You Haven’t Really Eaten In Illinois Until You’ve Tried These 15 Fish Fries
Illinois has a long-standing tradition of serving up some of the best fish fries you’ll find anywhere in the Midwest.
From crispy golden fillets to tender flaky bites, these local favorites have been bringing communities together for generations. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or just passing through, experiencing an authentic Illinois fish fry is something you absolutely need to check off your foodie bucket list.
1. Gene’s Sausage Shop & Delicatessen – Chicago
When you walk into Gene’s, the smell of perfectly fried fish hits you immediately and makes your mouth water. This family-owned gem has been serving Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood since 1972, and their fish fry has become legendary among locals. I’ve tried countless places, but Gene’s keeps me coming back every single time.
The breading is perfectly seasoned with a secret blend that adds just the right amount of crunch without overpowering the delicate fish inside. They use fresh cod that’s never frozen, which makes all the difference in taste and texture. The portions are generous enough to satisfy even the heartiest appetite.
What really sets Gene’s apart is their homemade tartar sauce that’s tangy and creamy in all the right ways.
2. Schaller’s Pump – Chicago
If you’re looking for history with your fish fry, Schaller’s Pump is where you need to be on a Friday night. Operating since 1881, this South Side institution claims to be Chicago’s oldest continuously operating tavern, and their fish fry tradition goes back decades. The atmosphere alone makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Their beer-battered cod is the star of the show, with a light and airy coating that somehow stays incredibly crispy. I love how they serve it with classic sides like coleslaw and hand-cut fries that taste like your grandmother made them. The fish is always hot, fresh, and cooked to absolute perfection.
Locals pack this place every Friday, creating a community vibe that’s hard to find elsewhere.
3. Chief O’Neill’s Pub – Chicago
Are you ready for an Irish twist on the classic Illinois fish fry? Chief O’Neill’s brings authentic Irish pub culture to Chicago’s Northwest Side, and their fish and chips are absolutely phenomenal. Named after a Chicago police chief who was also a traditional Irish musician, this spot combines great food with incredible live music.
The fish here is wrapped in a golden batter that’s light yet substantial, giving you that satisfying crunch with every bite. They use fresh haddock imported weekly, which gives their dish an authentic taste you won’t find just anywhere. The portion size is massive, easily enough for two people to share if you’re not super hungry.
Don’t skip their homemade mushy peas and curry sauce for dipping.
4. The Dock at Montrose Beach – Chicago
How often do you get to enjoy amazing fish fry while watching the waves roll in from Lake Michigan? The Dock offers exactly that experience, combining beachfront dining with seriously good fried fish. It’s the perfect spot for a summer evening when you want great food and an even better view.
Their panko-crusted perch is my personal favorite, offering a Japanese-inspired twist on the traditional Midwestern fish fry. The coating stays remarkably crunchy even after sitting for a few minutes, which is the mark of truly skilled frying. They source their fish locally whenever possible, supporting Illinois fishermen and ensuring peak freshness.
The casual outdoor seating makes this feel like a vacation even when you’re just in your own city.
5. Hienie’s Tavern – Sheboygan, Wisconsin (Near Illinois Border)
Though technically just over the Illinois border, Hienie’s is worth the short drive for any serious fish fry enthusiast. This unassuming tavern has been frying up Lake Michigan perch since 1939, and they’ve perfected their recipe over eight decades. I promise you won’t regret making this your fish fry destination.
What makes Hienie’s special is their commitment to serving only genuine Lake Michigan perch, never substituting with cheaper alternatives. The fish arrives at your table golden brown and steaming hot, with a delicate flavor that’s enhanced but never hidden by the breading.
They serve it with marble rye bread and real butter, adding an authentic touch that many places skip nowadays. The no-frills atmosphere lets the food speak for itself.
6. Aurelio’s Pizza – Homewood
Did you know that one of Illinois’ most famous pizza chains also serves an incredible fish fry? Aurelio’s started in Homewood back in 1959, and while their pizza gets most of the attention, locals know the Friday fish fry is equally impressive. It’s become a cherished tradition for many south suburban families.
The cod here is thick and flaky, coated in a seasoned batter that’s neither too heavy nor too light. I appreciate how they manage to keep each piece perfectly cooked, with no greasy aftertaste that sometimes plagues lesser establishments. The combination of ordering pizza for the kids and fish for the adults makes this a winning family dinner choice.
Their coleslaw has just the right amount of creaminess without being soupy or bland.
7. Bobak’s Signature – Chicago
It’s not every day you find a Polish deli that serves outstanding fish fry alongside their famous sausages and pierogies. Bobak’s has been a Chicago institution since 1967, serving the city’s large Polish community with authentic European flavors. Their take on fish fry incorporates Polish cooking techniques that make it truly unique.
The fish is lightly breaded and pan-fried rather than deep-fried, giving it a different texture that’s equally delicious. I love pairing it with their homemade pierogies for a complete Polish-American fusion meal that you won’t find anywhere else. The fish stays moist and tender inside while developing a beautiful golden crust on the outside.
This is comfort food at its finest, bringing together two culinary traditions in one satisfying plate.
8. Lindy’s Chili – Chicago
When you think of Lindy’s, chili probably comes to mind first, but their Southern-style fried catfish deserves just as much recognition. This Chicago landmark has been serving hungry diners since 1924, and their catfish brings a taste of the Deep South to the Midwest. The recipe has remained virtually unchanged for generations.
The catfish fillets are coated in cornmeal breading that gives them an authentic Southern crunch and slightly sweet flavor. Unlike cod or perch, catfish has a richer, more distinctive taste that pairs beautifully with their homemade hushpuppies. I always order extra hushpuppies because they’re dangerously addictive with their crispy exterior and soft, slightly sweet interior.
The casual diner atmosphere makes everyone feel welcome, whether you’re in work clothes or dressed up.
9. Hackney’s on Lake – Glenview
How does a slightly upscale take on the classic fish fry sound to you? Hackney’s on Lake offers exactly that, combining the beloved tradition with a more refined dining experience. Their location overlooking a peaceful lake adds ambiance that elevates your entire meal beyond ordinary tavern fare.
The walleye here is absolutely spectacular, with a delicate flavor that’s prized by fish lovers throughout the Great Lakes region. They use a proprietary breading recipe that’s been in the family for decades, creating a coating that’s flavorful without being overwhelming. The presentation is beautiful, but they don’t sacrifice portion size for aesthetics.
Their homemade french fries are hand-cut daily and fried to golden perfection. This is where you take someone when you want to impress them with Illinois fish fry culture.
10. Ricobene’s – Chicago
Are you brave enough to try a breaded fish sandwich that’s become legendary in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood? Ricobene’s is famous for their breaded steak sandwich, but their fish version is equally incredible and often overlooked. This family-run spot has been serving the neighborhood since 1946 with recipes passed down through generations.
The fish is pounded thin, breaded Italian-style, and fried until it’s incredibly crispy on the outside while remaining moist inside. I love how they pile it high on fresh Italian bread with all the classic toppings you’d expect. It’s messy, delicious, and completely satisfying in a way that fancy restaurants can never quite replicate.
This is authentic Chicago street food at its absolute finest, no pretension required.
11. Smylie Brothers Brewing Co. – Evanston
When craft beer meets classic fish fry, magic happens at this Evanston brewpub that’s become a local favorite. Smylie Brothers uses their own freshly brewed beer in the batter, creating a flavor complexity that mass-produced beers simply cannot match. The result is a fish fry that tastes familiar yet distinctly special.
Their cod is thick and meaty, with the beer batter adding subtle malty notes that complement rather than overpower the fish. I always pair mine with one of their seasonal brews for the ultimate Evanston dining experience. The casual brewery atmosphere attracts a diverse crowd from Northwestern students to longtime residents.
They rotate which beer they use in the batter, so each visit offers a slightly different flavor profile that keeps things interesting.
12. Phil’s Last Stand – Chicago
It’s easy to overlook the fish fry at a place known primarily for hot dogs, but that would be a huge mistake at Phil’s. This unassuming stand in Chicago’s Logan Square has quietly been serving some of the neighborhood’s best fried fish for years. Sometimes the best food comes from the most unexpected places.
The fish here is straightforward and honest, with no fancy techniques or unusual ingredients, just perfectly executed classic preparation. They use a simple seasoned breading that lets the quality of the fish shine through without any distractions. The portions are generous, and the prices remain remarkably reasonable despite the neighborhood’s increasing trendiness.
Eating your fish fry at a picnic table while watching the neighborhood go by feels authentically Chicago in the best possible way.
13. Dine Restaurant – Chicago
If you’re curious about what happens when fine dining techniques meet humble fish fry traditions, Dine is your answer. This West Town restaurant elevates the classic dish while respecting its working-class roots, creating something that’s both familiar and exciting. Chef-owner Erwin Dreschler brings serious culinary credentials to this neighborhood favorite.
The fish changes based on what’s freshest and most sustainable, showing a commitment to quality that’s rare in fish fry culture. I’ve had everything from local trout to ocean-caught haddock, and each preparation highlights the fish’s natural flavors beautifully. The sides here are equally impressive, with creative takes on coleslaw and potato dishes that surprise and delight.
This is fish fry for food lovers who appreciate both tradition and innovation in equal measure.
14. Kroll’s South Loop – Chicago
Though originally from Wisconsin, Kroll’s brings authentic fish fry tradition to Chicago’s South Loop with serious commitment to quality. They’ve been perfecting their recipe since 1936, and that experience shows in every perfectly fried piece. This is the kind of place where families gather every Friday night, creating memories around shared meals.
The cod is hand-battered and fried to order, ensuring maximum freshness and crispiness with every serving. I particularly love their potato pancakes, which are a traditional Wisconsin accompaniment that many Illinois places skip. The fish itself is mild and flaky, with a golden coating that provides satisfying crunch without being too heavy.
Their all-you-can-eat option on Fridays is dangerous because the fish is so good you’ll keep going back for more portions.
15. Lawrence Fish Market – Chicago
Where else can you buy fresh fish to take home and also enjoy perfectly fried fish on the spot? Lawrence Fish Market has been serving Chicago’s North Side since 1950, combining retail fish sales with a small but mighty food operation. The fact that they sell fish ensures everything is incredibly fresh.
Their fried catfish and perch are both exceptional, with a light cornmeal breading that’s become their signature style. I trust the fish here completely because I can literally see the raw product before it’s cooked. The no-frills counter service and plastic utensils might not be fancy, but the quality speaks for itself.
This is where Chicago’s fish lovers have been coming for generations, and once you try it, you’ll understand why they keep returning week after week.
