Ashok Selvam
is the editor of Eater Chicago and a native Chicagoan armed with more than two decades of award-winning journalism. Now covering the world of restaurants and food, his nut graphs are super nutty.
After a successful three years in Wrigleyville, the owners of Lowcountry hope to duplicate the formula in the South Loop at their second restaurant. Lowcountry, known for its Cajun seafood boils, started serving patrons over the weekend at 1132 S. Wabash Avenue. Besides spicy crab legs, shrimp, and lobster tails, this Lowcountry features surprises including drinks from a Japanese highball machine, deep-fried Oreos, and plenty of liquor on tap.
The East Coast seafood boil has long been a New England tradition. Elsewhere in the country, notably in California, restaurateurs have added a dash of Asian culinary influence and the trend has caught on in Chicago. Owners Pan and Dana Hompluem designed Lowcountry South Loop to feel like a backyard seafood boil. They’ve added picnic tables, nautical trinkets, and plenty of plants. The former Belly Up space has room for 120 seats, and they’ll have a patio. The space also has a garage door window that will roll up during the spring and summer.
Check out the menu and photos below.
Lowcountry, 1132 S. Wabash Avenue, hours not posted yet.