If you just can’t wait for your local church or fire department to hold its annual fish fry, you can get one-of-a-kind, fresh fried fish in several towns throughout Illinois any time of year. Some of these hot spots have been part of Illinois history for generations, made popular by the locals who just can’t get enough.

Abandon fish sandwiches from fast-food restaurants and upgrade your next fish feast to a meal only a dive could supply.

  1. Boston Fish Market - 1225 E Forest Ave in Des Plaines

Facebook/Boston Fish Market

Yelp/Boston Fish Market Locals get cozy in this restaurant and can enjoy several types of fish from cod to salmon.

  1. Crazy Joe’s Fish House - 693 Suchman RD in Ava

Facebook/Crazy Joes Fish House

Facebook/Crazy Joes Fish House This restaurant boasts hot fish and cold beer. The interior is decorated with fun, rustic signs and pictures.

  1. The Fish Keg - 2233 Howard St in Chicago

Facebook/The Fish Keg

Facebook/The Fish Keg Located on the edge of Evanston, this market fries up fish by the pound on a takeout basis only.

  1. Carter’s Fish Market - 1900 S Grand Ave E in Springfield

Facebook/Carter’s fish market

Facebook/Carter’s fish market This joint has been providing locally caught fish since its start. Order a meal at the walk-up window or take a whole fish home to prepare yourself.

  1. Don’s Dock Seafood Market - 1220 E Northwest Hwy in Des Plaines

Facebook/Don’s Dock Seafood Market and Restaurant

Facebook/Dons Dock Seafood Market and Restaurant This tiny shack has been around for decades. You’ll marvel at the fresh fish cooler and nautical decor.

  1. Hagen’s Fish Market - 5635 W Montrose Ave in Chicago

Facebook/Hagans Fish Market

Facebook/Hagens Fish Market Get just about any variety of fish fried fresh on the spot at this well-known local market.

  1. The Old Bakery Beery Company - 400 Landmarks Blvd in Alton

Facebook/The Old Bakery Beer Company

Facebook/The Old Bakery Beer Company Nothing goes better with fried fish than a cold pint. Everything on this restaurant’s menu is both delicious and locally sourced within a 400-mile radius.

  1. Captain Porky’s - 38995 N US Highway 41 in Wadsworth

Facebook/Captain Porky’s

Facebook/Captain Porkys This joint is just as famous for its fried fish as it is for its pork. They’re also known for their homemade desserts.

If you love fried fish, check out 9 Illinois fish frys.

Facebook/Boston Fish Market

Yelp/Boston Fish Market

Locals get cozy in this restaurant and can enjoy several types of fish from cod to salmon.

Facebook/Crazy Joes Fish House

This restaurant boasts hot fish and cold beer. The interior is decorated with fun, rustic signs and pictures.

Facebook/The Fish Keg

Located on the edge of Evanston, this market fries up fish by the pound on a takeout basis only.

Facebook/Carter’s fish market

This joint has been providing locally caught fish since its start. Order a meal at the walk-up window or take a whole fish home to prepare yourself.

Facebook/Don’s Dock Seafood Market and Restaurant

Facebook/Dons Dock Seafood Market and Restaurant

This tiny shack has been around for decades. You’ll marvel at the fresh fish cooler and nautical decor.

Facebook/Hagans Fish Market

Facebook/Hagens Fish Market

Get just about any variety of fish fried fresh on the spot at this well-known local market.

Facebook/The Old Bakery Beer Company

Nothing goes better with fried fish than a cold pint. Everything on this restaurant’s menu is both delicious and locally sourced within a 400-mile radius.

Facebook/Captain Porky’s

Facebook/Captain Porkys

This joint is just as famous for its fried fish as it is for its pork. They’re also known for their homemade desserts.

Have you tried any of these fish markets? Tell us about it in the comments section!

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