I've heard of Garrett's popcorn before, so I was really excited to find one near my hotel as I wandered around the city. Let me say that I love popcorn. A lot. Many a times have I just eaten popcorn for dinner. I had to have some so I popped (pun intended) into the store. It's awesome that they let you try samples. I ended up choosing a pecan caramel popcorn and a cheese popcorn. The two ladies working the shop definitely had a system going on to be efficient. They were nice and helpful too. You go in one line, order, pay, and be on your way. The smell in the shop is intoxicating. So many smells, and they all co-mingle very well. The popcorn was delish BTW. read more

Extremely rude and terrible customer service. Employees definitely didn't want to be there. Didn't even have time to think and decide what I wanted. Manager kept yelling to move. First time in Chicago and was excited to go but don't know if I'll come back or recommend this location to a friend. read more

I placed 2 orders in April. Our order arrived first. We tried the popcorn the next day. The buttery popcorn tasted strange and over salted. Cheese popcorn tasted stale. The caramel was good. Friends received their order 2 days later and said it was fresh. The only difference was they did not have the buttery popcorn in their tin. I wrote Garretts and received a response that popcorn is shipped same day it is popped, and we should eat it within 2 weeks. I replied back again stating that sounded like a "canned" response. So,now I get an email asking how I would rate the support I received. I said we weren't satisfied. That was the last I heard from Garretts. That was $70.00 lost on sub-standard popcorn that tastes nothing like what they sell out of the Garretts shops. read more

I was never a big fan of popcorn until I had garretts popcorn a number of years ago. I still enjoy the Chicago mix but I am starting to find that the popcorn is overly salty or sweet when eaten separately. Maybe my taste buds are just more sensitive now or it is meant to only be eaten together. The popcorn gets stale within a few days so don't but it if you aren't planning to eat it relatively soon. This location has a happy hour promo from Monday-Friday 4-6 where you get a small bag of popcorn free when you buy one small popcorn. read more

The caramel crisp popcorn is delicious!! BUT it totally sucks that they don't give it to you in a resealable bag and the popcorn is only good for one day. Such a bummer!! Oh and FREE popcorn for cops!! While I was in line, there were two undercover cops behind me and somehow the employees knew that they were cops and told them that cops get popcorn for free! read more

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

Light, airy puffs of heaven!! This is NOT.....I repeat....NOT your average flavored popcorn. The cheese is so cheesy you have to lick your fingers. Then when you do, your moist fingers make the next handful even messier!! ;-)) Use a napkin if you must! Tip for out-of-towners like myself : Avoid the shop lines in the city. Pick up a bag...or two....or three at the O'Hare airport! read more

We stopped by because my friend had to bring home several bags for other people. I'm thinking, what's the fuss? - it's just popcorn. The first visit, I sampled the infamous Chicago mix. Didn't like it. A couple days later, I went back, and figured I'd buy a bag just because. Got back home, after it had sat a couple days and the flavors maybe 'marinated' together or something, I dunno. Whoa. Wish I had brought back about five more bags!! Mentally, it's still an odd combo: cheese and caramel. But it works!! read more

See all

The aroma filling the air by every Garrett's location is the most heavenly cloud of sweet, sweet caramel to ever grace your nostrils. Personally, I think the popcorn is very similar to Popcornopolis. I think Garrett's upperhand is it's popularity making their batches very fresh. The caramel flavors leave a very buttery film over your lips; I love how they offer 3 different caramel nut flavors (almond, pecan, & cashew). Garrett's mix is an equal mixture of cheddar and caramel popcorn - flavors that definitely don't blend for me. I brought some back to California as gifts and they still tasted great. However, it probably wouldn't be my choice of Chicago souvenirs if there's a next time. read more

Garrett Popcorn Shops - Small caramel cashew - Popcorn Shops Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Now, if all movie theaters were to carry Garret, I wouldn't be bitchin' about the concessions. Of course, if all movie theaters were to carry Garrett, I would be bitching about paying more than I pay now. So, the only thing left for Garrett to do is to open a few stores in the burbs, and try to vacuum-pack these babies so they can fit in my hobo bag. The popcorn certainly lives up to the hype. I raced towards Garrett to snag their Mix so that I can race on to Millennium park to snag some good seats. Thankfully, as Rachel H claimed, the Garrett at 4 Madison is not too busy. The line moved fast. The Mix is great. I bought a large, and my husband finished 2/3 of it during dinner. The caramel is our fave, crunchy and not gooey. The cheese is pretty darn amazing, too, but why such a disproportion of them in the Mix. I expect 1/2 and 1/2. I wonder if I can request more caramel than cheese next time.... read more

Garrett Popcorn Shops - Long line at Jackson location - Popcorn Shops Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

DO NOT waste your money on Garrett Popcorn. It is nothing like what I remembered it to be. The quality of this product has drastically reduced. You're better off going to a grocery store and getting better value at a much lower price from any of their vendors. I am VERY ANGRY to have spent $55.58 on the garbage I received that goes stale within 24 hours if not kept in the fridge. Their 24 hour return policy is a JOKE. read more

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

See all

Popcorn is delicious but employees not .they are like all ppl focus on their phones but not doing the real job is many times they mess my order Usual I order Chicago mix garret popcorn Last wedsday I stop in the store and order the spicy chili corn which is special and limited ediccion When I get home o well was cheese Only wtf I got no time back & fore to tell you you did grown order grrrtttttt......... read more

Garrett Popcorn Shops - I ask for this and i get only cheese grrrtttttt - Popcorn Shops Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

People. It's frigging popcorn, for goddess' sake. And not even that great, it's quite greasy and/or overly sweet. A few of you in there *snark alert* oughta be cutting down on this kind of stuff anyway, justsayin'. You stand in line for this?! Take pictures of it? Please. Keeps the tourists from stumbling around on the busy sidewalks during business hours, anyway. As long as they're jammed in this mess, they're not bumping into me and spilling my coffee on my pristine shirt while I'm trying to Get Somewhere!! read more

Damn is all I can say! I am a popcorn lover. I worked in a movie theater for 10 years and ate the stuff everyday. When I went to visit my brother in Chicago this past March he suggested I go to Garrett's. I am so glad he did. Because I got this big old bag of popcorn that not only had a darn fine cheese popcorn but a friggin yummy carmel corn popcorn. I was one of the best carmel corns I have ever tasted. If you are in Chicago and you love the popcorn you can't miss a stop at Garrett's. Sure you can take it home but the question is will it even make it to the airport. Yummy, yummy, yummy. read more

Garrett Popcorn Shops - The Best Popcorn! - Popcorn Shops Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The plainish buttery popcorn made for a plenty good afternoon snack for us. The caramel stuff is too sweet for us. The popped kernels are huge here. The popcorn this afternoon wasn't tip-top fresh but still 4-star good. read more

See all

During my first trip to Chicago two years ago, I was told that Garrett Popcorn was an absolute must-try. The Chicago mix, in particular, is the stuff of legend - sweet caramel popcorn mixed with cheddar popcorn. I tried it and was absolutely addicted. Well, lo and behold - there's a Garrett in NYC! Oh NoshGirl, you're so silly. What is it that's so amazing about Garrett? Where do I even begin... Cheddar and caramel don't necessarily seem the most likely pair; however, the Chicago mix is a work of perfection. Both sweet and salty, tangy and rich, crunchy and chewy, each handful is a delectable mouthful of popcorn perfection. I was afraid that my eyes were larger than my stomach when I ordered a "Large", but my fears were unwarranted. I gobbled this baby up. This is highly masochistic, but I don't visit the Garrett store in NYC. There's just something special about purchasing this corny treat in Chicago. But please, don't follow in my footsteps. Visit Garrett and get your Chicago mix today! Then come back and tell me all about it. I'm waiting... Highly addictive. read more

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

Popcorn is good. However does every order need to be wrapped in a bag then put in a paper bag and then in a another plastic bag!?!? Wtf? Talk about wasteful and dumb! ITS JUST DAMN POPCORN! read more

Awesome popcorn. My friend that was once a local took me here. I would recommend to a friend. Also fun to try all the different ones. However, the staff could been a little more nicer. read more

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

See all

Recently purchased Garrett Spicy cheesecorn. I was not pleased at all with the flavor. The spices used over powered the cheese corn and all you could taste was the spices used. I have liked all of the popcorn that I have purchased from Garrett in the past, but this batch was horrible. I wish I had sent it back for a refund. read more

Garrett's is one of those places you'll either love or dislike. Actually, I think it's disgusting. I've never understood the infatuation people (mostly tourists) have over this wretched smelling mess. It's for people who just have to have their Cracker Jacks and movie theater popcorn 24/7. They'll stand in lines 20 people long, sniffing the...MY GOD... WHAT IS THAT SMELL? It's like that acrid scent of burning crayons on a hot radiator? Putrefying oil or butter? Melting flip flops on a hot sidewalk? Am I the only person who thinks of yellowish earwax coating popcorn when they see it in the window and smell it wafting from the vents? At any rate, you know I hate Garrett's. I'll stick with my Orville Redenbacher; I know it hasn't been coated with some icky yellowish...EWWW! read more

haha..probably another touristy trap! I got the Chicago mix--half cheddar, half caramel. It was an interesting combo--similar to like chicken and waffles b/c of the sweet and savory aspect. Supposedly, Oprah raves about this place! Not the greatest, but not the worst. read more

I had to stop in since two of my co-workers were drooling over the idea of me being close by. So I stopped in 15 minutes before close. There was no line. The two guys there were chatty and I talked about the popcorn and all the different flavors. I asked for a small Chicago and probably got more than what I paid for since I was the last customer of the day. I was also told that it is better during the day when there is a lot of production and product turnover. The caramel corn was my favorite piece of the mix. So you can go during the day and get fresh made but have to wait in line or later and get not so fresh but you are in and out quickly. Either one is OK since you leave with some very good popcorn. read more

This was a must-try dessert place recommended by a friend. I never knew that you can do open up a shop solely for popcorn, but here it is! My friends and I walked by one Garrett's shop and the line was so long it was literally wrapped around the circumference of the room and then went out the doors. There was no way I was waiting. But seeing that much excitement for popcorn made me want to try it more. So here's my review for a third attempt at getting Garrett's Popcorn haha Service - you can try any flavors you want. The workers were very considerate of me wanting to try multiple flavors. They were always patient and did not give me one dirty look haha Food - There were many flavors to try. I felt that when you only had two choices here: very sweet or cheese. All the flavors that was not cheese were carmelized and very sweet. I sampled the Pecan and the Almond which ended up tasting the same because it was super sweet. I ended up with the Garrett's Mix which is their "signature". I liked that it had both sweet and salty flavors to balance it out. However, since the carmelized ones stick together, I ended up with only cheese popcorn at the end... :( oh well. Note: Be careful for those who are allergic to nuts. Garrett's popcorn makes all popcorn in the same kettle, including the ones with nuts in them. Warning. Note II: your fingers get dirty and cheesy. No holding hands after this! read more

When traveling through he Chicago airport, I ALWAYS stop and grab a giant bag of the Garret Mix. It was awesome being able to stop in a local shop. Staff is helpful and quick and want to make sure you try each of their flavors. Tip- if you are buying a few bags to go, make a stop and get some big Ziploc bags to store it in. It will only stay fresh for a day or 2 in their bags, but will stay fresh for a couple weeks in a Ziploc bag. read more

It's just popcorn. Popcorn! And yet, it is like the best thing I've ever eaten. We brought bags of it home and the second we ate the last bite I ordered more on their website. I wish I was exaggerating but I'm not. The lines are retarded and the prices are stupid high and yet, I will blindly look past those two things for the Chicago Mix. read more

See all

Terrible Customer Service! I ordered a gift through their online web site to be delivered and even though my confirmation email has the correct shipping address, they refuse to send my order and refuse to refund my money. Please be aware of their awful refund policy that states that if there's any issue with shipping they will not resend or refund your order...that means if they ship it to an incorrect address and you do not receive the product, they WILL NOT refund or reship. It's not worth the grief for some popcorn kernels. read more

My team at work received a tin of mixed caramel and cheese popcorn for the holidays. By far, this is the best popcorn I have ever had. The tin is filled with fully puffed and unbroken kernels of goodness. The popcorn in the tin looks as if each kernel had been hand selected for perfection. The popcorn is generously coated with caramel and cheesy cheese. The popcorn is decadently rich and scrumptious. Tasty, crunchy, rich and satisfying; this popcorn is heads and shoulders above all other popcorns I have known. Others on this site have complained about the on line ordering. I don't know about that; I am on the receiving end. On my side of the transaction there is heaven. My only regret is that I am taking a day off after the holidays and I worry there will be no popcorn left when I return. read more

Please stop advertising a free pop corn on the big bus ticket ($40 worth). We came to visit chicago and have heard about Garrett Popcorn. Were happy to see Garrett offering popcorn to people who bought City Pass/Big Bus tickets. I went down to the shop feeling excited to have a popcorn for a snack (10-15 min walk from selected Big Bus stops) and on showing this free voucher was given 0.00001 lbs of popcorn. It is slightly more than the sample that they offer to taste. I am a reasonable person and it offends me when customer is made a fool of like this. Recommendation for Garrett Popcorn: Please be a little generous and I am sure more will come to you back from customers like me. Your popcorn are really good but I would never enter or support any shop which is miser in their promised free portions. read more

Picked up Garrett's today on State street and Ontario in Chicago and after getting home looking forward to a great treat...caramel corn tasted burnt really disappointed! Almost a smoked taste. Come on Garrett's you are renowned now don't mess with the original recipe or quality control! read more

This place does popcorn unbelievably well. We walked out of the first shop we got to as the line was too long, but this location staffed their location well and the line moved quickly. We opted for the half/half caramel and cheese, and it came out warm, gooey, and stained your fingers in all the right ways. Not only was it phenomenally delicious, they included plenty of napkins and even wet wipes as they knew it was messy. Such a Chicago treasure. Do not miss. read more

Something has changed with the recipe. Definitely not the same popcorn that I craved 30 years ago. It is not worth the wait in line, even if it was only 1 person in front of you. I've had pre-packaged store bought popcorn that taste better. Also, pass on the garrette pre-packaged popcorn that is now available in your local grocer. It's AWFUL. read more

So my family stayed at a hotel that was around the corners from your 4 E Madison St location. We were thrilled to hear that we could try this popcorn that we have heard so much about. So one morning, my husband, my 10 year old and I walked around the corner to buy popcorn. They were out of the caramel. As my family and I were discussing what to buy since they were out of caramel. The lady at the cash register yells at us and tells us the move out the way, buy something or leave. She was loud, rude and it was completely unnecessary. The other customers in the store were figuring it out as well. We hadn't even been there for 5 minutes so it wasn't like we were loitering. We left the store since she would not allow us to stand there and make a decision. read more

Seriously, the best effing popcorn you'll eat on earth. Addiction at it's finest. I kept hearing about it, but dammmn. It ain't no joke. Get the: Chicago Mix aka .... CHEESE POPCORN & CaramelCrisp YUM. TIP: When you land in ORD, Chicago Airport - head to the Garretts in the airport near Chili's before going down to baggage claim. There's never a line, because tourist don't even know it's there! read more

I'm pretty sure this is somewhere all tourists go but it's a legit spot. My friend who used to live in Chicago recommended Garrett's and to try the mix (sweet CaramelCrisp mixed with savory CheeseCorn). I thanked him nicely for the suggestion, deciding in my mind that he was crazy. Later... I arrive in Garrett's with my friend and they offer us samples. The guy working the counter insists we try one piece of Caramel with one piece of Cheesy at the same time in our mouth. Heaven. I'm sold and I purchase the mix. I would definitely recommend trying it and seeing if it wins you over too! read more

This location is really small!! So if you're smart, come when it is NOT busy, otherwise you'll be stuck outside. Like most things in the city - there is no parking lot, so you'll need to find street parking. I was lucky enough to find street parking around the corner for $5.75. They got us in and out really fast. They were friendly enough for downtown store... but who really cares about all that???? You're here for the POPCORN, which is absolutely, hands-down, the most AMAZING popcorn you'll ever eat in your life. It's so freaking good that I trek my happy-ass from the burbs (35-45 minute ride) to come and get it. It's really and truly great. So all that hype that you've heard about it - IS TRUE. It's worth the line if there is one. Just like Lou Malnati's and whatever else, Garrett's is a MUST-STOP if you're in Chicago. Enjoy. read more

The cheddar popcorn is way too salty and oily, which made it unenjoyable. The caramel popcorn was a tad too sweet, however the blend of salty and sweet was a nice balance. Also, it felt like you could only eat a certain amount at a time because it could be a bit overwheming. I shared a medium with two friends and we weren't able to finish! The medium came out to be a bit over 6 dollars. read more

Whenever I visit my family, I come back with 3-4 bags of Chicago Mix. I know they cannot use that any more but it will always be Chicago Mix to me. Best Popcorn ever. read more

I always bring jumbo bags of the Chicago mix home, for friends. There are an abundant amount of stores all over the city (& OHare!). I have usually had to wait in a long line but I went at 10 am and was prob their first customer. The best cheddar and caramel popcorn. read more

Popcorn is great but received family size can today and while the box didnt show sage the tin contained was smashed one inside at the bottom. we save the container and they are a portion of the price so unhappy customer today. read more

OMG!!! A friend asked me about this place when I mentioned my family was from Illinois. I looked it up and saw that it is a popular place. While visiting family in Chicago, I couldn't wait to stop here. We finally made it the day before I left. I was in 7th heaven when I got my hands on the Chicago mix. I couldn't stop eating it! I bragged to my mom about how good it was hot and fresh so she asked me to bring some back. The family devoured it! Since then, I've looked online to order some. It's very expensive and I didn't think it was worth it. I was super glad when I found out the closest one is in Vegas. Now every time I'm there, I make a habit of grabbing a bag before returning home. read more

How can one come to Chicago and not stop in at Garrett's?!? Although crowded with a line out the door, the staff were quick and I was through the line in about 10 minutes. Impressive! read more

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

See all