Originally Posted by Sweet Willie
to be fair, I have not actually been to the Joe's in Chicago.
Shaw's provides fresh seafood served at good prices IMO, there are some ok items but then some real winners at Shaws.
Feedback from dining buddies is that with the $ you save from not going to Joe's, you can buy a ticket and eat at the original in Miami
They liked Joe's but felt is was way overpriced for what it is.
Vote goes to Shaw's.
Crain's reviewed both places the OP asked about
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
60 E. Grand Ave.
(312) 379-5637
Valet parking, $10
Price range at lunch, $3.50-$24.95
This Miami transplant is no hothouse flower: It took root in Chicago five years ago and is still setting out fabulous food, served by tuxedoed waiters whose knowledge, grace and charm should serve as an example to the profession. Stone crabs are one of life's great pleasures: Order some, if they're available ($14.95 for four). Messy? You bet, but there's a metal bowl for cracked shells and moist warm towels for your hands.
Jumbo lump crab cake ($11.95) is another must, with crab so fresh and white it seems creamy. It's the best crab cake in town, and we couldn't stop eating it.
Halibut is at its peak midsummer, so we leapt at the specials, including a Parmesan-crusted fillet ($19.95): flaky, moist, flavorful and with a cheese crunch it's a terrific combination. Sautéed garlic shrimp ($15.95) is another pleasure, but only for garlic lovers — Joe's doesn't skimp. Cole slaw ($3.95) is long shreds, with pickle, in a tangy vinegar dressing. Grilled tomatoes ($4.50) are that plus pesto and cheese: too rich for lunch on a hot day, but tasty.
Desserts are a high point, and we appreciated the choice of half slices ($2.95). Key lime pie is Joe's specialty, and it's very good, especially its graham cracker crust. The cherry crumble was fantastic: warm, topped with vanilla ice cream and cherry sauce poured at the table.
Our sole complaint? Music — Sinatra tunes, mostly — is too loud in the dining room. We had a comfortable, spacious booth and couldn't hear other diners. But we had trouble hearing the waiter, and each other.
Shaw's Crab House
21 E. Hubbard St.
(312) 527-2722
Valet parking, $10
Price range at lunch, $3.95-$26.95
Neither of us had been to Shaw's main dining room in years (its adjoining Oyster Bar is a great spot for a casual meal); it still serves wonderful food in a lush, old-fashioned setting. Even its bar is a head-turner, with overhead fans and louvered windows.
Service is top-notch. The menu is lengthy, and we had trouble deciding; our waiter steered us to entrees that were delicious, and just right for a steamy day.
A great start is the tartare tasting ($13.95): salmon, tuna and yellowtail sushi on a glass platter, flavorful and fresh. A simply prepared halibut fillet ($16.95) is sautéed to a pretty gold, bathed in a pale pink lobster broth and sided with chopped stewed tomatoes. It was our favorite dish, and perfectly proportioned for a lunchtime entree. Chopped seafood salad ($15.95) looks like jewels from the sea: King crab, shrimp, scallops, on top of glistening greens and hearts of palm. It's nicely dressed, refreshing and large enough to share. Crab cake ($12.95) was surprisingly ho-hum.
At lunch only, desserts are $1. The price — and size, a few bites each — make it fun to try a variety. We went for Key lime pie, fruit cobbler and chocolate blackout cake. None disappointed, but we especially liked the cobbler's delicate crust.
The dining room was nearly full, but we couldn't overhear other diners. Tables are a good size and well-placed. It was so peaceful, we lingered after dessert was cleared.