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    Chums Shrimp Shack

    4.2 (260 reviews)

    Chums Shrimp Shack Photos

    CHUMS SHRIMP SHACK ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise

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    Recommended Reviews - Chums Shrimp Shack

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    Order counter
    Kathleen L.

    The building is very small, when you walk in there are 4 tall tables with bar stools that seat 5 people each. We were fortunate to be the first to enter the restaurant and quickly a line formed behind us. It is 33 degrees out so it is pretty cold in the restaurant. They have a portable space heater and we made sure to sit at the table closest to it. I had to eat with my jacket on. We ordered 1/2 pound of Calamari, Jumbo Shrimp, a big load of fried smelts, and an order of 8 hush puppies. We only waited about 10 minutes. Based on the other reviews we were thinking it would take a lot longer. We also did not order anything with "lobster" because of the bad reviews for those menu items. We were pleasant shocked at how yummy and temperature hot the food was. It was all cooked to perfection. The calamari was not chewy at all! We highly recommend dining here The guy who took our order, kept asking us how we liked our food and if everything was ok... what a nice guy and we appreciated him asking us too! They serve bottled and canned beverages, wish they had coke product fountain drinks. The gambling area is nice and out of the way. The only complaint is that we should have ordered fries or another filling side because even though we ordered quite a bit and spend $40+ we were still hungry when we left. But we were definitely not cold after eating all that delicious hot temperature wise food! Yummy If we are in the area we will definitely stop back in for a bite to eat! Note: Sorry I took pics of all the food and I thought it uploaded... already deleted them before double checking.

    fried shrimp and fried potatoes
    Sherwin C.

    Delicious! I tried a carryout order of their shack platter and was pleasantly surprised by it. I love how generously sized the shrimp was and how it was cooked to the perfect firmness underneath the beer batter, standard breading, and coconut batter. I think that because of the quality of the shrimp, they didn't need to overly salt or season the food -- and even the use of sauces was unnecessary for a delicious experience. The hush puppies also have a nice texture and match the shrimp well. Overall, delicious comfort food and not expensive at all for the generous portion size and quality of shrimp provided.

    Menu
    Greg H.

    Definitely order ahead then arrive early if you don't want to wait for the food. I tried this place for the first time and had the Big Wally sandwich. It was really good. The sauce they put on the sandwich gives it a nice kick in your mouth but it's not spicy. It's kind of like spicy tuna sauce for sushi. The fries were also really good. I would skip the coleslaw, it was pretty bland. When I ordered, they said 30 min, got there in 20 min and the food was just getting bagged up. You can eat at the restaurant. Not a lot of tables though. I think they mostly do takeout. I would definitely return the next time I am in the mood for a fish sandwich.

    Lobster Rolls
    Alexander Z.

    I was actually excited to et here when I discovered it doing a local search for seafood. Sadly, i failed to meet my expectations. I ordered Lobster Rolls (2)...$23.99 Maine Lobster, mixed with chopped celery and red onions, served a garlic buttered brioche bun with a homemade seafood dressing and Chums Skewers...$6.00 Grilled Andouille sausage & Cajun Shrimp on a Skewer The order took a good 30 minutes to come out and I was hungry. I made the mistake of saying to Bob (my ride) that I judge a place by it's cole slaw. I took a bite and it SUCKED. Very bland. The lobster rolls looked like it was ground lobster and not chunks. And the taste was bland as well. I went to the register to ask for a container for my skewers and dropped it and that was the end of that. At least it didn't stink up BH's ride by sitting in a warm trunk for hours. I hadn't be so disappointed in a meal in years. Live and learn. We should have gone to Asadora's.

    Coleslaw
    Gerry T.

    What a pleasant surprise to come across a seafood place in East Dundee. Eating in this town was a first for me and I was thinking of Giovanni's shrimp truck on Oahu or the Fish Keg in Evanston, when I was driving here. Anyway, I ordered the coconut shrimp and I just totally loved it. Crispy and light and the shredded coconut was delightful. I had this with the pina colada sauce - and it was a great match. I also enjoyed the chunks of soft and steamy cod, fried in light batter. That was very yummy!! The fries and garlic bread were notable. I do have a suggestion - I would order your seafood by the pound. Although we had two full meals, I kinda felt like there wasn't enough seafood for me. So next time - I'm just gonna order a pound of cod and a pound of coconut shrimp and then swing for the fences (go Cubbies).

    William X.

    Looking for chumthing delicious to put in your mouth? Just looking at the menu made me pre-chum. The big load of fries were crispy and firm. The lobster roll a creamy delight - a little sweet, a little savory - some Old Bay in there to get you to the finish. Lobster and filet mignon cheeseteak? OMG I'm going to chum. Lobster mac and cheese was insanely decadent with a generous portion of lobster meat on top. 10/10 would swallow chum. It really fills you up. OH GAWDDDD.

    Outside
    Tim M.

    I had frequented their previous location in Dundee and was thrilled to see them move to St. Charles. Much better location and the St. Charles community will thrive on it. It's located on the south side of 64, just east of Randall in the building that used to be Beef Shack. There is limited seating (about 5-6 tables). This place cooks to order, so be prepared for a bit of a wait at times. Rest assured, it's worth it. This was my first stop at the new location. The owner was working the register and he was friendly, helpful, and patient. They had just re-worked their menu, so it took me a minute to adapt my order to the new menu. Ordered the fried clams (1/2 pound) with some of their homemade coleslaw and couple cocktail sauces this time. The clams were hot, tender, and just plain delicious. Their homemade sauces are wonderful. I'm partial to the cocktail sauce, which a tad on the sweeter side. Love it! It looks like they changed up their coleslaw recipe since the last time I was at the previous location. Major improvement! The coleslaw was just the right mix of sweet, tangy, and crunch. Highly recommended. I will be back on a regular basis. I think St. Charles may have adopted them as a new local landmark. Really appreciate unique, independent restaurants like this.

    Shrimp Quesadilla

    This is my second time visiting Chums Shrimp Shack and both times the food is delicious and the staff demonstrates excellent customer service. They seem to be super busy, so I would order ahead and give them plenty of time. They are doing the best they can given their staffing and high volume of order, so give them grace. I have a higher than average expectation of restaurants and Chums absolutely has integrity and consistent experience. We ordered Lobster Rolls, Shrimp Quesadilla, and Shrimp and fish platter. The Lobster roll has plenty of Lobster meat and flavor. The entrees were fairly large portions, and the care in which the Quesadilla was prepared shows love and passion. Thank you! Tony and Chris demonstrate excellent care for their customers and provide a quality product. I will surely go again

    "Lobster" roll

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    2 years ago

    The food was ok. The service was horrible, it took 45 mins just to get our food. And one of us got food poisoning. But the ambiance was ok.

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    2 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Fresh and quick , good portion sizes. Smaller dining room but still comfy. Cashier was knowledgeable

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    3 years ago

    Over price for what get. They don't have facilities for that pricing. I have nothing else to say. I will not be back in the near future.

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    2 years ago

    Smelt was awful, so full of bones it couldn't be eaten. When asked for refund, staff was completely rude.

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    Chums Shrimp Shack - seafood - Updated August 2026

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