Calumet Fisheries

“This place is a hidden gem on the south side of Chicago.”

This place is a hidden gem on the south side of Chicago. It’s a small shack tucked away on the side of the road, offering a variety of fish to take home. We ordered the peppered and garlic smoked salmon, and it was outstanding! The fish was packed with flavor and smoked to perfection. It was perfect paired with some crackers.

Daniel Silver

Jan 2026

“Smoked fish. Fried fish. Potato salad. French fries. All of it served up from a cash only counter....”

Smoked fish. Fried fish. Potato salad. French fries. All of it served up from a cash only counter. Service is quick, they answer any questions, and you eat outside on picnic tables next to the bridge. ATM inside, no indoor seating, no bathroom, gets busy but line moves quickly. We've had: - smoked salmon - smoked garlic and pepper trout - fried catfish bites - fried smelt - fried shrimp Tarter sauce and coleslaw are both very good. Smoked fish is served cold and pulls apart easily. Might want to bring your own wet wipes. Notes: - Parking: park anywhere on the street. Plenty of space. - front door: you aren't locked out. Push the door hard and it'll open.

Chris Farley

Oct 2025

“Amazing smoked fish, especially the salmon and shrimp.”

Amazing smoked fish, especially the salmon and shrimp. A must-visit for Blues Brothers fans!

Daniel Lowman

Oct 2025

“Great food! If you’re lucky you’ll get a table outside and get to enjoy the view”

Claudia Brennan

Sep 2025

“Every Chicagoan who loves fish has to try this place at least once.”

Every Chicagoan who loves fish has to try this place at least once. Its tricky to get to at first, but there's ample street parking once you do. I usually get some fried fish or shrimp and eat outside at the picnic tables. The big draw is the smoked fish though. The pepper and garlic salmon is amazing, and the plain lake trout is great too. The fish is always moist and smoky, not dry.

Allen Gara

Sep 2025

“I love Calumet Fisheries.”

I love Calumet Fisheries. I've been a fan for 10 years and counting! I'm typically not a seafood person, but their catfish dinner, fried fresh right in front of you to an incredibly appetizing crisp, yet perfectly flaky and tender on the inside, makes me so happy every time I get to eat it. Sadly I don't live in Chicago anymore, so it's hen I do, I savor every bit of crispy, fishy goodness. So glad they managed to reopen after the fire! Just keep in mind that it's cash only, so you should bring your own cash rather than get nickel-and-dimed by the ATM. It's a small hole in the wall kinda place, so seating is outside, or in your car if you drive. However you get there, it's worth the trip every time!

Roxie Mika

Sep 2025

“The smoked salmon was fantastic, some of the best I’ve had.”

The smoked salmon was fantastic, some of the best I’ve had. The fried oysters were also delicious. I can’t believe I had never been to this amazing Chicago staple. Will definitely be visiting more often.

Caressa Franklin

Sep 2025

“Just as advertised.”

Just as advertised. Fresh fish smoked right on the river. The atmosphere is nice. Also classic takes you back in time. This a place that has been operating for years and it feels like it in a good way.

philip Whorton

Jun 2025

“I recommend the smoked fish and definitely the smoked shrimp.”

I recommend the smoked fish and definitely the smoked shrimp. It's so good! The fried food is good as well but I prefer the smoked. Service is friendly and attentive. Cash only but they have an atm on site. Old school place that does it right.

Matt Denny

Apr 2025

“Y'all already know how good the smoked salmon is from the many reviews on this site.”

Y'all already know how good the smoked salmon is from the many reviews on this site. My first bite was on a slice of French pave' bread and it was as everyone had raved about. But did you know it also tastes amazing, Japanese style, as a chazuke topping? I placed a good chunk atop steamed rice with green tea. Delicious across multiple cultural flavor profiles--now that's talent.

Junko Minami

Mar 2025

“The food & service here is exceptional.”

The food & service here is exceptional! The staff is always so pleasant and the food is even better. The fried seafood is always a guilty pleasure and the smoked fish is a must (garlic & peppercorn for me always!) Thank you Cal Fish!

Colette Barajas

Jan 2025

“Simply put - Calumet Fisheries is fantastic.”

Simply put - Calumet Fisheries is fantastic. I visited with 20+ friends on a Saturday afternoon and was blown away by both the quality of food and incredibly friendly staff. I wasn't sure what to expect with such a large group, but the entire crew went out of their way to make sure we had the best experience. They helped plan a tasting order to try each fish, and delivered mains and sides to the picnic tables out front as soon as they were ready. We also lucked out on timing, as fresh pepper & garlic salmon came out of the smoker while we were there. The staff made sure we could enjoy and even educated us on the smoking process. Favorites: Smoked salmon, stuffed shrimp, scallops. Already looking forward to returning with more friends soon.

Daniel Harder

Nov 2024