I'm not from the area, but have visited my in-laws several times over the last 18ish years and have frequented several times over the years. The first time I came here I was amazed just how popular and busy they were. I mean I felt like we had to go through 3 different lines before we got seated, but that showed efficiency. I just went the other night and I can say that the dining experience and service has stayed consistent and on par with many similar type places (Remember it's casual dining). Our recent visit was on a Wed evening and was at 6p, so wasn't exactly as busy as our past experiences, but then again maybe their popularity is slowing down? I was kinda surprised how low their rating currently is. I guess it's kinda hard to maintain a high rating for decades... plus there are so many keyboard critics out there that are only willing to leave negative reviews for some of the most unreasonable things. I mean I saw a negative review I think for adding in gratuity for 2? Which idk was a true experience... I know fake reviews are out there, but I'd like to see a picture of the receipt. We've gone multiple times with large groups and even our recent party of 9 visit didn't automatically include gratuity. I will say that I think the value might not be the same as my first experience 18 years ago (things do seem pricier now), but how much of that is inflation... my recent visit I got the Chinn's Trio and with my appetite I may have still been hungry if I hadn't swapped steak with my daughter (hers was a little undercooked medium vs and mine was overcooked medium rare). But to be fare the trio's meat are smaller pieces where it's easy to overcook. I would still rate my overall experience this time around a 4-4.5. But considering the lame 1*s I'm seeing, I'll give them a 5*

Huge restaurant! Plenty of seating but it fills up quickly. The Mai Tai is their signature drink in a souvenir cup but honestly, it wasn't that good. Big menu but a little pricey for what it is

We had a fantastic dinner at Bob Chinn's. Our server was fun, attentive and knowledgeable helping to guide us through the large menu. It's a retro vibe. Dark interior but we sat outside the main dining room and enjoyed a lighter patio vibe. Lobster tails and Dungeon crab was cooked to perfection. It's pricey so definitely need to be prepared for a large bill.

Everything perfect. From Tyler the waiter to the atmosphere to the food Outstanding Had the stuffed bass and macadamia crusted bass- very flaky and delicate fish. Came with two sides each. The sweet potato mashed was the best thing I've had in a looong time-omg Prices were VERY reasonable shockingly reasonable Will be back very soon!

The service was great. The food was pretty good, but the halibut was delicious and it was well worth the price. I only gave it a four star because some of the items seem to be a little pricey for what we were provided. In addition, I wish they would let customers substitute the premium sides at an additional cost of course for the regular sides that come with he meal. Instead, we had to pay full price for the premium sides while keeping or omitting (no price reduction) the regular sides, which we did not want or need. With that being said we will still go back.

Our family has been coming here for decades. We don't see the hordes of people that we used to, but it can still get pretty crowded on a weekend. What's helped is now they accept reservations (or you can join the waitlist on YELP). We joined the waitlist after 5 pm on Friday and the waiting time was 0 min until after 5:30 at which time we were third in line. Nevertheless we breezed right in when we arrived in the partially full parking lot. We accepted the obligatory Bob Chinn's Signature Garlic Rolls, but bypassed the appetizers. We ordered crab, steamed, with butter. It was only about 10 minutes until our enormous platters arrived, 2 of us went with the snow crab and the other ordered the Alaskan king crab. What more can I say? When we seafood we eat food. Our server checked on us constantly, refilling drinks, taking away shell remains, bringing napkins. Before the bowl even got full with the crab shell castoffs, someone came to empty it. The only glitch in our delightful meal was the key lime pie. It was almost frozen. Our server brought us another slice, and it was more thawed, but still pretty icy. We ate it anyway, very tart and cold, a nice acidic end to the buttery crab feast.

Waiter J.D. was not very friendly. It seemed like we were a bother and he was just very dismissive. The lady cleaning tables was nicer than he was. The food was fresh, delicious, and very flavorful. I've come here a few times and the food never disappoints. Every time I come here, I try a new dish and it's always well-cooked and very tasty. The environment was very family friendly and they have very nice decor.

First time going to Bob Chinn's. I was prepared for it to look like a cafeteria , given past reviews. I was pleasantly surprised by the wooded exterior. Inside, although we had reservations, we stood in a short line for the 2bd host stand. At the front of the line, she handed us menus and sent us to a 3rd host deeper into the restaurant. He was extremely welcoming. However, we waited almost ten minutes at our table without any server greeting us, and no waters. Plus, although we did get the menus from the host, we didn't get a drink menu. After waiting almost ten minutes, my husband spotted an open booth in a nicer area, against the windows and asked the host if we could move, explaining we still hadn't been served. He was profusely apologetic, and moved us to the large booth in a pretty section with a lovely view of trees outside and immediately our excellent server came up (Daniel, I think?). From then on, the dinner was perfection. The rolls came quickly. They were warm and covered in a lovely garlic olive oil. I could see others loving this but we'd prefer to skip them next time. A bit hard and just extra carbs when we'd rather save room for the meal. We ordered two appetizers. The mushrooms arrived almost immediately and were excellent. With only two people, though, it was a bit too much for us - better for a group. We also got the scallops. Omg. I like scallops but I did not know they could be that succulent. Flavorful, tender, with just a hint of crisp at the edges. Lovely sauce without being greasy. I got the Basa stuffed with crab. Other reviewers complained that they're fished from rivers with chemicals but many websites claim that cooking the fish fully solves the problem. Who knows. At any rate, it was delicious. Flavorful and flaky. The crab is not just perched on top but stuffed. I asked the hollandaise sauce on the side. The meals come with choice of two sides. I chose the rice and slaw. Both were good. Slaw is very thinly grated and a refreshing sauce. My husband got the swordfish blackened. I normally don't like steak-like fish but this swordfish was so tender and juicy that I'd consider getting it next time. We both had a cocktail and I'd suggest skipping them and getting wine or beer instead. The blackberry bramble was excessively sweet and not balanced. Just tasted like fruit juice. The Manhattan was smooth but was the weakest Manhattan I've had. Normally those are quite strong for me and I didn't feel a buzz. So if you just want the flavor and like sweet drinks, get it. Otherwise, skip. I didn't knock a star down for this because to each their own - some people love sugary drinks so I didn't feel it was a fault, just not what we like. But the luau cake is not to be missed! Light and airy, it was a perfect way to close a delicious meal. Only lightly sweetened without being cloying. And a delectable effervescence of coconut. Light enough (and low enough priced at only $7) that I could almost order one just for me next time !

I had a fantastic experience at Bob Chinn's Crabhouse in Wheeling! From the moment I arrived, I found easy parking to the side of the building. I highly recommend making a reservation online, as the wait can be quite long if you walk in. Upon being seated, I ordered the signature Mai Tai, which came in a fun tiki mug with Bob Chinn's face on it. While the Mai Tai was good, it was a bit on the sour side for my taste. To start, I tried the clam chowder, which arrived piping hot and was absolutely delicious. The main course, the crabmeat vermicelli, was outstanding. It contained premium crabmeat stir-fried with tender cellophane noodles, bacon, onion, egg, and drizzled with oyster sauce. It's easily one of the best crab dishes I've ever had. One nice touch was the complimentary garlic rolls that the server brought out at the beginning of the meal. They were tasty but a bit cold. Overall, I would definitely return to Bob Chinn's Crabhouse if I find myself in the Wheeling area again. The food was delicious, the service was excellent, and the ambiance was lively. Highly recommended!​

We love Bob Chinn's. We have been coming here every year for my dad's birthday for almost 10 years. It's a great tradition and the food has always been delicious. The service is consistently good and the wait staff are friendly, attentive and knowledgeable on the menu. The mai tais are a staple here and my dad always orders them. We love how they let you take home the mai tai cups. This recent visit, I ordered the 2 pc 5 oz lobster tails with fries and cole slaw on the side. The lobster tails are incredible! 3 other people at our table ordered the same thing. It's a pretty decent deal that includes two sides. Our server, Dan, was awesome! We did notice that some of the menu items are overpriced. For example, the salad bar is now $16. Also, we found it strange that Saturdays are the only days in which you cannot use your birthday coupon for $25 off. Saturdays are extremely popular days for people to celebrate their birthdays at a restaurant. If you're going to offer $25 off as a birthday gift, you should allow the person to use it on any day they want. We will have to remember that for next time. Overall, this is a fun place to come for a celebration or just for a nice dinner with family and friends!