El Cangrejo seafood restaurant — Restaurant in Lake Township

El Cangrejo offers a relaxed and inviting atmosphere that makes you feel right at home as soon as you walk in. The nautical decor, complete with wooden tables and ocean-themed accents, sets the perfect scene for a seafood feast. Whether you’re seated inside or on the patio, the ambiance is casual yet charming. The service at El Cangrejo is friendly and attentive. From the moment we arrived, the staff made sure we were comfortable and well taken care of. The waitstaff was knowledgeable about the menu, offering helpful recommendations and ensuring our dining experience was smooth and enjoyable. The highlight of El Cangrejo is undoubtedly the food. The seafood is fresh and expertly prepared, with a wide variety of dishes to choose from. The ceviche was a standout starter, bursting with flavor and perfectly balanced with citrus. For the main course, the red snapper and combination shrimp parter and they were exceptional. Each dish was beautifully presented and cooked to perfection, showcasing the quality and freshness of the ingredients. The quality of the food and the overall dining experience justify the price. Portions are generous, and the flavors are rich and satisfying, making it a worthwhile indulgence for seafood lovers. El Cangrejo is a gem for anyone who appreciates high-quality seafood in a cozy, welcoming environment. With excellent service and a menu that delights the taste buds, it’s a great spot for a special dinner or a casual lunch with friends. The slight premium on the price is well worth it for the fresh and flavorful dishes they offer. El Cangrejo has earned a spot on my list of favorite seafood restaurants, and I look forward to...

BE PREPARED TO WAIT—because this is hands down one of the best authentic Mexican seafood spots on the South Side of Chicago! The wait is worth every minute, as the food here is fresh, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of spice. Every dish bursts with authentic flavor, and you can tell the ingredients are top quality. The portions are generous and priced very reasonably, making it a great value for the amount and quality of food you get. The space itself is cozy yet welcoming, with a more modern and simple décor compared to similar spots, and since it’s a BYOB restaurant, you can bring your own drinks to pair with their incredible seafood dishes.

The service is excellent—friendly, attentive, and efficient, even when the restaurant is packed. From start to finish, the staff makes sure your experience is smooth and enjoyable, which adds to the charm of the place. If you’re looking for bold flavors, large portions, and authentic Mexican seafood, this spot is a must-visit. It may be a wait, but once the food hits your table, you’ll understand why people keep...

One of those restaurants that used to be a gem, (before they were crowded over capacity all weekend) they used to be amazing. The quality of the food they serve is still great but the overall experience is ruined by the unorganized wait staff. Failure to turn tables over results in a 30+ minute wait time. They are BYOB but for some reason they aren't ever able to stock enough ice or buckets, so your beer or white wine (highly recommend) sit there getting Luke warm while the 20-30 or so minute ordering window comes up. Food quality and preparation time are top notch and only suffer due to sitting at the window for a few minutes due to an inept waitress/waiter. I really hope this place gets on the ball again, they still have amazing food to back up the reputation they have built, but the execution of service is just...