Seemor
Brown Bag Seafood Co.BWorth Trying
340 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
· Seafood restaurant, Health food restaurant, Lunch restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (971 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Fast-casual seafood with customizable bowls and standout lobster rolls near Millennium Park; quick, friendly service and good value, with occasional service lapses and rare cleanliness complaints.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Brown Bag Seafood Co. delivers solid neighborhood dining with strong food quality and exceptional service speed that make it a reliable lunch or casual dinner stop. However, inconsistent execution—scattered reports of undercooked or cold items—and isolated food safety concerns prevent a higher grade. The pleasant park-adjacent location and friendly counter service appeal to locals, but it reads as a convenient neighborhood spot rather than a destination worth traveling for.
Restaurant Summary
Steps from the park, this fast-casual spot feels warm and bustling without stress. Staff walk first-timers through the process, and food often arrives lightning quick. One diner summed it up: "A clean, friendly stop where salmon and tots just hit the spot." However, there are some review authenticity concerns suggesting certain reviews may be solicited or influenced. The cooking leans classic seafood with a health-forward twist: grilled salmon, hake, and shrimp over greens or grains, plus comforting standbys like fish and chips and a splurge-worthy lobster roll. Sauces add punch without gimmicks; think sesame-soy sriracha and herb dressings rather than theatrics. It suits diners who want flavorful seafood fast, whether between meetings or after a stroll by the lake. Families are set: there is a real kids menu with grilled salmon, chicken strips, fish bites, and tots, plus simple sides and mild flavors. Bowls let you keep it plain or add sauces gradually, so even cautious eaters find something familiar.
At a Glance
- Quick, friendly counter service and fast ticket times
- Customizable bowls with good portions and fresh seafood
- Lobster roll praised as generous and tasty
- Occasional execution slips (undercooked or cold fish reported)
- A few cleanliness/service incidents; monitor recent reports
What Sets It Apart
- customizable_seafood_bowls
- downtown_park_proximity
- value_happy_hour_specials
What People Love
- Feeling good after a fresh, balanced bowl
- Crispy, craveable tots with dips
- Friendly guidance for first-time ordering
- Splurge-worthy lobster roll moments
Points of Concern
- Isolated but serious cleanliness complaints (hair, utensil pack insects) amid mostly clean reports
- Execution inconsistency noted by a minority (undercooked or cold fish, greasy tots)
- Service attitude issues reported on a few visits; usually offset by friendly staff
- Pricing can feel high on certain items (lobster roll, fish-to-fries ratio questioned)
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$28-42 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Choose grilled salmon or hake over Veggiebox or Powerbox for a protein-forward, balanced bowl
- Add Supergreen garlic + herb sauce ($0.75) for a bright finish
- Pair chowder (mini $5) and a side of tots ($3.25) for a light combo
Perfect For
- Pre- or post-park lunch near Millennium Park
- Quick but satisfying workday meal
- Casual seafood dinner without reservations
- Feeding mixed dietary needs with simple builds
Location Insights
Area: Downtown lakeside pocket serving office workers and tourists, close to parks and the lakefront; casual daytime energy.
Safety: Generally safe, high foot traffic near parks and residences; standard downtown vigilance after dark.
Nearby: Steps from Millennium Park and Lakeshore East Park; offices, residential towers, and tourist paths nearby.
East LoopThe East Loop is characterized by a fast-paced environment with many corporate offices and hotels. Dining options here cater largely to business lunches, quick casual meals, and tourists seeking convenient and quality food options. The area is accessible and safe, with a mix of casual and upscale eateries.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–20:30
Tuesday11:00–20:30
Wednesday11:00–20:30
Thursday11:00–20:30
Friday11:00–20:30
Saturday11:00–20:30
Sunday11:00–20:30
Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
View full analysis on Seemor →