Bob Chinn’s Crab House in Wheeling, Illinois, is more than a restaurant. It is a seafood destination. Since 1982, it has welcomed seafood lovers from across the country. With fresh ingredients and a lively atmosphere, it continues to impress guests every single day.
This legendary spot is known for massive crab legs, famous garlic rolls, and a drink menu that includes the record-breaking Mai Tai. Whether you are local or visiting, Bob Chinns offers a dining experience to remember.
The Man Behind the Name: Bob Chinns’ Inspiring Legacy
Bob Chinn started the restaurant at age 59. He brought decades of restaurant experience and a fierce drive for excellence. Born to Chinese immigrants, he built Bob Chinns Crab House with passion and personality.
Guests still remember Bob for his charm and energy. He believed in high-quality food and fast, friendly service. That vision lives on through every plate served.
If you visit, you are not just enjoying seafood. You are tasting the legacy of a man who turned a dream into one of America’s top-grossing independent restaurants.
An Iconic Dining Experience Like No Other
Step inside and feel the buzz. The air smells like sizzling garlic and fresh seafood. You hear the crack of crab legs and cheerful voices. You see bright tanks filled with live seafood and nautical decor all around.
It is casual yet unforgettable. Tables are full of friends and families. Plates overflow with food. Staff move with speed and smiles. This is more than dining. It is an experience.
Signature Dishes That Keep Guests Coming Back
At Bob Chinns Crab House Restaurant, the seafood is flown in daily. That means your meal is as fresh as it gets. Every dish is full of flavor and care.
Try the king crab legs. They are thick, juicy, and tender. The lobster tail melts in your mouth. The garlic rolls come hot, soft, and addictive.
Other favorites include crispy calamari, rich clam chowder, and sizzling seafood stir fry. There is something for every seafood fan.
Bob Chinns Crab House Menu with Prices
To see full prices and selections, visit the official menu. Here are some highlights:
Lunch Menu
Appetizers
| Item | Description | Price |
| Crab Empanadas | Crispy wontons filled with fresh julienned vegetables and pieces of lump crab meat, flown in fresh from the Gulf, accompanied by a sesame-soy-ginger dipping sauce. | $14.00 |
| Crab Stuffed Mushrooms | Large white mushroom caps stuffed with a savory blend of fresh garlic, cream cheese, fresh lump crab meat (Blue Crab), flat-leaf Italian parsley, Parmigiano-Reggiano- topped and baked with panko crumbs. | $16.00 |
| Calamari – 2 Ways | Fresh, firm and perfectly deep-fried! Served with homemade tangy cocktail sauce. Fried or Salt & Pepper style. | $14.00 |
| Crabmeat Vermicelli | A Bob Chinn’s original dish—premium lump crabmeat stir-fried with tender cellophane noodles, bacon, onion, & egg, drizzled with oyster sauce. | $23.00 |
| Crabcake Nuggets | Bite-sized handmade crab cakes with premium jumbo lump crab meat, coated with thin potato shreds and deep-fried. Served with a special cocktail and citrus crab sauce. | $15.00 |
| North Atlantic Scallops | Sweet, tender scallops sautéed in savory lemon butter. | $24.00 |
| Pepper Bacon Wrapped Scallops | Plump North Atlantic scallops wrapped in thick-cut pepper bacon, served with sweet chili sauce. | $24.00 |
| Oysters Rockefeller | Fresh Blue Point oysters baked with spinach, cheese mix, and hollandaise sauce. | $18.00 |
| Little Neck Clams (RI) | Sweet, buttery clams from Rhode Island. Choices: steamed, garlic, or black bean. | $15.00 |
| Black Mussels (PEI) | Prince Edward Island mussels steamed in tomato garlic red wine sauce. | $15.00 |
| Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail | Peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp with homemade cocktail sauce and lemon. | $20.00 |
| Medium Shrimp | Wild-caught medium shrimp prepared: panko fried, Hot & Spicy, garlic, Salt & Pepper, steamed, cold, vermicelli, or tempura fried. | $16.00 |
| Egg Rolls | Two Chinese-style egg rolls filled with crabmeat, shrimp, pork, chicken & vegetables. Contains peanut butter. | $10.00 |
| Fried Chicken Fingers | Crispy fried chicken fingers. | $10.00 |
| Edamame | Tender soybeans in the pod, sautéed with garlic oil. | $7.00 |
Raw Bar
| Item | Description | Price |
| Oysters – Raw | Fresh Blue Point oysters. | ½ Dozen: 12.00 Dozen: 24.00 |
Soups or Salad Bar
| Item | Description | Price |
| New England Clam Chowder | Thick, creamy soup with clams, potatoes, and celery. | Cup: 6.00 Bowl:12.00 |
| Seafood Gumbo | Louisiana-style soup packed with fresh seafood. | Cup: 6.00 Bowl:12.00 |
| Salad Bar | Fresh salad selection. | $16.00 |
How About Shrimp?
| Item | Description | Price |
| Medium Shrimp | Wild-caught medium shrimp prepared: Panko Fried, Hot & Spicy, Garlic, Salt & Pepper, Steamed, Cold, Vermicelli, or Tempura Fried. | $20.00 |
| Medium Shrimp Over Pasta | Served on pasta with garlic or creamy Alfredo sauce. | $23.00 |
| Jumbo Shrimp | Choices: Golden Fried, Coconut, or Scampi*. | $28.00 |
| Stuffed Jumbo Shrimp & Pasta | Jumbo shrimp stuffed with lump crab meat, hollandaise sauce, and fettuccine Alfredo. | $30.00 |
For the Landlubber
| Item | Description | Price |
| Chicken on Pasta | Two free-range chicken breasts served with pasta. | $18.00 |
| Chicken Sandwich | All-natural chicken breast (chargrilled, blackened, or panko fried) on a butter bun. | $16.00 |
| Steak Sandwich | Tender beef on a butter bun with lettuce, tomato, and pickle. | $16.00 |
| Wagyu Pub Burger | Half-pound grass-fed Wagyu patty on a fresh bun. | $20.00 |
| Pork Chop & Pasta Alfredo | 8 oz pork chop with fettuccine Alfredo and applesauce. | $14.00 |
| Sliced Filet w/ Tomato & Green Pepper | Chinese-style filet mignon in gravy with tomatoes & peppers. | $20.00 |
| 6 oz Tenderloin Tail & Pasta Alfredo | Hand-trimmed steak with Alfredo pasta. | $20.00 |
| Prime NY Strip Steak | 8 oz: 20.00 14oz:52.00 | |
| Filet Mignon & Pasta Alfredo | 6 oz: 35.00 8oz:46.00 12 oz: $67.00 | |
| 32 oz Porterhouse | Black Angus steak, charbroiled to preference. | $104.00 |
Any Steak Can Surf
(Add-ons for steak combos)
| Item | Price |
| King Crab (10 oz) | $80.00 |
| Alaskan Snow Crab (10 oz) | $35.00 |
| Whole Maine Lobster | Market Price |
| Fried Shrimp Add-On | $16.00 |
| Chinn’s Trio (2x 3 oz filets, 3.5 oz lobster tail, 3 oz scallops) | $48.00 |
| 8 oz Prime Strip & King Crab | $105.00 |
| 8 oz Prime Strip & 1.25 lb Lobster | Market Price (~$85.00) |
| 8 oz Prime Strip & Snow Crab | $55.00 |
Gone Fishing
| Item | Description | Price |
| Basa (Asia) | Mild white fish, prepared chargrilled, blackened, or Bob’s Version (steamed with black beans & olives). | $20.00 |
| Swordfish (Hawaii) | Dense, steak-like fish, best chargrilled or blackened. | $28.00 |
| Ahi Tuna (Hawaii) | Sashimi-grade Bigeye tuna, rich in flavor. | $29.00 |
| Stuffed Basa (Asia) | Crab-stuffed and broiled with hollandaise. | $27.00 |
| Macadamia Sautéed Basa | Macadamia-crusted with mango salsa & sweet potato mash. | $30.00 |
| Whole Sea Bass (Mediterranean) | Tender, mild fish—steamed or flash-fried. | $38.00 |
| Halibut (Alaska) (Subject to Availability) | Flaky, delicate Alaskan fish. | $40.00 |
Dinner Menu
Appetizers
| Item | Description | Price |
| Crab Empanadas | Crispy wontons filled with julienned vegetables and lump crab meat, served with sesame-soy-ginger dipping sauce. | $14.00 |
| Crab Stuffed Mushrooms | Large mushroom caps stuffed with garlic, cream cheese, lump crab meat, and Parmigiano-Reggiano, baked with panko crumbs. | $16.00 |
| Nantucket Bay Scallops (Subject to availability) | Sweet, tender scallops from the East Coast. | $38.00 |
| Calamari – 2 Ways | Fried or Salt & Pepper style, served with tangy cocktail sauce. | $14.00 |
| Crabmeat Vermicelli | Lump crab meat stir-fried with cellophane noodles, bacon, onion, egg, and oyster sauce. | $23.00 |
| Crabcake Nuggets | Bite-sized crab cakes with jumbo lump crab, coated in potato shreds and fried. Served with citrus crab sauce. | $15.00 |
| North Atlantic Scallops | Sautéed in savory lemon butter. | $24.00 |
| Pepper Bacon Wrapped Scallops | Scallops wrapped in thick-cut pepper bacon, served with sweet chili sauce. | $24.00 |
| Oysters Rockefeller | Blue Point oysters baked with spinach, cheese, and hollandaise. | $18.00 |
| Little Neck Clams (RI) | Steamed, garlic, or black bean style. | $15.00 |
| Black Mussels (PEI) | Steamed in tomato garlic red wine sauce. | $15.00 |
| Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail | Served with homemade cocktail sauce. | $20.00 |
| Medium Shrimp | Prepared: panko fried, Hot & Spicy, garlic, Salt & Pepper, steamed, cold, vermicelli, or tempura fried. | $16.00 |
| Egg Rolls (Contains peanut butter) | Crabmeat, shrimp, pork, chicken, and vegetables, fried crispy. | $10.00 |
| Fried Chicken Fingers | Classic crispy chicken fingers. | $10.00 |
| Edamame | Soybeans sautéed with garlic oil. | $7.00 |
Soups or Salad Bar
| Item | Description | Price |
| New England Clam Chowder | Creamy soup with clams, potatoes, and celery. | Cup: 6.00 Bowl:12.00 |
| Seafood Gumbo | Louisiana-style soup packed with fresh seafood. | Cup: 6.00 Bowl:12.00 |
| Salad Bar | Fresh salad selection. | $16.00 |
How About Shrimp?
(In the shell unless noted)
| Item | Description | Price |
| Medium Shrimp | Prepared: Panko Fried, Hot & Spicy, Garlic, Salt & Pepper, Steamed, Cold, Vermicelli, or Tempura Fried. | $20.00 |
| Medium Shrimp Over Pasta | Served with garlic or creamy Alfredo sauce. | $23.00 |
| Jumbo Shrimp | Choices: Golden Fried, Coconut, or Scampi*. | $28.00 |
| Stuffed Jumbo Shrimp & Pasta | Stuffed with crab meat, topped with hollandaise, served with fettuccine Alfredo. | $30.00 |
For the Landlubber
| Item | Description | Price |
| Chicken on Pasta | Two free-range chicken breasts with pasta. | $18.00 |
| Wagyu Pub Burger | Half-pound grass-fed Wagyu patty on a fresh bun. | $20.00 |
| Sliced Filet w/ Tomato & Green Pepper | Chinese-style filet mignon in gravy with veggies. | $20.00 |
| Filet Mignon & Pasta Alfredo | 6 oz: 35.00, 8 oz: 46.00
12 oz: $67.00 |
|
| Pork Chop & Pasta Alfredo | 8 oz pork chop with fettuccine Alfredo and applesauce. | $28.00 |
| 32 oz Porterhouse | Black Angus steak, charbroiled to order. | $104.00 |
Raw Bar
| Item | Price |
| Oysters – Raw (Blue Point) | ½ Dozen: 12.00, Dozen:24.00 |
Gone Fishing
| Item | Description | Price |
| Basa (Asia) | Mild white fish, prepared chargrilled, blackened, or Bob’s Version (steamed with black beans & olives). | $20.00 |
| Swordfish (Hawaii) | Dense, steak-like fish, best chargrilled or blackened. | $28.00 |
| Ahi Tuna (Hawaii) | Sashimi-grade Bigeye tuna, rich in flavor. | $29.00 |
| Stuffed Basa (Asia) | Crab-stuffed and broiled with hollandaise. | $27.00 |
| Macadamia Sautéed Basa | Macadamia-crusted with mango salsa & sweet potato mash. | $30.00 |
| Whole Sea Bass (Mediterranean) | Steamed or flash-fried with Bob’s Version sauce. | $38.00 |
| Halibut (Alaska) (Subject to Availability) | Flaky, delicate Alaskan fish. | $40.00 |
Coast to Coast Crabs
| Item | Description | Price |
| King Crab Bites (16 oz) | Served cold, steamed, or garlic style. | $110.00 |
| King Crab Legs (18 oz) | Steamed with drawn butter or cold with citrus crab sauce. | $150.00 |
| Bairdi Snow Crab (20 oz) | Sweet, delicate Alaskan crab with drawn butter. | $72.00 |
| Crabcakes & Pasta | Two crab cakes (broiled or fried) with fettuccine Alfredo. | $26.00 |
| Crabmeat Vermicelli | Lump crab stir-fried with noodles, bacon, and oyster sauce. | $40.00 |
From Our Lobster Tanks
| Item | Description | Price |
| Lobster Meat | Prepared Cantonese, Fried Rice, Stir Fry, Broiled, Salt & Pepper, or over Pasta. | $38.00 |
| Lobster Roll Sandwich | New England-style lobster salad in a toasted roll. | $26.00 |
| South African Lobster Tails | 2x 5 oz: 54.00, 7 oz: 50.00
14 oz: $100.00 |
|
| Whole Maine Lobster | Steamed, broiled, or Cantonese-style. | Market Price |
A Little Variety
| Item | Description | Price |
| Nantucket Bay Scallops (Subject to availability) | Sweet, tender scallops. | $60.00 |
| North Atlantic Scallops | Sautéed, panko-fried, or Cantonese-style. | $54.00 |
| Seafood Stir Fry | Scallops, shrimp, calamari, and veggies in Chinese gravy. | $24.00 |
| Vegetable Stir Fry | Pork-stock gravy (vegetarian garlic option available). | $14.00 |
| Black Mussels on Pasta | PEI mussels in tomato garlic wine sauce over pasta. | $22.00 |
| Frutti di Mare | Scallops, calamari, mussels, clams, and shrimp in white wine sauce over pasta. | $30.00 |
| King Crab Carbonara (Subject to availability) | King crab, bacon, and lobster cream sauce over spaghetti. | $40.00 |
Sushi
| Item | Description | Price |
| Spicy Tuna on Seared Rice Pillows | Crispy rice with spicy tuna, avocado, jalapeño, and unagi sauce. | $18.00 |
| California Roll | Crabmeat, cucumber, avocado. | $18.00 |
| Caterpillar Roll | Shrimp tempura, cucumber, avocado, unagi sauce. | $15.00 |
| Spicy Tuna Roll | Minced tuna with spicy mayo and avocado. | $15.00 |
| Shrimp Tempura Roll | Shrimp tempura, cucumber, avocado. | $14.00 |
| Lobster Tempura Roll | Lobster tempura, cucumber, avocado. | $16.00 |
| Veggie Roll | Tempura sweet potatoes, broccoli, beets, avocado. | $16.00 |
Desserts
| Item | Description | Price |
| Bob’s Slice of Paradise | Okinawan purple sweet potato pie with macadamia crust. | $8.00 |
| Caramel Fudge Pecan | Ganache cake with caramel and chocolate. | $9.00 |
| Mud Pie | Kona coffee ice cream with ganache and almonds. | $9.00 |
| Bob’s Luau Cake | White cake layered with haupia (coconut pudding). | $7.00 |
| Coconut Cake | White cake with whipped cream and coconut flakes. | $7.00 |
| Key Lime Pie | Tangy lime pie on graham crust. | $7.00 |
| Gluten-Free Cheesecake | Sweetened with organic agave. | $8.00 |
| Apple Pie (“Best Pie in America”) | Wisconsin-style, serves 2. | 17.00<br>(+
17.00<br>(+2 for à la mode) |
Any Steak Can Surf (Add-ons for steak combos)
| Item | Price |
| King Crab (10 oz) | $80.00 |
| Whole Maine Lobster | Market Price |
| Fried Shrimp | $20.00 |
| Chinn’s Trio (2x 3 oz filets + lobster tail + scallops) | $48.00 |
| 8 oz Prime Strip & 1.25 lb Lobster | Market Price (~$85.00) |
| Alaskan Snow Crab (10 oz) | $35.00 |
| 8 oz Prime Strip & Snow Crab | $55.00 |
| 8 oz Prime Strip & King Crab | $105.00 |
Portions are generous. Quality is consistent. You get what you pay for, and more.
Drink Offerings and the Famous Mai Tai
Over 10 million Mai Tais have been served here. It is tropical, strong, and perfectly mixed. Though the exact recipe is secret, it includes rum, pineapple, and a special twist you will never forget.
The drink list also features drinks and classic cocktails. Whether you want a quiet sip or a celebration, the bar has you covered.
Quick Guide About Bob Chinn’s Crab House:
| Attribute | Details |
| Rating | 4.4/5 out of (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) 5,967 reviews |
| Price Range | $30-50 |
| Type of Restaurant | Seafood Restaurant |
| Overview | Longtime institution with a huge selection of seafood & a warehouse-like space with 700 seats. |
| Services | Dine-in, Kerbside pickup, Delivery |
| Address | 393 S Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling, IL 60090, United States |
| Opening Hours | 12–8 pm |
| Phone Number | +1 847-520-3633 |
| Website | For Bob Chinn’s Crab House menu with prices, visit the official website here. |
| Table Reservation | Reserve a Table |
| Women-Owned | Yes |
| Nearby Location Code | 43MX+M3 Wheeling, Illinois, USA |
Location, Hours, and How to Get There
Bob Chinn’s Crab House is located at 393 S Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling, IL 60090.
- Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 12–8 pm
- Friday and Saturday: 12–9 pm
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Getting there is easy, with ample parking and access from major highways. Public transit options like Metra rail also stop nearby, making it convenient for those traveling without a car.
Location on Map:
Private Events and Group Dining Options
Bob Chinns offers space for special events. You can host birthdays, work parties, weddings, or holiday dinners. They offer custom menus and private rooms for large groups.
Their team helps with every detail, from food to setup. It is easy to plan, and even easier to enjoy.
Bob Chinns Crab House Reviews
Overall Google Review Summary: 4.4/5 (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) Total Reviews: 5,967
i) Mary Pinski: 5/5 (★★★★★) (04-10-2025)
Meal: Dinner | Price Range: $50–$100
Bob Chinn’s Crabhouse is truly a gem! Every time I visit, I’m treated like royalty. The seafood and service are absolutely top-notch.
Funny enough, I wasn’t even a seafood lover when I first came here, but that quickly changed. The sushi and seafood are incredibly fresh and perfectly prepared. And if you’re not into seafood, don’t worry—there are amazing options for land lovers too. The steaks and burgers are out of this world!
Whether we’re celebrating something special or just craving a great meal, this is one of my go-to spots. I have several food allergies, and I always feel confident knowing the staff and chefs take them seriously and accommodate me safely.
The menu is packed with choices for everyone. Don’t miss the garlic rolls, their famous mai tais, and of course, the king crab legs!
Pro tip: When you visit, tell them Mary sent you! 😜
Top Recommended Dishes:
New England Clam Chowder, Garlic Rolls, Alaskan King Crab Legs, Grouper, Lobster Roll, Fried Calamari, Egg Rolls, SteakParking: Plenty of free parking available
Personal Favorites:
-
Surf & Turf with King Crab
-
Filet and Lobster (perfect birthday treat!)
-
Veggie Sushi – surprisingly amazing
-
Sugar-Free Cheesecake – a sweet bonus!
ii) Nicole Jean: 3.5/5 (★★★☆☆) (04-24-2025)
Meal: Dinner | Price Range: $50–$100
My experience at Bob Chinn’s was a bit of a mixed bag. The crab fried rice was way too salty—it was hard to get through even a few bites. The lobster roll, unfortunately, was a big letdown. The bread was hard, and the lobster meat was tough and chewy, which made it really unpleasant. I usually love lobster rolls, so this was disappointing.
On a more positive note, the fish was okay, but what really stood out was the fried vermicelli. It was bursting with flavor and absolutely delicious!
Overall, while the service and atmosphere were both great, the food didn’t quite meet my expectations. I personally wouldn’t recommend it based on this visit.
Food: 3/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5
For more reviews and ratings, visit Google Reviews.
Why Should You Visit Bob Chinns Crab House
Bob Chinns is more than food. It is a tradition. It has been ranked among the top restaurants in America many times. The mix of quality, fun, and history makes it stand out.
It is a place where seafood shines, and memories are made. Whether it is your first visit or your fiftieth, you will leave happy.
FAQs about Bob Chinn’s Crab House Restaurant
What is Bob Chinn’s Crab House known for?
Their famous garlic rolls, fresh seafood, and the iconic Mai Tai.
Do they accept online reservations?
Yes, you can book online through their official website.
What are the most popular dishes?
King crab legs, lobster tail, clam chowder, and garlic rolls.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes. The atmosphere is casual and great for all ages.
Do they offer gluten-free or vegetarian options?
Yes. Many dishes are marked gluten-free, and there are veggie choices too.
What is the average cost per person?
Most meals range from 25 to 60 dollars, depending on what you order.
Do they host private parties or large group events?
Yes. They offer banquet spaces and group menus.
Is parking or public transit convenient?
Very. Free parking and close Metra access make it easy to reach.
Plan Your Visit Today
Ready to experience Bob Chinn’s Crab House for yourself? Whether you are dining in or ordering takeout, planning your visit is simple.
👉 Make your reservation directly through their official system
👉 Explore the complete Bob Chinns menu here
👉 For takeout, gift cards, and contact details, visit their info page
Stay connected and follow their updates on social media:
- 👉 Instagram: @bobchinnscrabhouse
- 👉 Facebook: @bobchinnscrabhouse
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I’m Sada, the founder of TripGuiderz.com. Since 2019, I’ve been crafting travel guides and blog posts to help readers plan smarter adventures. Let’s explore the world together!
