7 Illinois Friday Fish Fries That Draw Crowds Every Week

Friday fish fries are a beloved tradition across Illinois, bringing communities together over crispy battered cod and cold beer.

I’ve spent years hunting down the best platters of fried fish this great state has to offer.

From church basements to neighborhood pubs, these seven spots have mastered the art of the perfect fish fry, drawing loyal crowds week after week.

Grab your appetite and join me on this deliciously golden-brown journey!

1. Pilot Pete’s Takes Flight With Seafood Delights

Walking into Pilot Pete’s in Schaumburg feels like entering an aviation-themed fish paradise. Last month, I waited 45 minutes for a table—and trust me, it was worth every second!

The secret to their packed house? Impossibly light beer batter that crackles between your teeth, revealing flaky cod that practically melts on your tongue. Their homemade tartar sauce has a zingy kick that’ll make your taste buds do backflips.

What really seals the deal is their flight-themed dining room with model planes hanging from the ceiling. Kids point upward in wonder while parents demolish heaping platters of golden perfection. Fridays here aren’t just about eating—they’re about experiencing a Schaumburg institution that’s been fueling fish lovers for generations.

2. Bulldog Ale House Serves Up Bark-Worthy Batches

My first bite of Bulldog Ale House’s Friday fish nearly made me howl with delight! This Rogers Park Chicago hotspot transforms into fish fry central when the weekend approaches, with lines often stretching out the door.

Generous portions are the name of the game here—I’ve never finished a full order without assistance. Their signature beer batter incorporates their house-brewed ale, creating a distinct malty sweetness that pairs perfectly with their hand-cut fries and creamy coleslaw.

The sports bar atmosphere adds to the experience, with dozens of screens showing games while families and friends clink glasses over mountains of seafood. Pro tip: arrive before 6pm or prepare for a wait that locals swear is worth every minute. Their craft beer selection makes the waiting game much more enjoyable!

3. Horse Thief Hollow Steals Hearts With Craft Beer Batter

“You’ve gotta try the smoked paprika aioli,” whispered a regular as I stood gawking at my first Horse Thief Hollow fish fry platter. Boy, was he right! This south side Chicago brewery has turned Friday fish into an art form that borders on religious experience.

Unlike traditional spots, Horse Thief pairs their perfectly crispy cod with house-brewed craft beers specifically designed to complement seafood. The batter itself contains their award-winning pale ale, creating a complex flavor that puts ordinary fish fries to shame.

The hipster-meets-homestyle vibe attracts an eclectic crowd—bearded beer enthusiasts sit alongside multi-generational families, all united in fish fry bliss. Their hand-cut potato chips dusted with malt vinegar powder are so addictive I once bought an extra order for my drive home. Shameless? Perhaps. Necessary? Absolutely.

4. St. Alphonsus Parish Perfects The Church Basement Classic

My grandmother first brought me to St. Alphonsus when I was nine, and twenty years later, I still get that same childlike excitement every Lenten Friday. This Chicago parish basement transforms into fish fry heaven that draws Catholics and non-Catholics alike from across the city.

Volunteer grandmothers in hairnets serve enormous portions of perfectly crisp cod alongside homemade potato pancakes that would make any Polish babcia proud. The parish hall buzzes with conversation as neighbors catch up over paper plates loaded with old-world deliciousness.

What makes St. Alphonsus truly special is their sense of community—I’ve watched children grow up over shared meals in this basement. Their prices remain charmingly stuck in the past ($12 for all-you-can-eat!), making this not just the most authentic fish fry experience in Chicago, but also the most affordable. Cash only, my friends!

5. Knights Of Columbus Council #4400 Fries Up Joliet’s Favorite

“Save room for the homemade desserts!” shouted a knight in a blue apron as he slid an overflowing plate toward me. My first visit to Joliet’s Knights of Columbus fish fry felt like crashing a family reunion where everyone’s somehow related through fried cod.

These knights have perfected their batter recipe over decades—rumor has it only three people know the complete ingredient list. The result is a golden crust that manages to be both substantial and delicate, clinging perfectly to generous portions of Atlantic cod.

Families fill the banquet hall weekly, creating a cheerful din as volunteers hustle between tables. The sense of tradition is palpable; I spotted multiple tables with four generations happily dunking fish into house-made cocktail sauce. Their hand-breaded onion rings deserve their own fan club, and at just $14 for all-you-can-eat during Lent, it’s no wonder they’ve become Joliet’s Friday night headquarters.

6. Irish Times Brings Dublin Flavor To Brookfield Fridays

“First time?” asked the bartender with a knowing smile when he caught me photographing my fish and chips at Irish Times in Brookfield. The regulars around me chuckled—they’ve seen my reaction countless times before.

This isn’t just a fish fry; it’s a transatlantic journey. Using an authentic Dublin recipe, their cod is encased in a Guinness-infused batter that achieves the perfect balance between crispness and tenderness. The accompanying chips are twice-fried in the traditional Irish style, creating a creamy interior beneath a crackling exterior.

Live Irish music fills the pub every Friday, with fiddle players weaving between tables as patrons raise pints in appreciation. The atmosphere feels more Dublin than suburban Illinois, with authentic Irish hospitality making everyone feel like family. Their malt vinegar aioli converted me from a tartar sauce loyalist—a culinary plot twist I never saw coming!

7. Eddie’s Of Arlington Heights Elevates The Classic Fish Fry

My father-in-law swore Eddie’s had the best fish in Illinois, but I remained skeptical until that first perfect bite silenced my doubts forever. Eddie’s of Arlington Heights doesn’t just serve fish—they create edible memories that keep families returning decade after decade.

Unlike many fish fries that focus solely on quantity, Eddie’s emphasizes quality with sustainably-sourced Atlantic cod hand-dipped in a family recipe batter that dates back to 1960. The resulting golden planks achieve that mythical balance—shatteringly crisp outside, flaky and moist inside.

The retro dining room feels frozen in time in the best possible way, with vintage fishing décor and veteran servers who remember regular customers’ orders before they sit down. Their house-made remoulade contains 17 ingredients (I’ve tried unsuccessfully to guess them all). Friday nights here require patience—the line often stretches down the block—but regulars will tell you some things are worth waiting for.