Ready for a road trip that’s all about amazing fried fish?

This tasty adventure through Illinois will lead you to nine unassuming spots with fish fry that’s out of this world!

1. The Shanty (Wadsworth)

Nestled in Wadsworth, The Shanty is anything but shabby.

This rustic log cabin-style restaurant looks like it was plucked straight out of a fairy tale – if that fairy tale involved perfectly fried fish, that is.

As you approach, the warm glow of the lights and the inviting wooden exterior make you feel like you’re about to enter grandma’s cozy cottage.

But instead of grandma, you’ll find some of the best fish fry this side of the Mississippi.

The Shanty’s charm isn’t just skin deep.

Inside, you’re greeted by a warm, woodsy atmosphere that’s as comforting as a bear hug from a lumberjack.

But let’s cut to the chase – we’re here for the fish, and boy, does The Shanty deliver.

Their fish fry is the stuff of legend, with a crispy exterior that crackles like a campfire and a tender interior that melts in your mouth faster than an ice cube in July.

2. The Fish Keg (Chicago)

Next up, we’re heading to the big city for a little place with a big reputation.

The Fish Keg in Chicago might look like a no-frills joint from the outside, but don’t let that fool you.

This place is to fish fry what Wrigley Field is to baseball – an institution.

The neon sign outside proudly proclaims “Fried Shrimp, Chicken, Seafood,” but let’s be real, we’re here for the fish.

Step inside, and you’re transported to a world where the air is thick with the aroma of frying fish and the sound of sizzling oil is music to your ears.

The Fish Keg doesn’t mess around with fancy decor or pretentious menus.

They know what they’re good at, and they stick to it like batter to cod.

3. Calumet Fisheries (Chicago)

Staying in the Windy City, we’re making our way to Calumet Fisheries.

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 serving up smoked and fried fish since before your grandpa was knee-high to a grasshopper.

Don’t expect white tablecloths or fancy silverware here.

Calumet Fisheries is all about the fish, served up in paper bags and eaten right there on the hood of your car if you’re so inclined.

It’s the kind of place that would make a fish swim upstream just to get battered and fried.

Their smoked fish is legendary, but their fried offerings are nothing to sneeze at either – unless you’re allergic to deliciousness, that is.

4. Hank’s Farm Restaurant (Ottawa)

Now, let’s take a little detour to the countryside.

Hank’s Farm Restaurant in Ottawa is like stepping into a time machine that’s been set to “wholesome Midwest charm.”

This place isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a whole experience.

Set in a picturesque white barn, Hank’s is surrounded by lush greenery and has more character than a Disney movie.

But we’re not here for the scenery (although it’s a nice bonus).

We’re here for Hank’s fish fry, which is so good it could make a vegetarian reconsider their life choices.

The fish is crispy on the outside, flaky on the inside, and served with all the fixings.

It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to loosen your belt and declare, “Now, that’s what I call dinner!”

5. JT’s Porch Saloon & Eatery (Lacon)

Our next stop takes us to Lacon, where JT’s Porch Saloon & Eatery is serving up fish fry with a side of small-town charm.

This place looks like it could be the set of a country music video, complete with a porch that’s perfect for sipping a cold one and watching the world go by.

But let’s talk fish.

JT’s doesn’t just fry fish; they elevate it to an art form.

Their fish fry is so good, it could make a cat turn down a saucer of milk.

The batter is light and crispy, the fish is fresh and flaky, and the portions are generous enough to satisfy a hungry bear – or just a really enthusiastic fish fry fan.

6. Timmerman’s Supper Club (East Dubuque)

Perched high on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, Timmerman’s Supper Club in East Dubuque is like the James Bond of fish fry joints – classy, with a view to kill for.

This place has been around since the 1960s, and like a fine wine, it’s only gotten better with age.

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Step inside, and you’re transported to a world of old-school elegance.

But don’t let the fancy digs fool you – when it comes to fish fry, Timmerman’s is as down-to-earth as they come.

Their fish is so perfectly fried, it could make a mermaid consider moving to dry land.

And the view? Let’s just say it’s the perfect backdrop for stuffing your face with crispy, golden goodness.

7. LakeHouse Restaurant (Lake Villa)

Next up, we’re heading to Lake Villa to check out the LakeHouse Restaurant.

This place is like the Swiss Army knife of restaurants – it does a little bit of everything, and does it well.

But we’re here for one thing and one thing only: the fish fry.

The LakeHouse’s fish fry is the kind of meal that makes you want to write poetry – if you weren’t too busy stuffing your face, that is.

The fish is crispy, the tartar sauce is tangy, and the atmosphere is as refreshing as a dip in the lake on a hot summer day.

Plus, with its lakeside location, you can pretend you caught the fish yourself.

We won’t tell if you don’t.

8. Buster’s Bar & Grill (Loves Park)

Our penultimate stop takes us to Buster’s Bar & Grill in Loves Park.

This place is like your favorite pair of jeans – comfortable, reliable, and always a good choice.

From the outside, Buster’s might look like your average neighborhood bar, but don’t let that fool you.

When it comes to fish fry, they’re anything but average.

Step inside, and you’re greeted by the kind of warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes you want to pull up a stool and stay awhile.

The bar area is cozy and inviting, with a neon sign that promises good times and great food.

And let me tell you, Buster’s delivers on both fronts.

Their fish fry is the stuff of local legend – crispy, flavorful, and generous enough to satisfy even the heartiest appetite.

9. Will’s Northwoods Inn (Chicago)

For our final stop, we’re heading back to Chicago to Will’s Northwoods Inn.

This place is like a little slice of Wisconsin dropped right in the middle of the Windy City.

With its log cabin-inspired exterior and cozy, woodsy interior, Will’s feels more like a northwoods retreat than a city restaurant.

But we’re not here for the decor (charming as it is).

We’re here for the fish fry, and Will’s doesn’t disappoint.

Their fish is so perfectly fried, it could make a Packers fan cheer for the Bears – well, maybe that’s a stretch, but you get the idea.

It’s crispy, it’s flavorful, and it’s served with all the classic fixings.

Plus, the laid-back, friendly atmosphere makes it the perfect place to end our fish fry adventure.

There you have it, folks – nine of the best fish fry joints Illinois has to offer.

The open road is waiting!

Let this map guide you to your next amazing destination.

From Chicago to the countryside, from hole-in-the-wall gems to scenic supper clubs, this state knows how to fry up a mean fish.

So grab your keys, loosen your belt, and get ready for a tasty adventure!