The Fishguy Market & Wellfleet Restaurant

One of my favorite things to do on weekends is to get together with friends and cook. This weekend I had the chance to do that. In seeking out the best ingredients beforehand a friend introduced me to this place: The Fishguy Market which is both a fish market and restaurant. It is a somewhat small place that has recently been re-done in bright white and clean, cool ocean colors. There are few decorations, with all emphasis on the fish. The staff is professional and it's obvious that every aspect of seafood, from where it is sourced, how it is transported, stored and cooked is their passion.
Turning up famished, we decided to have a snack at one of the half dozen two-seater tables by the front windows before we got our goods. (There's also a chic, clean, white bar on the other side of the room, across from the fish cases.) Both of us had a cup of the shrimp bisque ($8 each). It was delicious. Rather than having a sweet flavor, as lobster bisque often does from the lobster and sherry or cognac at the end, this had a smoky, meaty aroma. The base was perfectly smooth and creamy with the shrimp providing the texture. After our snack, I took a good look at the fresh seafood. It was all beautiful and I opted for some giant, wild shrimp from Texas ($20/pound). There were many other things I could have chosen from but I already had in mind a red chili and paprika shrimp tapas dish. My buddy also bought a bunch of store-made crab cakes ($5 each) and gave me a couple. I can't wait to have them!

Contact info:
4423 N. Elston Ave. Chicago, IL 60630.
Phone: 773-283-7400

On-street Parking is available as well as a front loading zone for customers.

The market is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday - Saturday

The kitchen is open from 11:30 to 4:30.