Welcome to El Cangrejo
**OUR STORY: El Cangrejo**
Nestled in the heart of Chicago’s Archer Avenue, El Cangrejo invites seafood enthusiasts to experience a vibrant dining adventure. Known for its lively atmosphere and accessibility, this casual eatery specializes in rich flavors that highlight the ocean's bounty. From tantalizing Balazos de Ostion to comforting Siete Mares Caldos, each dish is crafted with passion and authenticity. Indulge in our signature Pulpo preparations, bursting with flavor and expertly cooked to perfection. Whether you're dining in or grabbing takeout, El Cangrejo promises a memorable experience that’s perfect for families, groups, and seafood lovers alike. Join us and savor the essence of coastal cuisine!
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4472 S Archer Ave Chicago, IL 60632 United States Hotline:
Welcome to El Cangrejo, a vibrant seafood haven nestled in the heart of Chicago at 4472 S Archer Ave. This delightful restaurant offers an immersive dining experience, drawing on the rich culinary traditions of the ocean, all within a casual yet lively atmosphere. If you’re a seafood lover, this is a place you won't want to miss.
At El Cangrejo, the menu is a true celebration of the sea. Start your meal with Aperitivos that tantalize the taste buds, such as the refreshing Balazos de Ostion, a single oyster served cocktail-style for just $3.00, or indulge in the warm and cheesy Empanadas de Camaron at $8.95. Each appetizer is crafted to highlight the freshest ingredients, setting the stage for the main attraction.
The Caldos selection is where El Cangrejo truly shines. From the comforting Camaron Caldos at $16.00 to the flavorful Siete Mares Caldos combined seafood delight for $19.95, there is a broth for every palate. Each dish brings an explosion of flavors that evoke the calming depths of the ocean, making you feel like you’re dining by the seaside.
Don’t miss the star of the show, the Pulpo al Gusto. With options like A la Diabla Pulpo in a spicy hot devil sauce to the fragrant Al Ajo Pulpo featuring garlic sauce, each preparation is a testament to the culinary expertise at El Cangrejo, priced all at $19.75. The perfectly grilled octopus is tender yet bursting with flavor, showcasing the skillful craftsmanship of the chefs.
Beyond the food, El Cangrejo provides a range of utilities that enhance your dining experience. Whether you're in the mood for takeout, a casual family dinner, or a lively gathering with friends, this restaurant caters to all. The outdoor seating is perfect for enjoying the delightful Chicago breeze while savoring your seafood feast. Plus, with a robust selection of alcoholic beverages, you can pair the perfect drink with your meal.
For those planning a special event, El Cangrejo offers private dining options and catering services that ensure your special occasion is memorable. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible and provides a family-friendly environment, making it an ideal spot for everyone to enjoy.
If you're looking for a place that combines a festive atmosphere with mouthwatering seafood dishes, look no further than El Cangrejo. Your taste buds will thank you, and the vibrant setting will make for a truly unforgettable dining experience in Chicago.
They have fresh seafood flown at least every other day. The waitresses do speak English as a second language. They also try very hard to make your meal enjoyable rather than ignore you. We had shrimp, lobster, octopus and scallops. Unfortunately this time the scallops were not as fresh or as large as they usually are. We also had a very tasty soup and oyster shooters. Apparently only the locals really know about this place.
The food is fabulously delicious and most importantly, fresh! I've had the grilled octopus, both the shrimp and fish ceviche(you can ask for the shrimp to be cooked first) and the shrimp coctel. And believe me when I tell you, neither will disappoint! One of the best seafood responses chicago! Note/it is byob and gets extremely busy!
4/5 Food 4/5 Service 3.5/5 Atmosphere / Seating Arrangement 3.5/5 Value (good but better at other places) 4/5 Cleanliness I was really craving some fresh ceviche on a hot 80 degree day in May. El Cangrejo did not disappoint! We were given fish ceviche as an appetizer which was enough for 2 tostadas. The small 12 oz shrimp ceviche was a great size, enough for 3-4 tostadas more. After 2, I was full so I took the rest home.
Oh. My. Gosh. I came here on a date and the food changed my life. First they start your off with a complimentary fish ceviche served with tostadas and crackers. You know a place is gonna be good when the first thing they bring you before the menu is ceviche! This was my first time having langostinos in Nayarit sauce and I'm worried I'll never find anything as good as how this restaurant does it. Their Nayarit sauce is absolutely flavorful and delicious, I could not get over it. Put it on your rice, dip your tortilla in it, dip some bread in it and it all pairs nicely. The langostinos were cooked perfectly, the sauce was flavorful but not to the point that it overpowered the flavor of the langostino as well. The service was fantastic and they're BYOB as well! We washed everything down with agua de jamaica. I can't wait to come back and bring my friends!
You must try the cucaracha style/sauce. It is straight FIRE. I eat it on its own. It's amazing on tostadas, shrimp, langostinos...haven't tried it, but for sure would be bomb on oysters. The restaurant is BYOB. The waitresses are really nice and professional. The restaurant is clean and adheres to social distancing and reinforce wearing masks. The aqua mineral preparada (with salt and lime, served in a salt- rimmed cup) is my go- to drink.
I'd give them more stars if i could! Best seafood in all of the Chicago area ! Bit of a wait on weekends , but trust me it is very much worth it !! The restaurant is BYOB friendly and they have live music . Make sure you check it out