Calumet Fisheries

Great fried shrimp and fries - crispy and salty!! This place is awesome and they have a lot to choose from.

What an ordeal this day was. After driving all the way here and eating, my girlfriend's car broke down, we had to get towed, and were left stranded in Oak Lawn by an unhelpful Mazda dealership. Luckily we got a ride to Midway from a friend and took an hour long trip home from there on the Orange.

Yet still...for Calumet Fisheries? Totally worth it.

I'd never had shrimp this flavorful before in my life. You can order by the piece, so my gf and I got 5 each. They were large, meaty, and buttery texture-wise, and didn't need any kind of dipping sauce at all. I would make the trip back just for these bad boys.

We also got the peppered salmon. Now in my experience, unless it's slathered in some kind of mayo sauce, salmon often times turns out kind of dry. Now I don't know how smoking does this, but the salmon here turned out almost creamy with a great flavor. I'd never had fish like this and really want to see how their other fish turn out.

We also got the fried scallops and fried oysters because, hell, we drove a far way from home to get here. These also turned out great, with the scallops being large and meaty and the oysters still retaining their tasty fishiness.

The staff here was great, too. As we and some other people were taking pictures, one of the employees invited us to take a look at their smoker. I was quite amazed to see just how many fish they were smoking at one time, but given how great the food was, I can see them moving rather quickly.

This place is a true Chicago landmark. Bring cash, bring wet naps, and bring a place to sit; a car will do nicely, provided that it still works when you're done eating.

As a native to the area where Calumet Fisheries is, I'd never really tried it until a handful of years ago when I was looking  for some place different to go.  Its been well worth the wait (and finally they are getting the kudos they deserve for the awesome and delicious stuff they have).

I'll admit I've only tried their smoked shrimp once (and enjoyed it) as I like to get their fried fish...the fish chips and shrimp most of the time.  Its all freshly prepared so its nice and hot when I bring it in the house.  

They also have more than just fries for sides...mushrooms, calamari, and sweet potato tots to name a few.  

Yea there are no seats in the place and all they take is cash, but hey, they've been doing it right for so long, why fix what isn't broken?

If you are coming here, especially now during the season of Lent (pre-Easter), be prepared to wait as I did tonight....the place does fill up quickly (and you can tell by how far back you have to park) and depending on what you get, it may take a bit to get your orders...but be prepared to enjoy some great seafood!