Lowcountry Lakeview — Restaurant in Lake View Township

It's rare when I review a hometown restaurant, but I just had to share my experience at Lowcountry! I was warned ahead of time that they did not accept reservations; however, I was not prepared for a 2 hour wait. The hostess offered to text us (a group of 6) when a table became available and we used an app that told us how many diners were ahead of us.

So, we found a restaurant across the street and posted up at their bar while we waited for our table. The bartender wasn't prepared, so it actually took a half hour before we got our drinks...but that's a review for another time!

Anyway, about an hour and forty-five minutes later, we saw from the app that there weren't any other diners in front of us, so we settled our bill and headed back across the street.

We dined "communally" meaning we sat a large table, with other diners, on benches. The menu was pretty simple--you had your choice of seafood boils to choose from: shrimp, lobster, King, dungeness, and Alaskan crab, crawfish, and mussels. Next you selected your flavors: Cajun, lemon, garlic or "everythang" and your level of heat, with a 1 being the least and a 4 being the hottest. I selected a 3, but I'll get to that later. You also had the option of adding sausage, corn, and/or potatoes to your boil.

I had the king and Alaskan crab along with the crawfish, corn and garlic beignets (yummy delish). The food came out on huge metal platters with huge plastic bags of food that had to be cut open by the servers. When the server asked me who had the level 3, he gave me a knowing wink and smile and wished me good luck! Man it was hot...but it was very well seasoned! Thank goodness I only had it on one of the boils. And I also realized, too late, that I had ordered WAY too much food; hence why I was in a food coma! But the food took me back to my Boston days, as the crab legs tasted fresh and sweet, as if they had been caught that morning. I brought home most of my dinner and saved the shells and seasoning, cooked them down and made a seafood broth that I froze to make gumbo.

Although they provided plastic bibs, I strongly suggest NOT dressing up because we had garlic and seafood juice all over our hands, face, and clothes! I even got it in my hair! I now understand why they had the wash sink in the middle of...

During our recent trip to Chicago, my group of seven, including three kids and four adults, had the pleasure of dining at Lowcountry Lakeview. Our experience was largely positive, with a few notable highlights and minor setbacks.

Ambiance Lowcountry Lakeview offers a casual yet vibrant atmosphere that feels welcoming to both families and groups of friends. The decor is a charming blend of rustic and contemporary elements, creating a comfortable and inviting dining environment. The staff was friendly and attentive, ensuring we were well taken care of throughout our meal.

Food We ordered three Double Doubles, which turned out to be more than enough for our group, leaving leftovers sufficient for two adults. The portions were generous, and the presentation was appetizing. Each dish was perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection. The flavors were rich and authentic, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to high-quality ingredients and traditional recipes. The kids especially enjoyed the meal, which is always a plus for family outings.

Drinks The only downside to our experience was the quality of the drinks from the bar. While the food exceeded our expectations, the drinks did not measure up. The cocktails were somewhat underwhelming, and the champagne quality felt cheap for the price. This was a bit disappointing, especially considering the otherwise high standards of the establishment.

Overall Experience Despite the lackluster drinks, our visit to Lowcountry Lakeview was highly enjoyable. The exceptional food and welcoming atmosphere made it a memorable dining experience. It's an excellent spot for families and groups looking for a hearty meal in a relaxed setting.

If you’re planning a visit, I would recommend sticking to the fantastic food and perhaps exploring other drink options in the area if you're particular about your beverages. Overall, Lowcountry Lakeview is a great choice for a delicious and satisfying...

On March 4, 2025, my family and I went to Lowcountry for my two-year-old nephew’s birthday dinner. It was, hands down, the worst dining experience I’ve ever had, and I’ve been to this restaurant more than once. First, we ordered our food, and my mother’s dish was way too salty. She asked to speak with the waitress, who came over. My mom explained that the sauce was excessively salty, and since she has high blood pressure, she couldn’t eat it. The waitress said she would call the manager, a young Hispanic woman, who came to the table with a rude attitude. She told my mom that if she wanted a different sauce, she’d have to pay an extra $8. Why would my mom pay for extra sauce just to make her meal edible? She refused, and we decided to move on and eat what we could.

Next, my sister asked the waiter for a plastic fork. He returned with one, which seemed normal. However, I prefer to use a plastic fork, so I walked up to the manager to ask for one myself. When I asked, she told me that they don’t carry plastic utensils because they only provide regular stainless steel ones. I told her the waiter had given my sister a plastic fork, and she responded by saying that the forks were purchased by the employees for themselves. I asked if I could have one, and she said no. I reminded her that I’m a paying customer, and we spent over $300 that day. Yet, I was told I couldn’t have a plastic fork for my pasta. Frustrated, I left and went next door to the Spanish restaurant. I asked for a fork there, and they handed one to me immediately, no problem.

To be honest, the manager at Lowcountry clearly lacks basic customer service skills, and in my opinion, she shouldn’t be managing anything, let alone a restaurant. This experience was disappointing, and I won’t be returning...