Would you rather swim with the fishies or grab those suckers and stuff 'em in your mouth? If you chose the latter, you can do the aforementioned "stuffing" at this elegant fish-filled restaurant conveniently located near the shores of Lake Michigan. The Fishmarket flies in fresh seafood daily, and offers a raw bar with oysters, clams, lobster claws and mussels in addition to plenty of Cajun fish specialties. Take a seat in one of the giant sea-green booths (the fabric is covered in tiny, jumping blue dolphins) and gaze up at the marlin replica on the wall or check out some of the more fortunate (for now, at least) fish swimming inside the rectangular tank.
Over at the raw bar, half-a-dozen soft oysters come piled high for $9.99 and a dozen go for $18.99. Mussels are steamed with or without garlic or marinara sauce and come in ½ lb ($5.50) or one pound ($8.99) varieties. Southern-inspired fish like the Davis Street Etouffee (shrimp and crawfish slathered in a spicy sauce and topped with a filet of blackened catfish) will set you back $19.99, but it's worth it. Live, whole Maine lobster are sold at market price and the Alaskan king crab legs are steamed and served with butter for $28.99/pound.
Average cost: $10-$20
Centerstage Reviewer: Alicia Eler
