10 Illinois Restaurant Chains Known For Their Fried Fish
Golden-brown, crispy, and perfectly seasoned fried fish is a beloved comfort food across Illinois, from bustling Chicago streets to quiet suburban corners.
Whether you crave a classic fish sandwich, a heaping plate of catfish fillets, or crispy shrimp on the side, the Prairie State has no shortage of restaurant chains serving up seafood done right.
These spots have earned loyal followings thanks to their signature recipes, generous portions, and unbeatable value. Get ready to explore ten Illinois restaurant chains where fried fish takes center stage and leaves taste buds singing.
1. Lawrence’s Fish & Shrimp – Chicago
Nestled in the heart of Chicago at 2120 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60616, Lawrence’s Fish & Shrimp has been a local treasure for seafood lovers who know that great fried fish doesn’t need fancy frills. This no-nonsense spot focuses on what matters most: perfectly seasoned, crispy-fried catfish, perch, and shrimp that keep customers coming back week after week.
The golden batter delivers that satisfying crunch with every bite, while the fish inside stays tender and flaky.
Regulars rave about the generous portions that make every dollar count, and the friendly staff treats everyone like family. The menu keeps things simple but does it exceptionally well, with classic sides like coleslaw, fries, and hush puppies rounding out each plate.
You won’t find pretentious plating or trendy fusion twists here—just honest, delicious fried seafood that hits the spot.
Lawrence’s has mastered the art of consistency, ensuring that whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, you’ll get the same mouthwatering quality. The casual atmosphere makes it perfect for a quick lunch, a family dinner, or takeout to enjoy at home.
For anyone craving authentic Chicago-style fried fish with soul and substance, Lawrence’s Fish & Shrimp stands as a neighborhood institution that never disappoints.
2. Sharks Fish & Chicken – Chicago
Located at 3000 W 47th St, Chicago, IL 60632, Sharks Fish & Chicken swims circles around the competition with its bold flavors and unbeatable crunch. This Chicago favorite has built a devoted fan base by delivering fried fish that’s seasoned to perfection and fried until the coating practically shatters with each bite.
The catfish and whiting options are standout stars, each prepared with a proprietary spice blend that keeps people guessing and coming back for more.
What sets Sharks apart is the attention to detail in every order, from the temperature of the oil to the freshness of the fish. The result is seafood that’s never greasy, always crispy, and bursting with flavor.
Pair your fish with their famous seasoned fries or onion rings, and you’ve got a meal that satisfies on every level.
The staff works with impressive speed without sacrificing quality, making Sharks a go-to spot for busy families and solo diners alike. The casual, counter-service setup keeps things moving, while the consistent excellence keeps the line forming out the door.
Whether you’re a longtime Chicagoan or just passing through, Sharks Fish & Chicken offers an authentic taste of the city’s fried fish culture that you absolutely can’t miss.
3. Harold’s Chicken Shack – Chicago
Sure, the name says chicken, but the folks at Harold’s Chicken Shack know a thing or two about frying up fantastic fish as well. Found at 804 W 63rd St, Chicago, IL 60621, this legendary Chicago institution has been serving soul food staples since 1950, and their fried fish offerings have earned just as much praise as their famous poultry.
The catfish here comes coated in a signature seasoned batter that’s been perfected over decades of experience.
Harold’s brings that same commitment to quality and flavor whether you order chicken or fish, ensuring every piece is fried fresh to order. The fish arrives piping hot with a satisfying crackle when you bite through the crispy exterior to reach the moist, flaky fish inside.
Paired with classic sides like mild sauce-drizzled fries and tangy coleslaw, it’s a meal that feels like a warm hug from the South Side.
The no-frills atmosphere and quick service make Harold’s perfect for grabbing a hearty meal on the go or enjoying a casual sit-down feast. Generations of Chicagoans have grown up on Harold’s, and the fried fish menu keeps that legacy alive with every perfectly seasoned piece that leaves the kitchen.
4. JJ Fish & Chicken – Chicago
When it comes to Chicago fried fish done fast and done right, JJ Fish & Chicken at 4001 W Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, IL 60624 delivers the goods every single time. This popular chain has spread across the city thanks to a winning formula: fresh fish, bold seasoning, and a crispy coating that stays crunchy even after the ride home.
The catfish and tilapia options are customer favorites, each fried to golden perfection and served with generous helpings of sides.
JJ Fish & Chicken understands that value matters just as much as flavor, offering family-sized combos that feed a crowd without breaking the bank. The portions are downright impressive, making it easy to share or enjoy leftovers the next day.
The seasoned fries and hush puppies complement the fish beautifully, creating a well-rounded meal that satisfies every craving.
Speed is another hallmark of the JJ Fish & Chicken experience—orders come out quickly without sacrificing quality or taste. The friendly staff keeps things moving efficiently, whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout for the family.
For anyone seeking reliable, delicious fried fish that hits all the right notes, JJ Fish & Chicken stands as a Chicago staple that continues to earn its stellar reputation one crispy fillet at a time.
5. Red Lobster – Schaumburg
Anchored at 1955 E Golf Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173, Red Lobster brings a taste of the coast to the heart of Illinois with their famous seafood offerings. While this national chain is known for many dishes, their fried fish options deserve special recognition for consistent quality and flavor.
The Hand-Breaded Fish & Chips features crispy, golden-battered wild-caught cod that rivals any coastal seafood shack, complete with tartar sauce and fresh lemon wedges.
Red Lobster’s commitment to sustainable seafood means you can feel good about what you’re eating while enjoying every crunchy bite. The fish arrives hot and fresh, with a light, crispy coating that doesn’t overwhelm the delicate flavor of the cod.
Paired with their signature coleslaw and endless Cheddar Bay Biscuits, it’s a meal that feels both indulgent and satisfying.
The comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere makes Red Lobster perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to special celebrations. The staff provides attentive service, ensuring drinks stay filled and plates arrive promptly.
For Illinois residents craving seafood variety beyond the usual local spots, Red Lobster’s Schaumburg location offers a reliable escape to ocean flavors without leaving the Prairie State.
6. Bonefish Grill – Orland Park
Swimming into Orland Park at 15201 S La Grange Rd, Orland Park, IL 60462, Bonefish Grill elevates seafood with fresh ingredients and creative preparations. While the chain is best known for grilled seafood, it also offers select fried seafood items that highlight the same dedication to quality and flavor.
The Bang Bang Shrimp has become legendary, featuring crispy-fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce that’s utterly addictive.
Bonefish Grill sources their seafood carefully, ensuring freshness and sustainability with every dish that leaves the kitchen. Fried offerings are limited compared to grilled selections, but when available, they feature light, expertly seasoned coatings that enhance rather than mask the natural flavors of the seafood.
The restaurant’s polished atmosphere and knowledgeable staff create a dining experience that feels special without being stuffy. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or simply treating yourself to a great meal, Bonefish Grill delivers on all fronts.
For Illinois diners seeking fried seafood with a touch of sophistication, Bonefish Grill in Orland Park offers a refined alternative to more casual fish-focused chains.
7. Long John Silver’s – Springfield
Sailing into Springfield at 1201 S Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield, IL 62703, Long John Silver’s has been serving America’s favorite fried fish since 1969, and this Illinois location keeps that tradition alive with every golden basket. The chain’s signature batter-dipped fish is an icon of quick-service seafood, offering that perfect combination of crispy coating and flaky white fish that generations have grown to love.
Each piece is fried fresh to order, ensuring maximum crunch and flavor.
Long John Silver’s doesn’t just stop at fish—their hush puppies are legendary, perfectly crispy outside and soft inside, making them the ideal sidekick to any seafood meal. The value here is hard to beat, with combo meals offering generous portions at wallet-friendly prices.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or feeding the whole family, Long John Silver’s delivers satisfying seafood without the wait.
The nautical-themed decor adds a fun, nostalgic touch that makes dining in feel like a mini vacation. The staff works efficiently to keep orders moving, making it a convenient stop for travelers and locals alike.
For anyone in Springfield craving classic American fried fish that’s familiar, reliable, and delicious, Long John Silver’s continues to sail smooth seas.
8. Church’s Chicken – Chicago
Perched at 2800 W Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, IL 60608, Church’s Chicken might be famous for their poultry, but their fried fish offerings deserve recognition for flavor and quality. At select locations and during limited-time or seasonal runs, Church’s serves crispy fried fish that showcases their Southern-style seasoning.
The seasoning blend brings a peppery kick that wakes up your taste buds without overwhelming the delicate fish flavor.
Church’s serves up generous portions that make every meal feel like a feast, with fish that’s fried to order for maximum freshness and crunch. The flaky white fish inside contrasts beautifully with the crunchy exterior, creating that perfect textural experience every fried fish lover craves.
Paired with their famous honey-butter biscuits and Cajun-spiced fries, it’s a meal that delivers Southern comfort with every bite.
The fast-casual setup means you can grab your food quickly without sacrificing quality or flavor. The staff keeps things running smoothly even during busy lunch and dinner rushes.
For Chicago residents looking for fried fish with a Southern twist and unbeatable value, Church’s Chicken proves that sometimes the best seafood comes from unexpected places. This Roosevelt Road location continues to win over new fans with every perfectly fried piece.
9. Culver’s – Bloomington
Cruising into Bloomington at 1807 W Market St, Bloomington, IL 61701, Culver’s brings their famous Wisconsin hospitality and commitment to quality to every fried fish sandwich they serve. This beloved Midwest chain is known for ButterBurgers and frozen custard, but their North Atlantic Cod sandwich has quietly become a menu superstar.
The fish is caught wild, hand-cut into generous fillets, and coated in a light, crispy batter that lets the cod’s natural sweetness shine through.
Culver’s takes pride in cooking everything to order, which means your fish arrives hot, fresh, and perfectly crispy every single time. The sandwich comes dressed with tartar sauce, lettuce, and a soft bun that holds everything together without getting soggy.
It’s simple, classic, and executed flawlessly—exactly what you want from a great fried fish sandwich.
The bright, clean restaurants and genuinely friendly staff make every visit feel welcoming and comfortable. Whether you’re a Bloomington local or just passing through on I-55, Culver’s offers a reliable stop for quality fried fish that exceeds fast-food expectations.
Don’t forget to finish your meal with a scoop of their famous custard—it’s the perfect sweet ending to a savory seafood feast that showcases Illinois dining done right.
10. Popeyes – Chicago
Frying up a storm at 1015 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen brings bold Cajun flavors to their fried fish offerings that pack serious punch. This Louisiana-inspired chain applies the same expert frying techniques to their seafood as they do to their world-famous chicken, resulting in fish that’s incredibly crispy and bursting with spice.
The Cajun Flounder Sandwich features a generous fillet coated in their signature seasoned batter, delivering heat and flavor in every bite.
Popeyes doesn’t do bland or boring—their fried fish comes loaded with Louisiana seasonings that create a flavor explosion from the first taste. The fish stays moist and flaky inside while the coating provides that satisfying crunch that makes you reach for another bite.
Paired with their addictive Cajun fries and creamy coleslaw, it’s a meal that transports your taste buds straight to the bayou.
The fast-paced service and casual atmosphere make Popeyes perfect for grabbing a quick meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or quality. The Madison Street location serves downtown Chicago workers and visitors alike, providing a taste of Louisiana right in the heart of the city.
For anyone craving fried fish with bold, unapologetic seasoning and that unmistakable Popeyes kick, this Chicago spot delivers Southern seafood excellence with every order.