Who knew that the Land of Lincoln could be the Land of Lip-Smacking Fish Fry?
Grab your bibs and loosen those belts, folks – we’re diving into a sea of crispy, golden goodness across Illinois!
1. The Fish Keg (Chicago)
Ah, The Fish Keg – where dreams of perfectly fried fish 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’ll be greeted by a sign that screams “FISH KEG” louder than a seagull spotting a french fry.
It’s like a beacon of hope for the hungry and a siren song for the seafood-obsessed.
Step inside, and you’re transported to a world where calories don’t count and tartar sauce flows like water.
The menu is a fish lover’s fantasy, featuring everything from classic cod to exotic walleye.
And let’s not forget their famous breaded fried shrimp – it’s so good, you might just consider growing gills to live here permanently.
The best part?
You can take your aquatic feast to go, making it the perfect option for those nights when you want to enjoy your fish fry in the comfort of your own home, pants optional.
2. Calumet Fisheries (Chicago)
If The Fish Keg is the prom queen of Chicago’s fish fry scene, then Calumet Fisheries is the cool, mysterious transfer student that everyone wants to know.
This place is so old-school, it makes vinyl records look cutting-edge.
Perched on the edge of the Calumet River, this tiny white shack has been smoking and frying 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 star of the show here is their smoked fish – salmon, trout, and sturgeon that taste like they’ve been kissed by the gods of flavor.
But don’t sleep on their fried offerings – the crispy, golden catfish and perch are the stuff of legend.
Fair warning: there’s no seating inside, so be prepared to enjoy your feast on the hood of your car or, if you’re feeling fancy, bring a folding chair and have yourself a riverside picnic.
Just watch out for seagulls – they know good food when they smell it.
3. The Shanty (Wadsworth)
Nestled in the wilds of Wadsworth (okay, it’s not that wild, but work with me here), The Shanty is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret fishing lodge.
If that fishing lodge also happened to serve gourmet food and killer cocktails, that is.
From the outside, it looks like a cozy log cabin that got lost on its way to the North Woods and decided to set up shop in Illinois instead.
But step inside, and you’ll find a warm, inviting atmosphere that’s part rustic charm, part culinary wonderland.
Their fish fry is the stuff of local legend – crispy, flaky, and so fresh you’ll swear you can hear the fish saying goodbye as it hits the fryer.
Pair it with one of their craft cocktails, and you’ve got yourself a meal that would make even the most jaded food critic weep tears of joy.
But here’s the kicker – The Shanty isn’t just about fish.
Their menu is a culinary adventure that spans continents, featuring everything from Asian-inspired dishes to good old American comfort food.
It’s like a United Nations of deliciousness, right here in Wadsworth.
4. Hank’s Farm Restaurant (Ottawa)
Picture this: you’re driving through the cornfields of Illinois, your stomach grumbling louder than your car engine, when suddenly – BAM! – you stumble upon a slice of farm-to-table heaven.
Welcome to Hank’s Farm Restaurant, where the fish fry is fresher than your grandma’s gossip and twice as satisfying.
This place is like stepping into a Norman Rockwell painting, if Norman Rockwell had a thing for really good food.
The restaurant is housed in a charming white barn that looks like it could tell a thousand stories – and probably has, given how long it’s been serving up deliciousness to hungry travelers and locals alike.
Their fish fry is a work of art – crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and served with enough sides to feed a small army.
But Hank’s isn’t just about the fish.
Oh no, my friends.
This is a full-on farm experience.
We’re talking home-baked pies that could make a grown man cry, and comfort food that’ll have you loosening your belt before the main course even arrives.
And let’s not forget the ambiance.
With its rustic charm and friendly staff, dining at Hank’s feels less like going out to eat and more like crashing a really awesome family reunion.
5. JT’s Porch Saloon & Eatery (Lacon)
If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “Gee, I wish I could enjoy a top-notch fish fry while feeling like I’m in an old Western movie,” then boy, do I have the place for you.
JT’s Porch Saloon & Eatery in Lacon is where the Wild West meets the Midwest, and the result is nothing short of delicious.
From the outside, JT’s looks like it could be the set of a John Wayne movie.
Step inside, and you half expect to see cowboys bellied up to the bar, trading stories about their latest cattle drive.
Instead, you’ll find friendly locals and visitors alike, all united in their quest for the perfect fish fry.
And let me tell you, that quest ends here.
JT’s fish fry is the stuff of legend – crispy, flaky, and seasoned to perfection.
It’s so good, you might be tempted to slap your thigh and yell “Yeehaw!”
But maybe don’t do that.
Or do.
I’m not your boss.
But JT’s isn’t just about the fish.
Their menu is a love letter to classic American cuisine, with burgers, steaks, and sandwiches that could make a vegetarian reconsider their life choices.
And don’t even get me started on their drinks.
6. Timmerman’s Supper Club (East Dubuque)
Perched high on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, Timmerman’s Supper Club is like the James Bond of fish fry joints – classy, sophisticated, and with views that could kill.
Or at least seriously impress your date.
This place is old school in the best possible way.
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
We’re talking white tablecloths, mood lighting, and a menu that reads like a greatest hits of American cuisine.
But don’t let the fancy trappings fool you – at its heart, Timmerman’s is all about good food and good times.
Their fish fry is a thing of beauty – golden brown, crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and served with all the fixings.
It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to stand up and slow clap, but resist the urge.
You don’t want to spill your drink.
Speaking of drinks, Timmerman’s bar is not messing around.
Their cocktails are mixed with the precision of a Swiss watchmaker and pack more punch than a heavyweight boxer.
Just remember – those stunning river views are a lot less stunning if you’re seeing double.
7. LakeHouse Restaurant (Lake Villa)
Imagine if your cool aunt who always brings the best dishes to family potlucks decided to open a restaurant.
That’s pretty much what you get at LakeHouse Restaurant in Lake Villa.
It’s like comfort food got a makeover and decided to get fancy, but not too fancy.
You know, like wearing your good jeans to dinner.
Situated on the shores of Cedar Lake, LakeHouse offers views that are almost as delicious as their fish fry.
Almost.
Because let’s face it, while you can’t eat scenery, you can absolutely devour their perfectly crispy, mouthwateringly flaky fish.
The interior is all warm woods and cozy corners, like a hug in restaurant form.
It’s the kind of place where you can bring a first date to impress them, or your in-laws to show them you’ve got good taste.
Or just yourself, because sometimes you deserve to treat yourself to a meal that’s fancier than eating cereal straight from the box (not that there’s anything wrong with that).
But let’s talk about that fish fry.
It’s the star of the show, the Beyoncé of the menu if you will.
Paired with their homemade tartar sauce, it’s a combination so perfect it should probably have its own Instagram account.
8. Buster’s Bar & Grill (Loves Park)
If fish fries were rock stars, Buster’s Bar & Grill would be the cool indie band that all the hipsters claim they discovered first.
Tucked away in Loves Park, this place is the definition of a hidden gem – emphasis on the “hidden” because seriously, you might need GPS to find it.
From the outside, Buster’s looks like your average neighborhood bar.
But step inside, and you’re transported to a world where the beer is cold, the fish is hot, and the atmosphere is always set to “good times.”
Their fish fry is the stuff of local legend.
We’re talking perfectly crispy, golden-brown pieces of fish that are so good, you might be tempted to write a sonnet about them.
But don’t.
Nobody likes a show-off, especially when their mouth is full of delicious fish.
But Buster’s isn’t just about the fish.
Oh no.
This place is a jack of all trades and, surprisingly, a master of all of them too.
Their burgers are juicy, their wings are crispy, and their drinks are mixed with the kind of heavy-handed generosity that would make your grandmother proud.
The real charm of Buster’s, though, is its no-frills, come-as-you-are vibe.
It’s the kind of place where you can rock up in your sweatpants and no one bats an eye.
Because when the food is this good, who cares what you’re wearing?
9. Will’s Northwoods Inn (Chicago)
Last but not least, we have Will’s Northwoods Inn – the place where Chicago pretends it’s actually Wisconsin for a few hours.
It’s like a little slice of the North Woods, right in the heart of the big city.
Paul Bunyan would feel right at home here, assuming Paul Bunyan was into really good fish fries and craft beer.
From the moment you step inside, you’re hit with enough woodland decor to make a forest ranger feel underdressed.
We’re talking deer heads on the walls, log cabin vibes, and enough plaid to clothe a small lumberjack army.
It’s like someone took a hunting lodge, stuffed it full of good food and friendly people, and plopped it down in Chicago.
But let’s get to the main event – the fish fry.
It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to grow a beard and take up axe throwing (neither of which are required to enjoy your meal, thankfully).
The fish is crispy, the portions are generous, and it all pairs perfectly with their impressive selection of Midwest beers.
Will’s isn’t just about the food, though.
It’s about the experience.
On any given night, you might find yourself cheering for the Packers (don’t tell the Bears fans), participating in a heated game of bar trivia, or simply enjoying the company of friends old and new.
It’s the kind of place where everyone knows your name – and if they don’t, they will by the end of the night.
So there you have it, folks – nine of the best spots in Illinois to get your fish fry fix.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these places are sure to satisfy your craving for crispy, golden goodness.
Just remember to bring your appetite… and maybe some stretchy pants.