Taste The Best Seafood In The Midwest At This Unassuming Illinois Fishery

Sometimes it’s the humble places that are easy to overlook that have the best food you’ll ever eat rather than the glitzy and glamorous restaurants. Such hole-in-the-wall places are true culinary gems, often offering up the most delectable dishes without breaking the bank. Calumet Fisheries right next to the Calumet River in Chicago, Illinois is home to award-winning seafood that will amaze your taste buds.

From the looks of this tiny white shack right next to the bridge where the I-95 crosses the Calumet River, one might not think much of what this place might hold.

Usually, seafood this fresh would cost twice as much, but here they keep it cheap so you can return again and again to savor the scrumptious seafood.

The fish is smoked in an old-fashioned brick smokehouse, packing it with intense and delicious flavors. This is not some mass-produced factory. This is hands-on, lake-to-table, fresh-as-can-be seafood that you’ll remember for a long time to come.

The thick cuts of freshly smoked fish are displayed with or without pepper and garlic. Either way, you can’t go wrong with anything that is served here.

There are no fancy plates or shining silverware. Everything is served on paper, keeping the focus on the top-of-the-line quality of the food itself. Plus, it looks so good you’ll be taking some home with you.

Unless you catch it yourself, it’s doubtful you will ever taste shrimp this fresh. You can get it fried or stuffed, and either way, it is sure to be a delight.

With a coveted James Beard award, it is no surprise that people continue to flock here to savor the most recent catch. Anthony Bourdain raved about the place on his show “No Reservations.” Put this on your bucket list and then come here to cross it off as soon as you can!

Calumet Fisheries has only one location and is open every day except for New Year’s, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. While you’re in the area, check out some hidden locations that even many locals miss. What are your favorite places in Illinois? Let us know all about them in the comments.