14 Fish & Chips Spots In Chicago That Blow The Usual Takeout Out Of The Water

There’s something about Chicago and fried food. Maybe it’s the months-long winter or just a collective refusal to let go of pub culture, but honestly, nobody does a plate of fish and chips quite like this city. And if the only thing that comes to mind is some sad reheated cod from a chain bar, you’re missing out—big time. This isn’t a guide made for tourists chasing Buckingham Palace vibes. It’s a mix of legit British and Irish institutions, cozy neighborhood gems, market counters that practically smell like the North Sea, and a handful of downright rowdy sports spots where the chips absolutely hit different when the game’s on. So, next time the fried craving strikes, skip the grocery store stuff and start here. ## 1. The Duke of Perth *Lakeview* Ask anyone in Lakeview where to find proper fish and chips, and this is the name you’ll get every time. Forty years on, The Duke still reels in crowds for its all-you-can-eat Wednesdays and Fridays (fish comes out hot and crisp while you try to keep up). It’s the opposite of fussy—just battered haddock or cod, chunky chips, and the bar’s sea of single malt. Make peace with the fact that there will be a wait, especially in the dead of winter, but the sticky wooden bar and old-school banter make time disappear. ## 2. The Red Lion Pub *Lincoln Park* The Red Lion doesn’t just go in for “atmosphere”–it gives you a full gothic reading room, haunted-story energy, and a plate that’ll make you rethink what fish and chips can be. Expect impossibly crisp beer batter, flaky cod, and shockingly un-greasy fingers. Thick, proper chips and a scoop of mushy peas on the side for anyone who takes tradition seriously. Stick around after the meal; there’s always some odd bit of lore floating through the place. ## 3. The Gage *The Loop* If “elevated pub grub” brings flashbacks of overpriced, underwhelming plates, The Gage aims to rewrite that script. The Icelandic cod gets dunked in a Guinness batter so dark and crunchy you almost hear it shatter. Served alongside outrageously tangy house tartar and those double-fried chips the Loop wishes it had more of, it’s the power lunch of fried food dreams. Not cheap—plan on a treat, not a Tuesday. ## 4. Pleasant House Pub *Pilsen* Famous for British pies, but if you skip the fish and chips, you’re missing the sleeper hit here. The local-caught fish is battered fresh to order (none of that takeout limpness), the chips are hand-cut, and if you ask for a side of their beefy house gravy, you’ve basically unlocked Chicago’s cosiest dinner. Think community feel, not scene—regulars reading library books, staff that actually chat, and zero pretension. ## 5. Wilde Bar & Restaurant *Lakeview* Named for Oscar Wilde and decked out like his personal reading room, this spot turns fish and chips into a social event. Enormous slabs of fried haddock, crackling hot, arrive with chips big enough to demand their own seat. There’s even a gluten-free version that’s the real deal—no afterthought, full crunch. Grouchy about fireplaces and snug booths? Couldn’t be. ## 6. Fado Irish Pub *River North* Fado’s corner of River North feels less “sports bar” and more like the kind of pub you daydream about ducking into during an Irish rainstorm. Cod is always sustainably sourced, battered golden, and reliably crunchy, no matter how packed it gets. Bonus for soccer fans: The Irish-build authenticity and matchday vibe pair perfectly with the pint and plate situation. ## 7. The Fishguy Market *Albany Park* Part seafood market, part fry counter, all about freshness. This hidden spot is for the kind of Chicagoan who cares about the source as much as the sizzle—pick your fish, watch it go into the fryer, then eat it while it’s still steaming. The chips are straight, unadorned, and just salty enough. Pro tip: check their hours, because missing out on this due to a random early closing time would sting. ## 8. Chief O'Neill's Pub *Avondale* Home to one of the city’s largest patios and a bar that never empties, Chief O’Neill’s is what a neighborhood pub should feel like. Scarf their secret-batter fish and chips outside while a band warms up and you’ll start wondering why every summer meal doesn’t happen here. Indoors, it still feels classic Irish: big portions, friendly faces, and zero shame in ordering seconds. ## 9. Elephant & Castle *The Loop* Maybe not a quirky indie pub, but Elephant & Castle earns points for total dependability. Sometimes you want unpretentious, quick fish and chips before a train ride, and this is the spot: light, golden batter, thick chips, and a free pass to ketchup if vinegar’s not your thing. One for the convenience-seeker—skip the detours. ## 10. Lady Gregory’s *Andersonville* This Andersonville sister to Wilde nails that sweet spot between refined and rowdy. Think high-back booths, big pours, and fish and chips that feel a notch classier than most. The secret is the ingredient sourcing—no corner-cutting allowed. Farm-to-table fish, thick fries, and more than enough craft beers to debate. Dead of winter? The dark wood and candlelight practically demand you stay a while. ## 11. Monarch & Lion *Streeterville* Bright, modern, and all about clever twists on British pub fare. Monarch & Lion’s chips come with a vivid, spicy curry sauce that isn’t for tradition gatekeepers but will be a hit with anyone looking for an upgrade. Everything’s just a touch fancier: better fish, sleek lines, impressive cocktails. It’ll cost more (it’s right by Navy Pier), but the plate quality matches the view. ## 12. The Globe Pub *North Center* This place is pure sports-bar joy—packed to the rafters during international matches, always loud when the EPL’s on, and somehow still reliably churning out fresh fish baskets even when the bar’s at full tilt. The fish holds up—a crunchy, golden jacket around tender fillets and chips built for soaking up all the malt vinegar you can manage. Service moves slower when it matters most, but if you’re all-in for the energy, you’ll barely notice. ## 13. Mrs. Murphy & Sons *North Center* Yes, it’s in a former funeral home, but inside the only thing that’s dead is anyone’s quiet resolve to resist carbs. Warm wood everywhere, stacks of Irish whiskey, and a long menu of comfort food classics. The fish and chips win on their own—light crisp, zero grease, and the sort of meal that draws regulars for family dinners on a Sunday night. ## 14. O’Shaughnessy’s *Ravenswood* Maybe the city's best old-school Irish bar, complete with ornate stained glass and banter that bounces as much as the Guinness. Their house ale batter means every bite has a little extra malty oomph. Good luck leaving without trying the curry chips, which come up in conversation almost as often as the fish itself. Don’t sleep on the friendly service and local-only feel—it’s one Ravenswood regulars would prefer stay a secret. ## Know Before You Go **Reservations:** High-traffic spots (The Gage, Wilde, Lady Gregory’s, Chief O’Neill’s) are worth booking on Friday nights or when the game’s on. The market-style places or true pubs? Just walk in—unless it’s St. Patrick’s Day, when all bets are off. **Price Range:** - Fishguy Market and neighborhood pubs: typically $15–$18 gets you a plate and a pint. - Gastropubs and riverfront/upmarket locations: $20–$32+. - Expect generous portions across the board; leftovers are practically a guarantee. **Dietary Considerations:** Wilde is *the* standout for gluten-free needs. Most others will sub salad for chips or have vegetarian pies on the menu for that odd friend. **Best Time to Go:** Friday lunch for the workweek escape, Saturday for sports fans, or try a midafternoon lull if crowds aren’t your thing. Outdoor patios (Chief O’Neill’s, Pleasant House) are summer magic. **Getting There:** Many spots are near train lines; parking can be tough in River North and the Loop. Several are close to bike routes or bus stops for maximum no-car ease. ## What to Order First The Wednesday or Friday all-you-can-eat deal at Duke of Perth has to be a rite of passage. After that, work the circuit based on neighborhood—loop in Lady Gregory’s if you want cozy winter comfort, Fishguy for no-fuss freshness, and Monarch & Lion if you want your chips with a side of wild sauce. Whatever you do, find an excuse to raise a glass, sort out which table has the malt vinegar, and genuinely appreciate the fact you’re eating some of the country’s best fried fish in a city that gets why the little details matter.