Best of 12 catfish in Bronzeville
"Catfish in Bronzeville" is a captivating exploration of food, culture, and community in Chicago's historic Bronzeville neighborhood. This compelling read delves into the significance of catfish as a cherished dish, its rich history, and the powerful connections it fosters among residents. Join us on a tantalizing journey through the lens of catfish in Bronzeville.
- 1. Two Fish Crab Shack
- 2. Chicago's Home of Chicken & Waffles
- 3. Golden Fish & Chicken
- 4. J J Fish & Chicken in Bronzeville
- 5. Bronzeville Soul
- 6. Kennedy Fish & Chicken
- 7. Pearl's Place Restaurant
- 8. Peach's Restaurant in Bronzeville
- 9. Sharks Fish & Chicken 51st and Cottage Grove
- 10. Surf's Up Bronzeville
- 11. Dock's Fish
- 12. Tony’s Philly Steak Hooks Fish & Chicken
1. Two Fish Crab Shack
Family-owned restaurant serving authentic Southern cuisine

The meal consisting of chicken sausages, fried oysters, and catfish was impressive, with each component contributing to a satisfying and delightful dining experience. The chicken sausages were nicely cooked, while the oysters and catfish were fried to perfection. The staff at the establishment were commendable, demonstrating friendliness, accommodation, and respect towards their patrons.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Hidden Gems
2. Chicago's Home of Chicken & Waffles
Voted as Chicago's Best Soul Food, Southern-style cooking, Casual and friendly atmosphere

The chicken and waffles, as well as the fried catfish, were delightful options at the restaurant. My husband opted for catfish, accompanied by mac n cheese, greens, and yams, while my cousin chose the veggie plate. The fried catfish, greens, yams, and rice were enjoyed by his wife. We also ordered a grilled fish dinner to go for their daughter.
The food served was fresh and delicious, arriving hot at our table. Our meal included fried catfish, waffle sliders, chicken wings, collared greens, macaroni and cheese, cornbread, shrimp and grits, and chicken and waffles. Every dish tasted great, although the collared greens might be too salty for those mindful of their sodium intake. It's worth noting that the drinks had a similar taste to fountain drinks.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Lunch
- Downtown Spots
3. Golden Fish & Chicken
Dine-in, carryout, and delivery options available

The catfish nuggets are a standout dish, renowned for their crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior. The perfect seasoning adds to their delicious taste. Accompanying fries and sauce are generously provided, enhancing the meal's appeal.
High-quality catfish is served, delighting diners with its delicious taste. The food is served hot, demonstrating attention to detail in food preparation. Moreover, an ample amount of fries and sauce are served alongside the catfish nuggets, ensuring a satisfying and tasty meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
- Social Gatherings
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4. J J Fish & Chicken in Bronzeville
Serving the Chicago community since 1989, Dine-in, carry-out, and delivery options available

The catfish fillet I enjoyed was delicious, but the lemon pepper seasoning used was a bit too overpowering for my personal preference. The food establishment consistently provides great food and customer service, regardless of the time of day. I particularly enjoy their 2-piece catfish fillet option.
In summary, the catfish fillet offered was tasty, but the lemon pepper seasoning was too strong for my liking. The restaurant is known for its excellent food and customer service, which holds true at any hour. The 2-piece catfish fillet is one of my recommended dishes.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
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5. Bronzeville Soul
Family-owned restaurant serving authentic soul food

Mario, the owner and chef, served us wonderful dishes on our recent visit. The catfish was expertly cooked, with a crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior. The macaroni and cheese was exceptional, with a velvety sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. The greens were well-seasoned and full of flavor, while the baked chicken was juicy and tender, with a delicious spice rub.
Our first experience at this establishment was incredibly positive. My husband and I ordered a variety of dishes, including the catfish, baked chicken, baked mac and cheese, collard greens, green beans, and yams. Each dish was skillfully prepared and delectable. The service we received from Zee and Mario, the owner, was excellent and contributed to our overall enjoyable dining experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Hidden Gems
6. Kennedy Fish & Chicken
Uses non-GMO cornmeal for breading, Offers spicy and non-spicy catfish options, Catfish is always fresh and never frozen

The catfish dish was a feature of the dining experience, which received mixed reviews. One individual found the catfish to be delicious, but thought the portion size could have been more generous. They overall enjoyed the meal and considered it a good experience. On the other hand, another person thought the catfish was just average and unremarkable. Despite their underwhelming impression of the catfish, they did appreciate the quick service provided by the staff.
In summary, the catfish dish was a central aspect of the dining experience, with one person praising its flavor and another finding it unexceptional. Both individuals had different opinions on the portion size and service, with one expressing satisfaction and the other not mentioning it.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Dinner
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7. Pearl's Place Restaurant
Uses high-quality ingredients and offers a cozy atmosphere

Pearl's Place, a renowned soul food restaurant in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood, has been serving Southern/Soul food classics for over 30 years. The restaurant is known for its white tablecloth and fine dining experience, offering a variety of main entrees including oxtail, ham hocks, fried steak and pork chops, and catfish fillet.
Fried chicken and catfish are among the Southern/Soul food classics that Pearl's Place offers, making it a popular choice for locals and tourists alike. The restaurant's commitment to providing high-quality food and service has made it a staple in the community for over three decades, offering a fine dining experience in a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Vegan Options
- Breakfast
8. Peach's Restaurant in Bronzeville
Family-owned soul food restaurant since 1961 with a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on community

The catfish dish I ordered was a delicious and satisfying choice. The portion was generous, giving a feeling of value for money. The fish was well-seasoned and expertly cooked, with a crispy exterior that added a satisfying crunch to each bite.
The flavor of the catfish was spot on, with a perfect balance of seasoning that enhanced the natural taste of the fish. The crispy fried exterior provided a nice contrast to the tender and flaky meat inside. Overall, the catfish is a must-try dish that is sure to impress with its delicious flavor and expert preparation.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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9. Sharks Fish & Chicken 51st and Cottage Grove
Uses locally sourced ingredients, Offers catering services, Family-owned business

This restaurant is known for its perfectly cooked catfish, chicken tenders, and prawns. The high-quality of the food makes it a popular choice among diners. In addition to its delicious dishes, the restaurant also offers food delivery, making it convenient for customers to enjoy its meals from the comfort of their own homes.
The catfish, chicken tenders, and prawns are all standout menu items. The catfish is cooked to perfection, with a crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior. The chicken tenders are also a hit, with a juicy and flavorful interior and a crispy golden exterior. The prawns are large and succulent, with a slight sweetness that makes them a delicious choice. Overall, the menu offers a variety of options that are sure to satisfy any palate. The convenience of food delivery adds to the appeal of this restaurant.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Dinner
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10. Surf's Up Bronzeville
Family-owned and operated restaurant serving authentic Southern cuisine with a twist.

The Catfish Po' Boy Sandwich was a culinary delight. The freshness of the catfish was apparent in every bite, and the sandwich was skillfully assembled with all the right components. The catfish nuggets were particularly noteworthy, with a perfect seasoning that added an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
If you're a fan of seafood, the Catfish Po' Boy Sandwich is not to be missed. The combination of fresh, perfectly cooked catfish and expertly seasoned nuggets make this sandwich a standout. Whether you're a catfish aficionado or just looking to try something new, this dish is sure to satisfy.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
11. Dock's Fish
Uses sustainable and locally-sourced ingredients, Cozy and casual atmosphere, Welcoming and knowledgeable staff

The catfish nuggets were a clear highlight of the meal. The speaker thoroughly enjoyed them, praising their quality with an enthusiastic comment. The rest of the meal was also satisfying, although the specifics of what else was included in the meal were not mentioned.
Ordering a catfish nugget combo without pop was a specific choice made by the speaker. It can be inferred that the meal included catfish nuggets, and that "pop" refers to a drink. The speaker opted not to include a drink with their meal, focusing solely on the catfish nuggets and likely any accompanying sides.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
12. Tony’s Philly Steak Hooks Fish & Chicken
Family-owned restaurant serving Southern-style cuisine in Chicago

Tony's Philly Steak is known for serving delicious food, including well-prepared grilled catfish and crispy shrimp. The cashiers are friendly, creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests. The Cajun rice can be inconsistent, but the overall dining experience is positive, making it a great place to enjoy a meal.
My dinner featuring catfish was satisfying and tasty, and the prices are reasonable. The restaurant offers a variety of options such as chicken, wings, sandwiches, and an assortment of deserts, including cakes and banana pudding.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner