crab and was told they were sold out. A few minutes later she over heard somone else order it with no problem. When we inquired why, the waitress confided that Bob Chinn likes to save this dish for his Asian customers! I hope Mr. Chinn doesn't crave matzo ball soup in a deli and get refused becuase he is not Jewish. Bob Chinn's reputation of being cheap and nasty to his employees precedes him. Keep youor crab and get a case for yourself. Bye.

    (1)

  • Emily M.

    I've been going here for years. Had my first Oyster at the age of 2 right here at Bob Chinn's. So I know the quality food there is, and has been. I was thoroughly sa

    (4)

  • Kei A.

    Not good at all. Seems pretty dirty as you walk in and are seated. The server had a horrible attitude and seemed to want her tip and get us out of there as quickly as possible. Didn't refill our drinks nor gave a single shred of a shit if we needed anything. The garlic bread fell down a steep hill from a few years back. Oily as all hell and soggy. The food wasn't much, either. It seems Bob has become more of a cheapskate since last time.

    (2)

  • Mercedes H.

    Another suburban institution whose reputation for amazing seafood is a bit exaggerated. Have to take it in the context of its location---slim pickings in the suburbs for great memorable meals so if something is good, it gets hyped up to astronomical proportions. Prepare to wait for a table during weekends. Are there better places in the city for seafood? Yes. Can you make do with Bob Chinns if you are out there? Yes. Do you need to make the journey for this experience? No.

    (2)

  • Meghan H.

    I was FINALLY able to try Bob's for the first time and it was quite good! The garlic rolls were decent, perhaps a tad overhyped. Though I do love the abundance of garlic cloves on them and how they are super buttery...mmm Great service! - Our waitress so kindly separated the checks for our party of five with no apparent annoyance and even offered to split the cost of the dessert that we had ordered to share between the different checks. Whoaaa - that's a new one - nice! Basically - attentive and considerate workers. I definitely love how you didn't feel rushed eating here. The restaurant is always super packed and people are always waiting, but they don't hurry you out of the place at all. More on the food...so I ordered the Snow Crab Legs (16oz) and it was quite a bit of food! Not to mention, super fun to eat! (I looooove "interactive" food that takes a while to eat and involves some sort of movement or task - aka snapping legs) AND a super bonus to dining here is that they have literal sinks right next to the table for diners to use after they have finished butchering their fish/crustacean of choice - SWEET! And OMG the Paradise Cake that my friend convinced us to order for dessert was utter paradise. FANTASTIC. If there is one take-away from this review it is that you must order the slice of Paradise Cake, for sure! I can't even describe what it is (because I really don't know....) or what it tastes like (because it is that unique and delicious). Get it.

    (4)

  • Dustin T.

    This will be and has been my favorite restaurant of all time. If I were to to face capitol punishment, I would ask for the garlic kona crab with prime strip steak from bob chin's. It is pricey, but it is totally worth it every once in awhile.

    (5)

  • Jen W.

    Their bar menu has degraded over time. Don't ever try any of their pastas from the bar menu. They are sauce free. It's almost like a serving of pasta noodles in a bowl. Also, the servers during the happy hour are not the happiest and can be rude.

    (1)

  • Namon K.

    Very good place to eat. Love eating at this place for the salad bar.

    (5)

  • Sandy D.

    It's good but afterwards I felt like I swallowed a brick.

    (3)

  • Jeff G.

    We have had lunch at Bob Chinns crab house several times, each time I was there I had to have the seafood chowder, it's very good loaded with seafood and very flavorful. Today I had the sockeye salmon, it was good perhaps a touch overseas, but good nevertheless. Our waitress was fantastic and our order came very quickly. The garlic buns are fantastic and loaded with garlic. A good restaurant and I will eat here again.

    (4)

  • Jennifer T.

    I definitely love this place like I love crabs. But be warned, It's always crowded here and probably because they are an landmark of their own. The day I went, it was a Saturday night back in February (26th) and their entire foyer was filled with people waiting to be called in for their party. The wait was roughly about 1.5 hour long which would seem ridiculous but when you look at all the hundreds of people standing there waiting with you, you wonder there has to be something here that makes this place so great. Well for one, they have such a huge selection on their menu that it will make any seafood lovers think that they've just died and gone to heaven. There are so many options to choose from that I had no idea what I wanted. I knew I wanted crabs but when I saw that there are 10 different crabs I can get, I was blown away. That night, they even passed out menus while we were waiting in line to be seated to make our ordering time faster. I went with my BF and his family that night and when we got to the table, we couldn't wait to start the meal. Here is the break down of some of the memorable foods we ordered and my commentary: Crab cakes & Alfredo pasta- boiled better than fried. Joe's Crab Claws- 4 pieces for $11 Ahi Mahi Stirfry- chow fun noodles Kohan Crabs- sweet and warm,.whole crabs Sirloin Steak- 16oz. Prime rib, juicy and tender. I had the Crab Claws and they were definitely worth the $11 for an appetizer. I've been to other restaurants where it was $14 for one crab claw! It was meaty and good but if you really want to go for crabs, get the Kohan meal which was what my BF's mother got. The portion for that was huge and the meat is served warm. All of their crabs are fresh and so savory. The Kohan's meat taste particularly sweet. I would definitely get this dish on my next trip back. Now the only thing I wouldn't recommend from this experience is if you get crab cakes, don't get them fried. If you do, they cover your crab cake in a layer of tater-tots-like coating that really ruins the taste of the crabs because it makes your cake taste starchy and at some parts that was burnt, the potatoes were just hard. I'm just not fond of fried potatoes on my crabs. My BF got the Ahi Mahi Stirfry and it was really well flavored with a good amount of fish. Imagine a sort of fish chow fun noodle dish. If you like seafood and you like Chinese food and you don't want to get your hands dirty (like him), this is your dish. Overall, Bob Chinn's has great eats! Come ready to get your hands dirty. This place is apt to cater to ridiculous amount of people so it's a good place for big groups. Service is good but busy. It's has more of a casual and noisy ambience than a fancy atmosphere. It would make a great place for family dinner or a good meal with friends..

    (4)

  • Sarah S.

    I was excited to try the garlic rolls after all the raving on Yelp. I was very underwhelmed. They looked like they would be so tasty but they just were not that great. I don't get the hype on those. I'm allergic to shellfood so I went the very boring route of getting a philly roll. Looking over the menu, most entrees were $30 though and I was happy i was allergic because I couldn't justify paying that much at a place that wasn't amazing. My philly roll was very tasty and the fish was fresh in it. Big, thick pieces which made me a happy girl. Our waiter was very helpful! He was a crab expert, showing us how to properly break them as he did it so swiftly. Great service. All in all, great if you're into seafood but I'll probably pass on going back.

    (3)

  • Kristine K.

    Let me start off with there garlic rolls,, so so good! There shrimp cocktail is very good and fresh. Of course we got the crab legs and it was def worth the money (you get what you pay for) staff is very knowledgeable as well. We will be coming back for sure!

    (5)

  • Dax R.

    This place was my go to seafood place growing up in the burbs. It seems that the food didn't change too much besides the quality and portions...a lot smaller and less fresh then I remembered. The service is still good!

    (3)

  • Bill T.

    Been eating and drinking here for longer than I want to admit. Food is always fresh and delicious. They are known for their seafood but also have some of the best steaks I've had. Their signature drink is the Mai Tais but I prefer their other drink Liliquoi Lime it's a good summer type of fruit juice drink with Vodka instead of rum used in the Mai Tais.

    (5)

  • A A.

    This is my favorite place to go. My wife asks me when we go other places if it is better then Chinn's. My answer is always no. There is a reason why this place ranks number 1 in Forbes!!!! The answer is because they are the BEST. We try to go at least once a month. My mother will make the drive from Rockford just to go here. The garlic rolls are awesome!!

    (5)

  • Chul S.

    Honestly I don't understand people giving five or four stars to this restaurant!! Bob Chinn is highly over priced, their decor is over the date. Chicken my friend ordered was just like the one we get from frozen food section at Jewel or Mariano. Crab noodle was tasteless and over cooked soggy. Fish I ordered was okay, but still it was just white tilapia fillet I could buy four of them at $5 at Fresh Farm. Their famous garlicky bread was too greasy... no idea why people praising it. I felt like I was cheated after coming out from this place hoped or better than what reviews said about this place. First time yelp's review had failed me... I won't be going back to so-famous over rated Bob Chinn again.

    (1)

  • Robert M.

    My husband and I go to Bob Chinn's for almost every special occasion. We always get the same things - king crab for me and surf n' turf for him - so I can't speak about the WHOLE menu, but what we have is almost always excellent. I say almost because there have been a couple of instances when my husband's steak was just okay. For the price of Bob Chinn's, the food should always be amazing. The prices seem to keep increasing, and I don't know much about seafood market prices to know if that's reasonable, but if you're looking for a special occasion restaurant, this place hits the mark food-wise. The salad bar is good, though not super extensive, and definitely over-priced. The homemade sauce they serve with the crab legs is delicious! I almost can't eat crab legs without their sauce! Yum... Mai tais are good, and you get to take home the souvenir cup. Desserts are just okay. We usually go somewhere else after dinner to get better desserts at a lower price.

    (4)

  • Vince V.

    I honestly haven't had any dish from Chinn's that has blown me away and I've been coming here for close to 20 years. That isn't a problem though because Bob Chinn's has been serving up a familiar recipe for success that capitalizes on their strengths. Get quality seafood conveniently flown in from the nearby airport. Prepare dishes simply, season everything well. Let the diners have their fun with the signature Mai Tai's and don't apologize for the garlicky, olive oil laden dinner rolls. People will either be repelled by the oiliness or in my case, be drawn in for seconds. If you put chowder on the menu, do it very well, creamy, potato-y and clam-a-riffic. At the end of each visit, I feel like I've had a very good meal. The only reason for not giving 5 stars is I'm still waiting for that super memorable dish. Still, not too shabby.

    (4)

  • Jason W.

    I've been going here since I was a kid. I've eaten here several times an usually there is not an issue with anything when you eat here. We were four dining for mothers day (Sat night) and had a pretty rocky experience. Our server was fantastic, but we had several issues with the meal. First, we watched two tables next to ours receive food that was either grossly overcooked or not what they had ordered. They were not even close to happy when they left. Second, the food runner did not deliver the appropriate utensils for our meals (no cracker for crab shells etc). Third, my father ordered the tuna rare. There was no seasoning on the tuna, and there was a flat hunk of gristle in his piece of meat that was quite chewy. He did not enjoy his meal at all. Fourth, I found a blonde curly hair in my green beans. I'm usually not too scared off by this, and its not a huge issue for me to skip the green beans and have another garlic roll, but it IS still a hair. Fifth, my wife had a ton leftovers as we went a little crazy on the appetizers and soup. She heated it up as a late night snack and was unhappy to find a second hair in her crab stuffed fish. This time it was a short black hair. She was unable to finish the leftovers which was approx 90% of her meal. My meal was great, steak perfect and crab was good. Thankfully mom's meal was good as well or else it might have been a fiasco. We all didn't want to complain and ruin the dinner. Not too sure if we will go back as we travel from the city, and there are so many restaurants with comparable pricing and superior product that this may have been our last visit to the busiest restaurant I have ever eaten at.

    (2)

  • Josan K.

    This place was the best. The garlic rolls are still awesome. Can't complain about service. It just feels like the magic and luster of this place is gone. Another reason for low review, they got rid of the lunch specials! I would still give the restaurant four stars based on dinner. They had a nice taco bar. I could get my garlic rolls fix and get some good cheap eats...Now i have to head to the bar or dining area and not get the specials anymore...

    (3)

  • Yanyao N.

    Once I came to the realization that Bob Chinn's was reasonably close to J's work, I decided that we needed to go explore (with his Danish co-worker, no less!) After all, Bob Chinn's is a Chicagoland institution. I'd heard about the size, the shirts, the garlic rolls, and the Mai Tais... and everything was as expected. The restaurant is HUGE. There are 2 different lines depending on your party size - you check in, get handed menus, walk to another host stand, and then are pointed out to your seats. Not the best atmosphere, but fitting for the restaurant, bordering on gimmicky - this is no GT or Shaw's. Come here to get silly over some Mai Tais with friends. Since we were there crazy early, I totally took advantage of their Surf and Turf special that runs Monday through Friday until 6pm. Choice of strip streak or prime rib, choice of seafood (runs from fried clams, to fried shrimp, or you can upgrade to the Kona crab), choice of side, soup/salad, dessert, AND a Mai Tai Cooler (wine-based, instead of rum-based) or beverage... all this for $14.99 (or $24.99 for the Kona option). A ridiculously good deal! It definitely makes eating an early bird dinner worthwhile. The garlic rolls lived up to the hype. Absolutely slathered in garlic and butter, these are the most flavorful dinner rolls you will ever come across. The Surf and Turf dinner was also enjoyable - the prime rib wasn't the best in the world, but it was meaty and satisfying and I was only paying $25 for a great dinner deal. No complaints.. especially not after a pitcher of Mai Tais. Cold, fruity, delicious. The perfect way to kick off the weekend!

    (3)

  • Steve B.

    I really don't know what else to say other than this is by far my favorite restaurant. Before I talk about the food, the main thing that shines about this establishment is the consistency. I have probably been here over 100 times and each and every time the service has been phenomenal and the food has even been better. To start, of course the garlic rolls are super tasty and the mai tais go down quite well. I have had steak, prime rib, fish and just about everything else on the menu. Everything is good, but if you dont order the crab here you are making a serious mistake. I've had the king crab, snow crab, jonah stone, and the blue crab claw app. I've tried ordering crab legs all over the country and haven't ever had near the quality that bob chinns serves. Their crab legs are just simply out of this world. If price is of a concern, go with the snow crab which is always plump and served steaming hot. That is my personal favorite, but if you are willing to splurge try out the king crab and it will pretty much be the best dish you've ever had. When it comes to dessert, they have really neat dishes like luau cake with lychee sherbert and a bunch of other super tasty desserts. Everything is fresh and made in house. I simply cant stress enough how insanely good this place is.

    (5)

  • Michael L.

    Great food, great service! Its worth a little more than in used to but you can't go against the quality and selection they have here.

    (5)

  • Sherri B.

    When the waitress says,"there's coleslaw if you want," what she means is that it sucks so don't bother. And yes, the mixed drinks are fruity weak. And your water glass is plastic. No matter. The crab legs are why you're here, and they're fantastic. Go on Tuesday, and you can get 16 oz of the best snow crab south of Alaska for $20. They're huge and meaty and wonderful. If you can eat before 6pm, you can also get a dozen oysters or 18 shrimp for $7. And if you have room for something a little sweet afterwards, they sell half slices of many of their desserts. I love snow crab, and I'm so satiated and happy right now...

    (4)

  • Ryan J.

    How they don't have 5 stars is a shock to me. This is the best restaurant on the planet!! The crablegs are phenomenal and the prime rib is divine. The service is always great and the atmosphere is relaxed and very beach hut/almost Hawaiian themed. Such a great place, I'm a lifetime customer. The only complaint I have is.. the prices. I understand that the cost of fishing gets higher as the years pass, but nearly doubling the cost of the surf and turf plate, which consists of 10oz king crab legs and an 8oz prime rib and a few sides, from $37.99 to $54.99 is really disappointing, and shocking. They've also limited the sides from 3 to 2 which is strange. Even still, I will never stop coming here.. That's how good it is.

    (5)

  • Shannon R.

    Fabulous fresh seafood. Prices are up there but well worth it! Great service! Even saw Bob's son shaking hands with patrons. (Bob is 91 and lives in Hawaii but visits nightly when in town!). Perfection.

    (5)

  • Dave C.

    Bob Chinn's has a chart on the wall that shows the restaurants with the highest number of people visiting per year. Chinn's, of course, is in the top group. That should tell you something right there. Here are the key points: - Food is great, fresh, can't miss with the specials - Mai Tai is their signature drink; people even buy it and take it home - The garlic rolls always disappear; people love 'em - Menu is very diverse; can please everyone - Fast-paced; you get served fast - they don't rush you - but you'll be out faster than you expect - Everything is fresh; stuff is cooked, steamed, etc... no microwaving here - They have a raw bar and salad bar - these get replenished continually - Atmosphere is on the noisy side; yet you can hear each other in conversation

    (5)

  • M M.

    Everything I had was delicious!!!!!!!! They messed up on my medium well, but that's okay, they replaced it. Wait for food was a bit long, but fresh so understandable.

    (5)

  • Aiden H.

    First of all their calamari and shrimp are to die for if u haven't tried I highly recommend it. Their garlic rolls are the best around. Thier service was good we got seated pretty quickly and not just me but my whole family loves this place. If u like seafood this is the spot all kinds fish crab lobster shrimp calamari are all the best. I dont know how anyone can not give this place five stars. Their fries are also amazing a little dry but just add some salt and their amazing so dont take it from me try yourself and I promise u a wonderful restaurant but it is a little expensive so bring a lot of cash but it is definitely worth so go try it u will be so happy after u are done :) :)

    (5)

  • Nona K.

    Been going here since 1989. The quality has gone down quite a bit. The prices are no longer justified by quality and quantity here. I would not recommend it. Crab legs used to be great now the price is too high with smaller portions. The clam chowder has become more starchy and not as meaty over the past few years as well. It's unfortunate that a one time great resturant has lower it's standards.

    (2)

  • Joan A.

    I've been for this place for dinner, which is fantastic, so my friends decided to give this place a whirl for breakfast. We got there at 9 AM (it opens at 8 for breakfast), and it was completely empty - the lights were off, there was no hostess at the front, and the chairs in the front room were still pull away. We were so confused. We walked to the back though, and a waitress was sitting in a chair playing with her phone. "You here for breakfast?" (Uh, no, we just like to explore restaurants for fun.) While my crab eggs benedict was yummy, the menu made it sound like you would only get one with a side. To my surprise, two massive benedicts show up with tons of homefries. Unfortunately wasn't really in a stuff-my-face mood, so sadly one benedict had to go to waste. My friends both got the potato crusted omelette stuffed with cheese, green onion, and portuguese sausage. I had a bite and the potato was nice and crispy - it was actually impressive how they did it. But each only had a measly five pieces of sausage for the massive 3-egg omelette! Sadly, the side fruit salad they each had was 2 wedges of orange, and one piece of cantalope. Really?

    (2)

  • Sha M.

    This place has the best fish you can get anywhere, and the scalops are awesome.

    (5)

  • Lindsay B.

    Um, no. $70 for mediocre crab (crab extravaganza) that my husband got and the sampler fish plate that had mushy fried dough around fish nuggets. Oh and shrimp cocktail. (Actually, the shrimp cocktail was good.) Seriously? I've had better fried fish at freakin' Long John Silver. And their amazing out of this world complimentary garlic rolls? Decent dinner rolls with oil, fresh chopped garlic, and chopped parsley dumped on top. I don't get how this place is so popular. Outdated, dark, dingy interior and subpar food. For $70? Should have gone to Shaw's. Or Pappadeaux where we know for sure that the food is dependably delicious. Actually pissed about our lunch here. It was a wasted meal and wasted $70. No, we won't be going back to try something else.

    (1)

  • Tom B.

    Over-rated. Has the ambience of a college cafeteria.

    (1)

  • Celina B.

    I hadn't been here in awhile, and we were not necessarily tired of our usual seafood place but looking for something new. It was Mother's Day and my mom just wanted to rest and my boyfriends Mom had just had her birthday the day before and like some mom's- didn't feel like celebrating. I have a dog though, so it's obvious we had to go to dinner for me... or something ANYWAYS... We knew it would be a long wait being as it was a holiday, and they're crowded normally but we didn't mind because we grabbed some drinks at the bar. First up- bloody mary. Average. But the olives- blue cheese ones AND anchovies! HOLY WONDERFUL! But, we realized we weren't really in the mood for them. They were super heavy to drink down so the bartender, noticing we hadn't touched much of it, offered to give us something different without the charge. Obvious choice- mai tai! Large one so we could get the sweet tiki cups of course. At this point, our table was ready... or so we though. We get up there and you go into a line of people- I felt like I was going to ride a roller coaster or entering a haunted house. When you get up to the front of that line, they direct you to another line. When you're at the front of that line, there's a guy across the restaurant waving his arms at you like an air traffic controller and he points out your table. Weird. We obviously needed garlic rolls and some apps as we were STARVING. We tend to go pretty hard on seafood too so we got about 4 or 5 apps. Everything garlic style, cuz that's the smartest thing to do. We were stoked they had oysters, but when we asked what kind they were and where they were from- our waiter seemed to have no idea. Obviously didn't get those. My boyfriend is quite the foodie (snob) and I trust him for my oysters and most food. We went with some garlic shrimp, some crab fingers (they were out of the claws that day) and some a couple others. We each ordered a plate of food and shared. We said we would never be "that" couple, but there we were, in the middle of Bob Chinn's, hand feeding each other crab legs.... Let's blame that on the mai tai's. Other things we can blame on the mai tai's.... the fact that we drank so many we got a FREE bob chin's windbreaker. Embarrassing or sweet- I can't decide. At this point- my boyfriend and I decided we were done and we went to wash the copious amounts of butter garlic off of his hands. That's when I notice a commotion and out comes Bob Chinn himself... SERVING DRINKS! Awesome! My boyfriend came back and I went to ask for a picture in our sweet new windbreaker... phone died. So sad. The food was good, especially when soaked in garlic. But then again I'm pretty sure you could soak my shoe in garlic and I'd probably eat it. Only probably not because I'm a shoeaholic. I think some of the food was only good because of the garlic though. The quality of the seafood was in general ok also. The atmosphere was fun, the weird roller coaster lines was kind of annoying, and we probably won't be going back for a very long time because I think we used both of our savings accounts on that meal. Granted we practically ordered one of everything.. OH DUH! THE DESSERT! I try to be gluten free (it hurts my body) and I was so excited to see gluten free cheesecake. Cheesecake is my FAVE! It was ok. I have nothing to compare it too because I've never had GF cheesecake before, but I don't think I'd want it again. My boyfriend had the purple pie- best decision ever. It was SO good!!! I think that's why I'd go back honestly- purple pie and garlic. And mai tai's.

    (3)

  • Boon K.

    How can you not love the the garlic rolls they serve here. My mom favorite place and she just loves the alaskan crab. The seafood is always fresh and they have so much to offer.

    (4)

  • Danny K.

    I've been coming here for years. I've chatted it up with Bob when he's pressing the flesh. I've been horribly embarrassed in front of Bob when my friend was trying to convince Bob to serve melted Country Crock as an option on the menu for the crab legs... I've got some serious memories of this place. The seafood is amazing here. They get seafood flown in daily from down the street at Palwaukee airport. This could possibly be their undoing also as the prices have noticeable gone up year over year... But, yeah the seafood is amazing here. Fresh ingredients, expertly prepared, but served simply. Really hard to beat that. However, one of my favorite preparations on the menu that pops up on occasion is seared Ahi chow-fun. I have dreams of this thing. Those wide rice noodles fried to oblivion on one side and tender on the other. What some don't realize is that this is a a seafood restaurant that has strong roots in Chinese cuisine and does them well. So don't be afraid to be adventurous and stray from the crab pot. Over the years this location has been adding different tools to its repertoire. They got Sunday Brunch and it ain't bad! They have a happy hour menu, and man the prices are so cheap! First and foremost however, this place is seafood driven and can stand toe to toe to any other general seafood restaurant in the Chicago land area and send nearly all of them home after taking their lunch money. Still, these days I always look away when Bob is walking around... I can not believe my friend so adamantly tried to get Bob to add melted Country Crock to the menu. This friend later had our waitress melt a small bowl of Country Crock that he amassed from the butter dishes that were laid out on the tables at the time... ugh...

    (4)

  • Malkal L.

    I love this plase , it's huge ans so many people are there . I was assuming that they give away food for free , because of haw many people was there . But it was a mistake . They charge for food good price . But you pay for fresh , unbelievable good food . Love the calamari there . Also snow crabs is so yamm . Very clean and homey . You have to chech out . See you .

    (5)

  • Elina S.

    I cannot believe that I'm such a hard core yelp fan and have not had a chance to review one of my favorite seafood places ever! Located about 10 min from my house (how convenient) my family has taken me here since I was like 10 years old, now that's a long time. They do not take reservations, so that is the only minus of this place, and there may be a hefty wait if you come at dinner rush. The place has a very casual, fun, chill atmosphere so need to dress to impress, it's kind of like a dive bar but better, love the wooden tables and the outfits of the servers, always a fun vibe in my opinion. Onto the food, they start you off with their well known and incredible garlic rolls, that are sooo fattening, but soo worth the calories, i have to have at least 2 when I come here because one just doesn't cut it. Now, from their clam chowder, to their calamari, to their crab legs, crab cakes, everything is always fresh and delicious, never had a bad experience with food here. For alcohol, we always get the Mai Tai's here, they are sooo tasty and go so well with the crab legs here. Just writing this review makes me want to stop by there after work for happy hour :) But really, it's always happy hour here since we always leave full and very satisfied. A must try if you are in the burbs!!

    (4)

  • Maria C.

    I was in town for business and a customer suggested we try Bob Chinn's. This place was delicious. There were quite a few interesting menu items. The fish and seafood was so fresh. The calamari was so tender it had us fighting for the last bite. be sure to get the one with garlic and jalapenos.

    (4)

  • Andrea R.

    Some things just taste better in your 20s and Bob Chinn's is one of them. My colleagues and I were just a mile or so away and I insisted that we eat at Bob Chinn's. "It's the best place ever! Wait until you try the garlic rolls! The seafood is to die for!" We arrived about 30 minutes before closing and ordered a variety of stuff to share. I was eagerly awaiting the garlic rolls. They were OK, but nothing worth waiting for. And the seafood was just so-so. Either Bob Chinn's has gone downhill or perhaps my taste has improved with age. Probably the latter. The french fries ended up being my favorite thing we ordered and I did really like our waitress. She told us exactly what we should order and after a long night it was nice not having to make any decisions. I wouldn't hesitate to eat here again in the future, but I won't be expecting the best meal ever next time. Perhaps I just needed to drink a few mai tais along with my meal like I did in my 20s.

    (3)

  • Sarah S.

    Bob Chinn was a great place for my friends and I to have mini college reunion. They were very accommodating to our grp of 13 allowing us a great chance to catch up. We ordered fish of the day (sea bass) Asian style and this was excellent. Fish cooked perfectly and delicious sauce. Crabmeat vermicelli and soft shell crab (salt and pepper) were good. Mac'n cheese with shrimp which was too cheesy and heavy.

    (4)

  • Buortau L.

    This place is a classic in the north suburbs of Chicago. You'll notice a list of the top 10 restaurants in the United States, and Bob Chinn's Crab House is on it. The garlic bread is one of a kind. They usually serve really good Mai Thai here as well as fried Calamari as appetizers. You definitely need to order seafood here because they're known for it. The Pasta Primavera is a dish that I always enjoy when I go there. They do have really good guava juice too!

    (5)

  • Britt C.

    I'm pretty sure you could order anything on the menu and it would be amazing. However, if you haven't tried it you should really try the swordfish! Bob Chinn's was the first place I ever tried swordfish and I absolutely fell in love with it. One time, we tried the blue crab claws....perfect appetizer! Of course you have to get a Mai Tai....heck you can even get a liter to go! But have one there, so you can get a cute tiki cup :)

    (5)

  • Louis O.

    Of course the seafood is outstanding. Crab legs don't get better than this. My gripe is with the pricing. Same pricing structure for lunch and dinner. Prices seem to keep going up and if I'm paying $60 for crab legs, don't charge me an additional $1.50 for sweet potato fries. It's the little things like this that make a difference.

    (3)

  • Emily P.

    I've been there twice, and each time I order some salmon. Other than that, I've had some shrimp there. Service was just okay, but the food makes up for it! It's delicious, but expensive!

    (4)

  • Jen B.

    There is an allure about this place. But past all of the weirdness the food is really good. Definite recommend.

    (4)

  • Richie K.

    Best seafood restaurant in the burbs. Love the laid back atmosphere, and the food is always great. I'm a huge seafood guy so used to only get seafood here. However, I decided to switch it up a bit and order a steak. It was delicious. I'm pretty convinced that everything here is good. Staff is always attentive and can't remember ever having a bad experience.

    (5)

  • Lloyd M.

    Better than I expected, was expecting something totally touristy. It is, but still good quality. Had the king crab legs, which were very tasty and meaty. Really liked the sauce they included though wish I did not have to ask for more butter.

    (4)

  • Yelp O.

    Crazy expensive, the place is a dump, herded into TWO (count em, two!) cattle style lines (even though we had reservations!!!) $300 for four people, one crappy drink. Signature dish, crab legs $65. Lousy Mai Tai served in plastic cups and mass made, dispensed from machine, had very little (if any) booze. Disneyland atmosphere. Crazy loud. Airplane hanger room has tables end to end for 50 feet! Paper napkins. Worn formica table tops, uncomfortable cheap chairs. And they actually charge you to use their parking lot! DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY!!! Go some place nice!

    (1)

  • Valerie W.

    I grew up about 10 minutes from Bob Chinn's and listened to all of my friends rave and rave growing up that their parents took them to Bob Chinn's! Admittedly, I can count the number of times I've been there on one hand. Two fingers, to be specific. The second time was last night. We usually hit the "reverse happy hour" at Kona Grill, but last night I wanted something different. I wanted good food. I wanted seafood... I wanted OYSTERS. Enter, Bob Chinn's happy hour bar menu (3:30-6pm and 9pm-Close.) Everything is $3.25, with the exception of the steak, which is $4.50. A dozen very large, very scrumptious blue point oysters for $6.50? How can you pass that up? $2.50 Newcastle pints (on Mondays). Their Monday crab special is also well worth it... 8oz kona crab and 8oz king crab "fingers" with coleslaw and a side for around $25. We split (aka, I ate 11, he ate 1) a dozen oysters and the Monday crab special. We drank Newcastle pints. He also had some concoction that was the same as a mai tai but sub vodka for rum. Oh, and guys... did you know you can get packaged Bob Chinn's mai tai's to take home?? I already have my next date to go back...

    (4)

  • Helena H.

    MUST DO TRY THIS PLACE If you're from out of town! I will keep this as simple as I can.... 1) MUST TRY THE GARLIC KNOT (Refill) 2) MUSH HAVE THEIR HOMEMADE GUAVA JUICE (Unlimited refill) 3) MUST TRY THEIR GIGANTIC ALASKAN KING CRAB LEG! (I've never seen it SO "BIG" in my LIFE. 4) CANTONESE STYLE LOBSTER MEAT Side dishes were ok... but the main point to eat is SEAFOOD!. A PLUS TO TRY! Ordered Veggies and Fried Rice to add in. But I kept on eating The King Crab leg!. I fell in love with it! Lost count already... But make sure to get your BIB ready to battle with The Crabs! (Fingers against Claws!) Price is Ridiculously high, But worth it! Service is reasonable, Everyone wearing the same Old Bob's uniform that makes it legend!

    (4)

  • Eric R.

    I think this place is solid. But a little over priced, the service was okay and a little slow. My food was ggood but I paid 60 for a 8 oz filet mignon and a arm from a Alaskan king crab leg. Considering I ate at Joe's stone crab I got all the legs for 80 $ and the servings were ala carte. This could be a fun thing for a large family just becarefull the bill could rack up real quick

    (3)

  • Tricia D.

    Wow, what a fun place. When you first walk in, you're directed either down a lane for parties of 4 or less or parties of 5 or more. Feels like you're about to get on an amusement park ride. Then, a hostess hands you menus, and you're guided down a walkway further into the restaurant. At this point, the smells of fish and seafood hit you, you get a full view of the extensive restaurant, and it feels like you're on a cruise ship. Loved the atmosphere and the friendliness of the staff in their bright colored shirts! But... the food could be summed up in one word, and that's BUTTERY. Yes, the garlic rolls are delicious, but they're also soaked in oil and sitting in a pool of butter. I may or may not have reached this conclusion after eating 2. I tried the fish sampler, chargrilled, and got a trio of ahi tuna, halibut, and salmon today. It was accompanied by boiled potatoes (you get the choice of a handful of sides), and the entree was buttery, buttery, and buttery. Prices were steep for the quantity and quality of food received. I had been wanting to come by this place for a long time, am glad I did, but likely won't be back. Ultimately, you go to restaurants to eat, no matter how lively and fun an atmosphere they have.

    (2)

  • Gerry T.

    No, I won't be commenting on the garlic rolls - this review is much more profound and in depth. First, my parents took me here before this little house expanded, before they built their detached garages for their snow plows. In the good old days, Bob himself came to each table to ask you how you were doing, he spends the majority of his time in Hawaii, Oahu I believe. Hence the Hawaiian connection - Kona crab and Hawaiian cake which are flown in fresh. In the 90's they earned HR awards for teaching English on-site to their staff. Fast forward to 2013, and the food is still very good. Now, Bob is rarely around, it's his aloof son that appears to be running things. The staff is still friendly. Everything on the menu is good including the salad bar. Ok, I had about 4 garlic rolls, 6 oysters, cole slaw, calamari and kona crab with NY Strip steak - everything was flavorful and delicious. There's plenty of parking and the place gets loud, it's clearly a favorite for families celebrating a graduation. The snow crab, coconut shrimp, fish (cooked Chinese style), egg foo young.....I could go on and on until the break of dawn but I'll stop right here because I'm thinking about those tempting garlic rolls! One last comment, if you like ube try the purple yam pie, it's very masarap.

    (4)

  • J J.

    Overpriced. Limited menu of non-fish items. Just ok salad bar. Mai mai fish sandwich just ok to fair. Wait service good but arrogant. Maybe if you drink enough the food will taste better.

    (1)

  • Robin C.

    My dear Grandpa Frank went to school with Bob Chinn so we've had many a LARGE family dinner here and have always been taken care of quite nicely over the years. It's always busy, busy, busy for dinner and can include random, multiple points within the restaurant to wait in line. It's not cheap but it's a very fun, bustling, colorful and casual atmosphere; And let's face it: the seafood is just down right GOOD. Let's start with the garlic rolls. Fat, fresh carb rounds rolled in garlic buttah and topped with more garlic and chives. Holy. Crap. I don't tend to like cream-based soups but this clam chowdah is an exception. It's a meal in itself. And guess what?! The crab is great. I know, shocker. So strap on a Bob Chinn's-branded bib and get messy. They list the constantly changing fresh seafood specials at the front of the restaurant, and they always have a huge selection to choose from that's guaranteed to be fresh. Their famous mai tai's come in plastic cups that you can take home (I have a ton, so I guess I've had my fair share of them), and it's a loud family type of atmosphere - the type of place you can buy a branded t-shirt for a souvenir. Definitely a place worth checking out if you're a seafood lover!

    (4)

  • Suzy C.

    I think about Bob Chinns on a daily basis. I wish it wasn't so damn far away. I love the unlimited garlic rolls and my fiance and I ask for refills at least five times. We love the King crab leg and porterhouse combo... that porterhouse comes out sizzling and it is to die for. The whole snapper is probably the best thing they have, but it's not always available. Their desserts are quite excellent too.. they have this pie made of a Japanese purple yam.. beyond delicious. I love Bob Chinns and use every special occasion to force my fiance to drive us miles out to go there.. valentines, birthday, christmas.. you name it.

    (5)

  • Joseph S.

    Frankly, I'm mystified. As we left Bob Chinn's, we read the posted stats (for 2006): 2,000 meals served per day, $60K gross per day, more or less. It's enormously successful. Scanning the yelp.com reviews, obviously many people love the place. I didn't. As you would expect for 2,000 meals per day, it's huge and noisy. Our party of 5 arrived at 8pm on a weeknight. It was quite full when we arrived, but we were seated immediately. It was thinning out but still crowded when we left. Our table was too close to an adjacent table, so a woman seated there kept bumping me and apologizing; it wasn't her fault, it was the table. Decor is downscale, with neither the genuine casual charm of a Maine lobster shack nor the full-on over-the-top tiki weirdness of a Trader Vic's. For me, there was nothing pleasing in decor or environment. Service was adequate but rushed; clearly, moving our table along was a higher priority than making us feel welcome and comfortable. Other Yelpers find the unusual garlic rolls either a huge plus (garlic!) or a huge minus (grease!). I love garlic, and I love butter, but this particular combination seemed misconceived to me, especially for the beginning of the meal. You'll only eat it with a fork, for sure, and there's a sweetness to the roll that IMHO doesn't work well as pre-meal bread. Our server pointedly drew attention to the cole slaw she comped us; good enough slaw, in a tiny portion served in a plastic take-out container, served to everyone in the place. What a generous freebie for a $40 meal! A mediocre mai tai arrived in a plastic souvenir cup; who wants that? I'd much rather drink from a glass, thanks. An odd wooden bowl was provided for the salad bar. My crab/oyster/clam platter arrived with neither small fork nor cracking implement, making the crab very, very difficult to eat. Oysters and clams were not cut from the shell bottom. A stack of rough paper towels served as napkins. The menu is large, confusing, badly organized, poorly explained. I won't generalize about the food, as I was dining with business colleagues and didn't taste any dishes other than my own. My chowder was very heavy and thick, ok but no match for a great chowder. My seafood platter included bluepoints, flawless but unadorned (some meuniere, please?); clams, also fresh but not my favorite bivalves; and cracked crab. No lemon slices until I requested them. At $18, the platter was one of the better deals on the menu. The seafood was fresh, for sure, but the crab was much too cold, served on ice and needing more time than the server wanted to give us to get even close to a reasonable serving temperature. Flavor was lost as a result (disclaimer: I'm a San Franciscan, give me dungeness crab any day instead). One table mate had sushi: good hamachi, but same tasteless crab I had (initially he thought it was a processed product rather than fresh), pricey, less good than at any mediocre sushi bar. Another had decent clams atop uninspired pesto pasta. All presentations were haphazard, never refined, as if nobody cared. The menu seems stuck in the past, and not in a good way. The bottom line for me: it ain't cheap and it ain't great. It was a $40 meal, and absolutely nothing about the experience was memorable or inventive or even pleasant. Time and again, as detailed above, I felt like the restaurant had no clue. It's astonishing to me that it's such a hit; what are the customers thinking? Different strokes, for sure. I won't go back.

    (2)

  • Richard M.

    I've been coming to Bob Chinn's for a very long time and have to say that its a wonderful place to get family or friends together and have a FEAST! If you are into seafood, then this is the place for you. You've got to try the New England Clam Chowder. Heck, that could be your meal in itself. But if you are into surf and turf, they serve some of the best filets I've ever had. Amoung the things that are great... crab legs, lobster tail, and the sea bass (Bob's Style). Don't forget the Mai Tai's. My wife loves the pina coladas here too. The garlic rolls are famous. For a lot of great food, good drinks, and great fun with friends and family. Definitely try Bob Chinn's. It's a good experience. If you've got out of town friends, this is the place to bring them. Warning though, this place gets packed. I don't think they take reservations under 6 people and even then you have to wait in line. But you'll soon find out that its worth the wait.

    (5)

  • Booda B.

    Come to Bob Chinn's, stuff yourself with garlic rolls, enjoy delicious crab, and get silly on Mai Tais. It's a no-fail prescription for gluttonous enjoyment. I've tried several entrees over the past 10 years and haven't loved everything, but I've learned to stick with the crab. It's just wonderful, and the veggies I get on the side are always a nice complement. For special occasions I like the Ex-Crab-A-Ganza, which is as excessive as it sounds. (It's not always on the menu, which changes daily. This is good because it means there 's always something new to consider.) I'm also a huge fan of their delicious, reasonably-priced desserts. My favorite is the Slice of Paradise, an unexplainable purple cream-type pie. The Hawaiian Luau Cake is also good. Bob Chinn's hardly needs another glowing review, but I feel compelled to share because I've had so many great dinners here over the years.

    (5)

  • Stephen B.

    I went here yesterday with friends from college. I had heard about this restaurant for many years. I was excited to go. Upon arrival, the first problem was parking. The lots are large but nearly full. Next, we went in and were greeted. While waiting for our table there were signs telling us where we could not stand. We did not have a long wait. In the restaurant the noise level was very high. It was packed with people. This is usually a good sign of a good restaurant. People want to go there. The menus are printed daily, just off a copy machine. Simple and efficient. I experienced sticker shock. The prices reflected a fine restaurant with suited waiters and waitresses in dresses. Here the staff wears t-shirts and jeans or Hawaiian shirts. The tables are uncovered and are like a cafeteria. They are so close together that there is not room to walk between them. I just ordered the salad bar for about $12. It was nothing special. My wife had a pasta dish. It looked appetizing, but was not $15 appetizing. Our time there was really enjoyable, because of the people we were with, not because of the restaurant. The noise level made conversation difficult. To sum it up, the atmosphere is crowded cafeteria. The prices are very high. The food is acceptable, with generous portions. The staff is attentive but too busy. If I want seafood I will go some other place.

    (3)

  • Patty C.

    I have been coming here the past 10 years for my seafood craving fix. The seafood is always fresh and abundant. The prices are reasonable for seafood, and the quantity is very good. My mom loves the Kona crabs here. She always like it made with ginger and onion. I don't think Kona crabs are available anywhere else in Chicago. I love to order the "dinner 4 two" option. It comes with 20 oz. king crab legs or a 2 lbs. Maine lobster and a grilled 32 oz porter house steak with onions and mushrooms and two sides for $70.95. Great deal! We always stuff our faces. The garlic breads are so good that we always ask to have some to take home. Service always good, and the place is always busy, so the food is always fresh. I will continue to go here for my seafood fix.

    (4)

  • Steven M.

    Wow. How this place has obtained an average of four stars is just beyond me. The food here is just nasty. Went there to sample the appetizer menu. They brought out the garlic bread rolls which were dripping in grease. We started with the crab cake nuggets which were deep fried almost beyond recognition. Thought that maybe we should lighten things up a bit so we ordered some edamame. It's hard to believe but I think the edamame was fried too, or at least sauteed in butter or oil. Kind of disappointing when you are thinking about some nice steamed beans and you get even more grease. Tried the Louisiana blue crab claws in garlic and they were so bland that we only ate a couple (the appetizer has at least 50 of the suckers on there). Finally the clincher. We ordered the "Hamachi" sashimi plate, but what came out was albacore tuna, I kid you not. That takes some nerve for a place to market a dish as one thing and substitute a far inferior ingredient, kind of like putting Filet Mignon on the menu and serving flank steak. Obviously they don't think much of their customers. My stomach is still upset from all the disgusting grease. This place needs to stop bragging about how many of each dish they serve and start focusing on some semblance of quality. I will never go back.

    (1)

  • Mike K.

    I hadn't been to Bob Chinns in about 7 or 8 years. I had forgotten what I was missing. I had a lobster tail and filet. Both were cooked perfectly. The crab cakes are killer, as were the california rolls. Service was pretty good as well. If you haven't had one of their Mai Tai's, those alone are worth the trip. I'm impressed with their wide array of desserts, you really can't go wrong with any of them. I had the pear cheesecake. Fantastic. This place is a must go.

    (5)

  • patrick w.

    I'm from California and the seafood is just as fresh tasting as that from any restaurant on a pier. And the steak was very good as well. As good as the food is, the service was better. I would make this must eat stop for any trip to Chicago.

    (5)

  • Lindsey L.

    THE best in crab in the chicago suburbs. This place does it right always. Its casual, the prices are right, and the food is sublime. What I love most about this place (especially being a parent), is that its kid friendly. There is a kid menu and its not like those stuffy seafood places where you feel like its a sin to bring a child there. A+ for Bob Chinn's food and atmosphere!

    (5)

  • James V.

    Best seafood in Chicagoland. Period. Last night my family and i went here for my sister's bday. We've all been here before, so we knew what to expect. First of all, you get garlic rolls at the beginning of your meal. They are very tasty and addicting and you can easily be full after two of these bad boys. I ordered the Surf n Turf: lobster meat and skirt steak. The lobster was prepared cantonese style, which is great because i love the sauce they put on it. The steak was great and cooked the way i wanted it. Few seafood places know how to cook good steak, and Bob Chinns was one of them. My mom n sister n law had the fried basket of assorted seafood: shrimp, scallops, and oysters. The fried oysters particularly was really good for people who don't like raw oysters. We also shared some crab legs, which they cut for us so it was easy to get the crab meat out. There's also Bob Chinn's coleslaw, which was better than what I remembered it to be. It was tasty and did not taste packaged like most places. For desert, we had this chocolate/peanut butter/banana cake mix, which was very sweet and wholesome. The service as always was excellent as I even remember our server's name (Monica). She took care of us and even helped us sing happy birthday to my sister. She even let us keep the cups! I know Bob Chinn's is expensive, but you really get a lot for what you pay for. I wish it was closer to us.

    (5)

  • Julie P.

    This place is just so-so for me...I'm not a fan of how huge and commercial it feels. It's great that they can seat a ton of people so no one has to wait, but it feels a bit like a cafeteria. The food is consistent, and the rolls with garlic butter are awesome. Crab legs were good but a little on the small side, which means lots of work for very little crabmeat. Maybe I'm a crab leg snob, but I like them to either be pre-cracked or to have enough meat inside to feel like it's worth all the effort!

    (3)

  • Annaliza F.

    Oh, Bob chinn's how u do dat derr ?!?!?!?!=D I've consecutively had my birthday dinner here for the past decade & I wouldn't have it any other way!!!! The rolls, oh my goodness!!!! The calamari & oysters rockafeller, guava juice, any kind of lemonade, mai tais, OH MAH GOODNESS!!!! THE CRAB, OH MAH MOMMA!!!! They also do a GREAT breakfast too!!!!

    (5)

  • Chris I.

    This seafood eatery has been around for a long time as Bob Chinns has been a novelty since back in the early 90s with Garlic butter rolls and Mai Tais. The seafood gumbo was unremarkable. The Sushi rolls were passable but it obvious that it is not their specialty.

    (2)

  • Shark S.

    After I heard Michelle M's review I had to respond. BC is not the only restaurant that flys in fresh food daily. Why would you say that. BC is mediocre at best . get a life and a clue.....

    (1)

  • Jodie P.

    I have been going to Bob Chinns since I was a kid... (now I am 35). I am STILL in love with this restaurant. I love the casual atmosphere.. (I hate getting dressed up). I have had so many dishes and I have never, ever been dissapointed or had to send a meal back. My husband and my faves: fish tacos, oysters, hawaiian poke, chargrilled grouper, mahi-mahi, ono, halibut... seared ahi, crab legs.. even their steaks are great! The service is always good. No mai tai can compare to a Bob Chinn's Mai Tai. Jose, Luciano and Hillarie are our favorite servers. WE HEART BOBBY CHINNS!

    (5)

  • Melody L.

    There are three reasons I go here: 1) hot garlic rolls. This is serious garlic bread, not for the weak. 2) the d-crab. Awesome! 3) coconut cake. Heaven on a plate. Light and airy! Been going here for years and do see a difference in service. The last few times I've been there, it's been okay, not great. I understand it's one of the highest grossing restaurants, but service shouldn't suffer. Had to remind our server a couple of times. All in all, the food says it all!

    (4)

  • Michael B.

    We have heard about this place for years and found ourselves in Wheeling on a Sunday after a trip out to Abt, so we stopped in for lunch. The place was pretty empty, and we decided to eat in the bar. First impression was the smell-- like the place needs a thorough cleaning. There really were no lunch options, so we decided on having a drink and some appetizers. We were disappointed with both apps-- the stone crab claws ("now in season!") were mealy and obviously frozen. The clam strips were all breading. Overall very disappointing given all that I have heard over the years.

    (1)

  • Darron G.

    If you are visiting Chicago, hit this place up. The freshest seafood anywhere. The seafood is flown in daily. The service is superb and it is a casual environment. This is on my favorites list. mai Tai's are awesome and the Purple Paradise pie was divine.

    (5)

  • J R.

    LOVE Chinns. Had lunch there yesterday, great service & out of this world food. Their clam chowder is not to be missed either is the blue crab claws in garlic sauce. I've had many dishes at Chinns but these 2 are must haves every visit.

    (5)

  • Jonathan C.

    I like the food but I don't like busboy c*ck. (see yelp.com/user_details?us… ) Perhaps all the garlic sauce covers the taste. Either way I prefer half shell. Its close to my house and a damn good value.

    (3)

  • Caroline A.

    This is a total touristy spot, but I LOVE it. The garlic rolls are dangerous. They are so greasy and garlicky, but are delicious. Shrimp cocktail is great, but I come for the king crabs and raw bar. YUM. The only thing that wasn't so great was the clam chowder. My personal recipe is much better. I've also tried the halibut, and sea bass, both of which were great. Also... how can you resist those fun shorts all the servers wear in the summer?? They have entertainment value.

    (5)

  • Celeste P.

    Everyone was right. This place rocks! Our server was great and efficient, the atmosphere fun, and the food phenomenal. We ordered the Mango Boba smoothies, king crab penne, Asian style steamed seabass, fried calamari, and baskets of garlic rolls. Nothing was bad. The lumps of king crab were so fresh and moist; I'd never had crab that good before! Oh and the seabass...perfection. You know it's done right and the fish is fresh when it doesn't have that gross fishy taste at all. This was like butter. We went for my husband's birthday and the servers sang for him and gave him a great tasting slice of coconut cake. That was good too! Bob Chinn's, you're on my top 5 restaurants list!

    (5)

  • Mari J.

    Ever wish you could turn back the clock by just one hour? We traveled all the way from New Lenox (near Joliet). We wanted to go ever since we saw it featured on "Check Please!" so my husband and I went there today to celebrate his birthday. He ordered the crab special, I ordered the crab fingers. We spent $90 with tip, for cold food, really nasty coleslaw that literally made me sick, and a solid hour of Julio Iglesias over our heads!! The server was nice, but we were walked thru 2 server stations to the way back, even though there were hardly any other diners. As money is tight, this was our big splurge for his birthday. We left wishing we'd just went next door to the SuperDawg. I'd never go back.

    (1)

  • Mark P.

    Top notch for fresh seafood! This is my absolute favorite seafood dining experience. The place is a bit pricey, but in my opinion well worth the lightening of the wallet. My other half thinks the tableware provided leaves room for improvement (they serve items in plastic baskets instead of dining plates). I myself can easily forget that fact once my taste buds are rewarded with what is served to sample, not what the sampling is brought to me within. I do see her point, especially for the price, but again... their seafood is very enjoyable. If it were not for them being such a drive, I could easily eat there more often. They are pricey on some items, but also have more than enough lesser priced items to allow anyone to enjoy their table fare. Be sure to ask for the specialty Mai Tai beverage, they sell it by the gallon if you enjoy them enough, and would like to have some for the home front. Well worth the experience for all to partake in, if not just for one time. That one time will make you a believer in making a return trip again, and again, and again! Bob, please either relocate closer to Lombard, Illinois, or add another new Bob Chinn's location here as well!!! The Lombard area is well known for fine dining experiences, and we would welcome you with open arms!!!

    (4)

  • Tita P.

    So as a resident of the north north NORTH suburbs I tend to check out a lot of places in my "hood". This is not my first trip to Bob Chinn. It is a local drop off spot on Allstate Employee tour. However, this was my first time at the bar. They have a $2.95 bar menu. They have half off select wines on Wednesday and the bartenders are really nice. I enjoyed the shrimp cantonese and the portion was great for one. I also enjoyed 3..countem' 3 glasses of wine. My tab was $13.27. The food special is from 3:30-6:00 and from 9:30-close. For this very reason I will be a regular at the bar! So if you are in the burbs...c'mon down :-)

    (3)

  • Bridget C.

    I was in the party of 5 with Amanda C, in fact I am her mom. This is my first review on Yelp. I felt compelled to write my views of Bob Chinns restaurant as the entire experience was very unpleasant. I was shocked that the waitress, Tina had the audacity to touch my son, and in a restaurant filled with noisy servers, bussers and patrons, for her to actually grab my sons arm becuase after she put down his silverware he picked it up and touched them together so it made a noise, was totally out of line. The service as a whole really gets a half a star. The food was not brought out together and when I tried to get her attention I got a shout of," I'm busy here". I admit I have high standards when it comes to dining out but I can enjoy a great $2 hot dog or a wonderful small plate at a 5 star restaurant. But how people are treated in a restaurant means the most., and I felt continually we were treated poorly. When I inquired about the free $25 birthday gift card that I had signed up for online last week,at North Suburban Sudden Values, the response was as though I was an idiot for even thinking that it would be ready!? In this day and age, when we are able sign up for things and almost instantly get a reply/response of when we can expect shipping, gift cards etc., to not have any information as to when to expect a gift card needs to be dealt with at the corporate level. But the attitude of the server and subsequently the manager when I asked about it was terrible. The manager came to the table, did not introduce herself and said "you want to talk to me?" To which I asked her if she had been informed about "why". She then talked down to me about how I shouldn't expect any response for at least 2 weeks on the gift card...silly me. I was pleased the they have an allergy tag that follows the plate through the kitchen after we informed her of our son's peanut allergy, but that was readily diminished when Tina brought out the free birthday cake slice of a PEANUT Cheesecake after learning of my other son's peanut allergy. I would have preferred them not to bring anything out and in fact we threw it away. They made such a big deal about giving us the $2.95 piece of cake and then Tina made sure to scold my son by making sure he didn't share it with his peanut allergic brother. How insensitive. I ordered the Cantonese Shrimp which tasted as though it came from a large can pf processed Chinese food purchased at Gordon Foodservice and had shrimp thrown on top. There was no flavor! No crunch, no ginger, no garlic??? The only garlic was on the rolls which are good. Nothing on the menu is not reasonablly priced for what you get...maybe the more expensive items of the King Crab Legs are good...at least they used to be, but the average dinners we had were mediocre at best.. My husband had the Kona Crab special and the amount of crabmeat was minimal. I do not understand the appeal of Bob Chinns. Taking away the appalling waitress and service, the environment is that of a Red Lobster on steroids, and the food was tasteless and presented on cafeteria style foodservice supplies. The building is old and tired and needs a good cleaning. My husband is a generous tipper and unfortunately continued his generosity this night out, which I wish he hadn't. That might have gotten their attention...perhaps this review will.

    (1)

  • Jean C.

    Somehow it doesn't surprise me that there are almost 200 reviews for this place. It always seems like there are at least 200 people in line ahead of us when we go there, too! So last night we got smart and went in early. We got there about 5 p.m. which is, admittedly, the Old Farts' Dining Hour, but then we're old farts so we were cool with it. We got a table immediately, a mind-blowing experience, and ordered Mai-Tais in the souvenir cups because, cheap plastic tiki cups? I am SO there. Besides, the cost breakdown per ounce was better than the pitchers. Drinks arrived promptly along with the famous garlic rolls, and here's where I have to offer a couple of quibbles: Mai-Tais: plentiful and amusing in their tiki cups but not particularly potent. I expect to be knocked on my butt by a Mai-Tai and I didn't even get a buzz. Rolls very tasty and garlicky, but needed a touch of salt. And chairs: Damnably uncomfortable. That's it, that's the last time I'm going to complain. For the rest, the only difficult thing was deciding what to have. I ended up with a dozen raw oysters -- I was only going to have six in the interest of economy but our waiter said "No, you're going to have a dozen." Turns out the early-bird special on oysters was a dozen for $4.95 (normally $11.95!) while the half dozen remained normally-priced at $6.95. And let me tell you, those things tasted like a little bit of heaven to me. It's been ages since I had any, and I was silently blessing early bird specials. I tried a couple of the hot and spicy shrimp, too, which were good, but they weren't as good as my oysters. Now, I'm a shellfish sorta gal, so I opted for the "ex-crab-aganza" which was a sampler plate of all the different sorts of crab they serve, plus a Nigerian prawn, which I thought was odd until I saw the thing which was the size of a crab leg. In fact I only got half a prawn, it was that big. As it happened, the entrees arrived in a timely manner, except for mine, and after the debacle at Hema's Kitchen last weekend, I said: "Oh no, it's ME!" so when the waiter came over and said "Yours will be right out." we all started laughing, and had to explain about the horrific service we'd had at another restaurant. His response: "I am going to the kitchen right now to find out when it's coming!" And as he turned, another server arrived with my plate. Everything was delicious, really. I couldn't have asked for better seafood, and while it's fairly pricey, I think Bob Chinn's gives value for the money. I couldn't go there every week, but on an occasion like this -- a friend's 50th birthday -- it was the perfect setting for the perfect meal. And our waiter, Lee, restored my faith that wait staff can be good at what they do. Kudos to Lee, and to Bob Chinn's for a fine experience.

    (4)

  • Markos F.

    yes i am fan of crab legs, esp. the Alaskan King Crab Legs at Bob Chinns. If you dont know what to get there, get the Alaskan King Crab legs! Man they are so good! it is pricey as you might expect, but that is why its only good to go when you want to celebrate for that special occasion. Mai tis are pretty good too and strong.

    (4)

  • Ray Ray K.

    I wasn't actually in Wheeling, I had Bob Chinn's at a county fair in Grayslake, Il. They had a food stand set up at the fair and I stopped there because it looked tasty. I had fried fish and french fries, which was actually pretty good, hot right out of the fryer, and huge portions! My friend got the fried shrimp basket which wasn't bad either. There were some blue crab legs on the menu and they looked great, didn't get a chance to try them though, I can't say too much about the restaurant because I wasn't actually there, but I can give it 3 stars for some pretty good food. I'll remember this place if I actually ever stop in Wheeling.

    (3)

  • Y.D. K.

    Great place for fresh seafood, brought in daily - crab is awesome, great fish, and personally, the Nigerian prawns were heavenly, as are the buttery rolls. Relatively big place with lots of parking. Can cater to large groups as they have plenty of tables for all, and have facilities for little ones too. Drinks are quite good, especially the Mai Tai - it's potent, so make sure you have some food in your stomach! What penalized the rating is the ambient noise - its too loud!!! Despite that rather minor character flaw, Bob Chinn's is still worth the trip.

    (3)

  • Larr r.

    I have beed going to this place ever since it opened. Now I take my 4 kids under 6 there almost every week. They are some of the best people I know. The food is CONSISTANTLY wonderful and fresh. They really care if you like your meal. Mai Tai's are the best. FRESH fish flown in daily, incredible Steaks, homemade desserts, awesome salad bar. Really good kids menu and free desert for the kids. Not that fancy, but we love it. This is the best Restaurant period and I travel all over the world.

    (5)

  • Erick P.

    I heard a lot of hype over this place and tonight was my first experience. I was glad it wasn't jammed packed and over crowded it was really not that busy. Our server was a nice guy but he seemed like he really didn't care too much for our table, I would be kind of mad also if I had to serve a table full of asians lol. ( We're known for not tipping well lol). I must admit though the garlic rolls were amazing, I think I ate like 15 of those to myself. I heard all this buzz about the mai tai, I tried a little bit and it wasn't really that amazing to me. We ordered a lot of food, crab legs, crab appetizer, filet mignon, pasta and other stuff. The food was decent but I don't think it is worth the price. I would like to eat here again but it really wouldnt be on top of my lists.

    (3)

  • Ron S.

    This has been a favorite in my family since I was a baby! Everyday they are printing a new menu with daily specials that are great. Almost anything on the menu is really good, they are obviously known for their seafood but they have awesome steaks and some of their pasta dishes I enjoy as well. P.S: There should be a self-help group for people addicted to Bob Chinn's garlic rolls because they are that good!

    (4)

  • Ola K.

    I hate to do this but I love food and I did not love this place. First off I took my date there for Valentine's day because he loves sea food but for 30 dollars all he got was three crab legs and a cold slab of steak with "no flavor". As for me I got 8oz sirloin that was barely cooked after I said "well done" And some flat tasteless potatoes for like 30$ also. As for my cranberry vodka, it tasted like water. I have to tell you people to save your money. I spent 85$ there and me and my date agreed to go to TGIfridays next time.

    (1)

  • Christian A.

    There are so many reviews of Bob Chinn's, so no need to get into detail as you can find out all you like going through what people have to say. I just wanted to put in my very solid 5-star vote. The place is fun, the food is awesome, and the mai-tai's will f*** you up. Have you every eaten a piece of crab meat bigger than a bratwurst? Try the 'Select' king crab legs. You will over-dose on meat!

    (5)

  • T E.

    The staff are all nice. Never a wait for anything. The food was average to just above average. I had the fish tacos and they were good but not something I need to rush back for.

    (3)

  • Celia D.

    Atmosphere smelled dirty apon arrival. Very outdated decor and the waitresses are dressed like they are on a touristy beach vacation. Got the runs immediately as I got home and had to hit the bathroom a couple times after. NOT IMPRESSED. Red Lobster would have been a better bang for my buck and I wouldn't have almost crapped my pants. Would NOT go here again.

    (1)

  • John P.

    We had a party of 7. They tried to seat us at a table that might seat 5. We were politely told "take it or leave it". We left it.

    (1)

  • Tony M.

    King Crab was soo good! I was so full and it was delicious. The Fettuccine Alfredo is good The Mai Tais were excellent Great service Fun atmosphere Would def. recommend! Except the calamari, it was just ok.

    (5)

  • Len W.

    I always like Chinn's. Never a disappointment. I usually order a fresh fish but last time I had a steak and scallops. Steak was very nice. An 8 oz strip with very good flavor and done the way I ordered it. The bay scallops were a little over done for my taste, cooked in too much oil I think. I prefer the way they used to cook them at the Whitehall Hotel, in a little butter and garlic, sauteed very lightly. I had the side of red potatoes, which were nondescript. The service was good and attentive without being annoying. I can't remember if they have hushpuppies, but if they don't they should. And skip the salad bar. For $4.95 it's not worth it.

    (4)

  • Rich W.

    Bob Chinn's Crab House has a special place in my heart, as it was the first non-chain restaurant my family visited after we moved to Illinois in 2000. Ever since then, we've been coming back at least once a year. Last week when my parents were back in town for vacation, we repeated that annual tradition. The garlic bread at the beginning has always been a guilty pleasure - super greasy and super garlicky - we try to limit ourselves to one per person. Crab meat vermicelli was as good as ever - generous portions of crab meat tossed with vermicelli in an addictive sweet-and-savory sauce (either hoi son or oyster sauce). The porterhouse steak here is actually one of the best pieces of steak you can get in the Chicagoland area, which is unexpected given the numerous steakhouses in the city. But Bob Chinn's really knows how to cook a steak perfectly medium rare. We always ask for grilled mushroom and onions on the side and ask them to cut the steaks for us - and today was no exception. The steak was executed property, and the meat was tender and flavorful. I prefer this porterhouse to that of Peter Luger's in Brooklyn, NY. No joke! The King Crab legs here are the best! Don't even bother with other crab offers on the menu. Just get the King crabs. It's a splurge, but it's worth it. Today's crab lived up to the memory - fresh, perfectly cooked with a slight "give" in texture. I've pretty much eaten my way through the entire menu. Fresh oysters and Nigerian prawns are two other dishes we sometimes get, and they are pretty good. But honestly the rest of the menu is a hit or miss. The above-mentioned items are guaranteed home-runs - so just take my words and get those! Decor is dock-house inspired, nothing out of the ordinary. Service is not their strong suit. They have a culture of ignoring young patrons who they think won't tip well. Honestly, if it's not for their good food and that strong dose of nostalgia, I would probably never come back. Despite the service lapses, Bob Chinn's remains my family's go-to place for both crab legs and steaks. I know I'll be coming back for years to come.

    (4)

  • Ryan F.

    If the doctor told me I was going to drop dead tomorrow, I'd probably make sure I went to Bob Chinn's for my last meal; that and about 2 pitchers of Mai Tais! The quality of the food (especially the king crab and aged steak) is always the best. Don't forget the mochi balls for dessert. Ask for Fernando if you want excellent service!

    (5)

  • Jennifer M.

    There's just something great about eating at Bob Chinn's Crab House, okay I admit, there is more than one reason to go. It is a place that my husband and I come back to about once a month, and believe me, we like to eat out and try a whole lot at various independent restaurants in the Chicagoland area (maybe even a little more than we should?!). The atmosphere is just the pinnacle of kitschy from the moment you drive up, and makes no apologies for that; it is part of the charm. From the blue fairy lights on all the trees outside, to the garish bright blue luminous fish shirts the servers wear, to the special Mai Tai "Tiki" glasses, or the upside down lobster pots (?) used as lamp shades. I could go on.... but you should see for yourself. The set up once inside is quite unique to say the least. Unless it's super busy (avoid Friday and Saturday evenings, unless eating earlier or later, or there is the option of eating in the bar if you MUST go then), you are herded through a section for those with a party of "5 or more" or "4 or less." At the end of the first line, you'll receive the menu that is printed daily and includes the daily specials, and are moved down to another line section that stops in front of a segmented refrigerated case containing lobster tails, steak cuts etc - you know to make your mouth water more. Expect to stand here for a maximum of 3-4 minutes, before being seated. The service is friendly, prompt, and often I see a lot of the same servers whenever I go there. This is not a place afraid to have too many servers, and boy, you can easily spot them! Everyone raves about the cooked garlic butter rolls, and it's true, they are truly amazingly delicious. The biggest problem you will encounter is to stop yourself answering, "YES!" whenever they ask if you need a refill. It doesn't quite seem right to only order drinks and have them keep bringing those rolls over every few minutes. Eventually it is good form to get something from the menu! Over a number of years we've gone through quite a few items on the menu, but some of the favorites we order the most are: Crabmeat Vermicelli (stir-fried noodles with crab, bacon, onion, egg, oyster sauce & cilantro), Sea bass steamed Asian style (steamed in a soy sauce base with, sesame oil, fresh ginger, black beans, and black Chinese olives, garnished with scallions & cilantro), Ex-Crab-A-Ganza (served cold with at least 3 types of crab - one of my husband's favorites), Maryland Crabcake (at dinner it comes with pasta alfredo, at lunch you can get a sandwich), Hawaiian swordfish (chargrilled: this what I had on Sunday 8/7/11, cooked perfectly, very moist, not dry as this fish can be when not done correctly). Sometimes they have a macademia nut crusted bass served with mashed sweet potatoes that comes with cherries, which I really enjoy as well. I've found that the stuff under the "Super Dinner Specials" and "Today's Catch" are usually pretty solid. One of the cool things about Bob Chinn's is that even though it is primarily a crab/seafood house, the non-seafood dishes are also very good. We really wanted to take my Dad there in particular, but my Mam doesn't eat seafood at all. I was a little concerned as often since that is not the restaurant focus; the "landlubber" dishes are poor second at a seafood place. Anyway she ordered a USDA Prime strip steak, and it was delicious: seasoned well, extremely tender, and cooked perfectly. In fact, she loved it so much, that she requested we go BACK there again another time on their trip here, AND the trip the following year (she NEVER asks that!!!). Since then we've ordered steaks on various occasions, and each time it has been very consistent with the above description. Often it is better than steaks I've had elsewhere locally at places that supposedly specialize in USDA Prime beef. I knew there had to be a reason they sold so many steaks! In all honesty, I cannot really comment about the dessert here since it's really infrequent we order anything (wayyyyy too many garlic rolls and refills maybe?). Even though I love cakes and dessert, and on every visit, I look lovingly at the menu and want to try something, by the time it's that part of the meal, I'm just too darn full. Hmm, there's always the option to take out though, right? Next time... Don't forget to check out the posters on the way out that show the shipping invoices from the seafood flown in, the "takeout" memorabilia section, and the various other statistics about the restaurant. It's truly mind boggling.

    (4)

  • Maddi R.

    My mom & I both got food poisoning from this restaurant this past summer :(

    (1)

  • トモ T.

    One of the key restaurant in Chicagoland that people could be prowd of. A good place to take an out of town guest for their party atmosphere and great food. While they are known for their seafood, their aged steaks are really good, too! By the way, this place is one of the most popular restaurant in the area, so make sure you call ahead and leave your name in their priority seating list so that you don't have to wait for 2 hrs. To me, this isn't a place where you just go for a meal. It's an event place. P.S. I been to their newer sister restaurant in downtown and was quite disappointed. When did Bob Chinn's become a white table cloth restaurant?

    (5)

  • Sheong K.

    I used to live right down the street from this place. It was one of the first seafood restaurants I've tried after moving to Illinois and it was a memorable one! The strange part about all of it was the wait. You walk in and they make you wait in a line. As soon as you get to the front of the line, they send you to another line. I thought that was a bit odd, but the sheer volume this place serves made it it somewhat understandable. From the outside, it doesn't seem too big, but the place is HUGE inside. A friend told me he had a field trip into the kitchen when he was younger and supposedly, their kitchens, which resides in the basement is ginormous! Anyway, on to the good stuff!: Their dinner rolls are lathered in butter and I suspect some kinda drugs. They're to die for! I wouldn't doubt some may die of heart attacks while eating it. After about two bites, I just couldn't take anymore. It was too much of a good thing and it was quite heavy... I had to stop and save myself for the real food. Otherwise I think I could get my fill of their rolls and some good Guava Juice. Sidenote: Get their Guava Juice! It's actually kind of gross, cause it's thick and syrup-ey.. BUT imagine with me if you will: Make sure you ask for a glass of water as well. Then take a few sips of the guava juice and begin to water it down. It essentially becomes 2 or 3 glasses of guava juice. That's how thicknasty it is. It's definitely worth getting for the late night bar menu. We started the night with some oysters. They literally just slid and melted in my mouth. I'm not a big fan of seafood in general, and I'm always terrified of food poisoning. but this was heavenly... and I didn't feel one bit sick afterward. For the main course, we decided to go with the Alaskan King Crab, chopped up, steamy, and ready to be devoured. It was nothing fantastic. It was your typical crab with hearty amounts of meat, but it didn't leave me begging for more. I've also tried their bar menu after 9PM weekdays quite a few times. It's one of the best bargains out there, but I hate eating out so late. I guess overall, it's worth a visit and if you're a seafood lover, you must try it at least once and judge for yourself why it's the largest seafood restaurant in the Midwest.

    (3)

  • KING J.

    This honestly is the best sea food I have ever had! AMAZINGLY fresh crab! I gotta hit this place every time I come back home!

    (5)

  • Bella D.

    Never fails, always always always, so Mmm mmm good at Bob Chin's. Recently my father and bf and met with my cousin here, enjoyed our meals thoroughly, till the last drop/crumb. Also came here and introduced Bob Chin's with my bf and 5 gal pals. Yumm-O!!

    (5)

  • Bella V.

    The seafood gumbo here is simply amazing. By amazing I mean that I go through at least a quart a week, and I don't like gumbo. Only here. It's a serious addiction that I really should have checked out. Service is hit or miss. Last time I was there, our server had a wierd sense of humor. Like, she insulted me and thought it was funny several times, but every time other than that, it's been great.

    (4)

  • Andy K.

    Been to Chinn's plenty of times before, but went there recently for my birthday so i will review that experience. First off, we went on a Wednesday night at around 530 and there was zero wait time to be seated, which is a very good thing. The place was pretty empty inside, but that changed within 30-45 minutes as the place started to fill up. I find that if you go around 530 during the week there is usually no wait time. On several occasions when leaving dinner at around 7pm, there is a line to be seated. The waitress came over and greeted us a few minutes after we were seated. We started out with the customary free garlic rolls, which are excellent. I can eat these things all night long, but make sure to stop at 2 or you will fill up quickly and not be able to enjoy your meal. The waitress asked us if we wanted some of Bob Chinn's famous Mai Tai's. We weren't quite sure if we wanted to have one, but the waitress told us about the new Mai Tai light they now offer. if has less alcohol than the normal ones. The cost was only about 75 cents cheaper than the regular, and there seemed to be quite a bit less alcohol. I would recommend staying with the normal Mai tais. The wife and I both went with the surf and turf. We each had the king crab legs and prime rib. We brought our 2 children with us so they ordered of the kids menu. The waitress was nice enough to suggest that we just get one order of the chicken sticks and fries for the kids and they can share them. We thought this to be very nice since it saved us about 10 bucks. Turned out to be a good thing because the kids didn't Even finish the 1 order we got them Our food came in a reasonable amount of time and the prime rib was cooked exactly how we ordered it. With the meal we were given a few options for a side dish. of the top of my head you are given the choice of potato's, french fries, couple style's of rice, or a salad a believe. We both chose the potato's as a good side dish for the prime rib. The prime rib was a very good size portion of meat, and you get 10-oz of king crab legs. if you've never eaten crab legs before, the waitress will show you how to use the fancy little plastic tool to break out the shell and get the crab meat out. Since we've been there a few times, we did not need the demonstration. The prime rib was very juicy and had excellent flavor. No steak sauce needed on this prime rib. They have season salt on the table that you can use to put on the meat. I've done it in the past. It add's a little flavor, but isn't needed. There is a good amount of food that is served to you. The average person may have a tough time finishing the order, especially if you exceeded the 2 garlic roll rule mentioned above. There is nothing cheap on the menu, so expect to pay good money for the meal, but the food is well worth it. I highly recommend Bob Chinn's for a nice seafood and steak dinner

    (5)

  • Cj D.

    I have never been to the actual restaurant, but after having their Shrimp & Pasta with alfredo sauce I definitely have to make a trip! I'm not a big pasta fan unless it's spaghetti, but I do eat it once in awhile. For some reason I easily get sick and tired of it after a few bites so for me to write a review about a simple shrimp & pasta w/alfredo sauce, it must be really good! ;) I'll keep u posted on my actual visit :)

    (4)

  • Steve T.

    I'm a city dweller, and this is pretty much in the boonies for me, but I was quite surprised by the quality Mr Chinn has provided in his daily flown in fish. We had the calamari for an appetizer, and it was pretty tasty. I'm not a fan of the tentacles (they might crawl back up), but thankfully my friends are ok with taking that chance and I just had some of the rings. They also brought out these garlic rolls, which are pretty much swimming in a garlicy, buttery goodness. You might not want to make out or be in close proximity to someone after this, however if you both indulge in the rolls then I guess that somehow cancels out. For dinner I saw they had Sea Bass. This excited me as it's one of my favorites. I really was hoping it was Chilean Sea Bass, but I did not inquire. I am hoping it was since it supposedly is near extinction (at some point, it may no longer be, not quite sure) and for some reason I like to think that scared fish taste better. And oh was it delicious. So soft, so scared, so perfect. We also had blackened Ahi Tuna, Snow Crabs, and the Filet w/pasta. I had some of the Ahi Tuna and it was pretty much amazing as well. I heard the crab and steak was quite delicious, but I cannot say for sure since I did not personally eat any, mostly due to being stuffed. To drink I had a Mai Tai, I didn't realize the funky cup was a souvenir, so that was pretty cool, and the drink was awesome. I guess they're known for that, but since I rarely come out to the boonies, I was greatly surprised. Give it a try, it's a drive from the city so you might want to make an event of it. Bring a camera, you might get to snap a pic of a suburban carny. Ohhh suburbia.

    (5)

  • Jean B.

    Got a few bucks to spend? Love seafood? Then this is the place for you! You will simplly love it. I have neveer had a bad meal here. Enjoy!!!

    (5)

  • Brandi H.

    Went to Bob Chinn's last night for dinner and had Mai Tais, a spicy shrimp appetizer, and crab legs. My friends all got the grouper, as that's their favorite dish. Of course, you have to have a garlic roll or two, and it's such a large menu it's hard to make a decision! Being a saturday night, there was about a 45 minute wait for a table for four. Hence the mai tai before dinner :) Aside from being uncomfortably full when it was all over, everything was absolutely wonderful, and I can't WAIT for leftovers today! Warning: Those mai tais pack a punch!

    (4)

  • Samantha K.

    I have been going to this place since I was like 5. My parents loooooved it. We normally went on big occasions or if someone was in from out of town. The guava juice is SO GOOD. Every time we go there we order it and tell them to keep it coming. Bob himself walks around and greets most of the customers there. The blue crab claws in garlic sauce is my favorite. I can eat like 8 orders by myself. Yummm. The service is very good and the atmosphere is really fun. The candy that you get from the old gumball machine was my favorite. I used to take handful upon handful and stuff them in my pocket. B+.

    (5)

  • K L.

    Had a nice, nice dinner while I was working in the area. The restaurant is set up nicely in that they can seat you almost immediately. Our server was top notch: VERY attentive, informative and overall friendly. he tried hard to ensure that we had a great dining experience. The drinks were well priced and tasty. I had two Hawaiian styled cocktails and at $4.50 a pop during Happy Hour pricing, I could have drank all night if it wasn't for my job :) The garlic rolls were good, but greasy in garlic butter. My fish dinner was flown in from Hawaii (why can't they do this in CA??) and it was very good and cooked perfectly. Actually, the whole restaurant was a sincere throwback to old school Hawaii. The salad bar was good for Illinois standards. The fried rice was OK, as I guess I am a snob with a parent from Hawaii. I just wish I saved enough room for dessert. Overall it was a great value for what you get and the excellent food, I am not surprised that this place is popular with the locals. I will definitely be back as I was not too impressed with most of the food in the area.

    (4)

  • Jerry B.

    Skip Bob Chinn's breakfast. Food was fair at best, as was the service. Servers for lunch outnumbered the breakfast guests. Feels more like the warm up act before lunch. Thankfully we had a half price coupon.

    (2)

  • Ruth G.

    Given that I worked there in their gift shop for about a year, and live two blocks away from Chinn's I have to say, I LOVE this place!!! It is one of my top (if not the top) restaurants on my list. I have pretty much tasted everything on their menu and these are by far my favorites. First of all the Mai Tai's are out of this world. So delicious!!! I also love to get the Guava Juice when I am not in the mood for alcohol, also very delicious. As far as appetizer you have the try the crabmeat vermacelli and the blue crab claws are awesome! I also love the vermacelli with shrimp instead, very good! I love seafood and besides the very popular king crab legs, they have some very good fish as well, my favorite being the copper river salmon YUM! It's usually available by season only so if it's on the menu GET IT!!! Grouper and Halibut are also great. As far as pastas, they are ok....they're steaks are not bad for being a seafood restaurant but definately go to a steakhouse if you want steak. Desserts! who can go wrong with Luau cake (light, fluffy and not overly sweet!) Passion Fruit cake (the passion fruit cream cheese frosting is INSANE!) Key Lime pie (so delicious!) I've also heard the Sweet potatoe pie is good (They use purple sweet potatoes form Hawaii) but I've never had them. The place is comfy, casual and loud and there is usually a long wait on saturdays and sundays. Last time I was there the server we had was so nice and great! I definately never get tired of coming to this place!!!

    (5)

  • Rebekka L.

    The sea bass encrusted macadamia nut dinner was so good and filling that I had it the next day for lunch. Still tasting so fresh. Family and I sat in the bar and spent over 2 hours there without feeling rushed. The music was light and satisfying and the mai tais were strong and tasty. It is on the expensive side but the menu is so extensive that you can choose a dish with average seafood pricing and still have a great meal in front of you. Our server was also great and very knowledgable. Great for couples or groups!

    (4)

  • Philip P.

    Maybe it was the sour taste in our mouths from bad seafood from the previous night, but Bob Chinn's hit all the marks. It's a loud, crowded, no-frills atmosphere but the high turnover rate must keep the fresh seafood supply going. The dinner rolls will destroy your arteries so be forewarned - but they sure are tasty. I ordered King crab and my party ordered mahi mahi, hot n spicy shrimp, and tilapia. While the presentation was basic, the quality of seafood was exceptional - not a hint of fishiness. The fried rice is a standard-issue American Chinese take-out but done well. I was a little offput by my King crab being served cut-up with chunks of the shell but I still managed to finish it all. If I were to revisit I'm sticking with the fish (the mahi mahi was stellar). Service was top-notch, especially given how busy the place was. No need to dress up, just bring your appetite.

    (4)

  • Rachelle G.

    One of my fave places to get fresh seafood. I love coming here when I'm craving crab and want it simply prepared. Reasonably priced. Even my parents who think most restaurants are overpriced agreed that Bob Chinn's was a good value. I typically get the crab platter which has 4-5 different types of crab. The bread is addictive and I have to stop myself from eating it all otherwise I don't have room for my actual meal. Oysters are a great value here. The mai tais are delish. Service has always been top notch. Super friendly and always willing to go the extra mile. The one thing that does irk me slightly is the various points you are directed to in order to get seated. I can't help but smile when I see Bob walking around and greeting diners.

    (4)

  • Liv H.

    We always plan to get the promos when we're here, otherwise it's pretty pricy. Before 6pm, you can get a dozen raw oysters for ~$6. Not the best raw oysters I've ever had, but they'll do for $6! It's casual dining, and having the sinks in the dining room was a great idea because you'll definitely get your hands dirty here! Garlic Style Kona Crab Mondays $22.95 - so soft, lots of meat, the only reason to look forward to Mondays! LOVE it! 10 oz Prime Rib $14.95 - who knew a seafood restaurant could make such a GREAT prime rib? Sea Bass Asian Style $5.95 - reminds me of how my mom makes it mmm! Antarctic Scallops $5.95 - pretty good. 16oz Snow Crab Dinner $15.95 with Strip Steak $6.95 - yuuuum! This place is a must when we have out-of-towners visit. And they've all loved it!

    (4)

  • Joyce L.

    So damn freakin' good. Best crab legs, best fillet Mignon, best salmon ever! There's even little sinks around the kitchen for you to wash your hands! I hope I get to come here again. right now!

    (5)

  • Piotr T.

    Way overrated. The prices are too expensive and the portions are small. Don't get what the hype is with this place.

    (2)

  • Joseph P.

    Coming from San Francisco, I was pretty curious about this place. Really... how much better can this place be compared to the seafood places I've dined at the famous San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf! To my surprise, Bob Chinn's far exceeded my expectations. From the friendly and flexible service, to the tons of plump and sweet crab meat. For appetizers, we had the garlic butter smothered blue crab claws and a plate of Rockefeller oysters. Delish! For my main entree, I ordered the surf and turf and upgraded my meal for 20oz of Crab. Along with it came a nice sized filet mignon. For $69 main entree, there's no way that this could be beat on the west coast. The filet was tender and delicious as expected since we were in the midwest. But the crab was even more delicious. The size of the crab legs were gigantic! I don't think I've ever seen meat chunks from a crab that big before. I left the restaurant happy and full and would not hesitate to return when I am back in the Chicago area!

    (5)

  • Jon C.

    It's a good place for seafood, and the quality and taste are there. I'm not sure why this place is more expensive when my family and I can't tell the difference between the taste from here compared to one of their big competitors in the suburbs. When you combine both the service and the quality of the dishes, there's not much difference. They do a great job with their crab cakes and the garlic rolls are good. They've also got good cocktail drinks but their beer isn't as cold as it should be. My family and I would rather drive out to the city for good seafood that comes with a high price.

    (3)

  • Hiro S.

    So, 10 of us from work went there. Since it was a weekday night, they were able to accommodate us with no problem. I know this place is well-known for crab, but I did not feel like doing some extra work to eat especially after a long day. I chose Sea bass in Asian style. I was happy about my choice. A nice fillet of sea bass was cooked in sweet and light soy (not like the usual thick teriyaki sauce) with lots of herbs. You get to choose fries, steamed rice, or fried rice as your side dish.

    (4)

  • Jacob J.

    Extremely better than Red Lobster, not even the same category, many many more choices. The kind of place you can put a bib on, let your belly out and share a gallon of Mai Tai's. Family style place, lively and usually busy, calling ahead is important. If you need it spicy, request it. Generally its served mild which is the norm, if they can't make it spicy enough, Bob keeps a bottle of Sriracha sauce in his personal fridge. He shares. The rolls everyone mentions, they are super duper awesome fantastico buttered goodness! I love the rice pudding, served warm with a dollop of vanilla frozen yogurt.

    (4)

  • Dave H.

    OMG this place is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!! The crab legs are the size of your forearm and they fall right out of the shell!!!!!! The clam chowder is the best I have ever had!!!! The atmosphere may throw you off, but the food is sooooooooo good!!!! When you show up, make sure your entire party is with you or they will not seat you right away.

    (5)

  • Jeremy P.

    Love me some bob Chinn's. Bobs crab legs and garlic rolls are epic. Grouper and fish tacos are also can't-miss. Definitely my favorite local place. Eat there 2-3 times a month. Never had a bad meal yet. Cheers to you bob.

    (5)

  • Ed C.

    I decided on Bob Chinn's as a place to take my parents visiting from out of town. Everything I read in the last 10 reviews, I agree with. It does feel like an amusement park when you enter, the way you have to go into different lines for parties of 1-4 vs. 5+. We went at 6:20 on a Friday night, before the big crowds, so we had no waiting at least. The garlic rolls are both greasy and good. They taste like they've been deep-fried for a few seconds to get a nice crispy shell, then doused with olive oil, cooked garlic, and some green herb seasoning. I ordered the char-grilled fish sampler with the salad bar. The fish came on two skewers and was all cooked well. The flavoring was good too, in a ketchup or Big Mac kind of way. That is, it tastes good, but you can't really tell what the flavorings are, and it makes you suspect it was engineered and decided by focus groups. The salad bar was not as big as I imagined. It was maybe 18 feet long, which is smaller than I've seen at Fresh Choice or various buffets. But wow, the ingredients are fresh, and they keep the whole thing spotless-clean. They must change out the containers every few minutes. The raw mushrooms are as clean and white as Pamela Anderson's teeth. They had both guacamole and avocado slices, without a hint of darkening. The cucumber slices were peeled -- a nice plus. The mandarin oranges were jazzed up with a touch of cloves, which took me a few minutes to figure out. The thin-sliced green peppers are as crisp and fresh as I've ever had. The clam chowder was decent. The shrimp in the shrimp-and-clam-salad was indeed Denny's quality. So overall, a positive experience. On the way out, we saw poster-size copies of some restaurant industry newsletter, which ranked Bob Chinn's as #4 in total meals served among independent restaurants. And a gift shop where you could buy 2-gallon jugs of Mai Tai mix and polo shirts to look like a wait staff. I was seriously tempted by the shirts to see if I could sneak in to their salad bar in cognito.

    (4)

  • Aaron B.

    Went here for lunch. We had poor service, and I felt greasy for the rest of the day. I'm rating three stars because I've been here for dinner and the experience was better, but not great. Don't bother with this place unless you have an evening to linger over a Mai Tai and some steak or crab.

    (3)

  • Derek K.

    I think this place is a little over hyped. Been here numerous times when I've had the craving for something from the deep blue oceans. The seafood is tasty but it is nothing out of the ordinary or spectacular - honestly Red Lobster tastes better. The food really does not justify the prices. They do have amazing garlic rolls and their Mai Tais are pretty good as well, hence the 3 stars. This is a large restaurant with a very run down interior. I guess it is more about quick table turnaround than the atmosphere and the food. It has kind of a warehouse feel to it really with large quantities of food being churned out. Service is usually good except once you are done eating they are almost ready to escort you out - definitely not a place where you can enjoy your coffee and desert.

    (3)

  • Thomas K.

    Oysters Rockefeller terrible. Soup cold. Sick tummy in morn after.

    (2)

  • Len L.

    Food was very good and reasonable.

    (4)

  • Gloria R.

    I love this place, especially the Mai Tai's! ;)

    (5)

  • Jelly C.

    It's a little out of the way for seafood so I visit Bob Chinn's once in a blue moon. It so happened that yesterday was blue moon day. Almost didn't go, but glad I did! Our waiter was nice... Even though I kept changing my mind about things and adding dishes (ordering for 10 people isn't that easy!). We ordered the garlic shrimp, raw clams and oysters, and blue crab claws for appetizers. The raw clams were soooo delicious! It has replaced my love for raw oysters. oo and the Mai tais are a MUST! For entrees, we ordered 3 Kona Crabs. We had it cold, stir fried with onions, and garlic style. My mom loved the crab cold cause the meat was more sweet and firmer. We wanted to order an Alaskan King Crab but they were out until the end of the month so we order a few Alaskan premier crab legs. I also ordered some fried scallops, oysters, shrimp, and fish. My dad thought they were battered and fried very well. My brother and his friend ordered the surf and turfs, filet mignon and lobster tail and I thought they were pretty well proportioned. The boyfriend and I ordered the dinner for 2. Two 1lb Maine lobsters and a HUGE 32 oz. Porterhouse for 80 bucks? I thought it was a good deal. The lobster was soooo good! You could taste how fresh they were and the porterhouse was juicy and tender! The best thing about this place is that Bob is almost always here. When your restaurant is so well known and established, it says a lot about the place when the owner makes it a priority to come in and make sure everything is perfect. He was nice enough to come over and say hi. He also gave us a few desserts for free. You should give the purple sweet potato pie a try! Bob told us he gets it shipped all the way from Japan! I really need to come here more often!

    (5)

  • Tuya S.

    After tasting Bob Chinn's king crab and giant oysters you will be forever comparing it to other restaurant servings. The size and freshness are quite supreme that other places obviously pale in comparison making them poor imitation of seafood wannabees. I come from a country that is very similar to the Midwest and I understand the whole buzz about 'freshness".The surreality of such experience is tantamount to finding sushi joint in the middle of Gobi desert more so making the whole experience delicious. As for drinks once you order their Mai Tai you will be able to recognize anyone who visited Bob Chinn's as they will have somewhere in their dungeon souvenir plastic cup that restaurant gives away.

    (4)

  • Chris T.

    Chinn's is an institution. Anything you order will always be enjoyable (which usually makes ordering the "right thing" from their extensive and constantly changing menu a difficult task), but please check with your physician before ordering to ensure that consuming a stick of butter or two in a single sitting won't do your heart any permanent damage. Make sure you try the music video request by text message system in the bar. I've never seen anything like it anywhere else - really, really cool toy!

    (4)

  • Tom S.

    105 reviews and a 4 star average can't be wrong It's true that Bob Chinn's has been called out as the highest grossing restaurant in America more than once during it's long life, but does that make it bad or wrong? Consider the fact that Chinn's serves [mostly] fresh seafood. You need turnover like that if you're going to do any kind of volume. Chinn's is definitely outside of my bubble. I don't drive and I'm not about to take a 2 day journey via public transport to go stand in line for lunch. My first experience there, however, cemented it as a place to go when I happen to be in the 'hood. I had just moved to Chicago and a co-worker who would fast become my best friend did drive and took me there after work one night. We drank Mai Tais in the bar while we waited for a table among the 600+ that were already packed in the middle of the week. When we got our seats, we got the garlic rolls and consumed the garlicky liquor sponges. The food was as fresh and perfectly seasoned as any I'd ever had. I noticed the obese around us, but I wasn't there to people watch or pass judgment, I was there to have my own singular experience of this restaurant institution. I've been back several times through the courtesy of friends who were driving out that way. "Where should we go for lunch?" one time I said "Le Francaise!" and we went. Boy, did I regret it. Not because it wasn't one of the best damn meals of my life, but because I was unprepared and underdressed. I was embarrassed! From then on I've said "Bob Chinn's!" A version of Bob Chinn's opened in the city a few years ago. It was missing so much of the atmosphere that the original in Wheeling possesses; even the garlic rolls tasted different. I never went back and now the space is something else entirely. By the way, skip the shrimp. Bob Chinn's is all about the bounty of fresh seafood and they are proud of it. All shrimp has been frozen, no matter what you might hear or read and it's just not worth the trip to end up with shrimp on your plate. Or steak. Duh.

    (4)

  • Christine T.

    Flying in your seafood daily definitely has it's perks. My personal favorite is the Sea Bass steamed Asian style with extra cilantro. The food is good and the place tends to fill up rather quickly, but seating is usually prompt. If you're looking for a restaurant with ambiance or somewhere to have a conversation that you do not have to elevate your voice in order to hear, this is not what you're looking for. However, the service is friendly the food is good and the decor may be a little quirky, but the atmosphere is fun.

    (4)

  • Mimi W.

    When I'm not at Bob Chinn's, I'm thinking about eating the rolls at Bob Chinn's. I love going in there because they have this complex Underground-Railroad-style of passing you from person to person until you finally get to your table. I feel a huge sense a relief when I finally make it to my table, as I am sure the slaves did as well when they, you know, made it to the north. The seafood here is incredibly fresh especially considering -- let's face it -- we are in the midwest. It's a little bit pricier but I've been told they fly their own seafood in fresh every day or something-something. The atmosphere is fun and casual. I always have a great time here.

    (4)

  • Sheree H.

    A terrible disappointment. I'm only giving the second star because the waitress was so nice. $120 for sub-par food. Will not return anytime soon :(

    (2)

  • Tuan L.

    From St. Louis Missouri and This is our 3rd time at this restaurant. For the past 3 times we been here service was excellent. Food is outstanding. I can't get enough of this place. The Mai Tai is the bomb too. Bob Chinn you da man!

    (5)

  • Matthew S.

    I've found Bob Chinn's to be the type of place to take the folks when they're in town? Why? Laid back, not your white linen and mega-snooty establishment, with very good seafood and a monstrous menu. You can certainly find better seafood in Chicago, but the greater majority of the menu I've tried is excellent. They may have some of the best Alaskan King Crab legs I've had, though. That, and their boozy claim to fame, their Mai Tai's, are great (if you, of course, like Mai Tai's in the first place). It's a haul to make it up to Wheeling, but if your mission is 'giant seafood meal,' I'd give it a try.

    (4)

  • Elizabeth F.

    Well worth the (sometimes) wait. During season, their king crab legs are amazing. I think I could live off their garlic rolls as well. Our other favorites include the spicy peel-off shrimp, the garlic shrimp and the salmon. Their Mai Tais are dangerously good and we've got a stack of the cups they come in since they let you take them home. A casual environment that we come back to time and time again. One time, we had really terrible service though. It was around Christmas time and things were hectic. They could tell our party of 8 was not pleased. Mr. Chinn himself came to our table, gave some gifts to the little ones and hung around. He stayed a little too long and was clearly trying to overcompensate for our bad service, but it was a nice gesture we appreciated. Since then, we haven't had a bad experience. In summary, food's fairly pricey but served in a laid-back, friendly atmosphere. The food is amazing though and makes it well worth the visit.

    (5)

  • Cici B.

    Honestly, I don't get the hype. Maybe I came with unrealistic expectations with all the great reviews on Yelp, but I was very disappointed. Ambiance is dark and antiquated; food was incredibly salty and uninspired; Mai Tai was weak and diluted. Perhaps I ordered the wrong things? We came here to to celebrate my brother's birthday with the family. Service was great and they adequately embarassed him with a birthday song and cake. However, the food was not enough to convince me to return.

    (2)

  • Cynthia H.

    I would have loved to post a glowing review of this place - mainly because the servers are just so darned nice and because I just really wanted to eat delicious crabs here. But the food I ate during my past two visits here was completely underwhelming. And I did order a large and varied quantity of food so I am fairly certain this was not a "poor choice of menu items" issue. To start, the garlic rolls are not particularly delicious. I am fairly certain I could achieve the same result if I were to take day-old rolls from my neighborhood grocery store and soak them in oodles of olive oil/ butter/ garlic/ salt. The fried oysters also leave something to be desired. The batter is wayyy too thick for the delicate oysters and soak up way too much of the frying oil. Rather than having a delicious bite of briny/ creamy/ half-cooked oyster cloaked in a crisp batter, the end result is akin to eating an overly-greasy donut with a little nugget of oyster inside. Oh, and the poor lobster tail... it was way overcooked, I estimate a good 5 minutes over. Rather than enjoying fresh, luscious meat, it was dry and almost... chalky?? The crab fingers were okay, but that was it. Seeing the number of parties coming here to celebrate birthday and other special occasions, I really think Bob Chinn's owes it to its customers to elevate its food. Whether it is a matter of narrowing down its menu items or merely re-training the cooks in the kitchen, I really think this place can do so much better, and hope that it does!!

    (2)

  • Joe W.

    What is there really to say about Bob Chins? The food is fantastic. Its the best seafood in the northwest suburbs. The rolls are just a must have. Today i had the crab stuffed shrimp with alfredo pasta. Yummy. 5/5 Unfortunatly, the place is old and tired. They need to update this place, pronto. So total score is 4/5.

    (4)

  • Shabaz M.

    Sublime. This is our family's favorite seafood place. Some of the freshest and flavorful seafood that I've had. The famous garlic rolls are a must have!

    (5)

  • Lori H.

    The King crab was delicious. The Kona crab pretty good too. The vermicelli and crab was amazing. The Blue Point oysters were delicious. The decor was very casual and had these very useful sinks scattered around in the dinning space. Our waiter Shingo was super friendly and helpful.

    (5)

  • Atom D.

    I have been going to this place for around 15 years. Without a doubt Bob Chin's consistently serves great food with great service. My go to appetizer is always oysters Rockefeller and you must drink one of their famous Mai tais. Dinner I usually order the surf n turf. I would like to note that although some items on the menu may be a bit pricey there are plenty of dishes to accommodate all budgets. This restaurant has a great vibe and I always leave satisfied and more importantly full. Enjoy!

    (5)

  • Kimmy N.

    Hands down!!!! One of the best seafood restaurants I've ever had!!!!! I've been to Bob Chinn's for many years! I have never been disappointed in any of the food at the restaurant! I'm basing my review off of my last visit (although we do order the same thing over and over). What we had.... garlic bread: wow this bread is so crispy, freshly baked, you can tell by just bitting into it. it's topped with a generous amount of garlic. i'm very surprised how much garlic is on the bread! Calamari: this isn't the best calamari i've ever had but it was still good! it's very soft and flavorful. only wish they had some type of special sauce besides tarter sauce. crab vermicelli: words cannot describe how delicious this is!!!! i'm not a noodle person but this is really good! it's basically a bed of vermicelli noodles, well cooked mixed asian style with huge chunks of crab :p raw oysters: this was actually my first time trying raw oysters. they were not to bad at all! i can't say too much about them since it was my first. blue crab claws (garlic style): these blue crabs were super good! very flavorful, and deff. garlicy! if you're not a garlic fan, pass on this appetizer because you can deff. taste it. what i like most about this appetizer is that the claws are already cracked and ready to be eaten. king crab: crab galore! we always order an entire crab because it's simply delicious! this past time we had it, it was a little bit on the salty side. it wasn't as fresh as usual but its ok. cole slaw: omg.......their cole slaw is bomb.com !!!! i have never had a mouth watering amazingness cole slaw ever in my life!!!! Mai Tai's: the best signature mai tai's in town! or i should say in the world!!!! Overall, this place is a great place to have dinner at! It's a little pricy but it's seafood for you!

    (4)

  • Shelley L.

    Food is always good and the service is outstanding. I guess that's because each time we come we ask for Kathy B. You should too. She is a total rock star!

    (5)

  • Jane S.

    Awesome garlic rolls and Mai Tai!

    (4)

  • Megan M.

    It's imperative that you not underestimate the gravitational pull of this place. You can fight all you want, but it will draw you back in. You're lined up by size, (of your group, not person) before corralled through the front portion of the dining area. You pass an island that mirrors a butchers window, as you navigate through the crowded, wooden, woody, atypical layout. You're not quite sure if you overdressed or underdressed for the occasion. An aroma meets you. It dances before you, as you seek out its origins, and takes hold. Little do you know, you have just been hooked by the addictive, intense, intoxicating garlic rolls. These appear, smothered in fresh cut garlic and olive oil, almost as promptly as the paper menu. Part of you longs for more as the last roll leaves the yellow basket, but part of you begs for recluse, desperate to recall life before the rolls. You are not the same anymore, and there is no going back. Your eyes begin to scroll across the two sides of this massive menu. You're indecisiveness pairs itself with the overwhelming sense that everyone is judging how tainted with garlic roll, your now partially see through menu has become. The only way to successfully negate this awkward period, is to have a bloody plan. Know, or have some semblance of what type of sea-monger you want to devour. Otherwise, you could lose your mind staring into the black and white abyss that is the daily menu. Check your pride at the door, but before you walk in, also check your credit limit. Despite the not exactly upscale demeanor of the restaurant, the menu has a lavish listing of plates by which one could easily break the bank. But you'll leave so satiated, and so immensely gratified, that you'll convince yourself, it was worth it. AND, you'll get a free plastic souvenir cup to insure you'll never forget. Here is one of the only places where you can purchase and have prepared, an entire crab. You may think this isn't a big deal, until you witness the delivery of a dismembered mammoth crustacean, who, had he not been cooked, may have battled the likes of Godzilla himself. Dip that in your drawn butter. Any and every type of seafood is available, to be perfectly prepared to your liking. The fish is flown in daily- meaning it's remarkably fresh, and Bob knows seasonal fish. (In Bob you trust) Before I tell you to visit, there is one additional note I need to make. It's regarding the coleslaw. I don't like coleslaw. I don't trust it. It's weird. It's covered in white slime, and I'm not entirely certain what it's comprised of. EXCEPT I love Bob Chin's coleslaw. I savor it, I also hoard it from my fellow diners. It's a problem, like, garlic roll level addiction. Try it. Then you'll understand. Drink the Mai Tais. They need no explanation, other than yes- you can get them to go (by the gallon!) So come here. Bring you friends, and if the penalties aren't too high, a portion of your retirement fund. It'll be an experience like no other- and your dinner may save humanity from a homicidal killer king crab.

    (5)

  • Jen T.

    First timer. Dinner at Bob Chinn's is what my family wanted. I must say, I was excited when I heard that we are having crab legs for dinner. It was a long day and I was of course hungry. I was thinking we would have to wait long since the parking area was packed with cars for a Monday night but I was wrong. With a party of 7 including 2 kids, we were seated right away. The waitress we had wasn't as attentive as we'd like. We ordered our drinks and bread. She gave us a few more minutes to order our food. We started with a Salad from the Salad Bar, Carb Vermicelli and a dozen Raw Oysters as our appetizers. For our meal, 5 of us shared a 32oz Poterhouse with 20oz Alaskan Red King Crab Legs. I must say that was enough for 5 adults. The kids ordered some pizza and pasta. The Carb Vermicelli was delicious as it was my first time eating it. The steak was cooked just perfect and of course, you gotta love some crab legs. I also love the cole slaw. The atmosphere is pretty causal. The price is a bit steep. For a party of 7 including 2 kids, our ticket was about $250 and we shared our meals. The food was great and the service was just okay. It is a must try but not one I would be super excited to dine at.

    (4)

  • Derek Y.

    I've been coming here occasionally for about 20 years. I find myself returning a little more frequently (once every month or two). To me, it has gotten better. Still the same great fresh fish,crab, even steak....I've never had any thing less than good. I never paid all that much attention to the setting when I was younger but I like it now. Extreme casual, fast, not cheap at all (you can see why this is consistently a top grossing restaurant in the US). I think most negative impressions/ratings are due to expectations for high-end service and ambiance......forget about that. Chinn's rocks. Tip: Go for lunch anytime, weekday or weekend, great deal. I tell my sister if I can get rich and retire early, we're eating at Chinn's once a day.

    (4)

  • Jennifer H.

    I know people love this place but I feel like I'm missing the appeal. It's more like a food factory than anything. Before you're seated, they have a massive infrastructure of lines for you to wait in. It was more like waiting for a ride at Six Flags. Not at a restaurant. When you finally get inside, it is quite impressive just how HUGE this place is. I mean people are lining up to eat here -- literally. And they're using every inch of space to get everyone in. The food was okay. People are going ape nuts over the bread. My reaction? Meh. The decor feels old. But the drinks were HUGE which helped :) Go for the experience if you must. But you've been warned.

    (2)

  • Tima D.

    BOB FREAKIN CHINN! This man has this down to a science!!! Best crab in my opinion. If you are here with a big party...order the 6 pound crab. It is phenomenal! Also a must is the fried rice. Sooooo good. The service is so phenomenal too. The waiter/waitress is always right there to make sure you have everything you need. Drinks are always refilled and they are genuinely nice people. Make reservations because this place fills up FAST.

    (5)

  • Karma K.

    Yep, it's cheesy as hell and I just love this place. The tableware is dated, ok let's go with retro. The atmosphere screams 1982! It's always incredibly crowded and they actually have two lines to wait in, one for less than 5 and one for more than 5. Some of the entrees come out on wooden vessels. Yep. It seats more than 700! Their famous mai tai comes to you in a bright colored plastic cup. Despite all of this, I love this place. Here's why... They have an honest to goodness old school salad bar. They have some of the best prices for pretty high quality seafood. Bob puts his Asian twist on some of his signature dishes Garlic rolls. Seafood pot pie. Bob has his sexy going on at 88 years young. They don't try to be cutting edge and they are not. Their fresh fish choices of the day are always great. Soft shell crabs (when in season) come prepared several ways, all are good. Old people, really old people eat here and I have a soft spot for my elders. Mai Tais always do the job of getting me nicely buzzed. They never question my 5th request for more garlic rolls. It's not Red Lobster. It's not Joe's Crab Shack. I want to go there now! Anyone care to join me?

    (5)

  • Melissa H.

    I've only been to Bob Chinn's a handful of times. I have to say our experience dining here this past Monday was the best experience I have had here. My husband's company he works for was offering a special Monday through Thursday this week. It was 50 dollars per couple for 2 Mai Tai's, side salad, either steak with 10 fried shrimp, or Asian Basa, or snow crab legs (sides included with all three entree options), and a dessert for each of us. Quite a deal if you ask me! Our server Kim provided us with great and efficient customer service. I made a reservation and thought it would be dead here on a Monday night especially the day after Mother's Day. Boy, was I wrong it was unbelievably PACKED!! They had a 44 dollar crab leg special which brings in a lot of people. We started off with their amazing garlic bread rolls. We engaged in carb and garlic overload by ordering a couple more times their bread in addition to taking some home. In addition to our corporate deal for an additional charge we added their shrimp cocktail. We had it for the first time December of 2013. Now you may ask why order shrimp cocktail if your getting fried shrimp with your steak?! Nope, can't go without it when we dine here. The shrimp are HUGE and what makes this shrimp unique is that it's served with cantaloupe. Yes, that's right! Sounds strange, but the combination is a great pairing! Take a forkful of cantaloupe and shrimp to dip in the cocktail sauce and you'll be thanking me later! Their salad was pretty basic and tasted fresh. With all the great seafood I wouldn't order a salad again unless it came with my meal. Last time we dined here we thought the steak was too salty. My husband ordered his steak with only salt and pepper medium rare with green beans on the side. Another server delivered our meal and knew the EXACT temp my husband ordered for his steak (IMPRESSIVE) and said it didn't look medium rare but medium well and requested my husband to cut into his steak. The server was right and they were prompt on sending him out a new medium rare steak. The steak was on point and delicious along with the fried shrimp (I sampled his meal). Their crab legs tasted so fresh. Reminded me of the crab I would order in the east coast or down in Florida. SO FRESH (rumor is they toss out all seafood at the end of each night for new shipments to arrive off the east/west coast). The sides of potatoes and green beans were good. For a beer snob, my husband throughly enjoyed the Mai Tai's. Unfortunately, I can't drink alcohol for the next couple weeks so the husband got a nice buzz off the two drinks and thought they were very tasty. We each received a half slice of dessert. We both went the pie route. I ordered Key Lime pie and my husband ordered the choconananut. The key lime pie was way too sweet and I loved the choconananut pie. Next time we dine I'm ordering that instead. I begged my husband to trade pies and he was kind enough to do so. Great experience dining at Bob Chinn's. Highly impressed by the food, customer service, and hospitality. We'll come back soon Bob!!

    (5)

  • Dreena L.

    A group of me and my friends decided to try this establishment for my birthday this past month. My experience is listed below as pros and cons to make the reading ease better for people (direct and straight to the point lol): Pros Had a big group so the restaurant was able to hold my party Making reservations was easy Great Customer Service Clean Restrooms A lot of options on the menu (they had something for everyone (except vegans..#sadface) If you don't like your order they are very nice about taking it back and exchanging it for something to your liking Prices were decent Wait wasn't long due to my reservation Now the Cons.....(whomp whomp) While the menu had a lot of options; it was almost way too much. A bit overwhelming for a first timer The Mai Tai's were terrible (heavy on the orange juice) Food was very bland. It had little to no flavor. We had the fried shrimp, clams, gumbo (one friend stated that it was okay but nothing to write home about), lamb chops, crab nuggets (those were actually good minus the sauce they served with it), crab legs, lump crab vermicelli noodles (it would have been really good if they added more of the soy sauce) and clam chowder. The garlic rolls were HEAAAVVVVVVVVVVVYYYYYYYYYYYY on the garlic but lacked any other flavor Very far especially if you live in Chicago Was very crowded and all over the place All an all, this restaurant is okay not worth the long trip for me. I feel like I could have saved some gas and went to Pappadeaux's.

    (2)

  • Delia S.

    This is my family place for birthdays, anniversaries you name it. The lobster and fried shrimp are very good. The pork chops are very juicy with apple sauce. Salad bar is great for lunch and dinner. If after 2 bites you don't like it they will replace it ! Get the VIP card if you come a few times it will pay for itself. Also sign up for email ... They send you deals for birthdays and anniversaries. The Hawaiian wedding cake is the best !

    (5)

  • Shirley H.

    It is definitely the best sea food in Chicago. I would recommend it for Asia people who would like to have any soy bean steam fish. We ordered steam oyster, sea bass, king crab and seasoned scallop. It is more than enough for 4 people. The steam sea bass taste so home. Everything is very fresh.

    (5)

  • Greg F.

    Not one of the top grossing restaurants in the country for nothing. Looking for fancy? - this probably isn't your spot. If you are looking for great prices, excellent service, awesome drinks, and spot-on seafood, look no further. Great for casual lunches or dinners, or a night out with the family.

    (4)

  • Howard L.

    Wow, guess it's been 6 years already since we were last here. And on this Friday evening, it was amazing still to see so many large (6+) dinner groups enjoying a festive and spendy evening here. Fresh crab meat and those garlic rolls are the mainstream signature draws but the steaks and other seafood are all very good as well here, as is the experienced and friendly service. Our party enjoyed servings of the 16 oz King crab leg fingers, a 10 oz prime rib, and crab vermicelli lump meat (very nice appetizer turned dinner entree!). I personally had the large Alaskan dungeness crab with the red chili sauce on the side (I really didn't want it messily slathered over the crab and wasn't sure of spice level). We also had appetizers of salt and pepper shrimp and chargrilled seafood sampler, both nice tasting but a little light on the serving size it appeared. Everything was very fresh, but I have to say having the steamed crab with the chili sauce on the side (as well as slathered on after steaming) doesn't provide the same deep flavor as having the crab cooked in the chili sauce Asian style (thinking Angry Crab or equal), but it was nonetheless a very nice crab dinner. This is still a wonderful and festive place for a special occasion or celebration outing.

    (4)

  • Diane S.

    I Love the salad bar. Always fresh and delicious. Don't like having to peel shrimp when ordered on the side for the salad bar. When in season, the Hawaiian Onaga is amazing. Never fishy, very flaky, delicate and yummy.

    (4)

  • Deralyn G.

    Haven't been to Bob Chinn's in awhile. What a treat! The Oysters Rockefeller were cooked perfectly, the salad bar is amazing, the orange roughy was fresh. I don't know what they do to the red-skinned potatoes, but they're the best I've had. My friend had the fried shrimp, and it was delicious, giant pink shrimp butterflied in a light batter. There's a reason this joint is so successful: Top-notch food and service. They don't take reservations, but the restaurant is huge and we walked right in and got sat at 7:30 pm on a Thursday night.

    (5)

  • Yuksel G.

    It was so good! Good food perfect serve and smiling people. Also everything was dilicious. I love there.

    (5)

  • Diana C.

    DELICIOUS!!!!!!!! This place is hands down my favorite seafood restaurant. Definitely worth the drive out to Wheeling. Service is great and everything we ordered was amazing! The menu is huge, but I doubt if there's anything on there that isn't absolutely delectable. Appetizers: garlic rolls (won't be kissing anyone after these babies), clam chowder (NOM), oysters Rockefeller (OMG), and raw oysters were all ON POINT. I had the fresh day boat scallops for my entree. They were the most delicious scallops I've ever had!! The restaurant itself has a very casual feel and the decor could use some updating as it is semi out dated/tacky, but it totally works for them and gives the place a really fun vibe. Perfect for large groups who are looking for top notch seafood, great service, and a fun night!

    (5)

  • Andrea H.

    I've been here twice now. First time was just meh, second time was great! You can't really make reservations but you can call ahead for priority seating and it's a little less of a wait. That was pretty nice. The seafood is fresh and delicious. Our first trip here, the waitress didn't have too many things to offer to us when we asked what was good there but the second time our waitress was very friendly and knowledgable and made sure we were comfortable making the right decision. Funny thing is, our first trip was a slower night at the restaurant so you'd think our waitress would spend a little more time w us but they must have their A-team on busy nights because the 2nd time we went it was packed and it was overall a better experience. This might be blasphemy to say but I do NOT like the Mai Tais. They taste like their out of a bottle, not fresh. We had one then got beer the rest of the night. I will say they are very organized with seating everyone especially when it's busy. Their system really works. On the slow night we went it seemed kind of silly, there were empty seats everywhere but I understand the reason to not break protocol. Overall, I understand why this is such a popular spot. Hard to get fresh seafood. I live a whole 5 minutes from here so I can say I'll be back.

    (4)

  • Samantha D.

    Don't understand the hype about this place. It's okay but nothing worth writing home about. The ambiance leaves something to be desired. Not my favorite place, but I'd go if someone else was paying!

    (3)

  • Shuang Z.

    Even though I live in the city of Chicago, I'm always willing to commute for an hour just to come here for the crab. The free garlic rolls are awesome! super soft and buttery. We ordered the dungeness crab and snow crab. I like the dungeness crab better, which seems have more meat in the legs. They have two options, garlic or cold. I love the garlic one more, since it's warm and savory. The cold style taste good too, but a little bit salty to me. I don't recommend the lobster meat stir-fry style though... it taste like the average stir-fry rice noodle (shahe fen) you get in any random Chinese restaurant...

    (4)

  • steve c.

    Bob chinn is almost always good, $10 lunch special is really good even though it was bumped from 6.95 but u got an extra soup, the seafood gumbo soup is fantastic. For more money, u can get all fresh catches all over the world this is truly amazing. The only problem this place has is its outdated decor, maybe this is also what makes this top national revenue restaurant special

    (4)

  • Tina L.

    I can't believe it took me so long to try this place! I've been in Chicago for over 2 years now... It's best to come with a large group so that you can get a variety of dishes and share. The menu is HUGE. How do people know what to order? OF COURSE we ordered the crab, which was great! I'm glad we each got the salad bar option, because you really need the balance of food (rich crab legs and butter needs the light, crisp flavors of the veggies at the salad bar). The complimentary garlic rolls are so freaking delicious. I could probably have an entire meal of just that. But I didn't, because I like variety and I wanted to try everything else. We also ordered the Porterhouse and I loved the filet side, so juicy and tender! I can't remember what else we ordered. I'll try to come back to this review later. This is what happens when you wait too long before you write a review.

    (5)

  • Sonia B.

    This was my first time at Bob Chinns, I had heard SO much about it for years! That can be a good and a bad thing...sometimes, when you hear so many great things - the expectations are never met. So, everyone has raved about these infamous garlic rolls and I tend to agree. They are SO TASTY! They are nothing but buttery, garlicky, warm yumminess! For appetizers, we ordered deep fried clam strips and the crab rangoon (called something else on the menu). I really enjoyed the deep fried clam strips. They were served w/ a sweet and sour sauce and a tartar sauce. I liked it w/ the tartar sauce! The crab rangoon was good as it used real crab and there was some curry in it, which made it unique. Both were good choices! Of course, we ordered their famous Mai Tais to go w/ our appetizers/dinner. I really enjoyed them! They were perfect...not too strong and not too mild! The souvenir cup is cute as well! For our entrees, I ordered the crab cake w/ pasta and my husband ordered a crab roll. I thought my crab cake was good, but nothing spectacular/special. Actually, I take that back. The crab cake was crusted w/ potato...that was special. :) That made the crab cake for me. I wanted to order a dessert, but my husband gave up dessert for lent...BOO...and I didn't want to devour a dessert all on my own! :) I will go back for the garlic rolls, Mai Tais, and the appetizers! I'll definitely try some other entrees that caught my eye....like the crab fried rice w/ crab egg foo young or the vermicelli!

    (3)

  • David O.

    Came here for the first time tonight with a groupon for a dinner for two which included 5 snow crab legs each, a side, and a mai tai or soft drink for only $50. Great deal, loved the crab legs- they were the best I've ever had. The crab meat had flavor on its own, with the right amount of salty taste-not too much. I had white rice as a side and the wife had the potatoes. Potatoes didnt have much flavor. The free garlic rolls were great, enuf garlic to kill 10 vampires! Will definitely be goin back, not for the mai tais tho.

    (5)

  • Alice A.

    One of the freshest seafood places around the area! Definitely recommend this place to anyone who are seafood lovers! The 10 plus years that I've been here, I've never had bad service before and the food taste the same all the time. Besides the garlic smothered rolls they give you, I always order blue crab claws, calamari and vermicelli as appetizers. As for the main course, lobster and crabs can never disappoint. I usually like to get my seafood steamed so I can taste the natural sweetness and freshness of the seafood itself. If I'm lazy, I'd get the Lobster Meat in Cantonese style. Very delicious! They take out the meat for you and chop it up in small pieces for you, stir fried in black bean sauce. Yes, Bob Chinns is kinda pricey BUT their seafood is always fresh. I've never had seafood there that wasn't fresh. ( Chain restaurants like Red Lobster and Joes Crab shack's seafood varies time to time. And isn't very good) Besides their famous Mai Thai, their guava juice is delicious!! A little bit on the sweet side for me though. I never had their desserts before because by the time I'm half done with my food, I'm stuffed and having food coma. Although I did hear their taro pie is delicious!

    (4)

  • Cat H.

    What happened to you Bob Chinns? Will not be coming back after tonight's experience. Staff needs a huge recheck on training. My family and I have been coming here for over a decade. Went out to eat for a family reunion expecting great food and service as usual. Not today. My father had asked for a water with lime because our server forgot his drink. Some guy laughed at him and said, "Oh a lime? You mean the green thing?" Excuse me? Was then told by our server Darcell, that Cantonese style lobster did not have any other meat than seafood (I cannot eat red meat). Another server came by and dropped off FIVE of the lobsters we ordered and I double checked with her. She says "Oh yeah, there's absolutely pork meat in there." Darcell then asked me if I wanted to order a steamed lobster. We were all supposed to share these lobsters. I kindly declined and did not order another 6th whole lobster to myself. I ate a few bites off my baby nieces' plate of spinach and some Alfredo noodles (It was actually pretty good and I would recommend their pasta). Anyways, at the end of our meal she had the nerve to try and over charge us on alcohol we didn't even order. After I had informed her, she apologized and took it off but right after that, she physically wrote in an 18% tip right in front of me on our check....on the table. Mind you first of all, it is illegal to charge automatic gratuity in Illinois. But that wasn't the problem here. That is just straight up rude to do on the table and quite distasteful. You couldn't have calculated that at your server station? As industry, we are always supposed to tip 18 percent-plus which is what we did anyway, despite the lack of knowledge in service. Staff should all know better of allergens and dietary restrictions. Especially if a party is willing to drop over $450 for a meal. Big thanks to the other server for letting me know about the pork in the Cantonese sauce, otherwise I would have gotten extremely sick before my flight today.

    (1)

  • Cris G.

    Had dinner here for father's day and my son's bday as well... place is kind of old .. and filthy , and their bathrooms need to be updated .. food was OK .. for the price they charge it could use a better presentation. . Not just throwing a claw of crabs on a plate .. worse ... without the sauce the goes with it..

    (3)

  • Cayla S.

    Fun place. Nice servers. Great food. Awesome parking. Once ordered takeout. Came with a very nice box. It would be great to have handles on the box though since there's nobody helping to open exit doors. Pretty inconvenient.

    (4)

  • Bunny C.

    Food: good Services: good Price: high Environment: good Distance: okay I have been there my boyfriend for 3 times and the food was good! Although last time we went there to celebrate our anniversary they messed with my order, they apologized to us right away and brought us free food. I love it a lot and the service was awesome! I definitely will go back again!!!

    (4)

  • Louise M.

    I am definitely a fan and it has been a couple years since I wrote my review, and I'd like to update it and give them an extra star! I always like this place no matter what, but I have been going for dinner there lately and despite the price, it was worth it. Well, I went for dinner last night with a bunch of friends, and we ordered so many different things and ate it family style. I have never done family style dining here before, and though we did it on our own, it was the way to go to try various things in their ever-changing huge menu. We ordered the Alaskan King Crab legs that were so succulent and yummy. The meat was almost an inch in diameter! It was so good. We also ordered scallops covered with bacon, fried calamari, lobster meat in Cantonese style sauce, Vermicelli with crab meat and shrimps, a whole sea bass deep fried and served with this tomato-ey sauce, and chicken wings. None of them was bad. They were all excellent. They were so excellent I can't wait to go back for more. I seriously had so much fun eating there last night. The service was great as well. I didn't feel rushed like I usually felt before. There was a period when it was a hit or miss with Bob Chinn's Crab House, but it seems they're taking the reign back and getting things in order.

    (4)

  • T L.

    This place is awesome. I've been coming here for the past 20 years and I never had a bad experience. For those complaining about the cost of the King crab legs, you have to pay a price for premium King crab legs. He flies in fresh seafood everyday!! If it's too much for you then look elsewhere. The crab legs at BC is fresh and I always look forward to coming here. I usually order only King crab legs and blue crab claws. I'll be going here for my birthday in a few weeks and I'm looking forward to another great filling meal!

    (5)

  • Teresa C.

    AMAZING! A must for anyone who is somewhat close to the area. You get garlic buns as soon as you sit down. These buns are nice and warm and completely soaked in garlic + butter. And this place is great for large groups! There were 30 of us, and the servers took care of us seamlessly. They didn't mess up anyone's order!! I didn't try all six dishes at one time! This is a combination of two visits, just in case you're curious. 1) Oysters The freshest oysters I ever had. I'm usually pretty indifferent about oysters because most has that fishy smell to them, but not at Bob Chinn's! 2) Bacon Wrapped Scallops Highly recommend. It was absolutely delicious. Can it get any better than 3) Clam Chowder You have to try! It was creamy and had a ton of seafood + it goes perfect with the garlic bread 4) Dungeness Crab Very large! I would recommend sharing especially if you want some appetizers. 5) Sashimi Combo I thought the sashimi was okay. It was fresh, but I found that really good sashimi has its own taste to it. The sashimi was bland and 6) Snow Crab I would recommend over Dungeness. Not only is it less pricey, the meat is sweet and absolutely delicious. I would recommend sharing and then order other seafood appetizers!

    (5)

  • Lena M.

    I don't get the hype about this place. It's loud, it's crowded, and they are always in a hurry to rush you through your meal so they can fit in more money, I mean customers. I have yet to sit back and enjoy a meal at this place. It's expensive and the service is mediocre at best. The food isn't spectacular by any means. A sign that they are all about the dollars are the 8(?) heated and AC garages along the north side of their parking lot. Bob Chinn may have started humble, but me thinks he has forgotten his poor roots and sleeps with dollar signs behind is eyelids. Save the time waiting for mediocre food, to be rushed so you can enjoy it, and Yucky greasy feeling afterward and go elsewhere. My husband got food poisoning BAD from here the last time and never again will we eat here.

    (2)

  • Govi S.

    If you love Sea food you should definitely go here. Their fresh catch is their specialty. Have tried their Blackened Mahi Mahi and Orange roughy. Both were very good and I loved it. Oh before i forget... DO NOT FORGET TO TRY THE GARLIC BREAD ROLLS...Its just yummy, but make sure you carry some gum, cause they use about 500lbs of garlic every week for their garlic breads they serve.

    (4)

  • David Y.

    Our family has been coming to Bob Chinn's for the past 15 years, and we've never been so disappointed after tonight's experience. The Kona crab appetizer we ordered this evening had an overpowering smell of ammonia. For those of you who are unaware, this means that the crab has long been expired, and still decidedly served to our table. We didn't even bother to eat the dish and informed our server to take it back. After the server confirmed the rancid smell coming from our dish, we simply had a person named Cindy come by and state "she would take care of the crab" that would NOT be reordered. It goes without saying, that we were paranoid about the seafood for the rest of the meal, but we didn't want to ruin our Mother's day meal any further by cutting dinner short. Our bill came and our server was proud to tell us that Cindy 'took care of the crab' that we didn't even touch. That said, it's safe to say that the food served at Bob Chinn's is not inspected throughly and their chefs are certainly beyond lazy to be serving expired food. We gladly paid our bill as a final parting gift to Chinn's. I can definitely say that we won't be ever going back after such a terrible experience.

    (1)

  • Mallory W.

    Anytime that my brother and I visit my dad in Vernon Hills, we inevitably end up eating here. My brother and dad go crazy for this place, whereas I mostly tag along for the rolls and to keep them company. Although I love seafood, I think that they are hideously overpriced and the food is good but not great. Also the portion sizes are too big for me. I just can't eat that much food and I don't want to spend $50 or above per plate. I will say that the garlic rolls are to die for. They are crispy rolls smeared in butter and piled high in chunky pieces of garlic. I usually fill up on that and then not order anything else. Of course I have fond memories of coming here every time I'm in town, but it's not on the top of my list.

    (3)

  • Sarah P.

    Ordered a prime rib sandwich and it was definitely delicious. We also ordered oysters that were for $5 on a promotion and they were to die for! They were so fresh and tasted great! I also recommend ordering the mai tai , which is a special cocktail. Overall my experience here was amazing and definitely recommend any of the steaks or seafood!

    (5)

  • Timtim H.

    Very pricy, but it's worth it! We had the blue crab claws, amazing!!!!!! Best crab claws!!! It's half pilled for you! And I also had the Maine lobster in Bob Chinn Style, one of the best lobsters I had!!! And my friend had tuna steak, it half cooked, so raw in the middle! So good!! It's the idea birthday meal!

    (5)

  • Rebecca K.

    Awesome, awesome, awesome food!! My boyfriend and I came in for dinner on Saturday evening and I was so pleased with the food and the service! We both had the king crab fingers...absolutely outstanding! Our server, Matt, was very knowledgeable and very kind. I thought the seating was a bit awkward how they made you stand in two separate lines and the second line was in the middle of their restaurant. They seemed packed though so I think their system works for them. Besides the seating, it was a fantastic evening. We split a dessert, the choconananut cake, which was absolutely delicious! We will definitely be back

    (5)

  • Tony F.

    We went to bob chinns for a seafood dinner on a Friday night. I made reservations for two. It was our first time going. Upon arriving the first impression was dated. Then the Mai Tai rolled in at the bar. At that point we didn't care as much. The drinks were huge. We were ecstatic. Then it was on to getting our table. It was like an assembly line. Go here, then go there, go here, wait a minute. It's like there was several staging areas to be seated. Excuse me! What's the point of reservations? Terrible mechanics for a moderately priced restaurant. On to dinner. The seafood selection is grand. We chose to order salads, lobster, crab, shrimp, and steak. The complimentary garlic rolls were garlicky and intense. The intensity of garlic mixed with the butter was nice. The food quality was OK. It wasn't memorable. As a guy I could do this at home better if that is any indication. On to service: initial impression, the servers are dressed cheesy in tropical attire. I'm not sure if that is pun intended with the tropical pacific theme. They were are all over the place moving in this chaotic fashion running from table to table. I'm not sure if it was because they were understaffed. Our server seemed to try to be attentive but never asked how our meal was. He delivered but missed the mark on great service. I feel bad for saying. Overall was ok. If you have a family it would be easy. I would not recommend date night. There are much better seafood places in Chicago to go if that is your objective.

    (3)

  • Leon W.

    Bob has a great price and a good deal on all the food and they measure up. So he helps you choose a good food at a good price with monthly list of best new food deals. Best new food deals Save money on food Call Bob Chinns

    (5)

  • Pizza L.

    Bob Chinn's used to be 'the spot' for seafood back in the day...but with newer, more refined seafood establishments in the suburbs, its no longer on the top of my list and just 'O.K' My first visit here was with a group of friends, waiting in a very long line to be seated...enormous dining area & I mean virtually warehouse kind of enormous. If your looking for something 'intimate' this is not the place. Can be loud with all the hustling and bustling of servers and diners...the ambiance leaves a lot to be desired, very casual, no frills. But when your in the mood for that, it's served its purpose. Ordered the oysters (for appetizer) they were fresh & pretty inexpensive, but I wasn't 'wowed'. I've had much better at Shaw's. The grilled swordfish was very good and meaty. Entrees used to come with garlic potatoes (LOVED THESE). Basically boiled red potatoes smothered with melted butter, lots of garlic and parsley (I copied this recipe and have made this myself a dozen times). Sadly, they don't serve these anymore. Garlic rolls are tasty especially when your starving and waiting for your food. Mai Tai's is their specialty drink but too weak by my standards. On second visit w/a friend...had the Mahi Mahi which was good, fresh, tasty...grilled. Basic, but fresh. I'll admit, they have a GREAT selection of seafood...that is why you'd come here right? It is a crab house after all....and yes their Alaskan king crabs were large and succulent. Service was decent. Sure I'd come back if a group of friends wanted to come here, I just happen to prefer a nicer atmosphere with my seafood :)

    (3)

  • Kj R.

    Solid meal with a few minor glitches. I sat at the bar for my usual because traveling alone quite often for business it's nice to have more personalized service so expecting a friendly greeting I was greeted with a grunt of what you want to drink. I felt as though I was being rushed several times to order a drink and then to order dinner and what else did I want all slightly bit on the harsh side the mai tais were really excellent the steak and crab surf and turf was delicious however my steak was exceedingly grizzly being cut from the end of the strip. parts of it were tender and it was very very tasty but was only able to eat about half of it . the guy next to me on the other hand got a beautiful steak. When I mentioned it to the bartenders she told me I should have told her sooner well I had just started eating it because I ate my club first but she did bring over a manager who was very nice and they offer to take the steak off the bill or give me some free dessert was very impressed with the dessert menu obviously all homemade coconut cake was quite good. If I come back to the area I would try it again the choice of seafood is a very extensive and I thought reasonably priced

    (3)

  • Gigi L.

    This place has gone downhill! We've been coming here for decades, but no more. Last week was the last straw. We ordered Alaskan King Crab Legs Select 20 oz. for $61, they brought out 3 crab legs that resembled crab legs from Jewel for $7.99/lb. The crab legs at Jewel even look better. When brought to the attention of our server (she acted like she did not notice how badly they looked) she reluctantly took them back and returned with some other crab legs which were not much better. They were small, not meaty, most likely not even 20 oz., for sure not 'Select' and not worth $61. If you want quality, this is NOT the place anymore.

    (1)

  • Hayley S.

    Sat in the bar, decent atmosphere. Watched the Hawks game here and ate dinner at the same time, not a bad deal after all. Those garlic rolls, wow. They don't use butter, only olive oil and garlic. So great. Piles of garlic on top, so beware if you're not keen on having garlic breath. Definitely worth at least a bite. Got a lobster roll, mmmmmmm. So authentic and fresh. Loved it. 100% recommend.

    (5)

  • Joyce C.

    The lunch special is a great deal! Add on 1/2 dozen raw clam or oyster for $4.99 (?) to an entree?! DONE! I ordered the lobster roll for lunch and it was delicious! The lobster was fresh and the meat was abundant. I got 3 raw clams and 3 raw oysters which were all super fresh as well. I also got the Mai Tai, which was a little too sweet. I agree, the decor is tacky and the ambiance is lacking. But really, on the quality and price of the food alone, I give this place an A.

    (4)

  • Pierre D.

    Upon entering this mecca to crab you first enter a line which could be mistaken for a roller coaster, only better things await. After walking through the seating area you'll notice that you don't need to go to the washroom to wash your hands; they have hand washing stations! Garlic rolls are deadly, the mai thais are strong and delicious. king Crab is super fresh and tasty. The servers are very attentive, they will even crack all the crabs for you upon request and show you good tips so that you can become an expert. Yea, it's pricey but it's the best alaskin crab you're going to find in Illinois.

    (5)

  • Emily H.

    This place is the home planet for seafood lovers in the suburbs. The Dungeoness crab and Kona crab are both ridiculously delicious, everything is all garlic-buttery and amazing, and this is according to second-hand sources I have reason to trust because I'm married/related to them. This review, however, is coming in from a non-seafood-eater, or as Bob Chinn's calls me, the LandLubber. Arrrrr. So I walk into the place and this wave of pure ocean-smell washes over me. It's hard to breathe for a couple of minutes because of all the brisk Parfum Du Plage rolling at me. Everything is cheerfully crab themed, hokey plastic and cloth crabs everywhere. We sit amidst a sea of tables full of people noisily cracking into and sucking meat from crab body parts. Everyone at the table but me orders crabs and cocktails that come in souvenir plastic festival cups covered in crab print. Crabs. Well, let me tell you that I am exactly the type of basic bitch that orders a great big filet mignon at a crab house as sweet revenge for being inundated by seafood everything for hours. It was a tasty steak too, possibly one of the best of my life! I think being given the hairy eyeball from everyone including the waitress made that awesome pricy piece of beef all the more succulent and savory. Perfectly cooked, a nice pink inside, the meat basically danced away from my knife telling me whatever cow this steak came from had a life of leisure. Possibly with massages. I went to Bob Chinn's and didn't get crabs.

    (4)

  • Omar R.

    The food is is the best in town, food is amazing! The dinner for two with 20oz Crab Legs & 32oz Steak is the best & great price for the portion! Even though at times the service can be better over all it's a great place to eat.

    (4)

  • Mika M.

    I love this seafood restaurant in Chicago area. I was tired to live here to not have great seafood until I met them. It's hard to find one in here. They have lakefood but not seafood. Other seafood restaurants are so pricy with ok taste, not make me wanted to go back again. Bob chinns is the first one to made me want to go back again and I keep going back there. Their dishes has Asian taste because owner is Chinese!? I think. I tried their steak before and it was also excellent. So meat eater would enjoy it too. Also try early bird special. You can eat raw clam or oyster in reasonable price with entree. And pleaaase try strawberry short cake. Excellent!! Excellent!! Excellent!! What I love most is their serving system. It's organized and I never ever met bad server. I always give them more than 20% of tip.

    (5)

  • Tom C.

    Place was amazing. Very good surf and turf. Would recommend to anyone who likes steak and lobster. The service was great, Mike really took care of us.

    (5)

  • Sara K.

    Still the best seafood place EVER! I have had seafood on the coasts and STILL prefer Bob Chinn's

    (5)

  • Anthony U.

    I've never been here and left unhappy... or hungry! After dozens of visits I can assure you the employees are held to a high standard and the food is always spot on. This trip we had Betsy waiting on us. Fast, attentive, and memorized our names and orders. Truly a star. We've also had Bill, Jonathan, and Mary wait on us that also produced memorable experiences. Every table gets hot rolls drowning in minced garlic and oil. Sounds odd but they are awesome. Ask for extra garlic. Most orders also come with coleslaw, also awesome. During winter months we love the selection of Seafood Pot Pies (crab is my favorite) but I've had some killer Prime Rib here. Just stay away from the Basa Fish, it's a fancy title for Asian Carp and not the most flavorful stuff.

    (5)

  • Nichole M.

    If a waitress can handle my father at a restaurant, then I hold this place close to my heart. Alejandra was amazing. She was patient, funny, kind, attentive...everything one wants in a waitress. We had a great time at Bob Chinns last night. I was expecting a fancier atmosphere. This place is nice and casual with great seafood. Good for families, not really a date night spot. We had oysters, which were good but had a lot of shell in them which is a turn off. Also, I would request a smaller Tabasco bottle so I can handle how much comes out of the bottle. Next we had gumbo and New England clam chowder. I liked the chowder and the gumbo, nothing to write home about. Main courses, I had the fresh catch of the day, blackened halibut, it was delicious and so fresh. (They got it in that day, still flailing around). My brother had the shrimp with fettuccine Alfredo. The shrimp wee great but the Alfredo sauce was tasteless and oily. My dad and other brother shared the fried combo, I only like fried seafood at bars and Popeyes, but this was pretty good. I just wouldn't have ordered it. So all in all, the food was good. I will definitely get crab legs next time to try them. That will be the deciding factor.

    (4)

  • Sarah V.

    Typically when you hear "world class seafood" besides a pretty hefty bill you probably also envision a romantic, elegant and formal restaurant. Well, not here. You can expect to see khakis, floral shirts and gym shoes. It's honestly more causal than Red Lobster. I have however learned to appreciate this place for what it is. The seafood is exceptional except for the Asian basa which is their cheapest and only farm raised fish on the menu. Everything else is really that fresh! They have a great lunch special that runs through 6pm, but like some of the other reviews say the servers sometimes aren't so nice when you aren't spending a ton. If you aren't into seafood the steak is excellent as well. I've ordered the pepper steak with filet and it was delicious. They really do have a good grasp on the Chinese flavors if you decide you're tired of just salt and pepper seasoning. And now for the garlic rolls.... Good, pretty darn good actually but still just garlic rolls. Do yourself a favor though and don't get your hopes up too high!

    (4)

  • Joline E.

    I'm a firm believer in setting expectations before a meal and my coworkers told me two things before we walked into Bob Chinn's Crab House: 1) this place is not a fancy restaurant, and 2) it's expensive but top notch quality seafood. With that expectation set this was a 4-5 star meal. The garlic buns were like a garlic seasoned donut and, while not healthy in the least, they were rich and savory. The best part was the plate of 20-oz Select King Crab I got for my main meal. It was piping hot, sweet and fresh, and the server even have me a few kind tips for digging in. The prices were high (dinner with one app and dessert plus one drink about $100/person) but king crab costs a lot, and I got three large legs. I felt good knowing I got what I paid for and they didn't spend excess on frills or ambience. The sushi rolls were really fresh and tasty and the desserts we tried varied. The key line pie was really tart and good but the coconut cake was a little dry and plain. The table favorite was Mochi (bite sized frozen rice/iced cream treats) and my favorite flavors after tasting all 6 were blueberry, coconut, and espresso chocolate. I would have liked a more comfortable table and surroundings to really enjoy the whole experience of the meal. I also didn't care for the prune-juicy flavor of their recommended signature cocktail, the Mai Thai. I can't give it five stars because I'm not dying to go back but the crab itself was really good and I wish I did live closer to share this one with friends!

    (4)

  • Mihir P.

    WORTH THE TRIP! This place is huge and very casual. It's like a fun mess hall. Service was super friendly and quick. I think our server's name was Luciano. To not waste anyone's time, I suggest to focus on the crab and lobster dishes or at least the seafood. I mean, you didn't come here for the steak and chicken? I hope not! Crab fingers, crab claws, lobster tails, lobster Cantonese...I recommend them all. Make sure to try their garlic rolls which are amazing. FYI, the garlic is only out the outside of the roll so dip the inside back into the bread basket where some of the garlicky goodness got left behind. Tips: - The menu is quite large so I suggest you do some "research" in advance - Go after 8pm and your wait should be less than 30 minutes

    (5)

  • Candi P.

    If I loved crab as much as my fiancé did, I would probably come here more often. I would agree that it is the best of it's kind out here, it's not like we can just order stone crab everywhere, this isn't Florida. However, I am never really 100% satisfied with my food when I leave Bob Chinn's. The pasta Alfredo was rather bland. The lobster roll was good but not great. I do like the king fingers, though because the crabmeat is easy to eat. The salad bar is a nice touch but nothing fancy. The crab legs are good but can rack up your bill quickly. What keeps me coming back? Besides crab-crazy friends... It is most definitely the Mai Tai's. It's a delicious and dangerous concoction served in either a plastic bob Chinn's cup, or a tiki cup in regular or mini sizes depending on the occasion. I've had so much mai tais here that I've even earned a horrendous Bob Chinn's windbreaker. Embarrassing... But I regret nothing!!!!!

    (4)

  • Eric T.

    GARLIC BREAD. That's all the reason you need to come here. Hands down the best garlic buns I've had in my life. That being said, food is a bit pricey here. I don't know why the crabs/lobster are so expensive here, but it is. So, in my past visits I've always ordered fish or pasta entrees. This last visit my party and I ordered the sea bass, crab pasta, sweet potato fries, calamari, seafood gumbo, the white cake, and the slice of paradise. Everything was average to above average considering the price point. I'd say the sea bass is a hit because you get a fresh whole fish for around 28 and it's pretty filling and tasty, got it steamed asian style. Crab pasta was a bit mediocre. The crab was overcooked a bit too. Sweet potato fries were surprisingly good. They add some sugar/cinnamon which makes it heavenly. Skip the calamari, they were whatever and ours were a bit undercooked. I liked the slice of paradise and the white cake was good too, but I'm not much of a cake person. Half portions were enough for our table. The venue here is huge, so I don't think reservations are an issue. We came here on a Friday night and got seats fine. You feel like you're at a tropical paradise here! I'd say this restaurant is at least once must try for any Chicagoan.

    (4)

  • Rob B.

    Chinns has great food. The decor is a bit tacky, place needs a remodel but the important thing being the food-is great. I recommend the blackened mahi

    (4)

  • Alina S.

    Aside from the lackluster ambience, overall this wasn't a bad experience. The garlic rolls were amazeballs! Perfect amount of garlic. My potato leek soup was ok. A bit bland. My entree was delish. The pepper bacon wrapping the huge plump scallops was perfectly cooked. So were the scallops. The red potatoes on the side was eh. Also a bit bland. The rolls make everything forgive-able. I'll come back, but with more cash in my pocket so I can actually try the king crab legs.

    (3)

  • Gilbert Z.

    Not only one of the best seafood spots in Chicago land, they have great steaks too. Try the king crab or lobster in combination with a giant porterhouse (for two).

    (4)

  • Sheryl T.

    We dined here for a late dinner in a Saturday. Didn't have a long wait, which was good. Ordered the shrimp Cantonese style served with white sticky rice and was not disappointed. Eric was our server and the service was top notch. He was patient and very knowledgeable about the menu. Ask for him the next time you dine here. You'll thank me for the experience!

    (5)

  • A K.

    DO NOT GO HERE! THEY DESERVE ZERO STARS! bob chinn should only know what his "management" has done! certainly changed his restaurant that once welcomed families like his own grandchildren bobbie and nick! monday, manager "mary beth" abusively ran after my 3 year old grandson appearing to hit him on his back! then she outright lied along with her "staff". as "mary beth" said, she was disciplining my 3 year grandson so he would not get hurt!! guess what? this place was empty!!!! "manager mary beth proceeded to tell me i needed to have my eyes examined!!!! when i told this witch "excuse me". she outright threatened to call the police on my daughter, 3year old grandson and myself!!!! further the oysters rockefeller was tasteless and had way too much cheese on it! THESE OYSTERS MADE ME SICK! the stuffed bassa fish was totally tasteless. this place is not worth the trip or your money!!! the food quality and management attitude has diminished substantially over the years! no wonder the health department shut them down for nearly a month!!!! and, our waitress, angella could not have been more phoney! she never listened to our requests for additional garlic rolls. (by the way....were not even fresh! and, when i told "angella" to bring my grandson a vanilla yogurt....the stupid ass broughrt chocolate! the zucchini appetizer had way too much breading and was nearly burned! save your money! the food was lousy and staff rude! "manager mary beth had a disgusting, sarcastic, degrading attitude against my daughter and 3 year old grandson! they do not like children! no strollers are allowed (allegedly due to wheeling's fire code). however, explain how a huge motorized scooter is????? no wonder this place was empty on a friday night at 8pm as well as monday late afternoon and early evening. they deserve to go under with staff like "mary beth" and angella!!!! they should be sued for the abusive manager mary beth attempting to hit my 3 year old grandson on his back!!!!!!!

    (1)

  • Tom R.

    This was my first visit - we had lunch as soon as they opened at 11. First - there have been a few reviews that mentioned that the service was less than stellar - our server was John H. and he was excellent! We asked a lot of questions, and he always was pleasant and attentive to our needs at the table. Granted this was right when they opened so it was not busy, but excellent service. The Clam Chowder soup was great - and no bacon! My entree was the Jonas Stone Crab with a side of potatoes, both were very good - and the lunch portion for only $12.99 was a bargain! Overall we were very happy with the food and the service and we will definitely be back!

    (5)

  • Dave R.

    We went here last night and it was delicious. The seafood was so fresh and my family loves the Alaskan king crab legs. We also had the snow crab and fried rice. They were also really good! We love Bob Chinn's.

    (5)

  • Dan M.

    Small portions, high price, and poor service. Food was good. Ordered fish and it was yummy but it was TINY. Large portion of my plate as empty. Couldn't put a little more fries to fill that spot? Everyone at my tabled needed refills for at least 10 minutes. It got to the point where we didn't want to get a 2nd refill cause we wanted to get out of there. I came here based off work recommendations. Was in town for training and the company paid for the dinner. I left hungry and thristy. If I paid out of my pocket, I wouldv'e been MAD AS HELL. If you're a big eater, definitely don't go here. In my two weeks of eating around different spots, this was the worst.

    (1)

  • Hung-wei L.

    GREAT FOOD. GREAT PRICES. cool atmosphere. big drinks. GARLIC BREAD was INCREDIBLE. i ordered the filet and lobster tail combo. excellent. what more do I have to say???

    (5)

  • Frank N.

    Of my last food stop in Chicago, we ate at the famous Bob Chinn. I was told of this restaurant and heard about all the great food that is associated with this restaurant. I had to endure a year of waiting and finally I got my chance to see what this restaurant was all about. First thing I noticed about this restaurant was the size of this place! Seems like the restaurant kept stretching for endless amount of place to serve you crab. Another thing I noticed right away was the size of the servings on each table as we walked by. The first item we asked the waiter to bring was the famous free garlic bread. And they are delicious! With plenty of small finely chopped garlic topping the bread with some kind of oil was a great combination for the bread. And you have to eat them hot too, makes it all the tastier. My buddy suggested to order a bunch of the appetizers so that way we can taste a lot of the different flavors offered there. We had crab claws, lemon scallops, crab vermicelli, clam chowder, and a lobster pot pie. O yeah we also each ordered the all you can drink guava juice with your keepsake cup! All of the dishes tasted great but my favorite was the lemon scallops and lobster pot pie. The lemon scallops were tender and the flavor of lemon was spot on; not to bland or overpowering. The lobster pot pie was filled with huge chunks of lobster, Bob Chinn definitely was not skimpy when it comes to the seafood. This dish was well worth it. Since we ate the Port Edward seafood buffet two nights ago, we didn't really want to eat anymore crab. But next time I visit Chicago, I will stop here again and also go for the crab and other dishes to see how they fare. But from what I have seen and tasted, this is a must stop and I want more of that garlic bread!

    (4)

  • Ye L.

    Eh, not sure if this is worth its reputation. The few times I've been, the fish has been far from fresh. You can tell since they prepare pretty much everything with strong flavors (e.g. lots of garlic) and other sauces. The reason Asian prepare seafood this way is to disguise the fact that this is not exactly today's catch. Fresh seafood is amazing no matter how you prepare it. That said, the food is still reasonably good and if you can find the right dishes might even be very good. The garlic bread has changed over the years and is no longer cooked in a special machine but is instead heated from a refrigerated version and then oiled and garlic-ed. Still good, but not quite the crispiness and consistency of the originals. The service is good and the owner's family is often seen around the premises, which is a nice touch. All in all, my family lives closeby and there aren't too many better options in the burbs, but it's pricey for what you get. Protip: The specials are usually a good deal. They also tend to be the freshest fish since they probably just got a big shipment of it. Protip 2: They have an excellent bar menu including a really cheap (can't remember the price) steak which is valid as long as you have a drink. I don't remember what time the bar opens, but my friends used to hang out there quite a bit.

    (3)

  • Melissa O.

    Wow. Seriously?!? I heard the best things about this place so I decided this would be a great place to take my mom to while she was visiting. Boy were we disappointed! The food was horrible and flavorless. I ordered the garlic shrimp pasta and they weren't kidding when they said "garlic". The penne pasta was sitting in a pool of garlic oil and the shrimp were cold and sitting on top of the pasta. You couldn't taste anything but the garlic. My fiance ordered the shrimp alfredo and there was absolutely no flavor to this dish at all. My mom ordered the Shrimp tempura and it was cold and also lacked in the flavor department. The waitress was nice enough to take the garlic pasta off our bill and for two meals the bill was still $45. It was not worth the money at all. The garlic rolls were way to greasy, and I usually love garlic bread.

    (1)

  • Lorna S.

    So, to start things off, the atmosphere is pretty cool. This place is so big, it is not at all intimate, or cozy (which I like). To me, it seems pretty commercial. They have a shop where you can buy "Chin's" items, but some like that sort of thing. When I go out to eat, I'm just looking for good food, and service. I do have to say, that the food is good here. The crab is outstanding, and their desserts are good too. Chin's is known for their Mai Tai's, which I can understand why. They are so tasty, and go down so easily. If you get the large size, you get to take the souvenir cup home. We have several :-). I have really never had bad service there, and do enjoy the food. So I'd definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone.

    (4)

  • Jamie H.

    Dear Bob- I don't know how you do it, the seafood couldn't get any fresher unless you fished it from the ocean. Your servers are a bit lacking but the food and those heavenly garlic butter rolls make up for it.

    (4)

  • Kristi K.

    This is not the place to go if you're looking for a quaint atmosphere, or innovative food, this is not the place. However... The place is enormous. I kind of felt like I was at a carnival, sans carnies. However, the food was really fresh. I had ahi tuna, which was cooked perfectly. It came with potatoes and cooked mushrooms. The others I were with had steak and shrimp. You get to pick your "side", but I would think that vegetable would be automatic. Guess not. None the less, it was a good place and a decent value. Would I drive all the way to Wheeling again just for the restaurant? Probably not. But if I were in the area and wanted some fresh seafood, I would eat there again.

    (3)

  • Rockie D.

    Best seafood place around!

    (5)

  • Brian P.

    Decided to check out Bob Chinns for my 10 wedding anniversary last night after hearing my neighbors rave about this place for a couple years. We were really excited to check it out but were quickly suspicious after being herded through the seating lanes at the door and deeper into the restaurant. We were seated and it looked like a family environment with a out dated decor. We ordered drinks wine for my wife and me a Belvedere martini. It was only after we ordered that I noticed that it was 5$ well martini night. I mentioned this to our server and he looked at me odd that it wasn't the special and I reminded him it was Thursday - "oh yeah, wow". That cost me 5$ already. We order appetizers and our meal. The meal came first and we then reminded the server that we also ordered appetizers which at first puzzled our server and then he asked if we would like to keep our made meals heated while he tracked down our appetizers. My wife's fish was horrendous[sea bass] and she took 3 bites - at BC is you take 2 or less bites they guarantee your food and will replace it. Not worth the effort or time it would take to wait for it. For a 130$ meal I expect the following: Cloth napkins, a plate for my steak [mine came on a serving platter next to my seafood order], competent servers and freshly cooked food. I need to have my neighbors heads checked...never again there are way too many other restaurants in the Chicagoland area that live up to my expectations.

    (1)

  • Mike L.

    Just a huge place and with parking lots on both sides it just flaunts the fact that yes we are always busy at all times right in your face and all the other restaurants on the Wheeling strip. Typically you go through 2 hostesses just to get to your seat. A large menu with daily specials and sushi. All the food is very good from the blue-crab to the oysters to the salmon to the halibut and finally the sushi. I was actually surprised they had scallops on the sushi menu and they were very good. Place is a mad house between all the servers and the customers but oddly never seemed all that noisy or rushed. A fun place to go for good seafood.

    (4)

  • che c.

    Oh Bob you're so clever! Have coming here for years, Bob is a great guy and they have a great staff. Came here the other night and their service has definitely changed. They are more CORPORATE like now with their service which I really disliked. FYI, they have a Premium and a Select choice for crab legs. We ordered both kinds and there wasn't any difference. check out their website for some deals on their crab legs.

    (4)

  • chris c.

    This place is definitely past it's prime. It is like a old pair of jeans. They are really comfortable but they are held together by mere threads and are showing many years of wear. We had the mussels which came out a little overcooked and the garlic butter they were to be served with was a watery mess. I had the copper river king salmon which was just good. I don't know what they are doing when char grilling but it gets this weird outer texture that tastes similar across all their fishes. This place is a favorite of my daughter so we return but this is a place best left for the very old who have been going here for two decades or the younger crowd who you want to avoid taking to red lobster.

    (2)

  • Maxine W.

    I don't know what I can say about Bob Chinn's that hasn't already been said. I'll start off by saying my 3 stars are pretty generous. I left full, and thats good, but I'm really teeter-tottering about whether I liked it here or not. Let's start at the very beginning (a very good place to start). I came to Bob Chinn's once when I was a kid, about 20 years ago. As a youngster, I was like "ew, seafood," and therefore ate from the salad bar. I can't really comment on the salad bar because I don't remember it and didn't partake recently. Last night, my sister and I continued our tradition of boom-boom fatty dinners by coming to Bob Chinn's. We arrived around 7:30 and were given a number and quoted a wait time of about 35 minutes. Our number wasn't called until 8:45. I understand that it was Saturday night, but as a rule, you should overestimate the wait time so your guests can be pleasantly surprised when their number is called early. Not the other way around. So an hour and 15 minutes pass and we hear our number. Hooray! It's time to sit down! WRONG. Our number was our admission to the line. Yeah, queue up, bitches. We were given our menus and then waited in two queues, amusement park style. (By the way, the employees are also dressed in amusement park uniforms. Horrible unisex khaki shorts...eeew) Finally, we were waved over to a hostess. I was really turned off by this. I know that this restaurant is gigantic, but the hostess could at least come to us to seat us. So we squeeze through the restaurant to the hostess who walks us about 10 feet to our table, which was missing a salt shaker and had the worlds worst seats. They're like bad hotel conference chairs. I have a bad back, so I was extremely uncomfortable and by the end of my meal I was in legitimate pain. Here comes the good part: Our server, Shingo. He was GREAT. In this super corporate atmosphere, it was nice to see a little personality and honesty shine through. He made the "script" his own. When I asked him about the ex-crab-iganza, he talked me out of it because it was a cold dish and not a good value. I appreciated that. The last thing I want after waiting almost an hour and a half is to spend 40 bucks on cold seafood. He suggested that my sister and I split the 20 ounce king crab dinner, which we did. We also had some appetizers. For me- a cup o' chowdah. It was the bomb. Probably my favorite dish of the night. For her- raw oysters. I can't comment because I don't eat that kind of stuff. For both of us- fried scallops. The scallops were cooked nicely but neither of us really enjoyed them. I think there is a seasoning in their breading that I don't care for. I couldn't put my finger on it. Our crab dinner came out super fast. Like 60 seconds after our server put the order in. That'll happen when the food has been sitting in a chafing dish just waiting for someone to order. The flavor was good but the crab was by no means hot or special. Very institutional. We chose green beans as the side dish, and they were also lukewarm and tasted like they came out of a can. For the price, we did get a lot of food. It was more than enough for the two of us. But the garlic rolls, YES. YES YES YES. This was by far the most expensive amusement park cafeteria food I've ever had. Would I return? Eh. Not for king crab. Definitely not on a saturday night. Maybe for lunch. Maybe for a bowl of soup and a lobster roll. Three star breakdown: One star for garlic rolls. One star for Shingo. One star for the chowder.

    (3)

  • Stills J.

    It's the best place if you are a crab lover. We have been coming here for years and enjoyed every time we are here.

    (4)

  • Maria G.

    Omg this place is awesome. The food was unbelievable however I forgot to download my birthday certifiable for 25% off dame it. Our bill was 250.00 that would of been awesome. Oh well not to self download all coupons and keep in my purse. Can't wait to go back the food was awesome and kids were over the moon!!

    (5)

  • Corey N.

    If Disney World and Red Lobster had a love child who got the worst characteristics from each of their parents, their spawn would be Bob Chinn's. I am BAFFLED at the reviews of this place. The food, decor, and service were terrible when our party of 12 visited last weekend. We had "preferred seating", which as far as I can tell means nothing. Despite coming to the restaurant well before our scheduled time and before many other patrons, we endured a very long wait. At 6:50 we were told that it would be 10 minutes. Which would be perfect...if we actually were seated at 7:00. Instead, we weren't seated until 7:30 -- no checking in from the hostess or apologies of any kind. Meanwhile, as you wait you are herded into a waiting pen (think cattle waiting to be slaughtered). Much like Disney you can buy a drink (Mai Tai) in a souvenir cup while you wait...and wait you will. When we were finally called we were told to stand in one of the many (ok, 3) lines. Yep, like Disney, there are lines all over. And when you're ushered into the restaurant, they even have little arrows on the floor, again, reminiscent of Disney. One woman waved us over to another one standing 30 feet away and motioning to us. It's klassy with a "k"! When we finally sat down, we were in a dingy room (the place is huge -- not all rooms look quite the same, some have booths with bright red upholstery) with peach bucket lighting. At this point I was thinking that the food must be fantastic, after all, it sort of had to be to make up for all the nonsense, right? Nope. When our waitress eventually showed up to our table in her Hawaiian shirt, she threw menus at us. 5 minutes later she came back to take a drink order. 10 minutes later she took an order for appetizers. 5 minutes later she came back with drinks and a basket of garlic rolls, which were admittedly pretty good, albeit swimming in butter. Lots of waiting. The appetizers finally arrived on melamine plates, served with nary an explanation. So were they delicious? Nope. The stone crab claws worked out to about $9/each. They were small and not sweet -- a sign that they were frozen. Our waitress neglected to mention that, but then again, I cannot remember her doing anything other than taking our order and helping to deliver food. The peppercorn seared ahi tuna looked rather pathetic on the plate, though the flavor was ok even though the peppercorn was nowhere to be seen. And we waited again. I began to imagine that this place really felt like an industrial feed lot. Large, impersonal, and designed to do a job and nothing more. The waitress finally came back to take our dinner order, and again, more waiting. I was looking around the room and honestly, I don't get this place. Bob Chinn must be related to P.T. Barnum somehow because even though the place isn't cheap -- or good! -- there was a suck..err...customer in nearly every seat. And finally, the mains came. I wish I could tell you that that I had my aha! moment and the food was great. Nope. I ordered onaga, a long tail red snapper. But despite the fact that it was supposedly delivered that day, the fish had a mealy texture. It was cooked properly, but the cooks used the very same seasoned salt on the fish that you could buy in the gift shop. I'm sorry, but when a piece of fish is $30 and you have to gussy it up with MSG there's a problem. Even the potatoes were tasteless. Others fared just as poorly. The Kona crab was not sweet -- again, a sign it had been frozen. The best dishes were the steak and prime rib. I'm sorry, but if I want beef, I can go to a steakhouse. Thankfully, we skipped desert and when the bill came ($800) we didn't even protest the drinks that we ordered but that never came, we were just happy to leave -- nearly 4 hours after we walked in the door. Of course, like Disneyland, you have to pass the gift shop as you leave. Just awful. I honestly do not get the appeal of this restaurant. While I haven't been to Red Lobster in a number of years, my experience there was better. Come to think of it, Long John Silver's was better. Terrible food, industrial setting and indifferent service. I cannot imagine a less appealing restaurant.

    (1)

  • Donna B.

    I don't blame the server for anything. Some uneducated overweight manager named Linda was so heartless when we had an issue. I'm personally filing a complaint with the health department because we all saw her eating and not wash her hands before coming to talk with us. They already got shut down once for months I see they're interested in another economic collapse. Video doesn't lie! My son happened to be recording my granddaughter as Ms restaurant shape came over and ruined the mood with food on her hands.

    (5)

  • Logan K.

    Simply put, Bob Chinn's is one of the best seafood and steak places in the Chicagoland area. Only comparable food I've had was at Joe's Seafood in downtown Chicago. Great service. Fresh menu. Consistent experience. You cannot go wrong here. Go. Go now.

    (5)

  • Liezel F.

    Every time I come to this place. I'm always satisfied. My whole family loves the food. It's #1 in my book. Liezel

    (4)

  • Spencer P.

    Been dining at this place since it opened. No frills, amazing service and fresh food to match. Have yet to try something on the menu that I haven't enjoyed. Scallops, deep fried shrimp, fried rice and the fish tacos are my usuals. One of my fav items on the menu are actually their egg rolls. Their sublime and believe the secret ingredient is peanut butter. They're known for their Mai Tais, but I'm a beer guy myself. They've been improving on the craft brews, but still are mainly a macro brew joint. Good place to take the family or a customer. A great seafood joint in the middle of the Midwest, who knew?

    (4)

  • Steve M.

    Great weight loss plan! Granted you may have to endure 36 hours of vomiting from their terrible oysters. I have never in my life had worse food poisoning than what Bob Chins gave me. Food is pretty gross too.

    (1)

  • Laurence K.

    Still love lunch here been a while since I've been in. Sat down and had a couple questions about the fish A Asian basa and Hawaiian mongouk I asked which was similar to a halibut or grouper the server didn't know? I know the menu changes a lot but it seems to me that if I worked here I would want to know everything that I could about what I'm serving aka to make the guests experience the best but alas no such luck otherwise the salad bar was great just as usual nice selection if fresh veggies it's sort of old school but good. I had the Asian basa and it was good nice typical bob chinns seasoning. Jim had the fried chicken which was also good . I love the Hawaiian cake for desert but no room;( still a good solid place for fish and defiantly crab of you choose.

    (4)

  • NomNomNom H.

    Loved my experience here. Didn't know that it was a seafood place and was surprised by the price and its causal atmosphere, but definitely worth the money. The crab legs! No crackers need. Just break and shake. I've never done that before. That quality baby. The lobster was juicy and tender. I didn't think it would be enough between the two of us, but we ended up forcing each other to finish it cause of the price. I wasn't able to eat seafood for a couple of month because of this place. The Mai Tai was insane. I'm a weak sauce when it comes to alcohol so I was already drunk 1/3 way through. Good but too strong for me. Worth going back again when I'm not so broke.

    (4)

  • Jessica M.

    Three Guys and a Girl. No, we are not a continuation of the ancient American sitcom. We are steak lovers, seafood addicts, or in a more precise, summarizing manner, we are food whores. I conceitedly believe Bob Chinn purposely devised the surf and turf $19.99 deal for us. It's too good of a deal to not snatch. The downside is you must order prior to 6pm on weekdays only. Dinner began with a complimentary side of garlic rolls. They were soaked in garlic and oil, just the way it should be. Glorious but oh-so-deadly! It's definitely not a date-night item. My surf and turf dinner was composed of a Mai Tai, potato leek soup, 6 ounce prime rib, Jonah crab, and pear cheesecake. Halleluiah! The turf came in three cracked Jonah crab claws. Mmm...they were so fresh that it went perfect even without using the dipping sauce. I prefer my seafood in its most original flavor and texture. The surf was most certainly a level down. To me, any prime rib done in medium rare can't possibly go wrong. This one had little flavoring and was barely warm when served. For dessert, I had the pear cheesecake while the rest had the slice of paradise, key lime pie, and mud pie. The pear cheesecake was very soft and light, meant for those who dislike sweets completely drowned in sugar. The key lime pie was very tangy and refreshing whereas the mud pie was basically a piece of chocolate ice cream cake. One can't possibly go wrong with those options. The slice of paradise was the least liked. Its main ingredients were coconut and taro, but it was too mushy and sweet for our preferences.

    (3)

  • Bill B.

    They have been doing this for years without as much as a hiccup. Always the freshest seafood around. Large seating area but a little like a cafeteria.Service is fast and precise . Prices are probably the best for the large portions you get

    (4)

  • Kim M.

    Best place for seafood in the area. Atmosphere is unique! Everything from the salad bar to desert is awesome at Bob Chin's.

    (5)

  • A F.

    My husband just asked me to give this place SIX stars. Lol. He's obviously not on Yelp! We had a great time. The food was delicious. I told my husband I wished he'd look at me the way he looked at those king crab legs. =)) Best part was our INCREDIBLE waitress, Karen M. We were so pleased by just how nice, attentive and sincere she was about helping us tonight. So grateful for her service!

    (5)

  • Greg R.

    Disappointed is the best word I can use to describe my wife's and my first experience here. I will say, our server was very good - he answered any questions we had on the menu, was attentive throughout the meal, and generally provided good service. He was also very nice in comping my sub-par entree on the spot, which we'll get to momentarily.The one other good point was our shared appetizer, which was a cold crab sampler, the Ex-crab-aganza. All of the different crab was very much fresh and flavorful, and came with good sauces that went nicely with the chilled crab. Now, for the low-lights of the evening: -Being shepherded through 2 different queues by 3 different hostesses is just silly. And we were only pointed in the general direction of a table. -The garlic rolls are ridiculously oily to the point of dripping, and so heavily garlicked up that it darn near blew out my palate for the rest of the meal to come. And this is coming from someone that very much likes garlic. -My wife ordered the king crab meat pasta with garlic sauce. Again, the garlic was pretty overpowering. The bite I tried was also a touch oily and salty. There was a decent amount of crab meat, but the dish overall was below expectations, and overpriced. -I ordered the tempura fried soft shell crabs. These were highly disappointing, especially given the price tag. While the portion was generous (4 crabs plus side), they were very poorly executed. I'm not sure if they sat in the back before being served, but they came out to the table soggy to where the batter was not crispy at all. It was almost gummy. It was also extremely greasy, almost like it was fried in oil that was not hot enough, so the crabs just drank up the oil, and that just killed the flavor of them. Overall, I don't know if it was an off night, or perhaps going in with expectations a little to high, but like I started off, this was a disappointing dining experience.

    (2)

  • Terese I.

    Delicious King Crab Legs. That seems to be the thing to order. The bread before the meal is great. I would stay away from the lamb. A member of my party ordered it and really didn't like it. I go with some family members. One of whom always orders the lobster and he really loves it. It can be extremely busy so do make a reservation. On Valentine's Day, with a reservation we waited 45 minutes for a table. There were literally hundreds of people there that night. Other night's are not nearly as crowded but the place is never empty.

    (4)

  • LLIAT E.

    One of our favorite places to eat....by far. Service....cleanliness....attention to detail.....atmosphere...and the food....OMG the food.....all of it 5 stars all around. Hubby and I came for dinner...garlic rolls are to die for....worth each and every extra minute on the treadmill! For and appetizer we ordered the day boat scallops...came an order of 6 nice sized pieces... they were devoured!! I ordered the swordfish with green beans and hubby ordered the Mediterranean Sea bass, fried. My swordfish was beyond perfect.... in every way possible, it was fresh it was seasoned well it was tender and glistening on the inside.... hubby's sea bass was crispy on the outside and like butter on the inside! We got a sweet potato to share which came with a crazy good cinnamon buter......we didn't need any dessert we were stuffed from the dinner alone. We have NEVER EVER been disappointed with anything at Chinn's!

    (5)

  • Stephen S.

    FOOD POISONING!!! I was vomiting all night long. It's a second instance in 5 years. I am done with this place. HORRIBLE.

    (1)

  • Shirley M.

    Go to the bar area!! Make sure Hilarie waits on you!!!

    (5)

  • Chet M.

    The mass Polynesian feeding frenzy schtick is really getting old. Plus the seafood preparation is not sophisticated, not a true value play, or is the dining room anything to brag about. The only time and place that can justify waiting in a rope line is at Disney World.

    (3)

  • Alex V.

    I'm sure this place was awesome in the 80's but I came away underwhelmed. The menu is vast, but a lot of the items we got were just mediocre at best. The raw oysters were not very good at all. The bacon wrapped scallops were ok, but the scallop was not anything to write home about. My entree was ahi tuna, and honestly I think you could go in to most "american new" restaurants and get a better piece of fish. The service was pretty attentive, but I really don't get the attraction of this place. The whole decor just seemed dirty, and the size of the place makes it feel like a food court in a mall.

    (2)

  • Rebecca M.

    We drive about 2 hours, a few times a year, to enjoy Bob Chinn's. I've never been disappointed. You should understand that it doesn't look like anything has been updated since it was built, including the decor, uniforms and waitstaff. However, it's clean and well-maintained. Once you're inside, you can see that the place is HUGE! There are several hostesses to guide you through the facility. Matt was our waiter today, and he was awesome. I don't think I sat with an empty cup or a dirty plate for more than a couple of minutes. I always get the crab legs. They're always perfect. You can get any shellfish cold or steamed and I prefer the steamed. The order comes with drawn butter and the house mayo. I've never liked the mayo. I don't really get it, but apparently it's Bob's favorite thing. He can have mine. :) I have tried the sushi a few times, and it's pretty yummy. There's a huge variety of everything, including giant desserts you could easily share. I love the Mai Tai so much that I take some home. Well keep driving up! Thanks again, Matt!!

    (5)

  • Rose D.

    Oh no. No, no, no, no. I cannot fathom why this place has some higher-starred reviews. I do not like: -being herded along in a queue line reminiscent of going to Six Flags. There are actual ARROWS in TAPE on the floor to help direct you where to go in the waiting line. -being crammed in to a table packed so tightly among the others people can't even get out of their seats without bumping in to someone at another table (and forget about trying to weave your way through the tables to get to the restroom). The only way you won't be packed in is if you are fortunate enough to be worthy of a booth. -this place is LOUD. This place is HUGE and all those people are all trying to yell at one another in order to be heard in the conversation. -being seated next to the sink where everyone comes to wash their hands after getting all messy with their seafood handling. Do we need a sink IN THE MIDDLE of the DINING AREA? Can they not go to the restroom to do this? I guess not because they can barely wedge themselves out of their seats to go find the restroom. Perhaps they aren't as good for the environment, but I would have preferred wet naps to this arrangement. Oh, and the staff comes over to wash their hands at this sink, too. Bonus. -being given poor & very rushed service. We weren't even asked if we'd dined there before so no explanation of anything at all. -paying hefty prices for what I feel is no better quality than a Joe's Crab Shack meal...and I won't ever eat at a Joe's Crab Shack, either. I mean, c'mon. The prices this place is charging is more in line with a very high end and NICE seafood restaurant. I understand good seafood is pricey - but given the quality of what we had & atmosphere, it is not worth the price. I had the Jonah Crab Claw meal, and the crab meat was just okay. I love crab & I've eaten a lot of it so I know when it's really good or not. This tasted like it had been frozen & then thawed to be served chilled. The hubs got the fried grouper dinner, and we have NO IDEA why it warranted the $28 price tag. It was 6 average-sized strips of fried fish, fries & coleslaw. Perhaps the fish was fresh and not frozen? It tasted fine, but nothing better than the fried grouper we get at our local pub. -the garlic rolls, while hot & fresh, were absolutely DRENCHED in and swimming in a pool of melted butter and chopped garlic. Now, I LOVE butter and I LOVE garlic - but this was nauseating. Scrape off some of those chunks of garlic on your roll to make it tolerable or be prepared to ward off all vampires in your area for a few days. I guess this kind of atmosphere works for some people, but definitely not us.

    (1)

  • Joe M.

    By far the best seafood restaurant in the burbs. Eric was my server and it was a pretty busy night but he was so attentive to our table and brought everything even before it was asked. I usually get the king fingers but decided to get the snow crab legs and they were wonderfully juicy and delicious. I usually am very picky with the raw oyster but their oyster was so fresh and flavorful!. One thing I wish they have is warmed butter with maybe tea candles. That will keep my dipper butter nice and warm. Great place for a dinner out with friends and family!

    (4)

  • Meg T.

    Incredibly rude staff and owners- have frequented this place often and have never been treated so poorly

    (1)

  • Julia L.

    Went here for lunch with my mom yesterday, and left very underwhelmed. We have been coming here for over 10 years, and sadly the quality of the food has been going down and the prices have been going up (drastically). Now, I get that seafood is not that easy to come by and needs to be flown in, but the prices that they are charging are absolutely outrageous. This is coming from someone who is not exactly that great at being frugal. Let's start with the service. We came in around 4pm on a Sunday, and sat in the bar area. Our server (the younger guy with a bald head) was not extremely helpful or friendly. He also screwed up my mom's order, and had to take back what they originally brought out and get it remade. My mom ordered garlic shrimp with white rice, they brought out fried shrimp with green beans... The crab vegetable soup was pretty bad. The soup tasted like Campbell's right out of the can, with steamed crab meat sprinkled on top. Why would you ruin steamed crab with nasty canned soup??! My mom seemed to enjoy the seafood gumbo. I ordered a whole seabass, steamed, with a yummy brown teriyaki-ish sauce and covered with cilantro. I got green beans as a side. Good, but not worth $29. My mom's garlic shrimp, on the other hand, were gross. Tasteless, and an extremely small portion for $19. Again, not worth it. The additional star is for the garlic rolls. I think I ate 5 of them. Deliciously drenched in garlic. Mmmmmm. The only reason to come here in my opinion. Overall, after dropping $70 on lunch, I do not think we'll be coming back to Bob Chinn's any time soon.

    (2)

  • Don J.

    Was here a few months back and can not begin to express how great the dining experience was! Great good, waiter was great and worth every penny.

    (5)

  • Dylan M.

    This place is fine if you like things fried or dripping in butter. I do not. It's smells greasy and when I got in my car I felt like I should drive to the dry cleaner to have them remove the smell from my clothes. I had always heard how popular this place was and when I walked into the establishment I was amazed at the tacky decor. But the decor fits the food. I have had to go back for several work lunches and dread it every time. Plus they have no vegetarian options except the salad bar. Anything with sneeze guards I prefer to avoid.

    (1)

  • Jennifer L.

    I've been coming to Bob Chinn's with my family for over 20 years and as long as it's open, I'll always come back. Over the past couple decades, some things have changed, but their food remains incredible. Their garlic rolls are the best I've ever had, their steaks are surprisingly good for a seafood restaurant, and I've enjoyed all varieties of crab I've tried there (snow, Kona, and king). In recent visits, we haven't had to wait more than 5 minutes for a table (which is a relief, considering we used to wait over an hour). I feel like the quality of service has gone down over the past few years, which is disappointing, as I can't remember the last time we had a truly good server there. Of course it's going to be expensive, but it's *quality* seafood, not the Red Lobster or Joe's Crab Shack around the corner. During our most recent visit, the bill was about $250 for 5 people, which included soft drinks for 3, beer and wine for 2, an entree portion of crabmeat vermicelli, Cantonese style lobster + 8 oz strip steak, and a 4.75 lb Alaskan king crab. A visit to Bob Chinn's is a splurge, but it's worth it!

    (4)

  • Jennifer Q.

    So, the first time I was here, it was more of a casual lunch. Therefore, I didn't go all out. Yesterday I returned with a bunch of "first timer" friends to go completely nuts for my bday! It was FAN-freakin'-TASTIC! We all ordered a boatload of food and then shared and tried each other's so I could get a full taste of the menu. I tried the crab fried rice, egg foo young, crab cakes, alfredo pasta, crab legs and LOBSTER. They had a deal to add a 1 lb. lobster to your entree for only $10.99. So why not? Everything we had was good, and I agree with my friend Arlene G: the garlic butter rolls are to die for! Super greasy / garlicy...but sooooo good. Our server, Kim R., was such an awesome guy. Really fun and personable. He made the experience excellent for us! Now that I've "officially" had my Bob Chin's experience and was able to try so many different items, I can say -all of their stuff is so good! Can't wait to go back!

    (5)

  • Julia Sabrina D.

    I have to say, I have come here for years... I have celebrated countless birthdays, special events... engagement... etc. I love it, amazing rolls, food is always fresh... The staff is attentive and there is always someone around, But not that you would need anyone if you had the pleasure of being served by Laura B. Even though she may not know it, she has been there through amazing and not so amazing times... She is beyond friendly, helpful and on top of everything... No need to want or wait, she is always there with a friendly smile. Which makes your overall experience that much better. Thank you Bob Chinn's, from your staff to food... you have made it amazing...

    (5)

  • Diane D.

    Born and raised in the Chicago suburbs, I had never been to Bob Chinn's until a Christmas visit this year! Wish we had gone sooner! The garlic rolls and cole slaw were great to whet the appetite with the side of cole slaw. My husband had a generous portion of salmon and I had the King Crab fingers! Fantastic. So good that my husband ordered the appetizer portion for his dessert! I had the Key lime pie - tasted fresh and just tart enough for a good pucker! The decor reminds me of a crab shack by the ocean. Our server was AWESOME - so friendly and explained everything. The seating is like Disney - well run and you don't feel rushed. Next time, I'm going for the claws!

    (5)

  • Thomas K.

    Be there early! Otherwise you will end up lining up in lane! We were there around 3pm on Sunday for lunner, lunch and dinner :) and we didn't wait at all We each ordered surf and turf with fillet mignon and king crab legs, and another extra entree with regular 'premium' sized king crabs.. And oh boy it was delicious! I would just order king crabs, not the surf and turf next time.

    (4)

  • Luke C.

    Bob, what happened? I ve been coming here since the 80's when I was in high school. Long lines, fresh crab legs in large portions served for not a lot of money were the staple back then. Now it pricey and seems to be living off of the reputation of the glory days.

    (3)

  • Samantha R.

    We went for my dad's birthday on a Wednesday night. The place was not crowded and we were seated pretty quickly. My parents ordered a pitcher of the Mai Tais and they were delicious! I loved that so much, I bought the take-home kit from the gift shop. We ordered several appetizers to start with and they all came out very quickly. We had the Jonah Stone crab claws, crabcake nuggets, calamari, and the eggrolls. The crab claws were meaty and very delicious. The crabcake nuggets were my favorite part of the meal by far. They came with a very tasty sauce and were very crispy and flavorful. The eggrolls and calamari were disappointing, pretty run-of-the-mill stuff. For somewhere that has such a reputation for excellence, I expected more I guess. Onto the entrees! I ordered the Long Bay scallops with a side of redskin potatoes, my father ordered the 2lb. Maine lobster, also with the potatoes, and my brother had the Alaskan King crab legs. My scallops were delicious, they were pan-fried and seasoned with white wine and olive oil. Very flavorful! The side of potatoes was kind of dinky, and I put the seasoning salt on them to add some flavor, they were just okay. My dad offered me a bite of his lobster, and it was incredibly chewy and bland. I was chewing it for about five minutes without swallowing anything. I didn't want to tell him I didn't like it if he was enjoying it, but he made a comment, so I told him how I felt. He told the server and he was offered something new, so he asked for the South African lobster tails. Much better! The way lobster should taste! My brother's crab legs were good, it's pretty hard to screw up steamed crab. Since it was a birthday, my dad got a slice of pie. It was an Oreo crust with a peanut butter coating, topped with a chocolate and banana filling. I am not a banana person, but the pie was excellent! Overall, I am only giving the restaurant three stars because I felt our experience did not live up to the hype. The appetizers and scallops were the only things I found memorable about the meal, and that is not worth the price tag. I told my grandmother about the experience and she told me that Mr. Chinn is no longer in charge, his children are, so maybe that could explain the decrease in quality of food? I'm not sure. My review will really not affect their bottom line since they are so popular already, but I hope they will maybe consider some changes in order to open their doors to a new audience.

    (3)

  • Real T.

    The best ever!!! Anyone who says that this is not the best I challenge you to find better. Good luck. You wont find any better then Bob Chinns!!! Anyone who rates less then 3 stars needs an attitude adjustment and stop being so picky and a baby

    (5)

  • Morgan K.

    Amazing food been going here since I was a little girl. My favorite place to get prime rib and lobster tail!! Always had good service even on their busiest of busiest days! Great place to go if you want amazing seafood and excellent service!

    (5)

  • chris l.

    Awesome food! As always great garlic bread to start. Decent lunch price and as always, good lobster roll.

    (5)

  • Sandra M.

    I came here for lunch during the week. I had been wanting to try Bob Chins for years but didn't want to make the trek from the city, especially when there are many good restaurants downtown and closer to home. I had also heard mixed reviews about the place. I ordered the onaga from Hawaii. It was great charbroiled and had no bad fishy taste that some fish seem to have. I also had the clam chowder, which i have just started eating in the last few months. That was also very good. The garlic rolls were so unbelievable, I had three! The seafood pasta my co worker had was "just ok" according to him. His opinion may be a little biased however, since his parents owned a very popular Chinese seafood restaurant in Chinatown. The lunchwas a little pricier than what i had wanted it to be. For the price, it bothered me that the coleslaw came in plastic containers and the brag in plastic baskets. Overall, i will be back, but only when I'm back in the area.

    (4)

  • Magdalena M.

    This place is not what it used to be. I spent $150 for a party of two and the food was not worth the price. I walked out felling sick to my stomach, it will be my last time here. I do not recommend this place.

    (1)

  • Cho D.

    It's been a little over five years since i was last there, but I always tell people i meet about this place. i have lived on the east coast for fie years, and have yet to find fresher seafood then BOB Chinn's. I miss the drinks, the deserts, the stuffed shrimp, YOU CAN NEVER FORGET! To this day I have never tasted anything better, and i was maybe 12 or 13 when i had them. The service is out of this world, fun and happy, polite, and gracious. I love this place. I met Bob himself at one of my last visits before i moved out of the state, what a wonderfully welcoming kind man. I know his daughter runs it, or did mostly when he stayed in Hawaii. But this place will always hold a special place in my heart. no idea if the lines are still long, or if it's still the great seafood joint it was five years ago, but it's a food mecca to me and always will be. As far as I am aware they were the first place in the Chicago-land area to use inferred heating to make food, less oil, faster cooking time, better quality. If your near by, and want to a night to remember, with friends or family, there is no better place to end it then at Bob Chinn's. Side note, not sure if they still do it, but back in the day you could have food over nighted to you. I will be finding out soon as I plan to throw a special party for my husbands birthday.

    (5)

  • Shani S.

    The seafood is excellent especially the lobster I also liked the salad bar and Mai Tai. The garlic bread is delicious and the steak with mushroom and onion is so delicious.

    (5)

  • Val T.

    Overpriced restaurant. I read a lot of good reviews about this place so I decided to give a shot. Long story short, service was ok, food horrible. I was so disappointed. Waste of money.

    (1)

  • Amy W.

    I have been coming here since they opened. We have celebrated a generation worth of birthdays, anniversaries and weddings here. They deliver exactly what they promise, and will replace your meal after two bites if it's not to your liking (who else does that?? It's right on their menu I black and white!). You can dress as down as you like, the atmosphere is casual. Bring your kids, they are welcome and it's loud enough here that no one will be bothered. They have many Gluten free options. Favorites--seafood gumbo, oysters Rockefeller, whatever fresh fish the waiter recommends, the desserts (be sure to save room). Lunch is less expensive, they also have the early bird special ending 6pm sharp. I have many memories of Bob himself coming to my table to see if everything is ok. Be sure to take your cup home and start your collection of Chinn ware. Oh, and best Mai-Tai I've ever had. (Don't forget the Minton the way out.)

    (4)

  • Sasha M.

    My fiancé brought me here on our first date 15 years ago... We have been coming ever since!!! It was the first time I experienced seafood at it's best. The staff is always wonderful, the restaurant is Always clean.... I'm a stickler for this. The seafood is sublime and has never been a disappointment. It's one of the busiest seafood establishments in the country. Nothing sits around long enough to get old here. People are complaining about a salad bar. Here's a tip.... It's not a salad restaurant!!! They are known for their seafood and steak. If your not in the mood for surf and turf, don't go! Do try: king crab legs Fried rice All of the steak Lobster tails. Garlic roll ----heaven And lemonade. If you are lucky you will get to say hello to the man who made it all happen.... Mr bob Chin. Always willing to greet you with a warm smile. It's "our" place and I love it every single time.

    (5)

  • Katherine P.

    Without a doubt order the crab legs!!!! They were so fresh and creamy. We actually ordered the dinner for two which was a 32oz porterhouse with a good portion of crab legs. Everything tastes fabulous from the garlic rolls to the crab legs to the porterhouse. Casual ambiance and friendly staff.

    (5)

  • Karolina B.

    Amazing meal with amazing friends. Calamari was perfect. Crabcake bites were good as well. Large king crab legs, so worth the price. 12 oz lobster tail melted in your mouth!! Lehi fish was perfect in macadamia nut crust! Shingo was our server and he was outstanding. Best server we've had in a while. Ask for him on your next visit, we definitely will!

    (5)

  • Shereene M.

    The service is the worst! They have this weird system where you walk in specific lines if you are group of less than four or more. That is all fine but then you get seated and don't see anyone for 10 minutes. We were looking around seeing all of the waiters standing around and was so confused. Finally we had someone come by and didn't want to lose her so tried to order right away. She seemed so unhappy as she explained the food and told me she would bring a display plate to explain the kona crab. Anyway, after another 10 minutes and her coming by and foregetting the display plate, she finally brought it over. Ok, now on the food. I was really excited but didn't think it was that amazing. - Mai Tai- not my fav - Garlic rolls- good but heart attack, I wouldn't let myself get another - Lobster meat cantonese style- didn't even tastke like lobster - Kona Crab wit garlic- very soft shell so kind of a pain but tasted good - Chocolate/Peanut Butter/Banana pie- ek wack Overall, waste of $85 but glad we tried it. DEF won't be back

    (1)

  • Food C.

    I gave 4 stars out of 5 because I want to visit more to fulfill the last star. Service and food is on point! and me and my gf love this place hands down.

    (4)

  • Kim B.

    I'm not sure why Bob Chinn's Crab House is so famous or why it draws so much attention. I'm not saying the food is bad, I just don't think it's that great. We came here towards the end of the lunchtime operating hours (around 2:30pm) and luckily there was no wait. We tried the fettuccine alfredo with crab meat, lobster cooked in garlic sauce, dessert and the famous garlic rolls. The entrees were tiny but expensive. I was hoping for more seafood and less of the other stuff but sadly this was not the case. The desserts were lacking in flavor and we could barely finish either that we ordered. The best part were the garlic rolls (which are free) but I shudder to think about the nutritional content of each one I consumed. I'll end my review with a quote from my boyfriend which sums up my experience here: "This place is like a Red Lobster on steroids!"

    (3)

  • Renee K.

    Took my mil here for Mother's Day on Friday. Plus: seated quickly for a 7:30 time slot, lots of parking, great seafood, friendly service. Minus: our server seemed rushed a bit throughout the evening and didn't smile till she handed us our check. Weird. What we ate: Maine lobster, red snapper and mahi mahi. All very good and fresh. I really wanted the orange roughy but they ran out. Fish was fresh and sides were yummy. Mostly garlic and salted greens. Still very good. Dessert: order the passion cake! Very good! Great experience--wish we met Bob!

    (4)

  • Nick M.

    If you're a seafood lover, this is the place for you. They have an amazing menu and service is fantastic. Not the cheapest place you're going to go but definitely worth the money.

    (5)

  • Marites O.

    Food and service were top notch at Bob Chinn's in Wheeling with an amazing variety of seafood that included fish, crab and prawns I have never encountered (Hawaii, South Africa) which is shocking given my seafood lover status and Pacific Islander heritage! The waitress Natasha was fabulous with showing us and explaining the taste attributes of each crab. Since I had a craving for sweet lobster, I went domestic on my first trip. I will have to try the crab for my next visit. The meal started with their homemade garlic rolls which rival the ones I get at the Italian places in Jersey. They were bigger, lighter and with more garlic. I made sure each piece of the roll got an extra dip of their garlic bath in the basket. I would have gone for thirds, but wanted to make sure the lobster got equal billing at this meal. The lobster was presented with the meat already pulled out looking like a cloud of succulence. The waitress was right there to remove the tail completely so I can enjoy it with my veggies. The only thing I regret was not ordering the steak which my companions did. Although a 12 oz tail would usually satiate me the steak looked appetizing when Natasha poured the grilled mushrooms over the hot cast iron on which the steak was delivered. My companions and I shared the bread pudding a la mode for dessert. It didn't look appealing to me, but the one bite I had tasted good. I just had too much rolls and lobster at this point.

    (5)

  • Doug R.

    Came here once on a late Sunday afternoon and it was still pretty crowded. I can see why this place has been as popular as it has been for such a long time. Even though a 3 person meal cost over $100, I felt it was worth it for the value and overall good flavor of the food. Definitely worth a trip back.

    (4)

  • Shantanu D.

    This is the second time I have come to Bob Chinns. I must say the food is average but the service is seriously lacking. I got the Cantonese shrimp and felt that it was over seasoned and drenched in soy sauce. Our waiter Julienne made us wait close to 45 minutes for our order and 20 min for our drinks. She also had a very rude tone and does not know how to treat her customers.

    (1)

  • Jason S.

    Wait you will . . . but worth it. Nothing fancy as far as building and decor and that's fine by me. Simple and clean but the seafood is some of the best I've had. C'mon . . . were in the Midwest for crying out loud. It's just can't get much better. Enough said . . . I caught a dozen raw oysters for 6 bucks. Clam chowder and bacon wrapped scallops and I was a happy man!

    (5)

  • Juan A.

    Awesome seafood and service. Had the king crab legs, very fresh, soft, delicate, and delicious. Also had the shrimp which was OK and will not have again. Good ambiance and energy will definitely go back and try done of the fish dishes. It was worth the drive all the way from Rockford which is about 1.5 hrs away.

    (4)

  • Chuck P.

    What an amazing meal! It was a little odd that as the host seating us approached the main dinning room, he simply handed us our menus and pointed to a table in the distance, "3rd table on the right" he said, so we basically sat ourselves (which was not the end of the world). Our server was Kathy (she has been there over 20 years & we could see why!) she did an amazing job and appeared to have several regular customers. They brought us some garlic rolls, which were flavorful, but the rolls were a tad bite dry. We ordered the crab nuggets (like crab cakes) and they were delicious and quickly made up for so so bread! The menu read like a phone book there were so many choices. We even noticed a truck outside with the logo and restaurant name on it, which we thought was strictly for catering; however it's actually for runs to the airport to retrieve DAILY fresh fish from around the world!! My wife had the fried shrimp and filet and I had the lobster and filet. Everything was cooked perfectly, and we ordered some desserts to go! We enjoyed them later in the hotel room, and every bite reminded us how glad we were, we listened to the locals when asked, "where's a good place to eat around here?", everyone replied, BOB CHINS!!!!!

    (4)

  • John G.

    Always love this place, and often take NW suburban clients here when they arrive in Illinois. Can't beat it for an classic one of a kind experience and great food and atmosphere! Have been goin here since the early years - mid 80's I think.

    (5)

  • Natalie S.

    Oh Bob Chinn's. What HAPPENED? For starters, I swear, the portions keep getting smaller and the prices keep getting higher. $5 for a cup of clam chowder? Almost $9 for a bowl? Wowza! I got 20 oz of snow crab today at lunch and it was $34. Yikes. It was barely enough for my 2 year old and I to share. New upcharges for sides that used to come standard? Why? $1.50 to get fried rice now when it was a standard option before. Why you gotta nickel and dime me when I'm already paying $34 for my entree? Uncalled for. The service is always great and attentive and the garlic rolls delicious and plentiful but seriously, every time I go back lately I come home less and less impressed with my experience.

    (3)

  • Russ A.

    Reliable place for seafoods. Good food, Fun ambience with friendly service. It is definitely one of my places to impress business visitors.

    (5)

  • Cocky S.

    My boyfriend and I ordered a whole king crab (4.5 lbs) and we finished it in no time even the server was amazed lol Worth every penny!

    (5)

  • Maria V.

    The 3 stars are purely for the crabs - I've tried the snow, alaskan, onah, and kona crabs - they're big and juicy when in season. When I want some seafood, this is my top place to go here in Illinois. They have a good business with crabs. Know what to order -- just get the steamed crabs to taste the succulent, sweetness of the meat. The other foods are meh, at best. Quite unhealthy, oily, and I'm sure tasty. Definitely not healthy.The garlic rolls are dripping in oil - it's certainly not butter since it doesn't coagulate and the coleslaw is drenched in mayo. I've had different steaks here when ordering the surf and turf, and it's a bit too salted for me and dripping in oil. The atmosphere is kitschy Hawaiian and fun, and everything is run like clock work from the waiting lines to the servers. This place is dependable and I will continue to go here ... just for the crabs.

    (3)

  • Cari T.

    For a restaurant that's supposedly the top 5 busiest restaurants in the country, I'm surprised there aren't more reviews for this place. When I told people I was visiting Chicago for work, more than one person told me I have to eat at Bob Chinn's. Even my husband, who visited Chicago when he was young, mentioned it to me. I came here pretty late on a week night, so I didn't experience the infamous "wait" that I've been hearing about. I did see that they do have separate lines designated for different party size, and it reminded me of disneyland (single rider lanes?). My co-workers rave about the Mai Tai here so they ordered a couple of pitchers. I didn't have any but people seem to enjoy it. You can also take the cups home so I took them as souvenirs. The garlic rolls came out pipping hot and drenched in garlic. I have to say they really are as delicious as they look. I definitely had to fight hard to resist taking a 2nd one so I'd have room for the remaining meal. For starters I tried both the spicy tuna roll and the crab vermicelli. They were both delicious. The spicy tuna was very fresh and very flavorful. The crab vermicelli, which tasted very asian to me, was a huge hit with my co-workers, and most of them were non-asian. For my entree I tried clusters of garlic dungeness crabs, and I was shocked by the size of that meal. It was HUGE. I'm usually pretty good at finishing my meal, especially when it's crabs, but with this one I absolutely had to throw in the towel. My co-workers gladly shared with me though, and everyone loved them. One of my co-workers got a Mediterranean sea bass and it looked awesome. The whole fish was fried and served on the plate. It was both fun to look at and apparently tasted heavenly according to everyone that tried it. Overall, I would say this is a great place to get obviously very fresh and well prepared seafood. I'm not sure if the price is fair for this area since I'm not from here, but judging by how popular this place is and how long it's been in business, I'm guessing it's pretty good.

    (4)

  • OC A.

    I friggin LOVE THIS PLACE. I always get the Alaskan King Crab legs - which are huge. I'm from So Cal and we don't see crab legs like this really ever. I've planned many unnecessary business trips just to get back to Bob Chinn's.

    (5)

  • Scott M.

    The best Mai-Tais and Garlic Rolls in the world. Can get busy at times. I heard they also serve Seafood...

    (4)

  • Matthew B.

    Outstanding restaurant. Great seafood. I had the crab claws appetizer and the stuffed shrimp. I recommend both.

    (5)

  • Daniel W.

    What more can I say that hasn't been said about the infamous Bob Chinn's?? The first thing that pops into my head when I think about Bob Chinn's are their Garlic Rolls!! If you love garlic, you'll love these bread rolls that are complimentary. The best part is...they keep the rolls coming to your heart's content. My tastes have evolved throughout my visits here. I remember when I was a young pup I ordered fettucine alfredo and my mom looking at me dumbfounded..I learned...then another time a waiter recommended the king crab legs and I was hooked on them for a good 8-9 years..I would highly recommend the king crab legs. You gotta be careful with those prickly legs but when you crack them open and get the crab meat out..you're in for a treat! It's some of the freshest, tastiest, most succulent crab I have ever had. Ask for a side of their spicy chilli sauce or their garlic sauce. Nowadays, I go for the dinner for 2. 20oz of premium Alaskan king crab legs along with a 2lb. porterhouse steak!! Their steak is probably one of the best I have had. It's huge, cooked perfectly to your liking, and you can top the steak with grilled onions and mushrooms. Thank god for Bob bringing fresh seafood to the midwest!! When anyone talks about seafood I instantly recommend them to Bob Chinn's. We normally go for birthday dinners it's that special and pricey too but it's good seafood that you will not find anywhere else in Chicago. I'll be back next year for my bday! Jan. 21, Mark it down!

    (5)

  • Sarah T.

    This is a great place for your seafood cravings. Super messy.

    (4)

  • L H.

    Wondering why only the good reviews show up. The "not so good"reviews are hidden under other reviews. Many years ago this was the place to go in the burbs for seafood. Now it's blah, everything tastes the same and is hugely overpriced. Even the salad bar is now a disappointment. Used to he a fav. Now won't go back. Too many other "fish in the sea"

    (1)

  • Kelsi B.

    If you're going to go here, you have to stick with the seafood. I ordered King Crab legs and they were AMAZING. However some of those in our party ordered pasta and it was almost inedible. So stick with the seafood! The garlic rolls were delicious, but so greasy I could really only eat one (probably a good thing). We also had a fairly large group (around 20) and the staff handled it very well and our food came out quickly. Make sure you make a reservation as the place is very busy! Great place to grab some fresh crab legs in the Midwest.

    (4)

  • Mike L.

    Awesome Lobster Roll. Had it carry out 6 hours later and it wasn't soggy. It was an entire lobster worth of meat packed into a great bun. Steak sandwich for the kids was two small filets....very tasty. Don't like the cafeteria like feel but the food makes up for it.

    (4)

  • James S.

    I've been going here for probably 25 years. I love the food. The garlic rolls are wonderful. With fresh fish flown in daily, this place can really deliver. The Mia Tai is pretty special as well. Its a regular in our rotation and a favorite place to take people visiting from out of town. Well trained highly compensated staff who's only job is to make sure you are satisfied. During the Cooper River Salmon run I brought a few friends. I was the only one to order the Salmon. When they brought all of our meals, I let everyone taste it, and two people asked if they could exchange their meals for the Cooper River Salmon, and they did so without question or charging for their original dishes, that I'm sure they had to throw away.

    (5)

  • Rhys E.

    This is definitely our favorite place to get seafood. Every time we are in the Chicago area we will definitely make a pilgrimage to Bob Chinn's. This is a well-run restaurant. They are busy but they seat you quickly. Everybody from hostess, wait staff to busboy is friendly and professional. Their seafood is truly 5 stars. They start you with fresh bake garlic roll and if you are garlic fan you would love it. For appetizer we had the sauteed fresh day boat scallops. The scallops are light with the right amount of acid. For entree we ordered steamed Alaskan King crab legs and steamed Maine lobsters. They are so fresh! You can taste the natural sweetness of these crustaceans and boy did we savored every single bite. Yes, they are pricey but you get what you pay for. Their seafood is SO fresh it is worth every penny! Unless you live by the coast and have access to fresh seafood you really can't beat that.

    (5)

  • Rachel L.

    For a place that has huge long lines and a massive reputation to go with them, I was hoping it would be better. The wait actually wasn't awful. Our waitress was very nice and chipper. I will admit to being annoyed that they seriously sell you on their garlic rolls, which apparently are so fantastic they come from a unicorn's....you know. But since I'm gluten intolerant, I had to just sit there and stare at the basket and smell them. So the seafood. The lobster was good .They were out of two things people at my table wanted. I had salmon, which was frankly a bit overcooked. I wasn't inedible, but for $25 a plate, you expect it to be freaking fabulous. Overall, it wasn't awful. But they need to change the name to Over-hyped Bob Chinn's.

    (3)

  • Audrey S.

    This place is always busy. They would literally line you up before allowing you to enter. But food explains why people would even line up! Minus one star because it was way too noisy for me to handle. Hard to get waiter's attention.

    (4)

  • Amy S.

    This is mine and my family's favorite seafood spot! We have been coming here since 1985, just kidding, but a really long time. One thing people must know before coming here is that it is GREAT great high-end food, but with casual clothes. Forget the nice dresses and high heels, this is a total shirt and jeans type of place. The prices and the quality of the food are really up there, but no pretentious people need to come by. As soon as you sit down, they bring out these delicious garlic butter rolls. They are full of fatty goodness, but it's worth the calories! Trust me, I am anal about that kind of stuff. Anywho, back to the food - There is a great selection of seafood (everything you could ever imagine) to chinese-flavored food. They have crab legs, softshell crab, lobster, a ton of different kinds of fish, shrimp, etc etc. Then they have stir fried rice and shrimp cooked in the Cantonese style, etc. I've probably tried 15-20 items from here and everything is delicious. I've never had a bad experience here. In fact, I really can't pick a favorite menu item because everything is that good. In fact, Bob Chinns supposedly has their own plane and gets fresh seafood flown in daily, so yes, that is what I am talking about!

    (5)

  • R N.

    Atmosphere is good, food is good and service is good but I think it might be a little over priced.

    (4)

  • Kristine N.

    Lots of food for a good price. Garlic rolls & coleslaw are complimentary, both are just ok to me. A lot of people rave about the garlic rolls but they're nothing extraordinary, good though. Had a $19.99 special for 16oz crab legs, can't beat that! Girlfriend had the seafood vermicelli, sounds like an odd combination but it was very very good. Taro cake, coconut cake, peach cheesecake, and mochi were all excellent. Yes, we pigged out. Service was iffy. Our waiter was not very patient or friendly. When asking for recommendations he gave us dumbfounded looks and just said "crab." Never gave us a few things we asked for... How am I supposed to crack crab without those cracker things? Don't look so annoyed when I ask for one, buddy. Other servers seemed nice though, so I'm not docking any points because of our unenthusiastic service.

    (4)

  • Craig G.

    I'm a big Bob Chinns fan and go there often so if you want the best experience you just need to know where to go. And that place is the Bar!! We all know that Chinns has excellent food flown in daily (which can be viewed right on the left side of the wall when you walk in) but if you sit at the bar to enjoy your dinner you will get that same great food but with much better SERVICE!! And that is what will make your dining experience memorable. The dining room is very busy and it's fast paste you kinda feel like cattle moving you in and out. In the bar area much more relaxed and if you eat right at the bar ask for Brigitta as she knows her stuff and has been there for a long time. She will recommend the good stuff and let you know what is fresh. Plus her drinks are awesome and she is fast and very polite. Yes it is a seafood restaurant but if you order the 14oz Filet you will be back as it is 1 of the best I have ever had and I eat at all of the steak houses in Chicago! If anyone reads this and takes my advice i guarantee you will have a wonderful time at Bob Chinns. Enjoy.

    (5)

  • Mike P.

    Bob Chinn's had been a fixture here for ~30 years. It's a funky crab shack kind of ambiance with excellent food & drink with friendly & efficient service. My favorite is the seafood gumbo and oysters. Th sushi is also very good and an excellent value.

    (5)

  • Krsiten T.

    All I have to say is ....AMAZIFOOD!!! The service and food were spot on!

    (4)

  • Margaret C.

    Very nice restaurant. Had a laid back vibe and nice servers. Visiting from California, my girlfriends brought be here the first night I flew in. California is known for their fresh seafood, so I wanted to do some comparing. We ordered the Rockefeller oysters, and the 16oz of fresh king crab legs. They also brought us garlic bread rolls. Everything was delicious. Had 2 Anchor Steam beers for $2.75/each which is unheard of on the west coast, cant find them at a restaurant out here for under $5 a pop. Would definitely return when in the area!

    (4)

  • Nick M.

    As a restaurant worker it pains me to write this. I have been here twice. The service was friendly. The order was correctly filled. The quality of food and ambiance is totally lacking, especially considering the prices. I will pay for quality food. The steak was good. The seafood was not. With prices that exceed high quality seafood establishments in Chicago, Mr. Chin obviously understands his clientele and is reaping the benefits. There are much better restaurants to enjoy yourself. Don't let the name and reputation fool you.

    (2)

  • Andy W.

    Good solid seafood place. Would go back. The prices are high so more of a special occasion place. Some may be disappointed b/c of the high prices you would expect a fancy elegant experience. That is not the ambiance this place is going for. Think very busy and loud more casual crab shack. Pre dinner you get complimentary garlic dinner rolls. Basically rolls with a ton of garlic and a little olive oil or butter dumped on them. I know people like them but just ok for me. That is a lot of raw garlic. Sue me but I think roasted garlic paste would be a better and milder choice here. Plus it could be served on the side then. Got the dinner for two. 32 oz porterhouse and 20 oz king crab legs. Steak was cooked perfect medium rare and they sliced it for us. Crab legs were wonderful and sweet tasting and fell right out of the shell. The crab was so good, 10oz each did not seem like enough for each of us. Sides of green beans, coleslaw, and red potatoes were basic and lackluster. You can tell they don't pay a lot of attention to the sides Entree came with a side of kind of spicy onions and mushrooms. Different but good if you want to eat them with your steak or crab Also got clarified butter and a horseradish sauce for dipping. Ordered two huge Mai Tais. Just ok but still good. Pretty basic stuff. One is probably big enough to share if you aren't big drinkers. Key lime pie for dessert was good. Was a bit too tangy though. But still enjoyed. Our server was great and perfectly attentive. Sliced the steak. Took crab out of shell for us. Tied our bibs. He was very busy but never felt overbearing or pushy. A good word would be competent. This is basic solid steak and seafood. You won't get much creative here. I enjoyed the experience and will be back.

    (4)

  • Tony E.

    Have yet to be let down!! We always go for the 32oz Porterhouse with 20oz of crab!! Fantastic every-time. One time 3 adults shared that one meal which cost a little I've $100. But when it is just my wife and myself we tend to have a few pieces of steak leftover to take home. Pricey, but well worth the splurge every now and then. The garlic rolls are so freaking good, the tasty goodness is what keeps me from having a heart attack at the dinner table. Plan on going again in the next 2 wks or so. That will make my 4th time in a year!!

    (5)

  • Khris L.

    I love this place! I love the food, the service, the feel...everything! I've came here multiple times and tried a whole bunch of different stuff on the menu. I've always been satisfied. Once in a while, Bob may come up to your table and start a conversation. That's always fun!

    (5)

  • Curt M.

    Garlic shrimp, crab cakes, garlic bread, steaks, all rate FIVE STARS! So what more can I say? The place is clean, and the staff is friendly. No excuse not to leave the place stuffed! Of course it costs, but what doesn't!

    (5)

  • Lisa M.

    Came here for Happy Hour with my coworkers. While their $3.25 Happy Hour menu is a good deal, the food is tasteless and of poor quality. Doesn't help that the waitstaff is completely RUDE. It's like they're put off by having to "deal with" us when we're only ordering from the Happy Hour menu and not spending $30 for an entree. The waitress with the long blonde hair is the worst! Her attitude matches the scowl on her face. I've eaten dinner here once. We had good service in the dining room, but the food was below average. Overpriced and tasteless. Seriously, Long John Silver's serves better fish!!! The sinks in the restaurant area are bizarre, I don't understand the concept. If you're wanting a great seafood dinner paired with first class service, do yourself a favor and go to Joe's Stone Crab and skip this circus.

    (1)

  • Steve H.

    Tonight is the last time for eating here. Been going downhill for the last ten years. Salad - don't know how you mess up a Thousand Island dressing but tonight was inedible. Fried shrimp were excellent last time I was here. Tonight they were overcooked. It seems like the same story each time we go back, food is less appealing than the time before. Sorry to post a bad review but if you have been eating here for many years I'm sure you will agree, Chinn's isn't what it used to be.

    (1)

  • Tony D.

    What else can be said, it is as good as you hear in all of these other reviews.

    (5)

  • Mary R.

    My first time at Bob Chinns and I have to say I was disappointed about this restaurant. I got told that it was so delicious everything is really good and fresh but to me it was lacking the fresh sense I felt it was more processed and did not taste the freshness in the fish or seafood. I mean don't get me wrong food was delicious but it was not as fresh as I expected it to be for the price of your paying... I would go again for the great Mai Thais, said they did not give it to me in the amazing Tiki cup.

    (3)

  • H R.

    A little pricy but honestly it's not bad for what you're getting! I highly recommend the premium select crab legs! 20oz! Get a lobster tail on the side. Ask for lemon. Put it in your melted butter and thank me later!

    (5)

  • Ken H.

    We've been coming here for at least 20 years. Though you might need to take out a second mortgage to eat here, it's definitely worth it if you get the King Crab legs my friends! The 16oz is plenty for me but my 20 something son can easily pack away the 20oz portion. The garlic rolls are soooooo delicious and you won't have to worry about vampires on your way home. I've also had the grilled salmon in the past and was never disappointed. Skip the Mai Tai as it's made way too strong ... Unless you don't mind stumbling out to the parking lot after dinner. I ordered a margarita on the rocks this time and it was like a lemonade. I was very disappointed as their margaritas had been perfect in the past. All in all, a great place to take out of town friends and spend all that cash from your stock options. Bon Appetit!

    (4)

  • Cassandra B.

    I have been going to Bob Chinn's for about 15 years. My husband and I are foodies, therefore we travel all over for an opportunity to experience great food. The atmosphere hasn't changed at all. The food has been consistent. If you like quality food, at an affordable price I would suggest you try this restaurannt. The lobster, and crab are always fresh. The steaks are prepared to perfection. This is also a good restaurant to take the children to, as well as the grandparents. We travel at least 45 miles to support this restaurant monthly.

    (5)

  • Osiris V.

    Got Crabs? Cause I did and I loved every second of it. For years now I've been wanting to try this place. I mean YEARS! So when my friend asked me to chose a place for my birthday dinner, well, guess why I'm writing a review. lol At first it felt like we were walking through a maze, we had to follow signs, jump through a couple fire hoops, dodge some clowns and finally we got sat. Ok ok....we just had to follow a couple of signs, but the music playing...that was a trip. Julio Iglesias must be Bobbys idol, because he played the whole time we were there! We started off with a pitcher of liquor, forget what it was called, but honestly I wouldn't get liquor. Just order the water and save the space. You'll need it for the buttery garlic rolls.....mmmmmhh...rolls. We were showed the crab menu, yes showed, the waitress came around with a whole platter of them. For an appetizer we ordered Crabcake nuggets and I don't know what was in the sauce but WOWZER! It was delicious. Afterwards we shared the SELECT Alaskan "Red" King Crab legs and the stuffed Asian Basa. Um...need I say more for the king crab legs? Of course we got the 20 oz steamed with butter...duh! They were the biggest on the menu and I still didn't get enough. =] The Asian Basa was everything I expected, fish stuffed with crab. Um yea....nuff said. I know, I know, you guys are probably thinking....crab for all three courses? My answer F YEA!!! It's Bob Chinn's CRAB house haha and like I said I still couldn't get enough. I will definitely be going back to get me some more crab soon! Real soon...as a matter of fact who wants to go?!

    (4)

  • Grace N.

    Bob Chinn's is so-so, and here why: THE PRICES: You could easily spend $40-50+ per person here, and still get charged an extra $6 for a side salad. For these prices, you could be dining with the stars at Gibson's, or at a Michelin-rated restaurant downtown. Instead, you will be herded like sheep into a giant, ravenous pen of families wearing stretchy pants. Think Disney World, the Stuff-My-Face ride. THE FOOD: Pristinely mediocre and overpriced. Most dishes come with your choice of preparation - Cantonese, Garlic, Pepper, etc. What this means is that your so-called fresh seafood will be slathered in grease and sauces so that it doesn't really matter if it's fresh or not. I know we Americans will happily eat an old shoe if it's covered in butter, but their garlic butter rolls were still stale white bread covered with grease. My king crab was dry, rubbery balls covered with grease. Their steaks, however, were suprisingly good. THE SYSTEM: For being the most lucrative restaurant in the U.S., I could understand exactly why they succeed while cheaper, tastier restaurants fail....because they have a great system. While the restaurant is HUGE, they'll expertly shuttle you to an open table. Your SERVER will actually be the one who serves your food (think about it, this is unusual and cuts out the middle man, why doesn't EVERY restaurant do that?!), which cuts delay and allows them to be more responsive to the customer's needs (steak sauce? lemon wedges? check!). They are efficient, fast, and this is how to run a multi-million dollar business. The verdict: Eat here once, maybe on a special occasion where you wake up wanting to eat seafood in your sweatpants.

    (3)

  • AJ M.

    Heard so much about this place for years. It is known to have the best crabs you can possibly eat. I came here on a Friday night and was served by the most pleasent server Debbie! She knew we were first timers and told us everything we would ever need to know! She even showed me how to get the crab legs open which was nice of her! Unfortunately she was the only excellent part of the the night! We walked in to this place which looked like a mix of rainforest cafe and a family buffet diner. Now I am not a big crab fan and paying $70 for crab legs seems ridiculous even if they are the best! So I got the surf n turf for around $60. Crab was decent steak was nothing special seemed like a bad cut. Overall the food isn't bad but I don't understand why this place has such a following. This place tries to give a homey family feel with downtown prices with chilis or outback taste, this infamous place confuses me but I am sure of one thing it is not worth a second visit .

    (3)

  • Ben Y.

    Had breakfast here for the first time. Saw loco moco on the menu, but decided to try their macadamia nut pancakes. Basically it was buttermilk pancakes. Instead of syrup, they used a crème anglaise with crushed macadamia nut sprinkles.. Surprised no spam! Here's the kicker... you have the ability to order off the lunch menu. I was eating garlic rolls @ 10AM. Full of win!!

    (5)

  • Noomi J.

    It was my first time visiting this establishment. We spent $230, and I can honestly say that I won't be making a return visit. Too expensive for mediocre food and service. We ordered the red king crab legs (oversalted), clam chowder (too congealed for me, had almost a cheesy taste), Bairdi snow crab legs, lobster roll sandwich (too much mayo), oysters. I've had better seafood elsewhere.

    (2)

  • Amanda H.

    When i heard i was going to chicago, the first thing out was bob chinn, and purple passion pie! This is the only place i will eat seafood! And it never disappoints! We started with the fresh raw oysters,mmm then the best huge crab cake (its almost a meal in its self!) Then Bobs purple passion pie! I took a whole one home and will enjoyit all week !! You have to try this place ! Are waiter Alberto was great in helping me with how to do oyster right and waiter Gary , that guy has a talent in cracking King cab in record time !! I cant wait to go back and try more great food. Never disappoints

    (5)

  • Phil S.

    I've been going to Chinn's for a long time at the rate of about 2 times a year, not counting the times I go for bar happy hour specials, and I wanted to get a fresh visit in before I wrote this review. I am always surprised whenever I find out someone who lives in Chicagoland says they haven't experienced the seafood heaven that Chinn's provides. If you tell me that you don't like seafood then I won't even bother having an educated conversation regarding food anymore. I used to valet here a very long time ago and met pretty much every celebrity in Chicago or have seen their signatures in the valet hut. This place is extremely famous. Get ready to dish out around $50-$60 per person for a real seafood meal. It is NOT cheap unless you come for the happy hour specials and even then your bill will be staggering. BUT, it is worth every penny. Everything I've tried from crab legs, steaks (they claim to serve more steak than most steakhouses), oysters, crab claws, fish, and even the pastas and fried rice are just mouth watering. I get happy over the little things though such as the tastiest garlic rolls in the world as well as the best clam chowder I have ever tasted in my life. Of course the crab legs are the best since it is after all a crab house. Everything is fresh and their menu changed daily depending on their "catch" of the day AKA whatever was flown in that morning. If you haven't noticed, Chicago is nowhere near an ocean so it costs a lot of money to have oceanside freshness in the heart of the midwest. Service is usually good because a 20% tip on your hefty bill is more than enough allow the wait staff to drive very nice cars. Trust me, I valeted some of their cars and know they're not hurting in the financial department. Every once in a while you'll get someone who seems a little lazy or slow but remember this place is usually very busy, even on an obscure weekday night. If you haven't been here then you better break the piggy bank and try it. I guarantee that it is worth every penny.

    (5)

  • Gerry G.

    We've eaten at Chinn's many times throughout the years. I've gone through periods of great distaste for the Disney-style feel of the place, where you're herded through the gates. I'd like to focus on the underreported breakfast offerings. EDIT: We returned recently for breakfast, and I'm not sure what to make of it--only a few weeks after our first breakfast visit. This time, the macadamia nut pancakes were as if they were from a completely different restaurant. Instead of huge fluffy pancakes, they were thin very rubbery pancakes. They went from one of the best pancakes I'd ever had to one of the worst! I wasn't going to mention it but the manager came by to ask how everything was. To their credit, they tried to make them a second time despite my declining the offer. They said they changed the recipe. The second batch came out identically to the first, and I pointed this out and told them not to worry about it. But then they came back with a third batch, which actually were the same as our previous visit. They also didn't charge us for the pancakes. We'll probably give it another chance since it was so good the first time. PREVIOUS VISIT: But we still come back. Bob is very friendly, cares much about the place, and they do serve great food. We recently went for breakfast for the first time and boy am I glad we did. More of us need to support this "hidden gem" for breakfast so they keep serving it. We were practically the only people in the huge place at 9:30 A.M. We ordered the crab cakes eggs bendict, and for about $11, it felt like quite a steal. There were two crab-packed crab cakes on english muffins, two perfectly poached eggs and delicious hollandaise sauce. They even included hash browns as an unexpected surprise. We also ordered the macadamia nut pancakes, which were incredible and certainly a steal for the "early bird special". Three pancakes and two perfectly-cooked scrambled eggs. The coffee was weak but flavorful diner-style. Service was excellent; my coffee was never less than half full. We'll definitely be back!

    (3)

  • Jeff K.

    Wow, no frills great seafood. You know you can get the freshest food. I've loved in Florida and their food here is fresher than down there. Really tremendous, you have not lived until you've eaten a King Crab! I bring all out of town guests here

    (5)

  • Edward W.

    Always great. We eat here a few times a month for many years now. Never had a bad meal. Only once did my wife not care for her entrée. She didn't even complain but a manager doing her rounds asked about dinner and my wife just said that she didn't care for her meal. The manager took it away and brought her something else. Incredible customer service. No wonder it's one of the top restaurants in the country. The garlic rolls are great! The new england clam chowder is the best we've ever had. Definitely put a little Tabasco and cracker in your soup. You won't be disappointed. I love the kona crab ginger onion style. Hawaiian passion fruit cheesecake for dessert. I came here once with a non seafood lover. He ordered the steak. I made fun of him and called him crazy. Why would anyone order steak at a seafood restaurant? Turns out that Bob Chinn orders his steaks from the same place downtown Chicago high end steak houses order theirs from. The steak was delicious and perfectly done. Although I've never simply ordered steak here I now do surf and turf and love it! The mai tais are awesome and there are always Monday specials.

    (5)

  • Cherie R.

    This place is a mecca of seafood in the middle of the Midwest. If you're looking for good seafood and you're not on the coast, this is the place to go. The finest quality seafood at reasonable prices - that's all you need, and that's what you're going to get. This is the highest grossing restaurant in America for a good reason.

    (5)

  • Connie L.

    The crab legs are good but not worth the hype. We ordered the scallops cantonese, 3lb lobsters, and 40oz of red Alaskan king crab legs, which was NOT enough food for 4 people. We were still hungry and short $250. My party didn't like the lobsters prepared cantonese style and preferred it to be broiled.

    (3)

  • Jolanta G.

    I was always a huge fan but last weekend we went there for a family dinner and it was quite letdown. The shrimp scampi had no taste what so ever. Big, beautiful looking shrimp - and t was like eating cardboard. Service not god either. Slow, and by the time we ot our dinner the sides were lukewarm.

    (2)

  • Erika B.

    We (2 of us) went there tonight for their $3.50 after 9 pm. bar menu. We ordered the Shrimp scampi with pasta, the coconut shrimp, fish sampler, fish taco and the $6.99 strip steak. Most came with fries, which were delicious. The way the deal works is you have to order a drink with each entree, but you can decide to get a soda as well. I must say I've eaten many a steak, and this was by far the best steak ever. Super tender, cooked medium rare as requested. I've had steaks at Morton's and Lawry's, and this was just as good. But about $30.00 cheaper. Not as huge, but perfect size for a full dinner. Coconut shrimp had 6 shrimp. Not jumbo, but nice size, great quality and enough to fill you up without making you bloated. Fish taco was excellent. The tempura fish sampler was also great. 6 pieces of fish. Only bite sized if you have a really big mouth. Together, we had these dishes along with 4 Mai-tais in total. One of the Mai tais was large sized. Total bill was $57.00. We had one drink left to buy to complete our 5 dishes, but we paid for a pop and Lorna gave us a bottled water in place of that which we took home. Service was excellent. We had Lorna, who has been there for 30 years. The bar menu is available from 3-6 and then after 9 Mon. thru Thursday. We got to try all these things and have drinks for $57.00, excluding tip. Bottom line is you can go here, order a dish from the $3.50 happy hour menu, get a beer and leave with a tab including tip for about $10 bucks. We'll be back.

    (4)

  • Stacy P.

    I was so happy that we are going there for dinner, but I was disappointed( Food wasn't good, we ordered fried sea scallops and fried crabmeat, the taste of it was bitter, and we paid around $25-30 for one meal. I will better go to downtown to the nice restaurant and pay the same money for scallops, and it's going to be very soft and nice. But I have to say that garlic bread is very tasty! And service is good too.

    (3)

  • Laura Z.

    Hawaiian poke - ordinary with too much onion, crab - awesome, dessert - surprisingly good

    (4)

  • Lulu R.

    This place is a Wheeling staple. What an amazingly popular place that I always forget to yelp. Since my friend likes to travel in large groups of hungry men...we decided to come here after their laser tag adventure. We were seated almost immediately in a crazy busy restaurant. This is a super spacious restaurant. We had not one but TWO waitresses. They introduced themselves and told us about the specials. Appetizer in two words: Garlic rolls. Those are dangerous...too dangerous. My friend got a whole basket to himself (thanks for sharing babe). Our friend decided to get 3 dinner for twos for all 12 of us to share. Those came with a 3 huge steaks with onions and mushrooms that they cut up for us and a whole crapload of crablegs, claws, veggies, fried rice, and potatoes. The meat was perfectly medium and succulent. The veggies, rice, and potatoes had great flavor and a wonderful addition to the meal. We had guava juice to wash it all down with. The juice was ok..nothing too awesome but good enough. I really wish I would have gotten a mai tai. The service was great considering we had two waitresses but equally as attentive. The food was perfect. The crab legs were fresh. A good time was had by all and I am looking forward to my next visit here.

    (5)

  • Gabe G.

    over priced, poor service, bad atmosphere! For the prices we were charged, I expect to have better quality food, better service and better serving, instead of plastic cups, paper napkins, and no wet naps. Also, their "famous" butter-garlic rolls were terrible!!! They are simply dinner rolls covered in greasy, sloppy butter and garlic and if they sit at the table longer than 5 minutes they will turn into rock-hard baseballs. They treat you as though you are cattle, moving you through their dining room to your table. The tables are too close to one another...my daughter's hair got pulled accidently by the woman behind her because we were forced to sit so close to them. Did I mention over-priced for the quality of food? Sizzler does it much better! I will never go back!! I don't know how anyone could give this place a good rating...

    (1)

  • Zip W.

    Someone explain the 5 stars to me. Got there and was told for a party of three it would be 25 minutes. No problem. Except at 25 minutes they put you into another line. For 20 more minutes. And after that line, another line, for 10 minutes. WTF? Just say it's an hour and be done with it. Started off crappy and just gets crappier. Dining room was loud and ridiculously overcrowded. RIDICULOUSLY overcrowded. My friends and I ordered bass and tuna. We asked for steamed vegetables and no rice. Out comes the tuna. TEN MINUTES LATER out comes the bass. We all cut into our food and we notice there is ice in the tuna and the bass is still cold. We send the tuna back and they then overcook it. Bass was awful. Half cooked, half raw, all terrible. The tuna, after it gets overcooked, was bland and sinewy. We send it back and out comes the manager. To her credit, she apologizes. Not to her credit, she tells us that the fish was cold and icy due to THE COOKING PROCESS! Are you kidding? You put it on fire and it iced over? Someone tell the fire department they are doing it wrong. Also told her that the veggies never came but we all got rice we didn't want. "You must have ordered rice, then, on top of the vegetables." "No, we all don't like rice." "Well then would you like a free dessert?" NO! The veggies would be nice, but now we just want to get the hell out of there. She took the tuna off the bill and it was still almost 65 dollars. Bob Chinn's sucks.

    (1)

  • Christine S.

    Had some fish tacos (sea bass) for lunch the other day... Insanely delish! The salsas that come with are realllllly damn good. The rice is pretty standard... The garlic rolls are still to die for.. my oh my how I've missed them.

    (4)

  • Jeff K.

    It was an ok experience. I felt like they were trying to showcase an upscale menu but the restaurant felt like a giant seafood version of Applebee's. I probably wouldn't come back

    (3)

  • Dan N.

    I have waited to go to Bob Chinn's for a decade. I first heard about this place 15 years ago when I moved to Chicago. It took me relocating to the suburbs in order to be close enough to visit Bob Chinn's. The good is that this place is huge. It seats around 600+ people and had a solid crowd at 8:00 PM on a Saturday. The bad is that the food is in no way reflective of the price. The menu is huge and they have lots of different types of shell fish, but nothing is delicious. The food is served on wood and stainless steel plates and is pretty much covered in butter. It is one of those places that you feel better walking in, then when you walk out. We did sample a decent amount of the menu: - Lobster Claws - Clam Chowder - King Crab Legs - Strip Steak - Sushi I was excited when we entered and disappointed when we left. We should have taken our business to the Half Shell on Diversey, that place does lowbrow seafood right.

    (2)

  • Ericka A.

    You WILL get drunk on Mai Tais. You WILL get Crabs. And you WILL like it! I've passed this little pier-inspired restaurant at least a dozen times, but my first experience with them was at the Long Grove Strawberry Festival where they served up ice cold fruit-infused Mai Tais in large, plastic tiki cups. I was a fan from first sip. My friend claims they are THE best Mai Tais you will find and he also raves about their Seafood Gumbo. The first thing that hits you is the smell. It smelled... fishy. I know, I know. It's a seafood place! I'm just saying to be prepared when you walk in. The rest of the restaurant smells like the cooked after-product and is much more appetizing. We both had the amazing Garlic Dinner Rolls and a bowl of the Seafood Gumbo. Both will blow your mind with flavor. My friend ordered the Char-grilled Mahi-Mahi, which he orders almost every time and I intend to order next time. I got the Shrimp, Scallop and Squid Primavera. I don't know about you, but when I think Primavera, I think of an Italian dish. Apparently it just means any pasta dish with fresh vegetables. This one resembles a Chinese stir fry with a brown gravy. I'm not sure how long this deal is going on for, but for every 8 Mai Tais you order (you can save the receipts and redeem them in later) you get a Bob Chinn's neon fish pattern jacket. So stop by and say hi if you see me there. My friend and I will be the two diners with a table full of Mai Tais and a pile of fish jackets.

    (4)

  • Donald K.

    This place is very popular, but I don't get it. Went there with my wife and a friend because we won a gift certificate in a raffle. Our server was very pleasant; everything we ordered ranged from OK to pretty good, but nothing was exceptional. My issue --- this is the most over-priced restaurant I've been to in recent memory, for both the food and ambiance. Menu prices you'd expect in a more upscale restauant, but this place looks like a generic college campus dining hall, from the cheap paper towels for napkins, to the styrofoam take out plates for side orders. I feel no need to go back.

    (2)

  • Nina B.

    I enjoyed the company of our friends - but not all the other friends that were there visiting with their friends and family - which really isn't the fault of the restaurant, however, everyone is crammed in; making the atmosphere far from inviting and dining something to be desired, as it felt as if we were packed in like sardines, (pun intended). Our waitress seemed to think that she worked at Ed Debevics'. She seemed upset that she had to wait tables, let alone take our order. The food was not flavorful, (I ordered a pasta dish). My husband wondered why our friends raved about the restaurant - had we gone on a bad night? Was our group too large, (there were about 10 of us)?... And given the cost, I was left wanting - service, flavor, and atmosphere. I wish there were something that would make me want to go back, especially since it's so popular... Perhaps if our friends wanted to go, but we would convince them to try someplace else.

    (2)

  • Paul W.

    After reading other reviews, there really isn't anything else to be said about Bob Chin's. Its simply a great place for seafood and my favorite place on earth to eat. Steaks?? The best in Chicago. Alaskan King Crab? Crab is king here. Mai Tia? Better designate a driver if your gonna have more than one. Because I love this place so much, I couldn't possibly rate it any less than five starts. HOWEVER. What in the world is going on with the prices?? Surf and turf with Alaskan King Crab and a filet at $60? It was half that just three years ago. Bob, dont price yourself out of the market.

    (5)

  • Huifang H.

    Best place to go when I want seafood

    (5)

  • Levent T.

    It has been years since I've been here and it is pretty much the same place. Not overly impressed with the fish they are serving compared to the price point. I recommend ordering a salad bar, a dozen oysters (which btw I was annoyed they didn't fully shuck the meat from the shell) and a sushi roll (spicy tuna was tasty but not orgasmic) to fill your belly and get your seafood fix on. Also, the rolls were much harder from what I remembered and had a stale/frozen bread flavor. Service was very attentive with a smile...so at least they are still doing that right!

    (2)

  • Craig S.

    This is the best seafood and steak restaurant PERIOD!! The seafood is flown in FRESH every day and bills of lading are posted to prove it. The steaks are aged to perfection and cooked and seasoned to die for. The seafood is fresh and cooked to you liking. Prices reflect the market and seasons. The place is HUGE and seats an enormous number of tables, so don't be put off by a long line...wait times are not nearly as bad as they may look. This is casual dress and can be a bit loud, but the food more than makes up for the crowded conditions. If you like steak and/or seafood, YOU MUST TRY THIS RESTAURANT!!!!!!!

    (5)

  • Ed K.

    The popularity of this place continues to amaze me... but not in a good way. I've eaten at Chinn's many times over many years (mainly business affairs, not of my own choosing), and each time I end up leaving scratching my head. Why? Well first off, the seafood is mediocre at best, and the sides aren't even up to par with a diner. Be sure you DON'T order any of the wine by the glass -- it couldn't be lower class swill. And the famous Mai Tais? Syrupy sweet fruit juice concoction but hey, you get to take home the plastic cup (buy enough of them and you get a plastic jacket made in China and probably costs Bob @ 50 cents). Then you have a decor that's done in Early American Cheap, and looks none too clean either. What does Bob spend all those profits on? And last but not least are the prices. $60 for Alaskan crab legs. $9 for a little cup of chopped up asparagus. A salad bar that makes Denny's look like haute cuisine. $400 for 7 people for our daughter's birthday (her request). The ironic thing about it was the item everyone enjoyed the most -- a fruit tart we bought at Whole Foods and brought ourselves. Maybe the Mai Tais are actually Mickey Finns that get people to overlook the dull food and exorbitant prices, but I sure ain't drinkin' that Kool Aid.

    (1)

  • Aimee M.

    Time to update my review! I hadn't visited in a while and since Mum is in town we both decided it was time to treat ourselves to a nice lunch. Bob Chinn's never disappoints. Still smiley and friendly service. Still great menu for seafood. One thing that did hit us right away was the prices. Seems like it's definitely gotten pricier to eat here. I most often order the Alaskan king crab legs, this time the menu boasted 3 "levels" of crab legs. We asked our server what made the difference and she brought out a tray of crab to show us how big premium/standard/kona etc all compare to each other. Kind of like at Morton's, how they show you the different cuts of meat available. I don't know if that's standard procedure, but we really liked how she provided us that little "tutorial". Besides, if you want more bang for your buck, gotta know where the money is going, right? I opted for the Kona crab and 8 oz strip steak. To me, BC's always has delicious steak--well seasoned, perfectly prepared to order, tender, juicy--just plain yummy. The Kona crab was very fresh; I love their citrus dipping sauce. And the garlic buns--still the best. If you're not sure if you'd like them (because they are dipped in olive oil and covered with lots of garlic) you can ask for plain rolls with the garlic oil on the side. What I also noticed about the menu is that they are serving more lunch specials and desserts in smaller sizes which cost less. My mom and I shared the passionfruit cream puff and the chocolate cream puff. Small cream puffs but with just enough flavor to cleanse the palate after the meal. I do have to be mindful of the stars I give out. Although I still love their seafood and service, I can only give 4 stars because it is pretty pricey to dine here, even for lunch. (Yeah, the hubs was pretty shocked when our CC bill arrived at home)

    (4)

  • Lori R.

    Place is smelly , sticky , out dated decor, food is bland and below sub par , way to expensive for what it actually is , Service is OK not great , See Bob in there once in a while he is getting weirder by the day!!!! The salad bar which used to be my fave is now old and smelly looking and cheap cheap cheap ...Try not to come here Ever but have a few Friends that still like it not sure why ? Always used to order the King crab legs when they were IN season for around 85$$$ now I wouldn't spend 20$ on them they are shrinking in size and taste.

    (1)

  • Avocado Donbur I.

    Great Seafood! This place is always crowded but it's worth the wait.

    (5)

  • David L.

    Food: 4 Decor: 3 Service: 4 It's 8pm at the Lincolnshire Marriott and I'm hungry, so I whip out my Yelp app. 30 minutes later, I arrive at Bob Chinn's. There is valet as well as free parking in the back. The place is absolutely huge, and it's definitely a more casual dining environment than I expected. The servers all wear bright, hideous tie-dye shirts. Huge dinner menu here: bobchinns.com/menu_dinne… 1. Garlic rolls Soo good, probably the best garlic rolls I've had. A ton of garlic and oil on top of a hot roll. 2. Stuffed Asian Sea Bass with Pork Fried Rice, 24 yelp.com/biz_photos/rLQU… Asian sea bass fillet stuffed with crab meat and broiled to perfection, topped with hollandaise sauce Pretty good. Sea bass was fresh and tender, as was the crab. Would have liked less hollandaise sauce. Pork fried rice was surprisingly good, although I didn't taste any pork at all. Service was good.

    (4)

  • mildred v.

    I don't venture outside of the city for dinner (it's Chicago, enough said) but I will trek to the suburbs for Bob Chinn's. Now I know what all the hype is about! I came here with a party of 6 - me and the bf were the newbies. We followed the lead of our companions and shared the 20 oz serving of the Premium Select "Red" Alaskan King Crab Legs. We were skeptical about actually being full with our shared serving so we ordered an order of the Calamari as an appetizer - which was huge! Our party of 6 could not finish it all, but it may also be because we had about 4 baskets of the gaaaaaarlic rolls - yum! Our server gave us the low-down on how use the tools and effectively open the crab legs. Her technique and demonstration was enough for me to navigate the massive King Crab Legs that lay before me (and a half portion, mind you). Did I mention that I don't like when manual labor is involved when I am dining at a restaurant? This was the exception, the delicateness of the meat and it's wonderful flavor was a match made in Heaven. I dipped mine in the horseradish-like sauce which I thought was not TOO overpowering but rather complemented the taste of the crab really well. We were stuffed after the crab legs; next time I will trust my dining companions - although the calamari was good, it is probably not needed. I will definitely be coming back for more - when I am in the mood for manual labor and a trek to the suburbs.

    (5)

  • Dave J.

    It's an institution. It's the anchor of "Restaurant Row" along Milwaukee Avenue in Wheeling. I don't know if there's a secret to packing 'em in every single night. Maybe it's the top quality seafood? Maybe it's the delicious mai tais? Maybe it's the fun, friendly, and competent service? I like that they can prepare their fresh fish in a variety of different ways...grilled, spicy, Asian-style, fried. And the garlic rolls...mmmmmm. I've never had a bad meal here, ever. I've also tried their carry out and have ordered FRESH lobster from them for New Years' Eve dinner. And now they serve breakfast! They have a selection of omelettes, a tasty Portuguese sausage, and even Loco Moco, a traditional Hawaiian-style breakfast platter. I'm glad it's close to home. I've signed up for their loyalty diner program and hope to rack up a bunch of points in the very near future!

    (5)

  • Rosanna L.

    Many of my friends love this place and I wish I do too, but I know I'll have to come back and give it another try. Out party of 4 we ordered each an entree and 2 appetizers: calamari and vermicelli noodles. Well about 10/15 minutes later our entrees came out and I go oh, that's weird we never got our appetizers and the server who brought out our food (not our waiter) was kind of enough to let us know she would check on it for us. As we are about to dig into our food the manager, I'm assuming, also asked us if we received our appetizers and we said no. He talked to our waiter to figured out what happened and there was a mix between the waiter forgot to put it in or he put it in late, not sure, but 5 minutes later they brought out the apps asking if we would like them and we said yes and the manager let us know he took it off our bill. Awesome! The way they handled it was very professional and quick. Appetizers: Calamari - good, but could need crispy crunch to it Vermicelli noodles - definitely surprise me, I didn't think it was as good as it would be As for entrees: Jonah Crab Claws - I actually really enjoyed these cold crab claws although I wish I got some butter with them. Kona Crab Special - eck don't get the garlic sauce it's really heavy, but the crab is decent, Tina didn't really like it Stuffed shrimp alfredo - the stuffed shrimp were really good, but the alfredo sauce was very chunky, the bf prefers a more thick creamier sauce Filet mignon with Alaskan king crab - of course the birthday boy got the best dish and really enjoyed it Mai Tais were okay. Overall I enjoyed my meal, but felt like with all the rave it could of been a lot better.

    (3)

  • Justin K.

    One of the best Crabhouses I have been to in awhile. ~Food: [9/10] - The seafood is fresh and prepared by an experienced staff, which really shows through in the food. ~Price: [7.9/10] - As the money meter shows, yes, this restaurant is rather pricy, but none the less worth it. ~Atmosphere:[7.6/10] - Often hectic and loud, ths isn't exactly a place to take a lovely lady on a romantic night out. Also, the silly uniforms of the waiters and waitresses are kind of off putting (Hawaiian looking tourist like shirts, ugh). ~Service: [8.9/10]- lots of friendly characters that are cherry, quick to help. All and all, this is a fine restaurant, with great service and fresh sea food. While the price is a bit high, it's not going to kill you. And you can't go wrong with those delicious garlic bread rolls! I recommend their king crab legs with blue crab claws as an appetizer. And don't forget to order a Mai Tai on the side!

    (5)

  • Johnny T.

    I recall seeing Bob Chinn's on Check!, Please and I knew I needed to eat there. It only took me many years to do so. The overwhelming desire to eat there passed but it's a Chicagoland staple and I would have regretted not indulging in the seafood kitsch before leaving town. And, it is kitschy. The decor. The size. The menus. The service. The Brady Bunch tiki curse Mai Tais. This isn't GT. Nor should it be. If you come to Bob Chinn's expecting a downtown high-end seafood experience, you will be disappointed... in yourself. Two.different.places. Take both for what they are. The menus are plastic and a little sticky, so go to town ordering all the seafood you can handle and leave concerns about image in the past. Eat with your hands. Get crab meat in your hair. Steal food from other tables. It's all good at Bob Chinn's. To start the party off: garlic rolls and mai tais. You have heard them both hyped up and that's for good reason. The garlic rolls are slathered in butter, caked with garlic and served I-will-sue-McDonald's-hot. Lovely. Eat one, put on in your man bag/purse. This way, you'll leave with many rolls to enjoy late at night when you need your fourth meal. The mai tai comes in two sizes: commemorative plastic or awesome tiki. Both are made of win. If driving, avoid. They're strong. But, if you've managed to make it to Wheeling with someone else behind the wheel (*rimshot*), go to town on those bad boys. Explaining your subsequent bad behavior on the a-a-a-a-a-alcohol makes things much easier. One thing I didn't think about before coming to BC, Chinese food. Oh, right. Bob Chinn's. Duh. Sometimes I just smile pretty and twirl my hair. So, yeah. There's Chinese food a'plenty. Again, it may not be Tony Hu quality, but it does the job. I mean where else can you dine on an embarrassment of lobster pasta, fries (ridiculously good; addicting for both their crunch and seasoned oil), crab fingers (the only way to eat; imagine little claws filled with garlicky meat; they are a seafood version of wings. Wings!!!) and shrimp fried rice. There was other food on the table (if we weren't the only party in the restaurant late at night, I might have hid my head in shame) but these were the standouts. It's a bit of a trek from the city but if you find yourself close by, treat yo'se'f. Tom & Donna would approve.

    (4)

  • Lochin S.

    This is not going to be a fair review because I get the same darn thing. I love the tuna at lunch time. just barely touched heat on both sides, super rare and an order of mushrooms on the side. OMG. heaven. cant even think of ordering anythign else.

    (5)

  • Emily G.

    We went for lunch. The Restaurant needs an update, damp smell, dark environment, everything looks very outdated and dirty. Food: swordfish and seafood gumbo. The swordfish $ 19.99 - was breaded, dry, very salty, cold temperature and overcooked. Quality level refrozen fish from low level of supermarket. You would be better of with frozen fish sandwich from McDonald's . Seafood gumbo was good but price for the cup $4.98 and bowl almost $ 9. We paid $35 for lunch plus tip. Very expensive lunch for for this quality of food. We went before for dinner and had steaks with lobster which was very good.

    (1)

  • Mark C.

    Overpriced. Gross ambiance. Never again.

    (1)

  • Elyse C.

    Whoa super fresh Seafood in the burbs? Yes its true. I was impressed with the freshness of the place. I had a mai tai-which was pretty good, very strong it lasted me the whole meal. The garlic rolls were hot and crispy, good but I have had better rolls. For an app we had oysters on a half shell and shrimp cocktail, super fresh I love the cantalope they serve with the shrimp, never seen that before but together it is actually very good. The cocktail sauce was nice, needed more horseradish but it wasnt that important so I didnt ask for it. I had the Alaskan king crab and it was outstanding. huge fresh and delicious. The have tartar sauce and butter with it but i prefer cocktail sauce so thats what I had. My husband had fried oysters and sweet potato fries. The oysters were huge and pretty good, the fries were good but not great. For dessert i had half a slice of red velvet cake...i love that you can do half desserts, it was still pretty huge but very good. I would come back for seafood...however it is expensive. I wasnt expecting the lines they have their...very much like going to a amusement park or something but it worked.

    (4)

  • Brian K.

    Very disappointed with alot of the uneducated reviews here hyping this place up as good. I can only assume since the lack of many very good seafood places around is why. Garlic Rolls- Everyone raves about these. If you want an instant heart attack then I guess this is your choice. Hot rolls that had a stick of melted butter each poured on top with a whole glove of garlic on top for each. Drinks- Wife had Mai Tai & she enjoyed it. I had my typical gin & tonic. Nothing to write home about with that one. Appetizers- Stone Crab: Tasted like they were frozen. If you want stone crab go to Joes STone Crab. Calamari: Way overcooked & rubbery. DInner: Wife had a prime rib with grilled shrimp. Prime rib was over cooked to taste & not flavorful at all. Shrimp were tiny frozen & onced cooked were well overdone & tasteless. I had a surf & turf (filet & lobster tail). The Lobster tail was well overcooked & rubbery like the Calamari was. The filet was cooked perfectly but was way overseasoned with too much salt. This is very sad that at one of the so called best seafood joints in Chicagoland that the highlight was a filet that was over salted. If you want really good seafood go to Joes Stone Crab, Shaws or even Hugo's Frog Bar.

    (1)

  • O.M. R.

    best seafood ever cooked!!! and that's all you need to know:p

    (5)

  • Chad W.

    It's the best around. You either love it or you hate it. For a great time I will always pick this place. The food is just too good. If you have been here then you know that you are either in the mood for a cafeteria fish house dining experience or you're not. It's not Morton's. But for me, it does not get any better. I always have fun. I love the food. And if you love steaks, well they don't get better than here. The porterhouse is amazing. But for Crab Legs, They are second to none. And the Mai Tai's are nothing to complain about either. They are sweet, but they go down great.

    (5)

  • Rickson W.

    way over priced avg food.whats the hype about this place? dont believe the hype. very over hyped restaurant for no special reason. more importantly, nothing special about the food over there. sorry, the cost just doesn't justify the food there.. also i'm not impressed with your food there.

    (1)

  • Piper H.

    Disappointing. Purchased a e-certificate online. They charged me 4 times for the same transaction. When I called to have this fixed, they told me I had to call the website company. When I did, they told me I should see reversals and to call my credit card company. I called my credit card company and they told me to call the merchant. 1 hour of my life I will never get back. Still waiting for these overcharges to get fixed.

    (1)

  • Gregory B.

    Overpriced, but fresh, for dinner. I've lived on both coasts for many years, so I have a reduced expectation of seafood in this part of the world. This is a fun, friendly but not exceptional seafood place. The lunch specials can be very reasonable, if you take what they give you.

    (3)

  • Scott S.

    First of all, the salad bar is awesome. The garlic rolls are good too, and so is the rice pudding. Oh yeah, and the fish...is just about as good as any in all of Illinois (outside of Joe's). Plus the people who work there are friendly and helpful. The only problem? The price/atmosphere quotient. This is not something I often refer to, as a matter of fact, I just made it up, but it's the reason Chinn's doesn't get 5 stars from me. If I'm going to pay $50 for dinner, it better be at a really nice place, and Chinn's is very casual, loud and fast-paced. I don't mind any of these things, it's just not the experience I expect for a $50 meal. Is the food extrordinary? Yes. But for that price, I want food and atmosphere. The solution: I only go at lunch...and I go a lot during lunch. The prices are about half at lunch This place is, without question, a 5 star restaurant for lunch.

    (4)

  • Jenna S.

    I just can't get enough of this place! I wake up in my sleep salivating over king crab and lobster claws. I have realized that your experience here largely depends on your server. Friday night we had the best one yet...Tim D. Ask for him by name!

    (5)

  • Amanda C.

    Yes, the hot garlic butter rolls are awesome. Yes, the coleslaw is the shit. Yes, the New England clam chowder is amazing. (Let me preface this by saying I am not usually the type to care about decor...) BUT... THE INSIDE OF THIS PLACE SUCKS SOOOOOOOO HARD DUDE :/ I am the type of chick that figures if I am shelling out over $30 per person that I am going to have a little atmosphere. This place is like a chow-hall... the tables and chairs are the type you'd see in a school cafeteria. Actually, my school has better tables and chairs. It is HUGE! AND ALWAYS PACKED! All the noise distracted me to the point that I felt like I couldn't even read my menu. Truth be told, it felt like we were cattle being led into the slaughter... Except instead of getting slaughtered, I was forced to stuff my face in front of a thousand other people. would.rather.shove.a.rev… .mouth.and.squeeze.the.trigger.than.go.there.­again.

    (3)

  • Katrina B.

    So I was here last night for dinner with my bf and his grandma. I have been here before, and once again it didn't disappoint. Bob Chins is a Chinese Seafood Restaurant, a lot of people go here and order Lobster/Crab so many times that they forget what his specials are besides the Kona Crab. They always start of your meal with the most garlicy buttered bread you have ever had. Although you will still be able to taste the bread in your mouth 4 days later, it is worth it. Also their Mia Tia's are fantastic. Strong though, so watch yourself. We started the dinner off with the egg rolls (Very tasty) Last night Grandma had the Cantonese Lobster meat. She said it was delicious, and it looked pretty good. It is chunks of Lobster meat in pork gravy with mushrooms. Both me and my boyfriend ordered the crab-o-ganza. It came with like 5 types of Crab served cold with Citris Crab Sauce (and one jumbo shrimp). We both got the fried rice and coslaw for our sides. Everything was fresh, well prepared and delicious. Bob Chins Restaurant is run like a well oiled machine, there are multiple hosts who have walky talkys and have a relay race type system to get your seated and served. Our waitress was awesome, incredibly attentive and personable. The restaurant is always clean (as well as the bathrooms) and the tables are always bustling.

    (5)

  • Tricia Mia P.

    Bob Chinn rocks! Who doesn't like their garlic rolls?! The place might seem a little chaotic when you go there on the weekend. Call for reservations!!! The menu is intense, HUGE. Lots of fish, shrimp, crab even steak. They offer gluten free items on the menu as well! How cool is that?! The staff is very friendly and attentive. Prices are reasonable. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this place!

    (5)

  • Stephanie B.

    I absolutely love this place! If I had to put it in my list of top fave restaurants, this would definitely be at the top of my list. I love Chinn's for many reasons, but the top three reasons I go here are: 1) the warm, scrumptious buttah, garlicky rolls 2) indulgent and fresh king crab legs 3) mai tai pitchers and tiki cups! I never thought I could find fresh seafood in the landlocked Midwest. However, Chinn's delivers fresh seafood daily. From Chilean sea bass to scallops and crab legs, this place really packs the punch on flavor and food, but is not that terrible on your wallet. They offer seven ways to cook the fresh seafood: 1. Asian Style (Steamed) 2. Chargrilled 3. Blackened 4. Beer Batter (Fried) 5. Sautéed with lemon, served with mashed sweet potatoes 6. Broiled Grecian Style 7. Stir Fried with portabellas, sugar snap peas, & asparagus This place really caters to a wide audience. On top of fresh seafood they have an amazing salad bar, sushi, flavorful, tender steaks and much more! And if you've landed at Chinn's and you aren't a big fan of seafood, well they even have a section on the menu that caters to the "landlubbers" - filet, chicken teriyaki or curry, pasta, etc! I can eat my weight in crab legs. Ok, that's a bit of an exaggeration, but I love them slathered in butter or Cantonese style. I tend to order the Premium Alaskan King Crab Legs steamed with drawn butter. I always order fried rice or sweet potato fries. They also have amazing homemade coleslaw. With the abundance of fresh warm garlic butter rolls and salad bar or an appetizer, it's hard to save room for your entrée, let alone dessert! I've had the slice of paradise pie, which is actually really yummy. It's made from an indigenous root plant found in Hawaii. I found it to taste similar to sweet potato pie but with a zing! I can't wait to try the coconut crème pie on my next visit! While I love this place dearly, I feel like the hustle and bustle and separate lines makes you feel like you're eating in a huge cafeteria or all-you-can-eat buffet. It can be quite noisy, but if you're not looking for a quiet romantic date spot this place won't disappoint. Trust me. The Polynesian attire, music, and décor really make you feel like you are at a luau, but indoors. I understand what the niche and atmosphere the Chinn family is trying to achieve, and I think they hit it right on the mark. No wonder they are the 3rd top independent restaurant in the country.

    (5)

  • Joedel G.

    I've been here maybe 4 times already. This place for me is one of the best seafoods restaurant in Chicago area. I always go the one in Wheeling anyway. The king crab is so fresh, the meat is firm and sweet tasting. I heard it's not frozen at all and it's transported by air, Wow... Don't forget to order their signature " MAI THAI ". The other seafood dishes on the menu are also amazing. I gave this place a 4 star just because it's kinda noisy place because it's always packed, otherwise everything is great. The service is good, very happy atmosphere, ample parking too. I would comeback anytime soon. Love this place...

    (4)

  • Angelina C.

    Overrated is the best word to describe this place. I don't mind paying more when the quality is there, but that is not the case at Bob Chinn's. I had such a taste for crab and decided to try this place that so many people had raved about. First the decor looks like it hasn't been updates in the last 20 years. I got the salad bar because I was starving and thought it would be a nice place to start. It was a lack luster offering with brown lettuce and not much variety. When my entree came I was shocked at how little amount of crab there was considering what I was paying. And they had pre-cracked it for me in a way that left tons of bits of shell mixed in with meat. And my one side of okay fried rice was in a tiny little bowl. The only thing preventing me from giving this place only one star was the fact that the our waitress was very attentive and tried to be helpful. I will definitely not be returning.

    (2)

  • James H.

    I eat a lot. So much so that my friends have called me "Hoover" on occasion. I could not, however, finish my meal of a cup of clam chowder and a king crab meat pot pie. After drinking the soup, which tasted like a melted stick of butter, I started in on the pie, which tasted like a baked stick of butter. This is not a bad thing.

    (4)

  • Lawrence Y.

    I recently went here for a casual business dinner, and W-O-W. It doesn't look like a big restaurant walking in, but there was a sea of people, and a sea of tables. It was insanely crowded for a Wednesday night! Our very friendly (almost motherly) server brought out garlic bread - I could've died. They were sooo good, but I didn't want to fill up on bread. I also got strawberry lemonade and it has been one of the best lemonades I've had in a while. Anyway, we started off with garlic crab claws, yum! I loooove garlic and I looove crab. It was plenty, and plenty good! For my entree, I got the premium Alaskan King crab legs with veggies (green beans, carrots, zucchini, potatoes)... and wow, being native to Pacific waters, I hadn't been that excited about seafood in the midwest in... ever. I LOVED IT! I wish I had saved room for dessert :( Other things to note: $3 valet. And I think the side exit is really cute: black light under-the-sea themed walls. I felt like I was leaving Sea World!

    (5)

  • James W.

    I'm on the side of the other reviewers that it's overhyped and underquality. After visiting a number of Chicago's Seafood/Crab places Bob Chinn's left me underwhelmed with the food, prices and atmosphere. I also lived in Southern Maryland for a spell, so I know what a "real" crab shack is like - and what Bob Chinn's seems to be aspiring to. I found the menu difficult to comprehend - it's a densely-packed list of items that are poorly organized and give the impression that they specialize in nothing but drenching seafood in various sauces. The garlic bread is AWESOME OMG!!!! -- but seriously, it's only great if you like dough swimming in butter. I found it very, very greasy - OMG! My entree was mediocre at best and my companion was similarly disappointed. Service was friendly but drinks were in my opinion overpriced. As I said, I won't be back. The next time I read someone saying how great this place is I'm going to ROTFLMAO!

    (1)

  • Jenny C.

    OMG hands down the best sweet potato fries I've ever had. They're so perfect! I've never seen myself inhale so many fries haha. Finally, someone who knows what's up. The waitress also suggested eating it with whip cream....soo good! I think it would of been even better if I had some ice cream with it. The waitress at the bar was the sweetest thing ever. I never had King Crab Legs before and asked if it was hard to eat. Hey, I'm spoiled okay! My mom takes the bones out of the fish for me hah. Anyways, without her knowing this she was like oh don't worry it's so easy. So, when my plate comes out, she basically does all the hard wok for me and left me with two legs to do myself. I didn't do it with grace or in record time like her, but I did it! On Monday, you can get 16oz for $19.95. I don't know, sounds like a deal to me and oh so yummy! If you ask nice enough, they will let you keep the shell slicing hand tool. SWEET! Garlic rolls, not so sweet...ha

    (5)

  • Carmella M.

    Love this place since my beloved papa duex has closed ..I have never had a steak so soft and tender .....Amazing! The service Is great on point know the menu very well trained staff. Great for groups and for two..

    (4)

  • Scott C.

    I usually go to Bob Chinn's for lunch as I work nearby and it is usually a very good to time go to Chinn's since you avoid the big crowds that are there during the evenings or on the weekends. Also, they typically have lunch specials that are reasonably priced. Consider this option if you can - I think it beats waiting in long lines at more popular hours. The food here is consistent. Their menu is immense and also a little difficult to read as they cram everything on 1 piece of paper (front and back). They off a wide variety of seafood and fish throughout the menu including several variations of each - spicy, not spicy, in linguine, with a steak, etc. - it's almost too much to handle sometimes. The food here is good - somewhat bland and not that imaginative. If you want a creative asian-latin fusion dish you're better off someplace else. However, it is FRESH. The fish and seafood are both fresh and delicious. The portions are also typically fairly large - you really do get your money's worth here. For lunch I've had the fish tacos which come with a large portion of fish in each taco, rice, salad, jalapenos and pico de gallo. It's the right amount of food and with the salsa and jalepenos spicy enough to enjoy. The decor is like a funky seaside restaurant with the typical fishing and beach stuff on the walls and ceiling. It's a casual vibe and not pretentious at all - just sit back and enjoy the fresh catch of the day with a drink.

    (4)

  • Danielle S.

    Their seafood wasn't bad, and their Mai Tais are delish. Service was alright, and their bread was disgusting- it's swimming in grease. I thought it was way overpriced for the quality honestly.

    (3)

  • M G.

    HORRIBLE,TERRIBLE,GROSSLY OVER-RATED,OUTDATED SALOON ATMOSPERE,DIRTY BATHROOMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!­!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wife and I had the Saturday breakfast.Delicious crushed macadamia glaze smothered over inedible and disgusting pancakes.The scrambled and poached eggs were very good. The coffee you would think would be extra good but it was xxxxxxxxxxtra weak,watered down and tasteless!!!!!!!! Cheap cream packs,napkins you see in old bathroom dispensers and cheap tableware. 15 years ago went with date for lobster tails. Nicks,Catch 35,Mitchells same price and quality then and I repeat no better(in fact ,one tail was too rubbery) with the same cheap,ambience,atmosphere crowded tables . This old cheap saloon style of a place is THE MOST OVER RATED ESTABLISMENT IN THE U.S. AND CHIN should be ashamed but probably laughs at all the suckers who get drunk on large cheap plastic cups filled of Mai Tais. DO NOT SPEND YOUR HARD EARNED CASH IN A LOW -LEVEL ENVIRONMENT!!!!!!!!! professional food critics must be stunned!!

    (1)

  • Emily E.

    Oh my gosh, butter garlic rolls...need I say more? Yummmmm. I have not been here in quite awhile. But, this is on of my favorite restaurant in the Chicago suburbs. Large dining room, service can vary (as with any restaurant) and a wide variety menu choices. I love the grouper and ahi tuna (raw please!). Overall, you get what you pay for. And don't forget to grab some chocolate mints on the way out (they still do that, right?). As for the girl who didn't like her steak the way they cooked it. Turn it back. I've been in the food industry, as long as your nice about it, nobody will spit in your food ;) You should get what you ordered and enjoy it.

    (5)

  • Rosa C.

    Mai Tai's are a must everytime. This is by the freshest seafood your going to get in our neck of the woods. (They show a bulletin of the shipping label that the fish came in that same day!!) Service is always quick. When theyre are huge waits, we are usually able to get a spot at the bar within min and just eat in the bar area (same menu). I always order the macadamia satuead sea bass that come on a bed of sweet mached potatoes with bits of dried cherries. Its to DIE for...Almost taste like a dessert its so good. Although its on the pricey side (you cant beat the price though for fresh fish) its a real casual place. I like that alot though. The butter rolls they serve as youre waiting for your food is prob the best part! Bob really likes butter, but so do I so it works!

    (4)

  • Triphena W.

    A classic Chicagoland seafood restaurant. Not everything is outstanding, but they do many things well. If you like your drinks sweet, try their mai tai ($6 special on Mondays). Start with the salt and pepper calamari ($13). Huge ring and tentacle pieces. My family also likes the steamed green lip mussels in garlic sauce ($10) and blue crab claws in garlic sauce ($15). I recommend their dinner for two surf and turf. For $80, this feast comes with a 2lb dry-aged porterhouse steak and 20oz of premium red Alaskan king crab legs. Ask for a bowl of their garlic sauce or chili sauce on the side for dipping the sweet, meaty, crab. Sauteed mushrooms and onions are served alongside the massive steak, and you receive a choice of two sides. The French fries are good, similar to McDonald's. The steamed green beans are fine, cooked slightly past crisp tender. The sides aren't exceptional, but you're here for the seafood and/or steak. The steak comes with an admirable crust and tastes pretty great. Maybe not as good as David Burke's Primehouse, but it could hold its own against most steaks. Desserts taste similar to what you might find at any national chain. Good enough to eat but nothing more. One perk is that you can order half slices of their pies/cakes. I liked the pumpkin pie. The slice of paradise is interesting. The bread pudding was mediocre. The chocolate chip cheesecake was meh. I'm a fan of the complimentary garlic herb rolls that servers replenish throughout the meal. Casual, loud, no ambiance. Bob Chinn's has aged significantly since I began coming more than ten years ago, but I'm okay with that. Great seafood and family memories keep me coming back.

    (3)

  • Matt L.

    The best seafood restaurant in the Midwest! Remember I said "Midwest"! The menu changes daily depending on what they receive fresh each day that morning. The garlic rolls that they provide each meal are awesome. Make sure you consider surf and turf. Even though this is a seafood restaurant, the steaks are worth looking at. Wait times for dinner on weekends can 1+ hours. Call ahead or make reservations. Bob Chinn's Crab House is known for their awesome Mai Tai recipe. Get one while you are there and you will walk away with a souvenir cup. Throughout the main dining area are hand wash stations so you can wash your hands before you dig in on some Alaskan crab legs or wash up after battling one of their large Dungeness crabs. Cost is reasonable for the quality of seafood. Once in a while you might actually see Bob Chinn serving tables. Make sure you say hi if you see him walking around wearing his brightly color blue button down shirts! Food - 5 Décor - 5 Service - 5

    (5)

  • Jinhee S.

    its pricey, but what seafood restaurant isnt? their garlic rolls are to die for, king crab and kona crab is always fresh, the staff is always friendly, the wait may be a wait but theres always a bar! dont miss on their clam chowder, and for dessert, do not pass up on their luau cake and passion cheese cake. their louisiana blueblue crab claws THE BEST. my family always orders 3 bowls, and we always get an order of rice, and if youre asian, you definitely need to try this. best to order cold and garlic!

    (5)

  • William T.

    Chinn's is an experience that shouldn't be ruined by reading reviews before you get there, suffice it to say the best seafood in Chicagoland.

    (5)

  • Don J.

    Not sure how people rate this restaurant so highly. While it is a very unique restaurant, with very good and pleasant servers, the food is only average and I'm not a fan of receiving food on plastic plates if I have spent $40 for my main course. I have eaten in Bob Chinn's twice and it is a huge restaurant. After joining a line by the main entrance, I then was moved to join a second line in another area further by the back of the restaurant as they had a free table back there. I have no problem with moving from one line to another but it does higlight how big this restaurant is. Last night I ate the Blue Crab Claws in garlic as an appetizer and they were very poor. The garlic sauce was little more than a flavoured water and looked bad but tasted even worse. The garlic rolls we were given last night were crunchy all the way through which makes me think they were hanging around under a heat lamp for quite some time. They were not nice like the first time I had them. The fried Shrimp with Sirloin steak was hit and miss. The steak was seasoned beautifully and was very tasty but the shrimp were only ok. They were fresh however they had been slighlty over cooked so they were tough to touch. The Mrs had the Alaskan Crab legs and they were very tasty but Bob Chinns seems like a one trick pony and that the Crab legs are the best/only thing to eat. I like the way they mix their fries between regular fries and sweet potato fries but after paying $100 for dinner for two with no alcohol and no dessert and only one appetizer my expectations are higher. An o.k. restaurant, I won't go back and I wouldn't recommend it to people.

    (2)

  • Fred F.

    fabulous seafood and unusual atmosphere in this huge restaurant. i have eaten here many times and the food is very consistently good. sometimes have to wait especially on week-ends but worth the wait!!

    (5)

  • Kurt B.

    Faux casual atmosphere; expensive seafood meals. Expect to pay $30-50 per person for a restaurant with the decor of Denny's, and the prices keep going up. That said, you can show up however you're dressed and eat an extremely fresh meal of crab, bass, salmon, lobster, etc. I recently had the prime strip and king crab dish and it was terrific. Other visits I've had crab stuffed bass, the 1.5 pound lobster, fried shrimp with stone crab claws, and, an enormous bowl of clam chowder. Satisfied every time, if a little shell-shocked by the bill. Also, as posted ubiquitously below, the garlic rolls are awesome. Overflowing with fresh garlic chunks. To avoid: crab cake 'nuggets', greasy and mostly cake, seafood gumbo, which is actually full of seafood but overwhelmed by green peppers (what?) and suspiciously lacking in seafood flavor, and any pastas. So highly recommended for simple preparations of fresh fish and shellfish, but expect to spend at 3-star restaurant prices and cope with a cacophonous amount of noise.

    (4)

  • Zahra A.

    Delicious food and expansive menu nearly overshadows the rather dingy decor and overcrowded rooms. The seafood is fresh and the garlic rolls areto die for. The wait was rather long but the service was excellent and made up for it. The waiters are personable but usually have to yell over the din in the restaurants. The portions are excellent and prices reasonable, overall making Bob Chins a good choice if your going out to dinner with friends.

    (4)

  • Darren F.

    not going to lie.. the main reason this place attracted me was the mai tai cup lol.. anyways.. its a big restaurant with like 2 parking lots and another parking lot for valet.. the exterior and interior of the place made me feel like I'm in the dock areas since a lot of the parts in the restaurant is made out of wood.. oh it kind of smelly in there lol , but after awhile your nose will get used to it... the service is outstanding and their staffs are pretty friendly... the waiter brought us the complementary garlic rolls.. boy it looks sooo good! but i think it looked better then it tasted.. ordered a mai tai and the dinner for 2, which was a 32oz porterhouse steak and 20oz king crab legs.. we each get a coleslaw and we both get to pick another side too and we picked pork fried rice.. the pork fried rice, cole slaw, and king crab legs was delicious! it was very fresh and meaty! the porterhouse steak was very good also.. it had grilled onions and mushroom on top.. it doesn't need any sauce.. it was flavorful...I HATED my mai tai!!!! lmaoo i guess its just not a drink for me.. took 2 sips and i was done with the it because i couldn't stand that sourish taste with alcohol.. oh and we had a dozen of raw oyster too since the Waiter told us that if we order before 6 pm.. the oysters and a few more appetizers would b $4.99 ... but the oyster wasn't that great.. this place is great if you want to eat fresh seafood and good steak... i cant wait to try their other food on the menu! if you are like me, just want that mai tai cup and don't like mai tais.. you can buy just the cup by the exit when you leave for like $3.50 if i recall..

    (4)

  • Jay L.

    I am not a huge seafood eater, but I fell in love with the Alaskan King Crab Legs @ Bob Chin's....This is my "special" spot that I go to for Fathers day, my birthday, etc..I order the same thing each time, the Alaskan King Crab legs (Steamed) they are very delicious, plus he has his food flown in daily, AWESOME!....I hate the decor, and feel sometimes the place can be "nicer" but i actually dont care once the food comes...

    (5)

  • Abhay S.

    Came out to Bob Chinn's for a client lunch. We arrived around 11:45 and were quickly seated in this very large restaurant. I'm not sure if it's intentional or not, but the restaurant tries to fill from the back of the restaurant forward. Our service was excellent. The waiter was very friendly and prompt. He was able to answer a few questions along the way and make some recommendations as well. I ordered the crabcake sandwich and it was excellent - I'd order it again without a doubt. I'd return if I was in the area.

    (4)

  • Miss O.

    bob chinn's you make me so happy :) what can i say? i have a thing for crabs. this place is overwhelming when you first walk in. a bit confusing but once you get to your table it's all fun and good eats. the wait staff is superb and know what they're talking about. garlic rolls are delicious. i got the alaskan dungenous crab. they come in 4 ways. i got the ginger and green onion version. beware - if you order it this way, you gotta commit. it's freakin' messy. my hands smelled for 2 days. but it was soooo worth it. can't wait to go back!!!!

    (5)

  • Kelly E.

    3rd times a charm? Well...not exactly charming, but okay. I've been here three times. I've heard raves time and time again about this place. I don't get it. Decor: outdated, cheap, 70's ish key wester/Hawaiian-like. Table: plastic 80's labeled cups, cheap silverware, throwaway paper menus, etc etc Setting: you actually get to stand in lines like school children to be seated. Waiters: wear Hawaiian shirts, shorts and blindingly white Reebok high tops. Meals I've had: 1. scallops (size matters, and they failed). 2. shrimp stir fry (something was off with the sauce) 3. Alaskan sockeye salmon- this was probably the best salmon I've ever had (the only reason I'm giving this place 3 stars). I don't know...for the price, I was expecting better ambience. I was expecting better food the first 2 trips. I'm not into crab legs, and I know that's what they are known for, but other items on the menu should be able to stand on their own. The salmon was wonderful, but everything else just sucked. Sadly, I'll be back. Everyone I dine with likes this place more than I do for some strange reason.

    (3)

  • Katy W.

    yum yum yum... I love crabs. Whenever I've come here on the weekends, it's always a wait, so plan on doing so! Inside, the place is pretty hectic, it's always jam packed with a huge salad bar. I think this would be a good place to take veggie lovers in your family as well as meat eaters, because of the ginormous salad bar. Their butter garlic rolls are too hard to pass up, so plan on blowing off your points, cal intake, or carb count...whatever diet plan you're following these days. Also, their mai-tais are well known, if you're wanting some alchy. We've always had good service, and there's always plenty of families. I plan on taking my dad here for father's day! A special place for great crab legs!

    (5)

  • Patsy D.

    I am wondering what restaurant the past few folks reviewed. Went to Chinn's yesterday for a late lunch. Great (!) service, very good food, and a current special that allowed us to add a whole lobster to a main dish purchase for under $11! We had never been to the restaurant before and our waitress Michelle took time to explain our options very well. Don't be disuaded by these negative folks baloney-- try for yourself.

    (4)

  • Steve D.

    Went to Bob Chinn's on 11/5, Friday night with a workmate and a visitor from Shanghai. Had to wait about 20 minutes for a table, this was about 8:00pm. Started with the signature Mai-Tai's and garlic rolls. Good stuff We shared the sashimi appetizer, salt + pepper calamari. and oysters. All of them were very good. The oysters were so fresh. For the main course, we all had the same item. 20oz. of Select King crab. Wow, the crab was excellent. Huge legs with incredible sweet meat. I have been here numerous times and this has to be near the top. Our Shanghai friend was so impressed with the crab legs. She had claimed the whole meal as the best seafood she ever had. I have been to Shanghai and they have some incredible seafood restaurants of their own, but you cannot get the King crab like you can here. No-one had any room for dessert after the seafood bounty we polished off. Overall, I am giving it 4.5, would love to give it 5 but I am still in a bit of shock on our tab. Crab prices are way up there. However, if you want some of the best you can get, get over here and splurge. You deserve it, right??

    (4)

  • Becky S.

    Bob Chinn's Crab House in Wheeling is a favorite of my boy's family, and I was definitely down to try it when they mentioned Mai Tais. It feels less like a restaurant and more like a warehouse full of tables. I'd thought the first room was really big, and then they led us through another giant room, and then another! The hosts are all on headsets and they herd you into lines depending on your party size. Apparently, there's a wait on most nights, in spite of the fact that the restaurant can seat more than 600 people. Their mai tai was very tart and was served up in this 27-ounce Party City-esque plastic tiki mug. When she brought my drink over, our waitress gave me a slip of paper and said that after you collect six or so of these Mai Tai receipts, you get your very own Bob Chinn's fisherman jacket...Ok, then! I was kind of overwhelmed with the menu (lobster can be served five ways, shrimp has at least eight preparations, etc.) so I put my fate in the hands of our server, who suggested the grouper. The control freak side of me regretted that order immediately, but I ended up being really pleased with it. The fish was so flavorful and the potatoes were perfect.

    (4)

  • Joe W.

    Food was very good. This is one of our favorites. That said, we had a 25% off coupon for my wife's birthday and it wasn't good on Saturdays. It was shown on the coupon, so it wasn't really deceptive. But it was a total buzzkill. I wish they would have honored it anyway. We'd have been so appreciative.

    (3)

  • K-show H.

    I agree with Liliya..... I'm a big fan of Bob but, I could relate to the 1&2 start people. I had some questionable dishes in the past which they were very quick to correct. On one occasion, they over cooked the steak. They made us a new steak and also gave us the tour of the restaurant. As for the waitress, they have had some bad ones.. but I'll cut Bob some slack.. when you can seat 700+ people in that restaurant, with the volume of food at the reasonable prices, you'll eventually have some problems (remember, these are people serving you). And if you do receive bad service from the waitress, ask for the manager. Bottom line, they have always corrected any complaints I had. I've traveled on five different continents and had a chance to eat a lot of great meals. Bob Chinn's does seafood very well (especially being in the mid west). I've had them prepare dishes different from the menu. Overall over the last 15 years, this place has a special place in my heart (and stomach). Nothing fancy, just great food! If you want me to score it: Food - 5 Decor - 1 (I came here to eat, not look at the walls!) service - 4 (your dealing with people.. no one's perfect) overall - 5!! My recent favorite dish: Sea Bass Asian Style

    (5)

  • Kristen W.

    Another place that felt like steerage on The Titanic. Huge restaurant, massive dining area, hurried service and HUGE menu. Now honestly- I'm always sceptical when I see these huge menus- as if most dishes have languished in obscurity for years until the average unsuspecting customer from Cedar Rapids places the order. On order, however, most of your fishes come out steaming hot and pretty darn tasty. That Bob Chinn runs a tight ship. Tight and fast- you find yourself out the door pretty quickly but pretty full! Definitely worth one trip just for the experience, but you probably won't find yourself wanting to return. That's okay- leave it to the tourists :)

    (3)

  • Art C.

    Hands down my favorite restaurant ever. Bob runs a tight ship here, and it shows in his food and in the service. I come here often, but the food order remains a constant. Always start off with the crabmeat vermicelli appetizer, then polish off an entire 32oz order of steamed king crab by myself. As delicious as it is, just be careful to not fill up on their garlic rolls! I heard a rumor awhile ago that said Bob has a 3 strikes rule against any staff there. On the 3rd customer complaint against you, you're out. Again, its just a rumor, but I wouldn't doubt it. All the waiters seem to have a lingering fear of Bob looking over their shoulder, making sure they're pushing the specials, for customers to try Bob's special dipping sauce, etc. I've also never seen the same waiter twice there. Either way, this equates to some very attentive and seemingly friendly waiters that will accommodate almost any whim.

    (5)

  • Christen B.

    I've been coming here for over 15 years and cannot get enough of this place! Too bad they don't have other locations closer to the city. I always get the blue crab claws which are amazing and the snow crab which is not like any other snow crab you get at a Joe's crab shack or red lobster... This is the KING of SNOW crab!!!! My boyfriend has ordered the 32 oz porterhouse a few times and it is so worth the money. HUGE portion and so tasty! The garlic bread is also amazing and the decor hasn't changed much through the years which i love!!! HIGHLY recommend this to anyone who loves crab legs or steak!

    (5)

  • Mel C.

    Fresh and fantastic seafood. Loved the stuffed sea bass. I recommend going for a late lunch as the place gets crowded for dinner. Ambiance and staff have been great. Mai Tai's are mmmm so good. Always a great meal to be found here. Portions are sizable as well.

    (5)

  • Eric D.

    Ok, I am an out of town-er and must say I had a great experience @ Bob Chinn's. I can really see the charm of the place. It should never be made into a chain as the experience could not be replicated. The place was much larger than I anticipated and it had a great relaxed atmosphere. Not sure how the wait staff can wear shorts when it is -10F outside. Food - I had the Sea Bass Blackened with white rice. Simple and good. Fish tasted fresh and it priced in @ around $20. Not bad for a big city meal. There were many selections and big portions on the desserts. I could not choose so I went with two "half's", which were still huge . The cookie dough pie thing (forget the name) was a little bland, but the Passion Fruit Cheesecake was excellent. It was made with cheese and CAKE. Being the out of town-er I had to get the famous Mai-Tai in the souvenir Tiki cup. It was tasty and added to the fun of the place. I would go again, but with more people. Thanks Bob!!

    (4)

  • JL S.

    I love Bob Chinns. We come here for all special occasions. My family has been eating at Bob Chinns since before I was born. The garlic rolls change sometimes and used to be better but they are still amazing. We usually order surf and turf (crab legs and a strip steak) but I also like most of the shrimp lunch specials (as long as the shrimps only have tails and no legs). I would eat a Bob Chinns every day. They have an amazing salad bar, a good variety, and my mom thinks the bathrooms are the most modern ones she has ever seen. (I guess she doesn't get out much. But she has to check out the bathroom any time we are there.) The mai tais are awesome too.

    (5)

  • April L.

    Delicious food here! The garlic bread is soooo good. I've always enjoyed everything I've ordered here, including one of the desserts, which I believe had passionfruit in it. YUM.

    (4)

  • Conspicuous C.

    Ok so it's one of the largest independent restaurants in America. Seats 650 or somesuch. The service is very efficient and innovative. For example, instead of one front desk they shuttle you to one of several concierge substations that is dedicated to a section of the restaurant. It's a very loud, casual, huge place that is always crowded. The food is good--not spectacular, but usually consistent. If you're from out of town in NW Chicago this is probably one of the places you'll want to hit, particularly on the company card. [Edit:] I noticed another review that summarized this as "extremely better than Red Lobster". So there.

    (4)

  • Danielle S.

    Yes, it's been said 100 times already, but this place is huge. It seats 650 at a single time, and it was PACKED! No truly great dining experience should include sharing the space with so many hundreds of other diners. No -- just no. However, service was attentive. They have this thing down to a precise science - each course came out right when we were at a point when it made sense to put more food down in front of us. Get us out as quickly as possible so you can fill our table with another customer? Maybe. But I still did not feel rushed. The Sweetheart Dinner was a massive amount of food. We took half of our meal home with us. Great variety, pretty good value, and tasty.

    (4)

  • Angie M.

    In theory, I should hate Bob Chinn's. It's a chain. It's in the suburbs. It's huge. It's kitchy. It's loud as hell and full of families and kids. You know what? Fuck all that shit. Bob Chinn's is hands down the best seafood restaurant I've ever experienced. Let me break it down. 1. Garlic Rolls - Swimming in sea of garlic and oil, they're worth every calorie. Not for the faint of heart... or the dieting crowd. 2. Fresh Catch of the Day - Peep the lower left hand corner of the back of the menu and you'll find the fresh catch of the day. Usually Uncle Bob serves up something delicious like halibut, grouper and/or mahi mahi. Get it char-grilled. It's the most tender, flaky, moist and well seasoned piece of grilled fish around. 3. Salad Bar - Best salad bar around, without a doubt in my mind. Brimming with lots of fixins like veggies, sprouts, sunflower seeds, real bacon bits, croutons, sprouts, tortilla strips and the like, it's pretty awesome. And the Asian vinaigrette is my favorite salad dressing ever. 4. Mai Tais - Bob Chinn's serves the grand daddy of all mai tais. I double dog dare you to only drink just one. Their fruity, sweet overtones completely mask the mass quantities of booze. You've been warned. I once had to call a cab to get home from Bob Chinn's after one too many potent mai tais. So... what are you waiting for? Get to Bob Chinn's. Eat seafood. Drink mai tais. You're welcome.

    (5)

  • Vicki K.

    Over-rated and over-priced. It doesn't take any chef training to prepare some steamed crab, but it does take a chef to prepare other dishes, and it's clear that they don't have a chef in the kitchen. I had the stuffed basa with a hollandaise sauce. The fish was so overcooked it was like rubber, and the rest of it just tasted like mayo. My husband's tuna was seared, but not quite enough as it was still ice cold in the middle. My daughter had some wide noodles that had not been stirred while cooking so they were all gummed together AND undercooked - gummy on the outside and raw on the inside. If want to pay big dollars for some steamed crab, then go, but if you want a chef prepared meal, look elsewhere!

    (1)

  • Connie C.

    Ok I don't know why people love this place. The service is awesome don't get me wrong. But the food??? Wow, I was really disappointed!! Maybe cause I'm spoiled in Cali and I've had better-way better seafood. I had the Medium Shrimp with "hot and spicy" sauce. 1. my shrimp was not spicy 2. they were not hot. They came out luke warm and super salty. Ugh. I didn't even eat half of my portion. Thankfully, my bf's brother loves the shrimp and I was able to bring it home for him to eat. The garlic rolls were really good, but man, can it be any more greasy? Talk about a heart attack in the making!! Way toooo greasy for my palet. The only thing I really enjoyed about this place was the Guava juice. But it doesn't take an expert to make that. I've DEFINITELY experienced better shrimp- someone open up a Boiling Crab in Chicago!

    (2)

  • James Roswell Q.

    I travel the world over, and enjoy eating great food whenever I can find it. Nevertheless, it is greatest to be back home in Chicago when we want a truly GREAT meal, because we know where to go. Bob Chin's Crab House never ever disappoints. We like to take advantage of the early bird special, salad bar with oysters or shimp ... and addictive garlic rolls. My wife then takes her time to savor every bite of their HUGE and wonderful King Crab Legs. I love their salmon, but lets face it ... with King Crab Legs on the menu, I have to alternate ... and every now and then I have a 30 oz Lobster Tail (expensive but AWESOME). They have great deserts, but after all that wonderful amazing food, who is hungry enough for desert??? Service is spectacular and the drinks are wonderful. Bob Chin's is THE place to go for a special night out that EVERYONE will be talking about for a long long time.

    (5)

  • Nina A.

    Haven't been here in a long time but came by on Saturday and was pleasantly surprised to find no line! I guess at these prices the place just isn't as busy as it used to be. The food is undeniably good and the fish and seafood as fresh as can be. My only gripe is the service - seems like they are always rushing you in and out. For the price I just can't appreciate the plastic baskets and cups - seems so cheap! I like their salad bar and the peel and eat shrimp are awesome. Everything here is tasty, just feel like they are more interested in dropping off the check then anything else. Maybe it's just me, but I like to be treated well when I'm spending this kind of money. Go for the food but don't expect much of a dining experience.

    (4)

  • Yukari T.

    I first heard about this place when I announced at an extended family gathering that I was moving to Chicago. A distant cousin who is a Chicagoland native told me that I HAD to eat here because it is the best seafood he's ever had. I was pretty skeptical since Chicago is landlocked...the lake doesn't count, does it? Well, kudos to Bob Chinn's suppliers because this place does not disappoint! I called in about a week before for reservations, just cause I wasn't sure what the place was like. I went around 7:30pm on a Thursday and it was pretty packed. I think there would be a short wait if any on weeknights but on weekends, I imagine the place must be a madhouse. The restaurant is huge and there are attendants at every corner, communicating with each other via walkie talkies to herd you from place to place. Seems efficient but a bit overwhelming and unwelcoming at first. We were going to be seated right by the salad bar and a main walkway so I immediately asked for a different table and the staff was more than willing to accommodate my request. The menu is overwhelming too so it'd be good to go in with an idea of what you want. The mai tais are particularly delicious and you can pay a bit extra to get it in a fun tiki souvenir cup. We started with some hot and spicy shrimp but I regretted getting them. It was shrimp mixed with a bunch of spices and I didn't really enjoy the flavor. It was just too "spice"-y not so much hot and spicy. I thought it would come cooked in a sauce. I should have asked. Oh but the crab legs were awesome. Our waiter was kind enough to give us a tutorial on how to use the tool to open them up but since we struggled, he just opened all of them for us! Then you just give it a shake and the meat just plops out. It's served with melted butter as well as a mustardy white sauce. You can also have your choice of a side like veggies, potatoes, fries, rice, fried rice, etc. Our other dish was the king crabmeat cooked Cantonese style. It's in a thick brown sauce with veggies and a scoop of rice. Delicious! All in all, it's probably hard to go wrong here. It's got to be popular for a reason, and that reason is not only the food but also the experience. It's loud, busy, kitschy, and fun. It can get expensive though so come prepared to spend some money!

    (4)

  • Ajay S.

    So at my work there was a flyer going around about a deal at Chin's, so I a bunch of us went. Apparently they had a lunch special, which was really great. For $3's you get a fish sandwidch, fries, and a pop. This was not in the regular dining room and was more like fast food, but it was extremely good, I've gone back 4 or 5 more times and tried something different each time. This prices for their lunch specials are really good and taste great!!

    (4)

  • Princess D.

    I'm not sure what happened to this place. I've been coming here for more than 20 years and the food has always been outstanding from their stuffed shrimp fettuccine, lobster, salmon, fish sampler, steak, crab legs, salad bar.... just about anything that you order from here. In the last couple of years, I've noticed a big decline in the quality of food. Last year, I ordered the fish tacos which were flavorless and the fish was buttery in texture. It was definitely not a good texture for fish tacos. I went back a couple of months later and had the fish sampler, which I've always loved in the past, but this time the fish was heavy and greasy. It sat in me like a rock - heavy and gross feeling. The feeling only got worse later that evening. I ended up getting sick that night. I haven't been back since nor do I have a desire to go back. Just the thought of their fish makes me sick. It's too bad because I really used to like Bob Chinns.

    (2)

  • jen m.

    I had forgotten how good this place is. I finally was able to come back after years of not being here and it reignited my love. After watching Deadliest Catch our taste buds were feigning for some crab, since October is the start of Alaskan King Crab season. For starters, we went with the raw bar mixed plate (fresh sashimi of hamachi and maguro, scallops, and poke). Don't care so much for their poke, it was overpowered with garlic. Entrees were: 20 oz King Crab legs, the special of the week- Asian Seafood plate (consisted of honey walnut shrimp and crab fried rice) and an 8oz strip. We pretty much demolished everything! The crab legs were so meaty but very light tasting. The best crab legs EVER (well at least to date). Even though we were full, a meal is never complete without dessert. Haupia cake and Paradise Pie finished us off. I had the best food coma after this meal =)

    (5)

  • Katherine F.

    Been coming here since I was a kid and it's still and always has been the best sea food. So lucky to have one of the best restaurants in the world in my backyard. Can't go wrong with anything here! Their garlic rolls are to die for. Crab legs are my personal favorite.

    (5)

  • Matt D.

    Wow. I had always heard great things about this place, but I have never made it over here until last night. And sweet jesus was I blown away. First of all, this place is gigantic. I saw something about how the kitchen sends out an entree every nine seconds. Nice. So I'll go through a quick rundown of all the dishes I tried: The garlic bread is amazing. Enough said. We had an order of the crab cakes, which I actually enjoyed. I am normally not a crab cake fan, but these were amazing. I tried one tempura breaded chicken finger. It was quite good. I can't believe that I neglected to mention the Mai Tai's until now. Get the Mai Tai. I hate fruity drinks, but I had a few of these and they were great. My entree was the skirt steak (medium rare) and Alaskan scallops (sauteed). Perfect, yet again. I tried a bit of someone's mashed sweet potatoes. It tasted like there was cherry in it. It was very good. I really don't have anything negative to say about this place. It is a bit pricey, but we got a free appetizer and $50 off the bill (its good to have connections). I will be back, Bob Chinn's, and I will be getting one of those Mai Tai jackets.

    (5)

  • David M.

    If you go to Bob Chinn's with the proper expectation, the fresh seafood can't be beat. Chinn's is the only restaurant I've found ANYWHERE that carries Kona Crab. I most always get this and did again last night. It's a crab with small flat claws and the most delicious, tender white meat in the knuckles and legs. The shell is also not that hard and easy to pick clean. I got it cooked in the garlic seasoning and it was fantastic. My husband had it with the ginger sauce. Both were excellent. Other friends dining with us had the Dungeness crab and also reported them to be excellent. We started the meal with shared oysters Rockefeller and the Jonus Stone Crab ckaws. Both were also quite good, although the Florida stone crab is better if they have it (sold out last night). On prior visits I've also had the other types of crab, the stuffed fresh fishes, and the yummy lobster pot pie. All also very good. But my favorite is the whole crab. Chinn's is not an upscale restaurant, with bare table tops, course paper napkins and sinks stationed around the dining room for diners to wash up after consuming the various crab delights. This is necessary for most whole crab dinners. There is usually a long wait to be seated as the place is very very popular. But if you want good, fresh crab, the restaurant can't be beat in the Chicago area and comes highly recommended.

    (4)

  • Danny M.

    This is probably one of the most overrated place I have eaten at. We went on a Friday night and it was busy, but our number was called quickly. The service was friendly and the place was okay. We were seated at the worse possible table you can imagine, right next to the barrel sink where people constantly washed their hands. We then asked our waitress if we can get another table and they moved us without hesitation. The service was good and our waitress was friendly. However, the food we ordered totaled up to $120.00 for 2 people was by most okay. I expected a lot more from a place that charges so much for their specials. The lobster tail was probably the best thing we had and that was only okay. Honestly, I believe my dinner at Red Lobster tasted better. Our fried combo plate for $20.00 that consisted of fried scallop, oysters, and cod was just okay. There is a fast food local place by my house that charges $6.00 for that identical appetizer and it tasted better than this.

    (2)

  • Chuck A.

    .., Welcome to Chicago! Visiting from California, my gf Diane & I had stayed @ her cousin Michele, Andy, Kristine, & Misha's lovely home. We hadn't eaten since we've landed because we wanted to save our appetites for all the talk we've been hearing about this place. Hungover earlier that day before our flight I was hungry and I was eager to see what flavors Chicago had instore for us. We get to Bob Chinn's & the atmosphere was awesome. Lively with all the smells and staff supporting your every bite, we felt welcomed instantly. Andy had ordered for us & I just sat back & enjoyed. We had started off w/ these amazing rolls that were just drenched in this crab juice and tons of garlic. It was so good, it also came with these mini crab claws that were really juicy. Then followed our main course which was steak and 4 or 5 of the fattest crab legs/claws I've ever had. Our server Julio I believe was the man, cracking open our crab legs and was on top of our every need. No A-1 for the steak, because it was seasoned & cooked perfectly, one of the very rare times I've ever had steak without putting anything on it. The crab legs were meaty and so succulant I was full within minutes. After dinner on our way out we even met Bob Chinn himself haha. Great staff, outstanding food, & great company. Thank you Chicago

    (5)

  • Richard O.

    Not too impressed to be honest. The food is pretty good but not that good. Bob Chinn's doe's not seem like a high level restaurant just a mid level establishment with high level pricing. The shrimp was good and I ordered crab legs that turned out well. The setting of the restaurant is not elegant at all its like eating in a barn. That is what I disliked the most is the atmosphere about chinn's. I think they could spice up the place a bit. The service is good and I rate it as and average dining experience I might come here again but not anytime soon.

    (3)

  • Hp B.

    I can't give it NO STARS but would likely give it a MINUS star. Avoid like the plague. The worst worst place in the USA! Would you go to a restaurant and you are next on the wait list and the owner, bob Chinn, decides to seat his friends first. When you mention that you were next he says -- ready "I will seat who I want when I want because this is MY restaurant" That did it. Never in my life have I been in a situation like that. With my wife and 4 little children under 6 years old we turned around and walked out. NEVER EVER to go again. And tell everyone we know that the owner is the rudest most inconsiderate man in the restaurant business. IMO: Do not go! You want good seafood: Go to Shaw's in Shaumburg or even Di Pescara in Northbrook Court.

    (1)

  • Kevin B.

    Love me some Bob Chinn's. Garlic rolls, Mai Tai's and the seafood is awesome. They also serve a great steak too. You won't be disappointed.

    (5)

  • Jenny K.

    Seafood lovers definitely have to come here!!! LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!! Their seafood here is amazing and fresh. The shrimp cocktail is soooooo good that I crave it. I've been here several times and do not know where to start about how yummy the food is. There is definitely a long wait on the weekends as people come from all over to eat at this nationally renowned seafood restaurant. It's worth every minute of the wait. The servers here are friendly, quick, and attentive. They are also known for their mai-tai's, so don't forget to order one!!

    (5)

  • Milly P.

    Bob Chinn's is an Illinois "classic." When I first moved to Illinois, this was one of the first restaurants a family friend took me to. It was even more relevant to me since Bob Chinn is from Hawaii. First of all, Bob Chinn's is a great deal. It is really reasonably priced, and you will get a great meal without breaking the bank. Second, Bob Chinn's has extremely fresh seafood. I've probably been to Bob Chinn's over ten times, and there have only been one or two times that someone had a dish that didn't seem as fresh as it could be. We almost always get the alaskan king crab, which is just so good. They oysters are mostly good (you will probably have one bad one in a dozen). The stone crab here is also very fresh and delicious. The kona crab is hit or miss. Sometimes it is phenomenal, sometimes it is mediocre. Bob Chinn's also has a great porterhouse steak. Finally, you should really finish your meal with a slice of keylime pie. Bob Chinn's is not a fancy restaurant, it is casual and all the servers are in t-shirts and shorts. The servers for the most part are quite friendly and knowledgable.

    (5)

  • Belinda C.

    Bob Chinn's Crab House is a fun, unique restaurant where you can bring the family or your significant other, but don't expect a quiet, intimate dinner. The place is loud, bright, and busy. Servers are running around, guests are coming and going, but everyone is laughing, talking, and having a good time. We were here on a Monday night, and our party of 4 was quickly seated at a booth. The menu was overwhelming to a first timer, but my boyfriend and his family highly recommended the fish - any fish. I decided on the sea bass steamed Asian style. Everyone else ordered a fish dish too, except my boyfriend who had the crab fried rice and a side of clam chowder. The famous garlic rolls were brought out, but I was not a fan. The rolls were soaked and dripping in butter and oil, which overpowered the garlic. You could have a heart attack by just looking at the bread basket. My boyfriend loved his clam chowder. All the fish entrees came with cole slaw, which was brought out in a small plastic cup before the entrees. Hmmm....I thought that was strange, but it did take some time before the entrees came out, so I was glad I had something to snack on besides the garlic rolls. On to the main courses: my sea bass was EXCELLENT. Very light, healthy, and perfectly steamed with ginger, soy sauce, cilantro, and scallions. I would easily give it 5 stars. The rest of the entrees were mixed. The weakest was the macadamia sauteed sea bass, which was very bland. It came with mashed sweet potatoes, which I thought was too sweet. The sea bass stuffed with crab w/hollandaise sauce was good, but a little heavy and rich. The crab fried rice was very good, with big chunks of crab, and it came with garlic ribs and egg foo young. The portions were very generous, and we had leftovers. Given the size of the entrees, prices are very reasonable. I appreciated the many options on the menu, so if you don't care for fish, there's steak, pasta, and even a salad bar. They're also now open for breakfast with items like pancakes, omelettes, and french toast. Truly, there's something for everyone here.

    (4)

  • Tiffany L.

    if you like fresh seafood, bob chinn's is the best place in the chicago area, possibly in all of the midwest. the variety is vast and even for non-seafood lovers, i'm told they have pretty decent steaks and prime rib. i spent many a saturday here as a child, as asians love going to bob chinn's for celebratory dinners. the first time i had their garlic bread i never wanted to eat anything else ever again. throughout the years they have tried to improve on perfection (serving extra oil on your plate), and most recently cut it into fourths to "increase oil absorption". maybe it is just nostalgia, but the improvements seem unnecessary. and now the crab. i technically have since had better crab, but i have a soft spot for bob chinn's crab. i used to get their king crab, but have since been prone to the bairdi snow crab legs just because it's a better deal. they have a good selection of sides too, and i still love their potatoes for some reason, even though they're pretty bland. a highlight at bob chinn's, however, is the crab vermicelli. i loved it when i was a kid, and i still love it. it has asian flavors, and reminds me of how my dad cooks, so maybe that's why. their happy hour deals are good too -- you get to choose from a bar menu that includes $4 steak, with purchase of drink. they've recently started serving breakfast too, which i have yet to try. but their macadamia nut pancakes are calling to me.

    (4)

  • Geo P.

    We went here on the 4th of July. I ordered the fish sampler, char grilled...The food was great..The salad bar is the best,,,so are the garlic rolls ,.The service was excellent. It's my fav place for fresh Seafood in the NW burbs !!

    (5)

  • Matt M.

    If you're in the Northern 'burbs and looking for some pretty good seafood, then Bob Chinn's is the place to go. The place is a well-oiled machine, seating people quickly for the volume of guests and definitely louder than the average restaurant. They've got decently priced and good quality for the Midwest, but if you're ever eaten seafood on the coast you're bound to be disappointed. If you come to Bob Chinn's with reasonable expectations, then you'll enjoy your above-average quality dinner. Just know you'll be getting a cookie-cutter large-scale Midwestern seafood experience. I've been coming here for a decade and have never been disappointed.

    (3)

  • Susanto I.

    When I read that Bob Chin is one of the best seafood restaurants in United States, I was excited. The moment you enter the place, you realize that they have won many awards! The wait could be long, but it is worthed. Around Chicago, I think this is the best seafood restaurant. The price is a bit on the pricey side, but if you crave for seafood, I don't think there is a better place than Bob Chin's Crab vermicelli is a must!!

    (5)

  • Tommy K.

    If you have never been here before, please change that as soon as possible. Yes, I know it's expensive, but let's be honest: Its quality sea-food in the suburbs and Bob always delivers. And if you're lucky, you might even be able to personally thank him for it. Bob is really becoming something of a legend in my family, and I know I'm over exaggerating when I say stuff like that, but I have to agree with my Dad when he says after every visit "Bob, you have outdone yourself". We come here only for special occasions like graduation dinners or birthday celebrations. It's a family favorite so this review might sound slightly biased. To help commemorate my brother's high school graduation, we came back here last Saturday for a late lunch/ dinner. Our waitress was very friendly and attentive in providing table service. She went above the call of duty to make sure we were happy and would constantly seek feedback from us to make sure we stayed that way - FTW! You can just tell Bob's employees are happy because it rubs off on their customers. Bob seems to understand the old adage "Treat your employee the way you would treat your customer." For appetizers we ordered oysters with saltine crackers and cocktail sauce, which tasted great! As for the meal, I tried their Maryland Crab Cake with Alfredo and loved it. It was a healthy-sized portion too. The menu is certainly more exotic than other sea-food places I've been to but fear not - the usual staples are there. A side-bar and small store (selling an array of merchandise ranging from t-shirts to magnets) can be found towards the front entrance. It's almost a festive atmosphere, with Bob's employees' sporting colorful work-shirts, but the wooden décor only reminds you of a ship deck bringing you closer to the sea. Of course, a sea-food restaurant isn't complete without a lobster tank on display, which is something you will find here as well. Bob is known to make an appearance from time to time - often establishing rapport with his customers. If you see him, tell him I said thanks!

    (5)

  • David W.

    This place is amazing, but only if you know what to order! With that said, Bob Chinn's Crabhouse is definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago (actually, it may be one of my favorites anywhere for that matter). Our family has been coming here for about ten years since we were first introduced. But we didn't start loving this restaurant until about five years ago when we finally figured out what to order. I will now reveal the items on the menu that are worth having and will be sure to bring you back to this joint again and again. Do yourself a service and commit the next paragraphs to memory and it will pay dividend the next time you go to Bob Chinn's. Must have dishes: 1. Crabmeat Vermicelli - a dish that is so good it is on the menu twice. Once as an appetizer and once as a dinner entree. It's a dish with a bit of Asian twist, glass noodles stir fried with some crabmeat and egg topped with cilantro and ho shien sauce. 2. Raw oysters - nothing special here, just the freshest oysters to start your meal with. The oysters are served with generous amount of horse radish, cocktail sauce, and lemon slices. Good buy. 3. Dinner for 2 with king crab legs and porterhouse - ok, this one is interesting. The first half is a no brainer. If you go to Bob Chinn's without consuming disgusting amount of king crab legs at least once, you have not lived. The second part of this combo is a surprisingly good piece of 32 ounce porterhouse steak. Ask for grilled onions and mushrooms on top, grilled to medium rare. It's probably the best steak i've ever had if you account for both quantitative and qualitative satisfaction. And yes, at a seafood joint! 4. Nigerian prawns - another good dish to have to wash down all the steak and crab legs. This dish has three different preparations, DON'T HAVE THEM STEAMED! Thats about all I have to say about them. Another highlight of this place is the free garlic rolls at the beginning. Pretty damn good, with TONS of garlic and olive oil. and they are free, so ask for as many as you want. Overall, this place is great. It is and has been one of chicago's most popular restaurants for a good reason. Just make sure you go there and try it for yourself.

    (5)

  • Ichor B.

    Dropped about $800 for a family dinner for 9 people. Crabs were as awesome as the prices. Service was fabulous too, as it would be for a tip that size! This place runs like a machine and you don't get the sense that it's fine dining at its best, but the place is fun and delivers on the promise implied by its name.

    (5)

  • heather s.

    Oh Bob Chinn...where did we go wrong?? Let me start by saying as a previous Wheeling resident, I have frequented this restaurant countless times in the last 10 years. They have had the best crab legs ever. Sadly tonight will be our last time eating here. Our bread was really stale and tasted like it had been recycled from earlier in the day. The crab legs were slimey and were not worth the $63. The place hasnt been remodeled ever. You pay out the nose to eat in cafeteria style chairs and papertowels on the table. Ive also noticed they have been pretty dead the last few times we came. People are realizing the prices are outrageous The worst part was getting the check. 2 kids meal + 2 adult entrees $180 w tip....yikes! I know inflation and gas and blah blah but this place has gone downhill in recent years. If you want a good salmon drive another 10 min down Milwaukee to Flemings or Eddie Merlot. Half the bill, beautiful ambiance and a delicious meal. The only good thing about chinns is the customer service

    (2)

  • Anne W.

    I'm not so impressed of this place. I've been here many times since my parents live pretty close to this place. The seafood is good but pretty pricey. I feel like you can get something better elsewhere. If you want to have a real seafood fest... expect a big bill. I like the steamed halibut in ginger and soy sauce. Oh and I love their garlic claws (appetizers). The place is also really casual. Expect that waiters/waitresses in shorts. And a clump of cole slaw served with your food. Oh.. and they also serve really buttery garlic rolls. I am a fan of the garlic.. but not so much the oil. Service is good.. and you dont' really need a reservation. The place is pretty big so unless you come in with a big party.. don't worry about it.

    (3)

  • Paul O.

    One of my places to get fresh seafood. Been here plenty of times and have never had bad service or food. Even if you find something wrong with your food if you let the server know they will accomodate you. I have a finnicky mother in law who doesn't like anything salty and when she got her food she thought it was too salty. They took the plate back and re-did it for her. The food is always top knotch. My wife and I like to get the 32oz Porterhouse/20oz King Crab leg surf and turf and split it. It's cheaper to get it together then to order them seperately. I get my steak medium rare and it's always perfectly cooked. The King crab legs are huge. We never really finish the whole meal but it's our traditon. A little tip. If you get there before 6pm you can order their early bird special. You can order a dozen oysters or dozen clams for only $4.95. The oysters are usually pretty large ones too. Never had the clams so can't tell you about those. Try their Mai Tai. It's very delicious! Not very alcoholic. Very citrusy and sweet. You get to keep the glass that it comes in too. You get complimentary garlic bread. Word of warning. There's a lot of garlic on it smothered in melted butter. It's served warm. Super awesome. Just becareful not to eat too much cuz you won't have room for the main course. If you don't like garlic you can ask them to bring you plain bread. I only come here for the seafood and everything on the menu is good. They fly in their seafood fresh everyday. If you ask they will tell you want just came in or you can check their website to see what's new.

    (4)

  • Ryan H.

    Bob Chinn's has been a fixture in the NW suburbs for the better part of 30 years. The restaurant itself is massive -- probably seating 1,000 guests at a time. The decor has not changed one bit since the 80's and could probably use a good updating. We were celebrating a birthday on Saturday night and had reservations. Our party was immediately seated which was a good thing because from the looks of it, if you didn't have reservations, you'd be waiting for a LONG time. The Mai Tai's were excellent. Not quite up to Hawaii standard, but good nonetheless. For an appetizer, I ordered a dozen oysters on the half shell. Delicious. The toasted garlic rolls are to die for. I could have made a complete meal out of the garlic rolls and Mai Tai's. One neat thing about the Mai Tai's -- if you order a total of 8 Mai Tai's, you get a free gaudy Bob Chinn's jacket. We left with two jackets, which resulted in a pretty good headache the following morning. :) For the main course, I ordered surf and turf -- a full lobster and an 8 oz steak. Dinner is served on round server trays. Elegant restaurant this is not. Both entree items were prepared just how I wanted it to be and the meal was excellent. My dessert choice was a slice of pumpkin pie. Very good as well. All things considered, Bob Chinn's is a great restaurant if you are looking for fresh seafood 1,000 miles away from the nearest ocean. I feel that their prices are a bit high though. The bill for our party of 9 was pushing $600.

    (4)

  • Alex R.

    If you're on a diet, do NOT come here. It is waaay too tempting... They will start you off with delicious rolls of bread that come buttered up with oil and spices. The oysters rockefeller as an appetizer are to die for. They are extremely flavorful and their calamari appetizers are cooked to perfection. The seafood is super fresh, as my cousin who once worked here told me they are stored in tanks downstairs until they are ready to be cooked, or it is ordered fresh daily. The crab legs are super meaty and huge, their fish is always flavorful, and the selection is amazing. If you're not a fish person, they have super creamy pastas, delicious steaks, etc. The selection is amazing (yes, I said this twice already), and I've never had a bad thing on the menu. I can't really speak about the desserts...there has never been room left for any. I also can't really speak about the service, as I've been too busy scarfing down delcious seafood to notice, but I think they are pretty good and attentive from what I can remember. If you get drinks, they will most likely come in a cup that you can keep, which is pretty cute. There is a small gift shop as well, and if you don't feel like dining in, they have carry out service as well. I would suggest calling to make sure you don't end up standing in a huge line, as this place can get pretty packed.

    (5)

  • Chris J.

    I've been here 4 times. First time I wasn't ready for the sating style being so crowded. But the food and service have always been great.

    (4)

  • Scot E.

    What else is there to say...We have eaten here for several years. Lunch or dinner doesn't matter the food is excellent and the service is the best in the area. Crab legs are always delicious and the Mai Tai's are delicious, (have several cups...LOL). As many have said, it is not cheap, but well worth it. Take a group or your spouse and enjoy the food. Do not expect much of a decor and it can be loud in the evenings and especially on the weekend. Go early and avoid the wait or make reservations.

    (5)

  • Yvonne Y.

    Amazing crabs, especially the Kona ones. The Jonah ones are cheaper, not as sweet but still very juicy and tasty. I've never had a bad fish and they can cook it in 7 different ways. The sauteed with lemon version is quite greasy with lots of butter. Broiled is healthy but can be a bit dry depending on the fish. Portion's HUGE so I'd recommend sharing 2 entrees among 3 people. My brother-in-law tried the steak also and he said it's very tender. Overall, every seafood they serve is so fresh and tasty. The Au gratin seafood combo is very heavy. They also have some fish dish that's only $16.50 that's more odds and end pieces instead of a filet. If you can't decide on one type of fish, you can always get that. Love the garlic roll. For side dishes, sometimes they have fried rice. You also want to let them know you want cole slaw as sides as they may not bring it some times unless you ask. Mai Tai is good and if you really want to look like a tourist, get the souvenir cup. Service is prompt. Wait can be painful so beware. Parking lot's huge and they have a second lot for overflow.

    (5)

  • Northshore F.

    I've eaten at Bob Chinn's for about 20+ years. It's always crowded. Service is generally excellent. I don't eat here anymore because everything is coated in MSG. I discovered this after getting sick too many times from eating here. You can ask for it without MSG. The fish is definitely fresh. I don't go here anymore because I'm just not that impressed, I don't care for restaurants that use MSG, it doesn't feel like you get much (usually your fish thrown on the plate with some potatoes), and it's grossly overpriced. I've started going to McCormick & Schmitt and find it a much better dining experience.

    (2)

  • Baba G.

    awesome crab- friendly servers- I can't wait to go back

    (5)

  • Tina D.

    Highly priced food with very small quantities. I do love their mai tais. They are too die for!!! I didn't like their cole slaw at all. The lobster tails were delicious though, just not filling enough and too expensive.

    (4)

  • Jenn R.

    The biggest d@mn king crab legs in the Midwest! I'm almost considering not posting this b/c it's busy enough as it is. Always good service; despite the tacky decor. I see Ed M doesn't like it. Clearly he didn't have the king crab legs!!

    (5)

  • Maria W.

    Bob Chinn's is not for everyone but the food is good. If you're looking for a romantic seafood restaurant with candle light and table cloths - this is not the place for you. The restaurant is huge and has sort of kind of a huge cafeteria kind of feel. The steaks are surprisingly good and they cook it perfectly (last night, our strip steaks were a bit gristly though). I really like their lobster stir fried with asparagus and pea pods (with chow fun noodles) combo with the strip and my husband usually orders the dover sole. The dover sole is pricey - but it is at any restaurant. They fillet it for you at the table, but sometimes, we have had servers that are just mediocre fillet-ers and some that are very precise. On occasion, this sole is a bit over cooked. The Asian sea bass has been excellent every time I've had it.

    (4)

  • Adisak P.

    Bob Chinn's is a *VERY* casual restaurant with cheap decor. It's packed full of boisterous customers and tended by waitresses in garish Hawaiian outfits. It's probably not a "date" place. However, what it does offer is some of the best and freshest seafood in the country. Right now, they have very limited Live Whole King Crab in from the 2009 Alaskan season. I went last night with a couple coworkers and we got a 4.5lb Crab to share. This was a HUGE CRAB -- the body of the crab we ate was just a little bit smaller than the size of a football - about 9 inches across ? They ran out of Nantucket Bay Scallops just twenty minutes before our arrival which was a bit of a disappointment but it encouraged me to try to order an appetizer not on the menu: Polynesian-Style Filet Mignon. I asked if they had Eye-of-Loin Polynesian which is lamb tenderloin crusted in crushed peppercorns, flash seared and cut into slices that are nearly raw, then served "sashimi" style with an oyster sauce drizzle. The waitress said they didn't have any lamb in but they could do the same preparation with a strip steak. I decided to go for a 14 oz Filet Mignon upgrade instead of strip steak on the appetizer. That was a great idea since it was probably the *BEST* steak I've had in over a year -- the filet was literally tender enough to cut with the side of a fork and it melted in our mouths like meat-flavored butter. The waitress brought us steak knives but we told her to keep 'em because who needs a steak knife for meat so tender you can cut it with your fork? We also got a tempura fish appetizer with ponzu dipping sauce - which was a nice interlude while waiting for crab to cook but nothing as extraordinary as the crusted filet. The crab came with three sides: delicious pork fried rice, vegetables (with a really cool/funky japanese root thing in them), and red skinned potatoes. Somehow, even though we were full after all this food, we managed to cram down desserts: Luau Cake with Passion Fruit sauce, Lychee Sorbee (with real fruit), and Bob's Slice of Paradise (a taro-pie on top of macadamia nut crust topped with coconut custard haupia and fresh whipped cream). And the crab... of course, was definitely the star of the meal. What else can I say about this tasty monster other than it was the best crab I've had since I went for Live King last year @ Bob Chinns. Incredibly delicious, sweet with a firm texture, and certainly the best tasting and most enjoyable part of a thoroughly opulant feast of seafood gluttony. Somehow, due to the economy or market price fluctuations, the crab was *MUCH* cheaper this year than last year as well. Last year it was about $40/lb. This year was $24/lb so we got a 4.5 lb monster for $108 (total - we split the cost three ways). Our total bill including appetizers, drinks, dessert, tax and tip turned out roughly the same as just the crab cost last year. We got a 5 lb crab for $200 (pre-tax) last year -- our total for everything last night including tip was $201.

    (5)

  • Nicholas S.

    Growing up, I've probably selected this place for my birthday or special occasions at least 20-30 times. Great whole live crabs, can't get enough of the garlic bread, and tasty mai tais. Make sure on your way out you torture the poor souls in the waiting area with how tasty the food was and how you had to throw half of your crab away because you were just too stuffed to finish.

    (5)

  • Natalia M.

    World famous? really? which world? I went with a couple of friends and was totally underwhelmed. I mean I love the kitch as much as anyone, so I'm fine with the crab shack decor, but the food was really very meh. And when you're doing a theme that's so common, really, you have to serve better food than a Joe's Crab shack in a suburban strip mall. I ordered the crab ravioli, expecting ravioli with crab meat inside in some kind of light sauce that wouldn't overpower the taste of the crab. Instead, I got ravioli with crab inside, and the whole dish was covered in a solid sheet of mozzarella. I *do* love cheese, but when it's basically a half-inch thick page of cheese? not so much. The garlic on the garlic rolls was awesome, the roll itself was kind of squishy, and totally smushed into oily paste when I bit into it. ew. Finally, the Mai Tai's. Sooo stingy on the alcohol. On top of that a Mai Tai is supposed to have rum, curacao, and lime juice (maybe pineapple juice or triple sec if you're feeling crazy). Not fruit punch with Myers. Lame. Overall, the theme was not inspiring, and the food was heavy and unappetizing. Too expensive for not enough experience.

    (2)

  • Nancy H.

    Yum! Time to get down and dirty with your seafood. You even get bibs! And there's a souveneir shop which means it's a must-go-to if you're in the northern burbs. My mom always tries to impress out-of-towners by telling them Bob Chinn's is one of the top 3 revenue-producing restaurants in the U.S. Nothing better than to have your occassional surf & turf and not have to feel like you have to dress your best while eating it. You can also get pasta! This restaurant is huge and is always packed. You still wait even if you have reservations. They have a $2.95 late-night menu too after 9 PM (or $3.95 for a 4-oz strip steak with fries) that's pretty impressive too; at the bar only, and you must order a beverage with every entree you order. And it's great to see Bob here sometimes!

    (4)

  • John L.

    this place has been consistently good for years. the food here is definitely above average but not spectacular... well maybe the clam chowder. the king crab legs with the steak combo is what i always like to get. the favor of the steak is good... i just wish it was bigger since you don't get that many king crab legs. the garlic bread is good along with all the sides you get to choose... fried rice is a nice touch. GREAT VARIETY! i like the little sinks around the restaurant so you don't always have to go to the restroom to wash your hands.

    (4)

  • Bonnie A.

    This place is expensive only because we eat like gluttons at Bob Chinn's. Once you are seated, you are served with garlic bread. No other place can top this bread. It is so good but you just can't eat too much or you'll be full before your dinner is served. The crab meat fried rice that we always order had more crab meat than rice! It is so worth it to order this entree. My brother and I discovered lobster meat with pasta. We order it with garlic sauce and let me tell you, it is amazing! Once you take one bite, you have to finish all of it without putting down your fork. It has some magic to it, I swear. I hate it when blue crab claw isn't in season but when it is, it's very appetizing. They add a pinch of cinnamon to the sweet potato fries and it's like magic because you just can't stop eating it. I have never had a bad experience here. I only go here on birthdays because I know that if I come here all the time, I'll make a dent in my wallet.

    (5)

  • denise b.

    Celebrating our Anniversary we chose to go to Bob Chinns. I have to admit we dropped quite a bit of money;however, the food and service was outstanding. Our Extraordinary waitress Laura D. made sure we had a great time and that every time she gave us a drink,appetizer,entree she came back to check on us. 1. Rolls are excellent. 5 2. Vermicelli in a nest was very good. 4 3. Crab Legs amazing ( Ordered the dinner for two) and Porterhouse steak tremendous. 5 4. Mai Tai's and Hawiian Passion fruit drink two of those each ...awe...how good ...5 5. Service by Laura D. She had a sterling personality/attentive to each item brought to the table. That made the night enjoyable. She gets a 5 ... 6. Atmosphere a 2...Hostess seating a 1 ...Management controlling the situation a zero. The one thing I won't give it a five as remember if you are looking for a quiet dining experience this is not the place. Two familes in a large group with six children between them were right next to us and the parents could careless that their baby" howled and cried" throughout the evening. I would have hoped that management would try to seat couples away from the families that have infants or ask them kindly to get off their butt and walk the baby until it calms down ...But No dad was text messaging and Mom looked like she was overwhelmed. with her life waiting for Dad to get of f his I touch. The manager walked around and around and I have to admit there probably isn't anything they can do but seat middle aged couples who paid babysitters when they had small children elsewhere. So from now on when you are dropping $160.00 make sure you can hear what your loved one is saying throughout the dinner or move your seat once the baby starts crying as they won't ask them to do anything about it.

    (4)

  • Syretta H.

    We went here about two weeks ago for our summer team lunch outing. My supervisor asked us where we wanted to go and the only three people that replied decided that Bob Chinn's was a good place. I had been there before but it was years ago, before motherhood (in my life there seems to be two periods, before I had my daughter and then after I had my daughter! I have not been to Bob Chinn's since before I gave birth!) Never the less, I had a bad crab leg experience on my last visit, but it had been so long, I figured I could give them another chance. It was mediocre, at best. I don't like Mai Tai's and I'm not about to force one down for one of those hideous plastic Bob Chinn cups. I think I ordered the shrimp and fish...the shrimp came out way before the fish and neither were seasoned all that great. It was OK, not good enough to have me rushing back.......

    (2)

  • don n.

    In chicago for a business trip and decided to hit Chinn's for some raved seafood. i've been to many seafood houses across the coutntry and had high expectations. the place is huge upon pulling into the parking lot. the aroma coming from the restaraunt was inviting. so the setting was just perfect. the anartic bay scallops was ok at best. the Alaskan "red' king Crab legs were good. i would say Costco quality. all in all, the experience was ok. i've had better, BUT for the price, it was good. Four star b-c seafood it my thing. i would go here again. oh, and the mai tai is a must.

    (4)

  • M M.

    Don't come here if you are looking for a quiet, elegant, seafood dinner. This place is basically a tourist attraction and you kind of feel like you are at Great American, lining up to get on a ride. BUT the food is worth it. We waited about an hour and a half for a table, arriving at 6:30 on a Saturday, so if you are looking to get in and out quickly, I would recommend getting there around 5-5:30. We had the king crab legs- AMAZING and lobster tail. I thought the lobster was a bit dry, but the crab legs were cooked perfectly. We finished it off w/ the trio dessert- the hawaiian cake is great! Everyone was walking around w/ their "famous mai thai's", so I think next time I go back I will have to get one of those.

    (4)

  • Vinifer D.

    After hearing sooooooo many good reviews about Bob Chinns Crab House, my fiance and I went this past weekend. To my surprise, this place was just OKAY, and there are many seafood restaurants in Chicago that give a much better bang for your buck. The menu at Bob Chinns is quite large, as is the restaurant. It was difficult for me to make up my mind as to what I want. The seafood did taste fresh and sweet and the garlic rolls were good. The decor wasn't what I went there for in the first place. We ordered a pitcher of their famous Mai Tai, and our server started us off with their garlic rolls. These rolls were tasty, but nothing special. The cheddar bay biscuits at Red Lobster are better than these rolls! For an appetizer we had the Jonah Crab Claws for appetizer (4 claws, 10 oz portion). These were served chilled, alongside a citrus-horseradish sauce. It was quite a refreshing starter, but I think it would be better suited as a summer menu item. For my entree I ordered the Lobster Meat. There were several ways the lobster can be prepared (Cantonese, Garlic over Pasta, Spicy Pepper etc.), so I asked our waiter Jason (great waiter!) for a recommendation. He suggested I go with the Cantonese as the sauce is their "house special." My lobster came alongside some white rice, but I asked if he can make it fried (which was no problem at all). The lobster was very fresh; however, the Cantonese preparation was sub-par. I've had much better Cantonese food in Chicago. My fiance ordered the Alaskan King Crab garlic-style, which is the top seller at the restaurant. Now, bear in mind that my fiance and I both love garlic...we use it in every day cooking and is plentiful in my kitchen. But, this was just way too much garlic. The aroma of the garlic was quite pungent, and was very overbearing...the same goes for the taste. We couldn't even taste the natural flavors of the crab! Overall, my first experience at Bob Chinns was okay. However, I'm willing to go back and give it another try. I just won't order any of the same items.

    (3)

  • Amanda L.

    I love this place! Shaw is NOTHING compared to this place. This location is kinda out in the boonies, but you know what, the night we were there, they had this special deal for crab legs. What more can you ask for? Cheap and GOOD crab! The crab legs were of course super fresh and delicious! Might have been some of the best crab that I have had. You won't believe how fatty and meaty they were! Reminded me of the ones from Hokkaido, Japan. We also got oysters, grilled scallops and sea bass, which were all supreme and reasonably priced! And from what I heard, their steak is also very good too. Love this place!

    (5)

  • Terri N.

    First off, all the staff members and servers here are wonderful. Even the owner and his wife will come out and mingle with everyone. (I love that type of hospitality from restaurants). We love their baked clams, fresh oysters, king crab legs (buttery sauce), sides (potatoes, rice, fresh herbs and garlic rolls), and especially their porterhouse steak (I know what you're saying, steak at a seafood joint?)! Their steak is one of the best selling items on their menu. It's grilled and seared to a medium well and is smothered with grilled onions. My goodness, it just melts into your mouth. We usually order the steak and crab legs and eat it family style. We've never been disappointed with this place, their service and definitely not their food. I've always attempted to finish up my big barrel of Mai Thai on numerous occasion but failed miserably. Kudos to those who can guzzle that sucker down. Also, whenever we are here we always tell the server it's Tony's birthday even when it's not (he hates the attention he gets when everyone is staring at him). Despite knowing our little pranks, they still manage to come out jolly singing Happy Birthday with a free slice of cake for him. =) This is the place to come to whenever you want to indulge in good crab legs.

    (5)

  • V S.

    Sorry folks, not what it used to be. I live in the area so we end up at Chins with our out of area friends a few times a year. I don't get it. I really feel like I'm being taken advantage of at this monstrous, overpriced, unpersonable way station. The service was really marginal for us. We had unusual wait times for the first greeting and even the garlic rolls ( pretty darn good) that are usually quick. We felt The 40+ $$ crab legs were OK. It used to be that the waiter would crack them for you without any promting but this time no chance. Salad bar, pretty good but again nothing special or original. Don't even think of ordering a steak. My daughter had a new york strip that tasted like I picked it up a the Jewel and threw it in the broiler. I can do that for $7 at home. Fried Shrimp was the star of the evening. Always a good choice but unfortunately doesn't make up for this uber-expensive road house, plastic bowl, paper toweled, rushed out the door, crappy over-hyped MaiTai, cattle call station.

    (2)

  • Louie D.

    One of my favorite restaurants in Chicagoland. Fresh seafood flown in daily... and you have a chance to see the owner there quite often. Grab a Mai Tai while you're there! Price is also right.

    (5)

  • Julie P.

    Mediocre food, mediocre service, and the ambience of a Shoney's Big Boy. If the prices reflected what the establishment and food were, it would be fine as a family restaurant, but way overpriced for what is essentially a Red Lobster.

    (1)

  • Beverly W.

    I love this restaurant! The service does not change no matter how busy it gets. The fresh seafood, the crab legs, tasty and lots of meat. You cannot get better than this. Wild salmon in season is cooked to perfection and fresh. The prices are reasonable for the quality. The garlic rolls are fresh and is a treat before your meal gets to your table. The strawberry lemonade which has real strawberries is awesome! The mai tai's are grand and are certainly the best in the region. Larger parties can sit at tables with a lazy susan so those garlic rolls & appetizers can keep going round. Highly recommend for any occasion.

    (5)

  • annie j.

    i have been going here since the beginning. i have made friends with much of the staff in the bar area, because of sunday football. the last time my family went to dinner there we spent enough money that they suggested we become "loyalty" members. we thought that was a great idea...so we have a card. the whole crab that night was delicious. mother's day was the other day and i really wanted crab, so my family decided to head to wheeling. we ordered the edamame, one of my favs, it was awful. the edamame came out over cooked and void of seasoning, but we were starving and ate it anyway. the coleslaw...another fav...that night was terrible. my son ordered a tuna steak and it came out cold and without seasoning. i asked one wait staff friend which crab to get and she suggested the select red crab. i ordered the 20 ounce with the thought that my husband would want some too. my crab came to the table luke warm and tasted terrible. it was water logged and not sweet. i finally got the waiter's attention. he took the crab back and then returned saying that they would refund 1/2 the price since i had eaten some of it. i did try to eat it with a smile...It was mother's day after all. when i tried to tell the waiter what was wrong with the rest of the meal he walked away when i was in the middle of my sentence. never much of a response from him. i stopeed and talked with a manager who apologized. he asked me to call the next day after he talked with bob. i called he had me recount the story. he told me he'd call me the next day. he did and their offer was to refund the other half of my crab the next time i came in.... after all these years of being a patron of this restaurant i was completely disappointed in their effort to make things right. my mother's day dinner was terrible and the waiter was unpleasant. the manager's offer fell short and i told him how i felt. i don't think i will eat again at bob chinn's nor will i ever recommend it to friends or out of towners. to think i have been a patron for over 30 years and that was the "customer service" i received.

    (1)

  • Charlotte Y.

    Every time someone recommends Bob Chinn's, I get NAUSEA... not at the thought of dining here, but simply because I hate long car rides :) I am a spoiled city dweller who hates driving to the 'burbs for 2 reasons: (a) I get car sick (i.e. the nausea); and (b) really, if the best reason a suburban dweller has for living outside of the metro is that "there's parking" or "there's free parking," you need to get a grip (if I hear this one more time, I think I'm going to slap someone). So, aside from the nausea, I am always THRILLED to arrive here - good fresh seafood (ALL kinds), great prices (I swear, I think Bob's prices are half of the city's prices), yummy Mai Tai's (ladies, a little sugar once in a while won't hurt too much - just lay off the 4th order of the big size/free souvenir tiki cup), and really friendly service (at least in the bar area, where I always prefer to sit (hint: away from the children). On my last visit, I wasn't famished, but after a couple of the tiki souvenir cup sized mai tai's, some food was necessary... so, my companion and I shared an appetizer portion of the blue crab fingers in garlic sauce (I kid you not, for the price that Shaw's Crab House charges for these morsels, you get 5 times the amount at Bob's), an entree version of soft shell crabs (apparently, they're available 3 ways here - sauteed, tempura style or salt and pepper style) and an appetizer portion of the king crab fingers (mind you, it was not on the menu, but our server really listened when I told her that I could use a little bit more food, but wasn't hungry enough for a full entree or anything heavy... her recommendation was kick butt - although there was a little wait, they were so sweet, tasty and I got my fix of king crab without all the fuss). Of course, one's experience here is not complete without Bob's garlic doused buns, but don't get too stuffed on these, as there are other more exciting options to fill you up. Oh, and apparently, on certain nights, Bob's has specials - think 2 for the price of 1 deals on drinks and crab and... discounted early/late bird bar specials on crab (something like $14.95 for a meal for 2 and with an extra $5.00 you get more shrimp and with an add'l $10.00, you get a bottle of wine or 2 mai tai's)... total insanity. So, although free parking is NOT a reason to live in the 'burbs, I will admit that free parking at Bob's is definitely not a negative.

    (5)

  • Renato P.

    Still busy as crap , and I went there at lunch time. I've had the best Ahi Tuna there and I just had the Copper River Salmon, OMG!!! The best salmon I've ever had, perfect. The oysters were great and the seafood gumbo was very good, with a ton of seafood in it. Thought the garlic blue crab claws was very good as well. This place is pricey as hell but sometimes you have to pay for the best.

    (4)

  • Meinhard G.

    Not sure about this place - went there many times in the past but nowadays I don't like to wait 1 hour + for a not so great table. Let's make it clear - food is great, service is good (fast and knowledgeable) but they push you out after a meal, atmosphere is so-so, and sitting and having a nice dinner is not possible. So you will not see me there again for another year or more.

    (2)

  • Ellie S.

    I am torn when it comes to Bob Chinn's. It never ceases to amaze me how many people they can pack in and how efficiently the place is run. I can't help but, think of the dollar signs Bob must be making. However, it makes me sad over the years seeing the restaurant change. I first went there in 1988 and their were aquariums everywhere along with a huge seafood bar (I believe where the salad bar is now located) that reminded me of Pike's Market. The visual of the restaurant when you walked in during the 80's was amazing and I think the food quality was better but, alas all those neat things are gone and more people stuffed into the place. The food is good but not great for the price and the noise is deafening at dinner. Lunch is not as bad. I would say the food is above average for the area but, compared to Chicago eh. I can't say enough about how hard the waitstaff works there and always cordial. For me after I pay all that money nowadays I am a little disappointed. If it were like it used to be in the 80's I don't think I would mind. Also, for some reason the pasta is always overcooked so I would not recommend as a side. By the way, while the menu is small for non-seafood eaters, it is good. I always get steak when I am there and my husband always orders the seafood. He seems to like the sashimi's the best. There is a kids menu with pizza and the like as well.

    (3)

  • Winston C.

    It seems to be an institution, and worth checking out if you want to sit a bar, have some crab legs and relax. The food isn't overly impressive.

    (3)

  • Pat R.

    This has been my favorite seafood joint for over ten years. The crowds and the wait may deter many but for me its worth it. 11/2/07 - Just went here again for the first time in a while. We had the whole red snapper, the snow crab and the seafood pot pie. We were not disappointed! While I have always enjoyed the garlic soaked rolls, it was nice to be able to get dry bread rolls as well - that was new since the last time I remember going. The purple sweet potato pie was a great way to end the meal. Very tasty with not too much sweet. We also started with the coconut shrimp and of course we all got salad bar - they have a kid sized version of the bar too! 5 stars again! While it says they do not deliver, Bob will ship anywhere in the US. We are thinking of trying that when we traveling later this year!

    (5)

  • Kate S.

    Been coming here for years, never have had a bad meal. The place is enormous, and sometimes the menu is daunting, but everything is really fresh. There aren't a lot of places in the suburbs where I can get crab that hasn't been deep fried (like a joe's crab shack) or the standard snow crab legs, let alone a place that offers many different kinds. I love the Kona crab.

    (5)

  • Amaliya L.

    I am definitely not a fan of Bob Chinn's. I am not sure what they hype is all about. The restaurant is pretty yes, with all the marina fare that you would assume to find here. The waiters are dressed in cheesy Hawaiian shirts, and it seriously makes me think of Jimmy Buffet or Steve Dahl. We were here for my nieces first birthday and the restaurant was completely empty at lunch time for a Saturday. Not a good sign. We were seated in the back porch area. Evidently this is where all the busboys and waiters hang out. Worse for us because they were overstaffed that day with not having a lunch crowd. I chose their crusted fish with crab meat topping, and fried rice. Their portions are small, and my meal had the taste and consistency of cafeteria food. The rice that everyone writes about really isn't worth running to Bob Chinn'. I was also present for the dirty busboy incident. That incident confirms that I will never eat here again. It's shocking that such a well known established restaurant would think that a simple apology would right that kind of wrong. If I had been a health official, would that have sufficed?

    (1)

  • Rebecca Huicha K.

    "MMMMMMmmoooooooooooooooooo mmmmmmmooooooooo" is what i feel like i should be saying when being herded into lines and through the restaurant. i get that it's a busy place but why have ur customers feel like herds of cattle? the food is pretty good but cost is kinda pricey especially since the atmosphere isnt too great. the garlic bread people rave about, in my opinion, isn't that great. it's just chunks of garlic on top of bread with tons of oil on top of it. bleh. one huge plus is the wait staff. They're all super friendly, quick, and cheerful.

    (3)

  • Mike H.

    Great specials, great service. I always stop by Chinn's when I'm in the area!

    (5)

  • Diana S.

    This place is seafood gluttony. It's awesome. It's also crazy slammed most of the time. The only times when it's not busy, is around 2pm. That's good time to go to avoid the craziness. This time I went at 5:30pm on Saturday and it was already a madhouse. This place is very laid back. It's not one of those fancy schmancy seafood restaurants. It's definitely family friendly too. I also called in advanced to be put on the "priority seating" list. They don't take reservations. What I love there: - The garlic butter rolls are awesome! Be careful not to overeat these, you won't have room for dinner. - I always get the crabmeat vermacelli appetizer. It's delish. - When they have it, I get the blue crab claws in garlic. These are tasty suckers and require no effort to eat. - Asian style sea bass. This is flaky and moist. - 5 1/2 lb whole Alaskan crab. Get it steamed but without the garlic. This is a MAMMOTH crab. The 5 1/2 lb crab is enough for 5 - 7 ppl. If you want less, then get the Alaskan Red Crab legs. Those are from the same crab, but come in 16 and 20 oz. I love that the effort it takes to get the crab meat out is minimal in comparision to the huge piece of meat that comes out. The 2lb Maine lobster is also pretty tasty. I didn't blow me away though. I also got the Kona crab with ginger and green onion. The sauce is so tasty, however, it takes a lot of effort to get some of the meat out, so I'm not sure it's worth it. Happy Feasting!

    (4)

  • Abby C.

    their food is amazing is you're looking to eat some of the best seafood around.. this restaurant is my family's and my favorite place to go! i always get mahi mahi, if they have it.. they're always changing their menu --talk about variety! sometimes you'll see mr. chinn walking around.. he'll come up to you and just make sure you're having a nice dinner.. the servers are always very attentive to your needs.. rarely ever will your drink go dry.. oh and by the way some people are saying that they don't serve alcohol.. but they do.. THEY SERVE ALCOHOL. try their mai tais, they're pretty good and they even sell them in jugs.. as far as desset goes, try the mochi balls --mango is my favorite (when they have it), strawberry and mocha is amazing too!!

    (5)

  • Esther S.

    California girl meets Bob Chinn's. All my Chicago friends said this was the spot to be eating at when in Wheeling and I must agree, it was quite an experience. Experience starts with warm, buttery, garlic-y rolls...good luck trying to eat just one, I think I had 3. We went in a large group, which always makes me happy because we get to order more food. Try the oysters on a half shell, very refreshing and taste as if plucked from the sea that day. Go for the blue crab claw appetizers, they come out in a garlic butter sauce and are convenient bite sizes. And then there was the surf and turf, not only is the seafood frekkin fresh here the steak also melts like buttah. The Alaskan king crab claw was the size of my arm, I wish it came with more than just 10oz, I think next time I'll skip the cow and stick with the crab. It's a comfy casual atmosphere and the staff is friendly and attentive. I've heard that this place employs its very own jet plane, and has all the goods flown in from around the country-go Bobby Chinn!

    (4)

  • Brad F.

    This place is great the salad bar is whats up. The good is awesome too. I once saw paris hilton and brian urlacher when they were dating here. I love the huge porterhouse they have its delicious, and you can never stop eating the garlic rolls.

    (4)

  • David L.

    Usually, I try a restaurant's menu until I find something good. Then I order that item for the next 10 years... Here, everything I tried is good. Really, everything. Not the biggest fish fan, but the fish dishes are great, plus the shell fish and everything else I have tried. Never left unhappy (except when I paid for a group of 6) :( This guy, Bobbie, he's got the model locked-down for all other restauranteurs to follow.

    (5)

  • Michael G.

    Here is a little secret, they have the BEST steaks around even if they are the best known for seafood. We always go there for special occasions.

    (5)

  • MJ D.

    One of my families favorite places. The seafood is fresh and great quality. Bob Chin takes a lot of pride in his restaurant. He usually is walking around making sure everything is running right. We love the crab but all the seafood is great. They have great garlic bread. They take reservations for 6 or more so I recommend you go with 6 or more the wait can be long otherwise.

    (5)

  • Andy C.

    Love getting the seafood and steak combos. Service is usually good and the garlic dinner rolls are amazing!

    (4)

  • Angela P.

    We love this place!! We have been there a few times for special occasions because it is a bit pricey, but it is definitely worth it!! We have gotten way too many things to list but what stands out are first, of all the rolls they serve you that have butter, parsley and garlic on them...they are do DIE for!! We also love the calamari and the oysters rockefeller. I always get the Alaskan king crab legs, which are HUGE! And my husband tries different things, everything being delicious! He also makes sure to get the Mai Tai, which they are famous for, and it is very strong, but good! Everyone that loves seafood has to try this place, it is a fun atmosphere with good service and GREAT food!

    (5)

  • Smoky W.

    If you're looking for the best crab in the Midwest, this is it. If you want fresh fish, this is it. Top quality food served in a casual atmosphere, where you can come in a T-shirt and shorts and eat to your delight. You'll find a little taste of Hawaii, and though it may get crowded, the service has always been great.

    (5)

  • Louis K.

    This place is great. You always know what you are going to get and it will be good. Despite being a seafood place, the steaks are very tasty, as is the salad bar. Be warned, it is loud inside, and can be slightly cramped. However, the food makes up for it. Definitely worth a shot, at least once to get an idea of how good it is.

    (5)

  • V P.

    As with most others, i have heard about this place for years and im not much of a sea food person so i held off from going. my gf and i recently got a gift certificate for bob chinn's so we went. i ordered the t-bone steak which was an amazing steak (hands down), but everything else that surrounded the steak was not quite adequate to justify the hype or price. My gf and i felt like we were in a cafeteria. All in All the steak was amazing but not worth the trip back.

    (3)

  • Tim V.

    A VERY large dining area and not much atmosphere, but don't be discouraged. The Surf & Turf totally delivers the goods. Don't drive out to the burbs for it, but if you happen to be near Wheeling already, it's the place to be.

    (4)

  • Abraham P.

    A big disappointment. The food was ok. It's a pretty big place. The servers are slow to refill drinks. I wouldn't mind going there again if i was with a big party but if it was just myself and a few friends then i would pick a better place.

    (3)

  • Jennifer J.

    After multiple follow ups to check on the status of our "gift certificate", my friends and I finally received a letter from Bob Chinn's which contained a "voucher" for $15. Really? $15?!?!? That's the best you can do? Bob Chinn's- until you seriously make an effort to convert these dissatisfied customers to satisfied customers, I will do all I can to spread the word that your restaruant is overpriced, your food is low quality & your customer service skills need serious improvement. I highly recommend someone from your company read the book "Word Of Mouth Marketing" by Andy Sernovitz which states that making people happy is an easy and low cost way to keep customers. I also recommend that you reach out to your customers via Twitter, Yelp, etc... I have tweeted multiple times on Twitter about my disappointment in my meal and experience at your restaurant and I never received a response. You're not using social media to it's full potential and you're suffering for it. Your $15 "voucher" is insulting and I will see to it that no one I know ever steps foot into your establishment. I'm calling you out Bob Chinn's- do nothing or do something about it.

    (1)

  • Jonathan C.

    This place is a decent local fish restauraunt, blown up to huge proportion and volume The pluses: they go through so much fish, it is fresh. The minuses: It can get really quite busy, especially at lunch and on weekends. Because of the volume, the seafood preparation is quite simple, most every kind of fish can be cooked in the same 5-7 ways. Which is not bad, but I noted a conspicuos lack of fried clams, and fried popcorn/small shrimp. Nevertheless the food is quite tasty and the Mai Thais legendary (they will give you a free sample if you feign disinterest). The rolls are very oily and garlicy and can be had plain if you wish (they are still warm and tasty, without the unnecessary oil).

    (4)

  • Zoe A.

    I haven't been here since I was crackin' crab legs at 6 years old. It welcomed me back like a long lost friend. We went for an early dinner on Saturday, 6ish, and the relay hostessing was fun. We must have been directed to at least for seater greeters before finding a table that was in pretty close proximity to our neighboring diners (get a booth). Our waitress, Shani, was awesome! We ordered our mai tais and they were good 'n strong. We ordered 6 oysters and 6 raw clams, expecting to pay the menu price of $6.95 per half dozen, but Shani thought she could sneak us in for the early bird special and we got those 12 bites of deliciousness for $4.95. We split the 20 oz. snow crab legs and Shani kept the melted butter and garlic rolls coming without us ever having to ask for a thing. Birthday boy was still hungry and got an order of spicy salt and pepper seasoned shrimp that tasted like they were fried in tempura batter and the spiciness was different and great, and again somehow half the price it was on the menu. We we're stuffed and buzzed for less than $60. Service is outstanding and the food is a good value. Super crowded/fun atmosphere.

    (5)

  • Cathy B.

    Went there last night to show out of town friends how good Bob Chinns is...We drove from the city to Wheeling and when we arrived around 7:30PM, there was about a 15 minute wait, which wasn't terrible at all. We sat down and started off with their new Lite Mai Tai's and it was so delicious! I always think I'm drinking punch juice when I drink their Mai Tais. My boyfriend thought it was too sugary but this isn't his review. ha. We asked the waitress for the off menu prices for the alaskan crab, and we decided to get 4lbs of Alaskan crab along with FOUR side dishes (coleslaw, mash potatoes, fried rice, and we paid extra for the veggies in soy sauce). While we waited for our food, our waitress gave us some garlic bread that was SUPER naughty and greasy but so yummy. We waited about 20-25 minutes for our food to come out but it was totally worth it! Our 4lb crab was more than enough! The crabmeat was juicy and just perfect! It comes with two dipping sauces - the butter and tikki/wasabi sauce. The side dishes were good, nothing out of this world but I made sure I ate more crab meat than side dishes. My friends and I literally spent two hours at Bob Chinns and it was worth every time and money. I would say the service is really good also - our waitress came every 5-10 minutes to check up on us and was really sweet. At the end of our dinner, we were leaving and we actually met the owner, Bob Chinn himself! He was sooo nice and very old ;o) He actually talked to us for about 20 minutes about the business and what he did/does. So overall, I always have a good time when I go to Bob Chinns. Their decor kinda throws you off (def in need of some remodeling) and the crazy Hawaiian shirts on the waiters, but once you get the food, you forget about all of that. GO TRY IT! you will not be disappointed! and for you city people, its worth the drive!!

    (5)

  • Laura W.

    This place off the wall!! I felt like I was in a John Candy movie like The Great Outdoors or Summer Rental. I am not saying that is a bad thing....this place made me giggle. Maybe it was the famous Mai Tai that I had. They have selections galore here. Our waitress has worked at Chin's for 15 years!! That tells me something alone....the place holds 600 chickadees! You really can't go wrong with this place. For me it was an experience. Our food was good, service was great, the rolls were off the charts, and the key lime pie was AMAZING!! I think we rolled out of there! Read all the stuff on the walls...it is loaded with information and let's you also know when they get the arrivals of the fresh fish every day. Plan on waiting unless you get there super early.

    (4)

  • Paul K.

    I've always liked Bob Chinn's but haven't been there in a few years. Last time I was there I had a great filet mignon so I thought I'd try it again. The steak was a shriveled up hockey puck and the fried shrimp tasted like it came out of a Gorton's box. The only thing that was good was the mai tai. I feel ripped off. It was overpriced and poor quality food. I didn't say anything at the time because I was on a date, but emailed them and have not received a reply and it's been over a week. I don't think I'll go back.

    (1)

  • Kristen B.

    Love it...fresh fish brought in daily!!! Just have to learn to get over the paper napkins :)

    (5)

  • Evan L.

    Freshest seafood in town. Got a 4 instead of a 5 because of the occasional wait and crowds. Waitstaff communicate by radio they handle that many people. I like the soft shell crab. Good early bird/happy hour specials.

    (4)

  • Emily L.

    really great and really fresh seafood! as much as I love the food, I feel the place is a little dated. we hung out in the bar area and I't just felt stale. Come for the food, not to hang out!

    (3)

  • ron k.

    i can't stand the noise when its busy but the food fan freakin tastic, i'm not much of a seafood fan but the fam is and Bob hold's it down.

    (5)

  • Colleen B.

    Definitely the place to go in Chicagoland for seafood. Everything is ridiculously good. I went for lunch, so I'm not sure what the nighttime wait is liek, but I'd bet it's worth it. Also, I'm told the mai tais are good... at least that's why my old employer banned comany lunches there. It's always a couple people ruining things for the rest of us.

    (5)

  • Kwoky L.

    I was shocked when I heard from my friend that Bob Chinn was ranked as one of the best restaurant in the country. I think it is a little over rated. The seafood was not super fresh and I agree with Ed to the M. that it tastes kinda bland. The bread is kinda oily but I love it. Not quite happy with the plastic napkin around my neck though. Food is very pricey and not worth it.

    (3)

  • Ed C.

    We are long time customers - 23+ years. Last visit and this visit left a LOT to be desired. I am weird about salad bars. I'll go to the salad bar early in the evening but can't stand a picked-over salad bar. Grossed out by the finger-licking horde I viewed up there tonight, I ordered a side salad to avoid the grossness. Then I watched as someone on the staff made my salad right off the salad bar and handed it to my server. I gave it back to him when he delivered it. He said they were out of pre-made salads. No salad for me, I guess. No offer to make me a fresh one either. Yuck! Is serving customers off a public buffet even legal? Maybe in Wheeling, Illinois it is. Atmosphere tip- the piped in music was Italian- like Vic Damone was about to come in - really old Italian....Rosebud wouldn't even allow this!! Also- signs, signs, everywhere a sign. The worst of which is on the table napkin dispenser in the waiting area. "Give A Sheet -Use Only One At A Time." Same sign in the mens room along with TWO that say "try our high tech hand dryer." Tacky, signs and too many of them! A video showing crabs being caught on a boat and sorted is shown on a huge plasma TV right where you wait for your table....someone needs a lesson in good taste here. I thought our service was very slow...and it was late at night. As for my meal...I will tell you that my Alaskan King Crab was great. In fact, I have seldom had a bad meal here. The garlic rolls (why do they cut them in half now?), the garlic crab claw appetizer, the fresh fish, are all great. But with all the tacky signs, the wrong music, and the salad bar served to me as a side-salad with the slow service.... Bob Chinn's is losing its way.

    (2)

  • Michael M.

    I went to Bob Chinn's on my way up to Zanies in Vernon Hills. Overall, we had an OK meal. First, we got lucky and we only had a wait about 5 minutes for a table. The place was pretty packed, but there was no line for tables so we got right on. The menu is hard to read, crammed with all the dishes they have. We ended up ordering the Alaskan crab legs and Mai Tai's. It took a little while to get our food, but it was very good once it eventually came. The price is the problem. Everything is very expensive and I am not 100% sure that I got my money's worth, especially on my drink. I think there are definitely better seafood places in Chicagoland, but I wouldn't mind going back if I was in the area again.

    (3)

  • Dee W.

    Thoroughly enjoyed everything here from the lamb (for us landlovers) to the king crab - a fun experience with seafood. Try their Mai Tais - absolute delish and they had a special where if you ordered beer, you got free shrimp cocktails, too. Definately make reservations in advance so you're not waiting forever and on top of it all, love the fact that you're wearing a bib that says "I've got the best legs in town"

    (5)

  • Demetrio P.

    Bob Chinn's is a good place to go for seafood, and various other entrees. Love the bread with garlic oil, King Crab legs are good, and steak/meats are so-so. Wait can be long, but I think it's worth it to try at least once.

    (4)

  • Emerson C.

    I come here often during lunch since it's so close to work. I've been here during the evenings too, but my review will be for lunch. First off, everyone knows about the lovely and oil saturated garlic bread that they offer. I can probably order drinks and a salad.. and just keep eating the bread till i get full. That's how good it is. I've tried several of their lunch portions and all of them are great. But the most noteworthy one for me would be Sea Bass Asian Styled Steam. MMMMM... so good The sauce they use is utterly delicious. Always the right saltiness and sweetness. The rice has this taste that i might have to say is vinegar. Very complementive of the fish. The fish is always fresh and always melts in my mouth... what more can you ask for. Go for the bread, go for the meals, but also go for the surroundings. Always a great lunch whenever I visit.

    (4)

  • Christine L.

    The best crab I have ever had! The waiter demonstrated by cracking a leg at the joint, and then he removed the ligament, and then he just shook it a little and the meat just fell right out! It was amazing!! Perfectly cooked and just so tender and yummy! Mmmmm I wish I had one here, but maybe it's good I don't because I would spend way too much money eating there all the time.

    (5)

  • Dan G.

    i love this place! seafood, steaks, potatoes, even their rolls are to die for! it's not cheap, it's not outrageously expensive. the food's great, the service is pretty good, but the place is a bit cheesy. but i can live with that. if you're into seafood, try the mahi mahi or pick your own crab from the big tank that was just flown in fresh from alaska! if you're a meat lover, be sure to check out their aged steaks! so tender you don't need a knife!

    (4)

  • Rocky B.

    Giving this place 3 stars just because I love their Mai Tai's. I could take a bath in their Mai Tai's they're so good. Food sucks a big one and the restaurant itself is hokey and all the roped off areas where they have people waiting for a table reminds me of being at Six Flags.

    (3)

  • Xexilia B.

    Bob is gangster. Everything is awesome. Wow, do I miss it and it's way better then the infamous Salty's. Get a mai tai, they turn a bad day into a good one.

    (5)

  • Christopher M.

    If you like seafood, you should go here. The food is fresh, and prepared well. I've only been there once, and only had shrimp. It was quite busy, but I only had to wait about 20 mins for table. The server was great. Very nice. Its the best seafood place I've been to in the Chicago area, but the most expensive.

    (4)

  • Lauren D.

    If you want the best Mai Tai in the world (that might be an exaggeration), head to Bob Chinn's. Fun, lively atmosphere. Excellent service every single time without fail. Of course the seafood is top notch, and their clam chowder is reeeally tastey. It's a fine place to take kids, and also good for bigger groups of people - I probably wouldn't go with just a friend unless my need for a mai tai was life and death.

    (5)

  • rob v.

    The garlic bread was the best part of the meal, even if it gave me the worst breath ever. The crab was nothing special and was over priced. My family went all out on with the Mai Tais, our first round was from the bar. Tasted great, but once we sat down and they started bringing the pitchers it was straight sugar and had no alcohol in them. I had a company picnic all day before going, so I didn't necessarily need any more alcohol, but you should get what you paid for. I had a headache half way through the meal and I was hung over like crazy the next day. I would not go back unless it was for another family event. Oh yeah and those ugly wind breakers! My dad received 2 of them, but our bill was just under $500! I'll stick to my own delicious crab.

    (2)

  • Chris C.

    Excellent seafood. A little pricey for what you get, but the fun family atmosphere makes you forget about the bill.

    (4)

  • Jeff A.

    *This review is based on one visit* I always knew that my mother's side of the family knew their food. So one night when one of my uncles called and said they were going out to Bob Chin's we met them up there. One of the Bulls was there with his wife and kid that night but for the life of me I can't remember who (I'm not a sports guy). Now you usually would have to tie me up and drag me into a seafood place (yeah, I'm not a seafood guy either) but , as I said, my uncles have proved to be a reliable source for great food in the past and I had nothing else to do that night. It was a bit of a drive for us but I tucked a thick volume of Hunter S. Thompson under my arm and got in the car. The only seafood I've ever liked is salmon so I ordered that. It was like eating a great steak. I've never had salmon that good and until I go back I probably never will again. The mai-tais are good too but I had to wait until I got home (my parents bought the mix) because I was under age at the time. My Uncle Dave, who is very talkative and a general riot to eat out with, politely asked the waiter how fresh his food was going to be. The waiter replied "It swam today" and walked away. He still jokes about that. All in all, it was a great visit.

    (5)

  • Jason A.

    1st off, I love crab and all crustaceans in general. This place is a crab\seafood orgy. I had the oysters, soft shell crab, the garlic crab legs, king crab and regular crab. Between the 3 of us, we only managed to eat half. My breath stank for about a day and a half on the garlic biscuits. Man, are those good. Their well known.Mai Tai was a little too sweet. Get here early or wait about 45 minutes to eat. This place was worth the 30 minute drive from Chicago.

    (5)

  • J C.

    Biggest and best king crab Ive ever had. Pretty pricey but ive seen the shows. Those guys are freakin nuts who catch the crabs so ill pay the price when im back in town, cause I think bob gets the cream of the catch. Ive never actually ordered a mai tai anywhere else so I cannot compare but I sure like the ones at bob chinns.

    (4)

  • Patty V.

    Good food,but if I wait three hours to be seated,I expect the place to knock my socks and shoes off!!My expectations were very high and were not met. If I want equally good food, I will go a little bit down the road to another well known seafood place and get more for my money without the wait!!!

    (3)

  • Thomas C.

    In all my 20+ times of eating here, I've never once written a review. Better late than never I suppose. This is my all time favorite restaurant in Chicago, and quite possibly any where. It has such a down to earth vibe of simple, good eating. Its definitely casual, definitely loud, and definitely good. Here is my staple meal: Down a few of the garlic rolls, than some crab cakes and or oysters. On to the typical surf and turf: Strip steak with Alaskan King Crab. Their steaks here are some of the best I've ever had. For the price/taste/value, they will blow any steak house out of the water. To finish up with dessert is a nice big slice of Bob's slice of paradise. Oh so good. All of the other reviews on hear speak to the rest. but I just thought in all of the good meals I've had here, I owe it to Bob (who is a wonderful guy if you ever get a chance to meet him) to write a nice review on here.

    (5)

  • Jason Z.

    I've been here many times for lunch and dinner. They have wonderful seafood and the garlic rolls are incredible but I recently went here for breakfast and was surprised how good it was. The macadamia nut pancakes melt in your mouth. Everyone at our table loved them. I split a king crabmeat omelette and it was excellent. I would highly recommend for breakfast in addition to lunch and dinner. I will say the place is due for a heavy remodel though. It's age is starting to show but service is always very good.

    (5)

  • calvin n.

    Yes I know this place is a well known place. But I think this place is well over rated. I had such a high expectation of this place which ended up in dissapointment. Maybe it was just beacuse i went in the morning??? I dunno but I had a crab cake a grilled piece of Cod and some sweet potato fries dont get me wrong the fries were amazing but other then that the food didnt really catch my attention much I have had much better. Dont see why theres much commotion in this place at all though...

    (2)

  • Matt N.

    Decent food, but this place is way overhyped--Head to the city for some great seafood.

    (3)

  • marie n.

    Have heard about Bob Chinn's for decades---first time there tonight and the salmon was awful! Asked for it med. rare and it was over-done, too salty, beans greasy and all was overpriced. Would never go again. Where does the reputation come from?

    (1)

  • Eric L.

    I come here with my family just about every time i get the chance. Very casual setting and very friendly service. The seafood is as fresh as it gets (on either coast). The garlic rolls are free, unlimited, and delicious (as well as really easy to fill up on). Menu changes daily based on what's fresh. Calamari is perfectly fried and crispy. Kona crab is sweet and delicious (get it ginger onion style) and well worth the effort it takes to get the meat out of the shell. Aside from the huge selection of cooked fish and shellfish, Bob Chinn's also serves steak (better than any i've had at a steakhouse) as well as sashimi (melt in your mouth toro!) and has a great dessert selection that is definitely worth saving room for (bob's slice of paradise, passionfruit cheesecake, and hawaiian luau cake) It can get pretty expensive and not everything on the menu is phenomenal but i've always left very full and satisfied.

    (4)

  • Leang E.

    One of the best circumstances to come to a restaurant like this is when your friend's company is footing the bill. For some reason I get pricey and dressy as an appropriate attire to be in, but at this place I felt that I could be comfortable in any casual attire. Of course, seafood is more expensive than your average entree at any restaurant, but pretty on par with what everyone else charges especially when it's flown in daily. Our waitress was nice and friendly. She even cracked all my shells for me, and I didn't mind! I think it's because she saw that I was wearing a suit. (I came here straight from work). The garlic bread is really good here, and of course you can't pass up the Mai Tai's - they make $3 million in profit on that drink alone! Bob told me himself amongst my friends. It's surprising to believe that he'd be there at his restaurant and not sipping Mai Tai's in Hawaii. It was nice that he stopped to chat with us. In any case, we had the soft shell crab and ahi tuna for appetizers, and it was incredible. They have one of the biggest surf and turf menus I've seen! They are very flexible in letting you mix and match. I had the Alaskan King Crab legs and the steak. I couldn't even finish it all, but I still had the Paradise cake. It reminds me of something, but I can't remember what. It was very delicious. Oh, I also tried my friend's lambchop. It was oh so tender! If someone asked me to go to dinner and I had to pick between Joe's Seafood (ranked #2 on some list) and Bob Chinns (ranked #5 on this same list) - I would choose to go to Bob Chinns. The boys have told me that the next time they are at Bob Chinns, I'm sure to be invited. You know I'm already clearing my schedule!

    (5)

  • Gregory H.

    Bob Chinn's serves some amazingly fresh seafood. It's my favorite seafood restaurant in the US. Whenever I am within a 50 mile radius of Bob Chinn's I make sure to go there. I have tried every crab related menu item and my absolute favorite is the Alaskan King Crab. It's outstanding. I've had it many places but never better than here. The prices aren't cheap - but it's worth every penny. It's also quite casual and the restaurant seats a pretty huge amount of people.

    (5)

  • Michael B.

    2 words.....Over rated......Expensive....Crowded...Tourist trap...Very good Mai Tais though. My King Crab legs were overcooked and my potatoes were undercooked...The dinner rolls are the best part of the dinner...Try it once to say you did...

    (2)

  • calivanilla c.

    The buttery garlic bread, steamed crab legs, and sweet potato fries bring me back to this place year after year (I can only afford going once/year - wallet & waistline ;)). It takes forever to get out there from the city, but once you're there, it's a nice treat. It feels like it's in the middle of nowhere, but once you get inside, it's a very lively, casual, family atmosphere. If there are crowds, there's a tendency to feel like you're waiting in line for a Great America rollercoaster ride w/all the chutes they send you through - but I think it adds to the experience. Definitely worth checking out at least once ... it's likely it'll become an annual trek for you as well.

    (3)

  • Steve S.

    Bob Chinn's is way over-rated. It's a good place to eat. They have decent seafood. Good food yes. Good value no. Would I eat here again? Only if a friend invited me. I don't see what the big deal is about this place!!!

    (3)

  • Mindy S.

    Bob Chinn's is one of my favorites! I'd recommend it to anyone! They have amazing garlic rolls to start out with. So good I had to eat 2!!! The crab legs, macadamia crusted halibut and shrimp and pasta are some of my favorites! You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu, and they even have steaks and other options for non-seafood eaters. The fish is always fresh and so good! Had the apple pie a la mode for dessert and it was fantastic! I ate so much I think I'm still full a day later! I don't regret one bite of it though!

    (5)

  • Edward H.

    This place is absolutely one of the best surf and turf places around. Seafood is flown in daily (I believe via the near by Palwaukee Airport) and the menu changes along with it. Whether your tastes buds crave shellfish or fish, you can't find a place that can get it to your plate fresher or tastier. Meat eaters need not fret, this place also carries dry aged steaks that rival those of Morton's and Gibson's. Just about everything on their menu can be a highlight but I'll list a few of my favorites - garlic rolls out of the oven (addictive), mai tais (who doesn't love them... AND you can save your receipt towards a jacket to show how much of a lush you are!), clam chowder, raw oysters (bigger and better than McCormick & Schmick's), dinner for 2 (4lb of food for ~$70, best bang for the buck), and don't forget to finish off with a nice slice of Paradise Pie (you'll probably be stuffed to the gills but there's an option to get smaller slices). The atmosphere is extremely laid back - sure the food is upscale, but enjoy it even more by dressing down to shorts and sandals. Service is extremely friendly and attentive. There really aren't any shortcomings to this place. Bring your friends and loved ones here to celebrate special occasions and they'll love you for it.

    (5)

  • Jennifer N.

    ** The below review only applies to the Wheeling Bob Chinn's (all prices, specials, and selections do not apply to downtown Bob Chinn's) This is a fantastic seafood place albeit the long drive from the city to Wheeling. I don't want to rehash all the other comments, but they do have the best garlic rolls, porterhouse steaks, lobster, oysters, and king crab (when items are in season, otherwise its "fresh" frozen - still means occasionally can taste the icy defrosted taste). Few tips -- if you can make it out there for early bird special (4 - 6 PM) a dozen oysters or shrimps for only $4.50 in addition to other happy hour items. One way to avoid long lines is to eat in the bar -- you get to watch TV too! All dessert portions can be served 1/3 size for 1/3 of the cost -- the pies are so good, but I'm usually too full to enjoy a whole piece so mini portions are perfect. Free refills on guava or passion fruit juice ($2). I wanted to give 4 1/2 stars but my favorite Dinner for Two special has gotten so much more expensive over the years.

    (5)

  • Keri H.

    There is nothing bad to say about this place, they have awesome garlic rolls that they start you out with complimentary, and the BEST mai tai's ever! The food is great as well, I'm a fan of the blue crab claws and the king crab, but you just can't go wrong here. Expect to wait for a while if you go at peak hours though, that's the only drawback

    (5)

  • Tom A.

    This is a classic. I personally not really like seafood, but I love coming here. I always get a stake and they are delicious; juicy and tender. Most of my other dinner guest get some sort of seafood and they love it. The seafood is always fresh. New menus are printed everyday to show what seafood just arrived. This place is often busy so arrive early.

    (5)

  • Andy P.

    What happened to the Chins we used to know and love? We decided to head to Chins for din-din on a Friday night. We arrived @7pm expecting a long wait and were able to walk right in. We took at seat in the bar area and were immediately greeted by a waitress who took out drink order. We always have the Mai-tais. Still pretty decent. Love the easy going buzz. Wifey ordered crab legs, I ordered the filet (What a dissapointment). The crablegs were OK, the blue crab claws were skimpy and small for 12.50 (YIKES!) and the filet was the worst I have ever had. I ordered it medium rare. Came burnt on the outside and bloody raw on the inside. I know, its a seafood joint but if you cant do it right take it off the menu. Overall experience was OK but I find it is just not the same. Staff is friendly, food is over priced. One appetizer, two mai-tais, two mains came out to 125.00. Thats alot for a terrible steak and so-so meal. We can cettainly get a bit more than baskets with wax paper for that kind of money. Hopefully they fix it up. I'll wait a few months and give them another try. BOB-- come back BOB....

    (2)

  • Trinidad T.

    bob chinn's is a great date restaurant, just remember to bring your credit cards... the seafood we tried there was great, and i find it hard to imagine cooking crabs, shrimp, and lobster "poorly"... so bob chinn's of course does a great job overall... it's perfectly fine with me if they take a little longer to get my order ready, as long as they keep the buttery, garlicy, rolls coming! they are to die for! i haven't been there in a while, ah but the memories make my mouth water!

    (4)

  • J T.

    I've visited Bob Chinn's many times with family who enjoy this place, so now's the time to post my thoughts... My opinion is this restaurant has a huge cult following, which is the only reason to explain it enormous popularity. Place has nice parking lot. Inside is large, but the tables, chairs, boothes, utencils , down to the paper towels papers are of the old country buffet type quality. The restaurant inside kind of reminds me of a much larger long john silvers. When you walk to your table, you'll past a huge display of the many types of seafood & meats. Servers are normally very friendly/prompt. Most famous drink they have is the mai tai, which good, but a bit overpriced. With your drinks, the server will bring out a baskets of garlic rolls drenched in oil, which have been cut in half, which I'm not sure why. This time I ordered the sea bass, stuffed with crabmeat, with vegs at about $24, which was good. Other family members went with the alaskan crab legs/strip steak combo at about $34/per. Steaks are just ok, you can get better elsewhere, the crab legs were good, which is the only reason to come to this place. ... If it weren't for the seafood, there should be no reason to visit this over hyped place.

    (3)

  • Tiffany T.

    No one can compare... which is why it is always a madhouse. Don't be afraid because of the crowds - they will seat you quickly and it's worth it. Great fresh seafood - fabulous crab legs and the garlic rolls are to die for.... Best seafood in Chicagoland by far.

    (5)

  • Sandi S.

    I'm torn... I've grown to love Bob Chinn's for years - since my early stages of childhood when all I would eat was pizza. Even the #5 Restaurant in the world still catered to my pizza needs. Since growing out of the phase, I've learned to love Bob's personal dishes of lobster meat with his special Asian sauce and their homemade clam chowder (that actually has clam in it!). Their salad bar is supreme with every topping imaginable and their menu has everything on it from seafood, to pasta, to fried chicken - ranging in price from $7.95 to $200.00. Everyone can enjoy this place and leave without an empty wallet. Regardless though, after about 2 million visits to this restaurant I had one bad experience that was enough to never go back. Apparently, Bob's waitstaff doesn't quite place your order into the computers when you actually place your order with the waiter/waitress. My family of six placed orders of salad bars, appetizers and dinners and an hour into appetizers and salads we heard over the loudspeaker that their soft shell crabs had been 86'd. Exactly what my mom had ordered - but thankfully she had ordered an hour ago. Well, nonetheless, the waitress never put the order in so as not to rush food, but at a restaurant that's business is in fresh food that may run out, an order for her should have been placed within that hours time of us sitting there. Neither the manager nor Bob himself was willing to make up for the error by offering something else on the house or anything. It's a pity, because I've always loved the restaurant, but when the service is horrible, why bother going back?

    (2)

  • Tina T.

    Bob Chinn's does have consistently good seafood. It is always fresh and tasty. I do agree that there are other great places in the city and suburbs that serve up equally as good seafood. I am not impressed with the ambience of this restaurant, though. It is always noisy, super crowded, and the crowd can be boorish and loud. Having said that, I have had enjoyable dinners here with friends, but I can't say that their seafood is something I crave, and I do crave seafood! Some of their dishes are quite good; I find the more simplistic they are (such as king crab legs) the better they are. But many of their dishes are laden with butter and very greasy. Their sushi is passable at best. The best dinners that I have had here were in the bar seated having drinks with friends. It is a restaurant that should be tried if you are in the area, but I would not make a long trip for this restaurant.

    (3)

  • A. P.

    OK food. Better if you are in a hurry. My experience ther has been more of a cattle call, the way they shuffle people in and out of ther at busy times. Would I go there by my own free will???? NO!

    (2)

  • MaryLou G.

    This sprawling restaurant has expanded over the years as popularity warranted. You can always count on super fresh seafood, unbelievably delectable hot garlic rolls, and nice big cocktails here. For those who don't want fish, there are several excellent and appealing menu options. Prices are not cheap, but they are reasonable for what you get. Relay teams of hosts/hostesses get you to your table via walkie-talkie - this place is huge! There's kind of a loud warehouse-type feel to the place - it's not a hushed environment for a quiet meal. Long wait lines extending out the front door don't always equate to long wait times because the place is so big, but at dinnertime you may have to wait up to an hour to get seated.

    (5)

  • H M.

    The food at Bob Chinn's is wonderful. You can't beat the extremely greasy and garlicy bread they give you! I love it. The crab legs and shrimp are absolutely delicious. Mai Tais are great too (strong). If you are going here on the weekends, watch out, there is always a wait. It can be very loud and crowded at this location as well.

    (4)

  • James G.

    Excellent fresh seafood which I believe is flown in daily, decent food for "land lovers". Prices very pretty widely depending on what you get and market price ($15-market). Two people are most likely looking at about $40 or more for dinner. They do an early bird special in the late afternoon, and there is typically a wait at the dinner rush (after 6) of 40 minutes or more. Atmosphere is loud and fairly bright, dress is casual.

    (5)

  • J R.

    Selection of fresh seafood is incredible. Ordered Sea Bass, scallops, and lobster tail with 6oz filet mignon. Food, great. Price, way over priced hence the 3 star. Enjoyed but use to the inflates price I doubt I'll be back anytime soon

    (3)

  • Susan S.

    Over priced salty . Love their oyster great blue points . Good mussels yummy garlic rolls . Good Keylime pie, delicious flavored steaks

    (3)

  • Samira M.

    So...I likely shouldn't give this place give stars because the ambience leaves much to be desired. But...with crab so amazing I instantly forgot about all of that. I'm not normally a king crab person but it was absolutely amazing.

    (5)

  • An M.

    This used to be one of my favorite places to eat at, but since they started putting burgers and non seafood items on menu their quality has gone down drastically. Recently bought some clam chowder it was horrible. All cream and potato no clams. I ate it over two meals and got sick twice really quick. Maybe last time I go there.

    (1)

  • Amanda D.

    Found glasses on the napkins when we first sat down. Server explained someone dropped the the glasses while busing the table... Manager did not even come and say a word. Food was good.

    (2)

  • Johnny H.

    I don't think you can do any better than Bob Chins. What a master piece of seafood

    (5)

  • David G.

    I've been coming to Bob Chinn's for so long, I think I've been taking it for granted. This is some of the best seafood in town. It's always fresh, which is impressive seeing as we're in the Midwest and the menu changes constantly so there's always something new to try. I get the Alaskan king crab legs when they're in season. They're a little pricy but so worth it. Ive had a few of the fish dishes, which were great, and a few of the fried seafood dishes. Amazingly for a place that specializes in seafood, they have some of the best steak, as well. Their garlic rolls and coleslaw come with everything. At most places I usually leave the coleslaw to the side, but the coleslaw here is actually edible and tasty. The place is crowded at night pretty much every day. A good time to go is before 5:00 PM. They don't take reservations, but before 5:00 PM you're almost guaranteed a seat. Otherwise the wait could be up to an hour during the busiest times. It's very fast paced and I've noticed the waitstaff is very dedicated. It's very indicative of ownership. One time Bob Chinn himself came to our table and had a chat with us. Very nice guy. Don't forget to have a Mai Tai!

    (5)

  • Cynthia L.

    I've eaten here too many times to count. I've had the Kona, Dungeness, stone crab claws and Alaskan King Crabs. I've had the Blue crab claws, the sea bass, the prime strip steak, lobster tails, and much much more. I love everything here! The chinese style of preparation of seafood is always very tasty but I'm down with the steamed and garlic as well. The garlic rolls are to die for...sooooo garlicky, herby, and tasty. It's definitely no frills since everything comes out on these wooden trays. It's not a fancy, dress-up date night kind of place but who cares, when the food is this good.

    (5)

  • Dana M.

    Whenever I go to Bob Chinn's, it's always for late night and that starts at 9 pm (Monday through Thursday only). They have a $3.25 bar menu with items like burgers, pasta, fish tacos, coconut shrimp, wings, etc. The catch is you have to order a drink with every entree. I usually get the special of that night or one of their fruity drinks or Mai Tai. The last few times I've been here, I've ordered the 8 oz. USDA Choice Strip Steak with fries... the ends are fatty; that's probably why it's called the "end cut vein steak" but I just cut it off! This entree is a little bit more for $4.50. I always ask for it to be cooked medium but that's never consistent. Maybe it's time to venture out since I think the steak is just ok! They have a garlic roll smothered in olive oil for 25 cents that I find to be extremely greasy. You can replace your side of fries for fried rice for an extra charge or just order a side of fried rice for a few bucks. I usually like some rice with my steak! The food is alright. I just keep coming back because I enjoy meeting friends out on a weeknight and it's cheap!

    (3)

  • Laine K.

    I've been here five or six times since I moved to Chicago area. Though the service I've had varies for fantastic to total evil beotch, the food is always greeeaaat! The king crab is the best entree, pork fried rice is the best side and as I found out this last time the shrimp etouffee is the best soup. I wish I lived close enough to check out the breakfast and lunch. The Mia tias are a must to make a perfect meal. The coconut shrimp is delicious and not overly coconuty like some places. I love the white dipping sauce that comes with the crab and shrimp. The oysters are also fantastic raw. It's a hard sell to most of my friends but I love raw seafood (well except scallops).

    (5)

  • Heather G.

    The food was amazing, the Mai Tais were delicious and our waitress Sam was even better! She made our entire dinner wonderful!

    (5)

  • Bubba G.

    Went there for my birthday, with my wife. Short wait for a table and met Bob Chinn, after a short chat. We got a table and Bob Chinn sent over a sampler appetizer's (Oyster Rockefeller) he wanted our opinion on. My wife had the dungeness crab, too big (she couldn't finish) . I had the Macadamia crusted sea bass with sweet mashed potatoes, the garlic butter rolls are to die for. Shrimp Cocktail-big and sweet shrimp and a Mai Tai chaser, haven't been there in years. For a special a occasion, it's worth the trip.

    (5)

  • jen k.

    THE +'s: the food. the food. um...the food. what else? oh yieah, the food. maitai's served in big ole souvenir cups don't hurt either. plus, this is one of the few places where the sides are as good as the entree's. soooo worth the long trek outta the city. THE -'s: i guess the long drive. but i can deal with that if only to get my grub on. SUM: there are already nearly 100 reviews on here saying how good this place is. they ain't lyin'.

    (5)

  • steph n.

    Oh BOB CHINS why must your food be so yummy that I grow a double chinny-chin-chin. Yes, I'm talking about your drizzly garlicky buttery rolls. THAT alone is what keeps me coming back time and time again. As I'm driving along Milwaukee, I pass a Korean restaurant and think do I want some smoky sweet Korean barbecue short ribs? NO, I WANT THOSE ROLLS. I drive along further, pass an Italian eatery. Do I want some scrumptious cheesy chicken alfredo? NO, I MUST HAVE THOSE ELECTRIFYING GARLIC ROLLS. I drive further down until I finally reach the holy grail with the giant bright red crab sign...nothing is going to stop me now. My mouth is watering as I stand in line picturing those little glistening mounds of toasted goodness. The waiter in the Hawaiian shirt escorts us closer and closer to the destination, then EUREKA! I grab my little golden buttery garlicky treasure and I feel like I've arrived. And that's just the start of the meal...

    (4)

  • Sunshine A.

    I'm not a huge seafood fan, but this place was quite amazing. I've never had a restaurant experience like it. The servers are very informative and answer any question you may have, which is great if you're like me! Cause I had ?'s! The place is so organized and professional...even Bob Chinn is overseeing that everything goes well himself. I can see why this is the top grossing restaurant in the country! Food was excellent and the strawberry lemonade was to die for...Ill be back! A bit expensive, but youre dealing with fresh seafood, so its worth it.

    (4)

  • Chris J.

    The hidden jewel of this restaurant is not what you would think at all! Yes I love the crab n lobster n steak here. Yes my fav place to drink Mai Tais but I was pleasantly surprised when I found Red Velvet cake on the menu. Now I do not particularly order or really eat cake. I make Red Velvet a.k.a American Beauty cake from scratch and love love love it homeade! It is not an easy cake at all to make from scratch and the icing is very tempermental when cooking it. I only make this cake once in a blue moon becasuse of its difficulty. I am so happy I ordered the Red Velvet cake at Bob Chin's becasue it was actually better than my homeade cake! SO SO SO good a must try if you arent too stuffed. The peice is HUGE and very moist. Ok now I have to go to Chin's tonight just from talking about it!

    (5)

  • Greg L.

    This place is amazing when it comes to how many people they move through here. The restaurant is huge and really well run. Highly recommend the appetizers whether it is the raw oysters, oysters rockefeller, or the various crab dishes. The chowder and gumbo are also very good. Their Alaskan King Crab is outstanding and as promised, very easy to shell and feast on. Watch out for the bread they bring to the table. We love it, but as a standing rule, we make it mandatory that everyone at the table has one, since it is covered in garlic. This way everyone smells the same! Check out the early bird special. With an entree, between 4:30 and 6:00 I think, you can get 18 shrimp for $4.95 or raw clams, or raw oysters for $4.95. Great deal if you like shrimp, clams, or oysters. Pass on the Green Lip Mussels. Ours were very, very fishy tasting and no one wanted any after tasting just one. Everything else was excellent including the service. You will not be disappointed.

    (4)

  • Noelle K.

    If there was an option- I would be picking ZERO STARS! I went to this place after my boyfriend gushed about how awesome it was. And after waiting on the porch for a table for over an hour I figured it would be. Then I was escorted to my seat- which was conveniently located about 5 inches from the table next to me and the pole my table was next to on the other side. But I figured, hey, you can't judge by the atmosphere. I love seafood and after looking over the menu I decided on the scallops and they nicely added in some pasta for me. My waitress was very nice- I'll give her that. The food was good. Until I got to the COCKROACH ON MY PLATE! Now, since I work in a restaurant I didn't want to cause a scene in the middle of their Saturday night dinner rush. So my boyfriend quickly put our crab bowl over it and we called our waitress over. I very quietly stated that there was a COCKROACH ON MY PLATE and that it was now under the bowl. She brought it to the manager- who came over to our table. She apologized for what happened. And that's pretty much it. I still paid full price for my incredibly expensive meal. I later called the place and informed them that I was a little disappointed how my dinner incident was handled. I mean, I'm not trying to scam them for a free meal- but an offer to remake my food would have been nice! She preceded to inform me that because I didn't make a big deal out of it she thought everything was fine. I explained to her I work for a restaurant and didn't want to upset anyone within 5 inches of me- she took my name and number and said we would be in touch. That was about 3 months ago.... All in all- the waitstaff was nice the food is good the atmosphere blows and the managerial staff sucks and if your i the mood for some good COCKROACH that is a good place to go

    (1)

  • Amy T.

    I used to come there on a weekly basis since I worked in the area. The lunch specials were great, and the portions were decent. Well, that has changed dramatically. The portions got smaller AND the prices went up, way up. You know, I could tolerate the ugly atmosphere, the same plastic china and wooden bowls that haven't been replaced since Bob owned his first restaurant, and the bent silverware, but the food was good and it was a value. However, now, I just can't tolerate it anymore for the prices, and the small portion sizes. I will say the service the decent, I can't deal with all the cutting of corners, it's rather disconcerting, and I've noticed less and less cars in the parking lot on each drive by.

    (2)

  • Julie A.

    You can never go wrong at Chin's! The tilapia is yummy, the shrimp Ceviche is yumm yumm. Ohh and those garlic butter rolls!! They have bubble tea on the menu (AKA smoothies with tapioca balls). Never had a bad meal. Love that it is a causal setting!

    (4)

  • Irene Z.

    They're known for their seafood, their Mai Tais, their garlic bread rolls, their cocktails, their pies & cheesecakes...and no doubt, soon, their breakfast. We usually come for special occasions and every so often, but when we heard that Bob Chinn's was now serving breakfast, it was a given - we HAD to try. And once we did, we know we'll be back... A LOT. Bob Chinn's is simply awesome. I've thought about reviewing the restaurant for lunch/dinner since it's one of our favorites, but it's hard to think of any more greatness that I can add to the already raving reviews, so I hadn't. But, their breakfast warrants its own separate 5-star review. First off, the breakfast menu has something for everyone...traditional eggs/pancakes/sausage/bacon, but for the seafood and island lovers, they also have traditional Hawaiian/island-style fare. Choices include loco moco, fish, crab cakes, crab omelets, macadamia nut pancakes, banana pancakes, haupia crepes...the list goes on and on. It reminds me of the local breakfasts we've had while we're in Maui. Prices are unbelievably reasonable, and they even have an early-riser selection (mac nut pancakes & eggs for 3.50!). I had the crab cakes/eggs benedict which came with two generously-sized crab cakes on an english muffin topped with over-easy eggs, with homestyle potatos on the side. Delicious!! My husband had the kona crabmeat omelette, also a good-sized portion, with white rice (instead of the potatos). Also delicious, though a little plain (since it was just the egg and crab)...he will be having the crab cakes eggs/benedict next time ; ) My kids had the macadamia nut pancakes....soooo good! 3 pancakes with a small bowl of crushed macadamia nuts, and the sauce on the side as well (so that we could control the layering). The coconut syrup was a hit too. I also have to say, our server this day was great. Really attentive, helpful in suggesting items on the menu, and quick with the service. He also stopped over to joke with the kids and make them laugh every so often. And service is usually always good here. So while I'm at it...I might as well review everything. Bob Chinn's lunch and dinner offer a great selection of fresh fish, seafood, and land-lovers (chicken/steak) items. They are prepared in a variety of ways, so it's hard not to find something that you'll like here. The atmosphere is a very casual, fun place, decorated with an island feel, and good for groups, families and couples. If you're going as a couple, then I highly recommend the dinner for two (huge porterhouse enough for 4, with your choice of a whole lobster or crab legs...when we've had it, we've also had to take home the rest in a doggy bag). Dinner & lunch pricing are what you'd expect in a seafood establishment, a little pricier depending on what you order, but the food is always top-notch, fresh, and delicious. I've also experienced private dining here. We had my daughter's baptism party here 3 years ago in one of the private dining areas. We had a large party (about 100 people), and they helped us select a specialized menu with starters, soup, entrees, dessert and drinks that each person could choose their own from. The staff was attentive and great with the service. And our guests raved about the food and about how much fun they had. I've also planned work functions here in the past, which were also met with great reviews (particularly with our out-of-towners who enjoyed winding down after a long day of work/meetings with the great food and fun atmosphere here). Staff and event planners are easy to work with and flexible around your needs. I highly recommend them for a private/group functions. One thing to note if you have kids - no strollers allowed in the dining room. I always seem to forget this...and sometimes one of my kids will fall asleep on the way there, we'll put them in the stroller, forget that we can't bring that into the dining area, and have to wake them up (which is fine because then they can eat the good food too!). As you can see from other reviews, Bob Chinn's is awesome. A great, casual, seafood dining experience, with island flair. If you haven't been here already, love seafood, or are homesick for the islands, this is the place for you. And if you've been here several times like we have, but never tried the breakfast, then you MUST GO!

    (5)

  • Eugene C.

    I love this place. Get the Dinner for Two, and you will be in heaven. 32 oz Porterhouse, cooked to perfection, with grilled onions and mushrooms. Honestly, could be the best steak in Chicago. Then you get your choice of crab legs or 2 lb maine lobster, can't go wrong with either. This place is my favorite place to take out of towners b/c it's the best value and not pretentious. Excellent food!

    (5)

  • Bob J.

    Chinns was the savior of an otherwise lame weekend away in Lincolnshire. The food is top notch and of course the mai tai's are great. Dinner for two with an appetizers and some drinks was $99. That's not bad for oysters, steak, king crab, lobster, and coconut shrimp. Btw, the "add a lobster for $13 is a good deal.

    (4)

  • Christopher C.

    Being from the San Francsico area I have had some pretty darn good seafood. So when I heard we were going to a crab house in Chicago I was a little worried that it wouldnt live up to my expectations of good crab or the hype Chicago food has gotten. All I can say is WOW!!!! We had a pretty grand assortment of food on the table at all times and it was ALL GOOD! Poke, Oysters, Those oh-so yummy garlic rolls, and crab claws were all amazing. Then the entrees came out and were not at all disappointing. HUUUUGE crab legs with the best crab meat I have ever tasted! I opted for a sampler of crab, shrimp, and scallops. I didnt want to limit myself to just crab. Everything was so good! The garlic shrimp were HUGE as well and very tasty. The scallops I will admit werent the best I have ever had but they were wonderful none the less. (fyi best scallops I ever had were at Charlie Gittos in St. Louis but I digress) Our server was very attentive and pretty entertained by our table as we were all foodies and 2 of us had never been to Bob Chinns before. The Mai Tai (and the food for that matter) makes you forget you are in Chicago. At one point I expected to walk out the door and be in Hawaii!! If and when I come back to Chicago I will definitely be back! And yes this place is quite large and very busy!

    (5)

  • Paul V.

    One of my favorite places to eat!

    (5)

  • Yasmeen A.

    Order every appetizer on the menu and several rounds of the "orange drink," share king crab and steak, then ask your kind and understanding significant other to carry/roll you to the car. That's what happens every time my man, two close friends and I go up there. It's wickedly pricey, but incredibly good. The crab is the best I've ever had (I'm an East Coaster and take my seafood seriously!) - it is so sweet and buttery au naturale that there's no need for dipping sauce. We tried the porterhouse for the first time on our last trip and it was better than any steak I've had at Morton's/Chicago Chop House. I didn't realize until after the meal that I was using a dull, bladeless knife and still cut my piece with incredible ease. The drinks are good and STRONG - I'd go with the orange/pineapple/lychee concoction over the Mai Tais. Prepare to spend a good amount of cash and time on the road and not regret it.

    (5)

  • George K.

    Okay, first thing is first. The Mai Tai is sensational! They even sell the mix...so you know it must be good. The food was great. It came out fresh and also well cooked. I went on a Wednesday evening, which was fairly slow and got great service and as I said, spectacular food. Its a good place to check out and try the Mai Tai!

    (4)

  • Marilyn K.

    I've been here many times and now that I actually live close by (unlike when I used to trek up from the southern 'burbs) I have to say - I'm out. Don't get me wrong. The food is delicious, best seafood you'll find in the Midwest, the service is friendly - BUT (and it's a big one) for the $$$$ they're charging, the ambiance and cleanliness is sorely lacking. Though the service is friendly, you do feel rushed. It's like being in a school cafeteria with the long crowded tables and the noise is unreal. I love you Bob Chinn's - the crablegs and garlic rolls are awesome, but the atmosphere no longer makes it worth the price. p.s. the mai-tais are vastly over-rated

    (3)

  • Joe G.

    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.

    (4)

  • Zhong Y.

    Mediocre seafood, volume business. We've eaten here about once a month and are starting to realize that, while the seafood is both interesting and reasonably fresh, it's just not well prepared, and they try to hide this behind big flavors. Of course, last time you cooked for 3000 people a day, how well did it turn out? The Kona crab? Not so good. Fresh yes, but badly prepared. Excrabaganza also was mediocre. There is an early bird special in tiny print at the bottom of the menu: between 4:30-6pm, you can get a doz oysters or clams on the shell for $5. This is a good thing. Also the ginormous steak was worth having. Try eating only off the appetizer menu.

    (2)

  • Jenny L.

    I happened to be staying in Wheeling for a couple nights and was looking for some interesting places to eat. Thanks to yelp and all the reviews on Bob Chinn's I found myself here for the Monday night special. Driving by Bob Chinn's you wouldn't expect to see the spectacle that you find inside. But once you walk in the door, you are quickly ushered from one line to another until you finally reach your table. My suggestion is to just go where they point and don't ask questions. Oh, and watch out for the giant crabs on display. Once I sat down and got a chance to take it all in, I couldn't believe just how big the restaurant was and how packed it was for a Monday night. Our waitress quickly came over and suggested some Mai Tais in their souvenir tiki cups. The Mai Tais which were sweet like normal Mai Tais but as potent as any Long Island Ice Tea I've ever had, was followed shortly by a serving of the Garlic Rolls. The Garlic Rolls were basically soaking in olive oil but tasted quite good. I quickly moved on to the Clam Chowder we ordered as an appetizer. The bowl of Clam Chowder, which was only about $7 was about as big as my face and had chunks of clam as big as my finger tips. Best of all, it was delicious. Since it was Monday night, I ordered the Kona Crab Monday Night Special in garlic sauce with a side of fries. The bf, who doesn't eat seafood, got a 16oz Prime Rib with a side of rice. The portion of crab that I got for $20 was more than enough to fill me up. Although the garlic sauce was a little too strong for me, the crab itself was delicious. My waitress, Sue, saw that I was struggling to get the crab out of the shell (I blame the Mai Tai) and ended up pulling the crab meat out for me! Then with the drizzle if just a little lemon on the crab meat, I was good to go. The bf was incredibly happy with the prime rib which he was perfectly cooked, melt-in-your-mouth, and really one of the best prime ribs he's ever had...who would have thought you'd find that at a crab house! We ended our meal with a slice of luau cake and chocolate cheese cake which was a perfect end to our meal. I really wasn't in the position to eat anymore food at this point but managed to try a few bites, wishing I could eat more. When you decide to make your visit, which I highly recommend you do, just imagine you are going to a small amusement park for an amazing meal. Best of all, Bob Chinn himself will greet you as you walk in and checks on his patrons throughout the night. You won't be disappointed with the food or the experience here.

    (5)

  • Jeff S.

    I love this place. The crab cake nuggets are a hidden secret. I was hesitant to try anything with the word nugget in it. But these are by far the best I have ever had.

    (5)

  • Inigo M.

    5 stars for Bob Chinn, the eighty-four year old owner, who gave us a slice of birthday cake on our way out and took pictures with us. What a nice man. Excellent three-lobster tail special. Succulent, tasty porterhouse steak. Beats Ruth's Chris handily. Service was generally great and attentive. If you're with kids, check out the lobster tank and show them what you just ate.

    (5)

  • Jessica S.

    I have been going to this restaurant with my family since I was little. Blue Crab leg appetizer has been our favorite! Their steaks are the best! One of my top 10 restaurants of all time.

    (5)

  • Chris W.

    This is a fantastic place to get seafood. Everything is fresh daily, it's a LOUD place, could be casual could be a little formal here, it IS relatively pricey but it's worth it. Their little japanese ice cream balls are delicious for dessert I forgot what they're called though... The rolls they bring out are ultra greasy but incredibly delicious. Bob Chinn himself came out once and talked to us at our table it was a really cute memory he's an adorable man. If you don't like seafood there are steaks and other options for you. I just overall want to tell you to GET HERE and try it out. They have a very large menu, so look around, you'll find something to eat. It's a nice place for birthdays, anniversarys with the family etc.

    (4)

  • Ting A.

    as i age, i'm coming to grips w/memory loss. y'know. i'm becoming one of those people that retells stories and jokes and reintroduces herself to people she's met several times before. but there are certain things that i remember fondly. ...even more fondly when they're sooo bad for me, but sooo good. enter: bob chinn's garlic bread. ...buttery, garlicky... they may just be the best goddamn rolls i've ever had b/c they've completely erased any memories of actual meals that i've had here. bob, come to sf. my ass ain't as jolly and jiggly when you're not around.

    (4)

  • Arlene G.

    i cant believe i havent yelped bout this place b4 cuz ive been here several times. went here last nite with my gf & a friend and we ate like some pigs! woooo hoooo! i cant get enough of their garlic butter rolls! my breath was so horrible by the end of the night but i didnt care cuz those rolls are soooooo delicious! i had surf & turf, lobster & a steak. everythin was fantastic! my 2 other girls had the select king crab legs and they were delicious 2! i have never eaten here & had bad food! our waitress (charity?) was awesum 2, which made our stay more fun & enjoyable! great fudge caramel pie also! u will defintely leave this place stuffed & barely able 2 move after u eat all ur food! even though this place is kinda pricey i will keep coming back!

    (5)

  • Deborah E.

    The best Alaskan King Crab in Chicagoland. The best New England Clam Chowder on the planet - so thick and creamy you could stand up a spoon in it! An endless supply of wonderful artery clogging dripping-in-butter garlic rolls brought to your table. When in season, the best soft shell crabs I have ever feasted upon. I can only talk in superlatives when discussing Bob's. I have simply never had a bad meal. Only "bad" things are it is very loud - but what can you expect from a place that seats 600? And it is very expensive - but, again, everything is flown in fresh - nothing is frozen. You get what you pay for. I can only afford to go on special occasions but if I could, I would drive out there once a week. Now, it's not a fancy place - servers wear shorts and Hawaiian shirts so you can wear whatever you want. I only say this because some friends went and didn't like the atmosphere. See, my gay boyfriends prefer fancier surroundings and not so many kids - khakis and Hawaiian shirts? Perish the thought! Speaking of kids, I am dumbfounded at all the families that are always there as it is pricey. Tons and tons of them - I guess anklebiters don't eat much or share foods. But I digress.... Bob Chinn's is one of my Top Ten favorite restaurants ever. Huge menu - friendly, efficient servers - fabulously fresh food. And I love seeing Bob himself wandering the premises making sure everyone is happy and well sated.

    (5)

  • Glenn R.

    I've been coming to Bob Chinns for several years now. Mostly for lunch with my co-workers. I can only afford this place for lunch as their Dinner menu is waaaaayyyyy too expensive for my cheap ass taste. But still, I luv coming here for their lunch menu. They have quite a few selection of fresh caught seafood for under 10 bucks. Their $6.95 lunch special is also a great deal. And if you are really really on the cheap side ("Im not talking about you, Andew and Anil"), then you can eat outside the dining halls by the bar where they have daily Super Cheap lunch meals for under $3.00. You just place the order on the counter and pick up the order when the waiter calls your name. No waitress to tip, all self serve. I have to admit though that the main lady who works in that area of the restaurant has a big time attitude, but all the other waiters and waitresses that work here are all extremely friendly. You cant find fresher seafood in the Northern area than this place. Oh by the way, on your way out, there is a poster listing the top grossing restaurants in the entire nation. Bob Chinn's has been ranked in the top 5 for several years now. This just shows how good this place is.

    (4)

  • Kristen S.

    4 stars because of the amazing fresh fish. 4 stars for getting Hawaiian opakapaka the night before to serve to me and being cognizant of my gluten intolerance. But the ambiance and lack of reservations is annoying. I do not really enjoy my experience here as much as I do love my food. I am not likely to go to Bob Chinn's unless it's an "off hour" or a big celebration because I just don't like standing in line for hours. The food is good but nothing is worth it. Paper napkins and plastic cups, cafeteria style tables. As long as you are prepared for the experience you will enjoy the fish.

    (4)

  • Joel H.

    If you like the best seafood, great range of flavors and menu options, AMAZING endless garlic rolls on your table, without the pretentious "white tablecloth" service, come here, and come here often. You can wear a business suit, or a Cubs hat and sandals, and feel comfortable here, great service, lots of tables. Great lunch specials as well.

    (5)

  • Laur T.

    Kinda like a 3.75 stars :p but we shall give it to Bobby Chinn's! Was here years ago. My then CEO insisted that we come by this place because he SWEARS by it. It's a crab house, no fancy pants dining... but the seafood sure is good. Can't remember if I had the King Crab or Snow Crab... it could have jolly well been the Sing Crab or even Know Crab for that matter :p but it was so good. Lots of fun! I reckon this is a little out of the way to get to but all in the name of good seafood~

    (4)

  • Maria h.

    I love the APPETIZERS in this restaurant, i went there with my friend, we order only appetizers, and we all full. We order the mushroom, which is my favor, the stone crab, the scallops is good, the the service is good, the the waitress is nice too, but the oyster is too small!! Anyway, i will go again, but the only thing is little too far from where i live.

    (4)

  • marisa s.

    call me crazy but I LOVE ME SOME BOB CHINN'S! after i had heard rave reviews from my friends who grew up in the north shore, i had to chk chk chk chk bobby out. went on a hot summer day after a golf game and had one of my favorite seafood meals in a long time. so let's lay it all out there - bob chinn's has the feel of a joe's crab shack, but the food quality is close to a joe's stone crab. always fresh and you can't go wrong with their weekly deals. keep in mind, you get what you pay for - they have a spectrum of seafood calibers (you can obvs tell by the price or the waitress/waiter can explain what's good). i love the blue crab claws! the buttery garlic bread they bring you! the fresh fruit mai thais! (collect enough mai thai receipts and you get a free bob chinn's fluorescent jacket (it's tyvek and smells like crayons) - and yes, my boyf and i got 2 and took pictures). i love the lobster! i love the king crab! i love the 1/3 slice of dessert (b/c by the time you're done, a lil dessert is enough) the servers are always friendly...and will crack your crab or lobster for you...and that's real service! for seafood place where you can walk in with jeans, shorts or maybe sporting the bob chinn's jacket you won the previous dining experience, this place is where it's at in the burbs! come summer time, i'll be visiting bobby a lot!

    (5)

  • Travis N.

    Defianetely not for everyone(thanx Maria for bringing that up, I probably wouldn't have) but, the food is amazing. You come here to eat. Not to have a quiet evening. You are seated as soon as they can get you in which can take a while and rushed out even faster. Bob Chinn being the owner of a seafood shipping company has his seafood flown in practically daily. The fish is always good. If you are kind of picky the have a dialy fish served 7 different ways so you can't help but find something that you will like. The crab legs are always good. Plus my girlfriend being the picky eater she is won't eat seafood but is able to get steak or chicken that is cooked very well, so there is a little bit for everyone. My Favorite part of the meal will always be the Garlic rolls they bring to your table when you sit down. Over-priced for the speedy not to personal service. Plus, even tho the wait is long they have great Mia-Tias that can help kill a hour very quickly while waiting to be seated. I wonder if they are the reason I always like the food... Hmm... Probably not...

    (4)

  • Irene S.

    What? Get out. Chicago is now the #1 fattest city in the US? Well, whatever ranking it is, I know it rates dangerously high, and down-home seafood ranches like this spell out why. Roll up those sleeves...It's almost evil how oily those free flowing crispy garlic buns are. I could make myself sick, filling up on them by the basketfuls (yes, the waitress was annoyed) with a side order of fried jalapeno corn sticks, but you can't drive all the way out to Wheeling and not feast on the King crab! My tastebuds were thanking me as my waistline cursed me.

    (4)

  • Azmat P.

    Having heard a lot of about Bob Chinn's I've been looking forward to eating here for a while. Unfortunately, while 'OK', it definitely wasn't worth the trip out from Chicago. It's comparable to a red lobster, with a lot more variety and fresher sea food.

    (2)

  • Cecilia T.

    Bob Chinns is one of the top seafood restaurants in the Chicagoland area. Despite being a Midwest Restaurant, I've taken my cousins from NY and MD to this place and even they absolutely love this place. What makes this place special? FRESH FRESH FRESH seafood. Bob flies in their crabs fresh from Alaska and Hawaii and trust me, I've never had a non-fresh meal here! The Shrimp and Crab is soooooo tasty here. Plus for what you get, the price is SO reasonable. The restaurant is rated as one of the highest grossing Independently Owned Restaurants in the U.S...up there with places like Tavern on the Grill. My All Time Favorites: - The Kona Crab/Fried Jumbo Shrimp combo - For $26 bucks you get this combo along with a side dish and coleslaw. I recommend the garlic sauce on the crab. - The vermicelli crab/egg noodles can be an appetizer or a meal itself but you could eat this dish all day! This is one of the BEST tasting chinese noodle dishes I've ever had. I always get it when i come here. The flavor is irresistible - - trust me, my entire family craves this dish everytime we come. - The BREAD - these garlic rolls come warm, soft, and smothered in spices of garlic and olive oil. I always have to restrain myself from getting full on the bread and our group is always ordering seconds and thirds of the bread. -Mai Tai - hint hint it's "world famous" as in they ship out their mai tai mixes to other states! - Fresh Oysters Appetizer- i personally do not eat fresh oysters but if that is your thing, this is the place to get it . It is SO good., -Jonas Claws Appetizer - another regular item I order when i come with big groups - the crabmeat is juicy, fresh, and very tasty - Every Mother's Day or Birthday, my mother orders their Dungeoness Crab - it's HUGE and succulent - really great for special occasions. Landlubbers: -If you don't eat seafood, their steaks aren't bad actually! Don't order here: Their sushi is just average.

    (5)

  • Chris F.

    Love the food here. I describe it as a seafood/asian/hawaiian/steakhouse restaurant. It has a very casual family atmosphere very similar to hooters without the sexy waitresses, but expect to pay 3-5 times of what you pay at hooters. My meal: Crabcake (Appetizer) - Good. Made with real crab meat. Crabmeat Vermicelli (Appetizer) - Delicious, love the oyster sauce Surf and Turf - Crab legs were delicious. Porterhouse was a nice medium rare, very tender. Fried Rice - I don't recommend this one. Super bland. Dessert - Good. Love the Hawaiian cakes and pies. Mai Tai - Over-rated. I had it with rum. Too sweet for my taste. Garlic Bread was super greasy and a little tough but had excellent garlic flavor.

    (5)

  • Rachel H.

    Great seafood. I love the food , never been disappointed.The Mai Tais are delicious. My family loves it so much we served it at my younger sister's rehersal dinner, we also celebrated my nephew's birthday at Bob's. The garlic rolls are crisp and garlicky, the oil sometimes is a bit much, you can ask the waiter not to drown the rolls in oil. The Seafood Gumbo is delicious, the sausage in the gumbo is very, very good. My favorite entrees are the steamed Sea Bass and the Lobster (Cantonese Style). For dessert you MUST absolutely try the Mud Pie, big enough for 4 people to share. The only reason I give it 4 stars I am not crazy about the plastic cups and the plates.

    (4)

  • Sarah L.

    Pitchers of Mai Thai's, crab, a HUGE Porterhouse marinated steak with sauteed onions and mushrooms. Garlic rolls. So good! I moved away, and I miss it!

    (5)

  • Laura P.

    I don't get it. When I mentioned to several different people that we were going here for dinner, I got nothing but rave reviews. Everyone gushed about how great it is, so admittedly my expectations were high. The restaurant is huge and for me a little too impersonal, it almost had the feel of eating in a large cafeteria. The food was alright. The tomato mozzarella salad was very good - the best part of the meal for me. I also had the scallops and fillet combo which was good, but I was expecting more (especially for the price). My husband had the Alaskan "Red" King Crab Legs and said that it was just ok, he is a big crab lover and said this wasn't as good as the crab legs he had from the buffet at a casino we had been to recently. The presentation was also definitely lacking, it looked as though the food was just thrown on the plates and then hurried out of the kitchen. I understand it is a large restaurant, but it wasn't very busy when we were there. The service was ok and our waiter was friendly. However, he was actually a little too friendly for my husband. I didn't sense any kind of gay vibe or anything from the waiter, but every time he stopped at our table he would rub his hand down my husband's back!!! Maybe I missed the point like Max said, but next time I will save my money and go somewhere I know I'll enjoy.

    (2)

  • Whitney R.

    Love the food especially the variety of fish! Can get pricey - it's a special occasion kind of place for me!

    (4)

  • Clean Plate s.

    Call me easy but whenever I get a chance to order whatever I want without having to worry about the bill, it's an automatic 4 stars. 5 stars if the food is great. Had a dozen oysters and king crab with a side of fried rice. Was definitely very fresh and very tasty. If you're ever in the area, I would certainly recommend it. Not cheap so go on someone else's dime if you can.

    (5)

  • Kristy S.

    Went there tonight for our valentines day dinner, our waiter was great and very friendly , they were very busy but the service was still outstanding! Food was great, got the stone crab claws and oysters rockerfeller for apps and they were great! My meal was the filet and pasta which was also great! loved it!

    (5)

  • Richard B.

    Easily one of my favorite restaurants. ... Possibly my favorite-favorite. I've been eating at Bob's often for over 10 years and the food has only disappointed me a few times. I'm actually not too fond of the decor, but, I think the food is awesome. As a kid my favorite dish was the stuffed shrimp with fettuccine Alfredo. Then I switched to the tempura style soft shell crabs. Currently I'm a huge fan of their crab legs and steak combo. The seasoning they use on their steak is delicious and it's always cooked to perfection. I think their garlic rolls are tasty and I would definitely recommend their clam chowder. For dessert you MUST get a slice of the purple paradise pie... I think the name has changed but your server should know what it is. There was a period in my life where I'd order a whole pie for carry out--that's how great it is.

    (5)

  • Todd W.

    I'd give 3.5 stars and am rounding down because of the dinner prices, but maybe this is the rate for Chicago area fresh seafood. The place had an aged and slightly cheaper ambience/look than I had anticipated given the menu prices - but it was nice enough. I'd rather see them put their money into good quality food than a remodel or Formica table upgrade. We were passed from greeter to greeter until we reached the far back of the restaurant to be seated - the place is bigger than I had expected. The wait staff was very friendly - and one of the ladies that helped us had worked there for about 20 years. The complimentary garlic rolls were somewhat unique - because the rolls were baked somewhat crisp I think they are baked dry and then slathered with an olive oil, herb and sauteed garlic mixture. The flavor is obviously strong, but we liked them pretty well (I would not rave over them, though). My wife had Asian Basa and a strip steak. The Asian Basa had a flavorful soy-ginger-black-bean sauce and I wish I had ordered it too. I had a strip steak and a dish with vermicelli noodles with shredded crab cooked kind of Vietnamese style with cilantro. Both of our steaks were pretty good for a seafood restaurant, but we had recently been to Ruth Chris Steakhouse and had $50 fillet and $50 ribeye - so Chinn's could not possibly compare. We had their Mai Tai wine coolers - my wife liked it and I thought it was weak, but like OK adult fruit punch. My wife absolutely loved the pear cheesecake - it was good and creamy and very natural tasting (my wife hates super-sweet desserts). Surprisingly she also liked the chocolate cheesecake that I ordered even though it came with a little caramel sauce on top. After writing this I almost want to click a 4th star in the rating.

    (3)

  • It's The F.

    Okay so FINALLLY we went to this place and I must say it was not the "scene" I thought it was going to be. I mean for such prices I kind of thought it would be set up pretty nicely similar to Devons -shrugs- Nonetheless walking in the awards and plaques on the wall prove they must have a great reputation as I had heard. Mr. Chinn greeted us for our 6:30 reservation and the reservation line was odd to me you walk into the first one then you walk through a little seating area onto another line directly in front of the seafood counter. We were seated pretty quickly and our server was the business he was quick and broke all of my 16oz crab legs (delicious!). My love and his son both had steak which I was suprised to see 8 oz steak on a kid's menu nonetheless he loved the food and we still ordered. Oh I can not forget the chinese fried rice it was the BOMB I mean like Nuclear, lol. I wish I could go and just get that alone! The server again very helpful, I do not eat onions and he told me that they make it in large quantities for scooping so the onions are in them, the rice isn't made to order....but he had them make me some without the onions!!! I was heavenly pleased. I would recommend this place to seafood lovers everywhere, I am originally from the MD/DC area where seafood is plentiful and fresh and I do realize that in IL there isn't much of an ease to quick fresh seafood.....Bob Chinn's is the place for the freshess and great quality. Our bill made my eyes bulge a bit but it was well worth it!

    (5)

  • Helen C.

    Am I missing something or is this place a tad overrated? Granted, the garlic rolls are pretty effing awesome, but other than that I was a little underwhelmed by the food. I had little crab claws in garlic and oysters -- both good but not stellar. If this place were not in a different city I would probably try it again but it just didn't live up to the hype for me.

    (2)

  • Deez N.

    the meal for 2 is very hard to beat. that steak is better than a lot of these famed steakhouses in chicago and hard to mess up king crab legs. the only problem with this place is how crowded it gets and what the wait can be. ive also had some inconsistencies with the steak, but they are usually good in correcting that (more of how its cooked) definitely a place i consider taking out of town guests to, but not automatically.

    (4)

  • Rich A.

    I love this Seafood place. Never a bad dish - always fresh and tasty. Be sure to get the Mai Tais

    (4)

  • Seth P.

    Bull-shit. Supposed to be super-fresh, but everything tasted frozen to me.

    (1)

  • adera l.

    Bob Chinn's is one of my favorite restaurants. It is pretty much the only seafood restaurant in the Chicago area that I'd feel confident about eating regularly. I used to live in Boston and I miss being able to have fresh and delicious seafood raw without being scared! No matter what time I go, I have never waited longer than 30-40 mins if at all. No matter how displeased my waiter is about it I always ask for two or three helpings of the garlic rolls for my table. They should know that my tip depends on their responsiveness to my garlic roll hunger, especially if I am ordering clam chowder! Clams are my favorite so I usually get some sort of clam dish which is always great. I wish they had clams baked just with breadcrumbs and maybe some garlic. They do have a clams casino (peppers, bacon, breadcrumb) which will do just fine. I'm really hungry now.

    (5)

  • m b.

    Best place for King Crab ever. They'll bring it out whole, they'll slice one side to make it easy to eat, they'll bring it out totally ready to eat. They have the ultimate crab-opener, the food is amazing, and the Mai Tai's are phenomenal (they claim to be the people who brought the Mai Tai to the mainland).

    (5)

  • Ryan K.

    I've only been here on a few work outings, so money hasn't really been an issue. That being said, there are few places where I'd rather spent a free dinner. They do seafood here really well. And you didn't need me to tell you that..... Tips: - Very large parking lot. Shouldn't be an issue. - The rolls are some of the best around. I just can get enough. - Don't miss soft shell season if you are around. - Most of the same items are on the menu for lunch be a bit cheaper. - I've gone the surf and turf route several times and always been impressed with the steaks as well.

    (4)

  • Giselle S.

    This suburban Seafood location has been the place to go for all things living under the sea without becoming a 'Has been.' I recently revisited Chinn's House with a few other Lady friends to reminisce the college days. I knew the place was not going to be a quiet place but it is not hard to carry a conversation. It is not the 'romantic' spot for a couple of love birds, but it has the right draw for those looking for meat less options as well as 'Land- lubber' types or those ppl looking for drink specials. Each Lady friend fit one of these categories. My seafood was spot on for the stuffed halibut and the side of potato. One of the gals ate prime rib which she proclaimed was a bit fatty, but it looked tasty. ( I'm pretty sure prime rib is suppose to have a fair amount of gristle). The mai tai drinks were ordered as a pitcher. I would have to recommend to order by the glass because the mai tai tasted watered down if not consumed right away. Also to mention since one of our gal pals did not imbibe the alcohol her glass of ice was added to the pitcher by our waitress. The drinks tasted watered down after the first round. It was like topping off the remaining glasses with fruity water. I had never ordered a mai tai in pitchers thus would have never thought twice. **You have been warned. I usually love the Mai Tai and would thus order my own glass. Seafood choices that were ordered were very fresh. The crowd of people seemed endless. We waited 45 minutes for a table (this wait time was to be expected). The lines that people are herded into liken to the lines at a small but favorite amusement ride. 'Cuz you know the ride is going to be good and yet you continue to subject yourself to the wait times.:) The food is good, the staff are polite and knowledgeable, and people will wait to eat the food here. The garlic rolls now come to the table, "halfsies" not whole, but still tasting yummy. The doors within the restaurant are one way exits. So if you leave the dining area and find your way to a bar/waiting area to use your phone you have to go back around from the way you entered to get to your table. I guess to keep people from cutting into lines @at peak hours. Not a big deal, but I caught a few stares from diners watching me figure out how to open the door from the wrong side like walking into the exit door @ the grocery store. I may have been the entertainment for the night. I guess it is a good thing I have small fingers!? The food is $$ and you get what you pay for and worth every penny. That being said, I Ieave this place for the special occasions. Like reminiscing with your college buddies over great food and (usually) great drink. Enjoy!

    (4)

  • Josephine Z.

    Awww... Baaaack in the day. Seafood eating in Chicago. Reminds me of a modern Brigantine in San Diego. My friend's family, the LeTourneau's owned it. We used to go after big basketball championship games. This restaurant is more nostalgic than seen as GREAT CUISINE. The garlic bread was most memorable as was the coconut battered shrimp. However, I can't wait to go back to test the changes. I still have the lunch bag from there!!

    (3)

  • Peter D.

    Crazy, big, loud restaurant that serves up a fun experience and a huge selection of food. Its not the cheapest place to take a date and definitely very expensive to take a whole family, but for a nice and fun experience I definitely recommend it. The seafood selections are endless, but their prime rib special is not something to be looked over.

    (4)

  • Emmanuel F.

    The mai-tai was good and the dungeness crabs cooked in garlic sauce were delicious, but it was kind of pricy. Of course, you're paying a premium to get good seafood in Chicago. I think I agree with other reviewers that this restaurant is all about the nostalgic ambiance. We had gone with some friends who were originally from Chicago so they had a lot of good memories from eating there. At the end of the meal, Bob himself even came by our table to chat with us.

    (3)

  • Mina M.

    As a seafood lover, Bob Chinn's has never disappointed me. My favorites: 1. Lunch specials: Asian style sea bass is EXCELLENT and a great deal. I think it's almost double the price for dinner. The portion is more than enough for one person. Get it with the white rice so you can mix the sauce with the rice. 2. Garlic rolls. I'm so glad they no longer pour butter on your bread plate. These rolls are greasy enough, but they are so good! 3. King crab legs. There was no noticeable difference between their premium and select. Stick with the lower price. 4. Steamed neck clams. Okay, order this dish as an appetizer. Don't get it for your main entree. They are the same portion size! After getting the appetizer portion regularly, I decided to order the clams from their entree section. Guess what? They are the SAME size. The only difference is that you get a side that comes with the entree. So, essentially, I paid $15.95 for clams that were the same portion size as their appetizer which was $9.95. 5. Raw oysters 6. Kona crab. I usually get this with their garlic sauce. Yummy. However, the last time I was there, I tried it with their chili sauce. I personally liked it very much, but it was EXTREMELY spicy, the kind of spicy where you will be dabbing your sweaty face with their rough paper towels and your lips will look like they've been suckered punched. Next time, I will ask for this sauce on the side so I can control the spiciness. 7. Any of their steaks. 8. Key lime pie. Light, fresh, and tart 9. Their salad bar. I don't know what makes it so special, but their salad bar is one of the best.

    (5)

  • Ed G.

    I visited here two days ago while traveling on business from California. Had the Soy Sauce Steamed Asian Sea Bass. It was to die for........

    (5)

  • Jenn L.

    Some of my fondest memories of Chicago are eating at Bob Chin's as a kid. Ok, ok, so it's not the BEST seafood around, but it's damn good! There are lines here, it's touristy, but it's FUN dining, not fine dining. They have the biggest Nigerian Prawns I've seen in my life. You can't even get those in LA. Nuff' said.

    (4)

  • James F.

    I'm only giving this joint 2 stars because the staff is super friendly. Otherwise the food was gross. I felt like it had been pulled from the freezer and microwaved until lukewarm. I didn't even find the garlic rolls all that fantastic ... they're literally bread with oil and garlic salt ... and there's WAY too much oil. Maybe we ordered the wrong things: Steam little neck clams - rubbery, but no sand at least Ahi poki salad - way too salty ... overdosed on something Crab appetizer or something - Everything tasted frozen and old ... stay away! Now that I think about it, maybe the good reviews are for the food that uses a lot of sauces. There's like 7 thousand ways you can choose from to cook your seafood, but I had everything steamed/chilled. Maybe their Chinese style, ginger/scallion crab is on point? Try if you dare. My lemonade was good though and the wait staff is excellent. Try Shaw's for some real seafood. Oh and why the hell are people posting pictures of themselves? Is this Flickr or something?

    (2)

  • Margo L.

    At first, I thought I was at Disneyland. You enter and are asked how many in your party. Then, you stand in a line underneath that number and wait for the fun to begin. The atmosphere is loud, fun and definitely a throwback to an era gone by. The staff are all very efficient and friendly. The prices are average and on a Saturday for early dinner, the crowd were all dressed very casually. I personally did not think the bread was very garlicky?! It was, however, very buttery! They have a special until 6 p.m. sharp where you can get one order of a dozen raw oysters for $5.00. The oysters are so good you almost hate to put the sauce on them. The seafood is obviously what people come here for, but I can never quite bring myself to order crab/lobster from a Midwestern restaurant. Others in the group did, however and found the crab to be very good. The salmon was o.k. - did not taste super fresh, but the chicken stir fry was very, very good. Worth the $$ to pay the extra 2 bucks for all white meat. The Mai Tai's are great, they have a good wine list. It is a really fun place.

    (4)

  • Isabelle L.

    The key here is to go for lunch. Prices are over inflated for dinner for the quality of food being given. Good fish and crab no doubt but the place is certainly not appealing (big room with no style), service is ok. Fresh fish but the preparation and choice of side dishes is nothing to rave about. Go for lunch for fresh seafood. Skip for dinner, not worth the price and the wait. Hint, Saturday and Sunday lunches have the same price offering as week day lunches.

    (3)

  • DR. S.

    The food quality before was definitely much better than what they serve now. Somehow the food doesn't taste as good as before. Forget about their national seafood promotion because I tried it and they are cold as hell. I had the 1 lb lobster and the 8 oz strip steak which they are cold at the moment when they bought it out. Some of the server have attitude, and I used to like this place so much. My girl and I go there at least once a week, but since they can't keep their quality, so we now only go there once a month. They still have fresh seafood "sometime".

    (2)

  • AgentRobLondon L.

    I came to eat here when my NFL client, Chicago Bears Matt Forte was stuck in traffic, so he couldn't get to me before I headed back to the airport (TMI I know, lol). I was alittle confused when I stepped in the place because I didn't know it was so huge inside, but I eventually made my way to the main large dining area (while following posted signs like a 3rd grader lol). My waiter was personable, and the scallops were delish! I was alone at a 4 chair table so there was alot of "come hither" glares goin on haha. I'd go back to try those huge crabs I say, dang I wish I coulda changed my order, lol. You'll enjoy Chinn's.

    (3)

  • Edward B.

    We took my wife's father here for Christmas Dinner this weekend. All I can say is "wow!". Excellent service, pretty decent prices, actually and GREAT seafood. I had the ex-crab-aganza, and it was awesome. I wish I'd had the Alaskan King Crag legs like my son, though, because they're much less work than all of the claws that came with my platter. Mine was $22 and his $18 - quite a bargain, really. And those Garlic Rolls that come gratis - WOW!!! All around, a great experience. We'll definitely be back.

    (5)

  • Jen H.

    Seafood is my favorite, so I've eaten at a lot of seafood places. This is one of my favorite places because I have never had anything bad, and the crab here is excellent. The service has never been bad. I've been here quite a few times. My husband and I are never disappointed. Just stuffed! It's not a classy, high end place, but we enjoy the laid back, family friendly atmosphere and we always have a good time with a great meal.

    (4)

  • christine c.

    i would give them five stars for the food, but i'm taking away two stars for making me feel guilty for asking for more bread! that's basically my main reason for even going there in the first place!!! not only that, but they've decided to cut the rolls in half now so they can give you EVEN LESS. yes, the economy is crappy. i get it. but don't go pushing customers away with these antics

    (3)

  • Andrew T.

    Some of the best and most consistently well prepared seafood in the northwest suburbs.

    (5)

  • Nick M.

    I know everybody and their momma has reviewed the famous man with crabs Mr. Bob Chinn or the man with two N's in his Chinn. Anyways this is the story of how I conned Mr. Chinn out of a hat. Why you ask, because I feel like a story. Oh and I wanted a hat. I mean that long of a drive and you should get something... right! A friend of mine was treating me to my favorite thing to eat...crab legs MMmm for my b-day. Somehow we ended up going on Father's day, which probably wasn't the smartest thing. It was so packed in there, a mad house I tell you, people and fish everywhere. The funny thing about crab legs and I is that I have no concept of everything around me when I'm eating them. It's like in those movies where the one guy stands still but everybody else around him is in fast forward. Anyways I go to take a small break to use the wash room (I had to get out the crab meat from off my shoulder, ears, and the top of my head.. don't ask, I mean people were starting to stare. Don't ever let me eat wings... Where do you think they got the name wing-master), on the way I noticed Mr. Chinn giving out hats to father's, I thought what the hell I want a hat (even though I'm not a father). I approach him for the hat and then he says "These are for father's only, are you a father?" (of course that biggie lyric popped in my head "I love it when you call me big papa"). I had to think fast, I was actually by the front door and there were a lot of people waiting in line, so I grabbed a kid when his mother wasn't looking and whispered to him "smile for the guy and I'll give you a crab leg", Mr Chinn fell for it..... ok fine I would've done that but there wasn't any kids so I said my son is at home... I lied to Mr. Chinn. He just gave me a half smile and I got the hat. Ok well, I didn't say it was a good story. Regardless Mr. Chinn's crab legs are the BEST!!! I would rock my hat every-time I go if I was aloud too.

    (5)

  • Leocris L.

    oh geez. one of the too many to submit a review. i can probaby just come here and eat the bread. chinn's is probably the best seafood around the area, without really breaking the bank. sucks that on almost every weekend, there's a decent line. also, i'm not a fan of the paper menus. a traditional style, with pics would be nice.

    (5)

  • shirley m.

    3.5 stars for the food, 2 stars for the service. Been going here off and on for 12 years....years ago it was really really really good, the seafood is really fresh and we mostly go for the fresh crabs. Pre recession the garlic rolls would keep coming on this visit, not only are they cut in halves, we had to keep asking for the rolls over and over and over again. Seafood salad is fantastic, loads of shrimp and fresh chunks of crab meat, Kona Crab in garlic is steamed just right, the meat is really sweet and we had the dungeness crab in garlic as well. Thumbs up to the Mai tais in the souviner cup they do not skimp on the rum so one was enough for us!

    (3)

  • Alexander C.

    A huge restaurant full of tasty sea food. Whatever I order seems to be loaded up with butter and grease, but hey that is what I am expecting when I go here. I dig the tacky shirts and the mai tais in the plastic tiki cups. Garlic rolls!

    (4)

  • Sammy J.

    My all time favorite restaurant. Whether I'm in the mood for seafood or steak or even Bob Chinn's famous garlic rolls, this place never disappoints. And the menu always has new and interesting specials, I have such a difficult time trying to narrow it down to just one choice. I want to try everything on the menu! I guess if I had to give one criticism, it might be that the restaurant is always so busy, but honestly I don't even mind because thats what Bob Chinns is all about. It's vibrant and noisy and you should expect that going in. Its an exciting atmosphere. If you're a seafood lover and like to try some exotic menu choices you won't find just anywhere. Or if you like perfectly cooked steaks (albeit well seasoned with garlic), Bob Chinns is a must visit.

    (5)

  • Richard N.

    I had high expectations for this place but was highly disappointed and unimpressed. First, didn't like having to walk and stand in 2 different lines just to be seated. The garlic rolls that apparently is their signature item, were very tough and the garlic was very overpowering. The menu has waaaay too much going on, even to the point that it seems like things are repeated . Even the waiter "apologized" for the overabundance of items.... I ordered the crab cake and pasta alfredo. And also had the seafood gumbo as an appetizer. The gumbo was ok, but it would have been better if it had been served over steamed white rice, as is the norm. The crab cake was ok, nothing outstanding kinda gooey actually. The pasta was generic "olive garden "style. My wife had the popcorn crab. The breading was "gummy" and took away from the crab. The fries were actually sweet potato fries, which wasn't specified. Luckily, my wife liked them but I'm sure some people would not.Plus, can u jam anymore tables into an already cramped spot? There was a nice sized party that was seated behind and on top of me.... All in all, I just don't see the appeal to this place and will not return here, you can find a lot better seafood places for a lot less $$$

    (2)

  • Justin W.

    How can you not love Bob Chinn's? Ok, maybe if you're a vegetarian. I know a lot of people that say, "Justin, I'm not into seafood. I'm a steak person!" Check it - Bob Chinn's claims to make more steaks per year than the vast majority of steakhouses in the Chicagoland area. I love this place to death. I will say that the cheap plastic plates that they use to serve food bother me.

    (5)

  • Rebecca C.

    Always delicious! HIghly recommended! Definitely 5 Stars!

    (5)

  • Claudia M.

    Coming here for years, there is usually a wait unless you go at lunch time, on a weekday. Seafood is awesome. I do have to say that their ceviche does lack something. Gotta try their guava juice. Steaks are pretty good too, for you land lubbers.

    (5)

  • Alan R.

    All though the overall average review is four stars, I was very surprised at some of the poor reviews. Bob Chinn's is one of the best seafood restaurants in the Chicago area. My wife had King Crab legs and they were easily the meatiest crab I have ever had. The Seafood Pot Pie (they also had a lobster pot pie) special is amazing. Plump shrimp, Meaty Lobster and Crab in a creamy sauce under a flaky crust. It was amazing. I was so happy with the the meal, I forgot about the best part of going to Chinn's, the Garlic Rolls they bring out to start the meal. I could make a meal out of those alone. They are also famous for Mai Tai's that can be found around Chicago. The Oyster appetizer was slippery and tasty. Chinn's can be expensive depending on what you order. Everything is worth the trip out to Wheeling and the Prices. I only had two complaints. The salad bar was disappointing. You would think a seafood restaurant would some seafood on a salad bar. Also, I went with my wife, one year old son and grandfather. My grandparents, that are 93 and 88 were waiting for a car behind them to back out to leave. The car was in valet. We asked the valet boy to move the car and he replied "Can't you see I am busy?". Amazingly rude considering an elderly couple was waiting to leave. Otherwise, I always look forward to a trip to Chinn's.

    (4)

  • Liz L.

    I heard great things about this place, definitely lived up to it's image. On the way there drove by the airport through which Bob Chinn apparently has his seafood delivered fresh daily. We ordered the alaskan king crab legs, seafood italiano pasta, and lobster cantonese style. The free garlic rolls were really good. The crab legs were huge and plump, they were so tasty. The lobster dish was really good too. We didn't expect to have so many big pieces of lobster, the sauce was really good and not too greasy. The pasta wasn't so great, stick to other things on the huge menu. Definitely going back again, not fancy so good place for a comfortable family dinner.

    (4)

  • John H.

    It is all been said before. I had a birthday party here and took eight friends. The bill with tip was $500 with tip which I thought was very reasonable. The salad bar is nothing special, but the food is good and plentiful. The drinks are well made, too. I just like the place and how well you are treated. The fresh salmon comes in May and needs to be tried to be believed.

    (5)

  • Mary S.

    I have to say for seafood, nobody does it better than Bob Chinn's. It is not the cheapest restaurant in the world but the quality of the food easily justifies their prices. I have eaten at Bob Chinn's often over the years and I have never been disappointed by one of their meals. Their calamari is superb and of course, the much-lauded garlic rolls are unique and incredibly tasty. Shrimp scampi is also an out-of-the-park home run; the shrimp are huge and the flavor is just off-the charts, it is so good. The crab legs are spectacular; I have ordered porterhouse steak and crab legs and it was so filling I was unable to even finish a third of the meal. The mai tais are amazing--but lethal! The atmosphere will seem a little strange on your first visit--you will feel like you are being seated at an indoor sports arena--the dining area is gigantic. With that much seating, it goes without saying that the restaurant is noisy--VERY noisy--but again, the food never disappoints so that helps to temper some of the racket. Celebrate a birthday here or any other special occasion--you will have a terrific time and you absolutely will enjoy the food.

    (5)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :11:00 am - 10

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : Yes
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Dinner
    Parking : Valet, Private Lot
    Bike Parking : No
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Casual
    Noise Level : Loud
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Outdoor Seating : No
    Wi-Fi : Free
    Has TV : Yes
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : Yes

Bob Chinn’s Crab House

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