Devon Seafood Grill

Devon Seafood Grill

39 E. Chicago Ave.

Chicago, IL 60611

312.440.8660

Type: Upscale Seafood

Fancy Shmancy Factor: 4/5

Price: Entrees $19-55
Quality for price: 4/5

Ambiance: Romantic
Other: Happy Hour Specials, Rotating Four Course Tasting Menu with optional wine pairings

[Dan] Okay, we're bad bloggers. Admitted. We've been seriously slacking and there is no excuse. But we're going to come up with some anyway: The holidays, as always, were crazy; We're both in various stages of job transitioning; Being on opposite schedules has taken its toll on our ability to go out; We can be just plain lazy. But it's a new year and a chance to start fresh. This past weekend we decided to go to Devon Seafood Grill on Chicago and Wabash for a celebratory dinner because, as hinted above, we both are starting new jobs. As some of you reading this blog may know, I've worked on and off at Devon for over three years now. That being said, this probably isn't going to be the most fair and unbiased blog entry we've done. We considered not reviewing it, but what the heck? It is a great restaurant and one of the reasons I've been there so long is because there are really good people who work there, too.

[Kristen] Contrary to what Dan wrote above, at least a portion of this review should be unbiased. In the time we have been dating, we have somehow managed not to have dinner at Devon until this past weekend and so, while Dan has probably tasted everything on the menu and can provide more of a comprehensive review, I can offer the first timer perspective most diners would experience. Admittedly, I wasn't a complete virgin to the Devon experience. I had met up with friends before for Happy Hour specials (great deals on apps and drinks) in the upstairs bar but this was my first time dining in the swanky dining room on the lower level.

When we made our reservation, Dan requested an alcove, which allowed us a semi-private table with a half wall separating us from the rest of the dining room. We were informed that the last couple sitting there had gotten engaged and considered it a good luck sign. So just to be sure to harness some of that luck, we ordered oysters as an appetizer. ;) Dan was kind enough to wait until I'd finished eating to tell me that the little buggers were actually alive, a fact I had somehow missed. We also had tuna tartare and ordered a bottle of Kendall Jackson's Summation (half price bottles on Sunday nights!).

Eventually, after much deliberation, we ordered our entrees. As Dan has mentioned in previous entries, I'm not a big seafood eater. But I may have to change my ways because the simply prepared Mahi Mahi I ate was so delicious that Dan didn't have any of my leftovers to eat as is usually the case. I chose Lobster mac n'cheese and grilled asparagus for my side dishes and these didn't disappoint either. Of course, I also had to try Dan's meal, which wasn't on the menu but he ordered it anyway. He got a medium-rare filet with Alaskan King Crab legs and chose asparagus and yukon gold whipped potatoes. Reasonable diners may have called it a night at this point. But not us! We continued our gluttonous affair by ordering a warm Ghirardelli Chocolate Lava Cake, some espresso, and Dan had a port to finish off the meal.

Truth be told, one of the reasons we decided to come to Devon last Sunday was because Dan had won a gift certificate through work and so we got a pretty good deal on our food. We're not made of money and the menu is on the pricier side so it is definitely a place for special occasions as far as we're concerned, whether proposing marriage, celebrating an anniversary, or toasting to a new job. Or bring a first date to enjoy some of the weeknight specials or happy hour deals to save some money without sacrificing the romantic vibe. I can honestly say that I would come to eat at Devon again, even if Dan didn't work there, even having to pay full price, even though I've never been much of a seafood gal. It was just. that. good.