Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House
Chicago, IL 60610
Phone: (312) 640-0999
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- Bellevue Place and Oak Street
- Specialties:
- Seafood
- Hours:
- Sun-Thu 11am-2am, Fri-Sat 11am-3am
Editorial Review for Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House – by Citysearch Editors
The Scene
Co-owners Hugo Rawley and Steven Lombardo named the restaurant after Rawley and his grandfather, whose nickname was Bruce "Frog" Hay. The nautical interior makes waves with boisterous patrons who flock here from their plush, Gold Coast apartments.
The Food
Choice selections on the seafood-heavy menu are updated daily, but ask what's in stock, as specials tend to sell out quickly. A good backup is halibut, mildly flavored with shiitake mushrooms, shallots and white wine. For an appetizer, try seared peppercorn tuna or shrimp de Jonghe. Crab cakes are king as an appetizer or for your meal--the crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy fritter is flavorful while not too fishy. Filet mignon is dominated by crusted black pepper--too pungent but made tolerable by a creamy bearnaise sauce. End your meal with muddy bottom pie, a delicious, rich mound of chocolate and vanilla ice cream coated with Oreo cookies, macadamia nuts and chocolate chips.
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Insider Tips
Know Before You GoCelebrating a birthday? Tell the staff and you'll get a happy birthday chant.
The ExtrasEnjoy live piano music in the bar nightly from 6pm till 12am.
User Reviews for Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House
09/02/2008 Posted by raviolirinaldi
A New York City couple with high expectations for the culinary (that comes with the territory) on our first trip to Chicago. We shamelessly admit that N.Y.C. is missing and needs a Hugo's. With a menu that offers a variety of seafood that fools you into thinking you might be near the Atlantic coast and a shared kitchen with Gibson's Steakhouse next door this was a fantasy come true for a Carnivore-Vegetarian couple. From the moment we entered the door to the moment we wobbled out onto Rush Street the entire restaurant staff was not only courteous and attentive but genuinely welcoming and quick to acknowledge us with a smile whenever we came within five feet from one of them. Our server was Dustin and not only was he a chip off the warm personality of the entire staff, he was a knowledgeable and honest guide through what the menu had to offer. My Gibson's 22 oz. bone-in Ribeye was cooked to exactly what temp. I had asked and was the closest I'd come to the quality of beef that reminded me of what I grew up eating in Texas. The bookbinder soup is a must try appetizer for someone who has already tried Gumbo in New Orleans and the Chowdah in Cape Cod--it goes great with the generous serving of various fresh tasting bread delivered promptly to the table just before the drinks. My companion had a jalapeno crusted Halibut which was flaky and delicious. We both thoroughly enjoyed the appetizers the Bookbinder soup, frogs legs and crab cake are worth a mention. The decor was warm and welcoming and the tables are far enough apart that you aren't invading the tables next to you. Great wine list, fabulous food and wonderful service - what else could you ask for? Make Hugo's a must stop in Chicago. It is a better choice than its' older brother Gibson's if you aren't looking for the flashy "see and be seen" scene next door. But fine dining nevertheless.
Pros: Excellent seafood for a midwestern hotspot, great wine list, great service
Cons: reservations are a must!
09/02/2008 Posted by cookingjul
We took our son to Hugo's as a special going away present the night before he left for China as an exchange student. I was looking at other steak/seafood houses based on internet searches and changed to Hugo's based upon a recommendation by the Concierge at out hotel and I am so glad we did. Our waiter (Anthony) was the best waiter we have ever had at any restaurant. We never felt rushed (and the menu was extensive so it took awhile to order). The Lobster Bisque was the best soup we have ever had, the mustard/dill sauce for the salmon was fantastic, the crab cakes were really lump crab and not filler, and the steaks were fantastic (they come from their sister restaurant Gibson's). The most expensive restaurant I have ever been to but we also ordered more than usual because it was a special event. Glad we made reservations or we could not have gotten in until after 9:00 (Friday night). Hugo's will be a destination for us whenever we travel to Chicago from now on.
Pros: Service and quality of food.
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