Craving crispy fillets and golden fries that taste like pure Midwest comfort? Illinois is stacked with fish fry institutions where Fridays feel like a weekly holiday and the crowd never lets up. From old school counters to cozy Northwoods vibes, these spots deliver generous plates, friendly prices, and nostalgia in every bite. Bring your appetite, because each stop is worth the line and the wait.
Troha’s Chicken & Shrimp House (Chicago)
Walk up to Troha’s and you can smell the fryer singing from the sidewalk. This century old South Side icon serves flaky fish, plump shrimp, and crisp chicken with simple sides that hit the spot. Orders fly out fast, yet the line keeps growing because everything stays hot and consistent.
You pick from lake perch, catfish, or shrimp, then add fries, slaw, and a lemon wedge for brightness. The batter is light, the crunch is loud, and the seasoning leans savory over salty. Grab extra sauce and napkins. You will need them.
The Fish Keg (Chicago)
The Fish Keg feels like a time capsule where the fryer never sleeps. You step up to the counter, point at perch, smelt, or shrimp, and they drop it fresh. The paper boats arrive overflowing, steaming, and ready for a generous squeeze of lemon.
The breading is sandy crisp with a pleasant snap, especially on the smelt. Fries are straightforward and perfect for catching drips of tartar. It is the definition of Chicago takeout comfort. Park nearby, grab your haul, and eat in the car while it is still blazing hot.
The Atlantic Bar & Grill (Chicago)
The Atlantic delivers pub comfort that tastes like a weekend even on a Tuesday. Their fish and chips arrive shatter crisp, beer battered, and laid over thick cut fries. A bright house tartar and a wedge of lemon cut through the richness nicely.
You can pair a pint, watch a game, and settle into the neighborhood buzz. Portions are hearty without feeling heavy, and service keeps things moving. If you like a malty batter and a proper fry, this is your spot. Come hungry and claim a table early on Fridays.
Kief’s Reef (McHenry)
Kief’s Reef sits near the water, and the menu leans into that easygoing lakeside mood. The fish fry features crisp cod, perch, and shrimp with hushpuppies that crunch before turning tender. Coleslaw is creamy with just enough bite to refresh your palate between salty, hot nibbles.
On busy nights, you hear laughter, clinking glasses, and the fryers humming. Everything arrives fast but never feels rushed. Ask for extra lemon and do not sleep on the tartar. It is balanced and bright. After dinner, stroll the river and let the breeze finish the experience.
The Venetian Club (Rockford)
The Venetian Club hosts that classic community fish fry where strangers become tablemates. Platters of golden fish land beside baked potatoes, rye bread, and coleslaw, creating the exact plate you remember from childhood Fridays. It feels communal, affordable, and wonderfully unpretentious.
The fry stays light, the fish steams, and service moves with cheerful efficiency. You grab extra butter for the potato and a pickle spear for crunch. The room hums with conversations and kids darting between chairs. Come early, because seats fill fast when the scent of fresh fry rolls through Rockford.
Garrett’s Restaurant & Bar (Rockford)
Garrett’s brings the neighborhood bar feel with a polished touch. Their fish fry leans generous, with thick fillets that stay moist under a crisp, seasoned coat. Coleslaw is bright and the fries hold their crunch long enough to finish every piece.
Friday can turn into a party, so reservations help. The team hustles, the kitchen fires in rhythm, and your plate arrives hot. Ask about walleye or perch specials when available. Pair everything with a cold beer and you have the Rockford weekend blueprint. Simple, satisfying, and worth returning for often.
Kretzer’s Grill & Bar (Hoyleton)
Kretzer’s is small town Illinois hospitality on a plate. The catfish draws regulars, fried to a cornmeal crunch that lets the sweet meat shine. Sides like slaw, fries, and hushpuppies give you that perfect salty, tangy, and slightly sweet rotation bite after bite.
Prices stay friendly, portions land big, and staff treat you like a local by the second visit. If you like a hearty fry with real texture, this is your road trip reward. Bring friends, share platters, and leave happily stuffed. The drive home feels shorter when you are satisfied.
Will’s Northwoods Inn (Chicago)
Will’s Northwoods Inn drops you into cabin country without leaving the city. Walleye and cod arrive piping hot, perfectly battered, and served with sides that scream Wisconsin style comfort. Cheese curds and crisp fries round out a plate that hits every craving.
The vibe is festive, especially on game days, but the fish fry shines any night. You grab a booth, chat with friendly regulars, and lose track of time. Do not skip the lemon squeeze and a swipe of house tartar. It brings everything into focus.
Moretti’s (Bartlett)
Moretti’s in Bartlett turns Fridays into a comfortable routine. Their fish fry features beer battered cod that flakes beautifully under a crunchy shell. Waffle fries add extra texture while coleslaw brings a cool, creamy counterpoint to the hot, salty fillets.
It is an easy pick for groups thanks to roomy seating and swift service. You can share appetizers, sip something cold, and lean into that suburban cozy energy. Save a lemon wedge for your last bite. The brightness makes the finish memorable. Consistency keeps folks coming back week after week.