If you're the type who says "yes" when the movie theater concessionaire asks you if you'd like extra butter, then Garrett's is the place for you. Conversely, if you're the type who's totally grossed out by the greasy fingers associated with the liquid lard, then best to just cross to the other side of the street when a Garrett's comes into view. Tasty, but a small order of the cheddar corn left my stomach cramping. Might be best to take a tin home where, you know, you've got "facilities" to deal with the after effects of all that "tastiness." read more

Garrett popcorn is the benchmark for caramel corn and cheese popcorn. It does not matter what day of the week it is or how bad the weather may be - you will always find a line of people at this place, including myself when I am in the area. Some people might not have had the cheese and caramel corn mix, as it might seem a bit strange. The combination of the two go extremely well together and is highly recommended. Tip: Purchase one size larger than what you initially plan to buy, as you will likely need more. It's just that good! You cannot do better than Garrett, which can be found at O'Hare airport and in a number of places in the downtown Loop. read more

No one can agree on the best pizza or Italian beef in Chicago, but everyone will tell you that Garrett's has the best caramel and cheese popcorn. The Madison store my favorite based on the fact that it is not as crowded, not as many tourists in line talking about how disgusting the Chicago Mix sounds and the staff is very friendly. The Chicago Mix is something that has to be experienced. The combination of sweet caramel popcorn and salty cheese popcorn is something you really need to try. It will turn your fingers orange, but it is so worth it! read more

BEST POPCORN EVER make sure try the chicago mix. perfect!! read more

My review is completely directed at their customer service. After years of purchasing their popcorn from the airport in Chicago I tried to order some online at Christmas as gifts for many years but was never able to. After contacting many CSR's for help I gave up. They seemed defensive and showed no concern to help me or direct me as to how I might do that. One lady even went so far as to tell me that they did not sell their popcorn online and I would have to find a local shop to buy it. When a company stops caring about it's customers it's time to find a new company. read more

Yeah, Garrett's is good. But popcorn is popcorn. It bewilders me why people will stand in line for an hour for it. There used to be a popcorn shop called "Pop This!" in the French Market that was just as good, less expensive, and there was rarely (if ever) a line. That said, the employees here were really friendly when I visited, and they were good about keeping the line moving. Was I satisfied? Yes. Would I return? Yes. Was the popcorn good? Yes, but I've had same quality popcorn for cheaper and without waiting in a huge line. read more

I love this place! The yummy popcorn is moderately priced and very addictive. Unfortunately you cannot get this popcorn unless you order online or downtown. The Chicago mix is gooey caramel and cheese popcorn and believe you me, you will EAT every drop. Whenever I visit St. Louis I must bring a can to my family there. If you see the long lines, jus make sure you go ahead and have your money ready, and stay off your cell phone, they won't work with you if you are on the phone! It's worth the stay in line. It is sooo good it will melt in your mouth. Like I said, worth every buttery drop. read more

I LOVE the mix (Caramel and Cheese together). It is sooooo very delicious. On my first trip to Chicago, I brought some home for my mom and aunt to try and ever since, we have all been hooked. I will be going back to Chicago next week and I'm pretty sure I'll be returning with several bags or tins of popcorn. read more

i was wandering around chicago and saw this shop with people in it. i thought to myself ...'Self - what's so great about this popcorn. that it has it's own shop? i should check it out!' i don't regret coming in! i tried a small caramel popcorn. I tried it...i don't regret it! it was the BEST caramel popcorn of my life. Fresh. Sweet yet if i kept munching there is a hint of saltiness! I would have given this place a 5 except for one thing...i couldnt eat all of the popcorn in one day, so the next day i ate my leftovers...it definitely wasn't as good as the day i got it =/ but overall good place. if i ever visit chicago again - i will try the mix bag! read more

Yes I went to Garrett Popcorn and yes it was good! I got the Chicago mix, which was Cheese and Caramel popcorn mixed together. So yummy! The only problem is you can't being any home to enjoy, it would get stale! The cheese one was so buttery and goey, wow I want some now please. read more

If you've ever tried Garrett's popcorn, it unlike any other popcorn you've ever tasted. Since they're exclusive to Chicago, with one in New York, people come from over for popcorn that's not just popcorn. read more

mmmmmmmm garrets. given that I love the popcorn, this review is more about the location. Yes most Garetts shops get high numbers of people, but this loop location gets a consistently large number of people- through the day! Yet the service is really good, they have never messed up my order and get me through the line quickly. If it gets me to yumminess popcorn, the sooner the better for me :) read more

Long lines and the beggars outside kind of dampen the experience but this popcorn is amazing and addicting. Get the Chicago Mix! Worth the price and wait! read more

This is one of the reasons why I miss Chicago when I'm not there! The buttery delicious goodness you get for an inexpensive price. I love the popcorn with pecans. Also, kudos to Garretts for having the best form of advertising-- the warm, sweet smell that wafts from its vents as you walk by. With that kind of a smell, it's hard to say no! I also go to Garretts if I'm visiting family or friends and they want something from Chicago. It's easy to carry with you as a present, but just don't eat it before you arrive. ;-) read more

What more is there to say other than warm caramel popcorn, warm cheesy popcorn, combination of warm caramel and warm cheesy popcorn? Nuff said. Fresh and delicious. Priced right. Just expect to stand in a line, no matter what time of day. Worth the wait all the same. Stays fresh for days too. MMmmm read more

Garrett Popcorn is a "must have" when I'm visiting Chicago! I wish I would have been the genius to start up this business! There's always a line out the door, but it moves quickly, and it's worth the wait! Get the Chicago mix- half cheddar, half caramel...Mmmmmmm....the perfect combination of salty and sweetness! I just wish I could buy enough to bring home, but we had almost finished the bag by the time we got back to our hotel! read more

Oh MY Goodness Popcorn shouldn't taste this good Went to Chicago with another couple and they were like "we have to go to garrett's before we leave." I didn't understand what all the hype was about, all I could think was "its only popcorn." The line was like down the street right in the heart of Chicago on a hot day. Nevertheless there I was in line waiting for some popcorn. Half an hour later we were inside and ordered the chicago mix. First bite: food-gasm. The cheesy-saltiness combined with the carmel-sweetness just made my mouth explode. I couldn't stop eating it. It was so good, I didn't know what to think. I'm not a fan of popcorn, but this was good and fresh with flavors I had not experienced this well executed. I just wanted more and more, couldn't get enough. I have heard they now sell this at Sam's Club, will have to check that out. Everytime in Chicago though, have to go to the store for the freshly popped stuff. read more

Garrett's is the best, and if the Mini Mix sounds gross, conquer your fears and try it anyway. It's totally addictive. I will say to be very careful of this particular location, because it doesn't get the traffic of the North Michigan or Jackson Street locations. Therefore, if you go there at off hours, the popcorn can get stale. Earlier in the day is best. read more

Damn you popcorn... you are so yummy. I probably gained 5 lbs the past two days eating this at work (someone brought in a huge tin). I already had 3 plate fulls today. The cheese corn and carmel corn combo is the best. read more

Let me say i am jealous of all the lucky residents of chicago that can enjoy this treat any time. I come from Toronto and was in awe when i came to this chicago institution. the servce is incredibly effecient, and the smell of the popcorn is so good. i never thought in my lifetime i would stand outside for 30 minutes for popcron, but beleive me its that good. U have to get the Mix, its the bomb. and the price is veryreasonable, its such a toursity thing to go there so i appreciate them not inflating the price. read more

Garrett Popcorn Shops - Crazy lineups for popcorn - Popcorn Shops Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I have to say, even if you're not a fan of popcorn, you're gonna love Garrett's. The flavor of cheese and caramel together is genius. Along with the freshness of the popcorn, it's truly a deadly combination. I mean it. I will seriously die of a clogged artery if I lived in Chicago. I have to mention, though, it really depends on the time and location. At first, I thought it was smart of me to walk into a Garrett's that was not busy so I didn't have to wait in the horrendous line at the other Garrett's I've seen, but boy was I wrong. The first batch I got was not warm, and even a few pieces were stale. But even then, I thought the flavor was good. That's why the next day, I attempted to walk into a Garrett's that had a line right out the door. This time, the popcorn was hot and crunchy. The cheese melted right on my fingers, and I was able to experience Garrett's the way it was meant to be experienced. I fell in love immediately, and my fingers were orange for the next three days. I'm not of a nuts fan, so I didn't try any of their nut combination. I was clearly satisfied with the Chicago style. The only adjustment with the Chicago style would be to have the cheese and caramel popcorn in clusters. How awesome would that be? Instead of hunting and pecking for one cheese then one caramel popcorn, you could get both in one bite. Oh how I wish Garrett's made popcorn like that. Another thing: I wanted to buy a tin back, but the price with the tin was just way too overpriced. Over $30 for a gallon with a tin compared to around $15 for a regular gallon in a bag? It does not cost $15 to make a tin container. Nevertheless, the Chicago style is a must try. read more

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

Addicting cheesy/buttery popcorn makes you crave for more. . until your fingers turn orange. The lines are worth it. Nuts & Clark is also on the popcorn list to try. Less cheesy stained fingers but still yum. read more

We walked by the first time and the line was out the door. Came back 10 minutes later and the place was all ours (nice! but it sure didn't last...) Got the mix. The carmel is perfect. The cheese is really good, but I was a little freaked out by the grease factor. VERY ADDICTIVE!! read more

BLUF: A must go to since it is so dang popular. It is really good too. I am not a popcorn fan. I hate the dang kernel shells getting stuck in my teeth. That being said, this place is pretty awesome. Probably about 5-6 flavors and boy do they load on the toppings. I got the carmel and the cheese and both were covered in flavor (aka chemicals). Very awesome. Also tried the white chocolate which was more white chocolate than popcorn. Very good. The place is really crowded all of the time but the line moves really quickly. Good stuff even if you dont like popcorn all that much. Seems like a Chicago staple too so you kinda have to go too. read more

My friend introduced me this popcorn, and I'm hooked! We were leaving Chicago on Sunday afternoon and wanted to get it before leaving. When we arrived here, there was a line. We waited about 20 minutes to get popcorn. We of course got Chicago mix. It was great. So addictive! The service was efficient. The staff was nice and friendly. read more

This place was in my bookmarks for some reason. I can't remember why, but I do remember that I wanted to try it. When we were in chicago, I got a friendly TV reminder telling me to visit this place on my trip becuase I guess they're closing one down and it was newsworthy on more than 2 occasions and I just happened to be watching during those times. So I came in, ordered, and technically conquered. I got the mix bag because it gave me a chance to order 1 thing with 2 kinds of popcorn. The caramel was yummy! It was nice and sweet but not over sweet. You know when you eat too much caramel popcorn and its like after 5 you just can't do it anymore or you swear a big ol' sugar ball will form in your throat. Yeah no, I didn't get that here. The cheese popcorn on the other hand was too cheesy and oily for me. I wasn't too fond of it. I picked all the caramel out of my mixed bag and fed the rest to the piegons at Buckingham fountain. They had no complaints! read more

I've been here a couple of times when I just needed something to snack on. I ordered the mix of caramel and cheese which is so wonderfully tasting for about the first five minutes. It doesn't take long before you realize just how greasy this stuff is. Both times have left me with a stomach ache the rest of the day, but I still crave that caramel cheese mix. Now I know to not eat the entire bag. Save myself the pain. What I don't understand (like many others) is why people line up for it!? It's just popcorn. I wouldn't even think of suggesting it to an out-of-towner. Now while the popcorn is good, I think that the overall excitement for this place is due to Oprah. Just try it for yourself. read more

I can't stop into the city without getting a bag of caramel popcorn. Someone else said it before me, but I'll say it again: this stuff is addictive! I usually have to buy the smallest bag so when I inevitably eat the whole bag I haven't made myself sick. I did want to suggest hitting this location up, at least on weekdays. I've never had to wait in a line longer than 2 people at this location...and that was busy. read more

OMG, soooo very good! Soooo very not good for you! Garrett's is sinfully good and is the reason I'm having so much trouble keeping my 'girlish' figure!! ;-) read more

mmmmm sweet, salty, cheesy, sticky, gooey, caramel-y perfection. i don't like cheese very much so i avoided the cheesy kind but man, my hand(s) kept going back for the caramel kind. still made a great "im bored but want to nimble on something" snack the next day! read more

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

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I've never been addicted to crack or heroin... ...but I'm thinking Garret's is run by Nino Brown down at the Carter! This stuff is ridiculously good... cheese/caramel combo. You see the flight attendents lining up 10 deep at O'hare to get this stuff before their connecting flight... that is always a good sign. I don't care if this stuff gives me type 4 Diabetes, Liver Failure and gout...it's worth it.. the only 5 star you may see from me read more

Soooo good! I got some before going sight seeing near by. I have a really good friend from Chi-town and she always brings me chicago style popcorn when she visits. I had to have Chicago style! Mines was nice, fresh and hot. It lasted me for 3 days! still fresh. The night before leaving I went back to get my parents some. It remained fresh- flight back to Cali and all! I can't wait to return this summer. The young lady who helped me was patient and helpful. read more

When I took that first bite of my popcorn, I felt as though I had never had popcorn before!! It was so tasty and so flavorful I wish I could have it everyday! I got the butter popcorn and the cheese popcorn and I couldn't get enough of it! read more

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

No line, I was surprised! Ladies were friendly & we got right in & out which is great since my friend was waiting in her car out front with her flashers on while I ran in. Their caramel popcorn is the bomb, it's so addicting I swear it has crack in it. Bought my friends the Chicago mix which is cheese & caramel mix. Everyone back home is hooked on this stuff I have to buy enough to mail back, their darn lucky because they have no idea what I have to go through to drive into the city & buy this stuff but it's totally worth it! read more

DAMN GOOD POPCORN!! How dare these people make something so good and so deadly at the same time? Every time a fluffy pop hits my tongue ..i just wanna grab the fuckin tin, hide out and eat it till i become sick or i can see the bottom of the tin. Im not quite sure why i go to the gym anymore.... Before i went to the gym to be healthy and fit. Now its for Garrets' popcorn. But mind you...it is too damn pricey..and i wish one of them can smile one day. read more

I love popcorn and have been craving this since I first had a taste of Garrett's popcorn. I usually just stick with the cheese and caramel one. Unfortunately, this place closes a little early for me. I think around 8pm. I flew into Chicago for Business and we couldn't find a Garret's....we just decided to chow down to a good dinner. Fortunately there's a Garrett's inside ORD at the United terminal. I grabbed a couple of bags and the popcorn was good for a couple of days. yummy!!! read more

I have clients out of town who requested some of the fancy popcorn. Being the savy traveller that I am, I bought it at the O'hare airport location rather than waiting in downtown. When I arrived at work, I found that my coworker had bought popcorn also but from the downtown location. Seeing there was an obvious difference in the cheese on the sides of the bags, I took the oppertunity to perform the pepsi challenge. I was not all that suprised to find the 2-day old bag from the airport was not as good as the 3-day old bag from the downtown location. here downtown cheese popcorn had about a 10% advantage. I'm not sure if this is because they ship the left overs at the end of the day to Ohare, because the downtown popcorn was baged/sealed hot, or just batch to batch variance. At any rate, the o'hare stuff is good and convient if you fly into town, but the downtown stuff is distinctly better. read more

Popcorn: a popped kernel of corn. Utterly unoriginal. Americans typically like their butter accompanied by popcorn. You know what? Shame on me for generalizing all people under the umbrella of "Americans." In typical Chicago fashion, Chicagoans have put a twist on this popped kernel of corn. Enter: Garrett's Popcorn. Garrett has brilliantly earned elite status as a mixologist. No, not an alcohol mixologist, but rather, a Popcorn mixologist. Go for the Gold: go to Garrett's for the Chicago Mix popcorn. What's the Chicago Mix, you ask? It's a precious blend of caramel and cheese popcorn tossed to perfection. All of the popcorn is made fresh, daily. Don't expect to throw some kernels in your mouth and chomp your jaws millions of times for stale popcorn. You will not struggle chewing these popped kernels! This is popcorn like you've never had it. This is popcorn done the Chicago way! All of the popcorn varieties are so fluffy and soft. Sometimes, I feel like I am taking a bite out of a caramel or cheese flavored Pillsbury Dough boy. Yes, that soft and chewy! If I haven't sold you on the Chicago Mix, then do yourself a favor and just WALK past a Garrett's Popcorn shoppe. Good luck trying to escape the seductive aroma of caramel and cheese together! The hype is true. The lines are long. Those utterly unoriginal popped kernels of corn taste damn good once Chicagoans touch them. Go ahead, snack on some Garrett's. You can't be a Chicagoan without loving this popcorn, and if you're not a Chicagoan, don't you dare go back to whatever city you call home without having tried this delicious mix of popped kernels. If you won't take my word, then go check it out for yourself Let's be real! Packaged popcorn or movie theater popcorn doesn't stand a chance against the Garrett's Popcorn Fleet. read more

Mmmmm, real cheese corn... you can actually see the cheese on the corn. And oh the Caramel Crisp... wow! I actually got a sample bag on a tour of the Chicago Mix... I can't really do them together but separately they were heaven... and I'm not even a sweet popcorn fan... certainly wouldn't do it every day for a myriad of reasons but it's perfect when on vacation! :] I don't think I'll take any back home... one, I think it should be eaten the same day you get it (no preservatives and all) and two, I'm pretty sure it wouldn't make it that long and i don't need that kind of addition to the deep dish pizza carnage that occured early tonight! read more

DELICIOUS POPCORN! No wonder Oprah loves this place! And the smell of the popcorn as it is being made while you are walking around downtown just lures you in! The best souvenir you can get for your friends and family! read more