Devon Seafood Grill

4.0 star rating
427 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Seafood, Bars

39 E Chicago Ave
(between Wabash Ave & Rush St)
Chicago, IL 60611
Neighborhood: Near North Side
(312) 440-8660
Make a Reservation
choose a date
Announcement

We're offering a special menu designed for two this Valentine's Day. 2/12 - 2/13 $84 for two. 2/14 $99 for two. Reservations Recommended.

Nearest Transit:

Chicago-Red (Red Line)

Grand-Red (Red Line)

Chicago-Brown (Brown Line, Purple Line)

Hours:

Mon-Thu, Sun 11 am - 10 pm

Fri-Sat 11 am - 11 pm

Good for Kids:
No
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Valet
Attire:
Dressy
Good for Groups:
Yes
Price Range:
$$$
Takes Reservations:
Yes
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
No
Wi-Fi:
No
Good For:
Dinner
Music:
Background
Best Nights:
Wed, Thu, Sun
Happy Hour:
Yes
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Smoking:
No
Coat Check:
Yes
Noise Level:
Average
Good For Dancing:
No
Ambience:
Classy
Has TV:
Yes
Caters:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

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"The lobster mac and cheese was delicious." (in 40 reviews)
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"The upstairs is perfect for happy hour." (in 128 reviews)
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"Char-crusted Ahi Tuna: as good as it sounds, perfectly..." (in 8 reviews)
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427 reviews in English

  • Review from Erica E.

    •  
    • 2 friends
    • 46 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    2/5/2012

    I'm going to join the tons of people raving about the happy hour.  I went with my friend this Friday.  We ate:
    Calamari- huge!  came with a sweet sauce and a mayonnaise based sauce and some fresh lemon to squeeze.  I loved the fried hot peppers and carrots too.  
    Mini Lobster roll- not that mini, came split in two, perfect for sharing.  My first time eating one of these so I have no comparison but it was very tasty.  This came with some french fries.  
    Mussels in wine- also big, also tasty.  Mussels are hard to screw up, but these were good. Big garlic toast on top was delicious dipped in the garlicy wine sauce.  

    We were both stuffed, and each of those dishes were $6 so we paid $9 each.  Pretty awesome!  My friend liked her martini, also on special.  

    Atmosphere is nice up there.  I'll be back.

  • Review from Jenny D.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    2.0 star rating
    Updated - 1/27/2012

    I used to have NOTHING but great things to say about Devon. In fact, I considered it to be one my favorite restaurants in Chicago. So much so that when my sister came to visit from Florida, I told her we ABSOLUTELY had to go to Devon.

    So we planned to go to dinner right before we went out that evening. We made reservations and came on time. We ended up waiting an extra 15 minutes to get our table. No big deal at all, we were in no rush and I know how busy they get on weekends.

    When we finally got seated, that's when things went downhill. Every time I have dined at Devon, the reason I keep going back besides the food, is the beyond amazing service! What a difference this time was.... Our server was down right MEAN! We got our biscuits but we had no utensil or butter. So we politely asked if we can have both. The server comes back with a bowl of butter and LITERALLY threw it on the table and walked away without saying a word. We were shocked. We still had no utensils, so we asked again the next time he came around, and he rolled his eyes, didn't say a word, and came back with our cutlery and dropped it on our table without a word again. It was so weird and rude. Here I was talking this place up to my sister and we are getting treated so poorly.

    The only time this gentleman came by was to give us our butter and utensils, to take our order and pick up the check. The only thing he said the whole time we were there was,"What can I get you?" NOTHING else. Even when we ordered our meal, he didn't even say anything. We asked for an extra plate with our order so we can share our entrees and again with the eye rolling. What was wrong with this man??? But what was SO weird is how much different he was treating the other tables. He was being NORMAL with everyone else. I simply did not get it.

    It's such a shame that the food here really is great, but this server honestly put a bad taste in my mouth. I have not returned since, and I hope if I do decide to go back, the butter throwing, eye rolling, mute waiter is gone.

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      10/26/2011

      By far, some of the best and freshest seafood in the city, as well as PHENOMENAL customer service.… Read more »

    Comment from Kirsten G. of Devon Seafood Grill 1/30/2012   
    Jenny,   Thank you for reviewing Devon Seafood Grill on… More »
  • Review from bettina k.

    •  
    • 2 friends
    • 8 reviews

    IL

    2.0 star rating
    1/24/2012

    I came here for the Happy Hour specials, but won't be coming back after my third visit. I don't believe the appetizers I had- mussels and tuna roll- deserve to be more expensive on a regular menu than what their happy hour price is.
    Stay away from the $ .75 oysters. They sound like a good deal, but taste like oysters from a can- zero taste. They also came without any crackers or, in my case, without a fork.
    What really bothers me is the lackluster, loveless service here.
    Waiters do their best to ignore you and seem so aloof that they look ignorant, considering the ambitions of this establishment. That includes the lack of "goodbye" and "thank you" after the bill was paid. I'll leave this one to tourists impressed by Rush Street. Go to Fleming's  Happy Hour instead. Beautiful food, nice service.
    Or go anywhere else on Rush Street. At least the waiters and bartenders at Hugo's or Tavern will make you feel welcome, instead of masking their carelessness with black Mao uniforms.

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Kirsten G. of Devon Seafood Grill 1/25/2012   
    Bettina,   Thank you for reviewing Devon Seafood Grill on… More »
  • Review from Jen J.

    •  
    • 2 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Dyer, IN

    2.0 star rating
    2/8/2012

    The food is good, but not worth the price. For the price, I was expecting better quality and taste. The crab cakes, which were mostly crab without a lot of filler, were the best part of the meal. I had the mixed seafood grill as an entree, and the best part was the mashed potatoes. The seafood was seafood - just ok. My boyfriend had the veggie lobster ravioli which was also lacking in flavor. We also ordered the lobster mac n' cheese which wasn't as good as expected, lacking creaminess and lobster.

  • Review from Lauren K.

    Manhattan, NY

    5.0 star rating
    1/19/2012

    I came here on Yelp's recommendation during my trip to Chicago this past summer and I loved every second of it.

    Two friends and I visited Devon on an off hour and got to experience the amazing happy hour special (Monday-Friday, 4-7 PM), which included:

    1. Dollar Oysters (!!!)
    2. $5-$7 dollar appetizers (marked down 50% of the original price)
    3. Discounted beer and wine

    I loved pretty much everything we ordered.  The East Coast oysters were more flavorful than the West Coast oysters, in my opinion.

    I also had the tempura shrimp sushi rolls (which was the only dish I wasn't crazy about), the goat cheese bruschetta (yum), and fried calamari which was delicious.

    The interior is upscale but casual, which I liked. This place is great for reasonably priced and high-quality seafood. Make sure you take a trip there during happy hour.

  • Review from Ada M.

    •  
    • 7 friends
    • 67 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    1/18/2012

    Came here last minute for my sister's birthday. We looked up a few places that were nearby, and didn't realize this is the place I always pass by when I get off of the red line.

    Two of my cousins were in town for the weekend, and they surprisingly loved the food, considering they are from NY and they have everything there.

    Our server was very helpful and friendly, even chatted with us about the Saints game hahah

    Even though this is a "dressier" restaurant, the interior was still relaxing and comfortable to have dinner.

  • Review from Edtra F.

    •  
    • 3 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    1/4/2012

    Let me first state that I am obsessed with this restaurant. I am a seafood restaurant connoisseur-in-my-mind & this place offers the best service and food. My first time was for my birthday with my mother. I made reservations earlier that week and was anticipating this dinner all week.

    When I first got there, the first thing I noticed were the many people who were there for happy hour. The bar is near the entrance, so you walk past all of the people are there for drinks and small plates. I was greeted by hosted, who I talked to earlier to explain I would be a few minutes late. She told me 'Happy Birthday' and led me down the stairs to the dining area. The decor is gorgeous and inviting.

    We ordered the crab cakes, which were delicious! Actually, everything was great. My mother bragged about her surf & turf (steak & lobster tail) meal; it was hefty in portions. I ate all of my king crab legs happily, and sipped my wine gracefully. :-)

    Our waiter was a sweetheart. He assured me that he would make this a great first time and birthday experience. And he did. He made suggestions of the menu and explained what was popular. He checked back (not too often and not too far apart) to make sure we were happy with everything.

    The Perks: If you buy a bottle of wine and are not finished, it can be re-corked and sealed in a bag to take home.

    Sign up for email updates. "Tuesday Hookups" are a good wait to taste the menu at a discounted rate. Every Tuesday, you get an email about the daily special. Also, you get a coupon for your birthday to eat for free (sorta).

    Go today and enjoy!

  • Review from Tonitini C.

    •  
    • 34 friends
    • 19 reviews

    Naperville, IL

    5.0 star rating
    2/1/2012

    Devon is divine!!! Make sure to be there for happy hour! Its the bomb!!!!!! I ate a dozen of oysters, calamari and tuna tartare and loved it!

  • Review from Elizabeth F.

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 12/19/2011 3 photos Seated via OpenTable 5 Check-ins Here

    Oh my WORD.

    Impeccable, accommodating service, dizzying menu, beautiful dining room... plus that stuffed-to-the-gills post-dinner feeling!

    Enjoyed a second visit to Devon this weekend as promised to treat my best friend to birthday dinner for his big 3-0.

    We both stared at the menu for the better part of 20 minutes as our waiter continued to check on us. So much to choose from!

    I finally succumbed to the Maine lobster tail, lobster mac & cheese (I HAD to try it, other Yelpers have been raving about it!) plus a side of leeks & fresh mushrooms combined with melted goat cheese.

    My best friend had a center-cut filet with panko-breaded shrimp. He had a side of Yukon Gold mashed potatoes & horse radish grilled brussel spouts.

    Our waiter promised us no birthday-song funny-business, but he did surprise us after our meal with a heaping, generous slice of daily-fresh-made cake complete with birthday candle. The cake was a pecan, coconut carrot cake. So inventive!

    I was beyond impressed with our dinner, the service & the menu. I wanted to order one of everything!

    I will be back for oysters again & soon... more lobster.

    Thank you, Devon, for making my best friend's special evening even more special with your impressive menu, attentive staff & excellent food.

    Listed in: Vegetarian Friendly Chicago!

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      12/10/2011

      Had my first chance to stop in & visit Devon today & I am glad I did!

      I am planning to take my BFF… Read more »

    Comment from Kirsten G. of Devon Seafood Grill 12/12/2011   
    Thank you for reviewing Devon Seafood Grill on Yelp! So… More »
  • Review from n l.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 33 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    2/6/2012

    Happy hour here was excellent!  They have an awesome menu with various flatbreads, oysters, rolls, drinks..

  • Review from Stacy w.

    •  
    • 11 friends
    • 42 reviews

    Dallas, TX

    5.0 star rating
    12/13/2011

    Devon's is must-eat! I ate the best crab cakes I've ever had in my entire life. It was so delicious I couldn't stop eating when I was full as a tick.

    Devon's is known for their crab cakes and they do not disappoint. I got the mac and cheese and asparagus with it. The mac and cheese was just cheesy enough. The asparagus was cooked to perfection.

    The service was spectacular. The restaurant was a tad loud on the Thursday night we went, but we were so busy stuffing our faces, there was no need to talk.

    It was by far the best meal I had on my trip to Chicago. I can't wait to go back just for this meal.

  • Review from Howard L.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 32 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    3.0 star rating
    1/6/2012 Seated via OpenTable

    Went here for NYE with my date. The place is very nice and walking distance from my place, which is great. The crabcake appetizer was great. The only thing that bothered me is my pet peeve, when you place your entree order and within 3 minutes they put it down on your table. This suggests to me that everything is really  pre-cooked, which shouldn't be the case with lobster.'

    Overall, a good seafood choice.

  • Review from Sophia Q.

    •  
    • 28 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    12/5/2011

    I've only been here for happy hour so for that, I'm a fan. (FYI: Mon-Fri, 4-7 and 9-close)

    It's a nice setting with that dim candle-lit lighting that makes everyone look better. I've usually only gone here with big groups and they are always very accommodating. We've never had to wait for a table in the bar area, they have no problem splitting up the check (even when there's 10 checks!), and location is prime for me as it's close to the red line, Chick-fil-a, and oh yeah, work.

    $5, $6 & $7 "apps" that can definitely serve as a meal. Can't go wrong with calamari, and the Maine mussels are one of my favs! .75 oysters are usually good but depends on the Chef's selection I guess. Try the 1lb. steamed lobster! Got it last time for $13. Good deal.

    I love the daily drink specials too - Their signature "cucumber dill" martini is really light & refreshing, chocolate martini works well for colder nights, and wine flights any day every day, please.

  • Review from Kate M.

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    11/21/2011

    I asked to be taken somewhere for dinner that included french fries.  We ended up at Devon Seafood Grill.  I wasn't toooo disappointed.

    We shared the tuna tartare, and I had scallops with mushroom risotto.  The tuna tartare was delicious.  The scallops were cooked perfectly and the risotto was also very good.  I was expecting the portions to be ridiculous, but they were actually only slightly silly.  I was starving and when my entree arrived I didn't think it would be enough food, when I was done, I was stuffed.  Well played, Devon.  Well played.

    The interior is much larger than I would have guessed.  There is a very nice lower level.  Aside from the obvious lack of windows, it's not obvious you're in a basement.  And really, who wants to look out onto the snarl of traffic that is Chicago Ave?

    The wait staff were extraordinarily attentive.  That's the polite way of saying they were smothering us.  Yes, we get it, you're trying really hard to make us happy, we're smiling at you, see the smiles?, ok, now move on and let us chat.  But they did it so nicely that it was only slightly annoying.

    I'd definitely go back to Devon.  Oh, and on the way out, I saw someone with french fries...now how come I didn't notice that on the menu?

  • Review from Jo G.

    •  
    • 7 friends
    • 96 reviews

    Manhattan, NY

    3.0 star rating
    12/17/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    Place is alright. Service is slow. Really server? You're on your iPhone checking shit, but you can't adequately & efficiently take my order? Fail. Plus, the place was quite dead and it still was a 10 yr wait.
    Ridic. Sadness really. Cute space but waste of service. Good specials though.

  • Review from Melanie S.

    Chicago, IL

    3.0 star rating
    11/17/2011

    I've been to Devon a few times for happy hour and in general, I like it. It's a pleasant setting and a good value, especially for the neighborhood. They have different drink specials ranging from featured martinis to select wine flights, depending on which night you're there. And where else in Chicago can you get a whole 1 lb. lobster for cost (Tues - Thurs)?

    I've tried several things on their appetizer menu (also at special happy hour pricing) so I'll touch on the hits and misses:

    calamari - average. Not super flavorful or compelling, but it's decent. The fried carrot strips and jalapenos they toss in just seems like "filler"

    tuna tartare - very good. It's not a traditional tartare in that the tuna is lightly blackened, but I like that it amps up the flavor. It's served atop sliced cucumber which cuts the richness and adds some texture. On one visit though, the cucumber was kind of slimy

    lobster roll - two mini lobster rolls on split-top toasted buns. The lobster meat is finely minced (shredded?) and not as chunky as I prefer, and it's tossed with more mayo than I'd like, but the corn they toss in adds a nice crunch. I love the fries that come with it (and the adorable demitasse cup they're served in)

    oysters - super fresh, and they have a good variety of east and west coast

    grilled artichoke - lightly charred and smokey, and served with a parmesan aioli

    cheeseburger - a nice foil to all the seafood items

    The bartenders / servers have been a bit of a mixed bag too. One one visit, the woman seated next to me asked for a cocktail made with St Germain and the bartender didn't know what St. Germain was (really?), despite it being featured on their cocktail list. On another visit, the bartender broke a wine glass but since it was busy, he didn't clean it up right away, and instead kept walking over the broken glass (which kind of freaked me out). Some shards of glass even flew onto the bar itself and he didn't even acknowledge it. We ended up brushing the pieces of broken glass to the side with a cocktail napkin. It was just so odd, not to mention, dangerous.

    I've had better luck with service when I've sat at the tables, as opposed to the bar, and one server was so affable and spot-on that I wished I remembered his name so I could make sure I sat in his section on subsequent visits.

    Again, I've not experienced dinner at Devon so I can't comment on that, but for happy hour, it's definitely worth checking out.

  • Review from Janie G.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Winnetka, IL

    5.0 star rating
    1/23/2012

    I went here for a lunch date.  My server, Felicia, was awesome! So attentive.  The bread they give you is really sweet and really good.  I had the lobster bisque and it may have been the best lobser bisque I've ever had.

  • Review from Helen S.

    Evanston, IL

    3.0 star rating
    11/14/2011 1 photo

    I loved this place the first time I came with a large group of friends. I came in with a group of five girls once and we each ordered the Happy Hour lobster special.  I honest to god have no idea how to eat a lobster. I've had it before, but only Asian style, as in they chop it into pieces and stir fry it with soy sauce. So I was utterly confused about what I was supposed to do when we went to Devon. They gave me lemon and butter to go with it, and halfway through my struggle, I had the brilliant idea to mix them together with salt/pepper (yes I'm slow). It was tasty, but the lobster was small, although I guess I wasn't expecting anything huge for the happy hour special.

    The restaurant has been voted best happy hour in Chicago (I have no idea by who, but it says so on their website lol) because appetizers and specialty drinks are discounted from $10 to between $5-7, so it's a pretty good deal.

    I also came here a second time on an awkward date and I got their lobster bisque which was absolutely delicious. However, their sushi rolls were subpar because the rice was very mushy and just not the same as the sushi you can get at sushi restauraunts. Service here the second time around took awhile, and during my date I was dying to leave but the meal took 2+ hours when all I ordered was soup.

  • Review from Gabrielle S.

    La Grange Park, IL

    2.0 star rating
    11/15/2011

    I am struggeling only giving Devon 2 stars, maybe it's closer to 3- but not quite.
     Devon has been recommended to me many times as a "great value with phenomenal
    seafood and fish".  Weeeeeell.....I have to disagree after my mediocre
    experience.

    Went here on a Friday night, was seated after less than maybe 20 minutes with no
    reservation(not bad).  Then we waited.  And waited.  And waited.  After flagging
    down a few people we finally found a server who was busy but was actually pretty
    nice- so I'll give her props for sure, she was very helpful and sweet.  

    The food:
    Clams in oil and garlic with a slice of garlic bread...tasty clams, but not very
    many in the dish at all and I swear the garlic bread was actually made
    with-gasp!-garlic POWDER!!!  I know, I know, a shame.

    Tuna tartar-tasty

    Crab cakes...
    Luke.  Warm.
    (since i had ordered appetizers for my dinner and friend a normal entree I have
    a feeling they timed it wrong then let the crab sit for his to cook.  Total
    dissapointment.  Not for those prices please!)

    Brussel sprouts with pancetta- again something that could have been tasty but
    was presented a total miss- the b.sprouts weren't cooked enough and still quite
    hard.

    Wine 32$ for an 8$ Malbec I usually get at trader joes! Ouch, that hurts.

    All in all it was very hit or miss and I did not feel the prices justified the
    food and experience.

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Kirsten G. of Devon Seafood Grill 11/16/2011   
    Gabrielle -  Thank you for contacting Devon Seafood Grill.… More »
  • Review from Vee E.

    •  
    • 16 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    12/15/2011

    The quality of the food was top notch! Service was attentive but not intrusive. I'd definitely come back to Devon for special occasions.  It's not the place for a romantic dinner, however, as the noise level is a bit too high for quiet convo. The cost of valet parking is reasonable.

  • Review from Torrey R.

    Fishers, IN

    5.0 star rating
    12/5/2011

    My husband and I came here to celebrate our anniversary and we weren't disappointed.  The ambiance was dark and romantic.  Our server was knowledgeable and attentive.  He made great recommendations, all of which we ordered.  We started with their crab cakes which were delicious.  They were a little on the pricey side for their small size but their flavor and the two dipping sauces they came with were both a good compliment.  And then there was the char crusted Ahi Tuna.  I'm pretty sure I've been dreaming about this since we left the restaurant.  It was the most magnificent piece of tuna I've ever eaten.  It was cooked rare and was a generous portion.  The crust was delicious and the tuna was like butter.  It was absolutely amazing.  We were both too full to consider dessert but ohmygoodness, what I would give for another plate of their tuna.

  • Review from Jean C.

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    10/12/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Happy hour on Sunday's?! Yes please! I have dined here three years ago for restaurant week and loved it. Three of us decided to partake in the happy hour and sat in the lounge. Oysters are $.75 a piece. Yippie! Ordered a dozen and was as happy as a clam. Er oyster. These were fresh and had a clean flavor. The two sauces were great. The typical horseradish and the other was a sesame seed oil sauce. It had a nice kick to it. I followed that up with the lobster roll. This was a big portion and came with a little cup of seasoned fries. The lobster roll was filling and good but not as flavorful as I had thought it would be.

    My other dining partners ordered a bottle of wine since Sundays are half priced bottles. The food was tasty as usual and I haven't been back since. I'm for-seeing another Devon Happy Hour coming up soon...

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Kirsten G. of Devon Seafood Grill 10/12/2011   
    Jean -  Thank you for the Yelp review. So glad you stopped… More »
  • Review from Ieesha M.

    •  
    • 239 friends
    • 148 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    11/20/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Loved this place for a casual happy hour with my girlfriends on a Tuesday night. The atmosphere is that of your standard "nice restaurant" and the appetizers we gnoshed on were decent. I appreciate how amenable they were to making vegetarian exceptions for our spring rolls (minus the crab) and the veggie sushi roll. They also had ample drink specials. I went with the $10 wine flight and my friends all opted for $5 martinis. Our waitress was quick and efficient, getting us in and out in no time. Would love to go back for a full sit down meal once I'm eating meat again! :)

  • Review from Linda S.

    •  
    • 12 friends
    • 118 reviews

    Lakewood, CA

    4.0 star rating
    10/23/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Classy place.  I went Saturday late morning.  However, they have a very small brunch menu which is even more limiting when you're a vegetarian.  However, I ordered the hash browns.  So, this review is for them.  

    THE BEST DAMN HASH BROWNS I'VE EVER EATEN.  Seriously - it's worth going there just for them!!  They were a perfect blend of creamy and crisp - with a nice buttery flavor.

    I'll go back and watch everyone eat their seafood breakfast anytime - just give me those hash browns.  

    We ate at the bar and the bartender was so nice.

  • Review from Kris L.

    Elmhurst, IL

    4.0 star rating
    10/2/2011

    Loved it!

    In all honesty I'd give it 4.5 stars. Our waitress was awesome and made a few good suggestions. My friend and I wanted to sample different things so we ordered some apps and sides. Had the lobster mac and cheese, crab cakes, little neck clams, banana creme crepe, and she had a bowl of the lobster bisque. Our food was outstanding, only issue was that we both thought our clams were a bit too salty. Our dessert came with a root beer sorbet which I loved! I hear this place has a pretty awesome happy hour and late night happy hour as well.

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Kirsten G. of Devon Seafood Grill 10/3/2011   
    Thanks for the review Kris, we hope to see you again soon. More »
  • Review from Heidi R.

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    9/29/2011

    Devon is my new favorite seafood place.  The atmosphere is awesome and our server was very cool.  He was knowledgable and even funny.

    The scallops are amazing and you must get the lobster mac & cheese - to die for.

    Finish off your meal with the BEST carrot cake I have had in my entire life.  Love Devon!

  • Review from Andrew T.

    Aurora, IL

    2.0 star rating
    Updated - 11/16/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Oof. Quite the let down from the last visit. Our food, to get that out of the way, was very good. Same good lobster bisque (but no oyster crackers), I had a great piece of swordfish with good sides, and others reported their ahi tuna to be good as well. One of our diners had the bay scallops, which, when they finally came, were outstanding. I mean, really excellent.

    But the service was terrible. They were short staffed to begin with, which didn't help anything, and we got seated at a very odd 4 person table, pressed in to service for our 5. I know there aren't a lot of 5 person tables in restaurants, but this was just silly. Overlapping place settings mean the table is too small, and in this case, the table's curvature was greater than that of the booth that sat 3 of the 5 of us - meaning the person on one end of the booth was way too far from the table for comfort if the person on the other end was in a good spot. And they were all shoehorned together in addition.

    That aside, the service was generally odd. No appetizer plates, which was no big deal (to me at least), but also no replacement of silver ware after it had been taken away (we had to share during our main course), no offer of pepper for salads (which other tables received), and generally slow service. One diner had their scallop order confused for a different kind of scallops, and while the waiter did fix the mistake, it took a few minutes. He also offered to comp us a dessert for the mistake, which was nice...except after dropping off the fixed scallop entree, that was the last we saw of anyone. Finally, after at least 30 minutes, and maybe even 45 (timing varies) I had to hail some random restaurant worker to get our check because we couldn't even find our waiter, and all the while, tables nearby got fine service. It's almost like the waitstaff assumed that after the scallop screw-up, any chance of a good tip out of us was shot, so they'd just ignore us and save the other tables. And while I felt like we were sending a message by declining the free dessert (I didn't come out and say we were so pissed that we didn't want his stupid dessert) the waiter didn't seem to pick up on that fact.

    Do I think this was normal for this restaurant? No, it couldn't possibly be. I think someone (or many someones) didn't show for their shift on what was a gorgeous Saturday night in the city, meaning the place was packed. And that sends the whole night in to the weeds, there's no doubt about that. But this place wouldn't stay open if what we experienced was normal.

    If this was my first time here, I'd never come back. But I've eaten here twice now, and the food is good. So yes, this is a two, based on one star service and low four star food. I would be willing to try this one more time...but one more time only unless the next trip was really good.

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      9/26/2010

      I had never heard of Devon until it was suggested for a dinner meeting, and it turned out pretty… Read more »

    Comment from Kirsten G. of Devon Seafood Grill 11/17/2011   
    Andrew -  Thank you for reviewing us again on Yelp. We truly… More »
  • Review from William K.

    Roswell, GA

    4.0 star rating
    9/6/2011

    I walked into Devon at 2:30 on a Saturday afternoon.  The air show was going on outside, it was hot out, I had gone for a long run on the lakeshore, and I was a little beat...

    I liked the decor, was greeted immediately, and decided to sit at the bar.  The place had only a few patrons, because of the odd time of day.  Within a couple seconds the bartender asked me what I'd like to drink, and if I wanted to look at the menu: Yes and Yes.  

    A couple seconds later a waiter came by with a huge tray of biscuits... would you like to try these?  Sure.  Courtney, the bartender returned with water and iced tea... and we discussed the menu...  I told her my leanings but asked if there was anything in particular she liked or recommended...

    She was enthusiastic about my choices.  I ordered a cup of Lobster Bisque (this is sort of a test item at a seafood place for me... it can vary wildly, and I can tell a lot about whether the chef tastes the food by this)  PS it was good.  I also ordered a Caesar Salad... and while average to slightly bland, it was saved by the asiago cracker, which was amazing.  My entree was a Tuna Tatare.  The preparation included a bed of marinated cucumber, and the tartare was a little chunky, but the quality of the fish was excellent.

    Perhaps it was the server, Courtney, who kept me company as I was eating alone that really lifted me up.  Perhaps it was the cool air on a hot day, or the relaxing modern decor.  Perhaps it was the food... but in all a great and surprising random lunch escape...  Next time I'm in Chicago I'll go see if Courtney's there again!!

  • Review from Frank E.

    Seattle, WA

    3.0 star rating
    8/31/2011 3 photos 1 Check-in Here

    Came here after sampling a crab cake on a Chicago Food Tour. It was good!

    Decided to come back here for Happy Hour since a well priced martini is always up my alley. They have a good food selection between $5, $6, and $7 and we tried the Tuna Tartar which was on the $7 experience. It was all around good. I would say the Tuna might be a bit older and they are trying to re-coup costs by putting this marinated item on the menu, but I understand that... it's just business. At least it was not fishy and it was good!

    Overall I like the decor being the contemporary design, staff was friendly enough. Food was good. Martini's were excellent (had the Chocolate, Blueberry Lemonade, Cucumber Dill, and the Roseberry. All were excellent at $6.50 a pop.

    Food: 3
    Atmosphere: 4
    Service: 3
    Price: 3.5

    It's an A-OK (per Yelp criteria) place

  • Review from Jessica s.

    •  
    • 45 friends
    • 115 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    11/29/2011

    Came here for my birthday dinner and was not disappointed :) Great atmosphere, service and menu. I went with a prix fixe menu so I didn't have to think about what to get. The server was attentive and suggested a great pairing for my meal.

  • Review from April P.

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 6/23/2011

    Yes, they were recently nominated by Chicago Magazine for Best Happy Hour in Chicago.   And here's why...

    -$0.75 cent oysters
    - $6 killer lobster tamale with wonderfully sweet and savory corn filled sauce
    -$6 steamed mussels in the most delectable white wine sauce and garlic bread for dipping
    -$6 chocolate martinis on Mondays
    -$13 1 pound lobsters Tuesday- Thursdays
    -$6 crunchy calamari WITH fried sweet potato sticks and a great roumalade

    REVERSE HAPPY HOUR ALSO INCLUDED Sundays- Thursdays.  That means from 9- close!!!!  

    Our server Ivan was very helpful.  He's a bit quiet but he opens up after awhile.  And he gives great directions.  That's a plus!

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    • 5.0 star rating
      2/1/2011

      What better way to celebrate the big 3-0-0 review by going by my motto for 2011: Out with the old,… Read more »

  • Review from Andrea R.

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    6/7/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I love this restaurant so much that I named my daughter after it. OK, maybe not since I hadn't visited Devon Seafood Grill until after my lil Devon was born, but I''m still a fan.

    For those of you wondering Devon Seafood Grill has nothing to do with Devon street (our waiter mentioned they get that question a lot). And Devon is pronounced like it is everywhere else besides Devon Street: "Devin."

    My family and I came here to celebrate my step sister's law school graduation and were given a large table downstairs in their impressive wine cellar. I loved it so much that I even considered throwing my daughter's bday party there, but then realized 1 year olds may not appreciate the wine cellar as much as us grown-ups.  Perhaps we'll wait until she's 2?;)

    I also appreciated the tasty seafood here. We split a few appetizers and I was a big fan of the baked (not fried) crab cake, as well as their delish calamari.  As for my entree I ordered the lobster cobb and it was one of the better cobb salads I've had.  Then again...everything is better with lobster!

    We also tried a few desserts (creme brulee, carrot cake, something chocolate) and nothing really blew me away.  However, our waiter scored a few extra points by letting me take home a Devon mug. I was hoping for a pink "Devon" mug to match everything else my oh so girly frilly baby owns, but black was satisfactory.

    I'd come back for the cool wine cellar atmosphere, great food and most definitely the name.  And based on the other Yelp reviews it sounds like I may need to check out their impressive happy hour prices as well!

  • Review from L J.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 34 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    9/30/2011

    This place is a solid 4. I had dinner here before, their fish was well cooked and fresh, and the biscuit with butter is to die for.

    But I come here more often for happy hour. They have killer deals like lobster at cost from Tuesday - Thursday ( I think they changed to Wed and Thursday now due to high demand probably). Appetizers start at $4. Some of my favorites include calamari, New England lobster roll, and tuna tartare. Drinks are yummy too. Definitely a good after-work spot if you are in the mood for some drinks and yummy food!

  • Review from Jelena Z.

    Austin, TX

    4.0 star rating
    5/16/2011 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    Probably the best happy hour in downtown Chicago.

    Not only is the bar area chic, but there's deals to be had! 1-pound whole Maine lobster for $13 during happy hour? Believe it. Premium burgers will set you back only $6, and while the lobster roll is much different from its New England sibling and on the small side, it's still good (especially for $6!).

    Wait - you're thirsty? They've got those types of specials, too. Happy hour runs from 4-7 Monday through Friday and then there's an encore from 9 'til close.

    Next time you're hard-pressed for a decent deal off the Mag Mile, you'll know how to impress your colleagues, friends, even the parents. Happy hour, happy lobstering!

    Comment from Kirsten G. of Devon Seafood Grill 5/17/2011   
    Jelena -  Thank you for reviewing Devon Seafood Grill on… More »
  • Review from Natasha O.

    Mount Prospect, IL

    4.0 star rating
    6/13/2011 1 Check-in Here

    HAPPY HOUR = HALF PRICE LOBSTER TAIL.

    Do you really need to know much else?  

    Ok, the drinks are pretty good, too, even for happy hour drinks that you might otherwise expect to be weak.  

    Follow this down to the dining room, and make sure to get the lobster bisque.  Seriously, it's probably the best lobster bisque you'll ever have in Chicago.

    Follow this with the cioppino, and you'll have to be rolled out the door.  My only regret is there's no way I had room for dessert.

    Plus, you can sign up for their emails and they send great specials to you this way!

  • Review from Justin S.

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    7/28/2011

    Definitely a nice spot to take a significant other on a proper date.  We got one of the semi-private rooms which was nice.  But don't think you will have a little peace & quiet.  It's probably just as loud in there as it is outside.

    The past few weeks prior to coming here, I was craving lobster rolls to the point where I was thinking about going to Boston primarily for that reason.  BTW, if you know a good lobster roll spot in the city, please let me know!  Anyway, so when I saw lobster roll on the menu as appetizers, I had my mind set.  But our waiter described those crab cakes with such tasty details, that we were swayed and did not regret it one bit.  GET THOSE CRAB CAKES TO START OFF YOUR TASTEVENTURE!  I'm don't have much experience with fish so I wasn't too sure what I was getting myself into with the Barramundi, but it was pretty good!  As for sides, don't know that I'd recommend the lemon asparagus risotto, but you MUST, I repeat MUST, get the lobster mac & cheese!  We were too stuffed for dessert.

    They do validate parking but I'm not sure what garage it was for.  We were lucky enough (or maybe it's just not hard) to find a spot on the street.  

    DSG is a nice restaurant with quality food.  I've also heard it's a good place for happy hour, but I've not yet lived this experience.

  • Review from Tommy H.

    •  
    • 29 friends
    • 76 reviews

    Irvine, CA

    4.0 star rating
    11/14/2011 2 photos Seated via OpenTable 1 Check-in Here

    in my research of finding good happy hour places for our trip to Chicago, all signs led me to Devon's. the two things that really caught my eye was the .75 oysters and the lobster specials Tuesdays - Thursdays.

    happy hour runs from 4-7 on the weekdays, i came in around 4pm on a wednesday and the place was pretty dead. but that hardly discouraged me from enjoying my meal. sat at the bar and order the asian pear martini. it was a tasty drink, but i was much more excited for the food. i ordered 6 oysters and the 1lb lobster.

    the oysters were fresh, but not the sweetest i've had, but at .75 a piece, i could've had a dozen more.

    the lobster was perfect, juicy and sweet. i was very sad when the meal was over.

    the bill came to around $26 before tip, WHAT A DEAL!  this is how a happy hour should be done.

  • Review from Mihir S.

    •  
    • 312 friends
    • 931 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    6/23/2011 1 Check-in Here

    One of the better seafood restaurants in Chicago. I'm not sure if it's the same company as the Devon's  in Philly, but this one is much better.

    My buddy and I waited for our table upstairs at the bar and interestingly ran into another friend. He had a table so we joined him. We had some excellent drinks such at the cucumber martini but the waiter was snooty. HELLO! There is no reason to act condescendingly...we are tipping you and you're a waiter.

    Our table was called so we went downstairs where the service was infinitely better. I recommend:

    - Lobster rolls appetizer
    - Lobster tail entree
    - homemade ice cream - passionate fruit was amazing. Th root beer was a bit too intense.

    FYI: Devon hasvgreat happy hour specials on most weekdays.

  • Review from Yvonne B.

    Oak Park, IL

    4.0 star rating
    Updated - 7/23/2011 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    They changed their sign! It used to wrap around the side of the building and now, in the style of the theater district, it has a lit vertical sign. I took a picture.

    I came for reservations on Friday at 7:00 PM with my dad and sister. Once again, we descended into the basement dining room (totally reminds me of the belly of a whale with seashell booths) and were seated at a semicircle booth.

    Stars of the evening were the grilled artichoke appetizer, San Francisco style cioppino, and the speedy service by Bethany. The only thing faster than last night's service was Jimmy John's advertised delivery! What made it more impressive was that the restaurant was bustling and savvy management rose to the occasion with sufficient staffing.

    Although the grilled artichokes and cioppino were savored, the rest of our food and drinks weren't noteworthy. My side order was wrong: the requested tomatoes were traded out for broccoli with no explanation. My bad though - I didn't mention it our otherwise 5-star server, thereby neglecting her the opportunity to fix it. I'm sure she would have.

    I don't think that this is the place for me; however, it's hard to pinpoint the reason. Maybe it's too kitschy. It also isn't the place for my sister except for the opposite reason - she repeatedly complained that it wasn't enough like McDonald's. So why 4 stars? I honestly believe that Devon Seafood Grill did it's best for a Midwest seafood restaurant.

    Listed in: Around the Gold Coast, Groupons

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    • 2.0 star rating
      7/13/2011

      It seems as if a lot of these reviews are about the Happy Hour. I wish I had experienced that -… Read more »

    Comment from Kirsten G. of Devon Seafood Grill 7/13/2011   
    Yvonne B.  -   Thank you for taking the time to provide… More »
  • Review from Len L.

    •  
    • 107 friends
    • 177 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 5/8/2011 1 Check-in Here

    During these economic times, happy hour in Devon is a life saver. I had a craving for oysters on a half shell and it  satisfied my craving for .75 cents each.

    Washed it all down with signature drinks and desserts. I love this place.

    Listed in: Best Happy Hour

    Was this review …?

    2 Previous Reviews: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      6/29/2010

      Happy Hour Rocks at Devon. I had the Tuesday special of one pound lobster at cost ($10), to me that… Read more »

    Comment from Kirsten G. of Devon Seafood Grill 5/9/2011   
    Len -  Thank you for reviewing Devon Seafood Grill on Yelp.… More »
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