Let me preface by saying though I've had Garrett's before, I've not stepped foot inside this location. It looks nice on the inside, much nicer than the previous location, but this store blows. Quite literally, it blows grossness out of its exhaust onto the sidewalk and it's effing disgusting. When I was pregnant and walking back and forth from work, I would literally change routes to not get that gross warm air blown on me that smelled like too burnt butter and too burnt sugar and prayed that if I had to walk under it, that it would not stick so I would not hurl every time I smelled it. To this day, I still get grossed out, and I'm not even pregnant anymore. Garrett's is a Chicago institution, I get that. The popcorn is good, but, not my favorite in the city. The cheesy popcorn is just too... buttery... OMG yes, I just said that. But really, I wish they didn't move, ugh, just thinking about this place turns my stomach. read more

Mmmm, cheese and caramel! Not a combination you normally come across, but really delicious. Get yourself a small bag of the Chicago mix, it's surprisingly large and the popcorn goes stale within a day. They have a limited time smoked cheddar flavor right now that's really tasty, so I recommend sampling that. The service was great and they are happy to give samples of as many popcorn flavors as you like. read more

If you visit Chicago, you must stop at Garrett. Be warned, once you start eating their famed Chicago mix (cheese/caramel), you will not stop. They pop it fresh daily and it will stay fresh for at least 3 days after your purchase, but it will probably not last that long. The portions they give are also very good for the price. A small (a little over $4) is typically large enough for 2 people to share with a little left over. I have not had to purchase anything larger than a medium (a little over $6) for a family of 4. They are centrally located all over Chicago (and in the O'Hare airport). They also allow online ordering, but it can get steep depending on the size you need. DO NOT check this on your way home if you want it to arrive at your destination. Note they won't tape or staple the bags shut; scotch tape on the individual bags and the large bag they place them in helps keep it fresh. Same with storing the bag within a larger ziploc when you get home. If you want to be the hit of any event, make friends, or keep some, share the love. This also makes a great and unique business gift because most everyone loves popcorn. read more

Garrett Popcorn gives me a weird feeling down in my tummy. Sure, it's incredibly delicious; they've got their recipes down to a science. They know that they have a stronghold on the buying power of tourists, out-of-towners and shoppers from the suburbs. I guess the thing that churns my stomach is the situation of the Garrett employees--not that they're carrying on conversations or being slightly rude, but the reasons why they work that way. Dude--that kind of job sucks. I worked at Subway in high school and I'll testify that working food service is depressing as hell. So I'm seeing those people shoveling out that sticky popcorn for obnoxious consumers as I stand in line, imagining the horror of doing that for a full shift, for what--8 or 10 bucks an hour? Sigh. I know this is the plight of most restaurant workers. I guess they're usually back in the kitchen out of sight, thus avoiding those face-to-face realizations. The popcorn is good, but the aftertaste gets to me. --just my opinion-- read more

"How good can popcorn be??" was the question that me and my friend asked each other when we trekked through Chi-town in search of the magical goods. We each ordered a large mixed bag of Caramel, Buttery, and Cheese. To say the least, one of the bags were done for by the time we walked back to the hotel. and yes, i never knew popcorn can be so good! Considered ordering some online- but not sure if they would be anything short of spectacular in a prepackaged tin can.. read more

A must stop when I'm in the loop. This location is tiny and the line is usually curling out the door but the people inside are hustling people through so I don't complain. My mom is a big fan of the popcorn balls but for me, the Chicago Mix is the way to go-- the balance of the sweet caramel and the cheesy goodness. Stop, I'm drooling. Grab the napkins because you're going to need them. read more

Visit Garrett's if you have a popcorn addiction and refuse to go to rehab. Seriously. The Chicago mix is like crack. I can't stop eating it. It's best when it is fresh, but I'll suffer through a few-days-old tin if I have to. What I like about them is that their menu is simple. It is popcorn. And popcorn. And popcorn with nuts. Also, those drinks you see on the menu - you're gonna need one at about a quarter of the bag. And you won't stop there. Trust me, you need the drink because you're going to keep eating the popcorn. On my visit, I experienced none of the staff issues mentioned in previous reviews. They weren't overly friendly, but weren't ignoring customers either. Go there. You wont' regret it. 4.5 stars Visited 6/2/13 read more

My favorite popcorn ever!!! I'm from Indy and a stop at Garrett's is a must! It's so delicious. I really like that you can have a small sample as well. read more

Hey Garrett's, here's a true-life commercial for you. My brother and his family are in town. He has lived in Southern California for several years now. We spot a Frozen Yogurt place on State street and I offer to get us all some frozen yogurt because I thought that's what he'd want, y'know, him being pretty much a Southern Cal kind of guy now. He says, that's ok, I saw a Garrett's sign a couple of blocks away, let's get some popcorn instead. Garrett's fans are fans for life. This shop is one of the smaller ones--there's not much room inside to queue. But the popcorn is the same. Tasty and crispy. We were lucky that there wasn't much of a line at the time we visited. But long lines have been known to form in a blink of an eye. Chicago Mix (cheese and caramel). Get it. Love it. Orange-stained fingers are the true sign of a Garrett's popcorn lover. read more

Bs after waiting on them to open late they didn't even have everything ready. And instead of saying they didn't have their shot together. They just waisted my Tjme and I only gave hours here. read more

Kettle Corn! If you are from California, you can eat it in every county fair. If you are specifically from UCSD, then you can eat it every week. However, we don't have that many flavors. Chicagoans are so lucky! You can have different varieties. My favorite is caramel. In Chicago, you can go for Chicago style on everything, even popcorn! read more

Seeing as to how I've never tried any illicit hardcore street drugs in my life, I figure this would be the closest thing I could compare to crack. The cheese/carmel mix is UNBELIEVABLE. Seriously. It's....amazing. Words can't describe it. You're reading this and you're like, "Dude it's just popcorn" especially if you're in my city of residence, Houston. But I'm telling you, the Garrett's cheese and carmel mix is the best thing that's happened in your mouth since.... well I'll leave you to fill in that blank ;-) read more

I don't like popcorn, really. I mean, it is ok. But, I would never consider standing in line...for a half hour just for popcorn. But, my bestest friend is addicted to this stuff...so, whenever I go "home" I have to take her a gargantuan container of the Chicago Mix. That said, I have already blocked my calendar...to stand in line Thursday morning... Hints: I've found the line is much, much shorter during the day. The store on Michigan is almost always having problems with their machines, and be kind to the girls behind the counter...they'll do a better job of filling your container!! read more

Popcorn here is good. I brought it back with me to split with my closest friends and they all loved the Chicago mix of cheddar and kettle corn (actually my parents even love it since they found a mix at Costco). Nothing like the original and real thing. The service and interaction with the service staff was weird though. The store has a check in deal to get a free bottle of water and they got all strange about it. My friend even said that it wasn't a big deal if he didn't get it, but they acted as if it was our fault we even asked for it. If it shows up on the yelp site, we assume it's valid. Regardless, the popcorn is great and it's not like you have to interact with them very long to get yourself a big bag of it. Pro tip: POPCORN!! read more

Who knew popcorn could draw a crowd?! I have always heard about this place and on a business trip my colleagues convinced me to go. After getting within 100 yards, you could smell the place (and see the line). It was an awesome smell though! I knew right away this was going to be a good stop. I picked up one of each kind, and even had the chance to try their seasonal gingerbread popcorn. It was all very good and fresh popcorn like that is hard to beat. The mix of carmel-y sweet and sharp cheddar is just perfect. I will definitely be coming back here next time i am in Chicago. read more

Popcorn isn't something I'm normally enthusiastic about. BUT... every time I have Garrett's Chicago Mix, I'm like #blessed #soblessed. Also, f*#k that company in Minnesota. Garrett's will always be the rightful owners of the Chicago Mix name. Whenever you're downtown, it'd behoove you to stop in and pick up some Garrett's. So pray there isn't a long line of tourists and don't tell your family you're there or they'll ask you to get them some. read more

Without question the best caramel corn I have ever consumed. The caramel corn with pecans - buttery, caramel, a little salt, not too sticky, sticky enough. But popcorn fanatics be warned, this stuff is very difficult to put down once you start. Get a small quantity or be prepared to over eat. Definitely on my list for a great Christmas or New Years gift. read more

Garrett popcorn shops can be found in just about every neighborhood. The strong yummy aromas of popcorn dominates not just the store but the entire street corner! I'm not a huge fan of popcorn so I don't really understand the hype. There's a line out the door as just about every shop I saw when I visited. The Chicago mix is a good balance of cheesy and sweet caramel popcorn. I would recommend everyone to try it at least once. It is a little pricey especially if you purchase the tins. read more

I remember going here as a little girl with my grandmother, and getting what use to be called the Chicago mix. I remember the cheese and carmel popcorn use to melt in my mouth, and my mouth would turn orange from the cheese popcorn. I loved spending that time with my grandmother at this popcorn shop. Unfortunately times has changed and so has Garrett's Popcorn Shop. I bought a Garrett's Mix today, and the popcorn was so hard. If I wanted old popcorn, I wouldn't have driven 30 minuets to get to this particular location. Thanks, my childhood memories have now been ruined. read more

This place is great! I was told to go here when visiting Chicago, so my friend and I decided to go the last night before going home. Since there wasn't a Garrett in Midway, we had to get the tin can which cost $33!! A little steep for a can that would just rust away, but it was the only way that we could guarantee the popcorn would be fresh for all our coworkers. The cashier was extremely informative. He let us know how long the popcorn would last and when it would start going bad. Normally, he would suggest buying the mix the day of, but since we were flying out of Midway, we really only had one option. He let us sample the Chicago mix since it was our first time. Who knew that Cheese popcorn and Carmelcorn would be so good together?! A great selection of tin cans. I opted for the white/silver striped can. My friend went for the Chicago skyline one. Overall, their popcorn was just the right amount of sweet and savory and true to their word, was still fresh when I opened it the next day. Definitely something to try when visiting Chicago! read more

I recently went to Chicago to visit an old high school friend and one of the places I was told I must try before I left was Garrett Popcorn Shops. I like an adventure and trying new things so I went...and waited...in line for 55 minutes for this popcorn....BUT it was 100% worth the wait. I don't know what they do to that popcorn but it is like crack - so addicting!! I suggest you get the cheese and caramel mix - weird sounding but AMAZE! I will be back - just on a weekday when the line is not so long! read more

I am obsessed with popcorn...more specifically Garrett's Cheesecorn. Oh lordy, this stuff is intense. One cannot possibly attempt to enjoy this while watching calories or on a diet. But, it is the best way to treat yourself every once in a while. After you've tried Garrett's, O-Ke-Doke just won't cut it. This location is small but efficient. Workers are friendly and the line really moves. I would recommend eating this stuff with a spoon or some other utensil, as your fingers will be stained orange for a long time!!! read more

The popcorn is delicious. Well worth the small line. The chatter mixed with Carmel was my favorite. My kids like the smore 1. We took a couple bags home and family devoured a. read more

My husband and I were almost running to get back to Union Station along Jackson when.....*sniff-sniff*; the smell of sweet caramel corn hit my nose. We crossed the street and went into the simple yet gourmet shop to get some corn to go. I'm normally a caramel corn girl all the way, but the 3 people in front of me got a mix...so, I copied them. This delicious mix was equal parts caramel corn and cheddar corn, shaken together in the bag by the pros behind the counter. We had a 40 minute train ride and nothing but crumbs left when we got off the train! Next time, we'll spring for a large, teehee. Tip: grab the finger wipes and a few napkins! Con: they use 3 bags to give us our 1 bag. I'm asking for 1 only next time! read more

Came in on a Friday afternoon. There was a little line but it died down fast. Super friendly staff. They seem hard working too. They have some awesome deals as well. The popcorn seems and tasted fresh as well. If I'm ever in the Chicago area I am definitely coming back. read more

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The most addicting popcorn ever! I'm a HUGE popcorn fan, I eat it every day, so when I heard Chicago was known for their popcorn, I knew I had to fly 100's of miles over & check it out. And I was not disappointed! The first bag I got was all cheese (~$5 for small), because I mean, why mess with a good thing? But the second bag I got was the Chicago Mix, cheese mixed with caramel (~$10 for jumbo). And I gotta say, it wasn't as weird as I thought it would be, the flavors kind of work in a strange sort of way. Although, I prefer my salty to sweet, so next time I'd get 3/4 cheese & 1/4 caramel for my mix. This is heavy popcorn too, you can't expect to finish an entire bag without feeling like a salty grease ball. But in moderate sized doses, it's an fantastic snack! read more

Garret's Chicago Mix = chest popcorn & better than you've ever had caramel popcorn. It's the best! Annnnd they also have caramel popcorn clusters with almonds, cashews or pecans. Of course you can buy the cheesy or caramel alone and you can even keep it simple and choose buttery popcorn. read more

Garrett Popcorn Shops - Garrett's Chicago Mix - Popcorn Shops Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I am an airline crew and for years I have always referred my passengers in Chicago to try Garretts popcorn! The best popcorn! So yesterday I went to this location myself and bought me my popcorn. To my dismay I wasn't even home yet and the popcorn was already stale! The girl who bagged it left my popcorn bag opened! So I went to the other pack that I bought from the tin can and same it was also stale! I was so sad! Garretts has always been my favorite and I cant believe they are not the same quality as before! read more

Garrett's, oh how I love thee! Whenever I am off the Jackson Redline stop, I cannot resist stopping in. Much of the time, there is a long line, but it is worth the wait. The staff is quick and friendly. Yesterday, I decided to try the caramel nut mix along with the regular large cheese corn I usually get. I find I prefer quite a bit more cheese corn in my Chicago mix, so I do it myself. It can get a little pricey, but this is one treat to try for sure. Cheesey, caramelly goodness. This is what cheese and caramel corn was meant to taste like. So satisfying! One of Chicago's, and life's little treasures. If you're visiting Chicago, it's a must have. And then go visit the amazing architectural monument that is The Chicago Public Library main branch just a few yards away at 400 S. State on the same side of the street. There is always an art collection to see, as well as the beautifully designed and appointed building, inside and out. But be sure to wipe that cheese off your fingers first! read more

Service here is not that friendly. My order was screwed up and they didn't bother apologizing. It seemed more like a order and promptly pay ordeal. "Move to the side" was quickly uttered as I finished ordering. Consistent in quality, but definitely odd in terms of a reputable company. read more

Garrett's is a Chicago hotspot. Their small retail stores offer big flavor when it comes to popcorn. Expect a line and a short term addiction to this popcorn. But you may want to eat it quickly or it will start to turn "squeaky." Garrett's offers big Chicago-themed tins that you can get as gifts, but again, this treat is best when fresh. Know that the cheese popcorn will turn your tongue orange-yellow which is really kinda gross. And this particular location seems to be in a little bit of a gritty location. read more

Let me first start out saying how NICE the staff was at this location. The only reason I gave 2 stars is... Garrett's, I feel is now getting over on customers with the SMALL LARGE, EXTRA SMAL MEDIUM AND SNACK SIZE SMALL BAGS. This company has been around for years, but I've never seen such a small bag of popcorn. I come home every year just for some of my favorite foods in the city and this year I was EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED that my $8 bag of popcorn isn't even enough to share with my family. Not sure if I will continue to recommend this to friends who visit the city if the amount they receive is a rip off! read more

Garrett, Garrett, Garrett... How out thou love thy popcorn! Im from Milwaukee so getting some Garrett popcorn is like a bday or xmas gift. Its located downtown which is convenient for those who are downtown and working or shopping. The prices are the same as all of other Garrett popcorn locations. The staff were great and they explained to me what specials, what the prices were and the sizes that were available for the popcorn. Garrett is a must stop when in chicago or where Garrett popcorn is available. read more

I have never left a review before, and doubt I ever will again. Andrea and Diamond were great though, so I thought a shout out was in order. I'm taking Garrett's home to family and friends in TX tomorrow and these two BOTH took the time to make sure I got much more popcorn for much less money, all while supporting a great cause with Garrett's share 2 care promotion. They helped me get the order just right, and made sure everything was securely bagged for my flight...Then they sent me on my way to get rained on goin home, but I guess that part wasn't their fault...Thanks for the help ladies, I'll be back for the cocoa mix in November... if I get on my Southwest flight with all this Popcorn. read more

Oh my, this popcorn is AMAZING! While the shop itself is not fancy (hence 4 stars. It's so tiny and looks quite like a mess behind the counter...) but I was super impressed with the flavors. Try the cheese and caramel....when they come out hot, they are SOOOO good! The line WAS long, but the ladies who work here try their best...it actually went by fast =) We got the small cheese for $3.55 + tax. I remember their Chicago mix was $4, and plain/buttery was $2.75 for small. The medium, large, and jumbo will run you much higher. Jumbo was in the $12-$13 range..however, for a snack shared between 2-3 people, a small will do just fine! read more

Garrett's is good. My fave is the cheesecorn. The facility was small, maybe because we were in Downtown Chicago. It was really busy at the time that I went; I think it may have been closing time. The wait was not long at all. What I didn't know is that I had to freeze the popcorn to avoid it getting stale. I'll do that when I get to Texas. read more

If you have any doubt about Garrett Popcorn consider the lines, the addictive snacks and a 60 year tradition! Only in Chicago would you have lines out the door for caramel corn! If you're not a local you may not appreciate the Chicago-creation of the "mix": caramel corn and bright orange cheese corn ... positively addictive. Chicagoans also know that you have to stand in those lines to get it fresh. read more

The mix popcorn is an excellent snack, or maybe whole dinner. I wish it was mixed a bit better, but the corns themselves have a good fluffy crunchy texture. Yum! read more

YUMMMM!!! man, I've never tried crack, but this is how I'd imagine crack to be like. HIGHLY addictive, always wanting more even though you know it's not the best for your health. I got the cheese and caramel mix....stoner's dream: sweet and salty! I don't know that it's really unhealthy, but I can't imagine something this delicious being good for you. So fresh, so good! Go get some today! read more

If it weren't for the evil poison Garrett adds to his popcorn I would give it a better rating. The flavors are good but I do not like the aftermath of wolf-like hunger it creates. I've eaten the popcorn twice now, caramel crisp and combo caramel crisp-cheddar corn. It's good, but too dam good. The second time will be my last. The long lines require patience. I stopped by a grocery store after eating some popcorn leftovers and the hunger-craving drove me insane in the grocery store. Controlling my hunger is important to me and I couldn't manage with the popcorn appetizer I had with an empty stomach. The devil juice in this popcorn is not to be tampered with. I don't have a weight problem or anything like that. Eating just makes me lazy, groggy, and sleepy and messes with my head too much. If you have trouble eating, Garrett's popcorn will make the problem worst. Save yourself and go for Pop Secret. read more