Chicago is a city that is famous for its deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, and Italian beef sandwiches.
But if you're a fan of seafood, particularly fried fish, then you're in luck because Chicago has some of the best places to get your fix.
From classic fish and chips to more creative twists on the dish, there's no shortage of options for fried fish lovers in Chicago.
Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, there's a spot for everyone.
But with so many options, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go. That's why we've put together a list of the best places to get your fried fish fix in Chicago.
We've scoured the city and tried out all the best spots, so you don't have to. All you need to do is sit back, relax, and read on to find out where to get the best fried fish in Chicago.
1. Hagen's Fish Market
Hagen's Fish Market is a must-visit place for seafood lovers. This market offers a great selection of fresh and smoked fish, but the real star of the show is their fried seafood.
Their spicy fried shrimp and crispy hush puppies are particularly noteworthy. The staff is friendly and welcoming, providing excellent service.
In addition to their takeout options, they also offer pre-cooked and raw meals for families, including sides and salad.
The market is a Chicago culinary institution, and it's easy to see why. Hagen's Fish Market is a great option for anyone looking for a delicious and satisfying seafood meal.
2. Goose Island Shrimp House
Goose Island Shrimp House is a classic Chicago seafood spot known for its delicious fried fish and jumbo shrimp.
Although it's a cash-only, takeout joint, it's worth the visit for the perfectly seasoned and not-too-greasy fish and chips.
The shrimp are large and juicy, making for a satisfying meal. The clam strips are also a standout, with a natural flavor that doesn't require dipping in sauce.
This is a must-visit spot for anyone looking for quality fried seafood in Chicago.
3. Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House
Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House is an upscale seafood restaurant that offers a variety of fresh and delicious seafood dishes. They are particularly known for their perfectly cooked fried fish, which is a must-try for seafood lovers.
The restaurant has a contemporary setting and a cozy atmosphere that makes it perfect for a date night or a dinner with friends.
The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the menu, and the service is top-notch. Prices are reasonable for the area, making it accessible to all.
If you're looking for a high-end seafood restaurant that serves excellent fried fish, Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House is definitely worth a visit.
4. Frank's Chicago Shrimp House
Frank's Chicago Shrimp House is a must-visit spot for seafood lovers. This long-standing establishment specializes in fried seafood, including fish and chips and shrimp.
The food is hot, fresh, and crispy without being greasy. The staff is friendly and welcoming, making you feel at home.
It's a small place with a basic counter setup, but the quality of the food is worth the wait. You can order ahead and pick up your food at a specific time.
The prices are reasonable, making it an excellent value for money. Whether you're a local or a tourist, Frank's Chicago Shrimp House is worth a visit.
5. Wentworth Seafood House
Wentworth Seafood House is a seafood-focused Cantonese restaurant that serves delicious fried fish. The wait staff is friendly and helpful, and the dining area is clean and modern.
The menu has a great variety of food options, and the dishes are served within 10 minutes after ordering.
The food is very fresh, perfectly done, and reasonably priced. The restaurant also offers a discount for cash payment.
The hot tea is tasty too. If you're looking for authentic and delicious fried fish, Wentworth Seafood House is the place to go.
6. South Side Shrimp
South Side Shrimp is a hidden gem that serves up some of the best fried fish and shrimp in the area.
With a flavorful crust on the seafood, it's clear that the cooks take pride in their craft. The establishment is clean and the staff is friendly, making for a pleasant dining experience.
Prices are reasonable for the quality of food served. The menu is limited, but the focus on seafood ensures that everything is fresh and cooked to perfection.
If you're a fan of seafood, South Side Shrimp is definitely worth checking out.
7. Troha's Chicken & Shrimp House
Troha's Chicken & Shrimp House is a long-standing eatery that has been serving up deep-fried seafood since 1920.
The walls are covered in sports memorabilia, adding to the atmosphere. The restaurant offers a variety of fried fish, shrimp, and chicken dishes.
The shrimp is particularly noteworthy, with a delicious cornmeal-based coating. The service is friendly and helpful, and the prices are reasonable.
If you're in the mood for some classic fried seafood, Troha's Chicken & Shrimp House is definitely worth a visit.
8. Shrimp Island
Shrimp Island is a seafood restaurant that serves delicious fried fish. The seafood is fresh and hand-breaded, making it a must-try for seafood lovers.
The menu includes jumbo shrimp, catfish, fish chips, fries, mushrooms, and mozz sticks.
The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable. The staff is friendly and provides quick service.
The location is small and only offers carry-out, but it's nicely kept and has a small bench to sit on while waiting for food. Shrimp Island is a great place to grab a quick and tasty lunch.
9. J & J Fish And Chicken
J & J Fish And Chicken is a seafood and chicken restaurant that serves up delicious fried fish and chicken.
The food is always fresh, and the staff are friendly and efficient. Customers can order ahead and have their food ready for pick up when they arrive.
The chicken is always cooked to perfection, and the large containers of free sauce are a nice touch. The fries are also crispy and never greasy.
The prices may be slightly higher, but the quality of the food makes it worth it. This is the perfect spot for a quick, tasty meal.
10. What's Krackin' Southern Seafood
Looking for a delicious seafood joint with amazing customer service and a great atmosphere to boot, look no further than What's Krackin' Southern Seafood.
This black-owned family restaurant serves up some of the best fried catfish and shrimp baskets in town.
The cajun soul food and seafood dishes are cooked to order and served hot and fresh. The staff is friendly and welcoming, and the restaurant is BYOB.
If you're a seafood lover looking for a great meal, What's Krackin' Southern Seafood is definitely worth a visit.
11. Fish Bar
Fish Bar is a small, casual restaurant that specializes in serving sustainably sourced seafood in various forms, such as fried, sandwich, soup or taco.
They offer a limited food menu but their dishes are seasoned well and prepared fresh. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, providing great service to customers.
The atmosphere is very casual, with paper towels and silverware in a cup on the counter. Despite the small size, the restaurant has a great selection of drinks that pair well with their seasonal offerings.
The prices are a little bit pricey but the food is delicious and worth the cost. It's a great spot for casual seafood on the northside.
12. New Orleans Seafood Inc
Looking for a seafood restaurant that serves up delicious fried fish dishes in town that won't break the bank or disappoint your taste buds, then New Orleans Seafood Inc is the place for you.
With an extensive menu of seafood options, this crab house offers some of the best fried fish and hush puppies around.
What sets this place apart is their unique Cajun spices and seasonings that add an extra kick to every bite.
If you're in the mood for something different, try their crawfish fried rice medium hot, which is a perfect combination of spicy flavor and heat. This hidden gem is definitely worth the visit.
