The Tragic End Of Chicago's Seafood Shack: 5 Essential Facts About 3rd Coast Fish Bar's Legacy

For years, 3rd Coast Fish Bar stood as a culinary anomaly in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, a celebrated "fish shack" that brought the distinct flavors of both New England and New Orleans to the heart of the Midwest. Its reputation was built on serving fresh, sustainable seafood in a casual, chef-driven environment, quickly becoming a local favorite for everything from expertly shucked oysters to its award-winning lobster roll. As of December 15, 2025, however, the restaurant is confirmed to be closed, leaving behind a legacy that seafood enthusiasts across the city still discuss.

This deep dive explores the history, the culinary genius, and the eventual closure of 3rd Coast Fish Bar, providing a complete picture of why this DMK Hospitality Group concept was so beloved and why its absence is still felt today. We’ll cover the pioneering figures behind the concept, the must-try dishes that defined its menu, and the lasting impact it had on Chicago’s vibrant dining scene.

The Visionaries: Biography of DMK Hospitality Group Founders

3rd Coast Fish Bar was a cornerstone concept of the renowned DMK Hospitality Group, co-founded by two of Chicago’s most influential culinary and business minds: Chef Michael Kornick and restaurateur David Morton. Their partnership, which began in 2009, resulted in a portfolio of successful, concept-driven restaurants, with 3rd Coast Fish Bar being one of their most unique offerings.

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• Michael Kornick: A highly respected and acclaimed Chicago chef, Kornick is celebrated for his culinary creativity and commitment to quality. Before co-founding DMK Restaurants, he had already established himself as a major player in the fine dining world. He brought the "chef-driven" ethos to 3rd Coast Fish Bar, ensuring the menu focused on high-quality, sustainable seafood and creative preparations.
• David Morton: As a veteran restaurateur and the son of legendary hospitality figure Arnie Morton, David Morton brought unparalleled business acumen and a deep understanding of the guest experience to the partnership. Morton’s focus was on creating approachable, iconic dining destinations. He later rebranded the DMK group to Episcope Hospitality, expanding their advisory and management services.

The synergy between Kornick's culinary vision and Morton's operational expertise allowed 3rd Coast Fish Bar to flourish, offering a sophisticated take on casual seafood that resonated deeply with the Lakeview community and beyond.

The Concept: New England Meets New Orleans in Chicago

The name "3rd Coast Fish Bar" itself is a nod to Chicago’s unique position as a major American city not on the Atlantic or Pacific, but on the shores of Lake Michigan—the "Third Coast." The restaurant’s concept was a brilliant fusion, blending the best of East Coast seafood traditions with the spicy, soulful flavors of the Gulf Coast, specifically New Orleans. This combination created a truly unique dining experience.

A Menu Defined by Coastal Fusion

The menu was a masterclass in focused, high-impact dishes, proving that a "fish shack" could be both casual and chef-driven. The culinary team’s commitment to using fresh, sustainable fish and seafood was evident in every plate served. This focus on sourcing and quality elevated simple dishes to iconic status in the Chicago market.

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• The Legendary Lobster Roll: Often cited as one of the best in Chicago, the 3rd Coast Lobster Roll was a signature dish. It featured generous chunks of fresh lobster, lightly dressed, served on a perfectly buttered and toasted split-top bun—a classic New England preparation.
• The Codfish Sandwich: Another fan favorite, the Codfish Sandwich, was renowned for its crispy texture and flavorful seasoning, often highlighted in local food reviews as a must-try.
• New Orleans Influence: The Gulf Coast flavors shone through in dishes like the Seafood Po-Boy, Fish Tacos, and the rich, comforting Seafood Stew. The menu successfully captured the essence of a New Orleans fish fry while maintaining a focus on fresh ingredients.
• Raw Bar Excellence: The restaurant was also known for its excellent Oysters, served fresh daily, and the Tuna Rolls, establishing its topical authority in the raw seafood category.

The combination of these elements—the fresh catch, the dual-coast inspiration, and the casual atmosphere—made 3rd Coast Fish Bar a genuine destination for seafood lovers looking for an authentic, non-downtown experience.

The Final Catch: The Closure and Lasting Legacy

Despite its popularity and critical acclaim, 3rd Coast Fish Bar eventually joined the list of beloved Chicago dining spots that closed their doors. While a specific, publicly announced date and reason for the permanent closure are elusive in recent news, multiple current online sources, including delivery platforms and mapping services, confirm the restaurant is no longer operational.

The closure of this DMK restaurant marks the end of an era for the Lakeview neighborhood, particularly for the dining complex it shared with its sibling concept, DMK Burger Bar. The reasons for restaurant closures are often complex, ranging from rising operating costs and lease issues to a strategic realignment of the parent company, which, in DMK's case, has involved a rebrand to Episcope Hospitality. Regardless of the specific cause, the loss of a unique concept like 3rd Coast Fish Bar is a significant blow to Chicago's culinary landscape.

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The Enduring Impact on Chicago Seafood

The legacy of 3rd Coast Fish Bar extends beyond its physical location. It set a high bar for casual, quality seafood in a city not traditionally known for coastal cuisine. Its success demonstrated that Chicago diners craved authentic, well-executed "shack-style" seafood, paving the way for other specialized seafood concepts to thrive.

Key Entities and Concepts from the 3rd Coast Fish Bar Legacy:

1. DMK Hospitality Group: The parent company that launched the concept.
2. Episcope Hospitality: The rebranded name of the DMK group.
3. Michael Kornick: Co-founder and culinary visionary.
4. David Morton: Co-founder and business strategist.
5. Lakeview Neighborhood: The restaurant's vibrant Chicago location.
6. 2956 N Sheffield Ave: The specific address.
7. Lobster Roll: The signature, award-winning dish.
8. Codfish Sandwich: A critically acclaimed sandwich offering.
9. Oysters: A popular raw bar staple.
10. Seafood Stew: A hearty, New Orleans-inspired dish.
11. Fish Tacos: A nod to coastal favorites.
12. Grilled Salmon: A simple, high-quality main course.
13. Creamy Seafood Pasta: A rich pasta offering.
14. Key Lime Pie: The classic dessert.
15. DMK Burger Bar: The neighboring sibling restaurant.
16. Sustainable Seafood: The core philosophy of the menu.

While the doors of 3rd Coast Fish Bar may be closed, its influence on Chicago’s "Third Coast" dining identity remains. It proved that a Midwestern city could successfully capture the spirit and flavor of both New England and the Gulf Coast, leaving behind a memorable chapter in the city’s restaurant history.