The Absolute Best Catfish in Chicago [Updated 2024]

I have scoured the city, sampling dishes from 12 different restaurants that boast their own unique take on this beloved Southern staple.

From crispy, golden fillets fried to perfection to spicy, flavorful stews, I've tasted it all in my quest for the very best.

Each location brings something special to the table, capturing the essence of catfish while infusing their own regional flair.

Join me as we dive into the top spots that will satisfy your cravings and showcase the vibrant culinary scene that Chicago has to offer. Let's embark on this delicious journey together!

Hagen's Fish Market

Highlights
Best seafood in Chicago
Decades-long family-owned
Prepared to order freshness
Impressive variety of seafood
Great a la carte options

Hagen's Fish Market truly stands out as a hidden gem in the bustling realm of Chicago's seafood scene. As I stepped inside, I immediately felt the charm of a family-owned business that has been serving locals for decades. The air was filled with the delightful scent of fresh fish, which only heightened my anticipation for their signature catfish.

What impressed me most was their commitment to freshness—every order is prepared right then and there, ensuring that each bite is a delightful revelation. I opted for their fried catfish, and I was treated to a crispy, golden brown coating that gave way to tender, flaky fillets beneath. The seasoning profile struck a perfect balance, allowing the fish's natural flavors to shine while adding a subtle kick that kept my taste buds dancing.

Hagen's also offered a delightful variety of a la carte options that perfectly complemented the catfish. Every dish was bursting with flavor, but it’s clear that their catfish is the star of the show. If you're in search of the best catfish in Chicago, look no further than Hagen's for an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of the city’s culinary heritage.

You might also want to check out the best fish and chips in Schaumburg.

Two Fish Crab Shack

Highlights
Outstanding gumbo
Delicious catfish
Attentive and nice service
Great ambiance and decor
Perfectly seasoned seafood

Two Fish Crab Shack offers a delightful seafood experience that had my taste buds singing! As I stepped inside, the lively ambiance and quirky decor instantly captured my attention. The staff was exceptionally attentive and friendly, making me feel right at home.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show—the catfish! It's cooked to perfection, boasting a crispy exterior that yields to satisfyingly tender meat. The seasoning strikes just the right balance, allowing the natural flavor to shine through, while the subtle spice adds a wonderful kick. I also indulged in their outstanding gumbo, which was rich and flavorful, complementing the catfish beautifully.

But what really sets Two Fish apart is the overall dining experience. The combination of delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere creates a memorable outing. I left with a full stomach and a smile, knowing this gem of a restaurant serves some of the best catfish in town. If you're in Chicago and craving seafood, this place is a must-visit! Dive into Two Fish Crab Shack—your taste buds will thank you!

You might also want to check out the best fish and chips in Naperville.

Red Snapper Madison

Highlights
Excellent food
Great service
Cool atmosphere
Recommended dishes

First of all, let me say that the food at Red Snapper Madison is excellent. Their catfish is cooked to perfection - crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It's clear that they use fresh ingredients and take pride in their dishes.

The service is also top-notch. The staff is friendly and attentive, making sure you have everything you need for a great dining experience. They even gave me some tips on how to make my own catfish at home!

The atmosphere at Red Snapper Madison is also worth mentioning. The restaurant has a cool vibe with its unique decor and comfortable seating. It's the perfect spot for a casual dinner with friends or even a date night.

As for recommended dishes, I highly suggest trying their catfish po' boy sandwich or the catfish dinner with mac and cheese on the side - both were absolutely delicious.

Overall, I had a fantastic experience at Red Snapper Madison and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for some of the best catfish in Chicago!

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J J Fish on Kedzie

Highlights
Great seafood
Excellent service
Clean establishment

As soon as I walked into J J Fish, I was immediately impressed with the cleanliness of the establishment. The staff was incredibly welcoming and their service was exceptional throughout my visit.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show: the catfish! Let me just say, it was outstanding. The batter had a perfect crunch, while still allowing for the flavor of the fish to shine through. The seasoning was spot on, with just the right amount of spice to give it a kick without overwhelming your taste buds.

In addition to their amazing catfish, J J Fish also offers an impressive selection of other seafood dishes. From shrimp to crab legs, there's something for everyone here.

Overall, I would highly recommend visiting J J Fish on Kedzie if you're in search of some top-notch seafood. Their great food and excellent service definitely make them stand out from other restaurants in Chicago.

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Ina Mae

Highlights
Best gumbo
Large portions
Butter biscuits
Live music

First off, let me just say that Ina Mae has some of the best gumbo I've ever tasted. The flavors were perfectly balanced and it had just the right amount of heat to make my taste buds dance with joy.

When it comes to the catfish, Ina Mae did not disappoint. The portions were so large that I couldn't finish my plate - and trust me, I can eat a lot. The catfish itself was crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, which is exactly what you want in a good piece of catfish.

But what really stole the show for me were the butter biscuits. These babies were flaky, buttery, and downright addictive. I could have eaten an entire basket by myself!

To top it all off, Ina Mae offers live music which created a lively atmosphere that was perfect for a night out with friends or family.

Overall, I highly recommend Ina Mae for anyone looking for delicious catfish and authentic southern cuisine in Chicago. Whether you're a local or just visiting, this place should definitely be on your list.

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Troha's Chicken & Shrimp House

Highlights
Great taste
Juicy pieces
Chicago's Best show
Amazing shrimp
Traditional spot

First of all, let me tell you that this place is not just about catfish. The shrimp here is absolutely amazing and deserves a shoutout. But let's talk about the catfish.

The taste was out of this world! Troha's has a unique blend of spices that make their catfish stand out from the rest. Each piece was so juicy, it practically melted in my mouth. I'm pretty sure Chicago's Best show would agree with me on that!

I must say, Troha's is quite the traditional spot. It does not have a fancy décor or anything like that but who cares when the food is this good? It had an old-school vibe which added to the authenticity of the experience.

Overall, I'd strongly recommend visiting Troha's Chicken & Shrimp House if you are looking for amazing catfish or shrimp. The taste will leave you wanting more and the traditional feel will take you back in time. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you later!

You might also want to check out the best sushi in Schaumburg.

Lawrence's Fish & Shrimp

Highlights
Fresh seafood
Decent pricing
Quick cooking
House-made sauce
Outdoor dining

First off, let me just say that the catfish at Lawrence's Fish & Shrimp is fresh and cooked to perfection. It's crispy on the outside but tender on the inside which is exactly how I like it. Not to mention, their prices are decent for the amount of food you get.

If you're in a rush, this place is perfect for you! The cooking process is super quick so you won't have to wait long. But if you have some time to spare, I suggest taking advantage of their outdoor dining area which provides a great atmosphere to enjoy your meal.

One thing that really stood out to me was their house-made sauce. It's got a tangy kick that pairs perfectly with the catfish. It's definitely worth trying!

Overall, Lawrence's Fish & Shrimp is a great option for those looking for some delicious catfish in Chicago. With fresh seafood, decent pricing, quick cooking and outdoor dining options - what more could you ask for? Don't forget to try their house-made sauce too!

You might also want to check out the best sushi in Naperville.

Snappy's Shrimp

Highlights
Local ownership
Fresh, flavorful shrimp
Fair prices
Vegetarian options
Kid-friendly

First off, I was pleased to find out that Snappy's Shrimp is locally owned, which shows the care they put into their food. The star of the show here, however, is not the catfish but the fresh and flavorful shrimp. They have a variety of options to choose from such as garlic butter or Cajun seasoning that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

I also appreciated that they offer fair prices for their seafood delights which makes it accessible for everyone to enjoy. While this is a seafood spot, they even have vegetarian options available so even your non-seafood loving friends can come along and still be satisfied.

The atmosphere is casual and kid-friendly making Snappy's Shrimp a perfect spot for families and groups to gather together for some tasty bites.

Overall, if you're looking for some top-notch shrimp in Chicago, look no further than Snappy's Shrimp. It may not be solely focused on catfish but it sure knows how to cook up some delicious seafood dishes!

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Goose Island Shrimp House

Highlights
Delicious scallops and catfish
Fish is always worth it
Phone in orders suggested
Credit cards now accepted

First of all, let me tell you that the catfish at Goose Island Shrimp House is definitely worth trying. The fish is always fresh and cooked to perfection. But, what really stood out to me were the delicious scallops. They were so good that I almost forgot I was there for catfish!

I have to admit, ordering over the phone was a bit of a hassle but it's worth it because they get pretty busy during peak hours. Plus, with credit cards now accepted, payment is much easier.

Overall, Goose Island Shrimp House is a great spot for seafood lovers in Chicago. The only downside is that parking can be a bit difficult in the area so be prepared to walk a little bit.

If you're looking for some tasty catfish and amazing scallops, then Goose Island Shrimp House is definitely worth checking out!

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Duwell Fish Co

Highlights
5-star customer service
Best fish batter ever
Fresh fish available on site

First of all, let me just say that the customer service at Duwell Fish Co is outstanding. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable, making sure I had everything I needed to enjoy my meal.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show: the catfish! Duwell Fish Co has hands down the best fish batter I've ever tasted. It had just the right amount of crunch and flavor without being too heavy. And let me tell you, this catfish was fresh. They have a great selection available on site which means you can't go wrong with any choice you make.

What really sets Duwell Fish Co apart from other places in Chicago is their attention to detail when it comes to preparing their dishes. Every bite of catfish was cooked to perfection and seasoned flawlessly.

Overall, if you're looking for a top-notch catfish experience in Chicago, look no further than Duwell Fish Co. The combination of delicious food and exceptional customer service makes this place a must-visit for any seafood lover like myself.

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Calumet Fisheries

Highlights
Delicious smoked fish
Exceptional service
Limited seating
Cash only
Worth the journey

Firstly, let me tell you that their smoked catfish is out of this world! The fish is cooked to perfection and the flavor is absolutely amazing. I can confidently say that it's one of the best smoked catfish I've ever had in Chicago.

Apart from the delicious food, the service at Calumet Fisheries is exceptional. The staff are friendly and accommodating, making sure that every customer feels welcome and satisfied.

One thing to note is that seating is quite limited, so be prepared to wait or take your food to go. But trust me, it's worth the journey.

Oh, and don't forget to bring cash because they don't accept credit cards. But hey, it adds a little bit of an old-school charm to the experience.

Overall, I highly recommend Calumet Fisheries for anyone looking for some seriously good smoked catfish in Chicago. Trust me, you won't be disappointed - just make sure you bring cash!

You might also want to check out the best seafood in Schaumburg.

Whale Fish & Chicken

Highlights
Fresh fried fish and chicken
Great fries
Affordable prices
Good service

Firstly, I was impressed with the freshness of their fried catfish. The moment I took a bite, I could taste the quality of the fish. The crispy exterior and tender meat made for an exquisite pairing. Not to mention they also serve fantastic chicken that is just as fresh and delicious.

The fries were also a standout feature at Whale Fish & Chicken, with a nice balance of salt and crispiness. They added extra oomph to my meal.

Now let's talk about the prices - they're affordable. For a satisfying meal, it won't cost you an arm and leg. It's great to have found such a place that offers quality food at reasonable prices.

The service was good too - friendly and attentive staff made me feel welcomed and comfortable.

Overall, I highly recommend Whale Fish & Chicken to anyone looking for some top-quality catfish in Chicago. Their freshness, affordability, great fries, and good service make them stand out from the crowd.

You might also want to check out the best seafood in Naperville.