Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House

10/06/09

Great food, even better staff, fun atmosphere!

by vulrich at Citysearch

Hubby and I popped in on a Sunday night, sat in area next to bar at a good sized table-was comfortable. Waitress was extremely nice and accomodating throughout the night-A+! Opened with salads, both dressing were much better than average restaurant dressing surprisingly. For entree, I had crab cakes, and they were very good, and finally a restaurant that brings me a huge piece of lemon and enough mayo concoction for them! Hubby had the ribs, was knee deep in them before long and loved them! We got a piece of chocolate cake to take back to our hotel room. It was as big as our heads, I'm not kidding. We were very disappointed to have to leave more than half of it in our room upon leaving Chicago. Again, waitress was wonderful, hosts were very friendly, staff was attentive. Would definitely return again when in Chicago-easy to become a regular in this place!

• Pros: Portions-huge, table right away,excellent food and staff!
• Cons: Dessert was TOO big, had to leave left overs in hotel room!

09/02/08

Wonderful Restaurant! A tourist must!

by raviolirinaldi at Citysearch

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!

09/02/08

Best Lobster Bisque, best crab cake and great steaks

by cookingjul at Citysearch

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.