A perfectly cooked, flavorful piece of fish is a dish beloved by Americans from coast to coast. While the Midwest may not share a shore with an ocean, we do have the Great Lakes, tons of local fishing, and access to fresh seafood that rivals the coastal cities. For those who like to have the option of taking fresh fish home to prepare or getting it fresh-fried as you wait to pay, this old-school seafood market is the go-to place for the best fried fish in Chicago, Illinois.

The Fish Keg, located at 2233 W. Howard St., has been a seafood staple at the border of Chicago and Evanston since 1950.
best fried fish in Chicago, Illinois
The Fish Keg/Facebook
Part fish market, part takeout spot, the family-owned establishment says it's now in its third generation of family ownership, and has an extended family with many longtime employees. Customers simply choose what they want from the counter and can either cook it at home, have it freshly fried, or enjoy it as a takeout meal.
Caleb Reed/Google
Fresh perch, whitefish, catfish, walleye, and salmon are all regular offerings, plus King crab legs and lobster tails. The market also leans on time-tested family recipes for its homemade cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, and side salads.
The Fish Keg/Facebook
And when we say the fish is fresh, it's like REALLY fresh. New items are flown in daily, and specialties like live clams and mussels can also be special ordered.
The Fish Keg/Facebook
Its most popular dish is its incredible shrimp, which can be raw for cooking or cooked for cocktail dipping.
The Fish Keg/Facebook

Related Stories

7 Small Town Steakhouses In Illinois That Are Totally Worth The Trip

7 Small Town Steakhouses In Illinois That Are Totally Worth The Trip

 hidden gem restaurant in Sycamore, IL

You'd Never Guess Some Of The Best Popcorn In Illinois Is Hiding In This Tiny Shack

 Blink And You'll Miss These 5 Tiny But Mighty Restaurants Hiding In Illinois

Blink And You'll Miss These 5 Tiny But Mighty Restaurants Hiding In Illinois
When fried, it's still hand-breaded with The Fish Keg's famous breading.
The Fish Keg/Facebook
It comes out perfectly golden and bursting with flavor. Add a little squeeze of fresh lemon, get your fries, and add your dipping sauces to have the lunch of your life. Pro tip: Add some house-made coleslaw to get the real lakeside experience.
The Fish Keg/Facebook
Fried clams, anyone?
The Fish Keg/Facebook
Between its creamy sides, homemade sauces, fresh and fried fish, and amazing homemade seasonings, The Fish Keg has also become a favorite spot for dinner hosts to stock up on everything they need for a great meal.
The Fish Keg/Facebook
Of course, these expert breaders also fry up an incredible chicken.
The Fish Keg/Facebook

Do you think The Fish Keg has the best fried fish in Chicago, Illinois? What’s your favorite thing to order there? Tell us in the comments! Plan your visit by checking out The Fish Keg website and The Fish Keg Facebook page. While you’re in the area, you may want to check out some of the local scenery at this breathtaking local park, or schedule a tour of this historic landmark, inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Illinois

Featured Addresses
The Fish Keg, 2233 W Howard St, Chicago, IL 60645, USA