I was able to smell the chicken a block away, so I had to try them. This place is a cute little hole in the wall. I ordered the 4 piece dark with mild sauce and a small rib tip. I also ordered a side of cole slaw and red beans and rice. The guy behind the counter said they don't have mild sauce for the chicken. Then he told me the sauces that they had, so I said no sauce. I guess he was also relating the sauces for the rib tips when I already said no sauce. They cook the chicken fresh and may take a little time. When I got home, I was ready to dig in but I found out the sauce discussion left my rib tips with no bbq sauce. I called them and a nice lady told me I would be taken care of the next time, I visit. Thank goodness, I had bbq sauce. But I tried the tips without sauce and they were seasoned well. I put on some Sweet Baby Rays on them and dang it was good. The tips were tender and a lot of meat. The chicken was so good that I wish I would have gotten more. It was seasoned and crunchy. The Cole slaw was okay and the red beans and rice was good, just which it had a little more pot liquor. I would definitely go back. Also the prices that they have online is really outdated. read more

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No frills place as others have stated. Service was fast. Chicken was hot and delicious. Very simple. My bf and I both got the meal that I believe was two thighs and two legs and realized we could've split one because they did not skimp. Bonus is that they are open late read more

Went on a whim based on a coworkers suggestion and was not disappointed one bit. Found my new favorite chicken place in Evanston. The food is incredibly fresh and crispy! Service and the staff is super friendly. Got a two drumstick and two breast and it was only $12. Very filling and hit the spot! I don't want to sound sacrilegious but I think fans of Harold's in Chicago would really like this place ! Very limited seating there but would recommend you eat fresh there if you can. Very no frills and casual atmosphere. read more

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Unfriendly, hostile and belligerent service. I was treated like I wasn't worth their time or attention. I will not be going back. This was some kind of negative energy that will stay with you for the rest of the day. No meal is worth that. read more

I can for my usual hit of Fried chicken and onion rings. I saw no reviews on the cheese curds so I ordered it to see if it's as good as the rings. Nope. I'm not sure why. the batter is the same and it was crunchy but the cheese wasn't melty like the ones I usually get. They were thick not gooey. No wonder this may be the first mention. I'm guessing the only mention. I'm sticking to the onion rings. read more

This place was highly recommended. It's a good place for a quick bite. The place is small and a little on the dirty side. The food was ok, I was thinking that the chicken would be amazing given that these smaller locations usually have the best food. Price was reasonable. Staff was somewhat friendly. read more

Evanston Chicken Shack - Chicken nuggets. - American Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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Lemme tell you something'. I'ma chicken man. I can eat chicken fired, baked, smothered, broasted, fricassee, boiled or any other way you wanna serve and I will eat it. I know my chicken and as not so good as it may be for me I love my friend chicken. That said, this unassuming chicken shack in Evanston is some of the very best I have ever had! Fortunately for me it's also close to home. I usually go with the half chicken meal and always have some left over. There is nothing I can find in the fried chicken world as good at Chicken Shack. Fresh, plump pieces of non-greasy, extremely flavorful fried chicken made to order. The chicken fried excellent with a breading that is full of flavor and crisp to the bite while the chicken is juicy and not dried out. Whomever does the frying knows their business. Placed a top a slice of white bread and surrounded by crinkle cut fries that also have and excellent flavor and are not dripping with grease. I like this place so much i have to fight myself NOT to eat it daily. Recently I had to re-direct my car AWAY from the Chicken Shack. It calls me. I still hit them up like once a week and leave it as my guilty pleasure. The best places are usually the ones that are off the beaten path and Chicken Shack is one of those places. Try them out you won't be sorry. read more

Evanston Chicken Shack - the front of the restaurant - American Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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I LOVE THIS PLACE!! The fried chicken and catfish is always fresh and good. I order from here on a regular basis. I'm never disappointed.

I've been going here on and off for years. Unfortunately it's slowly gone down hill. The chicken is tasty but nothing special when you compare to some of the noveau chicken joints that have popped up. Years back they used to serve yellow perch but that's changed to cod or sea perch. (Fried cod??) I had rib tips with my chicken. The pork was tender. But the meat wasn't smoked or broiled with bbq sauce. The fries were run of the mill frozen potatoes. If r hey might offered sweet potatoes fries, it could make a difference. And instead of a biscuit I got a piece of white bread. Oh Boy!! The counter help was blah. The young woman who took my order was neither warm nor hostile. She was just there. And when I asked for some extra sauce she acted as though I was bothering her. I must say that they have an extended menu. And I've only ordered their chick or rib tips. So you might luck out with something else on the menu. But frankly, you get a better chicken with KFC or Popeyes. read more

I love and have been coming to & ordering from this "Chicken Shack" for about over (30) thirty years now. They have a dash more then (5) five places for vehicles to park in baby. Depending on which driveway you enter is easily workable. The first several years I would take my team there, and pay for all our meals with My DJ Partner. "DJ Doom", after we DJ a party, club, fraternity paty at Northwestern University, High School and or Middle School Dance. Once or twice after a "Bar mitzvah" or "Polka" : Honestly True. Now I always order the coleslaw. The fries are only good on the day and within a few hours of the order. Definitely, less then (2) two hours. read more

I order food at least every 2 weeks, but today the seasoning on all my orders we're really different Today seasoning was great. read more

What are you waiting for? Order Chicken Shack over the phone just 15 minutes before you're ready to pick it up and kick back and enjoy some of THE BEST fried chicken the Chicagoland area has to offer! Pro tips: - best to pick up your order - it's small inside with nowhere to really sit - call ahead. the chicken is cooked to order and worth the 15-20 minute wait - don't like bone-in chicken? Try the bits - the portions are huge - be hungry! - order the sauce "on" if you like your chicken generously coated in bbq or hot sauce - my go-to order for the past 10 years has been an order of small bits with honey bbq sauce on. The fried and bread are included. You're welcome! read more

Service was quite nice, I will say, it was decently slow. Underwhelming flavors, but it was nice to be given descriptors (sweet, ranch, no, etc.) Sexually appealing! read more

Evanston Chicken Shack - American Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Super cozy place. Food is made fast and simple. Great place for a late night snack/meal and can be very filling. Prices are super good too.

Chicken strips were awesome! Fries were ok! Can't wait to try more menu items! Fast too!!

One of the best fried chicken places in the North Shore. Mind you, I also used to be a Church's chicken kind of girl and am a KFC kind of girl now (maybe due to nostalgia). But the chicken here is fresh, the batter isn't super thick and gives it just the right amount of crunch, and while could be more seasoned, has enough to give it some interest. Everything else that we've gotten there including fries, bread, are okay, but the fried chicken is worth the trip! Great idea for catering too - we first had this at a block party and were blown away. Solid prices too, which is always a plus in this economy plus in the North Shore! read more

Great food. Cheap price. Home in the wall but service is friendly. Best chicken in Chicago and I regularly drive over an hour round trip for it. read more

Good food! Always have it to go, but it's always great! Not to mention the owners are some of the best people around! I love the fried chicken and their wings! read more

Incredibly tasty! This place looks a little run down, but it's always jumping with people. There must be some magic here! I got the lunch special with boneless wings, fries, and a piece of bread. All of it was excellent. The boneless wings were hand cut and breaded. This place is the real deal when it comes to fried chicken. The only downside is that it's a little on the slower side, but sometimes good food takes time. It's not the healthiest either, but they don't pretend that they are. I gotta give a shout-out to the biscuit. It might be one of the best I've had! I will be back soon to try something else! read more

Second time eating here. First time I had the wings, they were good! Tonight I got the 3 wings with salmon nuggets, had to throw most of that food away. The wings were ok not as good as last time. The salmon tasted like it was borderline expired or maybe expired. Fries are unsalted and rubbery. Maybe it was an off night but I won't be back. read more

Quick and good, juicy and crispy. my favorite combo is two thighs two legs, worth the price! Extra discount for NU student buying more than two meals. read more

Evanston Chicken Shack - Two thigh two leg - American Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Best comfort fried chicken. Cheap and open late and perfect place for students to get a cheap meal

I wish I could give them a negative 10 stars. This place is so unprofessional. I placed an order to chicken bits and was sent chicken liver dinner. Then when I called the lady proceeded to say with the nastiest attitude "you know what I'm not gonna go back and forth with you just send back the liver dinners and I'll send the chicken bit dinners". I've worked in the restaurant business for years and as a former supervisor for a local Evanston restaurant I'd NEVER spend my money here again and will tell everyone that will listen to never order from this place. read more

Hella good chicken. Fresh. Juicy. Crispy. Amazing flavor. Highly recommend!!! I wasn't too fond of the gizzards but that was a flavor thing for me. Everyone who likes em. Loved em. Chicken strips and pieces of chicken are delish. My mouth is watering just thinking about this place. read more

This is a soup, why so much sauce. Like seriously wtf. Also so b Heavy, hurts in the morning after you eat this. read more

Evanston Chicken Shack - Like wtf - American Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Just had their chicken, mashed potatoes, and biscuit for dinner. WOW. the chicken is perfectly crisp and juicy and the GRAVY is delicious and I usually don't like gravy. Get it if you haven't tried! read more

My BF is from Evanston and always brags about this place so I tried it with him. I got the Catfish Nuggets and Fried Mushrooms.....it was soooo gross!!! It's like they don't change the frying oil or something and my catfish was the worst I ever had. I stared to gag and couldn't even eat any of it. I was so disappointed!!! However, the staff was very nice and friendly read more

First time going here at Chicken Shack and it was really good! It is the best and finest chicken wings I have ever had in this whole area. You can also order the boneless wings, most of their customer here at this place really love that boneless. They also have fries, sandwiches, tacos, and other interesting food. The ambiance of their place is really great, relaxing, and comfortable. Such a great spot to visit. Chicken Shack is really good and convenient. Their location is very easy to find. I would strongly recommend this place and its chicken. read more

Best chicken tenders around! Get them tossed in your favorite sauce. Large and tasty. Fried shrimp are perfectly breaded and a good size. Great with hot sauce! read more

We were blown away by the fried cod. The pieces were big and perfectly fried with the light breading actually being crunchy and having flavor. Way better than normal fish n chips that most places make. Definitely looking forward to going back for that cod. read more

This shouldn't be this good. Chicken Shack is what you wish you were getting when you go to a national franchise or chain fried chicken place. Save yourself the heartache and go here instead. read more

I've been going here for 20+ years! Some of the best fried chicken on the north side hands down! Also you HAVE to try the chicken bits tossed in either the bbq or honey bbq, FIRE! read more

We just moved into the area and were excited to see that Chicken Shack was just around the corner from us! Chicken Shack is as hole-in-the-wall as all the reviews make it seem. It's been around for a long time and is definitely more of a to-go spot than a dine-in spot (though they do have a few tables). Dont expect anything fancy, it really is just consistent, delicious, super unhealthy food. The meals come automatically with frieds. Lots and lots of crinkle cut fries. I didn't know this and ordered three meals, and ended up with what felt like 10 lbs of french fries. The fries are nothing spectacular, so the next time I go, I'll be paying the extra charge to swap them for biscuits/mashed potatoes! We ordered: 4-piece dark, sauce on the side: It came with two thighs and two drums. Perfectly crisp, juicy, dark meat that was seasoned well and wasn't overly greasy. We dipped it into our favorite ghost pepper bbq sauce from trader joes when we got home. Fried giblets, sauce on the side: This was fried livers and gizzards. There was a TON of livers in this order and I think we'll just do fried gizzards only next time. The gizzards were nice and chewy/crunch and the livers were soft and unctuous. I was pretty satisfied after a few livers, but there was so much left! If you're a liver fan, you'll like this. Small order of rib tips, sauce on the side: Wow. This was the best part of the meal for me, mainly because I didnt expect a chicken shop to have such great rib tips! They were juicy and really nicely smoked. They were cooked so long that the cartilage wasnt even crunchy anymore. I dont know how they did that and still kept the meat juicy. Either way, this is a must order for me from now on! Overall, this is a solid place to go. Order the fried chicken, order the rib tips, skip the fries! read more

I ordered alot of food from here for my son's repast! The food was delicious and ready on time! I recommend this place the chicken and catfish 10/10 thank you for making this experience good for me considering the occasion. read more

Best traditional fried chicken in Chicago! Also probably the best fries too, somehow they are still good when they are no longer hot

Maybe it's one of those spots that's been open forever. Maybe it's one of those spots that's a college favorite. Either way, I was highly recommended this place by a trusted friend. Yet, coming to this place, I was disappointed. I don't mind the hole-in-the-wall feel. I don't mind the grease. Some of my favorite spots have been places like that. But my review is based purely on the food. The chicken is bland and lacking spices. Fries were undersalted. I wish I could say something positive but I can't. Maybe it's the fact that you can order the chicken to-go and add some Lawry's once at home. Either way, bring your own spices if you want something to enjoy. Or maybe just check out another place. read more

Evanston Chicken Shack - American Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Had the 2 leg 2 thigh lunch and it was amazing possibly some of the best fried chicken I've had. I will definitely be back

I would say this Chicken Shack spot is a great place to go to eat! It is a small establishment but large in bite!!! The place has very good fried chicken, catfish nuggets, with a wonderful taste, very flavorful, Crispy, very pretty & brown. The meal was very good! I enjoyed the meal. I drove 40minutes, to try this spot out. It was well worth the ride. I will take this ride again. The people was friendly also. read more

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This was the first stop of my chicken tour and I was lowkey dissapointed. Chicken shack has good prices and a good menu. The chicken was really salty but nothing extraordinary. The bread at the bottom tasted good. Overall would probably not go again. read more

Evanston Chicken Shack - two chicken breast speciality - American Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

I don't think I have ever ordered from here and didn't regret it. I so much want to like chicken shack, but their chicken falls short for me every time. UPDATE: so do their rib tips, which aren't even tossed in BBQ sauce. Not a fan of the sauce tossed chicken, if and when they toss it when asked. Plain is really bland, I wish they had a spicy batter option. You can't order chicken a la carte, which is ridiculous, and you can't even substitute for the fries. So if you want okra which is about the only thing I have found that is very good there, you also have to have fries! We have few options in this area for fried chicken, it's too bad this place disappoints. read more