Chicago’s Best Mariscos Restaurants | Eater Chicago

"The chapuzón platter — a generous serving of shrimp, octopus, and oysters in a tangy house sauce — is a standout at the Jalisco-inspired La Costa, a restaurant with locations in West Town on Ashland and Belmont Cragin on Central. When you hear Jalisco, diving into the caldos is almost mandatory. The delightfully spicy 7 Mares soup, brimming with mussels, clams, octopus, shrimp, fish, scallops, and crab legs, delivers layers of oceanic depth with every spoonful. Pair it with La Costa’s gooey, cheesy shrimp empanadas for a truly satisfying meal. La Costa also puts a creative twist on dishes easily found across marisquerías in the city. Think seafood-stuffed pineapples and coconuts, but here, they also offer cucumbers filled with fish or shrimp ceviche, providing a refreshing, lighter alternative.And a word of caution: the salsas arriving at your table with the complimentary ceviche pack a serious punch. If you’re not into heat, proceed carefully — his fire demands respect. Live music adds to the experience at Belmont Cragin, where mariachi bands play on Fridays and Sundays. To top it all off, pair your meal with a paloma served in a clay cantarito, the ideal Jaliscan complement to the vibrant flavors and atmosphere. Avoid the crowds by visiting during off-hours." - Brenda Storch