The 16 Best Fried Seafood in Chicago

For seafood lovers in Chicago craving some crispy, golden deliciousness, finding the best spot for fried seafood is a must. Whether it's shrimp, fish, calamari, or oysters, the Windy City has plenty of options to satisfy those cravings.
From casual joints to upscale restaurants, there is a variety of places to choose from. To help narrow down the choices, here is a list of the top spots for fried seafood in Chicago:
- Quality of seafood
- Crunchiness of batter
- Variety of options
- Location and atmosphere
- Price point
So, get ready to indulge in some mouthwatering fried seafood as you explore the flavors of Chicago's diverse culinary scene.
The 16 Best Fried Seafood in Chicago:
- 1. Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
- 2. Shaw's Crab House
- 3. Hagen's Fish Market
- 4. Goose Island Shrimp House
- 5. Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House
- 6. Lowcountry Lakeview
- 7. Lawrence's Fish & Shrimp
- 8. Catch 35
- 9. Half Shell
- 10. Haire's Gulf Shrimp
- 11. DiCola's Seafood
- 12. Brown Bag Seafood Co.
- 13. Frank's Chicago Shrimp House
- 14. Two Fish Crab Shack
- 15. Surf's Up South Shore
- 16. Wild Fork

- Monday: 11:30 AM–9:30 PM
- Tuesday: 11:30 AM–9:30 PM
- Wednesday: 11:30 AM–9:30 PM
- Thursday: 11:30 AM–9:30 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
- Saturday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM–9:30 PM
1. Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
Information and Reviews
Customers have shared rave reviews about their experiences at Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab. Some of the key points from the reviews are:
- Stunning hospitality in a classic warm environment with flawless steak and fantastic seafood dishes.
- Exceptional service, delicious food, and a fine dining experience worth every penny.
- Great experience with attentive wait staff, amazing food, and relaxed dining atmosphere.
- Classy ambiance, impeccable service, dishes made to perfection, and friendly staff providing a memorable dining experience.
With a remarkable rating of 4.7 stars based on 4160 reviews, Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab is a favorite spot for both locals and tourists looking for a high-end dining experience in the heart of Chicago. Experience the elegance and taste the excellence at Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab.

- Monday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
- Tuesday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
- Wednesday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
- Thursday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
- Saturday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
2. Shaw's Crab House
Information and Reviews
- Great staff, amazing food, perfect for special occasions
- Classic Chicago joint with fantastic atmosphere and fresh seafood
- Phenomenal service and delicious food, perfect for special nights out
- Outstanding crab cakes, lobster wellington, and excellent service

- Monday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Friday: 10 AM–10 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–10 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–8 PM
3. Hagen's Fish Market
Information and Reviews
Customers rave about the quality and taste of the seafood at Hagen's Fish Market. Here are some key points from their reviews:
- Delicious fried shrimp and smoked whitefish
- Great selection of smoked fish and fried seafood
- Generous portion sizes and friendly customer service
- Wide variety of seafood products and a local, family-owned establishment
With a spectacular rating of 4.7 stars based on 1726 reviews, Hagen's Fish Market continues to delight customers with its exceptional seafood offerings and top-notch service. Visit their website to explore their menu and place an order for a seafood feast!

- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 11 AM–8 PM
- Wednesday: 11 AM–8 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM–8 PM
- Friday: 11 AM–8 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM–8 PM
- Sunday: Closed
4. Goose Island Shrimp House
Information and Reviews
Here are some key points from customer reviews:
- Memorable experience from childhood, quality shrimp with a unique aroma.
- Quick lunch spot with hot and crispy fried shrimp, special Goose Island sauce highly recommended.
- Fresh and delicious seafood, never greasy, sometimes a wait, but worth it.
- A long-time favorite spot for jumbo breaded shrimp, delicious and reasonably priced.
Customers appreciate the service options available such as takeaway, making it convenient for those on-the-go. The restaurant is known for its fast service and is popular for both lunch and dinner options. Additionally, Goose Island Shrimp House offers comfort food, late-night food, and quick bite options for those looking for a satisfying meal. The casual, historic, and trendy atmosphere attracts both tourists and university students.
Visit Goose Island Shrimp House for a delicious seafood experience that will leave you coming back for more!

- Monday: 3 PM–12 AM
- Tuesday: 3 PM–12 AM
- Wednesday: 3 PM–12 AM
- Thursday: 3 PM–12 AM
- Friday: 3 PM–12 AM
- Saturday: 3 PM–12 AM
- Sunday: 3–11 PM
5. Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House
Information and Reviews
Customers have left positive reviews about their experiences at Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House. The key points highlighted in the reviews include:
- This is now my favorite restaurant in Chicago with delicious seafood options.
- Was not disappointed, and the frog legs were exceptionally good.
- Excellent food and service with fantastic recommendations from the waiter.
- Outstanding customer service and delicious options like the frog legs and lobster cobb salad.
The restaurant has an impressive rating of 4.6 based on 1787 reviews, showcasing the high level of satisfaction among customers. The ambiance of the place is described as cozy, historic, romantic, trendy, and upmarket, catering to diverse preferences. The offerings, including a wide selection of alcohol, cocktails, and comfort food, ensure a delightful dining experience. Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House is a prime destination for seafood enthusiasts seeking a memorable and upscale dining experience.

- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 5–10 PM
- Wednesday: 5–10 PM
- Thursday: 5–10 PM
- Friday: 5–11 PM
- Saturday: 5–11 PM
- Sunday: 4–9 PM
6. Lowcountry Lakeview
Information and Reviews
Here are some key points summarizing customer reviews:
- Servicable food at reasonable price. Not a truly authentic experience, but the combos offer plenty of food. Recommended for a taste of Cajun boils.
- Delicious seafood boils at reasonable prices. The Combo A is a favorite with shrimp, potatoes, corn, and honey garlic cornbread.
- Great place to satisfy a craving for seafood boils. Thicker seasoning sauce than usual but sticks better. Good prices and the combos come with amazing cornbread and a drink.
- Good experience with helpful staff. Self-service setup, so be prepared to order at the counter. Food could use a bit more garlic kick. Perfectly fried calamari.

- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
7. Lawrence's Fish & Shrimp
Information and Reviews
With a rating of 4.3 based on 6037 reviews, customers have praised the restaurant for its delicious food and friendly staff. Some key points highlighted in the reviews are:
- I ordered the smaller sizes of Pearch and separately Scallops. Delicious. I'd say this restaurant ranks amongst the best of those which are its competitors.
- The shrimp is mediocre at its finest but I loved the friendliness of the staff and the environment. Also, a black establishment which I'll always support. The corn hush puppies are amazing!
- Been coming here for 20+ years! Highly recommended!! Great for late-night snack, especially after 2 am 🙂
- Been coming here for 30 plus years. When I want Shrimp, I go here everything. Plenty of parking. Clean and fast service.
Whether you're a local or a tourist, Lawrence's Fish & Shrimp offers a memorable dining experience with a rich history dating back to the 50s. Make sure to visit this iconic seafood restaurant for a taste of Chicago's finest seafood dishes.

- Monday: 11:30 AM–9:30 PM
- Tuesday: 11:30 AM–9:30 PM
- Wednesday: 11:30 AM–9:30 PM
- Thursday: 11:30 AM–9:30 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM–9:30 PM
- Saturday: 4–9:30 PM
- Sunday: 4–9 PM
8. Catch 35
Information and Reviews
The establishment is popular for both lunch and dinner, making it a versatile choice for any time of day. Customers have praised the fast service, great coffee, great desserts, and live music that add to the overall dining experience.
From the hundreds of reviews, some highlighted points include:
- High-quality and tasteful food during Restaurant Week
- Wonderful service, downtown location, and impressive food with good dessert options
- Clean and classy atmosphere with well-portioned but undersalted dishes
- Impressed first-time visit with fabulous everything and amazing coconut margarita
Whether customers are looking for a memorable celebration or a casual dining experience, Catch 35 strives to provide a top-notch dining experience that keeps customers coming back for more.

- Monday: 4–10 PM
- Tuesday: 4–10 PM
- Wednesday: 4–10 PM
- Thursday: 4–10 PM
- Friday: 4–10:30 PM
- Saturday: 12–10:30 PM
- Sunday: 12–10 PM
9. Half Shell
Information and Reviews
- A customer mentioned that the oysters were fresh and cleanly shucked, the crabs were delicious, and the fried shrimp was not to be missed. They also praised the independent, family-owned nature of the restaurant.
- Another customer highlighted the prompt seating, enjoyable drinks, and efficient service at Half Shell. They appreciated the cleanliness of the establishment and the reasonable prices.
- A different customer raved about the rich and fresh delicacies such as oysters, mussels, crab legs, and fried shrimp. They found the food flavorful and the atmosphere cozy.
- One reviewer described Half Shell as the best neighborhood seafood joint in the city, emphasizing the pleasant casual atmosphere and the perfectly cooked crusted tuna.
With a rating of 4.6 out of 5, Half Shell continues to be a favorite dining spot for seafood lovers in the Chicago area. Visit their website for more information and make sure to check out their service options including outdoor seating, takeaway, and more.

- Monday: 11 AM–8 PM
- Tuesday: 11 AM–8 PM
- Wednesday: 11 AM–8 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM–8 PM
- Friday: 11 AM–10 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM–10 PM
- Sunday: 12–5 PM
10. Haire's Gulf Shrimp
Information and Reviews
- Picked up a small bomb bag and it was full of perfectly cooked shrimp, batter not too heavy and seasoned to perfection. The spaghetti was a pleasant surprise with great flavor. Customer service was exceptional.
- Been coming here for a while and they consistently serve delicious shrimps. The shrimp is hot, crunchy, and flavorful. Definitely one of the best shrimp spots in the city.
- Ordered the large bomb bag and spaghetti - both were delicious. Shrimp was seasoned well and crispy, while the spaghetti was well-seasoned and satisfying. This customer's go-to place now.
- Some of the best fried shrimp they've ever had, always fresh and cooked to perfection. Slight complaint about the portion of fries, but overall a great experience every time.
With services like delivery, takeaway, and dine-in available, Haire's Gulf Shrimp ensures that customers can enjoy their delectable seafood offerings however they please. Visit them to experience the delicious flavors for yourself!

- Monday: 11 AM–6 PM
- Tuesday: 11 AM–6 PM
- Wednesday: 11 AM–6 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM–6 PM
- Friday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Sunday: Closed
11. DiCola's Seafood
Information and Reviews
Customers appreciate the wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance, making it convenient for all guests to visit the restaurant. The friendly atmosphere at DiCola's Seafood adds to the overall dining experience, with a casual setting that welcomes everyone.
The Comments section highlights the experiences of patrons who have visited the restaurant. While some customers have expressed dissatisfaction with the seasoning on the fried fish, others praise the freshness and quality of the seafood. Overall, the reviews emphasize the dedication to customer service and the variety of options available at DiCola's Seafood.
- Mediocre service and lack of seasoning on fried fish
- Great selection of fish and sides, recommend cooking at home
- Delicious cooked fish but would like more seasoning
- Fresh seafood and excellent service, recommended for fresh sea food

- Monday: 11 AM–8:30 PM
- Tuesday: 11 AM–8:30 PM
- Wednesday: 11 AM–8:30 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM–8:30 PM
- Friday: 11 AM–8:30 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM–8:30 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM–8:30 PM
12. Brown Bag Seafood Co.
Information and Reviews
Customers have left glowing reviews for Brown Bag Seafood Co. Here are some key points from their reviews:
- Happy hour is a hit with a variety of delicious dishes to try.
- The lobster roll and truffle Parmesan tots are must-tries on the menu.
- Exceptional service, delicious food, and a great view of the city skyline make for a memorable dining experience.
- Good portion sizes, fresh ingredients, and a casual vibe make this restaurant a favorite for seafood lovers.

- Monday: 11 AM–10 PM
- Tuesday: 11 AM–10 PM
- Wednesday: 11 AM–10 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM–10 PM
- Friday: 11 AM–10 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM–10 PM
- Sunday: 12–9 PM
13. Frank's Chicago Shrimp House
Information and Reviews
- Shrimp taste great with sauces, fresh ingredients, and fast service.
- Huge and tasty shrimp, perfect for sharing and convenient on-street parking.
- Generous portions of shrimp, clear communication on serving sizes, and great value for the price.
- Fast, quality, and affordable meals, with a focus on simplicity and taste.

- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 3–10 PM
- Wednesday: 3–10 PM
- Thursday: 3–10 PM
- Friday: 3–10 PM
- Saturday: 1–10 PM
- Sunday: 1–6 PM
14. Two Fish Crab Shack
Information and Reviews
- The staff is amazing, nice, and polite, creating a great dining experience.
- The food is delicious, fresh, and hot, providing a memorable meal every time.
- The location, ambiance, and decor all contribute to a fantastic dining atmosphere.

- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 11 AM–8 PM
- Wednesday: 11 AM–8 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM–8 PM
- Friday: 11 AM–8 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM–8 PM
- Sunday: Closed
15. Surf's Up South Shore
Information and Reviews
- The food is straight fire, with fresh, melt-in-your-mouth goodness worth every dime.
- The fried biscuits are a taste sensation not to be missed.
- The service is excellent, with lovingly cooked-to-order dishes.
Customers rave about the delicious offerings at Surf's Up South Shore, such as the juicy Hennessy chicken and perfectly cooked cheesy grits. The restaurant's owner is friendly, explaining the menu and offering delightful beignets while the food is being prepared. Reviews highlight the restaurant's clean and safe environment, making it a top choice for a satisfying dining experience.

- Monday: 8 AM–9 PM
- Tuesday: 8 AM–9 PM
- Wednesday: 8 AM–9 PM
- Thursday: 8 AM–9 PM
- Friday: 8 AM–9 PM
- Saturday: 8 AM–9 PM
- Sunday: 8 AM–9 PM
16. Wild Fork
Information and Reviews
- Customers praise the high quality and variety of meats available at Wild Fork, from everyday cuts to exotic options like ostrich.
- The convenient curbside pickup option and efficient service make the shopping experience easy and enjoyable for patrons.
- Many reviewers appreciate the affordable prices at Wild Fork, especially considering the excellent quality of the products.
The store's service options include kerbside pickup, no-contact delivery, delivery, in-store pick-up, and in-store shopping, catering to different customer preferences. Additionally, amenities like toilets and accessible facilities demonstrate their commitment to providing a comfortable shopping experience for all.
Whether you are looking for everyday ingredients or specialty products, Wild Fork is the go-to destination for all your grocery needs. Visit their website for more information and to explore their offerings.
Map of Fried Seafood in Chicago
Chicago is home to some of the best fried seafood spots in the country. From crispy fish and chips to golden fried shrimp, there is something for every seafood lover in the windy city. Check out this map to discover all the top places to indulge in delicious fried seafood in Chicago.
Related Services