13 Illinois Seafood Spots Locals Love For The Best Fresh Fish And Fries
While we associate seafood with coastal cities, there are shacks in Illinois that prove the Midwest can serve fish that’s just as worth savoring as somewhere ocean-side!
Loved by locals and often flying under the radar, these spots serve up some of the best seafood in the state, from tender fried fish to flavorful shrimp and oysters.
Each one tends to have its own unique twist on seafood, offering dishes that perfectly blend flavor, texture, and fried perfection.
Whether you’re a fan of crispy catfish, golden shrimp, or fish tacos, these places know how to do it right.
So, skip the touristy joints and dive into the local favorites that keep residents coming back for more.
Ready? Let’s take a dive into the best the Midwest has to offer!
1. Calumet Fisheries
Calumet Fisheries is the rare place where smoke, river air, and fryer sizzle meet in one unforgettable bite.
You will find it at 3259 E 95th St, Chicago, IL 60617, perched by the 95th Street bridge with tugboats sliding past.
You can choose to order at the window, then feel the wind off the Calumet River.
There is no seating, just car hoods, railings, and the river itself, which somehow makes everything taste better and more honest.
Plus, your paper bag will perfume the whole block with fried shrimp and smoked chubs!
The smoked salmon is legendary, kissed with hardwood and a little salt that lingers like a summer campfire.
Fried smelt arrive shatter crisp, with lemon and hot sauce making every bite pop.
Go for the smoked trout if you want pure, clean flavor that flakes in glossy ribbons.
You will walk away with fingers drenched by smoke and a grin that comes from finding something truly Chicago!
2. Lawrence’s Fish & Shrimp
Lawrence’s Fish & Shrimp is the bright beacon for late night cravings and midday feasts alike.
The flagship sits at 2120 S Canal St, Chicago, under that iconic red shrimp that seems to wink every time a basket hits the counter.
You walk in for shrimp, stay for catfish, and end up planning a return trip before the first bite is done.
The jumbo shrimp are the star, lightly breaded, snappy, and piping hot, with sauces that play backup perfectly.
Catfish fillets arrive golden and clean tasting, while clam strips scratch that boardwalk itch without leaving the city.
Seating is casual and fast moving, but the bustle only adds to the thrill of fresh fried seafood done right.
The view of the South Branch nearby makes everything feel a little nautical despite the urban scene.
When you are craving classic, consistent, and crowd pleasing, this is the sign that leads you home.
3. The Fish Keg
The Fish Keg is the sort of place your neighbor swears by and you end up swearing by too.
Tucked at 2233 W Howard St, Chicago, it looks modest from the street but delivers a serious crunch once you step inside.
Expect old school charm, friendly banter, and a menu that knows what it does best.
You order at the counter, watch them scoop, fry, and season, then head out with a brown bag that radiates joy.
The smelt here is a must, delicate and briny with a batter that never goes heavy.
Fried shrimp has snap and sweetness, while lake perch channels Midwest nostalgia one bite at a time.
Coleslaw keeps things crisp and bright, giving your palate a reset between salty golden bites.
Grab extra lemon and hot sauce, then find a sunny spot on a nearby curb or bench.
If you want classic Chicago fried seafood without pretense, this neighborhood icon is your delicious shortcut.
4. Don’s Dock Seafood
Don’s Dock Seafood feels like a family tradition you join the second you walk in.
You will find it at 1220 E Northwest Hwy, Des Plaines, where a welcoming counter and the aroma of frying cod set the tone.
People here line up for thick, meaty fillets that break into snowy flakes under a crisp batter shell.
Stop in for a combo platter to sample multiple textures, or stick to the cod and never feel a whisper of regret.
The cod is the headliner, but the shrimp and scallops hold their own with gentle sweetness and expert fry timing.
Sides arrive hot and fresh, with fries that stay sturdy under vinegar or tartar.
There is market seafood to take home, too, perfect for a weekend boil or pan sear dinner.
The staff keeps things moving with warmth that feels earned.
When dependable, family-run, and generously portioned seafood calls your name, Don’s Dock answers it with a perfect crunch.
5. The Original Island Shrimp House
The Original Island Shrimp House brings coastal flavor to the southwest suburbs with a playful, beachy touch.
Head to 12902 LaGrange Rd, Palos Park, where the menu reads like a vacation joyride.
You can bounce from lobster rolls to coconut shrimp, then settle into a bowl of chowder that tastes like a windy pier day.
The shrimp is juicy and seasoned with a bright, tropical edge, perfect against crisp breading.
Lobster rolls lean buttery and generous, while fish tacos snap with lime and cabbage crunch.
Portions feel celebratory without tipping into excess, which makes sharing and sampling easy.
It is casual, colorful, and kid friendly, the kind of spot that turns a Tuesday into something you look forward to.
If you want an easygoing coastal escape in Palos Park, this cheerful shack delivers in full.
6. Carter’s Fish Market
Carter’s Fish Market is proof that flavor beats flash every time.
Set your GPS to 1900 S Grand Ave E, Springfield, and follow the irresistible aroma of cornmeal and spice.
You get catfish tips, fillets, and shrimp cooked to order, the kind of fry that stays crisp to the final bite.
Catfish is the crown jewel here.
It’s seasoned like a porch-side Mississippi fish fry and fried with confident skill.
The menu keeps it straightforward, which means quick decisions and even quicker satisfaction.
Sides like slaw and fries round out the meal without getting in the way of the star.
When your cravings call for honest, Southern-leaning seafood in the heart of Illinois, Carter’s answers with pure crispy bliss!
7. Half Shell
Half Shell feels like a secret clubhouse for seafood lovers with its low ceiling and lived-in charm.
Slide over to 676 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, then descend into a room that hums with clinks and chatter.
While known for shellfish, it satisfies fried cravings too with baskets that hit the table hot and crisp.
Oysters are fresh and briny, arriving on ice with classic fixings, and the shrimp tastes like it just skipped in from the dock.
Crab legs crack easily, giving up sweet meat you will dip and grin over.
The vibe is cozy and casual, a little old school in the best possible way.
Go early or be ready to wait, because locals guard this spot like a neighborhood heirloom.
You can share a platter, trade tastes, and lean into the seafood glow.
For anyone looking for an unpretentious shellfish fix with some fried back up, Half Shell is just the right place!
8. Hagen’s Fish Market
Hagen’s Fish Market is a northwest side time capsule where smoke, fryers, and history mingle.
Make your way to 5635 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, and you will smell the alder smoke before you see the door.
You can try their smoked salmon or whitefish, then double down with a basket of fried shrimp for the best of both worlds.
The smokehouse pedigree shows in every slice, glossy and savory with a clean finish.
Fried seafood keeps its crunch, never greasy, and pairs nicely with slaw and lemon.
Market cases tempt with to-go cuts for home cooking if you are planning a seafood night in.
Service is brisk and friendly, the kind that keeps neighbors coming back for decades.
When you want old Chicago craftsmanship with day-of freshness, Hagen’s checks every box with style.
9. Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
Joe’s Seafood & Steak hides a casual fish shack energy in plain sight with its fast pickup rhythm.
Roll over to 60 E Grand Ave, Chicago, where the counter turns out lake perch and shrimp with breezy efficiency.
You will feel the suburban bustle melt as that first hot, lemony bite lands.
The perch is flaky with a fine crumb that whispers rather than shouts.
Shrimp are juicy and well seasoned, holding their crunch even after the drive home.
Sides are classic, giving you fries and slaw that play perfectly with the main event.
The team moves quickly and keeps things upbeat, which makes the whole experience feel light.
If you are after low stress, high flavor seafood north of the city, this window is a sure bet.
10. Bob Chinn’s Crab House
Bob Chinn’s is famous for crab feasts, but the carryout scene scratches that fast casual seafood itch perfectly.
Set your course for 393 S Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling, where the to-go counter hums like a well tuned ship.
Grab fried shrimp, calamari, or a combo box and head out with a bag that promises good things.
The batter is light, the seafood sweet, and the portions generous.
Crab options make it easy to upgrade any meal into a celebration, even on a weeknight.
Sauces are dialed in, with tartar and citrus notes lifting each bite without drowning it.
Plan a quick pick up before traffic or after a nearby errand, then enjoy at home or on a tailgate.
The team is polished but friendly, the kind of service that keeps regulars returning!
11. Troha’s Chicken & Shrimp House
Troha’s is a Chicago legend where shrimp baskets have been a neighborhood ritual for generations.
Point your route to 4151 W 26th St, Chicago, and step into a time capsule that still cooks with urgency.
The menu is short and perfect for quick decisions, which makes the first bite arrive even faster.
The shrimp is the headline, tender and well seasoned under a crisp shell that stays light.
Catfish and cod round out the options for those wanting variety.
Fries are hot, slaw is cool, and everything belongs together the second you pop the lid.
Grab, go, and eat while the steam still curls from the basket for maximum joy.
The staff moves with practiced speed, and the regulars know they are in capable hands.
When only classic Chicago shrimp will do, Troha’s pulls you in and sends you off smiling.
12. Shaw’s Crab House
Shaw’s Crab House in Schaumburg may be known for oysters, but the fried plates deserve their own spotlight.
Set your sights on 1900 E Higgins Road, where the oyster bar area buzzes with cheerful energy.
Slide into a seat and order a mixed fried platter to see how precisely they handle temperature and timing.
The shrimp is snappy, calamari tender, and the fish fillets flake apart just right.
Fries stay crisp, and a touch of lemon brightens every corner of the plate.
There is polish here, but it never gets in the way of simple, delicious fried seafood joy.
Use the oyster bar as a casual landing zone for a relaxed meal after shopping or errands.
Service is attentive without hovering, making repeat visits easy.
Best of all, Shaw’s delivers with quiet confidence every time you drop by!
13. Captain Porky’s
Captain Porky’s is a North suburbs classic where smoke and fryers share equal billing in a lively roadside setup.
Aim for 38995 N US-41, Wadsworth for a place full of weekend energy!
Fried fish and shrimp come out hot, seasoned, and ready for a picnic table feast.
The breading hits that perfect balance of crunch and lightness, letting the fish do the talking.
Smoked fish options broaden the choices if you want variety under one roof.
Sides are comforting, with slaw and fries supporting like old friends.
Expect a line at prime hours, but the payoff is pure lakes region satisfaction.
When your day needs a little boat launch spirit without the boat, Captain Porky’s brings it to shore.
