Description: Having grown up in New England, I have a fondness for seafood. When I first moved to Chicago 6 years ago, I had a difficult time finding a decent seafood restaurant, an interesting thing in a city situated next to one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world.
Then Catch 35 opened. (They also have a location in Naperville.)
Catch 35 is located at 35 West Wacker Dr., facing the Chicago River in the ground floor of the Leo Burnett building. As you enter, there is a spacious piano bar to the left, and the main part of the restaurant to the right. Reservations are highly recommended; I always suggest using OpenTable.com if you plan far enough in advance. The restaurant is spacious and airy, decorated in natural wood tones and ocean shades of blue and green. The front of the restaurant sports modern commercial art, while farther back, large murals of seafood cover the west walls. As you walk back into the restaurant, you pass the open kitchen and can see the fresh fish on display in a refrigerated case.
Catch 35's menu changes daily depending on what they have available, but their menu usually features lobster (both American and Australian), grouper, oysters, Chilean sea bass, crab, red snapper, scallops, and more.
I like to start meals here with their crab bisque ($3/cup). They have a nice selection of salads, but the seared scallops with Szechwan glaze ($11) are a great starter - they come with an dumpling-style patty filled with fresh chives, which is quite good.
Catch 35's menu is Asian-influenced. They have fish available grilled, baked, pan-seared, and the house specialty, wok style. (If seafood isn't your bag, they also have some good steaks). One of their "out of the ordinary" items that is quite good is the Maine lobster with wild mushroom ravioli in a cream sauce ($23).
While their wait staff is quite good, I have been particularly pleased with John, an older gentleman. After having waitressed for several years, I appreciate a server who is honest with me about the quality of items on the menu and who can suggest items beyond the menu if you don't see exactly what you're looking for.
Catch 35 offers takeout breakfast on weekdays. They are open for lunch weekdays and for dinner all week.
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