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River North Now Has a Roomy, Casual New Seafood Restaurant

Take a look inside Brown Bag Seafood Co.’s fourth location

Brown Bag Seafood Co. serves fish tacos.
Barry Brecheisen

Brown Bag Seafood Co. has made waves in Chicago for its fast-casual approach to seafood in places including Revival Food Hall in the Loop. Today marks a new era for the brand as it unveils a 2,100-square-foot restaurant in River North at Wells and Hubbard streets. This is the chain’s fourth restaurant since it was founded in 2014.

Huge glass doors greet the customers as they enter at 414 N. Wells Street. There’s a bit of a nautical theme in the 46-seat spot. They’ll have another 36 seats outside for spring and summer months. Suspended wooden arches and a 20-foot hand-painted mural are just come of the touches inside.

In the quest to get away from greasy fast food, Brown Bag supplies an alternative with filling lunches consisting of sustainable seafood. They adhere to standards made popular by programs including the Shedd Aquarium’s Right Bite program. The menu of fresh selections include a catch of the day, salmon, shrimp — fried or grilled. There’s also fish tacos, lobster rolls, and clam chowder. Sides include soups, slaw, and tater tots.

Cruise through the space below as Brown Bag founder Donna Lee continues to expand her brand. Brown Bag Seafood Co. in River North is open.

Brown Bag Seafood Co., 414 N. Wells Street, open 11 a.m. daily.

The entrance off Hubbard and Wells.
This is the biggest of Brown Bag’s four restaurants.
A look to the left of the main entrance.
There’s a few nautical knots in this space.
There’s plenty of tables and counter space inside.
The mural was painted by local artist Shelby Rodeffer.
Customers can move down the assembly line.
Brown Bag adheres to sustainable seafood practices as popularized by programs like the Shedd Aquarium’s Right Bite initiative.
The end of the counter.
Online orders can skip the lines.
Drinks and a sauce station are at the end of the line.
The lounge seats could draw telecommuters.
The outside of the building really is quite shiny.
Sustainable salmon and veggies are just one option.
Breaded fish tacos and pickled onions with loaded tots.

Brown Bag Seafood Co. River North

414 N. Wells Street, Chicago, IL 60654 Visit Website

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