One fish counter in this lineup has been frying seafood since 1933. Another serves its perch around the clock, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
I love that detail. It means a perch craving at 3 AM is a solvable problem in Illinois.
Fried perch is a Midwest favorite, whether it’s freshwater lake perch or the ocean perch served at some classic Chicago fish counters. Both make for a satisfying crispy meal, especially when the portions are generous and the sides are just as tempting.
The places below range from old-school fish markets to a lakeside deck where boaters can tie up and eat. Some have fed hungry Chicagoans for decades. I keep wondering which one fries the crispiest batch, and honestly, I want to find out.
1. Don’s Dock Seafood
Some family businesses last a few years, but this one has been frying fish since 1951. That’s more than seven decades of batter, oil, and very happy lunch breaks.
Don’s Dock Seafood sits on Northwest Highway in Des Plaines. It works as both an eatery and a seafood market, so you can eat now or shop for later.
The fried lake perch is the star here, and it lands crispy and full of flavor. The batter stays light instead of greasy, which lets the fish taste like fish. That’s exactly what you want from perch.
Love variety? The fried walleye and catfish also get plenty of attention. Fried shrimp, cod, and clam strips round out the classic lineup nicely.
Grilled fans aren’t left out either. The menu includes a grilled blackened cod meal and a grilled crab taco meal. There’s also a crab and sausage gumbo meal for a heartier bowl.
Craving something fancy? The lobster roll comes with a good amount of lobster inside. It’s a fun pick if your group wants to share a few things.
Ordering happens at the counter, so there’s no table service. Seating is available inside, and outdoor seating is an option on nicer days. Takeout and delivery work well if you’d rather eat at home.
Timing matters here. The shop is closed Sunday and Monday, and Friday is the busiest stretch. Tuesday through Thursday mornings tend to be calmer, so plan an easy lunch then.
Hours run 10 AM to 8 PM most open days, with Friday stretching to 9 PM. Reservations aren’t taken, so just show up hungry. It’s a solid stop for anyone who loves a Great Lakes classic done right.
Address: 1220 E Northwest Hwy, Des Plaines, IL 60016
2. Boston Fish Market Inc
Portion sizes here have been called ridiculous, and that’s meant as a compliment. Bring a friend, or plan on leftovers.
Boston Fish Market is a full-service fish market with seafood sourced from around the world. Fresh and frozen options fill the cases. The restaurant side turns that catch into big, hearty plates.
Perch fans should look for the Fisherman’s Platter. It brings together mahi mahi, scallops, and perch on one plate. The fried Great Lakes platter is another giant option, and it arrives enormous.
Not in a fried mood? Broiled fish is on the menu too. Fresh grouper and lightly breaded fried calamari also stand out.
The menu wanders far beyond the fryer. You’ll find seafood gumbo, cioppino, lobster tail, and Boston clam chowder. Greek touches show up as well, including a Greek salad and saganaki.
This spot runs a little pricier than a quick fish counter. Still, the size of the plates helps balance that out. Splitting a platter is a smart move for couples or small groups.
Table service is available, which makes it easier for a sit-down meal. Reservations are accepted, so you can plan a family dinner ahead. Takeout, delivery, and outdoor seating are options too.
Hours run Monday through Thursday from 8 AM to 8 PM, with Friday and Saturday extending until 9 PM. Sunday is a day off.
Shopping for home cooking? Grab something from the market cases before you leave. It’s one of the easier ways in Illinois to eat great fish and take more home in one trip.
Address: 1225 Forest Ave, Des Plaines, IL 60018
3. Dockers Restaurant, Fox Lake
Arriving by boat is a real option at this restaurant. There’s a dock right there for diners who come in off the water.
Dockers sits on the lake in Fox Lake, with a huge outdoor deck and a pretty lake view. It’s a casual American eatery and lounge. The setting alone makes a plate of fish feel like a mini vacation.
Friday nights are fish fry time. The deep fried lake perch comes lightly breaded and tasty. It lets the mild fish shine without heavy coating.
Portions are good-sized, and the prices stay reasonable. That’s a nice combo when you’re feeding a hungry crew after a day outside.
The rest of the menu has range. Oysters Rockefeller and escargot with garlic butter add a fancy touch. Fish tacos, fish and chips, and a breaded fillet of fish keep things classic.
Like a slower weekend morning? Sunday brunch is on the schedule, and breakfast shows up too. A salad bar is also part of the offerings.
Groups and families fit in easily here. A kids’ menu helps when younger diners want something simple. Reservations are accepted, which helps on a busy Saturday evening.
Hours are generous. The kitchen is open Monday through Thursday from 11 AM to 10 PM, Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to 11 PM, and Sunday from 9 AM to 10 PM. The bar may stay open later.
Fox Lake sits in the Chain O’Lakes area of northern Illinois, so summer days get lively. Grab a deck seat, watch the boats, and let the perch do the rest. Few fish fries come with a better view.
Address: 33 W Grand Ave, Fox Lake, IL 60020
4. The Fish Keg
Fancy decor isn’t the point at The Fish Keg, and that’s part of the charm. This decades-old counter has earned a reputation as a Chicago icon.
You’ll find it on Howard Street, near the city’s northern edge. It’s a counter-serve fish market with fresh and fried seafood, plus chicken. The space is no-frills, so the food does the talking.
Lake perch is a menu highlight. Fried perch and fried shrimp are two of the most loved orders. Homemade cocktail sauce comes along for dipping.
Hungry for a feast? Orders can pile up fast with multi-piece platters. Walleye, catfish, catfish nuggets, shrimp, and perch can all share a box.
Add potato salad, fries, and hush puppies, and dinner is handled.
Fried scallops are another popular pick. Prices run a bit higher than some fish shacks. Most people seem fine with that once the food is in hand.
Don’t skip the sides and extras. The menu lists oil and vinegar coleslaw, American potato salad, and sweet potato pie. There’s even a Yukatan Sunshine hot sauce for heat lovers.
This is mostly a takeout kind of place. There’s no restroom on-site, so plan ahead. Delivery is available if you’d rather stay put.
Hours are Tuesday through Thursday and Saturday from 10 AM to 7 PM. Friday runs until 8 PM, and Sunday goes from noon to 7 PM. Mondays are closed.
Wednesday and Friday afternoons get busy. Morning visits tend to be quieter, if you want your perch fast. Either way, carry it home warm and dig in.
Address: 2233 W Howard St, Chicago, IL 60645
5. DiCola’s Seafood
Back in 1933, this family business got started, and it’s still frying today. That’s over 90 years of seafood on Chicago’s South Side.
DiCola’s Seafood sits on Western Avenue in the Beverly area. It’s both a market and an eatery, known for fried fish and seafood dishes. Fresh fish fills the cases, and the fryer stays busy.
Perch hunters, take note. The fried perch here stands out as a top pick. If you’ve been searching for a reliable plate of it, this is a strong lead.
Everything gets fried to order while you wait. That means your fish comes out hot instead of sitting under a lamp. A short wait is worth it for that fresh crunch.
The lineup goes well past perch. Fried whitefish, extra large shrimp, and catfish filets are regular favorites. You can even order fried lobster or frog legs if you’re feeling bold.
Want something lighter on the side? Salad sides are available too. They help balance a big fried order.
This is a grab-and-go style stop. There’s no restroom and no delivery. A free parking lot makes the quick pickup easier.
Hours run Monday through Thursday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Friday and Saturday stay open until 7 PM, and Sundays are closed.
Fridays and Saturday afternoons draw the biggest crowds. Weekday mornings and evenings are calmer, so time your visit if you hate waiting. Then take your fresh perch home and enjoy a taste of Chicago history.
Address: 10754 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60643
6. Lawrence’s Fish & Shrimp
Midnight snack emergencies have a solution in Chicago. Lawrence’s Fish & Shrimp is open 24 hours a day, every day of the week.
This long-running, family-owned spot sits on Canal Street near Chinatown. It’s often called a legendary Chicago fried fish joint. The setting is low-key, and the focus stays on deep-fried seafood and chicken.
Perch belongs on your order list. It sits right alongside the large shrimp as a must-try. Fried cod is another fishy option worth a look.
Shrimp is in the name, so expect plenty of it. Lightly breaded shrimp, scallops, clam strips, and catfish strips all show up. Wing Zings cover the chicken side of things.
Sides deserve real attention here. Fried mushrooms and onion rings are popular picks. The macaroni slaw has fans too, and coleslaw and hush puppies are also around.
Portions come out generous, so sharing works well. Service runs fast at the counter, and the space stays clean. Outdoor seating gives you a place to eat on nice days.
Families will find it easy to visit. Changing tables and high chairs are available. Dogs are welcome outside if your pup tags along.
Saturday nights get packed, and there’s often a wait. Sunday and Monday mornings tend to be the quietest. Delivery is also an option, including no-contact drop-off.
Reservations aren’t taken, but with round-the-clock hours, you rarely need one. Swing by after a game, before work, or whenever perch calls your name. In Illinois, few fish counters keep hours this friendly.
Address: 2120 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60616
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