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

The food is amazing, juicy, seasoned and freshly prepared! I love the regular Bbq sauce on it NOT on the side! The service is fast. Will be my go to at midnight! read more

The chicken wings and fries are good. I would eat here more often being that I live in the area. However trying to place an order for pickup is difficult. I was on hold for ten minutes. I hung up and called back a few minutes later and they were still too busy to take the call. So I opted to eat somewhere else. The actual restaurant is really small and gets crowded fast, so I don't feel comfortable walking in and placing an order because it would mean I'd have to sit in there and wait 20 minutes for the food to cook. No thank you, sucks I can't enjoy their wings more often. Hopefully they hire someone that's strictly on phone duties in the near future being that they are a popular lunch spot. read more

Back for a chicken fish combo - went with breast/leg and catfish nuggets. Catfish was fresh with crispy breading. Breast is on the edge of being too dry for me, but not worth a star ding. Generous with the fries. If there's anything wrong with your order after you get home, give them a call and they'll take a note to make it right on your next visit. (For me it was a two breast/leg that became a breast/2 leg previously). On this visit passed on the sauces to skip the plastic, and had sauces at home. What remains is the disposable fork. Next visit: tips? giblet mix? read more

I recently ate a late lunch (or was it an early dinner??) at Chicken Shack in Evanston. This spot is on a quieter stretch of Ridge just north of Emerson, so it can be easy to miss. There is a strip mall on Emerson with a couple of fast food joints, but Chicken Shack is just north of this and is therefore not part of the strip mall. Even so, the Shack has its own free parking lot for customers. I ordered a dark meat combo with two legs and two thighs, and for a slight surcharge elected to go for mashed potatoes and biscuit rather than the standard fries and bread. Including tax this order was barely over $9. My order came out fairly quickly. I ate at one of the three tables in the establishment, and somehow polished off my entire order. The fried chicken was pretty good, similar to what Brown's chicken used to taste like in the old days. They gave me three legs in the box, perhaps because they were smaller than average in size. The pieces were crispy, juicy and had a somewhat peppery flavor. I liked the honey BBQ sauce, though I did not need to use that much of the sauce. The mashed potatoes with gravy were very dense, and the biscuit was fine. All in all, my fried chicken meal was good and filling. read more

Evanston Chicken Shack - American Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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I called ahead, at 6p for 7p pickup. Got there at 7 and it wasn't ready. I was expecting my food to be packaged and ready for pay and pickup on a side table of some sort. Nope, well sorta ready. All the sides and biscuits were ready to go but not the chicken. These guys actually wait til you get there to package the chicken so that it doesn't just sit there in the box and gets soggy. I live about 10 min. away but wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Freaking amazing chicken! I grew up on chicken delight out east, which isn't bad, but this chicken is unbelievable. Crispy skin, tender and moist meat and seasoned enough that I forgot to dip it in the barbecue sauce for the most part. If you're in the neighborhood, you should really schedule this place into one of your meals. One warning, if you're one of those 'I have to drink out of a mason jar,' this place is not for you...better yet, you're not for this place. read more

Very unassuming spot, but don't let outward appearances fool you. This hole-in-the-wall has some solid fried chicken and fried catfish at a very affordable price. I ended up ordering the chicken breast and catfish nuggets with fries and toast combo; the menu is a bit confusing but the lunch combos are the way to go. Chicken was juicy and crisp with great flavor, and the catfish tasted fresh and light. Fries were decent and the added toast was a great plus. The portion size was great. Service was fast and prompt. My only complaint would be the extra charge on sauces after the first which I was bummed about, but nothing much can be done there. If you're looking to pickup a large portion of solid fried chicken and fries, this should be your spot. read more

Don't expect it to be fancy. This is a no frills, hole in a wall kinda place. I don't like fried chicken but this place changed my mind. The prices are very competitive and you can get yourself a good meal here. I usually get the fried chicken with rib tips that comes with fries & bread. Always fills me up and food is always very good. Cannot recommend it enough. read more

They are SO SKIMPY on the sauce! Everything is so dry now! It's so sad. It wasn't like this a year ago. I even paid for extra saucy today, and I got barely any sauce. All I'm asking for is my chicken to be coated in it.....not swimming. Can't even get that here. Good fries still. Disappointing they're trying to save a quick buck by underdelivering. Their parking lot needs a new pavement and I'm going to need a car wash and cracked rim service after going through it. Going to buff joes from now on. read more

Food was very tasty! Portions were great for the price definitely was surprised & satisfied by this place

This is the best fried chicken you're going to find. I'm not exactly sure what 'Southern style' is, but I was born & raised in the South and this tastes like what I'd get back home. Everything was delicious - chicken was juicy and crispy, fried okra was perfect, and their biscuits are heaven. This is it, this is your fried chicken place! read more

I called the $206.39 order in they asked verify credit card so I can in and paid them. I again stated the delivery instructions about calling me when leaving the restaurant. She said they will call They did not tell the driver my instructions. It's not on the receipt. Then the lady at chicken shack was disrespectful to me about my order. I m the customer If chicken shack could not honor my delivery instructions They should have told me and I would take my business elese where . I should not be disrespected either way. read more

I remember when this place first opened in Evanston back in the early 80's. Succulent, juicy, well seasoned chicken and fish were served. I don't know what happened. Yesterday I got fish and chicken that is now batter dipped and it was horrible. The batter was salty enough to raise my blood pressure and the coleslaw was milky. The original chef just retired a few years ago and he would be horrified. A few times while waiting, different couriers dropped off packages but they aren't an Amazon hub so now I'm really confused as to what's going on here. For just shy of $20 for 3 wings and catfish nuggets, I say skip over to Valli's and buy fried chicken from their deli read more

Love chicken shack. Classic Evanston spot, I get the quarter dark chicken dinner with hot sauce and ranch on the side so my chicken doesn't get soggy. Really affordable too read more

It has been a few years since I've eaten at this restaurant only due to the fact that I don't live in the Chicago area. I do however each time I come back to Chicago make sure to stop in and have some fried chicken. Fried chicken if defined in the dictionary would have a picture of this chicken shack listed next to their delicious morsels of heavenly chicken. read more

Used to love them. I think ownership changed, and with it, the recipes. The chicken isn't the same anymore. Used to have a special zip and crunch in the skin. It's not as flavorful and soggier now. The sauce is just Louisiana Hot Sauce now All the old workers are gone, too. As others mentioned, it's all Hispanic workers now. (Not that it matters in terms of chicken quality. Just another indicator that ownership and recipes changed) read more

The food was extremely disappointing, I ordered chicken bits for pickup they said " Come in 10-15 mins" I arrived in 5 mins and the food was completely cold. So I was extremely disappointed that the chicken wasn't cooked fresh and neither were their fry's, this is the second time they have done this and I will not be returning. read more

Every time I visit my Alma mater I head straight to the "Shack". Best Fried chicken I've had. I need to try the fish next time I'm in town. read more

Being a road warrior I don't shy away from the hole in the wall eatery this place is a hole in the wall Had the large catfish with fries and added the shrimp. and mushrooms. The shrimp was alright and mushrooms were ok. Expected mushrooms to come with ranch dipping sauce as many reviews mentioned how good it is, they do not the red sauce for the shrimp was alright. Also had the red beans and rice. It was exactly that red beans with rice lacked flavor. The cat fish was disappointing . And leave it at that sorry. read more

Chicken Shack is my go to whenever I'm feeling chicken or seafood. I have been going to Chicken Shack for decades and have never been disappointed even when new owners came aboard. They sell coleslaw on the side in different sizes and have just the right amount of different sauces for your food. (Hot sauce, mild sauce, honey mustard, etc.) I honestly recommend this establishment. read more

They're good, but I asked for sauce on the side and instead got a box that looks like someone had diarrhea on my food read more

Evanston Chicken Shack - Bits - American Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Bad service. Bad food . Needs better staff and chicken. Quality of this place has gone down hill. Help yourselves and make burgers

This place reminds me of "my poor college diet." Why would you eat healthy when you could stuff your face up with fried chicken and fish? Obviously, it has been a long time since I graduated from college more than six (6) years ago. Daddy J. and I were coming back from the Chicago Botanic Garden. I recalled this place serving fried chicken and some other fried yumminess. We hopped on the purple line, heading north, and got off at Foster. Chicken Shack is a hole-in-the-wall place, with free parking. Primary businesses are take-outs and deliveries. However, there are two (2) small tables if you wanna dig in when food is hot and steamin'. I was too greedy and should have just ordered a combo. The one (1) breast and two (2) legs combo was enough for two (2) people. The combo came with white toast and a plenty of crinkled fries. We had a blast munching like it was our last meal! I tagged another catfish nugget combo without contemplating. I brought the leftover home for hubby. Therefore, dinner for (3) costs under $20, and we still have the remainder of the catfish nugget combo in the refrigerator. I thought this place wouldn't accept debit or credit cards. Well, they do! I happened to have some meal cash with me. They sell pop cans straight from the vending machine. One can of pop (as of 09/23/2015) is $0.90. The ladies at the counter will be glad to make change with you since the machine doesn't take bills. read more

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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

Delicious every time! Highly recommend the fried okra and the spaghetti as sides! I usually order for delivery but orders can also be placed ahead of time for pick-up. read more

This restaurant is not cheap, not fast, crowded, and doesn't have amazing service -- however it does serve well prepared chicken that is probably the perfect food for late night college parties. The biscuits are relatively moist, not extremely flavorful but goes well with an ice cold beer and is probably a little on the lighter side to go with their extremely flavorful chicken. The wings here are delicious, deep fried with just the right amount of moisture. Messy, but much nicer than what you'll find at most local bars. The fried chicken here is very similar to the better ones you'll find in the city -- well marinated, perfect mix of milk and extremely crisp batter with a good dose of seasoning but not very salty. Simple and delicious, definitely worth a visit if you're in Evanston. read more

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Solid late night option. Greasy, fresh food that hits after a night out or curbing the munchies. Tons of options. We had wings and fries. Can't beat the price. read more

Enjoyable place for evening or late night food. Service is average. Atmosphere is pleasant. Reasonable prices.

This place needs a public health inspection. I tried the chicken and let's say that Jewel has better fried chicken. Go to Jewel and get your grocery run and some chicken there instead of this shack read more

I absolutely love coming to this place! I drive 30+ minutes to get some chicken bites and fries and always get the same thint! Its super good and the food portions are amazing! read more

Evanston is filled with hidden gems and this is another one of them. There isn't too many fried chicken places in the area, so this is would be my go to in the Evanston area. It is definitely a restaurant you would not stumble upon, it is away from all the popular areas. Its in more of a residential area but they do have their own dedicated parking lot. There isn't too much space inside so it would probably be a good idea just to to take it to go. The chicken is amazing!! They have a lot of sauces you can choose from to get on the side or already dressed on top. Don't forget to check out the rest of their menu! They have other tasty things like fish, shrimp, ribs and a big list of sides. Put this spot on your list! read more

Best fried chicken around ! Perfect spot to refuel after a late hockey game ! The 3 piece combo is a great value

Food terrible and mis leading menus ok customer service and ribs look more baked den grilled read more

Evanston Chicken Shack - Ribs tip terrible sauce taste like open pit - American Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Start by saying the building is a health code violation away from being shut down...the floors are filthy walls are filthy...fleas and fly's all over the place definitely a dump! I can only imagine the nasty filthy it is in the kitchen...They nickel and dime customers over stupid stuff. The Service is sooo disgusting the females at the counter think there doing you a favor with garbage service ha! We ordered a couple of pieces of chicken super dry and old also ordered chicken strips with fries...it's was so bad they drenched it in sauce super nasty. This place is literally garbage! There's so many other amazing fried chicken places to go to in this city...I would rather go to KFC then eat at this trash can...100% don't recommend! read more

Evanston Chicken Shack - American Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Chicken is one of my favorite foods, so when I find a recommended place, I'm always excited! Chicken was delicious! Fries were crispy! And the biscuits and gravy was amazing! Staff is very helpful and don't mind if you take 10 minutes to decided what you want (Just as long as you're not holding up the line LOL) I recommend getting the "Half-Chicken Meal" where you get a chicken wing, leg, breast, and thigh with fries on top of the chicken, white bread or biscuits, topped with your choice of BBQ, Honey BBQ, or Buffalo Sauce! Definitely worth the drive to college town! read more

Chicken Shack is one of the staple restaurants in Evanston. They've been around for years and the taste of the food is still amazing. I usually get the 1/2 Dark special (two legs, two thighs (or breasts?) and fries) or bits (bite sized nuggets and fries) with BBQ sauce on it (or you can request they put the sauce on the side). They also have honey BBQ if you're wanting a sweeter flavor. Their catfish is really good and OMG the mushrooms with ranch dressing hit different!! And don't worry about portion sizes: you definietely get the bang for your buck and may even have food left over (I always do). I definietely recommend this spot, especially if you're looking to feed your fried food craving. read more

Outstanding, succulent fried chicken. It's naughty but nice! Best fried chicken I've eaten.

We were in Evanston for a tennis tournament and were looking for a place to go for lunch. Ordered some fried chicken with fries. I seem to have ordered too much but the quality was not very good. The oil used to fry seemed old. Quantity was a lot and there was no way to order half the quantity for lower price. Not too pleased, will not go again. I prefer KFC. This is basically a take out place. No place to eat there. read more

The street it's on is kinda hidden from plain view. BIG menu. Went with 2 thighs, 2 legs and it came with fries. Ordered a biscuit and cake in addition. The fries were pretty forgetful. The biscuit was flaky and ok. It's hard to mess up a biscuit in my mind. The chicken is fried. Isn't overly salted, has a decent mix of pepper in poprportion to the chicken. The place has hella sauces. Tried some of the hickory BBQ sauce. Got a slice of cake and it was not great but not horrible. The folks I came with spoke very highly of the chicken bits. read more

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Always delicious, consistent and the staff are lovely people. Anytime i am in the area I must get the catfish and chicken bits!