GT Fish & Oyster is sure to get along swimmingly with the other cool kids on the block.
Reservations—especially on weekends—are already scarce, and judging by the food, soon to get scarcer. But make the effort, and you’ll be more than glad you did.
My new favorite drink, as of today, is GT’s Clean Break. Lord have mercy, it’s Nantucket in a martini glass. And to go with? You’ll be needing the Tuna Poke ($12), and the Sunfish Ceviche ($8), which looks like guacamole, but the avocado blends with the jicama, radish and chimichurri for a touch of spice. Sunshine on a plate.
Two large Baja Shrimp Bruschetta ($11), had a welcome crunch; the BBQ Eel ($12) could have used a bit more wasabi to combat the sweetness of the eel sauce. I could take or leave the Fish Dip ($9); much the same story for the Brandade Croquettes ($8). They didn’t taste like much, despite the laundry list of ingredients.
But oh, the Grilled Mahi Tacos ($12 for 3) are heavenly. Back to the dock I went in my mind, feet dangling in the water, reaching for a nice cold one. Mmmmmm. And the Fish and Chips ($13) were perfect in a crunchy beer batter. GT bottles their own malt vinegar; you’ll want a dash or two of that as well.
The GT Lobster “Mac and Cheese” ($12) was creamy and delicious, without being too rich. Maybe it was the toothsome orecchiete pasta that they used that offset the richness of the lobster and Parmesan.
The menu is ocean-centric, but there is a small menu category entitled “Not Fish” comprised of yummy-sounding preparations of pork belly, chicken and steak. So if fish is not your gig, you won’t go hungry. If you are vegetarian, well, what are you doing here anyway? Have a drink.
Desserts were mostly successful, although the Cherry Pie ($8) was so salty it was almost inedible. In keeping with the high standard of service we encountered all night, our waitress brought over another dessert to replace it immediately and both disappeared from our bill. Now that’s customer service.
We loved the Carrot Cake ($7) as well as the Key Lime Pie ($7). Our bonus dessert, a Cheesecake Panna Cotta ($8) was ethereal, almost mousse-like in consistency.
So head on down to River North and hop on board the good ship GT Fish & Oyster. It’s worth the trip.
GT Fish & Oyster
Chicago
312-929-3501
