Was down south, and had to take the opportunity to visit the legendary Calumet Fisheries- for those who don't know, this unassuming little hut sits on a bridge over the river in the middle of a large industrial area, unexpected yet fitting for such an iconic spot. I made sure to get a half pound of each of their Crown Jewels- the smoked salmon and the smoked shrimp. I also tacked on a small side of fries with some ketchup and hot sauce. While the shrimp was fairly solid and certainly had the subtle smoky flavor present, it didn't blow me away quite like the salmon did. That was that the best smoked salmon I've ever had in my life, I just couldn't get enough of it. No idea how they possibly pack so much flavor into every single bite, but I left nothing behind. I can still smell the smoky savory flavor, and will certainly be getting the salmon every time I come back. The piping hot fries were delicious as well, especially after plopping down my meal on a bench outside in the 20 degree weather to scarf everything down at once. Service was great as well- had some questions about what was offered and they were happy to answer everything and make recommendations. Would go back for sure. read more

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Yesterday (7/18/26) the Mrs. & myself went to the south east side to get some of this smoked fish. I haven't been here since I was a kid. Literally!! It was raining on the way there but that didn't stop us. Parking on the street is limited but they do have a lot that you can park in. The crowd was a steady flow of people. It's pretty small on the inside. It looks like a small fish monger/ butcher style type of place. Smokes fish on one side, fried seafood on the side. You order your fried food first then you can order the smoked fish. The young men were very nice and friendly. They move the crowd pretty quickly. We were there about 15 minutes tops!! We ordered a full order of fried shrimp, half order of fried smelts, 1 lb of pepper/ garlic smoked salmon & a half lb of smoked sturgeon. The fried shrimp were fresh and delicious. I've had better fried shrimp in the city but these were definitely delicious. Seasoned, Flavorful crunchy coating, sweet mild shrimp an easy 8.7/10. The fried smelts were also fresh tasting, flaky inside, seasoned crust on the outside. Fried perfectly!! We really enjoyed them. 9/10! I wish I had gotten tartar sauce for them instead of hot sauce. The Pepper/ garlic smoked salmon was also top tier! Served cold like revenge it was wasn't over smoked but the perfect amount of smoke. A slice of lemon would definitely take it up further! You traditionally eat it with saltine crackers (we brought our on. They charge $1.09 for a crackers) which makes it so much better. 9.4/10. Next time we'll bring a lemon which would make it a 10/10. The smoke sturgeon was fatty and mild. Nice and meaty with a slight sweetness almost the flavor of crab. A lemon slice would've been nice for this dish as well to help cut the richness of the fat & the smoke but it's still an easy 9.7/10. We enjoyed every bite of this meal! I spent $76 and some change for the meal. And told them to keep the $3 and change for their tip jar. Total $80 bucks well worth it! If you haven't been here make a trip on the southeast side of town and visit them. Calumet Fisheries is more closer to 4.8 stars Remember ALL reviews are SUBJECTIVE! read more

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It's so good I'm trying to figure out a way to come back up here and stock up on smoked salmon and I live 3 hours away. read more

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When it comes to seafood in the City of Chicago this one right here is a really nice hidden gem on the southeast side of Chicago right off the calumet river. They are known for their delicious smoke salmon and fried seafood. It's a very small shack but the inside has plenty of pictures and even some old newspapers articles of the place. The staff here is very nice and helpful assisting customers. The wait was not bad at all. They even have tables outside where you can eat and look at the river and nice scenery of the skyway bridge. Overall great experience and must check out for some delicious seafood especially the smoked fish. Keep in mind that this place is cash only and they have a ATM machine inside as well. read more

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My daughter always asks if I want to go to "the fish place by the bridge". They never miss with the fried fish chips and mild sauce. Yum! This establishment has been around for forever so most people know about it already. Stay away from the salads (macaroni, potato, seafood) and stick with the fried and smoked options. It's a no frills, get in get out spot where they only accept cash. They have an atm in the building but the fees are ridiculous. read more

Calumet Fisheries - Menu - Seafood Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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First time visit so we ordered half orders of fried smelt, catfish, and the Friday special, XL shrimp, and smoked trout, Garlic Pepper salmon, and smoked shrimp. The quality of the fish is excellent, especially the shrimp. I think I could eat that fried shrimp every day. All the fish was perfectly fried but as much as I like catfish, I might take a pass on it in the future. The fish was beautifully meaty but the coating does nothing for the flavor of the fish and it came across as bland. To me, the smelts could have used a squeeze of lemon but that's just my taste. I'm not as good a judge of smoked fish but once again, the shrimp were outstanding, mostly due to the quality of the shrimp. I'm not as big a fan of the trout partially because I don't care for the variety of trout they use and partially because while the smoke smell is very strong, the smoke flavor isn't quite that strong. The garlic pepper salmon went over well. The flavors were well balanced and the fish was nicely moist. The store is tiny, parking may be challenging, and when they sell out of something for the day, that's that. The staff is helpful and efficient. And remember, CASH ONLY. read more

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Truly one of the best spots in all of Chicago! I'm not exaggerating. We came after hearing this was one of Anthony Bourdain's favorite fisheries in Chicago. The smoked salmon and trout are AMAZING! The service is very quick. If you already know your order, then you'll be in and out really quickly. In the warmer weather months, there are benches for o sit at. Otherwise, take it home. Also so affordable. Highly recommend for smoked fish or fried foods too. Smoked shrimp was also good! I prefer smoked to their fried foods. read more

Calumet Fisheries - Smoked fish and salmon - Seafood Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Coming into Chicago for a long weekend I wanted to try Calumet Fisheries. Just a small place on the side of the road by a bridge over the river. Parking is on the street, some picnic tables out front and just some service counters for fried or smoked fish and seafood. Menu is on the wall, the guy behind the counter was helpful. I wanted smoked fish, here it is nice hunks that have been perfectly smoked. The fish is hunks of the whole fish cut across, so the pieces have the skin and bones. To get a piece about 1/2 pound, I ended up picking the smoked trout which I ate for dinner at the hotel. The trout had a mild smokey flavor, mild flesh and was nicely oily. The fish was flaky and I had to be careful since there were considerable bones, but well worth the effort, delicious and tasty. Simple and tasty the smoked fish from Calumet Fisheries is nothing fancy but is well worth getting. No wonder this is a Chicago staple. read more

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We traveled 40 miles for the best smoked seafood in Chicagoland area. We had clam stripes, shrimp, fries and smoked salmon. The smoked salmon was awesome. read more

Fried or smoked to perfection Calumet Fisheries does it well! Best smoked salmon I've had in the city. It is refrigerated and sold cold, so take it home and serve up to your preference. The fried shrimp is top three in the city. I always eat mine right outside of the restaurant while it's FRESHLY HOT. The fried fish is such a treat! I really enjoy their tartar sauce with it. read more

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Ohh don't mind me--just here to update my pictures of the cheesesticks . Honestly it's nothing really special about them other than they are made pretty well, the grease is never old and they are cooked to perfection. Cheese and seasoned/breading is just right. read more

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Super fun. Super tasty quirky roadside fish shack. Hunk of smoked fish? This is THE place. Lauded. Awarded. Storied. For reasons. It's not magic but it is great. read more

Visiting from DeSoto Texas, my niece here in Chicago who's a real foodie and she does not realize. The food, the service was amazing. Best crab cakes, shrimp and smoked salmon. read more

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I took my mother there for Mother's Day after seeing a show on PBS about this location and its history and was truly very disappointed after reading all the reviews on how great the fish was, I ordered shrimp, smoked white fish and the garlic pepper salmon it had absolutely no flavor the shrimp was so small also no taste the price not worth it and no place to sit we took some lawn chairs to find a spot but where in the midst of all the tall weeds I noticed the James Beard Award which was surprising it must of been given back in the day since it's been around since 1928 one can find better fish closer to home since we drove from Romeoville 2 hours there and back . read more

I understand the hype - the breading is light and the fish is hearty to the bite. It's a good amount of food with any given order, especially if you get the dinner, which comes with fries, slaw, crackers and a hot/mild sauce. I liked the smoked shrimp the best - the shrimps are large and the flavor is subtle yet seasoned well. If getting a fried fish the breading isn't seasoned, but is is light and crispy, especially if you let it sit out of the bag or immediately eat it upon receipt. Seating is a small space outside the eatery near the bridge, so make sure the day is nice if you plan on eating there. read more

Bought a pound of shrimp. Simple. Fresh. Love the fact in cane in those containers that's standard for most Chinese restaurants. This kept the shrimp hot. We opted for mild sauce. SO DELICIOUS!! Old school vibe. You can tell this place has been around for years. Service was expedient. Time was not was not wasted in getting you the order hot and fresh. read more

Best fried shrimp I've ever had! It tastes so fresh and like it came straight out of the water. Also had the salmon bites and they were delicious! The sauces were the perfect touch. I definitely recommend the mild and tartar. read more

I tried the smoked salmon, coleslaw and oysters. Surprisingly, my fave were the oysters (& I don't even like fried oysters). Sadly, I ate it before taking a shot of my food. read more

Calumet Fisheries - Calumet Fisheries building - Seafood Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This place is a hidden gem! I'm honestly mad at myself for working so close and not checking it out sooner. It's a little shack right off the Calumet River, with outdoor seating and old-school charm. This is a go-to spot for good smoked fish--especially the salmon. I had a half order of scallops, and grabbed fish & chips and smoked shrimp for my parents--everything was fresh, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. The service was great--friendly, fast, and helpful with the menu. If you're a seafood lover, Calumet Fisheries is a must! read more

This place is something special. I work right down the street about 10 minutes away. I'm more upset that I haven't been here sooner. Everything was great. I got a half order of the scallops. I bought my parents a half order of the fish chips to try and also a half pound of smoked shrimp. read more

I've been wanting to go here since I learned about this place on tiktok. I was excited to get to see the smoke house, and although the person who worked here showed me, there was no fish in there and that's when I learned they only smoke fish on Saturday, Sunday and Tuesdays. So I had just bought fish on Thurs that was smoked a couple of days prior. Not gonna lie--That was kind of disappointing. Although the fish itself was good, but it does have bones you have to watch out for. I got fried fish and fries and that was good with the tarter sauce. The potatoe salad was also solid. Over all, I would come here again when I come in the chicago area. read more

Excellent smoked seafood (shrimp, salmon, sable, trout, etc.) Fried selections are cooked to order, but the wait isn't bad. They ran out of smelt, so we ordered scallops. Tasty. The dinners come with sauce (mild, hot, tartar, or ranch) and a drink. Cash only. ATM in the lobby charges a $3.50 fee according to the sign. No washrooms. Picnic tables outside. Plenty of street parking along 95th. read more

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My husband has terminal cancer so to see him actually eat with some zeal is a heartwarming thing. Not only did we love the shrimp from Calumet Fisheries, we opened the smoked trout for a taste of our childhood. Only brined then smoked in oak smoke with no artificial additives this is the smoothest smoked trout we've eaten in a very long time. The flavor of the trout shines through and the smokiness is subtle but delicious. I am ruined for smoked fish from anywhere else. Calumet Fisheries does it right. I can't wait to try the salmon. read more

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Take out only, limited parking. I was greeted upon entry and given patience to decide what to order. I asked to buy 1 smoked shrimp just to sample it, he gave it to me free. Absolutely amazing taste! I ordered a half pound of fried shrimp, cooked to order and ready fast. The price was $13. Not a fan of the mild sauce but the tartar sauce is rich. I'd definitely recommend and will certainly return for them smoked shrimp and sides! read more

Best smoked fish I've ever tasted. It's a bit of a drive from downtown Chicago and make sure to bring cash but it's so worth it. No frills, hole in the wall kind of place, and you'll have to eat outside or in your car. But if you like seafood this is a must try. read more

First time here. Just got 1/2 order fried shrimp and 1/2 fried fish. Almost too much to finish. Love the service, the takeout containers you get the food in, the attitude and the taste. Will be back for smoked offerings. read more

Amazing seafood shack located on the highway. Their smoked fish are great, great prices. We love the fried clam strips, oysters and scallops. Friendly staff too! Cash only. There's an ATM inside. Lots of parking, there's a free lot down the highway ramp or most people just pull over on the side and put blinkers on. read more

Calumet Fisheries - Seafood Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Overcooked shrimp, pulled hard batter off of tiny shrimp. Second time giving them a shot. Calamari was rubber 1st time...I'm out!!! read more

Calumet Fisheries - Overcooked fried shrimp. Could not eat! Fire the late night cook! - Seafood Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Best smoked salmon and smoked trout. Try peppered versions! Friendly and attentive staff. Super cool, chill and low key setting. read more

What a treat this place was. Located right next to the west side of the bridge over the Calumet River at 95th Street, you wouldn't think to find such a nice little place for food ... but you will. This is not a sit down kind of place but, rather, one where you drop in ... order ... and it comes to go ... whether that is to go in your car outside or to sit on one of the few picnic tables or to go home. Any way you do it, it makes for a very nice meal. When we went we had the two orders of the French fried shrimp dinner, and one order of the Catfish dinner. I must say, they really have this French Fry thing down pat. The dinners were all large servings, and all came with fries, a little slaw cup, and condiments. They were routinely very good. Everything is pretty much pre-breaded in the morning and when you order they fry it up right then ... fresh as can be. It comes out steaming hot from the fryer to your lunch or dinner bag. One of their specialties is their pepper & garlic smoked (they smoke their own in back) salmon, and we'll try that next time. I can easily see this rating going to 5 stars with that item. They can get busy in here and it is a small place inside, so try to plan when you come. In the door, wrap around to your right, place your order, pass the cooler, and you are at the cash register ... and on your way out the same door. Service was nice and they'll help you with the process if you are a first timer ... but it is easy-peasy. PS: this is a cash only place. Recommended. read more

I got lunch here today after a friend recommends this place. I'm not a fan of smoke fish, but...... I ordered 1/2 lb fried shrimp dinner with fries, slaw, and hot sauce and 1/2 lb of smoke shrimp $30 Was pretty good, just one thing the guy on the counter forgot to put the napkins in my to go order Is only carry out 2 tables ouside you can eat, and also cash only ATM available Tonys favorite menu Chef bourdain was here read more

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This roadside fish operation may look like a small shack from the outside, but inside it's a palace of smoked and fried goodness. Get yourself some smoked shrimp (huge and juicy), some slaw, and a soda then plop down on a picnic bench for a simple joy in life. Or, get yourself some heaping slabs of smoke salmon and trout and be the hit of your next tea party. Any way you go, you can't go wrong with this Chicago institution. read more

I stopped here recently for lunch to pickup a few menu items and knew I would be impressed. I placed an order for a half order of stuffed shrimp, fried smelts and 1lb of smoked garlic pepper salmon. I ate the stuffed shrimp + fried smelts immediately since they were fried to order. I had not had fried smelts in a while but this was very comforting and delicious. I got both hot and mild sauce for each. The stuffed shrimp stole the show for me as I wish I ordered more to be honest. I can't explain in words how delicious they were but I loved every bite. As for the smoked garlic pepper salmon, you order by the pound if you're not familiar. The cost is excellent imo for this considering there's not many places you can go to get good smoked fish. I ate this later when I got home and was extremely impressed with the quality and flavor. I paired this with some rice and broccoli. Nonetheless, if you like smoked fish... especially salmon, this is an excellent choice here. The fish is well seasoned, smoked and flavorful. Even if you don't live in the area, this is well worth a trip imo. The cost is inexpensive and the quality of fish is excellent. Don't cheat yourself, treat yourself! read more

My family has been coming here since 1948. It has always been a special treat for generations to order and go to the nearby park to enjoy or take home. Being from the East Side we always knew about this hidden treasure and I am so happy for the success this business is having. It's so deserving. It's in a class of its own and food is always delicious. read more

During our most recent visit to Chicago we heard about Calumet Fisheries and were intrigued. This roadside gem on the shore of the Calumet River has been in business since 1928 and the smoked fish they sell is legendary. We had to see and taste for ourselves. We drove out from downtown Chicago one afternoon and found a single building on the side of East 95th Street. The people behind the counter were very friendly as we studied the menu. We ordered the fried fish, fried shrimp, Mac and cheese bites, and macaroni salad to eat at the benches outside. We also ordered 2 of the generous smoked salmon portions to take with us. The fried fish and shrimp orders came with tartar sauce and their signature mild sauce. The fried fish and shrimp were fantastic! The batter was light and crispy accenting the fish and shrimp perfectly! We really enjoyed their mild sauce with the shrimp. Yummy! The Mac and cheese bites were crispy and very cheesy! Quite tasty! The macaroni salad was creamy and sweet with perfectly cooked macaroni which we really appreciated. Finally, the star attraction was the smoked salmon. The generous pieces of salmon were approximately one pound each and had a tantalizingly smoky aroma. The salmon was perfectly cooked falling apart in a flaky festival under our forks. Spectacularly tender with a sublime flavor this smoked salmon was magnificent. We had never had anything as remarkable as the smoked salmon from Calumet Fisheries. We now have a new favorite in the Chicago area and will make sure we return every time we visit the city. read more

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Excellent fried smelt and oysters. Plenty of parking. Cash only. ATM inside. Service is exceptional. Cook to order and very fast, lest than 5 minutes. read more

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If you're looking for some great seafood, this is your spot for some fried and some smoked. Smoked salmons were really good (got garlic pepper and regular), fried oysters (good), fried catfish (love the nuggets style), fried shrimp (they're good too). I don't find myself over this way often but best believe if I'm around and craving food out of water, I'm coming back. It's small and typical takeout style restaurant but they have a couple picnic tables (where we ate) it also had a rush and got busy on a Monday afternoon around 4:30pm after I placed my order (cash only but they got an ATM). Also got to see the bridge go up while we were eating. Haha read more

I recommend this as a good tasty alternative on a "No cook" day. My coworkers and I appreciate good food.

What a gem of a restaurant! It's more like a roadside stand. A friend of ours brought us here to have a taste of their delectable smoked salmon. The fish was moist and dripping with smoky goodness. There's not much in the way of seating so we ate outside on top of our car, made a mess of ourselves, but it was worth it for the experience. Bring cash. read more

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I was happy to see that this Chicago classic reopened recently after a fire last year. The restoration is impressive; it looks almost exactly the same inside. The fried fish and shrimp are tasty but nothing unique. The got smoked fish is incredible. I enjoyed some amazing pepper and garlic salmon recently. It was great on a saltine, and even better at home with some cream cheese and a bagel the next day. There is no seating inside, but there's a picnic table outdoors. Or just eat it on the the hood of your car! read more