[Photograph: Joe Roy]

Whoever came up with the Crabby Patty ($11.00) at Fish Bar either has a Sponge Bob-watching child at home, is a kid at heart himself, or possesses a great culinary mind. Let's not argue, lest we waste valuable time that could be spent ingesting more of these sandwiches. A burger patty-sized crab cake is expertly fried and dressed simply with iceberg lettuce, tomato slices, red onion, and Old Bay spiked mayo. The pillowy, toasted bun deserves mention, too: it's sturdy and flavorful without overshadowing the delicate crabmeat. Paired with a duo of Oysters ($1.00 apiece for first timers), this sandwich is as close to the ocean as I'll get this summer. I'll call it a close second.

Fish Bar

2956 N Sheffield Avenue Chicago, IL 60657 (map)
773-687-8177  
fishbarchicago.com