Did you know that as late as the 1850’s, lobster sold for less than a can of Boston baked beans?
In 2024, the days of 11-cent per pound lobster are fixed firmly in the rearview mirror, and in their place stand posh restaurants serving up perfectly cooked crustaceans for hundreds of dollars.
For example, Chicago, one of the nation’s finest culinary cities, dishes out countless restaurants offering the best place to buy lobster in Illinois.
If you’re craving buttery, meaty, mouth-wateringly good lobster in Chicago and the state, dive into the following picks for where to buy lobster in Illinois.
The Best Restaurants to Buy Lobster in Illinois
Best Place to Buy Lobster in Chicago
Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab: Joe’s in Chicago is beloved for its famous Florida Stone Crab dishes, but its Grilled Seafood Platter serves up some of the best lobster tail in Chicago. The dish starts at $59.95.
Bob Chinn’s Crab House: Located just north of Chicago in Wheeling, locals love the lobster meat they get from Bob Chinn’s. Their popular tender morsels of South African lobster meat are paired with your choice of fried rice, stir fry, lo mein, or pasta for just $32. You can also grab their Lobster Roll Sandwich made from New England lobster meat, and their South African Lobster Tails, starting at $50, are also popular picks from Bob Chinn’s.
Boston Fish Market: In Des Plaines, IL, near Chicago, is the Boston Fish Market. Their menu includes decadent lobster dishes like their Australian lobster tail and crab leg Surf & Turf, starting at $169.99
RMP Seafood: Another excellent option for chilled Maine lobster is RMP Seafood. This chic multi-level restaurant offers social media-worthy lobster options. From butter-poached to Maine lobster tempura, this is a date-night-friendly place to buy lobster in Chicago. Dishes start at $53 per plate.
Best Place to Buy Lobster in Springfield
Robert’s Seafood Market: Perhaps the best and only spot to grab lobster tail in Springfield, they also offer live lobster and frozen lobster at Robert’s Seafood Market for great prices. If you live in Springfield, Illinois, and craving fresh lobster, check out Robert’s.
Hidden Lobster Gems & Local Favorites in Illinois
Sometimes, the best lobster is found in hard-to-find spots. If you’ve been searching, where can I buy lobster in Illinois? These hidden spots might be just what you’ve been looking for.
Trivoli Tavern has an incredible location in Chicago and an outstanding ambiance. The main restaurant also owns the Lobster Bar, which serves up melt-in-your-mouth lobster mac & cheese, among other popular lobster dishes. Customers rave about the old-Chicago-style ambiance and location.
Shaw’s is a killer spot for Lobster Bisque, Lobster Macaroni & Cheese, and the must-experience Grand Seafood Tower featuring everything from crab claws to Maine lobster tails for $180. Shaw’s is located at 21 E—Hubbard St in Chicago.
The Happy Lobster Seafood Truck is quite literally, difficult to find. Their menu serves patrons fresh caught and flown in from Maine lobster and locally baked bread. Choose from lobster grilled cheese, Maine lobster rolls, and much more. Visit their site to find their truck.
Seafood Markets to Buy Lobster in Chicago, Illinois
Want to buy the best place to buy lobster in Illinois? DiCola’s Seafood market is open six days a week at 10754 S Western Chicago, IL.
The Fishguy market sells your choice of live lobster from a saltwater tank. Their seafood is so fresh you can pick it out yourself! You can visit this seafood market at 4423 N. Elston Ave in Chicago.
Events and Festivals to Buy the Best Lobster in Illinois
The best place to buy lobster in Illinois might be a festival. The Great American Lobster Fest in Chicago happens once a year at the city’s iconic Navy Pier.
Explore their selection of tasty live lobster flown in fresh from the East Coast alongside a hearty selection of cold beverages, craft pop-ups, and live music.
Buy high-quality lobster at the festival as you enjoy incredible views of Lake Michigan on August 10th and 11th, 2024. Check the site for more information.
Where Can I Buy Lobster in Illinois from Home?
The best place to buy lobster in Illinois might be your computer. LobsterAnywhere offers a healthy selection of fresh lobster to choose from. We go beyond lobster tails and provide a variety of lobster-inspired dishes like lobster bisque and lobster rolls, all in one convenient spot.
Based out of New England, our lobsters are better than any in Illinois. We ship quickly to provide exceptional freshness. Our prices are highly competitive, making us a great place to shop for gifts. You can try our lobsters or ship them to a loved one with a few short clicks.
Check out our selection of lobsters to learn more!