Chicago is a city that is known for its diverse range of culinary experiences. From deep-dish pizza to Chicago-style hot dogs, the Windy City has something for everyone.
However, for those who are looking for a unique and delicious Southern-style dish, look no further than hush puppies.
Hush puppies are a classic Southern side dish made from a mixture of cornmeal, flour, and spices that are deep-fried until golden brown.
The dish is believed to have originated in the Southern United States during the Civil War era, and it has since become a staple in Southern cuisine.
While hush puppies may not be as well-known in Chicago as some of the city's other culinary offerings, there are still plenty of places where you can find this delicious dish.
Whether you're a lifelong Chicago resident or just visiting the city, you won't want to miss out on trying some of the best hush puppies in town.
In this blog post, we'll be exploring some of the top places to find hush puppies in Chicago. From down-home Southern restaurants to trendy gastropubs, we'll be highlighting a range of establishments that are sure to satisfy your hush puppy cravings.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover some of the best hush puppies that Chicago has to offer.
1. Hagen's Fish Market
Hagen's Fish Market is a must-visit for seafood lovers. They offer a wide selection of fresh and smoked fish, as well as delicious hush puppies.
The food is hot, fresh, and made to order. The staff is friendly and provides excellent service.
Although a little pricey, the food is well worth it. This is a great place to pick up a pound of food for lunch or a whole dinner for the family.
Hagen's Fish Market is a Chicago culinary institution and definitely worth checking out.
2. Crab King Cajun Boil & Bar
Crab King Cajun Boil & Bar is a seafood restaurant that offers delicious hush puppies as an appetizer. The staff is friendly and attentive, providing excellent service.
In addition to hush puppies, customers can enjoy a seafood boil with various options such as green mussels, shrimps, scallops, Dungeness and snow crabs.
The cajun fries are a must-try. The restaurant has a great vibe and decor with a sea theme.
The prices are comparable to other seafood boil places. It is worth a visit to enjoy the fresh and tasty seafood dishes.
3. Frank's Chicago Shrimp House
Frank's Chicago Shrimp House is a casual eatery that specializes in fried seafood.
This spot is known for its crispy and delicious hush puppies that are fried fresh right in front of you. The shrimp is some of the best in town and the portions are generous.
The staff is friendly and welcoming, making for a great dining experience. The prices are fair and the food is always fresh.
If you're in the mood for some tasty seafood and hush puppies, Frank's Chicago Shrimp House is definitely worth checking out.
4. Snappy's Shrimp
Snappy's Shrimp is a relaxed canteen that serves up fresh-caught Gulf shrimp and seafood plates, sandwiches, and wraps.
Their hush puppies are a must-try, and they take pride in the quality of their shrimp. The staff is friendly and the service is quick.
The menu is simple and to the point, with a variety of seafood options to choose from.
Snappy's is a great spot for a quick lunch or a seafood dinner. If you're in the mood for some classic fried seafood, give Snappy's Shrimp a try.
5. Troha's Chicken & Shrimp House
Troha's Chicken & Shrimp House is a hidden gem that has been around for 100 years. The restaurant specializes in deep-fried seafood and chicken.
The shrimp is cooked perfectly with a cornmeal-based coating, and the hush puppies are a must-try.
The prices are a bit high, but the quality of the food is worth it. The restaurant is BYOB, and the service is excellent.
If you're in the mood for some good fried food, Troha's Chicken & Shrimp House is the place to go.
6. Joker's Cajun Smokehouse
Joker's Cajun Smokehouse serves up some of the best hush puppies around.
The moist, golden brown bites are a must-try for any fan of Southern cuisine. But the restaurant's menu doesn't stop there.
With a focus on barbecue and Cajun dishes, Joker's offers up pulled pork, ribs, jambalaya, and gumbo that are sure to satisfy any craving.
The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is lively, making it a great spot for a casual night out. If you're in the mood for some authentic Southern flavors, Joker's Cajun Smokehouse is the place to go.
7. Shrimp Shack
Shrimp Shack is a seafood restaurant that offers a variety of dishes, including hush puppies.
The food is fresh, crispy, and delicious. The service is friendly and fast, and the restaurant is clean and well-maintained.
The menu has a good selection of seafood items, and the prices are reasonable.
If you're in the mood for some tasty hush puppies, Shrimp Shack is definitely worth a visit.
8. Chicago Q
Chicago Q is an upscale Southern BBQ restaurant that offers an array of smoked meats and flavorful sauces.
The house-smoked hush puppies are a must-try, perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The restaurant also offers a variety of sides, including their outstanding house pickles and chips.
The service is attentive and accommodating, and the atmosphere is upscale and trendy. While the prices may be on the higher side, the quality of the food and experience is well worth it.
If you're looking for a unique and delicious hush puppy experience, Chicago Q is the place to go.
9. Long John Silver's | Taco Bell
Long John Silver's | Taco Bell offers a variety of seafood and chicken options.
The hush puppies were cooked too long and were too hard, but the fish and chicken were good.
The staff takes pride in their work and provides quick service. The portions are fair and the prices are decent.
The dining room may be closed, but the drive-thru service is outstanding.
10. Parson's Chicken & Fish
Parson's Chicken & Fish is a must-visit for hush puppy lovers. The food is delicious, and the outdoor patio is the perfect spot to enjoy it.
The fried chicken and fish are both excellent, and the hush puppies are a standout dish.
The service is friendly, and the atmosphere is relaxed. Reservations are recommended, as the place can get busy.
Don't miss out on the Negroni slushies and the apple fritters.
11. The Fish Keg
The Fish Keg is a classic seafood joint that has been around since 1950. They serve fresh fish cooked to order, along with other seafood favorites.
Their hush puppies are a must-try and pair perfectly with their homemade tartar sauce.
The Fish Keg is a no-frills establishment with no in-house dining, but diners can enjoy their meal in the parking lot or by the lake.
The staff is friendly and the service is quick. If you're in the mood for some delicious fried seafood, The Fish Keg is definitely worth a visit.
12. Smoke Daddy BBQ – Wicker Park
Looking for the best hush puppies in town with some delicious BBQ to go along with it, then look no further than Smoke Daddy BBQ.
This casual joint with live music serves up some of the most melt-in-your-mouth hush puppies you have ever tasted.
The friendly staff and great atmosphere make it the perfect place to enjoy a meal with friends or family. Don't forget to try their other BBQ offerings like their brisket and ribs, and you won't be disappointed.
Smoke Daddy BBQ is the perfect place to satisfy your BBQ cravings and enjoy some delicious hush puppies.
