People love to talk about authenticity—an aggressive little affirmation that often tells you whether you should enjoy something. Whether it’s a taco stand or barbecue or your grandmother’s marinara recipe, the often passive aggressive question is “But is it authentic?”
Maybe in the restaurant world, “authentic” is often code for “what I expect this cuisine to taste like based on a trip I took once or a YouTube video I saw.” A chef spends 15 years perfecting a dish, and some customer with zero cultural context cries, “That’s not authentic!”
Foods that are authentically American
General Tso’s Chicken
Spaghetti and Meatballs
California Roll
Chimichanga
German Chocolate Cake
Greek Salad
Fortune cookies
Orange chicken
Bagel with lox and cream cheese
There is no authenticity in food. Tomatoes didn’t get used extensively in Italian cooking until the 19th century. Potatoes come from Peru, not Poland or Ireland. The hot pepper ins in Nigerian or Thai cuisine come from the Americas. Etc.
Let’s talk about Shaw’s Crab House vs. authenticity. It is a creation of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, which if you don’t about, is a fascinating operator of a wide variety of restaurants. Over the decades, it has become a beloved institution, known not just for its menu but for its warmth, elegance, and timeless character. It looks like it has been around for a century or more; if you asked somebody what a turn of the century seafood house looks like, they would say Shaw’s. But it has only been around since 1984.
Shaw’s has a split personality: two distinct dining rooms, each offering a unique experience. The formal dining room exudes classic sophistication with white tablecloths, wood-paneled walls, and vintage chandeliers—perfect for an elegant dinner featuring dishes like Alaskan king crab legs, buttery lobster tail, or a seared halibut fillet. In contrast, the adjacent Oyster Bar is lively and casual, and always buzzing with energy. Here, diners belly up to a marble-topped bar for freshly shucked oysters, legendary clam chowder, or a killer lobster roll, all while sipping craft cocktails. The raw bar offerings change with the tide, and the menu reflects the best of the season from both coasts. And I love oysters. Again, it looks like a San Francisco or East Coast oyster bar from the late 19th century
We go there and frequently show up early to go to the Oyster bar for apps and cocktails before our reservation in the dining room. I don’t know if this makes us their dream customer
Great ambiance and service. charismatic bartenders behind the oyster bar, a staff is known for attentiveness, knowledge. With its charm, culinary excellence, and genuine service, Shaw’s is just a great seafood restaurant. Shaw’s Crab House vs. Authenticity? Authenticity be damned.