10 Illinois Seafood Restaurants Only Locals Really Know About

Illinois might not have an ocean, but locals know where to find incredible seafood that rivals any coastal city. Hidden gems across the state serve up everything from smoked fish to golden fried shrimp that’ll make your taste buds sing.

I’m sharing the secret spots where Chicagoans and other Illinois residents go for authentic, mouthwatering seafood experiences.

1. Calumet Fisheries

Since 1928, this legendary spot near the 95th Street Bridge has been smoking fish to absolute perfection. Cash-only and take-out-only might sound inconvenient, but one bite explains why people keep coming back.

Smoked shrimp and clams carry that unmistakable smoky richness you can’t find anywhere else. Many customers eat right by their cars, savoring every morsel while watching boats pass under the historic bridge nearby.

2. Troha’s Chicken & Shrimp House

Little Village’s best-kept secret serves fried shrimp with a secret seasoning blend that locals guard fiercely. The coating stays light and delicate, never greasy or heavy on your stomach.

Their fried perch practically floats off the plate, so tender and flaky it falls apart at the slightest touch. Classic Chicago atmosphere fills every corner, with regulars greeting each other like old friends at this neighborhood institution.

3. Will’s Northwoods Inn

Walking into this Racine Avenue spot feels like teleporting to a Wisconsin fishing lodge. Rustic decor and north woods vibes create the perfect backdrop for their famous Friday fish fry.

Beer-battered cod arrives steaming hot with potato pancakes and tartar sauce that tastes homemade. The loyal following includes families who’ve been coming here for generations, treating it like a weekly tradition you don’t dare miss.

4. The Angry Crab

Bibs are mandatory at this hands-on seafood boil experience that gets wonderfully messy. Cajun-spiced crab legs, shrimp, corn, and potatoes arrive in steaming bags right at your table.

You’ll crack shells, slurp spices, and probably get butter everywhere—but that’s exactly the point. Different spice levels let you control the heat, from mild to mouth-scorching, while the communal dining style makes strangers feel like friends.

5. Frank’s Chicago Shrimp House

Golden fried shrimp that practically melts in your mouth awaits at this Irving Park Road treasure. Every piece comes out perfectly crispy, seasoned just right, and bursting with flavor.

The fried perch sandwich deserves its own fan club, and don’t skip the coleslaw that complements everything beautifully. Prices stay reasonable, making it easy to bring the whole family for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.

6. Lawrence Fish Market

Fresh catches displayed on ice greet you the moment you walk through the door. This combination market and eatery lets you buy raw seafood or enjoy it cooked on the spot.

Grilled salmon plates and blackened catfish showcase how fresh ingredients need minimal fussing. Locals appreciate the dual purpose—grabbing dinner ingredients and eating lunch all in one stop, with staff who actually know their fish inside and out.

7. Riva Crabhouse

Navy Pier might attract tourists, but this waterfront gem keeps locals returning for stunning lake views and exceptional seafood. Alaskan king crab legs tower over plates while sunset paints the sky orange and pink.

Raw bar selections stay impeccably fresh, with oysters shucked to order and jumbo shrimp cocktails artfully arranged. Yes, tourists pass through, but savvy Chicagoans know the best times to visit for a more intimate lakeside dining experience.

8. Glenn’s Diner

Unassuming from the outside, this Montrose Avenue diner surprises first-timers with seriously good seafood alongside classic breakfast fare. Shrimp and grits done Southern-style competes with fluffy pancakes for menu popularity.

Catfish platters arrive crispy and well-seasoned, proving diners can absolutely nail seafood when they care enough. The eclectic mix of customers—from construction workers to office professionals—testifies to food that transcends any single demographic or expectation.

9. Hagen’s Fish Market

Operating since the 1940s, this North Side institution smokes their own fish using traditional methods passed down through generations. Smoked salmon, whitefish, and trout develop deep, complex flavors that mass-produced versions can’t touch.

The tiny attached cafe serves fish sandwiches and chowders made from that same quality product. Regulars swing by weekly, stocking up on smoked fish like other people buy groceries, because once you taste the difference, there’s no going back.

10. Dock’s Seafood

Suburban Niles might seem like an unlikely seafood destination, but this family-owned spot proves geography doesn’t determine quality. Lobster rolls overflow with sweet meat dressed simply in butter or mayo, your choice.

Clam chowder arrives thick and creamy, loaded with tender clams and potatoes in every spoonful. The owners source carefully, building relationships with suppliers to ensure everything meets their exacting standards, even hundreds of miles from any coastline.