It is time to get your hands dirty. In America, ditching your silverware is typically regarded as a major faux pas. Yet in many countries across the globe, hand-to-mouth eating is the everyday norm. There is something ultra-satisfying about digging into a delicious plate of food, fingers first, and Lowcountry is encouraging diners to ditch their utensils. Located in Wrigleyville at Clark and Buckingham, this casual eatery is lined with craft paper topped picnic tables, and smells like fresh baked cornbread and a medley of rich spices. At Lowcountry, it is all about the Cajun seafood boil. Diners are invited to choose their protein, sauce, heat level and add-ons (think corn on the cob, red potatoes or Andouille sausage). Once the order is placed, the friendly and accommodating waitstaff presents a bag of freshly boiled seafood. Cue the bibs and crab crackers!
The Boil
Lowcountry asks guests to choose shrimp head on or head off, snow crab legs, king crab legs, clams, mussels and seasonal offerings like Dungeness crab, lobster and crawfish. (Feel free to mix and match!) Once the protein is selected, guests choose between Cajun spice, lemon pepper, garlic and everything sauces. Next, a heat level is chosen, beginning with weak sauce aka Lebron, then moving up to hot, then very hot and finally to ridiculously hot. Once the food arrives, diners can dig in hands first. Don’t worry – there is a large roll of paper towels attached to each table. Bibs are also provided for those looking to get down and dirty. It’s a true taste of the south.
Crab Hush Puppies
Place more than one order because the Crab Hush Puppies will go quickly. This scrumptious deep fried delicacy is a perfect introduction to the bold flavors that encompass the entire menu. Served with a side of Cajun spice sauce and garnished with fresh green onions, your palate will crave these when they are gone. Wash them down with an ice cold margarita.
Honey Butter Jalapeño Cornbread
Nothing goes together like seafood and honey butter cornbread, especially when it has a kick! This luscious sweet-meets-spicy side is irresistible. It isn’t a true southern meal without buttery cornbread and this one delivers on flavor.
Deep Fried Oreos
Meant for the serious Oreo connoisseur, this dessert is rich. A single Oreo is deep fried in a thick, crunchy batter, which makes the interior of the cookie warm and melted. I recommend sharing it.
Beignets
Beignets are the official state donut of Louisiana, but Lowcountry is staking their claim on the New Orleans staple. These soft pockets of deep fried pastry doused in powdered sugar give Café du Monde a run for their money (and you don’t have to wait in an absurdly long line to eat them). Served warm, Lowcountry describes them as “powdered pillows of love” for a reason.
Owned by husband and wife duo, Pan and Dana Hompluem, Lowcountry is a down home joint serving delectable seafood with all the fixin’s. Come as you are, eat with your hands and enjoy the friendly and casual atmosphere. Additionally, be sure to stop by their newest location in the South Loop at 1132 South Wabash Avenue. The seafood shack vibe will make you second-guess what city you are in.
3343 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60614 | Lowcountry | 773-996-9997
