WHEATON. This Wheaton seafood restaurant serves fresh fish to locals who come for the food as well as the casually comfortable atmosphere. The toques in the kitchen are generally busy as bees turning out all manner of notable entrees. Some of their creations include grilled Ecuadorian mahi mahi, sautéed shrimp and scallops atop penne pasta, and a crispy Amish chicken entree served alongside fluffy mashed potatoes. The dining room boasts vaulted ceilings and lovely stained glass windows. Outdoor seating is available during warm weather. Smart casual dress. Reservations recommended.

RIVER NORTH. After one meal at this River North gem, you'll quickly discover why it's one of the area's busiest restaurants. Casual attire is accepted and families are welcome ­ in fact, you can always count on the staff to provide top-notch, efficient service no matter how hectic the night is. Featured dishes include steamed king crab legs, crabmeat ravioli, Florida stone crab claws, fresh-caught Hawaiian ahi and mahi mahi, Holland Dover sole, and California black sea bass. In addition, the raw bar features fresh oysters nightly and a staff of professional shuckers. Reservations are accepted for groups of 14 or more.

MAGNIFICENT MILE. This classically elegant restaurant is located in the Drake Hotel and has become a Chicago institution. It's definitely the place to go for old-fashioned pampering and a fresh seafood meal. Order the Dover sole, the coconut shrimp, the baked Chilean sea bass, or the boiled Pacific red snapper. The interior hearkens back to the shipping days of yore, with red-checkered tablecloths, exposed wood beams, weather vanes, and stuffed sailfish. Business dressy attire. Jackets preferred for dinner. Reservations necessary.

THE LOOP. If you've made up your mind to have seafood, make a beeline for this notable place, whose vast menu features lots of seafood favorites prepared in a variety of culinary styles. Choose from the likes of Chilean sea bass, stir-fried shrimp and scallops, seared Creole seasoned salmon, Bahamian fish chowder, grilled Atlantic salmon, and grilled yellow fin tuna. Steaks can also be had, and live jazz is a treat in the bar most nights. Valet parking available.

MUNDELEIN. This seafood restaurant prides itself on offering only the best. To get started, order escargot baked in garlic butter or a Captain's Platter with oysters Rockefeller, baked clams, calamari, and barbecued ribs. For your main course, there's steamed lobster, a fried Fisherman's Platter (shrimp, lobster, scallops, and crab cakes), and bouillabaisse Marseillaise. Occasionally the restaurant hosts live music and dancing.