Looking for a fish fry that’s as comforting as it is delicious?
These 9 charming Illinois restaurants are dishing out some of the best fried fish in the state!
1. The Fish Keg (Chicago)
Ah, The Fish Keg – where dreams of perfectly fried seafood come true, and diets go to die.
This Chicago institution has been serving up crispy, golden goodness since before deep-frying was cool (which, let’s face it, has always been cool).
As you approach this unassuming stone building, you’re greeted by a sign that screams “FISH KEG” louder than a seagull eyeing your lunch.
It’s like a beacon of hope for the hungry and a siren call for the calorie-unconscious.
Step inside, and you’re hit with the intoxicating aroma of frying fish that’s so good, it should probably be illegal.
The menu is a seafood lover’s fantasy, featuring everything from classic cod to exotic frog legs.
Yes, frog legs – because sometimes you want your dinner to taste like chicken but look like it could hop away at any moment.
The star of the show?
Their breaded fried walleye.
It’s so flaky and delicious, you might just shed a tear of joy – or maybe that’s just the tartar sauce in your eye.
2. Calumet Fisheries (Chicago)
If The Fish Keg is the prom queen of Chicago’s fish fry scene, Calumet Fisheries is the cool, mysterious transfer student that everyone wants to know more about.
This place is so old-school, it makes vinyl records look cutting-edge.
Perched on the edge of the Calumet River, this tiny shack has been smoking fish since 1948.
It’s the kind of place your grandpa would tell you about, right after regaling you with tales of walking uphill both ways to school.
The exterior might make you wonder if you’ve stumbled onto a movie set for a gritty Chicago crime drama, but don’t let that fool you.
Inside, it’s a seafood lover’s nirvana.
Their smoked fish is so good, it could make a vegetarian question their life choices.
But we’re here for the fish fry, and boy, do they deliver.
The fried shrimp is a religious experience – crispy, juicy, and more addictive than your favorite Netflix series.
Just remember, this place is cash-only, so leave your crypto wallet at home.
3. The Shanty (Wadsworth)
Nestled in Wadsworth, The Shanty is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a secret club for fish fry aficionados.
It’s like Narnia, but instead of talking lions, you get talking points about the best tartar sauce in the state.
This rustic log cabin looks like it was plucked straight out of a fairy tale – if that fairy tale involved a lot of deep-fried cod and cold beer.
The warm glow from the windows is more inviting than your bed on a Monday morning.
Inside, the atmosphere is cozier than your favorite sweater.
The fish fry here is legendary, with portions so generous you might need to be rolled out the door.
Their perch is so fresh, you’ll swear it jumped straight from the lake to your plate, with a quick detour through some breading and hot oil.
4. Hank’s Farm Restaurant (Ottawa)
Hank’s Farm Restaurant is what happens when a barn decides it wants to be a five-star restaurant when it grows up.
This place is more Illinois than corn and soybeans combined.
As you pull up, you might think you’ve accidentally stumbled onto Old MacDonald’s farm.
But unless Old MacDonald served up fish fry that could make a mermaid jealous, you’re in the right place.
The building, with its classic barn shape and charming exterior, is more photogenic than most Instagram influencers.
Inside, it’s a delightful mishmash of farm chic and comfort food paradise.
Their fish fry is the stuff of legend – crispy, flaky, and more satisfying than finding an extra fry at the bottom of the bag.
It’s served with all the fixings, because at Hank’s, they believe in going big or going home (and trust me, you won’t want to go home).
5. JT’s Porch Saloon & Eatery (Lacon)
JT’s Porch Saloon & Eatery is the kind of place where the fish fry is so good, it could bring peace to warring nations.
Or at least to feuding families at Thanksgiving dinner.
From the outside, it looks like your typical small-town bar and grill.
But step inside, and you’re transported to a world where calories don’t count and fish is always in season.
The atmosphere is as warm and inviting as a bear hug from your favorite uncle.
The kind of place where everybody knows your name – and if they don’t, they will by the time you leave.
Their fish fry is the stuff of local legend.
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and seasoned with what I can only assume is magic dust.
Pair it with a cold beer, and you’ve got a meal that would make Poseidon himself nod in approval.
6. Timmerman’s Supper Club (East Dubuque)
Timmerman’s Supper Club is like the James Bond of fish fry joints – classy, timeless, and with a view to kill for.
Perched high above the Mississippi River, it offers panoramic views that are almost as jaw-dropping as their fish fry.
Almost.
Related: This Retro-Themed Diner in Illinois Will Take You on a Nostalgic Trip to the ‘50s
Related: This 1950s-Style Hamburger Restaurant in Illinois Will Take You Back to the Good Old Days
Related: The Horror-Themed Cafe in Illinois with Scary Good Food and Coffee
As you walk in, you half expect to see Frank Sinatra crooning in the corner.
The place oozes old-school charm faster than their fish oozes deliciousness (which is very fast, in case you were wondering).
Their fish fry is the stuff of dreams – the kind of meal that makes you want to stand up and slow clap.
It’s so good, you might forget about the breathtaking view.
And when a plate of food can compete with Mother Nature herself, you know you’re onto something special.
7. LakeHouse Restaurant (Lake Villa)
LakeHouse Restaurant is exactly what it says on the tin – a house by a lake that serves food.
But calling it just that is like calling the Mona Lisa a “nice painting.”
The building looks like it was designed by someone who really, really loves the color red.
It’s so cheerful, it could probably cure seasonal affective disorder just by looking at it.
Inside, it’s all lakeside charm and cozy vibes.
The kind of place where you can imagine spending a lazy Sunday afternoon, watching the water and questioning why you don’t live on a lake.
Their fish fry is the main event, though.
It’s so good, it could make a cat consider giving up its lifelong vendetta against water.
Crispy, flaky, and served with a side of lake views that’ll have you planning your next visit before you’ve even finished your meal.
8. Buster’s Bar & Grill (Loves Park)
Buster’s Bar & Grill is the kind of place that proves you should never judge a book by its cover – or a fish fry by the number of neon beer signs in the window.
From the outside, it looks like your standard neighborhood watering hole.
The kind of place where you’d expect to find good wings and cold beer, but not necessarily a fish fry that could make a foodie weep tears of joy.
But step inside, and you’re in for a surprise.
The atmosphere is as warm and welcoming as a hug from your grandma – if your grandma smelled like beer and fried food (which, let’s be honest, some of the best ones do).
Their fish fry is the dark horse of the Illinois fish fry scene.
It’s unexpectedly delicious, like finding out your weird neighbor is actually a gourmet chef.
The fish is crispy, the portions are generous, and the taste will have you wondering why you ever eat anything else on Fridays.
9. Will’s Northwoods Inn (Chicago)
Will’s Northwoods Inn is what happens when Wisconsin decides to vacation in Chicago and brings its fish fry along for the ride.
It’s like a little slice of the north woods, right in the heart of the big city.
The exterior looks like it was teleported straight from a lakeside cabin in the Northwoods.
It’s so authentically rustic, you half expect to see a moose walk by.
Inside, it’s a Packers fan’s paradise (sorry, Bears fans) with enough taxidermy to make a PETA member faint.
But we’re not here for the decor – we’re here for the fish fry.
And oh boy, does Will’s deliver.
Their fish fry is so good, it could make a Bears fan consider switching allegiances (okay, maybe that’s a stretch).
It’s crispy, it’s flavorful, and it’s more Wisconsin than cheese curds and beer combined.
So there you have it, folks – nine Illinois fish fries that are worth their weight in gold(en batter).
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these spots will have you singing the praises of Midwest seafood faster than you can say “Pass the tartar sauce!”