First time I walked by the shop, I noticed the delicious sweet smell of something decadent. I didn't know exactly what it was until I realized it was a popcorn joint. Now, I'm not a huge fan of popcorn. I never crave it and I never would order popcorn at a movie theatre. Closest I've had to "OK" popcorn is Popcornopilis. Garrett's Popcorn is SOMETHIN ELSE. Per the other reviews and the advice from the workers, I got the Garrett Mix and another bag of cashew/almond caramel. I nearly ate both bags before getting to the airport. Sweet, savory, crunchy, fluffy. It's all there. Staff was incredibly kind and patient. As sweet as their popcorn! I would definitely make Garrett's a food stop on my next trip back to Chicago. No wonder it's on Oprah's favorite things list! read more

My friends that have been to Chicago insisted that I visited this place during my short stay in the windy city. After trying their recommendations of the caramel and cheddar popcorn I understood why. De-licious!!! WARNING: DO NOT EAT IT THE NEXT DAY, IT WILL GO STALE AND YOU WILL BE SAD! read more

I think this popcorn has crack in it. It has too! Because I'm freakin' addicted. People who say "I don't understand the hype" have never enjoyed the joys of getting a mix bag! I go to this one ALL THE TIME to get popcorn for people at work and for meetings. The people who work there are always friendly and easy to smile at my lame jokes. I was just there today. No line, got my 18 small bags of mix quickly, only spent $90 (on the bosses Am Ex!!!) and am currently eating a bag myself. Yummy! So not overpriced for this tastiness!!!! read more

Typically Garett's is a giant tourist trap with lines around the block. This location, however, nestled in the heart of the business district of Chicago is easily accessible and the wait is minimal. If you're visiting from out of town, make sure to bring some home to friends and family! Chicago mix is the way to go every time, but if you're looking to jazz it up a bit, I would highly recommend the Carmel corn with the cashews! read more

Yummy popcorn... what more can I say? It's not cheap, but it's worth a try if you are in Chicago. I got the Chicago mix... the cheese and caramel. It's good! read more

Garrett is a Chicago classic. I've seen the long lines - downtown, in the airport. And I'd been hearing about it for years. But I didn't take it too seriously until I tried it with colleagues this week, and learned that they don't use preservatives of any sort. Finely, a business that stays classic. Also, their caramel corn - with creme brulee notes - is awesome. read more

Garrett Popcorn is definitely must and an essential part of your first visit to Chicago (and if you're like me, also your second, third, fourth etc. etc.). I've been lucky enough to know plenty of giving souls who brought back the Garrett Mix from their trips. I knew that this stuff had to be even better fresh...and it is! The people working there are very nice and allow you to sample any of the flavors. We got a couple of gallon tins to bring back to share and a jumbo bag for us to eat for the duration of our trip. It's true that the tins are overpriced but it preserves the popcorn SO well and allowed my co-workers to fully enjoy it! The jumbo bag without the tin did not stay fresh more than 3 days. My favorite is the Garrett Mix--the classic Chicago mix of cheddar cheese and buttery caramel popcorns. I'm craving more now and may have to break into that last tin that we saved! read more

There's really not much to say about Garrett's other than it's really good. Not too much of a fan of their cheese popcorn, but don't mind me. Everyone else loves them. The caramel is where it's at for me. read more

Gotta get some Garrett Popcorn to take home if you're out of town. The tins are guaranteed to stay fresh for 10 days after purchase if the seal is not broken. The bags are cheaper but the freshness guarantee is only 24 hours. We ended up purchasing three tins to take home and one bag to eat here! They have convenient locations around town and are great gift to bring home to friends, coworkers and relatives. read more

My wife's nephew wanted a "refill" on his Garrett's Popcorn on the recent trip to Chicago. We went to this particular location, and purchased a large bag of Hot Chocolate Mix Popcorn. He liked it. He probably will finish it in two days knowing him. read more

Again, Chicago has created a great mix of different tastes in the cheddar + caramel corn arena. Though the caramel corn here is far too overpowering, so you can't get that 1:1 cheddar and caramel flavor going. Might I suggest a kettle corn instead? Small, dinky location, and the employees could learn to smile or care at all that they're there, breathing, or alive. Vacant faces do not impart popcorn bliss, making one wonder if this is what having too much popcorn does to a person. I tried a couple other popcorn vendors around town, and Garrett's has the best aged cheddar. Even after 3 days and getting a bit stale, it's still tastier than the competition. It's also most likely wildly unhealthier, but if you're fooling yourself into thinking that any of the popcorn sold here is healthy, then it probs don't matter. read more

Popcorn is popcorn. Not true. There's a stark difference between movie theater popcorn, microwave popcorn, and well, Garrett's. Garrett's is always an experience-I've escaped the line mentioned in other reviews 2/3 times I've been to Garrett's. Mid-day and late night, I've never encountered a line. A "small" bag is the same size as your standard brown paper lunch bag, filled to the brim with popcorn. The employees are very generous with the popcorn here, so no stinginess in serving size. A small bag is great to share with 1-2 people, but if you're craving a near 360-degree buttery flavor coating of each popcorn kernel, then a small bag will more than satisfy that craving. I always receive a warm greeting at all of the locations, and the employees will always let me sample a new flavor. This time, I tried the special monthly flavor of smoked cheese corn. It has a smoky, BBQ sauce flavor to it. At this rate, I visit once a month just to try the new flavors. I wish they'd bring the macadamia nut flavor back! My only complaint is the excessive packaging: plastic bag of popcorn, bagged in a paper bag, then a plastic bag with handle, a few napkins, and wet wipes. I will say that the plastic bags are completely reusable. A great way to take your lunch to work the next day. As other reviewers have noted, the popcorn does go stale pretty fast, but its packaged in a way that lets you bring it back home to your relatives. And, that's a treat your friends and family will love you more for. So, bring home a piece(s) of Chicago with you! read more

You know you're near a Garett Popcorn shop when you can smell it from a block away. The Chicago mix is the perfect ratio of sweet and saltiness, a combination of cheese and caramel. How can popcorn taste so good?!? There is almost always a line though employees are quick and the wait is never too long. Don't forget to bring some home, especially if you are visiting. P.S- not suitable to those who are allergic to nuts. read more

A quick shout out to this Garrett's and the people that work there. I went in with a VERY annoying order, intended to save me a few bucks by taking advantage of one of their offers - I expected eye rolls and under-the-breath cursing at me, and I would have deserved it. The opposite happened. The ladies that were there were cheering me on, actually helped me get a better deal, and were patient, funny, and kind. To boot a homeless man walked in and they gave him a few samples. I walked out with Christmas cheer in my heart and a few more dollars in my pocket. I will be back... with a complicated order ;) read more

The Chicago mix is the perfect combination of sweet & salty! Don't visit the Chi without visitors no Garrett's!

7/2/18 Had The Cashew CaramelCrisp and Buttery popcorns. The CaramelCrisp tasted like a gourmet version of Cracker Jacks. The buttery popcorn just oozed with creamy buttery flavor. Both were outstanding! read more

Yes, there are usually lines of obnoxious tourists foaming at the mouth standing in line for this crack like treat. Who would have thought that caramel and cheddar popcorn could have such a rabid effect on people. You have one taste from this Chicago institution's tin o' joy and you're hooked. I send the popcorn treats as gifts but look online and ship in a tin and you're looking to spend a small fortune. Better to buy the stuff fresh and put it in an old Garrett's tin. It doesn't stay fresh for longer than a day or two but it's unlikely the treat will stay around for that long. read more

The Mecca of popcorn places. If you happen to see this place in any of your travels or you happen to be in Chicago, stop in and get the Chicago mix and you can't go wrong. Even better, if you can't go the store in person, you can order online and it is shipped to your home. read more

1st visit to Chitown and we had to visit Garrett's. The line was at the door but it didnt stop us. We chatted until we got to the register with other line goers and found some commonalities!! Anyway the young lady at the register was really helpful and I ended up buying pecan caramel and cheddar popcorn. FYI The popcorn only stays fresh for 24 hours but our new found friend suggested putting it into zip lock bags to make it last. The popcorn was crunchy and fresh. I'd definitely go back in spite of the almost 1 hour wait. Also shoutout to the shift manager laniya (I think that's her name) who handled that popcorn packing with a quickness! Sis saw the line and jumped in w/professionalism and speed!! read more

This place is awesome! The people who work there are crazy friendly, they move you through the line quickly, and the popcorn is so tasty. The Garrett mix (cheddar popcorn and caramel crisp) is the most popular from what I saw, but I'm not a big salty/sweet combo person so I went with just the cheddar. I tried so hard to wait and not eat it...10 minutes later half the bag is gone. Protip: they open at 10 am! Go in the morning to avoid the crazy lines. Protip: bring wet wipes to get the orange stains off your fingers from the cheddar popcorn. read more

The best darn popcorn ever made! The mix is great, but don't sale yourself short. If you can try some of the other ones like the caramel with the pecans or macadamias do it! They are yummy.... and definitely worth the trip to the dentist. Before I moved to Chicago I was skeptical that something like popcorn could be soooo delicious! Well hot damn thank you maam... IT IS FANTASTIC. I took my friends from California to get some of this magnificent popcorn and they have been bugging me ever since. Trust and believe that you will wait in line time and time again to get your fix. Once, we were eating and walking down Jackson and some cops stopped us and asked "how long is the line?" That should tell you something, right? Catch the train downtown, if you can ... so you can eat and walk off some of the popcorn and MAYBE you won't feel too guilty. I don't give a rat's behind about the service cuz I'm not dining in... give me the popcorn! Know what you want before you get up there, have your cash or card out, and you will be on your way honey! Now whenever I travel back to Cali my family and friends always ask me to bring back some popcorn. I am now the official popcorn pusher for the West Coast. read more

After a couple recommendations from locals, I just HAD to try it out for myself. I love kettle/caramel popcorn, so I wanted to see how amazing this popcorn can really be. There was no line whooo! I heard the location on Michigan can get pretty lengthy, so I was happy there was no wait or else I would've been upset. I don't really like cheese/buttery popcorn, but the worker recommended the Chicago Mix (cheese & caramel combo) so how can I not get the CHICAGO Mix while I was in Chicago, right? The worker also instructed me to eat one cheese and one caramel popcorn together, that's just how it's done.. however, the cheese popcorn was soOooooOOOOo cheesy that it left yellow stains on my fingers. Grab those wet wipes!! The Chicago Mix was good, but it wasn't phenomenal to the point where I would wait more than 15 mins. However, I did have some time to kill at the airport, so I bought a bag of the Caramel Popcorn w/ Almonds and I enjoyed that much more than the Chicago Mix. read more

It's hard to mess up popcorn but Garett's is far from that. I first had Garett's and since Ave looked for a place like here with no luck so it was great getting it fresh and hot. You have to have this! read more

Garrett Popcorn Shops - Boomer just wants to dive right in to eat it! - Popcorn Shops Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The caramel & cheese mix is why you bother to pay top dollar for popcorn. Yea, it's pricey....yea, the line takes forever....but it's worth it every once in a while. Luckily I don't work close to any Garrett's location as I work in the west Loop.....so I know I have to have a taste for this treat when I make the stop to pick up some popcorn... yum....ate through 3/4 of a medium bag for my dinner tonight....getting fatter by the second..... totally worth it. read more

I'm not impressed. I thought it was too greasy, the cheese had no flavor, and it was waaaay overpriced. The caramel actually tasted like caramel, which is about all this place has going for it. I've tasted better combos out of Christmas tins. read more

There is nothing like the greasy, sweet and salty awesomeness that comes with every bite from their Chicago mix! Bad around the waistline, but so good in the tummy! I host couchsurfers and I generally say it's a must stop for anybody who is not overly health conscious. But hey, they've got to balance out all the calories they burn walking around the city and lakeside, right? When you enter any of the locations, you'll likely find a line. It's because the popcorn is worth it. Though it's a little spendy for what you get, I have yet to hear anybody I know complain much about it. When my family visited, they made three stops over four days. Now, my dad does like his ice cream and related junk food, but my family's appreciation for Garrett's just goes to show that the popcorn is good. Enjoy! read more

I'm normally not super crazy about popcorn, but this place definitely lived up to its expectations. I got the Chicago mix and I LOVED the cheese corn...it was so good. And obviously, they did a great job of complimenting with the sweet....BUT THE CHEESE CORN....soooo yummy! read more

On a recent trip my boyfriend and I came here as we're huge popcorn fans. We got the large tin that has three different flavors, caramel, cheese and the buttery. The caramel was amazing. Super sweet and crunchy just the way we like it. And of course our second favorite was the cheese. Great cheesy flavor in every bite! The only downside is that it can be pretty expensive, but for a trip binge it was well worth it! read more

The cheese and caramel Chicago mix is their signature popcorn. It's not a combination you normally think of, but really delicious. A small sized bag is usually enough to satisfy your appetite. Unfortunately, the popcorn does go stale after 1-2 days. The staff allow you to try as many samples as you ask for. The cheddar flavor is my personal favorite, but if you want a kick, then I'd also recommend the smoked cheddar. read more

We're visiting from California, we're already tired walking around town. We wanted to try the famous Garrett Popcorn we found this location as its close to Sears Tower where we just visited. I'd like to thank Matt (cashier and his crew 2 ladies) for being so great after a misunderstanding on my choice of popcorn flavor. I felt embarrassed for my mistake and to have the ladies change my order but I felt that I didn't wanna go home in Cali without my favorite almond caramel popcorn, this time made by Garrett!! Thank you so much guys!! I'll enjoy my almond caramel popcorn and cheese!! read more

Bought a small mixed and large and jumbo bags of the mixed nuts on Thursday at the airport on November 15th but unfortunately my flight was cancelled and I didn't arrive home until Friday. What we didn't finish, we put in a plastic container and enjoyed all weekend and today my co-workers are helping me share the calories. They all were dangerously delicious and I am glad I done live in Chicago ! read more

Not much too say, the popcorn here tastes great, really addictive. There are plenty of options. If you are new start with a medium [smallest size available] of the mix . It has cheesy corn and caramel corn. Both delicious and you will enjoy the sickening overdose of popcorn. It's on the pricey side [especially considering city tax]... but hey its a chitown specialty and a great snack. If you're in the mood go here. read more

I'm in love with and addicted to the CHEESE popcorn here! It's like no other. I don't even bother with the other flavors; it's always cheese for me. Word of caution if you eat like me...You WILL be covered in orange colored cheese sauce. It's like a not-so-pretty stain that can get on your hands and face...and if you are a pig and cram it in like me, your chin, cheeks and nose. ;) Eat and enjoy with care! :D Fellow Drivers: Take public transit to get there. No good parking options. read more

Apparently this is a Chicago must. Not being familiar with this popcorn I asked to try a few varieties. It was really good. I am most definitely not a sweet and savory fan, so I didn't opt to get the "Chicago mix" but I did get cheese and caramel separate haha. Also, I got a bag of gingerbread caramel popcorn. It is a really unique flavor and super delicious Thanks holiday season! read more

Straight to the point. Popcorn was wonderful! They really have the flavored popcorn thingy down to a science. The cheese was really 'cheesy' and the caramel delis! Customer service at this particular location sucked. When I walked in I was the ONLY customer. No one greeted me. Two individuals stood behind the counter and stared. No 'Welcome to Garrets', No 'may I help you', and No 'hello'. This was extremely odd, especially at a location close to tourist attractions. I was a bit baffled. I will NOT be returning to this location. read more

Great popcorn that I've ever met! Fall in love with caramel chips!!!! So delicious~ Nice advise for you, bring water with you! The popcorn is too sweet. Lol read more

Garrett Popcorn Shops - Popcorn Shops Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I'm not sure I can find anything wrong with Garretts. The problem starts after eating a 2 pound bag of Chicago Mix (that's caramel corn and cheese corn mixed). I find myself trying to keep my cheese stained fingers from scraping the bottom of the bag. By the time I stop to take a breadth, my stomach is reaping the consequences. I think its a little pricey for popcorn but its should be a definite stop when you are walking around downtown. read more

Garrett Popcorn Shops - Popcorn Shops Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Easy 5 stars in my opinion. For less than $10 you can get enough popcorn for 4 or 5 people. $2 per person is fair for quality popcorn. Sure, the microwave stuff is cheaper, but is nowhere near as good. I think that some of the people that are giving bad reviews are too picky. Also, one time I got there right before closing time and asked for a small Pecan CaramelCrisp. They were out so they gave my a large CaramelCrisp for free! Who else does that. Granted it probably would have been thrown out but still. read more

Garrett mix (caramel and cheese) was really good. The cheese offset the sweeteness of the caramel. Efficient mix. We also tried the milk chocolate one with caramel. Good but not too much because it will be too fat. read more

Simply the best, a Chirac staple. A must see treat, have the Chicago Mix. You will love it, only 14.00 read more