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The 16 Best Fried Fish in Chicago

For seafood lovers in the Windy City, finding the perfect fried fish spot can be a daunting task. With so many options to choose from in Chicago, it can be hard to determine which restaurant serves up the most delicious and flavorful dishes.

Whether you're looking for a casual seafood joint or a more upscale dining experience, this list of the 16 Best Fried Fish in Chicago will help you narrow down your options and find the perfect spot for your next meal.

Get ready to embark on a fried fish journey through Chicago and discover the top spots to satisfy your seafood cravings.

How this ranking works

This guide does not try to list everyone. It is our pick of fried fish in Chicago, built on each business's public reputation and on how central this service is to what it does.

Some businesses pay for a fuller profile or a featured position. It is only open to those that have already passed our selection, and it is always marked.

Top 3Full rankingMapTips for choosing

Our 16 local picks compared

Seafood Fish & Chicken Crib, Chicago#1
What sets it apart
  • One customer mentioned that they experienced inconsistencies in their seafood order, with missing items and inaccurate portions

  • Another customer praised the restaurant for offering fresh and delicious food, highlighting the potential for growth and variety in the menu

  • A satisfied customer enjoyed the family-size seafood pan but advised against placing it on the car seat due to spillage

  • One reviewer expressed dissatisfaction with the atmosphere and packaging of their carry-out order, citing the lack of proper containers and space management

Seafood Fish & Chicken Crib

4.893 reviews
25 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60624, United States

Seafood Fish & Chicken Crib is a popular seafood restaurant located in Chicago. They offer a variety of services including kerbside pickup, no-contact delivery, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options. Customers can enjoy delicious seafood dishes for lunch and dinner in a casual atmosphere. The restaurant is wheelchair-accessible and offers vegetarian options, halal food, and comfort food on their menu.

Goose Island Shrimp House, Chicago#2
What sets it apart
  • A customer fondly remembers visiting the restaurant as a child and appreciates the unique aroma that signals they are open for business.

  • Another customer enjoyed a quick lunch with hot and crispy fried shrimp, made fresh to order, and recommends trying it with the special sauce.

  • One reviewer praises the fresh and not greasy food, the short wait times, and the desire for the restaurant to be closer.

  • Finally, a satisfied customer highlights the quality of the food and the reasonable prices after enjoying jumbo breaded shrimp.

Goose Island Shrimp House

4.62,112 reviews
1011 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60642, United States

Goose Island Shrimp House is a popular seafood restaurant located in Chicago, IL. This cozy spot is known for its fast service and delicious offerings, including comfort food and late-night bites. Customers rave about the quality of the shrimp and the special Goose Island sauce that accompanies it.

Whether you're a local or a tourist, Goose Island Shrimp House is a must-visit spot for seafood lovers looking for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Frank's Chicago Shrimp House#3
What sets it apart
  • First-time visitors were impressed by the generous portion sizes and affordable prices.

  • Customers highly recommend the Chicago Gulf Shrimp and rave about the crispy fries.

  • Fans of the fresh seafood emphasize the quality and deliciousness of the dishes.

  • Many patrons appreciate the attentive service and the option to customize orders to their liking.

Frank's Chicago Shrimp House

4.6801 reviews
5052 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60641, United States

Frank's Chicago Shrimp House is a renowned seafood restaurant in Chicago that offers a variety of service options, including takeaway and dine-in experiences. Known for its comfort food offerings and quick bites, this restaurant is popular for both lunch and dinner, making it ideal for solo diners and families alike. The casual atmosphere and family-friendly crowd create a welcoming environment for all customers.

With a rating of 4.6, based on 801 reviews, it's clear that Frank's Chicago Shrimp House has left a positive impression on its patrons. Some key points from customer reviews include:

Whether you're looking for a quick bite to eat or a cozy place to enjoy a meal with loved ones, Frank's Chicago Shrimp House is sure to satisfy your seafood cravings.

Haire's Gulf Shrimp, Chicago#4
What sets it apart
  • Pristinely cooked shrimp with perfectly seasoned batter and delightful spaghetti.

  • Consistent quality shrimps, hot, crunchy, and full of flavor with complimentary sauces.

  • Delicious, well-seasoned shrimp and spaghetti leaving customers fully satisfied.

  • Top-notch fried shrimp cooked to perfection, always fresh and a must-visit spot.

Haire's Gulf Shrimp

4.51,288 reviews
7448 S Vincennes Ave, Chicago, IL 60620, United States

Haire's Gulf Shrimp is a renowned seafood restaurant located in Chicago, IL, known for its delectable offerings and fast service. Customers can enjoy the convenience of delivery, takeaway, or dine-in options. The restaurant is popular for both lunch and dinner, making it an ideal spot for solo dining as well.

Here are some key points from customer reviews:

Experience the joy of dining at Haire's Gulf Shrimp where fresh and flavorful seafood awaits!

Frank's Chicago Shrimp House#5
What sets it apart
  • Shrimp taste great with sauces

  • Shrimps are huge and tasty

  • Great food, great service, community staple

  • Cheap, fast, quality meals

Frank's Chicago Shrimp House

4.5433 reviews
4459 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60632, United States

Frank's Chicago Shrimp House is a popular seafood restaurant located in Chicago, US. Known for its delicious shrimp dishes and comfort food offerings, this restaurant has received a high rating of 4.5 stars from 433 reviews.

Customers have praised the freshness of the ingredients and the fast service provided at Frank's Chicago Shrimp House. The casual atmosphere makes it a family-friendly dining spot, where customers can enjoy a quick bite or a hearty meal. The restaurant offers takeaway service, making it convenient for customers on-the-go. Whether you're looking for a lunch spot or a place for dinner, Frank's Chicago Shrimp House is a must-visit for seafood lovers.

Brown Bag Seafood Co., Chicago#6
What sets it apart
  • Delicious and fresh seafood

  • Excellent customer service

  • Generous portions

Brown Bag Seafood Co.

4.4780 reviews
340 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601, United States

Brown Bag Seafood Co. is a popular seafood restaurant located in Chicago, IL. They offer a variety of service options such as outdoor seating, no-contact delivery, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. Known for their fast service, they are a favorite spot for lunch, dinner, and solo dining. The restaurant is also wheelchair-accessible and offers a range of offerings including alcohol, cocktails, comfort food, healthy options, and vegetarian options.

With a rating of 4.4 based on 780 reviews, customers have praised Brown Bag Seafood Co. for:

Troha's Chicken & Shrimp House, Chicago#7
What sets it apart
  • Customers rave about the half-pound shrimps and codfish, praising their size, crunchiness, and flavor.

  • First-time visitors love the crab nugget and shrimp combo, along with the crab salad and Cole slaw.

  • Returning customers appreciate the consistency in taste and quality over the years, making Troha's their go-to seafood spot.

  • Some customers have noted a decrease in portion sizes and an increase in prices, affecting their overall experience.

Troha's Chicken & Shrimp House

4.4567 reviews
4151 W 26th St, Chicago, IL 60623, United States

Troha's Chicken & Shrimp House is a well-established seafood restaurant in Chicago that has been serving delicious seafood dishes since 1917. They offer a variety of service options such as kerbside pickup, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. Customers can enjoy popular dishes for lunch, dinner, and solo dining. The atmosphere at Troha's is casual, historic, and trendy, catering to families and tourists alike.

J & J Fish And Chicken, Chicago#8
What sets it apart
  • Fresh, hot, and delicious food with outstanding service.

  • Best shrimp in Chicago and highly recommended with excellent customer service.

  • Fresh, perfectly cooked jumbo shrimp and flavorful fish and chicken options.

  • Delicious fried catfish, excellent customer service, and a welcoming atmosphere.

J & J Fish And Chicken

4.4229 reviews
10943 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60643, United States

J & J Fish And Chicken is a popular seafood restaurant located in Chicago, IL. They offer a range of services, including delivery and takeaway, making it convenient for customers to enjoy their delicious meals. Known for their comfort food and late-night food, J & J Fish And Chicken is a go-to spot for a quick and satisfying meal.

Customers have left glowing reviews about their experiences at J & J Fish And Chicken. Here are some key points summarizing their feedback:

With an impressive rating of 4.4, it's clear that J & J Fish And Chicken is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Whether you're looking for a quick bite, a comforting meal, or a late-night snack, this restaurant has you covered.

Lawrence's Fish & Shrimp, Chicago#9
What sets it apart
  • I ordered the smaller sizes of Perch and separately Scallops. Delicious.

  • Love fried catfish with cornmeal. The shrimp were great.

  • The staff is super friendly and the food is always made to order.

  • The fish and chips are probably the best bang for your buck on the menu.

Lawrence's Fish & Shrimp

4.36,037 reviews
2120 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60616, United States

Lawrence's Fish & Shrimp is a renowned seafood restaurant located in Chicago offering a variety of delicious dishes. Customers can enjoy outdoor seating as well as no-contact delivery, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options. Known for its fast service, this establishment is popular for lunch, dinner, and solo dining.

The Fish Keg, Chicago#10
What sets it apart
  • Consistent quality since the 1980s

  • Delicious fried fish and seafood options

  • Friendly service and cozy atmosphere

  • Hush puppies dipped in honey are a must-try

The Fish Keg

4.3745 reviews
2233 W Howard St, Chicago, IL 60645, United States

The Fish Keg is a beloved restaurant located in Chicago that has been serving up delicious seafood since the early 1980s. Customers rave about the fried fish and other seafood offerings, alongside scrumptious sides and sauces. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists alike.

Some key points from customer reviews:

Captain Shrimp, Chicago#11
What sets it apart
  • Fresh and flavorful seafood dishes

  • Fast and friendly service

  • Cozy atmosphere perfect for solo dining

Captain Shrimp

4.3303 reviews
1901 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60613, United States

Captain Shrimp offers a delightful dining experience for seafood lovers in Chicago. With a rating of 4.3 based on 303 reviews, customers rave about the delicious food and great service. Some key points from customer reviews include:

Whether you're looking for a quick bite, a cocktail, or a relaxing sit-down meal, Captain Shrimp has you covered. They offer delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options to suit your dining preferences. Visit their website to explore their menu and plan your visit today.

Captain Hooks Fish & Chicken, Chicago#12
What sets it apart
  • I've been a customer for over 5+ years and the workers are very polite and fast paced. A lot of the bad reviews are from customers who are just rude and unreasonable.

  • The service is great, and the food is very good. The cashier and cook are very nice.

  • The staff is amazing, very patient, and thoughtful.

Captain Hooks Fish & Chicken

4.21,999 reviews

Open 24 hours

8554 S Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL 60619, United States

Captain Hooks Fish & Chicken is a popular fast food restaurant located in Chicago. The restaurant offers a variety of service options such as delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. Known for its fast service, Captain Hooks is a favorite spot for lunch, dinner, and solo dining. The restaurant is highly accessible, with a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, and toilet.

Customers have praised Captain Hooks for its delicious food and excellent customer service.

With a rating of 4.2, Captain Hooks Fish & Chicken continues to delight customers with its tasty offerings and friendly atmosphere. Visit their website to learn more about their menu and order your favorite dishes today!

Lawrence's Fish & Shrimp, Chicago#13
What sets it apart
  • Exquisite seafood dishes

  • Great ambiance for a solo dining experience

  • Convenient delivery and takeaway options

Lawrence's Fish & Shrimp

4.11,494 reviews
3242 W 87th St, Chicago, IL 60652, United States

Lawrence's Fish & Shrimp is a renowned seafood restaurant located in Chicago, IL. The establishment offers a variety of services, including delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options. Customers often visit Lawrence's Fish & Shrimp for lunch, dinner, and solo dining, making it a popular choice among locals and tourists alike.

The restaurant prides itself on its comfort food, late-night food, quick bite, and small plates offerings. With a casual and trendy atmosphere, Lawrence's Fish & Shrimp caters to various crowds, including groups and tourists. The establishment provides wheelchair-accessible amenities to ensure all guests feel welcome and comfortable.

Customer reviews rave about the delicious seafood dishes and the welcoming ambiance of Lawrence's Fish & Shrimp. Some key points from reviews include:

For a delightful seafood dining experience in Chicago, be sure to visit Lawrence's Fish & Shrimp.

J J Fish on Kedzie, Chicago#14
What sets it apart
  • This place is a hole-in-the-wall kinda spot with decent prices, fresh food, and friendly staff.

  • Excellent food with reasonable prices, especially great for grabbing a quick meal to go.

  • Unsatisfactory experience with small portion sizes and disappointing customer service.

J J Fish on Kedzie

4.1574 reviews
411 S Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60612, United States

J J Fish on Kedzie is a popular seafood restaurant located in Chicago, offering a variety of comfort food options such as catfish fillets and chicken wings. Customers can enjoy the casual atmosphere and quick bite dining options, with services like delivery and takeaway available. The restaurant is also known for its late-night food offerings, making it a go-to spot for those craving a delicious meal at any hour.

Harbor Chicken & Seafood Market, Chicago#15
What sets it apart
  • Delicious chicken and seafood dishes

  • Quick bite options available

  • Vegetarian and salad bar options

  • Family-friendly atmosphere

Harbor Chicken & Seafood Market

3.930 reviews
2018 W 63rd St, Chicago, IL 60636, United States

Harbor Chicken & Seafood Market is a popular fast food restaurant located in the heart of Chicago, known for its delicious chicken and seafood dishes. The establishment offers a variety of services such as kerbside pickup, no-contact delivery, regular delivery, and takeaway options.

Customers have praised the restaurant for its quick bite options and late-night food availability. The salad bar and vegetarian options have also received positive feedback. The establishment is considered family-friendly with a casual atmosphere.

Overall, with a rating of 3.9 based on 30 reviews, customers appreciate the quality and variety of food offered at Harbor Chicken & Seafood Market.

JJ Fish and Chicken, Chicago#16
What sets it apart
  • Old and dry food, piled in grease

  • Unpleasant experience with an employee while ordering for a homeless man

  • Wrong order received during lunch hour

  • Delicious fried fish and chicken options at an affordable price

JJ Fish and Chicken

4.0280 reviews
26 E Adams St, Chicago, IL 60603, United States

JJ Fish and Chicken is a popular chicken restaurant located in Chicago, offering a variety of service options such as no-contact delivery, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. Known for being a great spot for lunch, dinner, and solo dining, this restaurant serves delicious comfort food and is perfect for a quick bite. Customers can enjoy a casual atmosphere while dining in, making it a favorite among tourists and university students.

Overall, the reviews for JJ Fish and Chicken highlight a few key points:

With a 4.0 rating and plenty of positive reviews, JJ Fish and Chicken continues to be a top choice for those looking to enjoy tasty chicken and fish dishes in the heart of downtown Chicago.

The comparison in brief

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Map of Fried Fish in Chicago

Looking for the best fried fish in Chicago? Look no further! From classic fish and chips to unique seafood creations, Chicago offers a wide variety of options for fried fish enthusiasts. Explore our map below to discover some of the top spots in the city to satisfy your craving for crispy, golden perfection.

Tips for choosing Fried Fish in Chicago

  1. Freshness of the fish.
  2. Batter crunchiness.
  3. Variety of fish options.
  4. Portion size.
  5. Accompanying side dishes.

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