Shaw's Crab House — Restaurant in Schaumburg Township

15 long minutes and not even a glass of water!

My partner and I made reservations the Friday before Easter for 5 pm. We wanted a nicer dinner than your average weekend date night. We've both been to Shaw's before and enjoyed our meal. On Sunday, we arrived on time and were seated immediately (awesome!)...in the bar area. That's ok. We would have preferred the main dining room experience, but we were hungry and the bar area is still an upscale dining area. Unfortunately, this is where the evening took a nose dive.

We sat at our table for a solid 15 minutes. Not a single staff member paid any attention to us. Plenty of activity all around us (we were in the direct path of the main kitchen), but we were forgotten about. When we reached 15 minutes we both took out our phones and started calling other restaurants dreading what a non-reservation wait would look like for Easter dinner. On the way out of Shaw's I briefly spoke to Ari the Manager on Duty. Having to wait or getting slow service is totally acceptable, especially on a holiday. No service?! COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE!

We headed over to Wildfire, a 2 minute drive. They weren't taking walk-in's, but after hearing our story they sat us in the main dining room within 5 minutes. We had an awesome meal (you have to try their bison meatballs!), cocktails, and they GAVE us a dessert on-the-house! The funny part is that we ate at Wildfire in Oak Brook earlier in the week on Tuesday. Shaw's was another option in the rotation and we just had Wildfire. In the situation we wanted to go with a proven dining experience we knew would not let us down (Parkers Oakbrook and Morton's in Naperville tied for second). The total bill was $166. Wildfire's "save", worth $10,000.

What are the two easiest things to spot at a restaurant? You're right, a table with no food and empty glasses. It REALLY sticks out. How hard is it for ANYONE to stop by and say, "someone will be with you shortly. In the meantime, can I get you some waters"? That is basic training. Four people greeting you at the front of the house and nobody home at the back?! The bussers could have easily pitched in. They are already looking at each table to take stuff away. Do the same, but just give out water. At Wildfire, we had water about 5 seconds after being seated and handed the menus.

The second easiest thing to spot at a restaurant? An empty table. Let's pretend that we'd frequent Shaw's only 1 time a year. At the average cost of steak and cocktails, I am guessing around $180 with tip for the average 2 person check and double for bringing the family of 4. Our dining value to Shaw's is likely $5000 to $10,000 over a customers lifetime (a critical calculation in the restaurant business), IF I only dine once a year. It's exponentially more when we start talking about once a quarter, once a month, or include my business lunches.

Last but not least, Shaw's found time to cancel our reservation. Of course we get notified when the reservation changes. It's like one last insult. It was this action that brought me to create this review. I dislike reviews because peoples personal experiences are so varied and unique. With the few reviews I've written, I try to highlight the best of whatever a place has to offer. If your a person that is looking for the same, my review may have helped in some small way. That is satisfying, especially when its ma and pa little brick and mortar business. Shaw's cancelling the reservation?! Why? How does that help the Customer? How does that say we're sorry, how can we fix this? Right, it doesn't. It's a sharp reminder of the horrible experience delivered directly to the Customer (and all of their friends and family). How reckless and irresponsible of the person who took this action.

I am hoping that this review reaches Shaw's corporate offices as well as the dining public. Shaw's MUST work on customer satisfaction. In the interim, Shaw's may not believe it, but we have choices.

It was likely the most expensive pair of empty glasses of water Shaw's forgot to...

I have been a customer for over 35 years and I usually eat here 3-6 times a year and recommend this place to business colleagues. I will no longer recommend this establishment nor dine here again. This is used to be one of my favorite restuarants ever since I dined at the hubbard street location since my high school graduation in the 80's. It used to be an amazing expereince starting with very attentive host staff. Yesterday, I dined at the Higgins location in Schaumburg, and I have to tell you it was not a pleasant experience. It all started with the host. We arrive 3 minutes early, so we were told it will be a few minutes while they are in process of getting a table ready. After about 10 minutes, I asked him politely how much longer it would be and then he snaps at me with a retort," well I should expect the table cannot ready exactly on time as they working on seating for 8 people." I said I was just asking because we were told everything was almost ready wanted to know how much longer . . .only to be given an attitude by a spoiled millenial. And then we were about to be seated 5 minutes later, the hostess just grabs some menus does not saying at first and starts proceeding to the dining area and then turns around and says, "Are you coming?" in the most sarcastic tone. To my suprise when we were seated the dining area was less than half full. Not sure what the issue was. Also to make the evening worse, the food was not up to their typical standards the steak was undercooked . . . asked for medium and it was almost raw; the brussel sprouts were burnt, and they ran out of baked potaoes. We spent over $600's and if the quality and service was up to standards, not an issue as we would gladly pay $1000. But for the way we were treated yesterday on father's day and my birthday, I would have thought we were overcharged at a $100. I think I am done with Shaw's, at least for the Higgins location. I may give the hubbard location another shot, but I will be giving bulk of the seafood dining...

First time here and the menu looked amazing. The atmosphere was charming. It was a Wednesday night and had a "boy's club" vibe to it. Not a bad thing, probably a corporate event or co-workers grabbing a bite. The hostess was very nice and we were seated right away. Waiter was nice and helpful with our dinner selection, although, looked a bit overwhelmed. But good nonetheless. We started off with a cup of New England clam chowder and lobster bisque. The texture and flavor profile was different. Not bad, but nothing to rave about. 2 out 5 stars. Then we ordered shrimp scampi for an appetizer. Which took 45 mins to come out. There was a bigger dinner party around us and the kitchen staff was trying to keep up. So I get it. But our dish was sent to the wrong table and had to wait a little bit longer. When it finally came out, the waiter apologized and took it off our bill. Nice. The scampi was really good. Shrimp was well seasoned and properly cooked. Flavor was on point. 4.5 out 5 stars Main course. I had the seafood linguine. Oh boy, presentation looked amazing. Execution, not so much. Noodles and shrimp were overcooked. The shrimp was a little dry with a rubbery texture. Mussels were overcooked as well and tiny. Lobster was ok at best. It definitely felt like the dish was rushed out. 2.5 out 5 stars My date had Shaw's seafood platter. Consisted of crab cake, shrimp and scallops. The crab cake was a watery goopy bland mess. Almost like cat food. The shrimp was overcooked. The scallops were the only saving grace. Well cooked and prepared but packed a little seasoning. Again, felt like another rushed dish. 2.5 out 5 stars. Lastly dessert. We tried the dessert platter. Probably the best bang for the buck. Chocolate cake, key lime pie, creme brulee and ice cream. Dessert was probably my highlight. 4 out 5 stars

TL;DR. The staff and atmosphere was nice. A speakeasy charm. Service was a tad slow for a higher end place. And food was disappointing for the price point and a first date option. Don't take a...