15 Illinois Carryout Fish Fry Windows With Hot, Crispy Lake Perch
Illinois knows how to do fish fry right, and the best bites often come from tiny carryout windows where the aroma of hot, crispy lake perch drifts down the street.
I visited spots where the lines move fast, the portions are generous, and every bite crunches with perfection.
From classic coatings to secret-seasoned fillets, each window delivers comfort, flavor, and a little piece of local tradition that keeps people coming back week after week.
1. Hagen’s Fish Market (Chicago)
Walking up to Hagen’s feels like stepping back in time to when fish markets ruled the neighborhood.
This family-owned gem has been slinging fresh seafood since 1946, and their lake perch fry is legendary for good reason.
The secret is in their light, crispy breading that doesn’t overpower the delicate fish flavor.
They fry everything to order, so expect a short wait, but trust me, it’s absolutely worth every second. Grab extra tartar sauce because you’ll want to savor every bite of this Chicago classic.
2. Don’s Dock Seafood (Des Plaines)
Nautical vibes meet suburban convenience at this Des Plaines favorite that’s been feeding perch lovers since the 1980s.
Don’s doesn’t mess around with fancy stuff, just perfectly fried lake perch with a golden crunch that’ll make you forget every other fish fry you’ve tried.
Their portions are generous, bordering on ridiculous, and the coleslaw is tangy enough to cut through all that delicious fried goodness. Friday nights get packed, so call ahead if you don’t want to wait.
3. Boston Fish Market (Des Plaines)
Despite the New England name, this Des Plaines spot knows exactly how Midwesterners like their lake perch fried.
Boston Fish Market sources incredibly fresh perch, and you can taste the difference in every crispy, flaky bite.
They offer both traditional breading and a lighter beer batter option for those feeling adventurous. The staff actually knows their fish and can tell you where everything came from, which is refreshing in today’s world.
Pro tip: their homemade cocktail sauce is dangerously addictive.
4. The Fish Keg (Chicago)
Tucked away in a Chicago neighborhood, The Fish Keg has built a cult following among perch purists who appreciate no-nonsense frying techniques.
Their lake perch comes out piping hot with a crackly crust that stays crispy even on the drive home.
What sets them apart is the seasoning blend they use, a closely guarded family recipe that adds just the right kick. The prices are reasonable, the portions hefty, and the quality never wavers.
5. Half Shell (Chicago)
Proving that carryout fish fry can be both casual and classy, Half Shell elevates the humble perch to art form status.
Their chefs treat each piece of fish like it matters, resulting in an incredibly even fry with zero greasy spots.
The lake perch here tastes cleaner somehow, like they’ve perfected the oil temperature and timing down to the second. Yes, you’ll pay a bit more than other spots, but quality costs money, folks.
6. Fred’s Garage (Winnetka)
Once an actual auto repair shop, Fred’s Garage now fixes hunger problems instead of engine troubles.
This quirky Winnetka spot serves lake perch that’s perfectly golden with a satisfying crunch that echoes through the dining room or your car.
The atmosphere is relaxed and fun, with vintage car memorabilia everywhere you look. Their perch comes with amazing hand-cut fries that are almost as good as the fish itself, which is saying something.
7. Enrico’s Italian Dining (Frankfort)
You might wonder what an Italian restaurant is doing on a lake perch list, but Enrico’s takes their Friday fish fry as seriously as their Sunday gravy.
Frankfort locals know that when Friday rolls around, this place transforms into a perch paradise with lines out the door.
Their Italian heritage shines through in the perfectly seasoned breading with hints of herbs you won’t find elsewhere. The perch is always fresh, never frozen, and fried to absolute perfection.
8. Gabe’s Place (Glenwood)
Small town charm meets big flavor at Gabe’s Place, where everybody knows your name and your fish fry order.
This Glenwood institution has been perfecting their lake perch recipe for decades, and the loyal customer base proves they’re doing something right.
The breading has a subtle sweetness that balances the savory fish beautifully. Portions are massive, prices are fair, and the staff treats you like family even if it’s your first visit.
9. The Shanty Restaurant (Wadsworth)
Up in Wadsworth near the Wisconsin border, The Shanty serves lake perch that tastes like it was swimming in Lake Michigan just hours ago.
The rustic setting adds to the authentic fish fry experience, making you feel like you’re at a proper lakeside shack.
Their breading is light and crispy without being thick or doughy. The tartar sauce is homemade and tangy, complementing the delicate perch flavor perfectly without overpowering it.
10. Chesdan’s Pizzeria & Grille (Homer Glen)
Another pizza joint that moonlights as a fish fry hero, Chesdan’s proves they can handle more than just pies.
Homer Glen residents flock here on Fridays for lake perch that rivals dedicated seafood spots, with a golden crust that shatters with each bite.
They fry in small batches to maintain quality, so everything comes out hot and fresh. The casual atmosphere makes it perfect for feeding the whole family without breaking the bank or your sanity.
11. RL Restaurant (Chicago)
Fancy doesn’t usually describe fish fry joints, but RL Restaurant brings elegance to carryout lake perch without losing the soul of the dish.
Located in Chicago’s Gold Coast, this Ralph Lauren-themed spot serves perch that’s refined yet still satisfyingly crispy and comforting.
The presentation is beautiful even for takeout, and the fish quality is exceptional. If you want to impress someone with carryout fish fry, this is your move.
12. Miller’s Pub (Chicago)
Operating since 1935, Miller’s Pub has seen Chicago through everything and still serves lake perch like it’s opening day.
This Loop institution knows exactly what people want: hot, crispy fish with no pretension and plenty of flavor.
The pub atmosphere is old-school Chicago through and through, with dark wood and vintage charm everywhere.
Their perch is consistently excellent, fried in a traditional style that hasn’t changed because it doesn’t need to.
13. Lawrence’s Fish & Shrimp (Chicago)
No frills, no fuss, just outrageously good lake perch at prices that won’t make you cry. Lawrence’s Fish & Shrimp keeps it simple and does it better than most fancy places could ever dream of achieving.
The perch here is fried hard, meaning extra crispy with a crunch that could wake the neighbors. It’s soul food meets fish fry, and the combination is absolutely magical.
Lawrence’s Fish & Shrimp now accepts credit and debit cards as well as digital payment options, so you can focus on your order instead of worrying about carrying cash.
14. Goose Island Shrimp House (Chicago)
While shrimp gets top billing in the name, their lake perch deserves equal recognition and possibly a parade in its honor.
Goose Island Shrimp House fries their perch with a cornmeal-enhanced breading that adds incredible texture and a slightly sweet note.
The location might seem random, but locals know this industrial area hides some serious culinary gems. Their fish is always fresh, the frying technique is flawless, and the portions are generous enough to share.
15. Calumet Fisheries (Chicago)
Famous for smoked fish but secretly incredible at fried lake perch, Calumet Fisheries is a Chicago landmark that’s been operating since 1948.
This unassuming shack on the South Side serves perch so good that people drive across the city just to grab an order.
The breading is thin and crispy, letting the sweet perch flavor shine through beautifully. Eating your fish while watching the drawbridge go up is a quintessential Chicago experience you won’t forget.