A Greek fisherman, the proprietor eventually made his way to the US, working in Greek restaurants, rising to head chef, but all the while aspiring to open his own fish market.
Eventually, it happened, and Boston Fish Market grew and grew until it became the Midwest’s largest processor of salmon and whitefish, running through 300,000 pounds a week for their wholesale customers.
As a “market” open to the public, they have fish and seafood from around the world which they will happily sell you, provide you with cooking instructions and helpful hints for accompaniments and serving suggestions. Even exotics.
BUT…..they are also a restaurant, serving just about anything you can think of that swims. Here’s the full menu.
Walk in the front door, and you’ll see the display case of fish and seafood for sale in front of you. At the left end of the counter sits the cashier, order taker. He’ll hand you a menu, you’ll make your selection (including drinks), and pay. He’ll provide you with a number table topper so the servers can deliver right to your table.
I had recently been on a tour of the Southeast which had left my affection for grouper unrequited. I kept running into restaurants who had run out. No such problem here in Des Plaines (the birthplace of Ray Kroc’s McDonalds empire, as well).
I had a delightful plate of crispy, lightly fried grouper, on a toasted French roll, with fries and slaw. My tablemate went for grilled salmon. Both selections were superb. They have their own secret tartar sauce recipe, it has a little kick and is really nice.
A peek at a custom feast!
Boston Fish is five miles north of O’Hare airport, just off Mannheim Road, the main surface street outside of the airport. It’s 20 miles from Chicago’s loop. Market and restaurant are open Monday through Saturday, 1030A-8P. Servings portions are AMPLE!
They are opening a second suburban location in the near future. Go. Eat. Or take home and cook. Superb.
Boston Fish Market Review