Chicago Vietnamese Food — Turns Out Vietnamese Hot Pot

Ocean Grill & Bar — been here 3 or 4 times now. Every time I bring friends, it’s a hit. Easy parking, nice atmosphere, and I often see Vietnamese diners here. Oh, and the menu now has Chinese translations — helpful update! 🍜 Pho The pho here is above average — real beef bone broth, no MSG shortcuts, with decent beef and meatballs. Generous portions — one bowl is enough for two to share, especially if you add some small plates or seafood. 🦐 Seafood This place really shines with seafood — wide variety, and always fresh. My faves so far: steamed clams with lemongrass, garlic sea snails. Heard their grilled oysters are great too. 🥘 Fish Sauce Hot Pot First time trying Vietnamese hot pot — picked one at random. The broth was savory, infused with fish sauce, with plenty of pork belly slices in the base. Felt like a braised pork + fish sauce broth. Sides included catfish (really good!) and shrimp (solid quality). First time cooking eggplant in hot pot — surprisingly delicious! The hot pot came with a plate of rice noodles as the default starch — such a pleasant surprise! Just dip them in the broth to warm up and eat — they soak up all the flavor. Really fun way to eat. 🔥 One hot pot is enough for 2–4 people. Overall a fun, unique experience — lots of hot pot varieties, great for sharing. #ChicagoEats #VietnameseFood #HotPot #Pho #SeafoodLover #FishSauceBroth 🍲🇻🇳