One Chicago shrimp house has roots stretching back to 1917. Another serves fresh catfish from a restaurant that floats right on the Ohio River.
The quirks keep coming. One smokehouse shack has no restroom and no table service, yet people still line up for its smoked shrimp. A few spots only take cash. I love that kind of stubborn confidence.
Illinois sits a long way from any ocean. Its rivers and lakes still feed a serious fried fish culture. Think catfish fritters, smoked trout, bluegill baskets, frog legs, and jumbo shrimp sold by the pound.
None of these places care about fancy plates or fussy menus. They care about hot fish, crispy breading, and sides that taste like somebody’s family recipe. I’d happily put a few hundred miles on my car for any of them, and I suspect you’ll feel the same.
1. Calumet Fisheries
The smoke at this South Side shack comes from the fish itself, smoked right on site. Calumet Fisheries has been at it for about 75 years, right beside the 95th Street bridge.
Seating is limited, and you order at the counter. There’s no table service, so most people grab their food and go.
Start with the smoked side of the menu. Smoked shrimp, smoked salmon, and smoked trout are the stars here.
Pepper and garlic salmon adds a little kick to the lineup. It makes a great snack for the ride home, if it lasts that long.
Prefer your seafood fried? The fried shrimp dinner, fried oysters, and stuffed shrimp cover that craving nicely.
Catfish and other fried fish round out the hot side. Coleslaw, potato salad, and seafood salad come along as sides.
Bring cash, because that’s the only payment taken. Also plan ahead, since there’s no restroom on site.
Hours vary slightly by day. Sunday through Wednesday runs 10 AM to 9:45 PM, Thursday runs 9 AM to 9:30 PM, and Friday and Saturday run 9 AM to 9:45 PM.
The shack sits right off the Calumet River on Chicago’s southeast side. Outdoor seating lets you eat with the river close by.
Dogs are welcome outside, which helps if your road trip includes a furry co-pilot. Parking is usually easy, with a free lot nearby.
Chicken nuggets are on the menu for anyone in your group who skips seafood. Still, coming here and skipping the smoked fish feels like a missed opportunity.
Old-school places like this are rare in a big city. Honestly, a bag of smoked shrimp justifies the trip on its own.
Think of this stop as a seafood errand with benefits. You’ll leave with dinner tonight and smoked fish for tomorrow’s lunch.
Address: 3259 E 95th St, Chicago, IL 60617
2. Beasley Fish
Grafton has fewer than 700 residents, yet it punches way above its weight in fried catfish. Beasley Fish sits in this little town where the Illinois and Mississippi rivers meet.
Think of it as a riverside seafood market that fries fresh-caught fish. Classic sides keep the menu simple and focused.
Catfish fritters are the order to know. Crispy and bite-sized, they make a perfect riverside snack.
Catfish filets come out piping hot and crunchy too. Pair them with onion rings, which hold their own next to the fish.
This is a casual walk-up stand, not a sit-down dining room. Bring cash, since that’s how business gets done here.
Timing matters in a river town. The stand is closed Monday and Tuesday, then open 11 AM to 7 PM Wednesday through Saturday.
Sunday hours are shorter, running from noon until 5 PM. Saturday afternoon is typically the busiest stretch of the week.
Want a calmer visit? Wednesday and Thursday tend to be quieter, so a midweek drive pays off.
Grafton sits beneath scenic bluffs along the water. The drive along the river roads is half the reason to come.
Autumn is an especially fun time to visit, when the bluffs change color. A hot catfish basket on a chilly fall day just makes sense.
There’s a restroom here, which is a nice bonus on a long day trip. Free parking in a lot and on the street keeps things easy.
You won’t find delivery, so you’ll have to make the trip yourself. Honestly, the river scenery makes that an easy sell.
Pack some napkins and a little patience. Small-town fried fish this good rewards the people who show up.
Address: 1512 W Main St, Grafton, IL 62037
3. Carter’s Fish Market
Fried green tomatoes at a fish counter? In Springfield, that combo makes perfect sense.
Carter’s Fish Market serves fried fish with Southern sides like okra and fried green tomatoes. It’s also a fresh fish market, so you can shop for a home-cooked dinner too.
Catfish is the main event here. The fillets come crispy, hot, and nicely seasoned, with breading that does its job well.
Swai Asian catfish fillets are on the menu as well. Hushpuppies make a natural sidekick for any fish order.
River fries are another side worth trying. Portions are generous, so a single plate can stretch further than you’d expect.
Service moves fast, and there’s no table service. You order, grab your food, and either sit down or head out.
Takeout is a big part of the appeal. A sack of fried fish riding shotgun makes any drive home better.
Outdoor seating is available when the weather cooperates. Note that there’s no restroom, so plan your stops accordingly.
Hours run 11 AM to 6 PM Monday through Thursday and on Saturday. Friday stays open until 7 PM, and Sunday is closed.
Springfield gives you plenty to do before lunch, with Lincoln sites all over town. A catfish plate makes a tasty reward after a morning of history.
Kids fit right in, and the room stays casual and quiet. Free parking is available in the lot and on the street.
Located in the heart of central Illinois, this stop works well on a longer road trip. It’s easy to swing by and get back on the highway with a full stomach.
Some fish shops chase trends. This one just keeps frying catfish well, and that’s plenty.
Address: 1900 S Grand Ave E, Springfield, IL 62703
4. The Fish Dock River Restaurant
Lunch here happens on the water, literally. The Fish Dock River Restaurant floats on the Ohio River and has become a local landmark.
Elizabethtown has roughly 300 residents and sits on the riverbank in southeastern Illinois. Getting here takes effort, which makes the payoff sweeter.
Catfish is the reason to come. The fish is river-caught, and fresh catfish from the Ohio is what this place is known for.
Sandwiches are a solid option too. Portions run generous, and prices stay friendly for a meal with this kind of view.
Speaking of views, the scenery steals the show. Boats and ships pass by on the river while you eat.
Sunset is a great time to grab a seat by the water. Outdoor seating lets you soak in the whole scene.
Unlike most spots on this list, the Fish Dock offers table service. It also takes reservations, which is handy for groups.
Families will find high chairs and a kids’ menu. Dessert and coffee are on offer if you want to linger.
The restaurant operates seasonally, so confirm its current days and hours before making the drive.
Curbside pickup and takeout are available if you’re short on time. Still, eating anywhere besides the water feels like skipping the best part.
Parking is free and usually plentiful. Shawnee National Forest country surrounds the area, so make a full day of it.
River towns this small don’t usually get much attention. One plate of Ohio River catfish, eaten on the Ohio River, changes that fast.
Address: 100 Front St, Elizabethtown, IL 62931
5. Crazy Joe’s Fish House
Frog legs and bluegill on the same menu tell you right away this place has southern Illinois roots. Crazy Joe’s Fish House sits out in the countryside near Ava.
Ava is a small rural town of about 650 people. The restaurant is a casual lake-house style spot, pleasantly off the beaten path.
Fried fish baskets are the backbone of the menu. Catfish, bluegill, and shrimp all come out of the fryer here.
Whole catfish dinners are an option for anyone who wants the full experience. Catfish strips are easier to share around the table.
Jalapeño stuffed shrimp bring some heat. Breaded corn and mushrooms make fun sides.
Frog legs deserve a mention for the curious. If you’ve never tried them, a country fish house feels like the right place to start.
Hours here are short, so check the calendar before you go. Doors open Wednesday 4 to 9 PM, plus Friday and Saturday 4 to 10 PM.
That means no lunch, and no Sunday dinner either. Friday and Saturday evenings draw the most people.
Table service makes this one feel a bit more like a night out. The service moves fast, too.
Groups do well here, and outdoor seating is available. Reservations aren’t accepted, so arriving early is smart.
Takeout works if you’d rather eat at a nearby lake or campsite. Southern Illinois has plenty of those within a short drive.
Free parking is usually easy to find. The roads out here are winding and scenic, so leave a little extra time.
A name like Crazy Joe’s promises a fun evening. The fried bluegill promises a return trip.
Address: 693 Suchman Rd, Ava, IL 62907
6. Hagen’s Fish Market
Fresh Lake Superior whitefish, jumbo fried shrimp, and smoked fish all share one address on Montrose Avenue. Hagen’s Fish Market pulls double duty as a seafood counter and a fry shop.
This long-standing Northwest Side business keeps things no-frills. You walk up, order, and leave with a bag of something wonderful.
Jumbo fried shrimp is a standout order. You can buy it by the pound, which makes feeding a group easy.
Fried cod is another reliable pick. Smoked fish adds a whole other category to explore.
The raw seafood counter might tempt you, too. Fresh cod and whitefish are great options if you want to cook at home.
Lines do form, but they tend to move quickly. The staff keep things friendly and efficient.
Consistency is a big part of the appeal. This is the kind of shop that keeps its menu steady over the years.
Late cravings get a break on weekends. Friday and Saturday hours stretch until 10 PM.
Other days run 10 AM to 8 PM. That gives you plenty of time to swing by after work or errands.
There’s no restroom, so plan ahead. Parking options include a free lot, a paid lot, and free street spots.
No delivery is offered, so you’ll have to make the drive. The fried shrimp tastes best fresh anyway, ideally before you even leave the lot.
Planning a fish fry at home? Grab fried shrimp for the table and fresh fillets for tomorrow.
Chicago’s Northwest Side isn’t famous for seafood shacks. That makes finding one this good feel like a small win.
Address: 5635 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60634
7. Lawrence’s Fish & Shrimp
Craving frog legs at 3 AM? Lawrence’s Fish & Shrimp is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
This family-owned spot has been a Chicago favorite for decades. It sits on Canal Street along the South Branch of the Chicago River.
Boaters can dock for free, which is about as fun as a takeout perk gets. Everyone else gets a free on-site lot.
The menu is all about deep-fried comfort. Lightly breaded shrimp, scallops, catfish strips, and clam strips headline the board.
Frog legs are here for the adventurous. Wing Zings and other chicken options cover anyone not in a seafood mood.
Onion rings and coleslaw make classic sides. Fish sandwiches are on offer too.
Food is cooked to order at the counter. Seating is available if you want to eat on site.
Outdoor seating near the river is a nice option on a pleasant day. Takeout and delivery work when you’re short on time.
Late-night food is a big part of the identity here. Coffee is on hand too, for those extra-late runs.
The building has restrooms, including a gender-neutral option. Changing tables help parents on the go.
Chinatown is a short hop from this stretch of Canal Street. A shrimp stop pairs nicely with a neighborhood stroll.
Breading runs on the heavier side for some items. If you like a lighter coat, the lightly breaded shrimp is your friend.
Group outings work well here, and catering is available for bigger gatherings. Picture a party tray of clam strips, and suddenly every event sounds better.
Nonstop hours make this a dream for night owls. Any seafood spot open around the clock earns a little respect.
Address: 2120 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60616
8. Troha’s Chicken & Shrimp House
This Little Village institution dates back to 1917 and began selling shrimp in 1935. That’s more than 100 years of practice at the fryer.
Troha’s Chicken & Shrimp House has served the neighborhood for generations. Sports memorabilia covers the walls, so there’s plenty to look at while you wait.
The shrimp dinner is the classic order. Fried shrimp by the pound is a favorite for holidays and family gatherings.
Clam strips and shrimp and crab nuggets add variety. Deep-fried frog legs show up here too.
Chicken holds its own, which explains the name. Fish and chips and a breaded pork tenderloin give you even more options.
Troha’s Original Coleslaw is a must on the side. Macaroni salad pairs well with a big shrimp order too.
Thirsty? Joe Tea Half and Half is on the menu for a sweet, tangy sip.
Food is cooked to order at the counter. Delivery, takeout, and dine-in are all options.
A patio adds an outdoor choice on nice days. It’s a pleasant surprise for such an old-school shop.
Hours run 11 AM to 8 PM, Tuesday through Sunday. The shop closes on Mondays.
Street parking can be tricky here, so give yourself time. There’s also no restroom on site.
Little Village is one of Chicago’s liveliest neighborhoods, especially along 26th Street. Pair your meal with a walk past the shops.
Catering is available for bigger events. A century-old shrimp recipe at your party is a pretty great flex.
Places that last a century usually know exactly what they’re doing. One bite of shrimp here, and you’ll understand why.
Address: 4151 W 26th St, Chicago, IL 60623
9. B’s Shrimp & Fish
Schaumburg is better known for shopping than soul food, but B’s Shrimp & Fish changes that conversation. This family-run spot serves seafood and soul food with homemade sauces.
Jumbo shrimp come hand-battered. Seasoning options include lemon pepper, hot, and mild sauce.
Catfish is another favorite, and perch and cod join the lineup. The homemade sauces make each piece even better.
Combo plates keep things flexible. One piece of catfish with three wings is a solid pick for split cravings.
Fried shrimp tacos offer a fun twist. Three come in an order, which works nicely for a lighter meal.
Sunday brings Soul Food Sunday Catfish to the menu. It’s a great excuse to plan a weekend drive.
Soul food sides deserve your attention. Mac and cheese, sweet yams, dirty rice, and coleslaw round out the plate.
Save room for banana pudding. It’s a sweet finish after a very savory meal.
This is mostly a takeout storefront with counter service. Curbside pickup and delivery add convenience.
Hours vary by day, so check before heading out. It’s closed Mondays and open 11 AM to 6 PM Tuesday and Wednesday.
Thursday runs until 9 PM, while Friday and Saturday stay open until 9:30 PM. Sunday runs 11 AM to 7 PM.
There’s no restroom, and parking is free and easy. Catering is available if your party needs a mountain of shrimp.
Suburban strip malls often hold the best surprises. This one easily earns the detour off the tollway.
Address: 1706 W Wise Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60193
10. Cajun Crab & Sharks Fish & Chicken
Seafood boils in central Illinois might sound like a stretch, yet Decatur has one ready. Cajun Crab & Sharks Fish & Chicken brings Cajun flavor to West Grand Avenue.
Seafood boils and fried chicken are the specialties. Food is made to order, so your meal comes out fresh.
Catfish gets a cornmeal breading here. It’s a Southern touch that gives each piece a nice crunch.
The shrimp po’ boy is another strong pick. It’s a handheld way to enjoy fried seafood on the go.
The menu goes beyond seafood, too. Italian beef, a chicken sandwich, and steak Philly egg rolls all make appearances.
Dessert is worth saving room for. Banana pudding cake and strawberry glaze cheesecake both show up on the menu.
Portions give you plenty for your money. That makes it a smart stop for groups.
Counter service keeps things moving. Seating is available if you want to eat there.
Long hours make planning easy. Doors open at 10:30 AM most days and 11 AM on Sunday.
Weeknights and Sundays close at 9 PM. Friday and Saturday stay open until 10 PM.
A restroom is on site, which is handy after a long drive. Free parking is usually easy to find.
Delivery and takeout are available too. Still, a hot seafood boil tastes best right away, with plenty of napkins nearby.
Got a picky eater in the car? Between the chicken, the Italian beef, and the egg rolls, nobody leaves hungry.
Decatur may not be the first place you’d look for Cajun seafood. That’s exactly what makes this find so much fun.
Address: 1601 W Grand Ave, Decatur, IL 62522
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