Best of 25 catfish in Chicago
Chicago is known for its vibrant food scene, and one dish that stands out is catfish. This freshwater fish, often associated with the Southern United States, has found a home in Chicago's diverse culinary landscape. Catfish in Chicago is a must-try, available in various styles, from classic Southern-fried to spicy Cajun-style. Experience the unique fusion of Chicago hospitality and Southern-style catfish dishes.
- 1. Lawrence's Fish & Shrimp
- 2. Two Fish Crab Shack
- 3. Goose Island Shrimp House
- 4. Seafood Fish & Chicken Crib
- 5. Duwell Fish Co
- 6. Wishbone
- 7. J J Fish on Kedzie
- 8. Hagen's Fish Market
- 9. Captain Shrimp
- 10. Harbor Chicken & Seafood Market
- 11. Feed
- 12. JJ Fish and Chicken
- 13. Frank's Chicago Shrimp House
- 14. 6978 Soul Food
- 15. Whale Fish & Chicken
- 16. Pearl's Place Restaurant
- 17. Big Jones
- 18. Whale Fish & Chicken
- 19. J J Fish & Chicken
- 20. Golden Fish & Chicken
- 21. Yacht 57 Fish -Wings- burgers
- 22. Shrimp House Fish & Chicken
- 23. Golden Hook Fish & Chicken
- 24. J & J Fish
- 25. JJ Fish & Chicken - Chicago
1. Lawrence's Fish & Shrimp
Family-owned and operated, Friendly service, Casual atmosphere

The catfish served was lacking in flavor, leading to a desire for additional seasoning options such as lemon pepper or Cajun seasoning. The hot sauce provided was not particularly enjoyable, being overly sweet and resembling spicy ketchup.
Despite the mediocre hot sauce and unseasoned catfish, the overall experience was positive. The shrimp and catfish were both tempting options, making it difficult to choose between them. The fried okra was a success, pairing well with salsa brought from home. The catfish had been enjoyed in previous visits, confirming its typical quality.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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2. Two Fish Crab Shack
Cozy atmosphere, Friendly service, Local favorite

The staff at the establishment where I dined were friendly, approachable, and demonstrated respect throughout our interaction. I was particularly impressed by their attentiveness to our seafood order, ensuring that it was served hot and fresh. The catfish dish was a standout, expertly fried to perfection.
The catfish had a delightful taste and was impeccably seasoned, making it a must-try for anyone who visits. The hot and fresh preparation of the dish further enhanced its flavor, making for an enjoyable dining experience.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Hidden Gems
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3. Goose Island Shrimp House
Family-owned business since 1978, Unique cajun-style seasoning

Goose Island Shrimp House offers a variety of seafood options, including catfish, frog legs, smelt, fish and chips, oysters, clam strips, and scallops. However, the restaurant particularly excels in preparing shrimp dishes, making it a must-visit place for shrimp lovers.
The establishment has received positive reviews, with a rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 254 customer reviews. The catfish and frog legs are also popular menu items, and the restaurant's shrimp dishes are highly recommended. Goose Island Shrimp House's success can be attributed to their quality seafood and excellent preparation.
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TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Hidden Gems
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4. Seafood Fish & Chicken Crib
Family-owned restaurant since 1996, Catering services available, Homemade sides and desserts

The catfish dish served was exceptional, with the steak being a clear standout. The seasoning was expertly applied, resulting in a delicious taste that was evident in every bite. The cooking of the catfish was also spot on, ensuring that it was thoroughly cooked without being overdone.
In addition to the steak, the catfish fillets were equally delightful. They were cooked to perfection, providing a tender and flaky texture that was a pleasure to eat. The quality of the catfish was excellent, making for a memorable meal. As a result, there are plans to return for another serving of this tasty dish.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Hidden Gems
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5. Duwell Fish Co
Uses authentic recipes, Family-owned and operated, Welcoming atmosphere

This restaurant is known for its excellent and fresh food, with a focus on quality customer service. The staff are attentive and make sure that every dish is cooked to perfection, with a popular choice being their nicely cooked fried catfish, buffalo steaks, and prawns. The positive ratings and reviews of the restaurant can be attributed to the hardworking and friendly staff who create a welcoming atmosphere for all guests.
The restaurant's commitment to providing good service is evident in the small details, such as the way the fish is always cooked to perfection and the staff's willingness to go above and beyond for their customers. Overall, the combination of delicious food, excellent service, and a welcoming atmosphere make this restaurant a standout choice for any dining experience.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Mid-Range
6. Wishbone
Offers a variety of Southern-style catfish preparations in a casual atmosphere

The fried catfish is prepared by first soaking it in buttermilk and seasoning it with a variety of spices. The seasoned catfish is then fried in hot peanut oil until it develops a golden brown crust.
Blackened catfish is a popular menu item, and customers recommend trying it during the weekend brunch service, although it can be busy.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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7. J J Fish on Kedzie
Family-owned restaurant since 2007, Serves homemade sides and sauces, Live music on weekends

The restaurant in question is a popular dining destination, renowned for its delicious catfish tails and crispy catfish nuggets. The nuggets, in particular, are praised for their non-greasy texture, which makes for a satisfying and enjoyable meal. Another standout menu item is the spinach and cheese pizza puff, which caters to vegetarian diners and has received rave reviews.
Beyond the catfish and pizza puff, the restaurant offers a range of tempting options, such as fried okra, which is another customer favorite. Whether you're in the mood for seafood, vegetarian fare, or classic comfort food, this restaurant has something for everyone, making it a must-visit dining destination for food lovers of all stripes.
TOPICS
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Vegetarian Options
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8. Hagen's Fish Market
Family-owned business since 1987, committed to sustainable fishing practices

The daily selection of fresh seafood at this establishment includes a variety of options such as Lake Superior whitefish, Ocean whitefish, catfish, salmon, clams, mussels, large raw shrimp, oysters, tilapia, walleye, orange roughy, and lake perch. It is a small fish market with neon signs, which gives it a charming and approachable feel. The staff is helpful and knowledgeable about their products, offering a range of fresh, frozen, smoked, and fried options to customers.
TOPICS
- Hidden Gems
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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9. Captain Shrimp
Friendly service and cozy atmosphere

The catfish strips at this location are a standout option, known for their delicious taste and perfect fried preparation. Many visitors consider them a must-try dish. These popular catfish strips are known for their exceptional crispiness and rich flavor, making them a top choice for many.
If you're looking for a flavorful and crispy dish, the catfish strips are the way to go. As one of the best-selling items on the menu, these strips have gained a reputation for their high quality and delicious taste. The combination of crispy texture and rich flavor makes them a crowd favorite.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
10. Harbor Chicken & Seafood Market

TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
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11. Feed
Authentic Cajun cuisine in the heart of Chicago, family-owned and operated

The Fried Catfish Sandwich I had was delicious, with a generous portion of fish in a crispy breading. The restaurant offered good service, and the dining area was clean. Although it was a bit pricey, I still found it to be worth the cost. The sandwich was the highlight of the meal, standing out for its quality and taste.
The restaurant itself has a fun and retro atmosphere, with a farm-style motif that adds to its charm. The Fried Catfish Sandwich is a must-try, reflecting the care and attention put into the cooking. Overall, I would recommend a visit to this establishment for anyone looking for a tasty and satisfying meal in a unique and enjoyable atmosphere.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Lunch
- Dinner
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12. JJ Fish and Chicken
Family-owned chain since 1996, uses high-quality ingredients, offers breakfast

The catfish dinner ordered was exceptional, offering a delightful dining experience. The fish was unquestionably fresh, and the cooking process was expertly executed, resulting in a supremely satisfying meal. Two key elements contributed to this impressive dish - the freshness and the cooking technique.
The catfish fillets stood out as the highlight of the dinner, boasting a delectable crispy exterior that added a satisfying crunch with each bite. Accompanying this was the fish's juicy and flavorsome interior, demonstrating the quality of the ingredients and the skill of the chef. This dish is highly recommended for those who appreciate excellent catfish dishes.
TOPICS
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- American Cuisine
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13. Frank's Chicago Shrimp House
Family-owned and operated, Homemade side dishes, Southern-style cooking

The catfish strips I tried were too greasy for my personal preference, but the shrimp was a standout dish. Our order included a variety of items such as catfish, oysters, scallops, and mushrooms, yet unfortunately, each item tasted like it had been coated in the same flavorless batter.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Social Gatherings
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14. 6978 Soul Food
Family-owned with homemade recipes since 1985

The overall experience of the meal was positive, but there were issues with the catfish. It was far too salty, making it unpleasant to eat and difficult to finish. This disappointment was specific to the 2-piece catfish dinner, which was lacking in crispiness and flavor.
Despite the catfish leaving something to be desired, the rest of the meal was enjoyable. It's worth noting that the catfish was the only disappointing aspect of the dining experience, as the other components were satisfactory. The lack of crispiness and flavor in the catfish dinner was a misstep in an otherwise decent meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Cheap Eats
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15. Whale Fish & Chicken
Offers a wide range of seafood and chicken options, dine-in or takeout available

The journey from Pilsen to Central and Division was made with a specific destination in mind: to savor the delicious catfish fillets. These fillets are a popular choice due to their freshness and generous size. The catfish is cooked to perfection, with a crispy exterior that guarantees the inside is fully cooked.
The large catfish meal and jack salmon were the orders of the day, and they did not disappoint. The food was abundant, cooked expertly, and served hot, with a satisfying crunch. The quality of the meal left a lasting impression, and a return visit to enjoy the same dining experience is already being planned.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Suburban
16. Pearl's Place Restaurant
Family-owned soul food restaurant with a warm and welcoming atmosphere

Pearl's Place, a well-known soul food restaurant in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood, has been serving the community for over 30 years. The restaurant is famous for its white tablecloth dining experience and classic Southern and Soul food dishes like fried chicken and catfish.
The all-day breakfast menu at Pearl's Place features fresh eggs and omelets made to order, with a variety of meats such as bacon, sausage links, and turkey patties. For those looking for unique options, the menu also includes corned beef hash, salmon croquettes, and spicy sausage. In addition to breakfast items, the restaurant offers grits, homestyle potatoes, white rice, French toast, pancakes made from scratch, and buttermilk biscuits.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Vegan Options
- Breakfast
17. Big Jones
Hearty Southern comfort food in a cozy, casual setting

The restaurant, located in Andersonville, is well-known for its delicious fried chicken, but offers a variety of other tasty options as well. Among these are fried green tomatoes, flaky biscuits, crispy fried catfish, creamy grits, and tender cornbread. On one occasion, our group also enjoyed an order of hush puppies, which were a pleasant surprise.
On this particular evening, some of us opted for the Alabama grilled catfish, which was rubbed with a spicy seasoning and served with a medley of sides. These included roasted plantain, coconut rice, fire-roasted turnip greens, and a refreshing pineapple salsa. The flavors and textures of these dishes came together to create a unique and satisfying meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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18. Whale Fish & Chicken
Family-owned restaurant serving a variety of seafood and chicken options

The customer service at the unspecified location is respectable and attentive to their customers' needs. The catfish dishes, including tails, steaks, and horseshoe cut, are a highlight of their menu. These catfish parts are always fresh and served hot, with a generous size and delightful flavor.
Speaking from personal experience, I can vouch for the quality of the catfish fillets at the locations near Pilsen, close to the loop, and in the area of Central and Division. I frequently travel to have this delicious dish, and I appreciate that the fillets are fresh and have a good size. The way they cook them until crispy on the outside ensures that the inside is fully cooked, providing a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Late Night
19. J J Fish & Chicken
Family-owned restaurant since 1984, Serving fresh and never frozen fish

The catfish dishes at this establishment are consistently fresh and well-prepared. The nuggets, in particular, are a standout option, featuring a crispy fried exterior that complements the tender and flavorful interior.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
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20. Golden Fish & Chicken
Family-owned restaurant since 1996, Serves Halal meat

The Golden Fish & Chicken serves a variety of fresh and affordable fast-food options, with a focus on fish and chicken dishes. The restaurant takes pride in the preparation of its meals, although there may be inconsistencies in the seasoning of the fish.
During a recent visit, the service was friendly and helpful. The catfish dinner, in particular, was well-cooked and satisfying. It had been three years since the last visit, but the quality of the food and service remained consistent.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
- Social Gatherings
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21. Yacht 57 Fish -Wings- burgers
Family-owned business since 2014, community involvement, outdoor seating

The catfish served at Yacht 57 in Chicago has received high praise. It is known for its exceptional flavor and quality. The catfish is seasoned expertly and fried until it reaches a golden brown color and crispy texture.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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22. Shrimp House Fish & Chicken
Family-owned and operated restaurant since 1992

The author has noticed a decline in their respect for a once-favorite eating establishment. Initially, they enjoyed delicious food and exceptional staff, but recently, they've encountered many rude cashiers and a significant drop in food quality alongside increased prices. The understaffing issue seems to contribute to this problem, with orders not being fulfilled correctly.
Although the restaurant claimed price increases were necessary due to industry standards, the customer believes this is not a valid excuse. Unsatisfied with undercooked and unseasoned meals, the author wonders how the business can retain customers with such poor quality. However, they note that local drug users seem to enjoy the food, highlighting the discrepancy between the dining experiences of different demographics.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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23. Golden Hook Fish & Chicken
Features a relaxed and casual atmosphere, perfect for family dinners or takeout, and has been serving the community for over 20 years.

The food at this establishment has been consistently delicious during my visit. The cleanliness of the place is commendable. I personally tried the catfish and shrimp, which were fresh and skillfully prepared. My wife enjoyed her chicken strips, and we both agreed that the fries were a good accompaniment.
The presentation of the dishes was visually appealing, comparable to the enticing photos showcased online. The shrimp were particularly flavorful and cooked to perfection, while the fish was also good. My wife was satisfied with her chicken strips. Overall, our dining experience was very positive and reasonably priced, making it a worthwhile visit.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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24. J & J Fish
Family-owned business since 1996, Fresh and never frozen catfish, Dine-in, takeout, and delivery options

When it comes to ordering catfish, it's suggested to choose either the steaks or nuggets to get the most satisfying and expected dish. Unfortunately, my recent experience with catfish filets was disappointing. The fish was not up to my expectations in terms of texture and taste.
It's vital to note that the catfish filets turned out to be hard and greasy, which was not what I was anticipating or hoping for. To avoid such disappointing outcomes, I would recommend sticking to alternative catfish options like steaks or nuggets.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Social Gatherings
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25. JJ Fish & Chicken - Chicago
Offers dine-in, carry-out, and delivery options, Friendly and attentive staff, Catfish is always fresh and never frozen

The catfish nuggets and shrimp that I ordered were not the best items on the menu. However, the meal did come with a side of fries, which was a nice surprise even though it wasn't advertised. The catfish nuggets were particularly enjoyable, as they were well-seasoned and crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. I was impressed with the quality of the catfish nuggets and would consider ordering them again in the future.
Despite the limitation of the meal options I chose, I found the catfish nuggets to be delicious and cooked to perfection. The fries were a good addition to the meal, and I would recommend asking for them even if they're not listed on the menu. Overall, I was pleased with the quality of the catfish nuggets and would consider returning to order them again.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
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