Five stars is for their pickled beets. The beets are the best in the world seriously. I tried another neighboorhood deli recently as well as salad bars, etc. and I had to throw them out. I am so addicted to DiCola's that no others can compare. I get the large container as they stay fresh for a long time. I also on occasion order the fried shrimp and they are also excellent but expensive. I would like to try other fish, however, I am one of those that do not like fish that tastes fishy. Please don't ever stop making them!! read more

This is one of the few seafood markets left on the sw side, Unless you're planning on going to a local grocery store, a place like this is the best place to go for fresh seafood. When I lived closer, I was here all the time during Lent to get fresh fish and shrimp! I've never tried any of their fried or grilled items, so I can't account for the quality. However, I'd be more likely to try it next time I'm in the area if they had a "sit down" section in the building or outside. I don't live close enough to go all the way out there, get food, and take it all the way back. Personally, I don't think it's worth it to eat it in my car. As for the service, it's just okay. Most of the people who work there are high school students, so you'll get shrugs, "ums", and "I dunnos" when you ask a question a little more specific than, "How much is your ocean perch?" They won't be able to suggest decent alternatives if they don't have what you need, which is frustrating. It's best to know exactly what you need/want when you go in there. The prices are a little high, but they usually run sales in local circulars and you can buy in bulk when they've got a sale on something good. Overall, it's not a bad place, but because they're the only one the service and prices are just okay. If there was another place around like this, they'd probably be a lot better. read more

I live this spot! Have been coming here for years. Now that I have moved into the Western Suburbs I don't get to the city much but every time I do DiColas here I come!! read more

The best seafood ever. My family has been coming here for seafood for many years. You will not be disappointed. All fresh fried to order.

This place sure ain't what it used to be. Children working behind the counter like it's a sweatshop, astronomical prices (8 pieces of fish, a couple of "skrimps" , 1lb of potato salad $55) and to top it all off it didn't even taste that good. No wonder there were only two cars in the parking lot. read more

I liked this place a lot. Nothing makes me happier than fresh seafood that is cooked for you in less than 10 min. I will say that it's not the best when it comes to flavor and seasoning but man it was fresh! I ordered fish fillets, onion rings and shrimp. Wish there was a place like this in Denver! read more

Not too bad. Pretty good although portions were extremely small and somewhat expensive. However, in the south suburbs you basically have a choice of Shark's or JJ Fish if you want seafood, so this was a treat. The macaroni and cheese was probably the best I've had in my life. It was still soft and creamy when I reheated it in the microwave, which is unheard of. The crab cakes were delicious, only they were the size of egg and $4 a piece. The hush puppies were amazing, again though, tiny. Overall, I'd go back again if I was traveling that way. read more

I love the jumbo shrimp ! Excellent customer service and fresh fish cooked just the way you like it !

This is a great place to go to get some great, cheap seafood. Its not a restaurant, but they have lots of pre-cooked meals you can take home and eat. Their food is always fresh and really delicious. I would really suggest this place for a great seafood meal. And if you're not a big fan of seafood, they have chicken meals as well. read more

Food was great but customer service sucks big time . Also condiments are an extra charge and have to request napkins. After spending 34 dollars I think that should have been included. Their lucky the food is good or else I wouldn't be back. read more

Fresh and delicious seafood whether it's cooked there or cooked at home...it's absolutely delicious!!! Purchase some of their signature breading... it's the best kept seafood seasoning secret on the south side!! read more

This is one of the "greatest" places in Chicago to get fresh seafood raw or cooked to order. The variety is amazing and the many choices of sides, always a great pairing. The "tomato bread" is to die for. Lets talk about the service; employess are always friendly and very helpful. Because the prices are affordable, this place is number one. Lisa Burnham read more

The best darn fried shrimp in Chicago for my money.

Great seafood place, used to eat there. All types of seafood items on the menu, healthy, tastes great, prices are average. Spoiled north siders may prefer fancier seafood places to eat at and food critics. read more

Ah. Maz. Ing. Fresh, delicious, perfectly fried up. The only bad part of this place is trying to drive all the way home without giving in and opening that bag of deliciousness and snacking on your drive home. This is *THE* fish place on the South Side. read more

You pay a little more, you get a lot more. Always fresh and the wide selection is wonderful. I made the mistake of buying crab legs at a big box store and will never do that again! The servers at DiCola's are quick and friendly and when I get my shrimp fried on-site they are just perfect. I'm moving soon and one of the places I'll miss most is DiCola's. read more

I grew up on dicola's seafood, I been eating here since I was a teenager baby. I love them, I was just there last week I ordered the catfish, tomato bread, mushrooms, almost anything you get fried from there is good, just stop and get some kind of salad or veggies to go with it, that is a lot of fried food from grease, hey I am a curvy fat girl but I do like to eat my veggies too. I need that balance, this is when I don't want to cook fish myself, I treat myself to dicola's they always cook my food up great. I love them. read more

So the four stars are for the fact that they have colossal shrimp, not many places in the city have super large shrimp, that you can order to have fried. The breaded scallops are great as well. As far as the fish and chicken, the breaking is not the best, it's really only made for the shrimp and scallops. The cocktail sauce is pretty good as well, tastes homemade. read more

We love DiCola's! Best fried shrimp and scallops. They are always perfectly cooked, not rubbery or fishy. My 5 yo will only eat DiCola's shrimp, she can taste the difference everywhere else. We recently moved to Indiana but my husband makes special trips for DiCola's shrimp! We even went to Key West this fall, which is known for seafood, and we missed our DiCola's. Thanks for the best shrimp DoCola's! read more

Seafood fresh and made to order. Love the fried catfish and shrimp. Prices are expensive. Look for loooong lines on Fridays. This place has been around forever! read more

I don't know what happened. I've been eating dicolas for years and it's always been great. But yesterday it was terrible. They obviously changed their recipe because the batter on the cat fish was thick and soggy. The fish hadn't been seasoned or something because it was tasteless. It looks like they changed their cooks. Very disappointing read more

This is another place that i miss from my childhood. DiCola's is a fish market, not a restaurant. They have fresh fish (can't go wrong with lake perch) and shellfish, which you can get breaded and fried while you wait. As well as many sides, hushpuppies (yum), salads, drinks, etc... IMO DiCola's is a quintessential south side eatery. read more

On several occasions I have considered Chicago to have some of the finest foods! Dicola's seafood is without a doubt another restaurant that takes pride in their restaurant and the food they serve. I remember visiting thid place with my father when I was a child, now as an adult I've revisited this establishment, and I am so happy that I did. I've been craving oysters and went into a couple of restaurants only to learn that they were out, driving south on Western Ave. I saw Dicola's and decided to go in, so glad I did because out of all the oysters that I have eaten, these were the best! Now I understand why this is one of my father's favorite seafood spots! read more

I have been a big happy fan of DiCola's for over 30yrs, I used to have to travel a bit to get there and one of my greatest joys in moving to the west side was realizing I am now 10 minutes away. Near or far it is always worth the trip! read more

Visited DiCola's as a Fathers Day treat, left pretty disappointed. Firstly, the place is staffed mainly by kids. Based on the prices, they could certainly afford to hire more professional, trained staff. DiCola's was always a Friday treat for us growing up. Things sure have changed. I attempted to purchase several lbs of spaghetti and other sides, but was told that most sides are unavailable on Sunday. How silly is that? The sides selection was lacking and way overpriced. The fish portions seem smaller with more breading, but still pretty decent. The fish alone would be worthy of 3 stars, but the pricing, poor selection and poor customer service takes away 1 star. The local fish joints at least have better pricing, larger menus and comparable food. read more

Love the catfish filets. The jumbo shrimp is great a little pricey especially if buying for a family

Very good! Service is fast and good is delicious. A little pricey but worth it when you want something fresh and have a taste for good seafood. They will fry it for you too if you want also and offer other side options that are yummy and tempting. read more

Good food. The best seafood on the Southside of Chicago. However, the cost is a bit pricey, but the food is good.

I went to DiCola's for the first time Sat. May 11. I was very impressed with the shirmp! I've never had bigger meater shrimp in my life. We got 1 lb. of the jumbo shrimp and 1/2 lb. of the bufflo shrimp yuuuummmmmmm! read more

this place came highly recommended my friend suggested this place so he surprised me by bringing me some catfish for lunch .It was the most awful fish I ever tasted the batter was thick and the fish had no taste..needless to say I wasn't impressed read more

THIS PLACE!!! Man oh man...I LOVE me some dicola's whenever I go home to visit this is one of the places I stop on my way home!!! still to date since being introduced to it I have not been home without grabbing me some fresh fried jumbo shrimp and fish...awesome cocktail sauce too!!! I will be there SOON!!!!! Thank you all for keeping your quality worth my anticipation!!!! read more

Since I've moved to Beverly I keep hearing about what a wonderful, close community this is, with small town values and charm. Well then why doesn't this fish market have adults who know and care about their product out there helping customers, the old-fashioned way? Everything that's been said about the staff is true-snotty, know-nothing kids. Take this as a challenge DiCola's, listen to what people say. Travel out of this neighborhood, see how it should be done. Come back and fix it. Give a damn. read more

I absolutely love the fish & seafood & sides. I can't tolerate how the owner treats his staff. Soon degrading! !! Shame on you.

The food is expensive and I wouldn't mind paying if the owner wasn't such an arrogant a__ and the customer service was inviting. The food is still decent but don't frequent much anymore due to what I mentioned above. read more

Service with a smile fast and friendly. My favorite spot for fresh hot seafood, even the side items are good.

Wow. When you go to a place that is known for it's seafood you should expect a certain level of quality. This isn't just about the quality of the seafood, it's also the quality of the service. Every person that came up to help me was 16 or younger. At least that's what it looked like. Now I understand that if you're in high school you need a job. But come on. There should be some sort of formal training. The one kid didn't even know what shuck meant. As for the seafood, one word. Repulsive! I say that because the dozen oysters I ordered and that I brought a half an hour home reaked of amonia, almost like urine. As I take them out of the packaging I saw that a couple of the oysters weren't sealed in their shell meaning they were DEAD! All lobster and crab is not sold fresh, it is all frozen. I'm pretty sure the only fresh fish they had there were the bad cuts or cheap fish like catfish. Waiting to go back and expect my money back, and if they don't give it back I'll just ask them to eat the dead rotting shellfish they sold me. Oh and by the way, if all that wasn't enough, the this was by far the priciest seafood I have ever bought, surpassing Whole Foods and Jewel while far lagging behind in the quality aspect. Trust your wallett and health to a chain that fears selling such poor quality. read more

Back when I was working at the Dan Ryan Woods Forest Preserves--on Chicago's southwest side--Dicola's was one of the places we frequented for lunch. Dicola's has fantastic fried fish. What I appreciate is their wide selection: catfish, pike, orange roughy, talapia, shrimp, bass, trout. ect. You choose your fish and they will bread and fry it for you. The fish is always fresh and they also have a nice variety of side dishes. I like their spagetti. I strongly recommend Dicola's during smelt season. For about four bucks you can get a pound of smelts hot out the grease. It can get pretty crowded in there during the lunch rush, but the service is swift and effecient. read more

DiCola's Seafood is disappointing. The place is extremely dirty and the food is greasy. The prices are very steep for the quality and quantity. You can walk down a block to County Fair and get seafood that is just as fresh if not fresher. read more

Food is usually good. But disorganized! Crowded but staff needs training. Why have people take numbers when you don't use them? Management needs to be revamped. We left. read more

Today was our first visit to DiCola's .We had been hearing their advertisement on radio for quite a while and decided to try them since we were in the area. (we live in the western suburbs) we were very disappointed. We ordered catfish nuggets and they were awful, they were greasey and did not taste fresh. We are well aware of what fresh fish tastes like, and they had a bone in them.(never had a nugget with bone in before) Staff could also be friendlier. The coleslaw was decent however; we could not believe one had to pay extra for sauce. At most seafood places sauce comes with the order. Needless to say we will not be back and would not recommend this establishment to anyone. read more