Calumet Fisheries is Amazing! TL;DR Calumet Fisheries Amazing!
(5)
Matt M.
Best shrimp in the city. Maybe the world. Yeah, it's that good. Seriously, walking into this place makes me feel like it's 50 years ago and the steel mills haven't closed and the south side is humming. I know everything changes but i'm glad this place doesn't!
(5)
Kathy S.
Tried this place after a friend recommended it and boy was it good. I was so surprised at how small it was...not anything wrong with that but just wasn't expecting it. We did park in the tow zone but it's fine. We got a pound each of the smoked shrimp and fried fish and both were good although the smoked shrimp took the cake for me. Tastes just like ham! I did feel like I consumed way too much sodium though. But I'm looking forward to my next visit so I can try the fried scallops/shrimp next time.
(4)
Billy D.
Borderline Gary, Indiana, Calumet is located in the well-off south-side industrial area. It's not the best neighborhood and pretty far from downtown, but hot damn that fish is good. Fried catfish - amazing with that special hot sauce. Smoked shrimp - you've never had anything like it. Expensive, but worth it. Pepper-smoked salmon - like whole peppercorns? me too. Smoked whitefish - back to the basics, buddy That James Beard award didn't just win itself.
(5)
Jamie L.
Awesome smoked salmon & smoked shrimps!!! Not a fan of their fried oysters, though! But overall, it was great food! :)
(5)
Chris M.
Solid 3.5 stars on Calumet fisheries. I stopped by here on the way back from a brewery voyage in Gary and stopped in really quick to grab some fried goodness for my trek back to the north burbs. Decided on the fried shrimp and asked for a recommendation on something else and got the catfish. Catfish was a wee bit too fishy for me, but the shrimp were $$$$. I need to come back and try the smoked salmon and trout, and perhaps the smelts as well. I also thought the cocktail sauce was a bit too sweet for my liking. Not enough bite (horseradish). I also didn't receive fries at all, and realized this as I was too far away to turn back. Oh well, next time, Gadget.
(3)
Kim L.
It would be a 5 star review if it was food alone BUT the score got knocked down bc of the location (so far south), their cash only policy, and no place to eat (everyone in line at the same time also ate in their car). But we loved what we ordered: Fried scallops - the best and really hearty pieces Calamari - delicious Smoked salmon with garlic and peppers - great flavor Fried oysters - good to try but probably sticking with cold oysters
(4)
Jason P.
Fried shrimp wasn't the greatest. Breading wasn't great and very greasy. The smoked fish and shrimp was super good! Would go back just don't have the deep fried shrimp, could've been better.
(4)
Hannah H.
I've been wanting to check out Calumet Fisheries FOREVER, so I was pretty excited to finally swing by! This smokehouse has been family-owned and -operated by the Kotlick-Toll family since '48, where the fish is brined overnight and special oak logs are used for the smoking. Fish, such as catfish, chubs, eel, rainbow trout, sable, salmon, sturgeon, white fish, and herring are some that are available. They also have fried seafood (shrimp, fish, catfish, scallops, and crab cakes), as well as sides and salads. I tried their Pepper & Garlic smoked salmon, a half order of the fried shrimp, and a half order of their fried smelts. The smoked salmon was pretty good; just use a strong fork to flake it apart; they have packages of saltine crackers available, but you can bring you own. It had a lovely smoked flavor, and the garlic and the peppercorn was not too overpowering. Just having the fish with the crackers can be a little dry, so having some mayonnaise to spruce it up is a good idea. The fried shrimp was forgettable, and the fried smelts were okay - the batter was more like ground cornmeal-like, rather than the crispy batter I was expecting. Service was super friendly, and everything is made fresh-to-order (besides the smoked fish). This is a cash only joint, so keep that in mind. It is a carry-out only, but there are a couple of picnic tables in the front to enjoy your meal (I prefer to just chowing down in the car - that's how you do ittttttt) :P I'd love to come back and try out their smoked sable, sturgeon, and the trout :D +Pepper & Garlic smoked salmon +friendly staff +cash only
(4)
Stefany V.
Worth driving out of your way for. Seriously. This was easily a half hour drive outside of Chicago, and I'd do it again. Smoked and fried fish aplenty, right on the water. It really doesn't get much better than this. If my endorsement isn't enough for you, the many awards on the walls should be. Anthony Bourdain is among their fans, too. Smoked is the way to go here. I'm sure their fried fish is fine, and the smelts we tried were tasty, but the smoked fish was by far the star of our meal. They sell by weight, so come hungry and plan to buy a couple of pounds to split with a group. There's some outdoor seating available or you can take it with you, but be sure to bring cash- I'm not a fan of cash-only businesses, but at least there's an ATM here. SMELTS: Grab a half order, available with a spicy or mild dipping sauce not unlike a buffalo wing sauce. They're hot and crispy, and plenty for sharing even with the half order. But I'd take these to go and make a garlic sauce to serve them with, as done in European cuisine. GARLIC PEPPER SMOKED SALMON: This was tasty, and by far the most recommended fish in the reviews. It was good, but not amazing. If your only knowledge of smoked fish is the lox on your bagel at a chain restaurant, you might really like this massive step up in quality. SMOKED TROUT: Go classic. The smoked trout is divine. No pepper or garlic needed, just simple, smoked fish. It's flavorful, with plenty of skin, and I could eat it for days. CRACKERS: Whatever you buy, grab a tube of crackers (they're 55 cents) to eat your fish with. And don't forget to grab napkins, because you'll be eating all this tastiness with your hands.
(4)
Paola N.
I had a really great experience at Calumet Fisheries. THE AMBIANCE: Calumet Fisheries is a small seafood shack with an outdoor smoke house. You walk in and pick your food off of a menu on the wall and from the glass counters. It is super small and the venue is meant for you to walk in and order. Outside by the smoke house there are long tables bleacher-style for you to sit and enjoy your pickings. THE FOOD: It was three (3) of us on this food trip and we ordered garlic smoked salmon, garlic smoked trout, fried scallops, fried catfish, and macaroni salad. A thing to note is that they don't have lemons (sigh) and they don't sell beer (double sigh). Lucky for us we had packed some brewskis. We set up food camp on the table and dug in. The seafood, especially the garlic smoked trout, was AMAZING. It was delicious! Calumet Fisheries provides a hot sauce that had a tangy-ness to it. Other than that you might want to bring your favorite hot sauce as well. The macaroni salad was not good. It had so much mayo. None of us liked it/ate it. Carlos, who works there, came over and talked to us a bit about the history of Calumet Fisheries and he brought us some fresh cooked salmon, which he broke apart in front of us so we could taste some of the most buttery and juicy parts. He is awesome. We also got a tour of the smoke house. Super cool. During our trip the crew of Man Fire Food on the Cooking Channel was there and I got to meet the host, Roger Mooking. Super sweet and down to earth guy. THE TIPS: It can get really hot so wear sunscreen! I would pack some lemons/limes, cold beer, and your fave hot sauce!! Street parking.
(5)
Teschia B.
Welp! Not what I was expecting. I have to stop putting faith in seafood that is located in the city and at a low cost. This is mediocre at best. The scallops are not fresh and very chewy. The shrimp are clearly store brought and not fresh. The smoked fish is good, but to be honest. I can get the same quality out of a can of tin fish from the grocery store. The best thing was the cheese bites and that is very sad. If I am in the area and craving some cheese bites and smoked trout. I will make the stop, but other then that. I will stick to Pappadeaux out in the burbs for quality seafood.
(2)
Rebecca S.
Yes yes yes. 100% love for this place. The service is excellent and family owned. The fish is QUALITY. Don't bother with the fried stuff, just get yourself a slab of the salmon with garlic and pepper. It is life changing. I honestly can't put this place into words, it became one of my favorite Chicago restaurants in the course of one meal. (Disclaimer: Ignore those people who are terrified of anything past Hyde Park. I'm all about safety, but sometimes I think people are too prejudiced against the South Side. This place is definitely worth the "risk.")
(5)
Tim T.
What do i say about a place that everything had been said. Gr8 food. Froglegs & smelt are a personal fav! Light breading, fast service. Place is a dump but who cares! Its got it baby! Ambience, the river & style! Cheap prices, i love them. Please go u wont be dissapointed! Its a chicago icon & a mom & pop place. Shrimp is killer!
(5)
Rosa J.
Yes and yes...I've made it to this place. It has been a long wait for me. It was a bit difficult to trek all the way down from Albany Park during the winter season. As I've announced publicly in one of my previous reviews, my "foodie hours" have been extended seasonally! I had a quick nap in my hubby's work fleet, and I woke up with yummy fish and "smokin'" hotties in front of me. You know fish can be just as hot as good-looking dudes or dudettes. I consider them gender-free after being bathed in smoke. Normally you would think a place like this that has won so many accolades from the big-foodie people (yeah I'm talking about Anthony Bourdain) wouldn't render a friendly service like I received this afternoon. The young man immediately greeted us and was ready to take our order. We chose the smoked shrimp dinner and fried fish dinner. The total was $18.88 after tax. For a seafood fry place, the price we paid was reasonably fair. Well, how were the tastes of our food? I've never been that "moved" and "agitated" in my mind after tasting their smoked shrimps. That 70-year-old smoker really is an excellent machine to deliver such aromatic smoke on these jumbo shrimps. I believe I consumed five (5) or six (6) large, if not, jumbo shrimps. Once again, the value for the quality of food I received wasn't a bad deal at all! All dinner combos came with fries, coleslaw, crackers, a choice of sauce (hot or cocktail), and salt/pepper. All other side dishes were solid. Hubby also enjoyed his fish, but you all need to try other smoked products! How many exclamation marks have I used in this review? Well, here's one (1) more for you! I also noticed that there are three (3) city of Chicago public trash cans in front of the Calumet Fisheries. I guess that's where my taxation goes...my foodie trash. We will be back when we do our summer weekend Metra trips around the far-end Chicago and nearby suburbs. I know the Metra station isn't too awfully far away; I can walk as long as there is food to entice me! There's an ATM onsite if you drop your cash in the river accidentally.
(5)
Daniel S.
Great to go fish place, its just by the 95th street bridge, there's really only street parking so just be aware, (well there's a gravel lot just west, but idk if that's an actual parking lot) it's also real small and cramped inside, with just some picnic tables outside to sit at, but don't let that take away from the quality of the fish, it's a chicago staple, almost 70 years old, from the fried selection we got scallops, fish nuggets, calamari and stuffed shrimp, (scallops and shrimp were best imo) and then the smoked salmon, the smoked options are just more expensive so thats why we couldnt get much, tho it was def good, and then potato salad and french fries sides, which were standard, id for sure go back and try some of the more exotic fish on hand
(4)
John T.
Wow. So, the bridge was up and we had time to kill so we decided to try this local legend out. So glad we did. We opted for the fried stuff because we were in the mood for it. The smelt and clams were amazing. Absolutely amazing. Definitely going back for the lemon pepper smoked fish. Fresh smoked fish on Fridays or Saturdays so plan accordingly. Honestly worth the short drive. Cash only but there's an atm there.
(5)
Justin B.
It's hard to go wrong here...the big thing was just committing to make the drive here, but once I got in, I could see why the reviews here are so great. Tried the fried perch, fried catfish, fried clam strips, and the fried shrimp, while others in my party also got the fried oysters. Besides the fact that I'm surprised I'm still alive and able to write this review, the food was amazing and all of the dinners come with fries so you'll find a way to leave full here for sure. The space is small and not sexy, and there's nowhere to sit, and it's cash only. But if you are in the market for smoked fish of almost any type, this is the place to go and between Bourdain showing up here and Calumet being a Beard award finalist a few years ago for being an historic eatery, you know it's legit!
(5)
Yuchi C.
"You guys are driving through the hood? Do you want to borrow my gun?" Our friend in Chicago thought we were nuts to drive all the way there for some smoked fish, but we know it's gonna be so worth it. Salmon with garlic and pepper: so oily yet so tasty! Favorite! White fish: actually our second favorite. Really good flavor. Trout: pretty amazing fish, each section has its own distinct flavor and texture. Smoked Shrimp: awesome. Chubs: FAVORITE!!! But they are seasonal so we didn't have them this visit. We had it 5 years ago, amazing.
(5)
Diana T.
After reading about how Anthony Bourdaine has sponsored this place, I knew I had to stop by. This place is a 30 minute drive from downtown Chicago, so I would not suggest you take a taxi. If you decide to drive here, there is a $7 toll to get there and $7 to back into Chicago. The tolls can be pricey. I decided to stop by on my way home back to Michigan. You can park on the street or turn right into the fishery. Recently, Mark, the owner told me you do not need to take the skyway to get there. You can stay on 94 south. When it splits with 57, get off on the first exit that will take you right to 95th street turn right and drive 3 miles and your at our door steps. Good tip for us tourist (; The food is completely delicious. I really can not tell you how good this place is. I am still drooling when I think about their smoked pepper garlic salmon & smoked shrimp. Prices can be a bit pricey at $15 per lb for smoked salmon & $22 per lb for smoked shrimp, but it was definitely worth it. The flavors were on point. It was the best smoked fish I have ever had. The shrimp was just amazing! You can truly taste the true flavor of the shrimp. You can even smell the smoke from the shrimp. They do not have cocktail sauce. They have hot sauce and have an amazing tartar sauce. A few flaws are that they do not have a restroom, only take cash, and have only two tables to eat outside. Overall, I cannot wait to come back!
(5)
Davis J.
We've been wanting to come here ever since seeing it on Anthony Bordain's show and it was great! I had the smoked salmon (very good) and fried catfish (excellent). It is a little pricy but the quality merits the price. 4 starts for a lot of not-homemade items like the coleslaw, potato salad, and sauces.I would happily go back!
(4)
Chrissy M.
We dropped by last Friday afternoon and all the guys were very friendly. All were helpful and gave us a sample of the salmon. Boy, we were in for a treat! One of the guys (regret not asking his name) explained the sections of the salmon that taste best. He also suggested the eye but we declined; we're not that cool. Since we had purchased other food before the sample, we did not buy the smoked fish. On Saturday afternoon, my man suggested smoked fish for dinner so here we go again. We ordered the pepper and garlic salmon and the smallest piece of sturgeon. Once we got home, we began with the sturgeon. We regret buying the smallest sturgeon piece. The sturgeon was perfect! It was not flaky like other fish, it was very soft, flavorful and boneless (at least the section we bought). We bought a bigger piece of salmon and it was delightful. I expected to taste the garlic but I did not; however, we enjoyed it. Frankly, between the sturgeon and salmon, I prefer the sturgeon. The service during both visits was exceptional and we waited a few minutes to place our orders during both visits because there were several people ahead of us. Knowing my man's eating habits, we will be frequent customers. We've already determined that when family visits in a few weeks, we will be having smoked sturgeon for dinner.
(5)
Kate W.
I'm from New York. Fried shrimp was never something that was a big thing growing up for me. However. I am now a "real Chicago broad", as my husband likes to call me. And fried shrimp are F*&$-ing delicious. Calumet was my first fried shrimp experience. It did not disappoint. Sitting in the back of my buddy's car, eating greasy shrimp and fries with my fingers--perfection. The ice cold Dr. Pepper was the perfect complement. You've gotta check this place out. Seriously. My husband brought home a smoked salmon and a smoked trout. Can't wait to eat that next :) p.s. CASH ONLY
(4)
Annie P.
Happy I finally made a point to drive down here. What a unique place! My family did the smoked salmon, pepper and garlic smoked salmon, and smoked whitefish. The p&g salmon and the whitefish were both standout. We also did the smoked shrimp which were interesting to try (have never had) and were good as well. My brother likes slaw and wasn't impressed by theirs. Good experience though. Happy I've gone at least once and if am in the vicinity will definitely come back
(5)
Virtie P.
The full order of fries shrimp was on point. I've also tried the smoked salmon, which was also very good.
(5)
Donald T.
I don't recommend this place. The service was rude and the catfish tasted overly fishy and not very fresh.
(1)
G B.
great fe sh fish no dine in but a chicago nessitity
(4)
Paola S.
I can't wait to come back! The smoke salmon and shrimp were by far my favorites. For a very decent price we had a feast, from the smoked section we also had the white fish and from the fried side we had oysters Not easy to recommend a specific item because everything is delicious and worth trying.
(4)
Jeffrey C.
Still on my barbecue bucket list is a trip to Kansas City, where the fine folks smoke anything under the sun. Given my Texas bias, which means brisket sits on the Iron Throne, ribs and sausage are Baratheons-in-waiting, and every thing else are declared usurpers of Westeros, I'm hesitant to think of things like smoked fish as barbecue. To that end, my recent trip to Calumet Fisheries was like a visit from the lord of light, sponsored by Anthony Bourdain. The "pit" at Calumet looks like a free-standing, ironclad meat locker, but the smoke is legit. It wafts out and hits you like a proper BBQ joint should, and the output that the Calumet pitmasters pull from the smoke is pure gold. First, some logistics. This is not an easy place to get to, as you have to drive far south on 90 or derail the trip off Lakeshore. Calumet is also truly a shack. It's to-go counter service only. On nice days when winter isn't coming or already frozen over, you can eat outside on a grass patch or on the few plastic picnic tables set up. Dogs are allowed outside the shack, and a bring your own soda or red solo cup policy is recommended. Ordering, as mentioned, is counter service. Anything smoked in the trays is ordered on the left, anything fried on the right. Got it? Good. Now, onto the smoked fish. It's wonderfully delicious. The highlight of our self-made trio sampler platter was the sable, otherwise known as black cod. It's succulent, buttery, and amazing, kind of like eating a brisket cookie sliced off the point end, dripping in fat. Our second fish, the pepper salmon, tasted like the flat with a flavorful char and a firm, slightly dry, meat. To each his own. I prefer the buttery, melt in your mouth texture. We ended with smoked shrimp, easy to peel, easy to eat, easy to enjoy. Along for the ride (because as a Texas ex and Louisiana neighbor, I'm a sucker for fried seafood) was a small order of fried oysters, strewn in a Chinese take-out box, piping hot, and also incredibly tasty. Dipping those suckers, and frankly, any of the seafood, in Calumet's hot sauce is a recommend. On that note, if I had but one complaint, it's that Calumet doesn't serve its seafood straight from the smoker. The smoked food isn't hot, but instead cooled and served at chilled temperatures. The pitmaster recommended waiting for room temperature before eating to bring out the flavor. He also provided by wife with ample samples right out the smoker. If my jealousy shows, it's because I was inside, in line, when these shenanigans occurred. Reheating isn't recommended, and so I'm just left wondering what a freshly completed, hot off the presses smoked fish tastes like. I'm guessing it would be in contention for the best smoked meat outside Texas.
(5)
Inez T.
Great food and fast service. The fried shimps are to die for. I have neen going there for years and I was never disappointed.
(5)
Oscar P.
Cash only, does not take bills over 100, so I was extremely limited in what I could purchase w $10, so I got 1/2 order of fried shrimp, which was solid. Will have to come back soon for more...and with more cash.
(4)
Bill S.
Been going there since I was a kid. Love the fish and chips and shrimp. Don't forget the fries. Mix the hot and mild sauce for the best. They used to have a medium but got rid of it years ago.
(5)
Kurt L.
Smoked shrimp and pepper garlic salmon was awesome. Hard to find place but we'll worth the drive.
(5)
Asper K.
Calumet Fisheries is in the middle of nowhere. Like nowhere so bad that it's almost Indiana. And it's next to a bridge. And it's super dystopian everywhere and there's lots of metal and concrete. In fact, it's so fcked up looking that Anthony Bourdain dragged his arse out here one time to film an episode of his show and was all like "OMG, be a traveler not a tourist..blah blah blah, live life to the fullest etc etc." So now, all these dudes trying to live life to the fullest come out here in hopes of experiencing something new. I don't know what exactly. They probably don't know either but the hope is that it'll be new or interesting in some way. In terms of the food, part of the hook is that the fish here is smoked on premises in a shack behind the restaurant. According to the proprietors this is super rare these days. So there's that. For me, it was mostly for the bike ride and to see the area. This place seemed like a good end point. On arrival, after admiring the signed Anthony B poster, I ordered deep fried catfish + fries. And I put a to-go order in for some smoked shrimp and smoked (garlic and pepper) trout. The catfish meal was exactly what I would have expected..deep fried and catfish. Okay by me. Nothing special. I put the smoked fish/shrimp in the fridge and tried it a couple days later. A bit of a surprise ensued. The smoked shrimp was partially rotten. Some was edible, other parts were mushy and I had to spit out. The smoked trout while not rotten was surprisingly terrible. I had a few bites and threw it out too. And I buy smoked fish sometimes, so I know what I'm talking about. Back when I visited the restaurant, there were a few dudes standing outside (there's no seating inside) who ordered the whole menu. You know..to live life to the fullest. Anyways, they beered me a deep fried frog leg to try. In an adventurous spirit I had a go. Actually I only had a couple of small bites. Not that great. Which is what I'd say about this Calumet Fisheries place.
(2)
Alexandria T.
I recently heard about Calumet Fisheries and really wanted to check it out. This Saturday proved to be the perfect opportunity to drive down from where I work on the South Side and have lunch outdoors. The place definitely looks like a shack on the side of the road, and I wouldn't have ever stopped inside if it weren't for the rave reviews. We ordered fried oysters, clam strips, smoked salmon, and a few smoked shrimp. They forgot a couple of things that we ordered, but we were ordering pretty sporadically between the one counter for fried food and the other for smoked seafood. I love, love, love seafood and especially smoked salmon. It was pretty amazing! The shrimp were great as well. I wasn't a huge fan of the fried oysters, but I bet there are someone else's jam. I'm happy I got to check this place out!
(4)
Matthew B.
Simple yet most effective way to write this review, this place can be summed up five words and here we go, best shrimp in the city. Whether you eat it in your car or lucky enough to get one of the picnic tables you will not be disappointed, this is easily a must have, the shrimp is so fresh lightly breaded and just plain awesome, the fries are the perfect complement and the choice of sauces just add to the perfect meal.
(5)
Kimmie R.
Pros- - wide selection of fish - tasty selection of side dishes including dessert - reasonable prices - friendly staff Cons- - takeout only - no dining in - if you have a shellfish allergy, but still eat fish beware this can be a death trap! I'm allergic to shellfish, but I've been eating fish from this place since, I was a kid. A few months ago, I order the usual fish order and my shellfish allergy kicked in. My face started to swell and etc. I did NOT order shellfish, but my order came in contact with something that touched shellfish. I'm guessing they reused their frying oil, because there's no other reason for my allergic reaction. Whatever the case this is a great place, but avoid it if you have shellfish allergies. No food is ever really "to die for".
(3)
John B.
So I have been meaning to go here for a number of years after seeing it on an episode of No Reservations. I went on President's Day as this place seemed perfect for a workweek adventure. It is definitely a bit of a trek and in no man's land. Be warned that there is no place to eat outside of in your car. I ordered fried pickles and fried oysters. The fried oysters were to die for and so crispy yet juicey. The fried pickles were good but they were spears and I would have liked pickle chips more. My friend got the catfish with fries. The catfish tasted great but the fries were the standard steak fries found everywhere. I will definitely go back and may consider doing it during a bike ride in the summer.
(5)
Aashish J.
Aesthetically abhorring (almost), heavenly to the tongue. We found out about this place from Mr. Bourdain. Therefore, expectations were very high. The smoked salmon exceeded our expectations. We also ordered other "dinner" items, fried shrimp and oysters. They were, well, fried. But this place is definitely worth it for smoked fish (salmon). Pros: 1. Smoked fish: the best that I have ever tried. Cons: 1. Location: it is in the middle of nowhere, very small and there are no restrooms. 2. Cash only: there is an ATM inside though 3. No seating available :(
(4)
David S.
If you love smoked fish - this place is the bomb. Salmon, shrimp, cat and trout....all excellent. Take out only!!!
(5)
Allan M.
It's all about the smoked seafood items here, such as the smoked salmon. If you don't get at least one smoked item, you're doing your visit wrong in my opinion, as that's always been their specialty. There's probably a reason that's the main thing I recall really liking here, and that the rest of what I ordered was good to not bad, but not sure if I'd say go out of your way unless you're on the south side. It's worth a trip at least once IMO, just for how darn good I really liked the smoked salmon here. I hope to do a visit when the weather warms up later in 2015, to see how the rest of the smoked seafood compares to the smoked salmon. BTW if you don't have a car, it's just a short walk(or bike ride) south from the 93rd Street(South Chicago Metra Electric branch) Metra station, to here. Go west from the station on 93rd St. to Baltimore Ave, Baltimore south to South Chicago Ave(major southeast/northwest road), South Chicago to 95th Street, then 95th east to the bridge. With this route, you won't have any delays between Metra and here if by some chance the drawbridge goes up, like it did at least on one past visit. And yes, this is the exact one seen in the 1980 Blues Brothers movie. No seating inside, except for a few tables outside, eating inside your car, or walk a few blocks east to Calumet Park and Beach to eat your food. Parking(no meters, and free btw) is mainly along 95th Street inbetween the South Chicago/95th traffic light and bridge, and at least one vacant lot immediately west of here has no parking signs, so be advised of this if you drive here. Nearly forgot to note this place is CASH ONLY, btw.
(4)
Carolyn w.
I've just got back from Calumet Fisheries East 95th Chicago ILL. I ordered Stuffed Fried Shrimp/ Fried Frog Legs /Smoked Salmon/ Smoked Cat Fish/ Smoked Shrimps. It has been well over 14 years since I've eaten stuffed shrimps and it was well worth it and the drive I had three just sitting there in the car mum-mum mum good.....two or three frog legs there mum mum good.........on the drive back my hand was in the bag again for another stuffed shrimp..........................the smoked catfish/ salmon and shrimps were just as good......I'm out south from time to time and will be dropping in for more. Maybe it's good I didn't know Calumets was there when I lived out south. But I know now.......yes yes yes ............... Boy the Stuffed Shrimps..............
(4)
Christopher J.
Ordered the Catfish way too overpriced ( almost $13 for 4 grammar school lunch squares???!!) especially for the south side and I get Catfish briskets that were like the freezer kind that you get from the grocery store for like $2 a bag back in the 1990's and it tasted terrible! This is not fried fish it is Congolese torture! The fries were dry and unbelievably horrible! Complete and total ripoff! Avoid at all costs!!!!!
(1)
Kenneth L.
On my daily commute back home, I'm always tempted to make a quick pit stop by the Fisheries and make use of the emergency stash of cash I keep in my car for this purpose alone. I've had many of the smoked variety - salmon, sable, trout, shrimp - and a couple of the fried options as dinners to go - catfish and oysters. The anticipation of ripping open that white paper package kills me on my drive home. You can't go wrong. Though, I will say the sable isn't always available and, to be honest, it's not as good as the salmon (too fatty). My personal favorites are the salmon and shrimp, which have an almost buttery taste with its natural oils kept heavily concentrated inside through the smoking process. Not to mention, the smoked salmon almost feels like a steal at ~$15/lb. The fried oysters are also surprisingly delicious. For those who aren't fortunate enough to work in the beautiful NW Indiana area, make the trip. It's worth it. The Fisheries are an institution that doesn't fail to live up to its reputation.
(5)
William H.
Anthony Bourdain's show about Chicago prompted my interest in Calumet Fisheries. It turns out that my Southside mother (88th and Mackinaw then Lansing) used to go to this very same place on Fridays in the 1950s when the restaurant served shrimp in Chinese take-out cartons whose sides would become so greasy that people could see through them! Sixty years later on 5/29/2015 my mother ordered the shrimp dinner, which comes with slaw. According to her, the shrimp still have the same coating as back in the '50s! My fiancee and I ordered a large fry (nice thick square-cut fries served in a huge old-fashioned red and white paper ground-beef tray), the smoked trout, smoked salmon with pepper and garlic, and the normal smoked salmon, to which an employee said, "There's nothing normal around here." :-) The salmon just came out of the smoker and had a pleasant oily and tender texture that lacked any trace of smokey flavor. The trout was fine. All three orders of fish came in triple-wrapped white paper, which adds to the great old-fashioned touch. The slaw was nice and tangy. The fries had a full and slightly oily favor that complemented the fish. Overall, there's nothing to criticize! Just enjoy this time-tested Southside treasure of great fishy goodness, especially if are a Chicagoan! Support the local economy, damn it!! PS Tip 1: Some people may be a bit apprehensive about the neighborhood, but they shouldn't worry too much. Just take the Bishop Ford to the Stoney Exit, which takes you on a very long exit ramp that deposits you at about 97th and Stoney. Go a couple blocks north to 95th, make a right, and go 2 short miles to Calumet Fisheries. Tip 2: We completed our Southeast-side tour by eating at some picnic tables at the William Powers State Recreation Area at 126th and Ave. O in the lesser-known Chicago neighborhood Hegewisch. Despite the Rahmfather's official tourist maps that end at 55th street, Chicago does have countless hidden gems south of Hype Park, such as Pullman, Argus Brewery, and Calumet Fisheries! Get in on the secret before the hipsters do!!
(5)
Maria E.
If you enjoy smoked fish, go here because it's quite delicious. Good smoked trout, salmon, sturgeon, shrimp, with a variety of sides to choose from. I loved the fried pickles, fried pickle spears to be exact, some of the best I've had. If you like the Blues Brothers and want to see where the bridge scene was filmed, go here. If you follow Anthony Bourdain wherever he goes, go here. This is kind of far from anywhere so find a car to drive here. It is cash only. There is no seating inside or outside so you either eat in your car and stink it up big time, or better option - drive down a little further and go sit and eat on a bench by the lake.
(4)
Tieshea B.
I saw this place on the travel channel years ago and couldn't get them out my head. I finally made it. The people were rude as they figured we knew what to do as far as ordering. The two different sides we were not aware of. Beyond that the food was good it's pricy but good. I had fried pickles which I love. The smoked shrimp was ok some were mushy. The fried shrimp was good as well as the smelts. I would return for the pickles!!!
(3)
Mike D.
I've been eating Calumet Fisheries as long as I can remember. My parents grew up a stones throw away from their location, so as a shorty I was treated to the delicious smoked fish and other items from their menu. On weekends you'll see cars jostling for parking and a line all the way out the door and then some. Try the chubs, frog legs, shrimp, smoked salmon, hell try it all! I love this place. Now I've got taste for it!
(4)
Jordan P.
So I wasn't a huge fan of this place. I drove alllll the way down here with high expectations, but I'm going to have to disagree with my fellow Yelpers. This place was nothing special. We ordered a ton of food - fried clams, fried fish, fries, smoked fish, shrimp, etc. and all of it was meh. There was absolutely nothing special about it at all. The breading on everything was bland and the fish was of so-so quality. In addition, the place was extremely slow and smells disgusting. This place was definitely not worth the trip. I've had much better fried everything downtown.
(2)
Sadia K.
nothing beats smoked fish like this place...a small hole in the wall in the middle of nowhere but my oh my, the fish is delicious and fresh.. I wish we had a place like this back home. I could buy by the pound for my weekly sandwiches. No more am I going to be able to enjoy store bought smoked salmon.. Calumet fisheries has raised the bar! By the way, no restrooms.. relieve your duties before coming here..
(5)
Janie J.
What can I say that hasn't already been said? Even my picky eater of a little sister thoroughly enjoyed the smoked trout, salmon, sturgeon and the fried shrimp. It's all great, delicious, high quality fish. Love this place. So worth the drive!
(5)
Keith A.
Since Anthony Bourdain's first Chicago episode I've been wanting to come here. It isn't the easiest place to get to, but a business road trip allowed for me and a friend to come here on our way back. It had been a long drive and everything really hit the spot. I had read up on what to get and went with a lb or smoked shrimp, a half order of fried shrimp, and a half order of fried oysters. The smoked shrimp were just absolutely amazing. The shells were on and you had to peel them. What was peeled away was something that I could eat all day every day. What was even better was that the guy behind the counter asked if it was our first time, we said yes, and he then gave us a smoked shrimp each. It was really nice to get a sample of the goods before. The two fried selections were excellent too. I was digging more on the fried shrimp than oysters, but I think it's more because I'm a huge lover of raw oysters and I always want that flavor from them. Calumet Fisheries isn't the easiest place to get to for us north siders. But, it is well worth the trip. There is the added fun factor of sitting on one of the benches outside and feeling like you're in a completely different area of Chicago. Calumet Fisheries is a Chicago treasure and one that deserves to be visited.
(4)
Tammy L.
I really liked the food from Calumet. My friends and I all piled into a car, bought a whole boatload of food, and ate at Calumet park, as others have suggested. It was a chilly day, so I think the food will taste even better on a sunny, warm one. We sampled both the fried food and the smoked fish, though I was disappointed that someone had apparently bought their entire supply of smoked sable for the day, so I'll have to try that next time. I really liked the pepper-garlic salmon. It was so moist and flavorful! Perfect with cream cheese )brought from home) and hot sauce. The smoked shrimp were really big and moist also. Like Johnny T, I really prefer cleaned shrimp, but I do understand that the shells probably need to be intact in order for the shrimp to stay moist through the smoking process. The fried things we tried (clam strips, smelts, shrimp) were also good, but I think I liked the smoked stuff better. Of the fried things, I think my favorite were the smelts. I kind of wished the clam strips had been more big pieces instead of small--lots of small bits. I would skip the potato and macaroni salads--not my cup of tea. Next time I'd make and bring my own. The folks at the counter were really nice and accommodating, especially since we were taking a while to strategize and put our order in. They happily gave us extra paper boats and other fixings. It's not necessarily the cheapest place, but the fish is really good, so you get what you pay for. It's worth the trip!
(4)
Jason N.
Found this place courtesy of Mr. Anthony Bourdain. Ended up ordering a large amount of fried seafood and smoked shrimp which we consumed in a fairly rapid fashion in our automobile. Despite smelling like fish fry already, we proceed to order several pounds of smoked fish to take home in our long journey back to NY. While we luckily did not have any cats attacks our auto on the way, it was well worth the risk. Pros: Great smoked fish, shrimp, fairly inexpensive Cons: It is literally a shack in the middle of nowhere near the Illinois/ Indiana border. No tables, no restroom, nada
(5)
Jackson E.
This place is right down the street...went on yelp to see what all the hype was about...every weekend we would see cars lined up near the bridge and people heading that way on bikes. Last night was our first stop in. Surprisingly clean inside despite the old shack type look on the outside. We ordered fish chips and the shrimp. They were good not "to die for" I didn't like the hot sauce it was more vinegar than hott. The fries were okay. I liked how everything was fried fresh to order...the staff was really friendly and fast. It was an alright friend. We also grabbed a smoked white fish to try. Overall I think if you were going in for their speciality smoked fish it is worth it....but I know I wouldn't drive more than down the block for the food. Cash Only if u do decide!
(3)
T G.
Loved it! Great food and friendly staff who are more than happy to answer questions. We got half orders of catfish, oysters, scallops and shrimp. Also large order of fries. Food was for 4 people and we had leftovers. Everything was good. Even though we're an hour away we'll definitely be coming back. *there is no seating
(5)
Sylvia C.
This place will quench your fried seafood craving. I had the fried shrimp, oysters, and fish. Everything was fried perfectly. The shrimp was awesome and retained a lot of the shrimp flavor for being fried. The oysters are on the pungent side (not because it was going bad, just the type of oyster it was), but I didn't mind this because I like pungent foods. The consistency of the oyster kept most of its raw form, which I also liked, but it's a little weird to bite into a crispy fried batter and have something mushy/boogery flood into your mouth. This isn't a complaint, though. Still pretty tasty. The fish was good. Nothing special, but delicious nonetheless. Fries were just ok. Typical fries. The cole slaw is 80% mayonnaise. The guy gave us a sample of the smoked fish and shrimp. Oh my goodness, did that fish melt in my mouth. They smoke it and retain a lot of the fat content, which is hard to do since smoking dries out meat. Next time I go, I'm going to get a steak of smoked salmon. It was pretty amazing and the smoke flavor was great! The smoked shrimp doesn't retain as much of the smoke flavor due to the shell, but it was still good. There is no seating. You eat in your car, or outside on the curb if it's not winter.
(4)
Angela P.
Sure, there's a little bit of added hype to the place because of Anthony Bourdain and the Blues Brothers, but I thought a Bourdain quote on the wall was particularly inspiring, "Be a traveler, not a tourist." When you go to Calumet Fisheries, you come for the food AND the view. It is far off the path for your typical tourist, but I've been working hard at creating an ideal "staycation" style itinerary for us to explore Chicago. I've been chasing after the concept of being a traveler in my own city and not a tourist. This is why you go to Calumet Fisheries. Still feeling full from our visit at Argus Brewery, we decided on a half order of shrimp, a half order of scallops and some fries to share. Add two cans of pop and we spent about $20. The fried shrimp was the best fried shrimp! The shrimp tasted fresh, and the batter was super crispy. Calumet Fisheries could be a dangerous spot for your wallet if you're a hungry hippo. The scallops were a little bit chewy though, which wasn't a complete surprise since scallops can be a challenge to cook. Still, you'd think a fishery would have this (nearly) perfected. A dingy little shack on the river is a great setting for lunch. However, since this is Chicago you may not want to sit on the two picnic tables outside if it's cold and windy. We opted to eat in the car, which was still fun since we got to watch the bridge come up once to let a boat through. Don't put Calumet Fisheries on your "when I'm in the neighborhood sometime..." list. Just give yourself a reason to GET in the neighborhood.
(5)
Vina O.
Am I the only person who does not care for their food at all?! The breading to fish ratio is way off, to the point where I can barely taste the fish. The breading is also flavorless! I've had their breaded catfish, smelt, scallops, frog legs, and squid. I honestly did not like anything because of the breading! I can make MUCH better fried seafood anyday (and I do). Definitely not worth the trip nor the long lines.
(1)
Delilah D.
Delicious smoked shrimp and fried scallops that melt in your mouth.
(5)
Courtney C.
I remembered seeing this place featured on the T.V. show 'No Reservations.' A co-worker and I had been spending some time in Chicago on business, and we decided to take the "scenic" route home. We happened across Calumet Fisheries on accident. It is tiny, but it can't be missed as it is the last business before crossing the bridge. My co-work was put off by the look of the smoked variety, so he settled with fried catfish. I love trout, so I got a healthy chunk of the garlic/peppercorn smoked trout. It was probably the best fish I have ever tasted! The smoke is present, but not overpowering. The garlic and crushed peppercorns enhance the flavors. I was blown away by how moist the meat was. It looks as though it would be dried out, but it is juicy and tender. My co-worker raved about the catfish, so I tried a piece of that as well. The breading was simple, but delicious. He inturn had a piece of the trout, which shocked him to the point of regretting the decision to go fried. I took a small piece home to my daughter (12) who has recently decided she likes fish. She was also impressed. The staff was friendly and helpful. Next time we're in Chi-town, we will be hitting this joint on our way out! An all around great experience.
(5)
Steven B.
I've been eating here since I was a kid and it is always amazing. The fish dinner is great, the shrimp dinner is great, and the smoked salmon is amazing.
(5)
Vincent S.
Driving by it near the state line, off the toll road and it was easy to find. It looks like a dump, we all know that, but that is OK. Beautiful looking fish.NO SAMPLES. That was not good. Either it is smoked or it is fried. I can get fried fish anywhere so I went for the smoked fish. I smoke salmon all the time, catching it on Lake Michigan. With this in mind I ordered a dinner of smoked WHITE FISH. The pop came in a can, ehh! The fries were good and ridiculously portioned. The fish was perfectly smoked but cool. I wasn't ready for that, but it was GREAT. It was a big chunk near the head. I got 3 crab cakes too, I can't pass them up. AWESOME taste, but not giants. Finally, the price wasn't bad either. As Arnold Schwarzenegger said, "I'll be back."
(4)
Diana J.
They smoke their fish in-house, and it's where Anthony Bourdain went to get some good fish in Chicago. Need I say more? Well, I probably should: This place is not close to you...it's probably in a part of the city you didn't know existed, even though the Blues Brothers car jumping bridge scene was shot here. It's very far south and very far east, but if you're anywhere near the neighborhood it's a must. They have an assortment of sea food smoked in different ways and even their fried catfish, shrimp, etc. are good. They are cash-only and there's no where to eat inside, so pack up some wet wipes, and plan to eat outside in your car.
(5)
Misty S.
The food here is decent, but nothing I would go out of the way to find. The guys that work here are friendly and fast. I tried the following: FRY FISH - I'm not sure what kind of fish, but $7 got me a pretty good amount of fried fish pieces and they were pretty good. The tarter sauce went well, as tarter sauces and fish go. I would try the smoked salmon next time around. FRY SHRIMP - $5 got me half order of friend shrimp, which at first I thought were the fish when I ate them. The texture was more fish-like than shrimp like. I dipped them in both tarter sauce and the hot sauce, but felt like neither sauce did the shrimps justice. Notes: -Cash only -Plenty of street parking -There's no place to sit and eat, plan on taking it to go
(3)
Alana D.
Wow pretty amazing! I've lived in the south shore area for a year and never heard about this till recently. Glad I checked it out! I had the shrimp dinner and it was really good! I really can't wait to go back! Also the scenery is pretty great it's near a boat dock and there is a picnic table out front.
(4)
Oscar S.
I am sooooo glad I finally got the opportunity to try Calumet Fisheries.Have been dying to come here FOR MONTHS!!!! Somehow it hadnt panned out till FINALLY today.Was an enjoyable experience.Couldnt pass up the chance to try the smoked salmon I've heard so much about.Definetely WORTH IT!!!!! As I waited on my order to be ready I was looking at the rest of their menu.I already know what my next order will be!!!!!! I WILL BE BACK!!!!!! Its a place people IM SURE just drive past and dont give it a second thought because its in the middle of nowhere.Luckily,I know its there and they have some AMAZING smoked fish!!!! Not too many places like this left.So every chance I get Im gonna make it a point to come in again.Totally recommend!!!!!
(5)
Ken B.
First trip here. It was really good! Got the fish dinner and it came with fries and cole slaw. Cole slaw was really good. Fish was flaky and good, a thinner but crunchy breading. Service was quick and friendly, cash only for payment. It's in a weird spot. I will go back for some smoked fish!
(4)
allison k.
Oh my, their smoked everything is awesome. The sable and sturgeon are more interesting but the good old fashioned smoked white fish and smoke salmon are still amazing. I also really liked the smoked shrimp!! I'm not that big into fried food bit the stuffed shrimp are really good. Everyone is friendly and easy to deal with. Small place so make your selections to keep things moving, no inside tables, quick service, cash only. So so good and wonderful to serve this smoked fish for Sunday morning brunch! Or a dinner appetizer! Or anytime!
(5)
Mayra M.
I give them five stars well deserved . I love their shrimp it's the best around!!! I have tried fried shrimp in a lot of places and this place is my favorite!!! Yet have to taste better!!! Not to mention quick service that's always a plus!!!
(5)
Chet M.
I refuse to succumb to the peer pressure and accolades of the Bourdain visit, James Beard Award, and storied history... This place is just okay on my sunny Wednesday noon time visit - - They only had 1 piece of smoked sable left. - There was no smoked sturgeon. Does me no damn good of how good it is if you can't sell me a piece. - The smoked shrimp was unique and very good. - Smoked salmon was as good as from any other serious smoke shops. - The fried smelt, fish chips, scallops, were as good as expected. - The sodas in the fridge counter was not cold and they do not offer cups of ice. Spent $157 here (goodie bags for friends) and no cold drink to wash down my meal in the car. Dissapointed and overrated? You betcha....
(3)
Jason B.
If you judge a place that smokes by the scent of smoke, this place is going to get 5 stars, hands down. It hits you hard and big as you walk in and if that's for you, certainly you'll mutter something like: this is f#cking awesome. And it is. Calumet Fisheries is awesome. I know of no other place in the area that really compares, so they have to get 5 stars. It's in a class of its own. Yeah, yeah... Bourdain, that's cool... Blues Brothers? If you frown or grimace or dismiss Blues Brothers lore in any way, you should not be living in Chicago. The food? Famously great, hundreds of other reviews will attest to that. And if it wasn't good, it wouldn't still be attracting people from across the states every single day. For me, Calumet Fisheries is more than just food. It's the setting. It's the humble shack that still pulls a James Beard award. It's a reminder that the southeast side of Chicago made something great, and still does. The smokestacks of Wisconsin Steel, Republic, Inland and more may be gone, but they're still smokin' at Calumet Fisheries and that is something to celebrate.
(5)
Jordan M.
This place is totally worth the pain in the ass drive (essentially) to Indiana. I stopped by on my way from Chicago to Indianapolis and planned to try a bunch of different things since I likely wouldn't be in the area again anytime soon. I ordered the smoked shrimp, the fried shrimp and the (fried) fish dinner. All three were worth ordering again but my favorite was the smoked shrimp and I don't think I could ever return and not order it again. The shrimp were fresh and very large. The smokey flavor was undeniable. These guys are professionals and the product reflects that. I've eaten seafood at GT Fish & Oyster, Joe's, Fish Bar, and numerous other places in Chicago and this place is right at the top of the list. Next time I visit (on my way to the Three Floyd's brewery with friends) I will make sure to try some of the smoked salmon because it looks absolutely delicious sitting in the glass casing. I fully expect that to rival the smoked shrimp in terms of flavor. The sauces that come with your order are nothing special but with such high quality food you don't really need to add much to it. There's nowhere to sit inside the especially unassuming shack on the side of the road. If the weather is nice, just eat your food on the nearby bridge while taking in the view of the river. If the weather sucks, take your food to go and eat in your car. Be aware, you and your vehicle are going to smell like whatever you ordered for at least the next day.
(5)
Chris H.
First visit. Nothing better than smoked whitefish on a sunny late-summer morning.
(5)
Ryne D.
What an ordeal this day was. After driving all the way here and eating, my girlfriend's car broke down, we had to get towed, and were left stranded in Oak Lawn by an unhelpful Mazda dealership. Luckily we got a ride to Midway from a friend and took an hour long trip home from there on the Orange. Yet still...for Calumet Fisheries? Totally worth it. I'd never had shrimp this flavorful before in my life. You can order by the piece, so my gf and I got 5 each. They were large, meaty, and buttery texture-wise, and didn't need any kind of dipping sauce at all. I would make the trip back just for these bad boys. We also got the peppered salmon. Now in my experience, unless it's slathered in some kind of mayo sauce, salmon often times turns out kind of dry. Now I don't know how smoking does this, but the salmon here turned out almost creamy with a great flavor. I'd never had fish like this and really want to see how their other fish turn out. We also got the fried scallops and fried oysters because, hell, we drove a far way from home to get here. These also turned out great, with the scallops being large and meaty and the oysters still retaining their tasty fishiness. The staff here was great, too. As we and some other people were taking pictures, one of the employees invited us to take a look at their smoker. I was quite amazed to see just how many fish they were smoking at one time, but given how great the food was, I can see them moving rather quickly. This place is a true Chicago landmark. Bring cash, bring wet naps, and bring a place to sit; a car will do nicely, provided that it still works when you're done eating.
(5)
James L.
Everything it is cracked up to be right down to the gritty industrial neighborhood and rusty bridges. Smoked fish was excellent. We had the salmon, trout and whitefish. Trout was my personal favorite. The smoked and fried shrimp were so different yet both so good. We got quite a bit to go, too, so don't forget your cooler and don't miss this true Chicago experience.
(5)
Danny M.
We've decided to come here because we were craving fried seafood and oysters on a Sunday afternoon. Needed something greasy to cure that hangover. This place was recommended to us by my gf's friend and I have bookmarked it a while back, but finally decided to give this place a try. The drive took about 15 minutes, which wasn't too bad, but it is still a drive because they have a similar place by me that gets the craving done as well. As soon as we got there, the place was small and they didn't have anywhere to sit and eat inside. It was somewhat busy, but the lines moved fast. The workers were really nice and we ordered a bunch of stuff worth $45.00. We got 2 full orders for Fried Oysters, full order of clam strips, half order of fried shrimp, and an order of fried sweet potato tater tots. We couldn't eat it there, so we drove back with the food and ate it about 30 minutes later. It was somewhat cold, but the important thing was that everything tasted really good still. The fried oysters were good, but it got a little dry from it being cold. The clam strips were good and you get a lot of clams and not a lot of breading like most places. The fried shrimp was really really good. Definitely my favorite. The fried sweet potato tater tots were really good as well, and it helps keep the spiciness down from the hot sauce. Overall, I would definitely come back here in the future, but this place is not convenient for as it is by the Illinois/Indiana border. If I hit up the Shoe, I would definitely make a stop here as it is right off the Skyway. Also, I would definitely get the smoked shrimp because I have heard many great things about them and they were really popular there. We just wanted something greasy, so we didn't get that. Oh and keep in mind, this place is CASH ONLY!! That's the only bad thing about this place.
(4)
Delores J.
Well if you think about it, my tip was my review but for the sake of being non complicated let's go again. If you like Smoked fish this is heaven. Heck if you bring them the Crackling I'm sure they would smoke it for you and then serve. The Smokehouse effect is for smoke meat lovers. This reminds me of the argument I love to have with Catholics. Try it, some of them think fish is not meat. So funny... try it during lent its even funnier.
(4)
Angela S.
When I venture out of the city to try a place I of course hope it's worth the trip. I'll admit I had some expectations after seeing CF on an episode of "Check Please." The place is such a dive and so cute looking. I didn't care that I'd have to eat in the car alongside the highway near the industrial Indiana border. I was excited to try some French fried seafood goodness! And it was busy. There were regulars and suburbanites in and out as I began to dig in to my car picnic of breaded clams, shrimp, catfish nuggets, fries and... Curly dark hairs! Not just one, but several sprinkled throughout the fries like a garnish. I couldn't believe my eyes. And had my fingers not been French fried greasy I would've taken a picture. I'm sure every place's cleanliness, hygiene and maintenance is compromised from time to time, but that was a huge disappointment. The food wasn't out if this world either. I've treated myself to that fried junk food at plenty of places in the city. The only difference is that it's been minus the short and curlies.
(2)
Marc R.
I went down here after driving past the place for decades and thinking it was a typical Chicago shrimp shack - which it is to a degree. I came for something specific: smoked fish pieces because I had seen Anthony Bourdain and read about the James Beard Award. I drive the Skyway all the time so decided to hop off at Indy-Blvd and go look for Calumet Fisheries. You park your car behind all the cop cars, city sanitation trucks, and highway crews (this place is a hit with Laborers, Cops, and city workers). Most people were getting the fried shrimp, and other fried stuff, but since I saw Anthony Bourdain going crazy as he sat and ate his smoked fish I went for the smoked fish! I selected the smoked salmon and Trout (Pepper & Garlic). Both were freaking amazing. The rich fish oils and smoked flavor of the salmon (you get to choose pieces) would do well on any fancy party tray. The garlic and pepper is a house specialty and was also amazing. I bought these to take home and had them with toasted bread, a little mustard, but mostly plain in my hands. The fish oils just taste so good (and are pretty good for you). I would go for the house specials which are the smoked fish items (they have whole fish), EEL, Sable, etc. If there is something you want to make sure you try I would suggest you call ahead before the lunch rush. They have a tiny little corner and the little shack has the smoke house right behind it. When I was there I saw the dudes tending to the smoke fires. How cool is that? The industrial site next door has a security truck sitting there - so I think they do not want you parking on that piece of property so you are forced to park in the small number of spots right before the 95th street bridge. If I had a place on the Michigan shore this would be a place to stop off at on the way over. Easy detour off the Skyway.
(4)
E J H.
OK, they got us. Some folks really have no taste. This was the worst seafood we've eaten...Ever! Since this was our first time ordering seafood from this place, we decided to sample a few items. And am I glad we did. We ordered a FULL (12 oz.) order of shrimp, half order each of catfish nuggets, perch nuggets and fries. Everything was hot but fried to a crisp; nearly burnt, and tasteless. The shrimp were so small, over-breaded, over-cooked and over-priced. Shrimp should be tender; not fried to a crisp. If you want any sauces or crackers, there is an extra charge. We wanted to try the smoked salmon, but the smallest piece was $15. Sure glad I had them put it back. If it was anything like the fried items, I'm glad I didn't waste any more money. If you enjoy good fried shrimp, drive north to Hammond, Indiana on Calumet Ave. and check out Bob's Shrimp. So much better taste and a FULL pound for less money. Calumet Fisheries may have been the place to go years ago, but today it's junk. Maybe it was an off-day for us. My recommendation: Don't waste your time or money.
(2)
Michael F.
Everyone knows that the Calumet River is the Seine of the southeast side of Chicago, and that its best, and possibly only, restaurant sits right on the rive gauche. People come from all around to get to Calumet Fisheries which is good because only 12 people live within a mile. If you're in the Loop and wish to meet your friend in Guatemala for lunch, this is a perfect in between point. There is no seating inside or out, but while I searched in vain for a possible outdoor picnic table or pumpkin to sit on, I found a small controlled fire next to the building which may be related to smoking the fish or an unrelated satanic ritual, but I'll never know as I chose not to further explore. Despite the distance and lack of seats, Calumet Fisheries is worth the hassle. The smoked fish is delicious and seemingly done on premises. The prices are reasonable and the food is probably not from the Calumet river. I would say that it is much better than Lawrence Fisheries or Goose Island Shrimp House.
(4)
Charlie M.
This place is a classic! You cant go wrong with the fried shrimp and hot sauce, Ive been coming here for my entire life and its never changed. My favorite comfort food on the planet!
(5)
Allison V.
Did a bike ride with friends and crashed on the Lakefront bike path on the way home. Glad it wasn't on the way there!! I opted for the catfish nuggets, fries, and a water. The catfish was SOOOO tasty. We sat on the grass just outside and had a little picnic. It is always a fun trek to this place. Always busy and always fresh. I will be back.
(5)
Parker W.
Worth a trip for the smoked fish. They sell a lot of deep-fried seafood which is good but not worth the trip. Don't eat on the bridge in spring.... it may try to open on you.
(5)
Michael D.
I love this place! I got to go for the second time yesterday, and was as pleased as I was the first time. This time, though, I knew not to order too much food. A single filet (smoked salmon with or without pepper/garlic, trout with or without pepper/garlic) is really filling...as is a basket of the fried smelt. I got a single filet ($12) of the peppered salmon this time with a drink, and it made a perfect lunch. I live out-of-state, so I like to eat it with my hands in the car or on the bridge next door. If I lived nearby, I'd take a ton of this stuff home for use in full meals. By the way, I met the owner this time, and he offered up some samples of the stuff I was looking at. The samples I got were right out of the smoker, and still a little bit warm. The stuff in the regular case is fantastic enough already, and the warm goodies are completely out of this world. And, if you like to talk business, there is nothing more satisfying than meeting someone like this that is extremely proud of his craft, recent awards, and his long-term well-deserved success.
(5)
Susan G.
Oh yum! I grew up in the Jewish community of South Shore and remembered the place from my childhood. For all MOTs and other lovers of smoked fish, you can get there in a flash from Hyde Park by taking Stony Island out to South Chicago Avenue (at 79th Street). It's a little tricky to avoid the ramps to the Skyway (and that $3 toll), but bear left at the 3-street intersection and you'll make it to the Promised Land of sable, smoked chubs, etc. Forget the "trayf" and concentrate on what your foks used to serve for Sunday brunch. My Russian-born grandmother would suck the eyes out of the smoked chubs -- eeeyew! gross! but delish.
(5)
Mel M.
Nothing like it! Get the steamed options or fried shrimp and you will not be disappointed.
(4)
Shonda K.
My first experience at this restaurant and I must say I was not disappointed. I am a self proclaimed foodie and once I saw Calumet Fisheries listed on the top Shrimp Shack list and checked out Anthony Bourrdain's segment on this place, I knew I had to check it out. The fried shrimp was just ok [their competition just 2 miles away is better in the fried shrimp category in my opinion - Heinie's on 103rd and Torrence]. The true standout stars here are the smoked shrimp and salmon!! The smoking process really brought the sweetness in the Shrimp, and the Salmon? Words cannot describe the moist flavorful first bite. I'm saving my garlic pepper piece to eat it with my homemade Dill Rice and Fresh Steamed Broccoli. The perfect 4th of July meal!
(5)
A K.
I liked the smoked salmon , its cool place to visit if you have friends from outside town.
(4)
Mary Kate D.
Went yesterday after spending the day at the indiana dunes. We had the catfish dinner, smoked shrimp dinner, mac and cheese bites, and the smoked rainbow trout. Food was great. Smoked shrimp was the best. We enjoyed everything we had and the staff behind the counter was friendly, informative and quick. Support small businesses!
(4)
Vincent Y.
AH! Fantastically fried fish. I wish I could return over and over again on the Metra. So it's kind of in the middle of nowhere (next to the Skyway) but it's still delicious. And also there's no seating (or tables outside) but it's still delicious. And also it's nothing but fried fish, smoked fish, grilled fish (and some fried macaroni, fries, other fried stuff, etc.) but it's still delicious. One of the cooks, Carlos showed us the place around back and talked about the history of the place with LTH and the history of the place in general.. It was great. One of my favorite places in Chicago. There's a sign inside regarding the fact that this is not a chain restaurant. I hope it never becomes one.
(5)
Jon O.
Calumet Fisheries had been on my radar ever since I saw the Chicago episode of "No Reservations" a few years ago. Today, I finally made the long journey down to the southeast side of Chicago to give this place a try. Calumet Fisheries is basically a shack right next to a Calumet River drawbridge hidden behind the Skyway in an old, industrial neighborhood. Let me tell you this place is worth the drive! All of their fish is smoked on site, and the fried food is made to order. Everything we tried was delicious and inexpensive. I like that this place is small and old (opened in 1948) and located in a very non-touristy part of town. They are passionate about their product, and it is their reputation, not location, that has kept them in business this long.
(5)
Diana S.
Great. Fresh. Quality. Pricey. Smoked fish and shrimp truly delicious and not overly smokey but a distinct delicious flavor. Peppered salmon a must- almost like a damn good pastrami.... Yum yum yum !!!
(4)
carlos R.
Best fried shrimp and smoked items by far!!!!!!!!! Try the pepper and garlic salmon and/smoked shrimp.
(5)
Theresa C.
The best fish I have ever had in my life... hands down. Calumet Fisheries wins the debate. No one comes close. Unfortunately for me, I didn't do my homework and found out that it was cash only. I wanted smoked salmon, shrimp and everything on the menu. On my quest to be like Anthony Bourdain I had to try everything. What did I settle for with the few dollars in my pocket? The fried catfish. Yes, I went to a place known for smoked fish and ordered the catfish. Now I'm a catfish connoisseur despite being a Northern yankee. I've had the good and ugly of the catfish world. The breading and the catfish blended so well together here. I usually have catfish and it gets that dirty fishy taste, the fish is overcooked and dry or the breading overwhelms the fish. Not at Calumet Fisheries, it tasted so fresh, moist and damn delicious. The gods of flavor were smiling on this fish. Seriously I heard angelic harps somewhere. Top it off with the hot sauce (good for dipping the fries in as well), it made this meal heaven on Earth. My mom had the fish chips and absolutely raved about it. Usually eating with her, I can have a piece to "try." This time she wouldn't let go of any of it, so I knew it had to be good. Definitely worth the drive down 95th from Mt. Greenwood. I will be back, this time with money in my pockets for the the specialty of the house. Smoked salmon and shrimp, you have been warned.
(5)
Nishan P.
Johnny T. ate poop. The poor guy was mortified when he realized what he had done. He didn't know the smoked shrimp at Calumet Fisheries had not been deveined. His discovery sparked an interesting debate on whether smoked poop made the shrimp taste better. Theories were even offered about water poop being less disgusting than land poop. Okay, enough about poop; onto Calumet Fisheries. The business operates out of a shack on a bank of the Calumet River. There is barely enough room inside for a few people to stand while ordering. Large glass counters, displaying delicious looking hunks of smoked fish, consume most of the space. Behind the counters employees take orders and deep fry a variety of seafood. The fried oysters, fried clams, and fried fish were excellent. The smoked shrimp were also good but didn't taste much like shrimp; perhaps that's because of the poop. My fries were a bit of a disappointment. They tasted undercooked and were raw in the middle. There is no room to eat in the shack. Calumet Park, a few blocks down the road, is the perfect place for a lakeside picnic. Be prepared to fight off flocks of seagulls. They too seem to have a fondness for the Calumet Fisheries smoked shrimp, poop and all.
(4)
Abe R.
After my second visit I've finally gotten around to writing this review. Why I didn't after my first visit I have no idea, especially when it was easily one of the best overall meals in my lifetime. Maybe it was my conscience telling me to give it another try just to make sure I really did enjoy it as much as I believed. Who knows... Anyhow, I am going to make this as basic as possible: A. The fish is just damn fresh. B. The prices are fair to exceptional, especially for the quality. C. The people who work there are nice and helpful. Finally, here is a list of what I ate in no particular order of greatness since I eat everything and like all food. 1. Chubs--Fatty and Oily, and oh so great. 2. Heads and Collars--I love the collar, as again it is fatty and for me fat is goodness as it's moist and buttery. Same goes for the head. 3. Salmon--The smoke flavor really comes through in this type of fish. 4. Sturgeon--Smokey, Buttery, and unreal. 5. Shrimp--Huge, moist, and great. 6. Trout--Simple flavor, with not as much fat, but still very tasty. All in all I couldn't recommend this establishment enough if you like fish, especially fish that has been smoked and is extremely fresh. I will tell you though that if you are like me and have a larger appetite then you just might need to save up a bit when coming here. That however is just a slight drawback, as fresh fish is never cheap. By the way, the place is CASH ONLY, and there is nowhere to eat inside, so you either need to eat in your car on a cold day, or if it's nice, head to the park nearby just across the bridge. The latter I definitely recommend since you can sit by the lake and eat, and if you are on the lookout, their is usually a shaved ice vendor cart nearby and even a mango stand. Enjoy Suckas'!!!
(5)
J. Chuck K.
If you're looking for warm smiles and a friendly "hello" from the person serving you behind the counter, then go else where. This place is rough around the edges in just about every aspect of their operation, but they do put out some good food for a good value. I stopped by with some friends for a quick lunch on our way to Michigan for the weekend. To be honest, I'm not a big fish guy, so I went with the crab cakes and onion rings. For just under $11, I got 3 huge cakes and a Chinese food container filled to the brim with rings. While you're waiting for your food, there's plenty of news paper clips about the Blues Brothers and Anthony Bourdain. They are shameless in the fact they want you to know Anthony Bourdain once ate there. It's cool to read about the Blues Brothers filming by the bridge just feet away from this shack, but I really could have done without the shrine to Bourdain. Come here when it's warm out, because there's no place to eat inside. They have some old picnic tables or you can eat on the bridge, but be prepared to have lunch/dinner in your car if it's freezing or raining.
(3)
Carol M.
This places smokes the competition!! I've only had the smoked salmon and smoked trout tail, but both were amazing. The salmon served as a few dinners w/ some sliced apples, nuts, and cheeses. Prices weren't that bad either. This is totally worth the trip from the heart of the city...and next time I might take a cooler with me so I can stop by on my long bike rides. Swoon.
(5)
Polly G.
I've been coming here since I was a kid. I remember thinking how bad it smelled to me as a child, but as an adult, it is a mouth watering aroma. My favorite dish is the fried shrimp, best fried shrimp hands down. I've loved this place my whole life and am thrilled to see the culinary world take notice!
(5)
Mike P.
As a native to the area where Calumet Fisheries is, I'd never really tried it until a handful of years ago when I was looking for some place different to go. Its been well worth the wait (and finally they are getting the kudos they deserve for the awesome and delicious stuff they have). I'll admit I've only tried their smoked shrimp once (and enjoyed it) as I like to get their fried fish...the fish chips and shrimp most of the time. Its all freshly prepared so its nice and hot when I bring it in the house. They also have more than just fries for sides...mushrooms, calamari, and sweet potato tots to name a few. Yea there are no seats in the place and all they take is cash, but hey, they've been doing it right for so long, why fix what isn't broken? If you are coming here, especially now during the season of Lent (pre-Easter), be prepared to wait as I did tonight....the place does fill up quickly (and you can tell by how far back you have to park) and depending on what you get, it may take a bit to get your orders...but be prepared to enjoy some great seafood!
(5)
Adam K.
Thank the lord Jehova and all his witnesses this place exists, if not I'd be forced to eat McDonalds or subway everyday I forgot my lunch. Like today. But wow man, this place really is wonderful. They even messed my order up, and it was still tremendously better food than anything I can remember having recently. They sent me home with a half frozen smoked trout, slaw and sweet potato nuggets. After zapping the trout I dug in and it was superb. I will for sure be back. What a weird little spot. Just at the top of a bridge going over the Calumet river it looks like a fishing shack from the 1940s. Inside its all metal signs and a big wraparound counter. Thats it. So order it up and eat in your car like everyone else. Or return to work and make your lunchroom smell like a smoke house. The fish was devine. I will be a regular here. I don't need Tony Bourdain to tell me whats good. Its nice to be able to eat so close to work and not eat deep fried meat or other stuff that makes my cardiologist squeal with glee as he checks my gravy-blood.
(5)
Jon D.
Go for smoked fish, salmon especially. If it's quiet, one of the guys will take you to the smoker, and get you to eat a fish eye (it's really not that bad). We went with a group of about 7, at around 2 on a Saturday afternoon, and went through a pound of smoked shrimp, three salmon pieces, two fish chips, two clam strips, and fries, and still had left overs. There's no seating, or bathrooms, and it is cash only. If you're going in autumn or winter, dress appropriatly and picnic on the hood of your car watching the the vessels coming up the river and under the 95th st bridge. Quality fish, nothing fancy, and that suits it just perfectly.
(4)
The Big O.
I love this place--the food, the people who work there, the post-Apocalyptic setting--and highly recommend it. Specifically, I recommend the fried shrimp, fried scallops and fried oysters. If I'm feeling indulgent I get a not-so-small small order of each, and some of their hot sauce, a small thing of their cole slaw, and either sit in the car and eat on a bad-weather day, or sit near the Calumet on a nice-weather day.
(5)
Kay J.
Mom saw this place on Check Please and I arrived thinking we would have table service and a glass of wine. Uh, nope. It is strictly take away. You park on the street in the bike path. I guess you can park in the vacant lot a block away and apparently in the summer there are picnic tables. We took a fillet of smoked salmon and OMG! It was fresh and moist and tasted wonderful! We also took half a dozen smoked JUMBO shrimp and they too were delicious. The fried shrimp were smaller and came with hot or mild sauce. We were assured the hot sauce was not too hot. AAAARRRGGG!!! NOT TRUE! The fried shrimp were incredible - best I have ever had. We headed south to Mickey D's for beverages and plan to return with dates and a bottle of wine in the summer and enjoy the ambiance on the shores of the canal!
(5)
Amber L.
Yum.
(4)
Diana G.
Been on my to try list for a while now. Was coming back from Indiana and was about to pass it and was telling my sister that it was there. We thought it was closed since it was 9:40pm, but we saw the light and my guy did a quick u-turn.....lol. Went in with my sister to order and we just wanted to order everything. We ended up with smoked shrimp, smoked salmon, fried shrimp, fried oysters and fried frog legs. We didn't eat there, we drove all the way back home which was like a long....15-20 minutes with the smell in the car. Smoked Shrimp - Massive and had that smokey taste to it. Smoked Salmon - I liked it. Maybe if I ate it on some crackers would've been better. Fried Shrimp - They were ok. Better than Lawrence's, but Franks still has the best fried shrimp so far. Fried Oysters - These were good, but I think they would've been great if we ate it right then and there. Fried Frog Legs - These were ok. The hot sauce has quite a kick to it, but the mild sauce was very good! Definitely bring cash......this stuff is not cheap! Will be back to try the smoke chub and trout. Also, the guy working there was friendly and telling us about the place and stuff. Cool!
(4)
Nix M.
Brought home smoked shrimp, garlic and pepper salmon and smoked trout. Had the salmon which was moist and smokey tasting. Didn't really taste any garlic or pepper taste and to be honest it was very fishy tasting which makes me wonder how old the fish was when it was smoked. I am used to fresh smoked fish and this isn't it. While there we shared a fried shrimp dinner which was bland and tasteless. Couldn't they add seasoning to the breading? The sauces were yucky. Smoked shrimp were very good but would have liked them to be more smokey. Won't be going back even though the people there were very helpful and nice.
(3)
Damon M.
Great food period, if you are really into seafood. I tried this place after seeing them on "Check Please" one day. I could not believe that I had never been to CF after living in Chicago all my life and "Certified" seafood lover. I tried the garlic pepper salmon and the smoked jumbo shrimp. I was very impressed with this place. Even though it is a little pricey and a hole in the wall, but worth it to me. I will be returning faithfully for the smoked shrimp at least. Friendly straight forward service. They will know my name soon.....
(4)
Simon M.
Delicious.
(5)
Denny L.
Came here on a cold sunday afternoon, after seeing it featured on Anthony bourdain a long while back. Came here with a friend and we ordered a pound of salmon, pound of shrimp, a pound of fried oysters and a order of calamari. Smoked salmon was delicious. Great flavor and fresh. The smoked shrimp was also very good. Fresh and sweet, just the right amount of smoky flavor. the oysters were good, but not as juicy as i expected. the calamari was just okay, kind of over battered, and on the bland side. Will definitely come back for the salmon and smoked shrimp!
(4)
Laila C.
I now have 5 pounds of smoked fish in my house! Kate G. came back to visit!!! and wanted to hit up Calumet Fisheries. Since going to South 95th is not something I do on a regular basis, I made the most out of my trip. Got smoke salmon and smoked trout in black pepper/garlic. Super rich and fishy with a great texture. Smoked shrimp which is about the size of my face-a pound gets you about a dozen. Fried oysters and I wanted fried clam stripes but they accidentally gave me fried scallops instead. The scallops were good but got too hot and mushy, the oysters were fine..but I couldn't really eat more than 3 and a pound ended up being about 2 dozen. EEks cons: hot sauce is not hot. fried stuff got too mushy additional pros: an awesome biker thought I had just finished "smoking" which is why I ordered so much food and when he found out I was in my right state of mind, told me he wanted to get with me---if it wasn't for his wife. 50 year old bikers hitting on me for my ability to consume a lot of food is probably the best compliment EVER.
(4)
Zach J.
First of all please ignore the lame brain yelpers that trashed on this place for lack of parking spots and cash only. The best ma n pa places are cash only idiot!! They are not going to plow away a huge parking lot or move since they have been there since at least 1927. Don't trash on a business because they want to stick to their roots!! Those that said it is not fresh do not know s**t about fresh seafood! Now onto the food, the food is mind blowingly good and many items are fresh caught right in Chicago. These guys even go ice fishing in the Winter! The Salmon is to die for, fresh, mouthwatering, fall off the bone, smoked to perfection salmon that will melt in your mouth. The trout is also friggin amazing too. I love ordering the fried smelt with that delicious hot sauce. The Shrimp is smoked and delicious, large and to die for! The fried pickles were delicious too. I have been here a few times and love it to death, I wish it was closer to home then I would visit every week! They have been using the same smoker since 1927, and they have not changed a thing about it! The way they cook your fish is exactly how they cooked it in 1927, if that does not make you excited enough to drive through the tough South Deering and East Side neighborhoods to dine at this wonderful joint I do not know what will.
(5)
Gregory B.
I've been to heaven and its name is Calumet Fisheries. Perfect. If you hate smoked fish, get the fried. If you hate fish, get the shrimp. If you hate fried fish, get the smoked. Rinse and repeat. This place was featured in the original Blues Bros Movie. James Beard Foundation gave it a huge award. Anthony Bourdain was nuts over it. It looks like a bridge tender shack next to the river. It's been there for 80 years and looks it. They've done it the same way since then. Get the smoked shrimp or the smoked pepper salmon. Best ever.
(5)
Ben N.
After visiting Calumet Fisheries a couple of times, I have to wonder why smokehouses like this are a dying breed. Because, Holy Bejeebus, fish can be shockingly delicious when it's given this treatment, at least when it's done right, as these folks do. We've stopped by here heading south out of the city. All told, it's only a half-hour or so detour off of I-94, and presumably a lot less off the Skyway. Sure, the area seems vaguely sketchy if you're from out of town, but the Rust Belt vibe makes it interesting. If you're from out of town and headed home, make sure you've got a little ice chest (and ice, of course), because you need to take some this smoked fish home with you. We're partial to the pepper-and-garlic salmon and the trout. It's very reasonably priced: $15 a pound for the salmon and only about $8 a pound for the trout. It's far fresher-tasting and firmer than the smoked fish than you'd get in a similar or even greater price range with the vacuum-sealed, rubbery, salty smoked-fish product. Given these prices, it is delicious, decadent eating for a couple or three days after we get home. We've yet to get to Calumet Fisheries for the fried seafood; for whatever reason, we've rolled through too early for lunch. Got to get back for the chowing-down-while-sitting-on-the-95th-Street-Âguardrails experience. No doubt that Calumet Fisheries labors under a mountain of hype, thanks in large part to the Bourdain Chicago episode. But I think the hype gets justified here, at least when it comes to smoked fish. Warning: no credit cards.
(5)
EurJean C.
My gracious hosts took me here during a visit to Chicago. I suggest coming early in the morning to beat the crowd. We were able to chat with Carlos, who showed us where the smoke the fish and explained the process to us. It was really interesting and I really appreciate the extra effort he took to make our experience great. We ordered the fried smelt, smoked sturgeon, smoked tuna, smoked garlic and pepper tuna, smoked salmon, smoked garlic and pepper salmon, and smoked shrimp. The smoked fish was a bit drier and tougher than I expected, almost like jerky. I think how moist or smoky it turns out really depends on the individual batch and type of fish. The smoked shrimp were delicious and fun to eat and I loved the fried smelt. I recommend coming here at least for the adventure and to try something new. I'd come back just to try a different assortment of smoked fish. Tips: Plan to picnic, so if you like tartar sauce and lemon wedges you should bring your own. Bundle up on a cold day or be prepared to eat in your car, there is no seating inside.
(4)
Billy B.
Um, Calumet Fisheries anyone? Yes please! The first time I went to Calumet I foolishly got the friend shrimp and oysters. I was promptly berated when I told my friend Ryan that I didnt get smoked fish. So, I journeyed back for round 2. Round 2 consisted of garlic pepper smoked trout and salmon. OMFG, is this place amazing. It tastes like fish butter. I dont know how else to describe the food so fish butter it is. Go see for yourself and enjoy this delicious hole in the wall gem. PS. The fish are not sourced from Lake Calumet, which is a good thing.
(5)
Bob D.
I am shocked by the 4 and 5 star reviews, apparently a lot of folk just get all gitty about being in an industrial wasteland. They buy some mediocre food and feel like they are donating their not so hard earned money to charity. The fried food tastes highly processed, the breading is cloying and heavy. If you don't eat it outside it will b mush before you can do a u-turn on the bridge. The smoked fish is fine, but they charge a premium. The onion rings are bullshit frozen mass produced gmo crap. The sweat potato tots are gimmicky and frozen as well. The fried shrimp don't even qualify in my top ten old school Chicago Swimp joints. I would say if you are in the area grab some smoked salmon, whitefish, or sable, but unless you work at the coal yards or in shipping I am not so sure what you would be doing here. It's just not that good, really?
(3)
Pinaki S.
Do you like seafood? Can you eat at a shack/dive much like you might find on a coastal beach town? Do you EVER drive down the Skyway towards Indiana/Michigan? I mean ever?? Well here you go guys. I got 8 of the tastiest JUMBO shrimp (who knew what 'smoked' meant) (which is a half pound) + some quality slaw + mild sauce + basket of fries for $9. Anthony Bourdain's been here. It's a LTH Great Neighborhood Restaurant. Check it out.
(5)
John Y.
I have been a regular customer of Calumet Fisheries since I was a kid as I mentioned in my First to Review comments. I absolutely love this landmark shrimp house where I have experienced the best breaded fried shrimp in town.... On my last and most recent visit on Friday April 20th.... I purchased two (2) large orders of shrimp, fries and drinks to go. While the shrimp was plump and juicy, the breading surely not the same I had experienced time and time again through the years. The shrimp seemed to be coated in a corndog consistency of breading..... smooth and of equal thickness of golden color.... This is not the breading that made this place famous long before the Blue Bros. film had any positive effects.... What happened ? Where are my crunchy pieces of deli sh breading at the bottom of my container? The smoke fish, while pricey, looks exactly as it always did in the case. I am reserving final judgment until I return a few more times to Calumet Fisheries, maybe it was a bad night? ..I want to visit Bob's Shrimp House in Hammond, Indiana for the first time as I have heard RAVE reviews about their shrimp...
(4)
Tony K.
Well I didnt get shot and no car jacking getting there and back. Thats worth 2 stars alone! The place aint pretty BUT its clean and the people working there were very nice. The food was very good and unique in that I just dont get this quality of flavor from the same food in my neck of the woods. Its not a restaurant flavor. Its a homemade taste and its possibly worth getting your car put up on blocks and getting your wheels stolen. The sauces are quality and everything was cooked perfectly. Price was fair too. Bring your kevlar vest and an empty stomach & enjoy the good eats at Calumet Fisheries!
(4)
An P.
Thirty miles, that's what separates me from some of the best seafood in the city. Located at 3259 E. 95th Street, you'll find this fish shop sitting on top of a hill overlooking the manmade canal sitting adjacent to a suspension bridge and across the Calumet Yacht Yard. Cars line up on the near the bridge despite the no parking sign with people coming in from all corners of the city and suburbs. Beside the fishery, you'll find a little smokehouse where they do their magic with hickory woodchips infusing the signature smokey flavor into salmon, trout, chub, and shrimp. Celebrating its 62nd year as a family owned and operating business and being named an American Classics restaurant by the James Beard Foundation, you'll find Anthony Bourdain's signature on the wall and signs that have probably been mounted on the wall for decades. I saw the diversity of Chicago waiting in line including two Korean women who spoke broken English as well as a mid-40's biker who ordered $60 of assorted seafood and had never been there before. Calumet Fisheries is one-part Hot Doug's, one-part Kuma's and a south side institution. While the line for Calumet Fisheries is nowhere as long or deep as Hot Doug's or Kuma's primarily due to its deep south location, it's easy to move in and out of line to take a gander at all of the wares of the house. Garlic peppered smoked salmon caught my eye at $15.59 a pound and I wondered what in the world smoked shrimp would taste like. The possibilities of oyster, frog legs, fried shrimp, or scallops led to sensory overload and I hadn't even had a bite to eat yet! It very quickly became of question of how much was I willing to spend? Since some of my friends were running about an hour late, the friends that I arrived with debated eating now or waiting for everyone. We decided on a compromise: we would start off with a snack to hold our appetite steady until the late stragglers. My friends ordered some fried oyster while I decided clam strips would be what I wanted. The man behind the counter joked that they didn't serve Cubs fans but let me pay for less than $4 for my order. I didn't know if I wanted a whole pound of smoked shrimp for $20.99 a pound, so I decided to buy just two pieces of shrimp that came out to $2.63. The food came out quickly so we all sped outside to examine our food and get to work! You won't any seating inside Calumet Fisheries, creativity and improvisation is a necessity to dine by Calumet Fisheries. While we waited outside for our friends before we ordered, we saw three older men march down the hill down by the riverside to sit on a slab of concrete. For our purposes, we took the easy way out and sat on the guard rail next to all of the cars parked in front of the suspension bridge. The clam crunched in my mouth and the mild sauce put a smile in my face and a perpetual nod to my head movements. I traded some clam for an oyster and we all ate and knew we were eating some of Chicago's finest seafood. There was a fork for my food, but I found it just as convenient to eat with my bare hands and we were lucky it wasn't raining or blowing incredible amounts of wind. After I polished off my clam, I pulled my smoked shrimp out of the bag and dipped it into the sauce. Smoked shrimp was next on the agenda, but first I had to pop off the shell. The jumbo shrimp was worth paying over $1 a shrimp since they were massive and each bite of the cold shrimp tasted like it was cooked on a barbecue grill with that classic smoky taste. It was a pleasant snack to polish off our appetizers and just as quick as the food came out, we did away with all remnants and threw all evidence into the steel drum garbage can sitting outside. After my friends showed up an hour late, we stepped back up to the counter and made my orders. Indecision started making me uncomfortable, but I got put in front of the line and got a fried shrimp dinner and order of oysters. I waited in another line for my food and couldn't resist: peppered garlic smoke salmon and smoked shrimp was now coming my way! The guy behind the counter told me Cubs fans can't order twice and we both laughed about it. $40 later, I had a giant bag of goodies and now we had to figure out where to eat. We decided on a short drive as far east as we could go on 95th street and ended up in Calumet Park. The fields were massive and cleanly manicured and reminded me of a golf course. We parked and marched with our food down near the water and sat on a ledge while the seagulls edged closer like hungry wolves screeching at us. We could see the Gary steel mills pumping out their pollution in the backdrop, and looked at the gambling riverboat across the lake. Lunch passed with deliciousness and a battle with seagulls. All I have to remember is that it's only thirty miles that separates me from divine seafood.
(5)
Christopher B.
I've learned traveling around the world that if Anthony Bourdain recommends it then you should at least try it (not to mention it's usually pretty amazing!). I grew up not very far from here and passed it on a number of occasions but never stopped by until I saw the show. I couldn't believe he picked this place, where the Blue Brothers jumped the bridge, to get fish. It didn't take me very long to be a believer. For one, I was with my family who already hit it last month and were anxious to get back. We came for the smoked salmon but couldn't resist ordering some fried shrimp and sweet potatoes. As you might know from my previous reviews, I'm not one for fried food but this was absolutely life changing! Wow! I don't think I'll ever be able to order fried shrimp from anywhere else. As a side note, a debate broke out about whether the smoked shrimp was better but I didn't have any so I can't comment but keep that in mind if you're here. The smoked salmon was hands down one of the best I've had. They had a whole bunch in the smoker and told us to come by in a few hours but we took what they had as we weren't planning on coming back to this area. The only place that compared to this salmon was in the great northwest when I picked some up on the way home to LA from Portland. I'm anxious to come back here the next time I visit and what better time than Easter?! Well, we'll see but I think this place will be on my list of places to visit while I'm in Chicago along side deep dish pizza!
(5)
David L.
Food: 3 Decor: 1 Service: 3 I came here with three friends on our drive back from Nashville. There is street parking and no seating inside. 1. Pepper and garlic salmon, 15.6/lb Pretty good. Fresh salmon, with plenty of pepper and garlic. 2. Smoked shrimp, 21/lb Not bad. I normally don't like shrimp when it's still got the skin on, but this had a nice smoky taste to it. Would have been nice if they de-veined them though. 3. Fries Okay. Not oversalted like a lot of places, although I could only eat a couple before stopping. We got one piece of the salmon and 8 shrimp, which was enough to share between two people. Service was okay, although I wish they were friendlier and suggested a couple items.
(3)
Grace E.
Smokey and fishy. But what's not to like about that? The peppercorn and garlic salmon is delicious, especially with the hot sauce dip, but after several hearty mouthfuls, I was really wishing for a lemon to squeeze over it. The trout is less heavy, clean, and very flavorful. Though you might turn away from ordering the shrimp since they're not deveined, don't wimp out on an opportunity to taste them smoked! Run a plastic knife down the back of a peeled shrimp, pry it open, and use the knife to pull out the large strand. Easy. 5 seconds of effort for delicious, poop-free shrimp. The industrial surroundings enhance the charm of this riverside seafood shack, but once you've received your food, drive straight ahead for about 3 minutes until you can't go any further. Park your car and walk straight to the lake and enjoy your meal overlooking the waters.
(4)
Annie D.
Okay 5 stars it is for smoked items! Of course I found this place because of No Reservations, how else would i wonder outside of downtown Chicago being a tourist?! Definitely worth the rental =) Smoked salmon- just had the perfect texture and taste, I'm not a big fan of smoked salmon to begin with, I order my philly rolls with fresh salmon for those who know it normally comes with smoked salmon... anyway, this smoked salmon taste was nothing near to what you can buy else where or well from what I've experienced. Smoked shrimp- the shrimp had a suttle taste of smokiness which gave it a great taste and the shrimp had great texture. Fried smelts- perfect with eaten nice and hot with some hot sauce dipping. Smoked Trout- very good! We came when the fishes have been smoked and refrigerated, but when it's pretty freshly smoked, like that day, it is completely different in taste and texture. We were lucky to have a taste of some trout that was made so we can see the difference, perfect. You didn't need anything with these smoked fish, no crackers needed. Overall, very good and well worth the stop when you're in Chicago. When I'm back, I'll be sure to stop in here! We even bought a couple more to bring back home to our friends as a part of their souvenir gifts! Hey, it's way better than shot glasses or key chains =) And use a fork, your hands will stay clean most of the time.. until you get the the shrimp, unless you have someone peeling them for you ;) CASH only of course! Enjoy!
(5)
M H.
ZOMG. sooo good. I'm usually pretty wary of places that EVERYONE has to eat at because it's usually overrated (I'm looking at you Hot Doug's), but Calumet Fisheries is AH-mazing. I should take away a star because the toll to get there is $4 (why hasn't anyone else mentioned this in their review?!?), but they are that good. I got a pepper and garlic salmon (warning, one of those will set you back ~$15). I didn't expect that, I don't know why, but it was worth it. So buttery and it just broke down. Also got a half order of smoked shrimp. Nothing more fun than sitting in the car and killing those shrimp. They are HUGE. My bf is not a huge seafood fan but he got an order of crab cakes. They told him its imitation crab which I thought was nice of them. They were the creamiest crab cakes we've ever had. uhhhh. mahhh. gawwwd. I'm never like this but they are so f****** good. Go get some now!
(5)
Jaison C.
Calumet Fisheries is very unique in every way. Smoked fish cooked over an extended period of time above fiery wood and surrounded by brick. I was able to try the salmon, shrimp, sable, cod and fries. Everything was so tasty and buttery. The intense smoke flavor goes extremely well with the garlic peppercorns. I was able to catch Calumet Fisheries during a time they weren't too busy and one of the managers took me to the smokehouse and told me Bourdain tales while showing me around. Just about any piece of smoked fish will do, but if you want something on the fattier side, ask for a steak near the fin. The taste is noticeably different. A James Beard Award well deserved, bravo CF.
(5)
Lexie V.
How have I lived so close to this place for so many years without ever stopping in? Calumet Fisheries is a total gem. My boyfriend and I were in the area one day and we were looking for some sort of culinary adventure, and thanks to Yelp we found this place. We got the shrimp dinner and a few other things and it was FANTASTIC. I like how it is no BS but at the same time the people are nice and helpful. They could tell we were a little overwhelmed and didn't know what to order, but they were patient. I can't wait to go back. I am also 99% sure their hot sauce is Frank's which made me a very happy camper. A+.
(5)
Jim M.
I've been rocking this place for 25 years. After an early morning trip to Ed Shirley Sports in Markham and a long day of fishing, Calumet Fisheries was always the spot. Too many times I made a mess of my car after an ill-advised, late night, liquor fueled road trip. Now they cut us off early. The hours might be shorter but the fish is still fantastic. While off the beaten track for some, it's actually very easy to find... 95th street east. After you pass Jeffery Manor and the letter streets, on the south side of the street near the middle of the massive bridge look for a building too small to be a must-eat destination. If you drive into the lake you've gone just a little bit too far. Also since it's far enough off the expressway that some will find locking the doors mandatory, it's still obscure despite being featured on some of the gastro-sassy television shows. Everyone has been to Hot Doug's but it takes sand to make it this far south and east for a snack. Whatever you get here will be terrific. The smoked scallops, shrimp and chubs are the best I've ever had. But what i crave, what forces me to the edge of civilization to this little shack is the mixed fish dinner. Oh mama. Make sure to go with the mild sauce. It's unique with a little kick. Also while waiting for your fresh fried deliciousness note the yellowed newspaper clipping on the wall. The draw bridge was featured in the Blues Brothers and for just a moment you can see it in the movie . Delicious food and real Chicago trivia- what could be better!
(5)
sarah s.
Great fried shrimp and fries - crispy and salty!! This place is awesome and they have a lot to choose from.
(4)
Malcolm Jamal W.
I really love this place. The smoked fish is great, if pricey. The smoked salmon isn't like lox; it's like smoked/cooked all the way through. The fish and chips were good too, although I was surprised that I got these small (not nuggets but ) pieces instead of large fillets like I expected. The customer service experience was great. The customers love their shop, and the staff are proud of what they do, and that makes a big difference! Everybody there was just happy and friendly. This is a quality place; the kind they don't make anymore. Go see for yourself.
(4)
Yuriana A.
Born and raised on the south side, I have had the privileged to make calumet fisheries part of my weekly lunch schedule. It's awesome that Bourdain covered them, now I know they won't be running out of business anytime soon!! P.S. They only accept cash and there is no place to sit. It's all old school here!
(5)
Michele C.
Fried shrimp were good. Calamari were frozen rings .The kind from the grocery store.The calamari was like chewing rubber rings.yuk! Onion rings were mushy... The cocktail sauce provided is actually bbq sauce..I was so excited to eat there...but was so let down on the quality...
(3)
Pascal M.
They could smoke my hand and I would take pleasure in eating it. A friend and I rode our bikes here from Harwood Heights in the Summer. A great trip and the food was worth the ride. I'm happy Bourdain hit this place up, because I may have never found out about it through my yelp searches. When we got there, they were smoking fish. So we rested for a bit as we chatted it up with the "smoke master" outside. He gave us some tips, history, and knowledge on the place. If anyone remembers the scene in the first Blues Brothers where they jump the bridge, that was right in front of Calumet. Another friend drove up, so we maxed out. We had their Fried Oysters. Fried Smelt, Smoked Salmon, Smoked Trout, Smoked Shrimp, and a side of macaroni salad and coleslaw. The smelt was one of the best pieces of fried food I've ever put in my mouth. I thought the fried oysters were just okay, probably because I enjoy them most when there just raw. The smoked shrimp was great. I love peel and eat shrimp. Their typically larger, more firm (yet still tender), and have better flavor. The Smoked trout and Salmon were outrageously good. Excellent crust from the black peppercorn and other spices they rub on before the smoke process. The macaroni salad was a nice carb to throw in there, but I wasn't a fan of the slaw'. I like crunchy vinegary slaw, this was kinda minced mush. Calumet Fisheries is blast. Its worth the hype and the drive. If your not taking your food home or eating it in your car, have fun sitting outside. It's strange, but I enjoyed taking in the industrial atmosphere, the bridge, and the river while me and my two friends snacked communally on some of great grub.
(5)
Kate W.
How does one of the most infamous eateries for "foodies" in Chicago only have around 100 reviews? Oh that's right, it takes forever to get there and is virtually impossible to access via public transportation. Well, unlike you rubes I have a 1995 Infiniti chariot to take me to the far reaches of Chicagoland. So on a nice, sunny Autumn Chicago day we braved the freeways and weekend traffic to pilgrimage down to 95th for some smoked and fried fishes. We had to do the Anthony, of course. Fried smelt and shrimp, smoked salmon and trout. Items are fried to order, and you can pick your smoked fish steak of choice. Then take it outside and eat (because there is no room inside!). Just be careful not to stand on that bridge when they are bringing boats to winterize. Because they can't see you and soon you'll realize that the ringing isn't just a bad memory from 'Nam, but that bridge is actually going up! Run. Then eat.
(5)
Michael S.
Excellence does speak for itself. Same owners since 1948. Hmmmm. They must be doing something right. And, they do; they are. It's superb. The fried oysters were the biggest, plumpest, freshest oysters I have ever tasted. Yes, EVER. The scallops and shrimp get honorable mentions that to me paled by comparison to the oysters. But the scallops were delish! Now, the really good stuff is all the smoked salmon and smoked trout in the display cases. yelp.com/user_local_phot… I didn't have room in my stomach and we didn't have room to schlep it back, since we went on foot. But I watched the boss take the smoked salmon and smoked trout out of the smokehouse on a huge tray. yelp.com/user_local_phot… Unmatchable, authentic fun. Yum. Next time we are driving.
(5)
Finch M.
Visited here for the 2nd time. This go around on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in August. Purchased some smoked shrimp, 1/2 order of frog legs, and the catfish dinner. Review goes as follows. Smoked Shrimp - was very much looking forward to these, but they left me sad. Had some shrimp that were clearly "not fresh" and the rest were just okay. Perhaps a bad batch? Not nearly as much flavor as anticipated. Frog legs - they were decent. Thickly breaded and fried. Tasted like chicken. Catfish dinner - highlight of the trip. Excellent portions, great breading, mouth watering taste. We ordered food and drove down the street to Calumet Beach. It was worth the drive from far west suburbs...just learning what I will and will not order next time.
(3)
Erika G.
Want to kill 5 or 6 hours on a beautiful Sunday? Who's goin' to church anyway, we're goin' to worship at the altar of Our Lady of Perpetual Smoked Fish! There's Sablefish, puh-lenty. I am partial to complicated public transit schemes, thinly disguised as "adventures". Ride the Red Line down to its end, and then take a bus deep into the south side. Hmmm, I've never seen this place, do I need my passport? Today I am a disciple of my #1 futile celebrity crush, Anthony Bourdain, who featured CF on his Chicago ep of No Reservations (and is appropriately enshrined at the establishment, as befits Food God status). Fried Fish Nirvana (we're Buddhist now). We partook (is that a word?) of the fried oysters, shrimp and scallops. Mon dieu, those scallops were the BEST! Plump and juicy, yet crunchy on the outside. Mmmmm. The fried oysters . . . now, to me, they looked like a bad cold breaded and fried, but they were damn delicious. If I go back here again, I'm renting a ZipCar so I can fill it up with the smoked fish offerings, smoked on the premises. That day, the thought of carrying bags of fish thru the heat did not appeal. Note: Table One is out back, a slab of concrete overlooking the barges on the Calumet River. No reservations needed. Ah, bliss.
(4)
M G.
Not a huge fan of seafood but this place makes me want it. Fish and chips, stuffed shrimp, and the crab cakes are my favorite. And the dipping sauce they have makes it tastier. It might not look like much from the outside but the food is great!!
(5)
Victor M.
The rain has passed and today is a sunny day. With relatively low humidity... Tis was a perfect day to enjoy a lb of smoked shrimp outdoors. So I enjoyed this scrumptious shrimp at the lake a few blocks east.
(5)
Joe F.
A friend of mine took the trip to the far south side to try the smoked fish. We tried the smoked salmon, shrimp and trout. Both were very salty, lightly smoked and all things considered, very good. We also got the fried smelt, fried fish chunks, and fried clams. The breading was crisp and crunchy - not thick and hard, perfect crunch to crisp ratio. I tend to prefer smoked fish to be smoked a little longer rather than a little less. Calumet also does a super-salty brine, and I prefer a lighter touch on the salt. In terms of style, while Calumet may not be my absolute favorite, it's still very, very good. One day if I'm back in the neighborhood I wouldn't hesitate to stop by again.
(4)
The Food Abides W.
Truth be told, I didn't stumble upon this place. I saw it, like many others, on Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations. On the show, it seemed like an intriguingly hidden spot with spectacular smoked fish. However, in the months since viewing the episode, I had completely forgotten about this place altogether. Fast forward to a few weeks ago when I was scouring Yelp for places to dine in Chicago, I noticed rave reviews for Calumet and images of Bourdain passing a half-eaten salmon steak to his Chicago guide came flooding back to me. And that's how we ended up at Calumet Fisheries. Well, I make it sound much easier than it actually was - this was truly destination dining. Through a very long bus ride, a seemingly endless transfer, another bus-ride weaving in and out of a southern Chicago neighborhood, and a half mile walk in the snow, we finally ended up at this bridge-side shack to feast upon smoked fish (over 2 hours later). The storefront of Calumet is kind of like a deli, except with fish being the product, not cold cuts. A large case proudly displays salmon steaks, smoked chub, and buckets of shrimp. To the right of the store they had their frying station. I had my mind set on the Salmon before we even got there but the friendly cook, Carlos, advised me to go with their garlic and peppercorn crusted salmon steaks rather than the plain variety. Kins went the route of smoked shrimp. I was a little caught off guard by the fact that the Salmon was served cold. Seeing as how it's completely cooked, unlike lox, I expected it to be warm like barbecue after being smoked. The other surprise (although it shouldn't have been) was that the bones of the salmon were still in tact. Once I got over these two issues, I menacingly tore into the steak (avoiding the actual string used to hang the steak in the smoker) with my fingers popping the pulled morsels in my mouth. Carlos hooked me up with some hot sauce for the Salmon, but I found that it only took away from all the smokey flavor. My experience with smoked fish is severely limited, but I will be doing a comparison very soon between Rolling Bones' Salmon steaks and Calumet's. The shrimp were darned good. As a non shrimp fan, I was happy that the smoking erased the real shrimp-like flavor that I normally have to avoid (even when fried). If anything, the shrimp tasted a bit like ham, but I would describe the flavor as solely unique to smoked shrimp. The fries were standard frozen issue, but freshly fried for each order which makes a huge difference. I wish I could have tried some of their fried options, but alas there was only so much we could eat and take with us. Funnily enough, our cab driver for the ride back (yes, we weren't going to spend another 2 hours getting back) picked up some fried catfish for the road. After asking us why we travelled all the way out there and explaining to him all the blow-by-blow details of our adventure, he turned to us and said in his slavic accent, "Eh, it's not that special." Take that for what it's worth, but the catfish did look very, very good to me. Pricing was fair, considering the size of the Salmon steak I ordered (enough for two), but it certainly seemed a little more pricey than it should be considering it was served cold in a non sit-down environment. While I really enjoyed the food, the travel time made our journey seem like a quest for the Holy Arc. For visitors of Chicago, I'd recommend skipping this hot spot because of the travel time involved. There are just too many other great options to spend so much time getting out there and back - at least without a car rental. However, I highly recommend locals and smoked fish fans alike make at least one trip to Calumet for an unusual and tasty treat.
(4)
Shana M.
Yay! I finally went out and did something in my city again! I can finally write another Yelp review! WooHoo!! I played hooky from work on a sunny Friday afternoon in early August. My non-9-5 friends picked me up and we had ourselves a time, including a "field trip" to Calumet Fisheries. Since I had eaten a few misguided tacos not long before, and since I had no clue what I was about to be invited to experience, AND since my bank account is totally NOT recession proof, I waited outside while my friends ordered, payed, and received their booty. It was a satisfyingly voyeuristic experience. We sampled only the smoked shrimp (Oh. My. God. I need a new internet abbv. just for this shrimp people. How about...OVSFG: Oy Vey So Friggen Good!!!) and the fried oysters which were extremely hot and drippy and characteristically snotty, but the sauce was nummy. And so yeah, Anthony Bourdain, yippee skippee, blah blah blah, ate on the bridge, what a scene. Can't wait to go back for more: The End.
(4)
Ed F.
Fresh smoked fishes ... Amazing actually. Saw it on 'No Reservations' - it's a stop on the "Blues Brothers" Chicago tour. Bought loads of fish for a family meal and it was a super hit across 3 generations of smoked afishianados. Take out only - or dine in car near store.
(5)
Glynn F.
So good. If you like smoked anything then smoked peppercorn garlic salmon steaks & jumbo shrimp will be no exception. This shack serves up some truly flavorful stuff. Only *potential* problem is that they don't offer any sort of seating, so it's carry out only. That being said there is a park just over the nearby bridge where you can sit by the lake. That's what we did & it worked out famously. P.S. The peppercorn/garlic salmon works really well as a lox ingredient. Highly recommend using it for this purpose. P.P.S. The fries are better than the onion rings. The onion rings weren't crispy enough for my taster.
(5)
Ben R.
Excellent smoked fish. But there is a but. The shrimp aren't deveined. That's kind of disgusting. More than kind of. The salmon is farm-raised as well. The sturgeon is excellent. I feel bad leaving three stars and would give it six if they deveined the shrimp.
(3)
Ashley S.
I ventured to this off the beaten path gem on a surprise day trip with one of my foodie friends. We do this often and he never tells me where we were going so I've learned not to beg for hints/guess. My expectations we low when we got off the highway near Gary (no offense Gary but there is a reason a highway was built over you). Needless to say, I was pumped when we arrived since I've heard Bourdain rave about this place. I was not disappointed. Luck would have it that they were smoking that day so everything was super fresh. My friends got his usual favorite, the pepper smoked salmon and the incredibly knowledgeable counter guy recommended the smoked trout too. Who were we to argue. Next time I want to try to smoked sturgeon which came highly recommended. Also added some fried clams. Warning, eat them slowly as the hot water inside tend to explode. Love the trout's delicate texture and smokey yet fishy taste. We took the salmon home to sprinkle it over a salad and I already can't wait. Not sure when I'll be back but I hope it's soon. Love supporting local businesses like this that are knowledgeable, passionate about their craft and will talk your ear off one you get them going. Warning: If you don't strong fish smells and seeing tons of fish heads staring back at you, pass on this place.
(4)
Kevin L.
You have not had real seafood until you've tried Calumet's seafood. My parents went to get some stuff at Horseshoe, and took me to this place to try out. My first thoughts were, "Hmm, smoked shrimp doesn't seem too appealing, and smoked salmon sounds pretty boring." Man, my thoughts were way off. Smoke Shrimp is AMAZING. Never have I thought shrimp could taste so good. Shrimp's not deveined though. Their smoked salmon in a few words : Moist, fatty, flavorful, addicting. I just had some leftover of their salmon just now, and I'm craving for some more. Things that put me off were the fried foods. At first glance, I instantly knew it would be mediocre, due to it being battered up, and refrigerated, resulting in a not-so-crispy tasting. I had the fried onion rings, and shrimp. Onion rings was not that crispy, and shrimp were, but over seasoned with salt. Don't get me wrong, for the price, it's VERY good, but I feel that they can work on it more. Maybe have batter ready, but batter it up when it's ordered, mainly because there's not that many customers at one time (When I was there, there were only 3 customers including myself). But overall as a restaurant, their food is top notch, and I'm defiantly going back there whenever I'm near the area.
(5)
Jeff Z.
Awesome, Totally Worth The Trip!
(5)
R M.
Biked here from the north side and was treated to delicious fried shrimp, fried catfish and French fries. Will be going back to try the smoked fish. This place is an institution in Chicago, and well worth the journey.
(4)
Esteban P.
I CANNOT BELIEVE that I've never been here before. I grew up on the East Side and now I'm back from the loop to the South Side for the past 3 years. I had just told my friend Dean that we had to check this place out when my friend Xavier told me he saw the Anthony Bourdain No Reservations episode on it. So I told Dean it was time for a visit. We followed in Anthony Bourdain's foot steps and ordered what he had: smoked peppered salmon, smoked trout, smoked shrimp, fried smelt, hot sauce and a root beer. We actually got one chub too and Dean had to get his grape soda - I think it helps him 'fit in', though I think he should have kept his Cubs hat at home... good thing I was sporting my Sox hat :D The guys behind the counter were fast to get our order together. I couldn't actually believe the smelt where fried that quickly. It ended up being a lot of food because the portions of the smoked fish were so big. It was also pretty pricey (just under $40), but we had enough food to actually feed 4 people. We started with the hot food; that is the smelts. The batter was very light and minimal. I think that was a good thing because you were able to concentrate more on the taste of the fish. For my first time having smelt, I enjoyed it. The hot sauce made a really good dipping sauce. I just wish we had a lot more. Dean grabbed some "Hienie's Hot Sauce" (Quality Brand Hot Sauce). We moved on to the smoked shrimp. WOW, those were amazing. I was concerned with what they would turn out like, but the smoky flavor was just right. And the shrimp where HUGE. Again the hot sauce was a nice addition, but not necessary at all. We had mixed feelings on the smoked fish. I liked the salmon, but Dean thought it was too dry. He favored the Trout over the salmon. We hit a pocket of moist salmon and that was extremely good, so I know what he means. I agree that if the salmon was more moist it would have been even better, but the crush pepper seasoning was just right. We both agreed that that chub was the best. It was the least expensive of the smoked fish too. I will definitely visit more frequently, and have already started spreading the word. I'll get the pepper salmon again, though I'll pay more attention to the piece I choose. I'll also have to go order more chubs next time as well as trying to fries out, which I hear are pretty good. Only downside is that you do smell of smoked fish from the minute you walk in. Even if you don't walk in the smell will stay on your hands and mouth. But the food is so great it's worth dealing with the smoke until you can take a shower and brush your teeth. [UPDATE #1] Tried the Salmon again, and it was really nice and moist the second time round. Guess it depends on when you go. [UPDATE #2] Woe... they had the Sable in stock, and I must say it was AMAZING!!! It's usually a special order item - $25/lb, 3 lbs min. But I'll tell you want. It was WONDERFUL. Sable is Black Cod. The meat was so moist and juicy and soft. I was able to just scoop it out with my finger. It tasted buttery and just melted in my mouth. Man I could not believe how good it was. I h ope they start selling it regularly.
(5)
Dawn K.
Me follow Bourdain. This is what we got: Fried: shrimp, fish, smelt (smelt is the only thing Anthony Bourdain tried on the show, FYI) Smoked: shrimp, pepper+ garlic salmon Salad: pasta You should get: fried shrimp, fried smelt, smoked shrimp, and smoked salmon. Skip everything else. Servers are friendly and super helpful. Get ready for a fishy-smelling car if you're on the road, because there isn't any place to feast at the place. Get extra 'hot' sauce- better safe than sorry, right? Cash only
(4)
Ashley C.
I was willing to give this place another shot, even after the owner responded to my previous review, but methinks not. They only get the one star because that's the minimum, but I'd give less. I just want to go on record and say that I have no problem that the shell has to remain on the shrimp in order to smoke it. However, any idiot with culinary experience knows that you can clean a shrimp and leave the shell on. My mother just did it yesterday when she made shrimp pasta! Maybe my mother needs to teach the guys in the kitchen how to deal with seafood. Even if they can't figure out how to do what my mother can, surely they can give a customer a warning with something like, "Hey, you might not want to try to eat one of these before you clean the little line of shrimp doo doo off of them. Because nothing, I repeat, NOTHING, is sexier than your man trying to make out with you and there's a string of shrimp sh*t hanging off his lips. Um... DON'T THINK SO. Also, while I appreciate the owner commenting to me, telling me that AOL said that this place was the best restaurant in 2010 doesn't affect MY experience. I'm sure they didn't give Tony Bourdain OR the AOL Critic the quality of food I received. Because while Bourdain eats all kinds of things, shrimp sh*t probably wasn't on the menu that day. Just saying. I was open to admitting that every place has a funky day and maybe I got a funky bunch, but come on...the shrimp were expensive, and literally full of crap. So, I'll pass. If I want overpriced shrimp, next time, I'll save the gas and time and just go to Red Lobster. At least I can get myself some drinks and I'll be too drunk to notice my boyfriend's crappy mouth. AMENDING to let you know that the owner again has contacted me YET AGAIN (twice in ONE DAY) to tell me that Anthony Bourdain ate smoked shrimp that were shelled and not deveined, so in essence, he ate shrimp poop and was okay with it. He also wanted me that the yelper who said they had maggots in their smoked shrimp is lying. Either way, the smoked shrimp were still bad. The batter was still thick, the food was still overrated, underseasoned and overpriced and not worth the trip. I'll never go back now, thanks to the owner HARASSING me. FYI to the owner- MY saying 'any idiot with culinary experience' is not calling you or your staff idiots. Clearly, you guys don't know how to clean your 'smoked shrimp' so that they are smoked and POOP-free, so you don't GET the privilege to fall under the title of "idiot". Please stop messaging me and take the time you would spend harassing me and other not-so-great yelpers to improve the quality of your food on a CONSISTENT basis so everyone can have the experience Anthony Bourdain did.
(1)
Dennis B.
I've been here a few times for lunch while at work. I never would've tried them, but I saw them on Anthony Bourdain's TV show and I saw that they have smoked shrimp. SMOKED SHRIMP!!! I honestly didn't even know you could smoke a shrimp. Nothing special about the fried food. It doesn't touch Shrimp Express in Cal City. But the smoked salmon is on point. The smoked shrimp were, well, interesting. I like trying something different.
(3)
Mike B.
Yelp's most entertaining vegetarian is now yelp's most entertaining pescatarian. Fish is a big weakness for me, and I knew that if i were to break edge in the best way imaginable, I'd need to go bike to 95th & south chicago to score some fish from Calumet. The trip was the most interesting part of this adventure. I biked from 31st & Morgan all the way to 95th in the early afternoon hours. As a big fan of rough neighborhoods, as well as strange gazes from people who are confused about the presence of a giant bearded white guy, I was pleased by both of these elements from the trip. I mostly took lowe street south. I'm not sure why, but it felt safe for the most part. I also got to pass through a lot of really interesting sights, like the creek(?) near 79th & Normal, or this beautiful park that was ducked into a relatively small subdivision that was also somewhere in the 70s (i can't find it on google street view). The park helped me duck away from normal traffic, as I got nervous someone was going to follow & rob me after i passed this house and stared at a hilarious looking car without noticing that it's owners were sitting nearby, staring just as closely at me. I finally made it to 95th after an hour or so, but found that 95th street has very busy traffic, and since i've always wanted to be on 100th street, i decided to bike that for a while instead. I was then forced off that street, and back onto 95th for the remainder of the trip to the fishery. I finally got there, and bought some peppered salmon, some peppered trout, and some gatorade. I then rode my bike back north when i remembered that i wasn't far from brother tim's vegetarian fast food. So, I stopped in, and got my actual lunch, and then continued the bike ride back home. It was actually a pretty relaxed trip, and didn't leave me nearly as exhausted as I thought it would. Got even more strange looks, even from cops in the area, during that leg. After getting home, i ate some of the fish, it was just as delicious as expected, and i ate the remainder of it the next day. In all, it met all expectations I had, but i had been to calumet fisheries before, several years prior, and it was just as good as the previous encounter.
(5)
Jon E.
Bomb-diggity-seafood, I'm a fan! If you like seafood, check these guys out. If you're a photographer who likes landscapes and seafood you'd be an idiot to not give these guys a visit. Why? I have yet to see a more beautiful industrial landscape in Chicagoland than the one visible in 360 technicolor from the front steps of Calumet Fisheries. What some may consider bleak wasteland is a stunning juxtaposition of rust-belt historical ruins and the shimmering lake. What you see outside doesn't quite prepare you for the tastes inside but it stands to reason that beauty and tasty things are always best when they are a complete surprise. Fantastic smoked salmon? Check. Bomb fried shrimp? Natch. It is Chicago at its most natural, mixing an industrialized past with rich flavors and hidden surprises.
(4)
Ryan R.
Price reasonably, but noting like it's protrayed on "No Reservations". Pretty average for a fish place.
(2)
Steve H.
I'm not a fan of smoked anything by itself, which is probably my due to my sheltered Chicago suburb upbringing. Smoked BBQ is good but usually only if its accompanied by a vat of dipping sauce on the side. But as a Bourdain and Yelp fan I was obliged to get an order of the smoked salmon and smoked shrimp, just to say "Yes I tried 'em". Both were unique experiences but would I make a huge trip to the south side to try them again-probably not. The salmon was not de-boned, which made it quite cumbersome to eat around and my particular slice was pretty fatty in content. The shrimp on the other hand were ginormous for chicago standards. Both were served cold and unless I'm at a sushi restaurant, I'd like to be eating my fish flesh at least lukewarm temperature. If you like cold smoky meat I'd say give it a go for yourself. But for me if I'm ever tagging along some buddies who want to try this place for themselves, I'll stick to the fried menu.
(3)
RT S.
It's a small store by the south shore. They have smoked shrimp, salmon, trout and fried shrimp, fish, oyster and smelt. The fried shrimp is good with hot sauce, other than that nothing impressive. Note: cash only and you cannot sample prior to purchase. Diarrhea, nausea and vomitting followed the foods.
(1)
Patrick M.
It is located on the far south side of Chicago, but the view from the restaurant is very unique. I like how it is placed right next to a bridge overlooking the river. It provides a great aura to eat seafood and a variety of different fish. The customer service was great. The owner was working behind the counter and had chatted with us while we were ordering. I used to work at the Fish Keg in Evanston so we went back and forth on the similarities and differences of each store. He was a really nice guy. Additionally, he let my friends and I sample pieces of smoked trout and smoked shrimp. Very unique and smoky flavors I have never had with fresh fish, both were delicious! I ordered the fish chips, fries, and coleslaw, but a friend let me try his froglegs. The Fish Chips were excellent. They toss the cod in a bread crumb batter and deep fry it a little darker than usual, which I like. The tartar sauce is homemade too and it is done right. A bolder taste, not sweet. Fries were average. Well salted but pretty average long cut steak fries. Coleslaw was not my style. I took a bite and to put it down. I am either hit or miss with creamy coleslaw and this cup was not very good. Frog legs were interesting. Not a huge fan with hot sauce. I like froglegs with butter sauce, this was a change of pace. Fish Keg in Evanston is better in my opinion, but Calumet was very good. A really filling meal for $8. You park up, eat in the car, while overlooking the river. I think it's a nice spot and would recommend it, if you are willing to make the drive.
(4)
Michelle W.
Yummy, I only stop in here at the beginning of the boat season and at the end when I am spending more time than I care to at the boat yard. It is the only thing that makes driving down there something to look forward to. My favorite is the smoked garlic trout. I eat it cold, I eat it warm, I eat it while driving home and I put it in dips .... it's soooo goooood! No place to sit... know that!
(5)
Steve M.
This place is incredible. Could they expand...sure....Could they build other locations...sure...but why the heck would they? That is part of what makes this place great. Everything is good but hands down the Fried and Smoked Shrimp are the best. We have all had fried shrimp a million times, but you won't find it better than here. The hot sauce is legit. And the smoked shrimp has such a unique taste. A little off the beaten track but well worth the trip!
(5)
Jessi M.
Definitely an establishment, definitely worth going to the south side for. The fried catfish had something magical in the breading and it was hot and perfectly fried. Also, I think they make their hot sauce in-house. I had never tasted anything like that before and I want more. Having lived in the Midwest my whole life I have no real concept of "good" seafood. I think this is it, though.
(4)
Johnny T.
Let's just get this out of the way: yes, I ate poop. No, I was not happy about it. I had two kinds of poop: crustacean and bivalve. Both were disconcerting to me and hilarious to my lunchmates. This is pertinent information. I'd been wanting to come to CF for years. I could never find anyone with whom to go so I plotted, bade my time, waited and - BAM! - I came up with the Neighborhood Spotlight idea and now i had a crew with which to explore South Deering and the East Side. But for all the traffic in God's green earth, this should have been a relatively easy trip from the north side. But, avoid LSD S traffic, Hyde Park bike races and Purple line shut downs... and you'll be fine. Arriving an hour after I first planned, I sheepishly made my way into the fish shack. I appreciate how the CF folks keep it real. Even though I'd been wanting to come here WAY BEFORE THAT ATTITUDINAL GUY, I liked the fact that the newfound national fame hadn't resulted in a different decor or procedure to how I'd heard things were set up. I ordered a smoked shrimp dinner, a half order of fried oysters and a strawberry Sunkist. I was ready for some south-side eatin'. After arriving at Calumet Park (see review) to eat the grub, I wondered what I had waited for. Don't get me wrong: the shrimp are HUGE, smoky and filling. But, they're also filled with poop (as in, not de-veined, as in, with every bite you see that big brown streak down the back of your food). Since I usually eat like I caveman, I didn't first notice the fishy dirt road. After I did, with every bite, I felt like gagging. The oysters weren't a respite. They offered nice breading, great fried taste...and green poop. Scat isn't my vice of choice, so I was thoroughly *out* of the experience. Despite being told to man up by my international cohorts, I could not co-sign my experience. Furthermore, even before the poop, I was waiting for some transcendent moment. I was waiting for some shrimp-nirvana to take me to another plane of existence. It never came. I lived in pre-Katrina New Orleans. I have been fortunate to eat all sorts of water roaches and love every bite. This... was good but, so what? I didn't get it. Obviously, I am the Simon Cowell of CF eating experiences. But, guess what? Simon Cowell is rich, beeytoches! I wouldn't come back. It wasn't bad but it didn't change my life (other than to give people more reasons to mock me). Take a hot tub time machine and go to New Orleans circa 2000. Eat some jumbo spicy skrimps. Flip the f out. Then talk to me about some mind-blowing sea creatures.
(3)
Steve R.
We ordered fried shrimp, smelt, and catfish and all three were horrible. None of the food was fresh, it was bland, and over cooked. We will not be coming back... ever. I would recommend Haire's Gulf Shrimp for decent food.
(1)
Rolando D.
The best smoke fish in the Midwest !
(5)
Na S.
Such a casual and homey diner. I ordered fried oysters and sat there with my girlfriends and chatted all night. I had to go up to the counter and ask for water a few times but they didn't seem to mind that at all. A good hang out place and really great food for the price.
(4)
Aurore L.
A few discoveries before, during and after this 3.5 stars visit: 1. Don't come here during the weekend in the beginning of the festival season with a set time in mind; you won't make it. Ever. Especially if your first name starts with a J- and ends in - ohnny and if you are in charge of managing a community. Or at least don't start your trek all the way up from Evanston. Sing: A,B,C Easy as 1,2,3... 2. There is a cycling race on the U of C campus on the third Saturday of May. Keep in mind. Well, if you are around on that day of course. It's pretty dead otherwise, no worries. Sing: I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike... 3. Bridges are scary to some of us. I would have liked to be there on time to hear the whole story on the 'how' and 'why' but I am unfortunately left alone to fill in the blanks.... NB - The 'fisheries' are situated by one of the coolest feature of Chicago engineering that has me clapping hands like a little girl: drawbridges. (I felt like I needed to supply an explanation....) Sing: Under the bridge downtown... 4. Oysters are not plenty in Lake Michigan, that's for sure. I thought I only liked them fresh straight out of the shell (and very salty, briny and petite) but man, these Calumet guys surely know how to fry these little dudes out to perfection. A half-order comes up to $7 or so and gives you a solid dozen of crispy goodies. NB 1 - delicious with hot sauce. And on a cracker with a little bit of slaw (or so I heard) NB 2 - don't bite into one and then study intently what you see. It might ruin your tasting pleasure. Sing: It's not that easy being green.... 5. Smoked shrimp are the sh$t. Literally. And unless you are French, Chinese or living with one and used to their disgusting eating habits you will find yourself squeamish because :::::::gasp::::::::: the fishermen of Calumet don't 'devein' them. A nice understatement of the English language because the black stuff running all along our shrimp is not a vein, but the intestinal track. And is of course filled with shrimp waste. Bon appetit! NB - don't forget towelettes and hand sanitizers and cream and mints. NB 2 - the IT doesn't taste like much. Sing: Goodbye mama shrimp papa shake my hand... Sing 2: It's time to man up.... It's up to you to discover the rest. Cheers!
(4)
Toney S.
Best seafood in the Midwest. We bee going here since we were kids. My wife and I drive 22 miles for this experience, and have never been disappointed..
(5)
La H.
Sooooooo me no likey. I got Catfish nuggets and there were only three in the box. The biggest one, which it was huge by the way, was not done. The breading on the inside was pink and gooey like dough. I asked if it was supposed to be like this in the man told me yes. He offered to make more but I know better than to return food. I will take this as a loss. Catfish was good, just not done.
(2)
Ryan K.
I've made the 30 minute trip down here 20+ times so far. I suppose that speaks for itself. Tips: - If you are driving from up north like myself, take LSD until it ends. Then just follow the Lake Michigan Tour signs until you get to 95th street. It is a pleasant and scenic drive around an area most north siders never experience. - There is literally no seating provided. If you walk a few hundred meters through the field behind the CF, there is a cement block you can chill out at. It is a nice spot by the canal. You might even get 20 minutes before the bees find you. - I haven't had anything bad on the menu yet. The smoked shrimp being the best so far.
(5)
Joshua N.
GPS found this place for me, otherwise I'd have starved to death by now. Where am I? This place was on TV, yet it isn't busy except for the Yelpers, we must be really far away. You know those people that call home and tell all of their friends where in Chicago they live by saying the number of blocks from Wrigley Field they are? Yeah, I'm not a fan of that either, but I did get an introspective chuckle imagining one of them getting a place near Calumet Fisheries and tweeting to their friends in Ohio who are coming next weekend to party that they'll only be about 300 blocks from Wrigley. Anyway, I ate here too, well down the street at Calumet park because you can't eat or use the restroom at the restaurant. The food was awesome, so smokey and amazing. Wasn't long before the gulls took notice and circled us menacingly. Luckily, I brought Yanyao along with me. She's an expert at scaring birds. Make sure that you have somebody with you who poses a legitimate threat to birds or they'll take your fish right from you. I went with the fried fish, no clue what kind it was, but completely fresh and lightly breaded right after I ordered it. Two sauces available, hot and mild. Also an order of fried shrimp which managed to retain the smokehouse flavor quite well under the batter and oil. Had the smoked shrimp as well, which as others have mentioned, is served with the veins. I can't imagine this mattering to someone who isn't squeamish. My position in the great debate was that sea-poo really isn't the same as land-poo, so it shouldn't matter. You put up with a lot to get down here on a weekend if you are coming from the Northside and once you get there, you are kind of on your own for finding a place to eat it, but I promise you that it is all worth it if you like smoked shrimp or fried fish. It really is the gem that people claim it to be.
(5)
Billy M.
Smoked fish is good but I went way out of my way to try this place and probably won't again. If I'm in the hood I might grab a bite but not a destination for me.
(3)
Pam D.
Scored some smoked sable this afternoon. I'm so happy! I just love this place so much. Happy, happy, happy.
(5)
Robby T.
Recently was compiling a list of "favorite places I've eaten by myself". Calumet was my first instinct. Like word association. Yes, it's expensive for smoked seafood out of a hut in Calumet...but an RC Cola, smoked prawns, and whitefish on your car's hood, while watching the drawbridge & ships = strange romantic memory for me.
(5)
Roy H.
The smoked salmon here is godly.....WOW!!!!! by far the best I have ever had. Smoked stuff you buy by the pound. They also have deep fried meals that you can get. I got the catfish. That was also very good!!! It came with a very generous portion of fries, coleslaw, and you choice of sauce (i got tartar). Another review said you have to pay a toll to get to the place, if you take the freeway and get off at the stony island ave exit you will not have to pay a toll. Its in a bit of a rundown/industrial area....but totally worth the trip!!!
(5)
Yukari T.
I had a bunch of fried goods and smoked shrimp - can't go wrong with that! I have no doubt the smoked fish is good but it seemed a bit too overwhelming to try to eat it there, on the spot. We had an impromtu picnic in the grassy area nearby. I'm pretty sure we were trespassing on private property. One of the guys working at Calumet suggested that we cross the bridge to the park on the other side but we didn't feel like venturing that far out. I happened to be on my way home from Indiana and I had this place bookmarked on Yelp for a while since I saw it on the news for winning a 2010 James Beard Award for America's Classics. The smoked shrimp was good but as Johnny T. so kindly mentions, it is not deveined. As for the fried stuff, I recommend the shrimp and just a half order will be plenty for one normal person. The catfish was a bit too fishy tasting for me and the oysters...while they were good, they were a bit messy (I got some guts all over my pants) and I personally prefer oysters friend Japanese style or just plain raw. I regretted not taking some smoked fish home to go. I don't think I'll be making a trek down there just to go there but if I'm ever passing through, I'll be sure to try the smoked salmon, trout, or chubs.
(3)
C F.
Man this is really good fish! I only order one thing since I got turned on.. it's the smoked Shrimp dinner. It's awesome, regardless if it's hot or cold, however it arrives to you, it's delish! This is only take out and man that smoked shrimp with a big lemon drop martini hit's the spot. I love it! Fast service and friendly kids serving. A Plus!
(5)
Cecilia C.
Calumet Fisheries, since I left your tiny establishment next to the big scary drawbridge- I have been dreaming of returning for some of that delicious smoked trout. A half pound is more of enough I tell you! Take it by the handy twine string that runs through it and your fish has a handle to take it on the go (which you will have to.) Pull it apart and the flavor is rich, moist, and slightly oily; permeates your fingers with a great scent of smoke and delicious. I had some breaded oysters with a spicy sauce which was quite tasty and the clam strips were formidable. The smoked shrimp was good, but not quite worth more than one or two. They tasted like ham- which defeats the purpose of shrimp. Also, the poop complaint is valid. Being huge shrimp, running into the vein was easy, and I felt like I was wiping my shrimps butt every time I tried to clean a little off before a bite. I found the soggy fries to be a great compliment to the fish- and abundant even in a small order. As for the area: Drawbridges are my childhood fear. It was reawakened here. One of the few restaurant locations ever to send me screaming and crying...so whatever you do...be sure you hear the alarms before the bridge pulls apart and devours you alive in it's mechanical jaws lest you meet a watery death.... ....preferably after eating eating delicious, delicious smoky trout.
(5)
Anthony G.
Drove here from Lombard, IL, so this was a nice little trip for us. Ordered the fried oysters, fried catfish, frog legs and stuffed shrimp. We also ordered the smoked sable and smoked salmon which they are really known for and the deep fried mac n cheese. I spent about $80. While the fried food was good, it wasn't as great like I expected. They really should season or marinate the food before frying them. Because they don't, I found them rather bland. For my taste if you want great flavor I would recommend Lawrence Fisheries on 22nd and Canal. I left Calumet Fisheries and headed straight to Lawrence's. There's no contest. On the other hand, the smoked sable and salmon were absolutely excellent. Great flavor and texture. The Sable (or Black Cod) is the most expensive at $29lbs. So if smoked meats are what you are after then Calumet Fisheries is the place. Save your money on the fried foods.
(2)
L L.
CASH ONLY Bring wet wipes Make sure you don't need to go potty! Finally after years of trying to make it here, I did! You guys even in rush hour traffic it took only about 20-30 mins from my office in River North! Which makes me believe I will be going way more often! Smoked fish is where it's at, I was told this but succumbed to some fried dishes fried shrimp - a lil fishy smelts - not fishy but slightly heavy on the breading fried oysters - good, okay, not sure if I like a cooked oyster as much as a raw one... fried pickles - AMAZING, the best fried pickles Ive ever had - they put dill in the breading and I loved it. Smoked shrimp - HUGE AND AMAZING Smoked trout - AMAZING! Smoked pepper/garlic salmon - AMAZING Next time I go it's smoked fish/shrimp and fried pickles. Nothing else, NOTHING ELSE! NOTHING ELSE!
(4)
Don D.
Not sure why everyone goes batshit crazy about this place? It has pretty good smoked fish maybe the only kind of place like it around here.....but the rest of the stuff I have had there is just deep fried fish seafood ect! They don't take cash they don't keep a very clean shop inside or outside and they don't seem to give two shits if there customers are happy or not...fried fish with redhot sauce is just not my thing and I don't care if Anthony bordain likes it or not!
(3)
Glen W.
Best warm smoked fish I've ever had. The sable fish and the shrimp are stand outs.
(4)
Dan M.
It was good. I love fried seafood, especially shrimp. The smoked salmon is good too. Funky soda choices, but that's cool with me. (bring a diet soda with if that's your thing, I don't think they had any) Hot sauce was great. I also like all the old photos on the wall from Blues Bros, etc. The kid that was working was really helpful and let us try a few little samples before deciding what to get. I love Bourdain. I've read his books and watched his show. But c'mon nut-huggers, a 5-star joint this is not. (I would have given it 3.5). It's still a fun little excursion if you feel like heading out that way, if you're in the area stop by and grab lunch.
(3)
Mike K.
I've had a good bit of smoked fish in my time, but none so well prepared as the stuff they're slinging at Calumet Fisheries. The unassuming location can be mistaken for a little control booth for a drawbridge, but they're making some of the best craft food in Chicago. The salmon is incredible. It comes by the steak, and still has the string in it that they used to hang it in the smoker. The chubs are silky, fatty, and delicious. I'm not as big a fan of the smoked shrimp, but that's just me. I will say one thing: they're smoking some collossal shrimp over there. My favorite part of visiting this place - aside from the food - is checking out the smoke house on the side, where they hang the fish over a smoldering pile of oak. It's sublime to watch the process and taste it right there. Finally, some say it's in the middle of nowhere, and while I don't agree that it's "nowhere," I see what they mean. But just thesame, there's a lot of atmosphere to soak up there on the once bustling industrial port of the south side, and it's cool to eat in your car and just check it out. If you're looking for a better place to chow down nearby, keep driving east on 95th Street and after a few blocks you'll find yourself in Calumet Park where you can park next to the lake and have a little picnic. Don't miss the chance to go here!
(5)
Svitlana P.
I cannot shut up about the smoked shrimp at Calument Fisheries. It's delish (minus the fact that it's not deveined). We decided to try it spontaneously last Saturday, and I'm glad we did. There's also a park right on the lake where you can enjoy your "catch" on the shore. The place is a bit of a drive, considering I'm from NW suburbs, but nevertheless, totally worth it. And now that I see a 10% off coupon for the month of July, I have to come back. The smoked trout I got was also amazing. But I did not care for their cole slaw at all.
(5)
Casie S.
We just enjoyed the smoked shrimp and fried shrimp dinners. Both were tasty and we will certainly be back to try more items.
(4)
carmen b.
Hello, FOOD SNOB here. Well one of the last of its kind in OLD SOUTH CHICAGO. 10th ward I believe. Mr. Vyrdolyaks old stomping ground, remember him? They say its the last Fish Smokehouse in Chicago. It once hosted the BLUES BROTHERS back in 1979. And recently Anthony Bourdain. This is the place for old fashioned Fried and most of all Smoked Fish. Smoked Salmon is very Uniqe. 2 flavors, regular and GALIC. Fried shrimp is Great. I love the fried Oysters. I bring my own french bread bun with mayo and lettuce and add the Oysters on it.( my own cajun po boy). Its takeout only but you can go down the street to Calumet Park and eat by the Lake. Thats what we do. Accompanied with a little wine from home of course. The place hasn't changed since the 1940 or something like that. It is again, one of the last American Food Traditions of its kind.
(5)
Khadijah L.
Only the best and amazing smoked fish here. I bought some smoked pepper salmon, and smoked trout to take home and also had their catfish dinner. Really good friend seafood. A little too far for me to come often, especially if I live close to the #2 best fried seafood place in Chicago. They often have 10% off coupon so remember to print them. And bring cash!!
(4)
Maxwell K.
Yup, as good as it gets. The location, just before a draw bridge over the most polluted waterway in the United States, is just scary enough to make it awesome. The surrounding neighborhood, well known for urban decay is well-kept but just seedy enough to be interesting. Parking is easy on the side of the bridge, overflow parking is on a grassy lot, with a widely ignored sign that announces "absolutely no parking" The batter is the best i have had. Unfortunately the shrimp taste farmed. The smoked fish is beyond belief great, and the smoked shrimp, which are not farmed, have just enough snap to them to know that they were put under the smoke before a freezer and despite the smoking, they still taste and feel like shrimp...what an achievement!
(5)
Sarah S.
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM What bad can you say about smoked fish?? a MUST try folks..
(5)
George A.
I like the stuffed shrimp very much, I have had assorted smoked fish and enjoyed all of it.
(4)
Valerie H.
We stopped here last Saturday to get some smoked salmon to take over to Crowley's Yacht Yard where we are keeping our boat this season. We snacked on it with some gluten-free crackers and a pre-made sweet potato brought from home. It was delicious! We had stopped here one other time the prior month when we were checking out the boat yard. That was the first time I'd ever tried anything like that and I was hooked. I immediately thought I need to get some of this every weekend to take with us on the boat. The first time we tried it we were surprised it came cold but I'm glad that it did. It's perfect to store in a cooler and it keeps well; we can eat it over a 2-day period and one piece is enough for 2 adults and 1 small dog. (We aren't huge eaters). The prices are on their website. The only thing we've tried so far is the smoked salmon (the plain, not the pepper garlic yet). I want to try to the smoked shrimp next. I'd love to try their fried fish dinners, but unfortunately I have to eat gluten free so fried food is out of the question.
(5)
Karl Z.
I just love this place, it takes me back to my childhood in northern Wisconsin for the Friday night fish fry, but better. It is some of the best smelt I've had in a LONG time and one of the few places I can find it done right. They seem to have worked out frying to a science, and it just works. When I go, I also always need to pick up the smoked trout. Now, the smoked salmon is good, and the smoked shrimp are also delicious, but I think the trout is the star and is half the price. Why spend more when you can get that delicious smokey fish flavor for less! I still get the others once in awhile, but for me, the smoked trout is what it is all about. I also like the chubs, make an amazing smoked fish dip, but they don't always seem to have them. Grab lunch or dinner there, fried smelt, shrimp, or whatnot, and take smoked trout home, always enjoy it and don't mind the drive from downtown at all. To note, I used to live near Lawrence's Fisheries near Cermak and that place is ok, but Calumet is just so much better. The crust formed around the shrimp is great and the shrimp just taste better to me, the sauce isn't really needed, like it is at Lawrence's. Definitely worth the extra trip time.
(5)
Ye L.
Onward on my tour of Yelp's Chicago faves. This place was actually less of a hike from Hyde Park than many of the decidedly more North Side members of the list. It involves $3 of toll to ride about 1 minute of Skyway if you screw up though... Anyway, it really is a tiny shack on the side of the road with absolutely nothing else around. As other Yelpers said, just park in the tow zone. Nobody cares and the employees even park there. We walked in to an empty store but a friendly young employee popped out in no time to take our order. We got a full order of fried scallops and a pound of smoked shrimp (the latter as recommended by a friend). We decided against any fish as I've never been a fan of smoked salmon at least. The shrimp is just in a big bin next to the rest of the smoked fish and is served cold. The frying happens on the spot and is pretty quick. The bill was pretty high for random shack food (40 bucks) but it was so worth it. The scallops were polished off on the hood of my car right away, no sauce necessary. Fantastic. Lightly covered in dough and not greasy at all. The shrimps were a bit cold but they were amazing. Full smokey flavor but no loss of shrimp flavor. Very much worth 22 a pound. Come here. It's a hike but very worth it.
(5)
Sam K.
My friend and I just had a really amazing day exploring the East Side, and it started with a relaxed visit to Calumet Fisheries. Before I get to the food, let me first point out that this place is absolutely spotless. Not what I expected from a fried fish place. My friend and I ordered a half pound of smoked trout and a fried fish dinner to share. We checked out all the great posters on the wall while we waited, and upon the suggestion of the staff, walked down the stairs to the edge of the river to eat on a completely fabulous industrial landscape. The fried fish was great - fried in fresh oil at a high temperature, and very well drained. It wasn't greasy at all- just salty and crisp and delicious. The smoked trout was amazing. It was a little too fishy for me to eat much in one sitting, but I put it aside and ate the rest for dinner. It was a beautiful day with a delicious meal by the water, with an amazing view. A day like today can't be recreated. After we ate, I went back to buy a little more to take home - I bought some smoked salmon, which is much more my style anyway, and is even better than the trout. I'm not so sure I can go back to the smoked Nova chunks at Trader Joe's now . . . Don't plan on going anywhere after a visit to Calumet Fisheries. Because you will stink like fish. My friend handed me his industrial strength germ killer that he got from serving in the army. It burned my skin but didn't remove the fish smell. We went for a swim in the lake. We came home and showered. And we still stink. But definitely plan a visit her on a lazy afternoon. The one thing I would change in the future is show up with a salad of raw tomato, curly parsley, and lemon; when we left, our tastebuds were screaming for something fresh.
(4)
Dave P.
1. Plan ahead and bring a few cold beverages. 2. Find a few friends or co-workers. 3. Order: Smoked salmon, fried clams, smoked shrimp, frog legs, mushrooms, fries. 4. Drive East across the bridge into Calumet Park. 5. Walk towards Lake Michigan with cold beverages, friends/co-workers, and food. 6. Enjoy the good life. P.S.- Watch out for hungry gulls.
(5)
Tamara M.
Luv this place. The shrimp is awesome!
(3)
Marc F.
Like a lot of people who came here after seeing it on No Reservations, I must say that this is some of the greatest smoked items I've ever had. We ordered the smoked shrimp and smoked salmon to start. The shrimp was simply amazing; they were huge and the smokey flavor was just right. It took a lot of willpower to stop eating them and move to the salmon, which was also incredible. When I moved on to the salmon, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it came in great slabs. It practically melts in your mouth with delicious salmon and smoke flavor. A bone here and there, but that's what gives it some charm. On the side, we had some french fries, which were generic at best. I think they only offer them as filler in case you decide to eat on location (which I don't really suggest if you came in a car). The only (and major problems) with eating here is that this place is in the middle of nowhere. Coming from Chicago's city-center, It took 2 changes on the subway, 2 bus changes, and a walk to get here, which was about a 3 to 4 hour round trip. This place is best if you simply pick up and eat it at home. I give Calumet Fisheries 5 stars for their excellent and topnotch craftsmanship for their specialty. I choose not to rate down for the location because you frankly can't be everywhere and close to everybody. Keep on smoking, guys!
(5)
Dan E.
I haven't been in the area in a while but have always been meaning to try the place. Well, I finally did (thanks to Tina B). It's bare bones with no seating. The deep fried selections are cooked up to order. I was most impressed with the clientele when we were there: there was a well-heeled older couple picking out treats for that evenings soiree which contrasted with the group who drove up on their motorcycles decked out in their leather finery. And you can conveniently pick up The Blues Brothers on DVD...
(5)
Dean F.
Our travel plans took us southward from downtown Chicago so a stop at the (in)famous Calumet fisheries was put on the itinerary. The selection of smoked items in the fridge wasn't as wide as I expected and the salmon had looked far better in my mind's eye than it did on the shelf. I'm never really all that taken with the reality of smoked salmon, but to save the day, we found two of our favorites on the menu: fried oysters and for me, smelts. We topped off our order with some American potato salad and we made the trek over the drawbridge to Cal Park to eat it by shore. My oyster expert was not very much pleased with the thick batter coat, much more preferring a more delicate wrapper. I thought they were delicious. My tray of smelts was satisfying, even if the fry cook may have left them in the hot oil a tad too long. The mild red sauce complimented both entrees very nicely and the potato salad was to our liking. I would give a higher rating if the smoke fish presentation had been more inviting. I'm glad we stopped and it took me back to some places.
(3)
Tina B.
Just to be clear - you will smell like smoked fish long after you're done, no matter how many times you wash you hands afterward, still desperately trying to bring the lingering aroma to a merciful end 14 hours later. But you'll probably find it worth any trouble to do it again. This is not one of those super sanitized, fancy eating experiences. You'll get a big ol hunk of smoked fish, maybe complete with head, skin and bones, shell and little leggies. You'll have to devein your own giant shrimp with your fingernails. Then you eat it all barbarian style with your hands either in your car out front on the street under where it says "Tow Zone" or leaning against the Calumet River Bridge pondering the scenic industrialism. The smoked shrimp is...kind of weird. It does kind of taste like fishy ham. But I found myself still eating shrimp after shrimp after shrimp trying to figure out how I felt about it. I'd like to still eat some more now, to keep trying to figure it out. FULL DISCLOSURE - I'm kind of really over smoked seafood, almost to the point, but not quite yet, of being kind of grossed out by it. My mom lives in Alaska and for many years I have endured gifts of smoked halibut treats and salmon jerkies tucked into every Christmas and birthday present. So..yeah... BUT - Their fried seafood is amazing, the fried scallops are some of the best I've had in years. Usually in Chicago I find myself ripping the fried crusty stuff off and chucking it. But this is perfectly, expertly fried. Light and perfectly crispy, the scallops perfectly cooked and wonderfully juicy. I will be getting these every time. It ain't cheap. Bring cash. A ton of cash, because they don't take cards, and a modest lunch for two came to more than $40. I mean, you could save money and get the dinner, but you'll get loaded up with pretty average french fries - and even that will run you at least $10 a person. Oh, and don't worry about parking in that tow zone out front. Everybody does it. And chances are that if you see any cops, city workers or tow trucks, they're just there for lunch, too.
(4)
Sabrina M.
The culinary delights on the "East Side" where I grew up are one of the city's best kept secrets. One of my favorite East Side "secrets" that brings together residents of Calumet Heights, South Chicago, South Deering, Hegewisch and the like is Calumet Fisheries! I've been eating here since I was a kid and the quality of the food has remained consistently good. I just ate here for the first time in a long time today and it is still smack-your-lips good. They've managed to find that perfect frying formula of not-too-hard, not-too-soft, not-too-greasy, perfectly golden brown batter goodness. Today I ordered the same thing I did as a kid -- the shrimp dinner and a side of smelt and I managed to down it all in embarassingly short order! Everything here is good, but I'm partial to the shrimp, smoked shrimp and smelt. It's takeout only and made fresh-to-order. And it's still wonderfully traditional enough that they don't carry Pepsi or Coke -- it's RC Cola, Diet Rite or Nehi, take your pick. If you go on a weekend, don't be surprised if you see cars backed up along the bridge and a line out of the door. Trust me, it's absolutely worth it. And, hey, while you're in there you can pick up a DVD of The Blues Brothers, where this place was immortalized.
(5)
Tiff S.
Being the impressionable person that I am, the day after the "No Reservation-Chicago" episode aired, I hopped into my car and drove for an hour to reach this wonderful, wonderful place. The owner was very friendly, we chatted about the restaurants that were featured on the show and he told us he actually paid Burt's pizza a visit after the episode aired. Since this was our first stop on our "No Reservation-Chicago" trip, we only got half order of the fried shrimps and fried oysters. Both were very tasty. The hot sauce from the store complimented the food fabulously. The oysters were JUICY...every time I bit into one I get juice splash all over myself...so my advice is to get a lot of napkins if you ever get it. Since I like to share with the less fortunate (i.e. people who are stuck at work), I brought home a chuck of garlic & pepper smoke salmon and it was devoured before I put it down on the table...how is that possible? Well, that is just how good the smoke salmon was.
(5)
BeatlesNali D.
I remember this place when I was growing up. We would always order from here during Lent. The place would be packed but the wait was worth it. As I got older I revisited Calumet Fisheries and fell in love with the smoked fish. The quality amazing. I Recomend: Smoked salmon Smoked pepper salmon Smoked Shrimp Shrimp dinner Their only downfall is that they do not accept debit or cc! Which is a good thing is you are on a budget because we would go overboard if we used our debit. So make sure you bring enough cash.
(5)
Mike T.
There is no other place that I've been to which serves such great smoked seafood. If you are brave enough to drive around the area and have cash on you, Calumet Fisheries is the place to go. Smoked shrimp is my favorite to eat, and then it would be the smoked whitefish. Some of the fried food needs to be eaten very quickly and fresh, otherwise the food gets kind of soggy. I've been here a handful of times and I'll continue to go back as long as they keep up their great quality of food.
(5)
Hugh B.
There is no place to sit and eat. It is a shlep and a half from the North Side. It is in a dingy and depressing area. But the food... ahh the food... Been twice. Have had smoked trout, smoked salmon (plain and garlic/pepper), smoked shrimp, and last time, fried shrimp. All have been spectacular. And a bargain to boot. I shudder to think what Whole Foods would charge for stuff like this... A bonus is the (apparently unconnected to the fish shack) man selling watermelons from his truck parked near the front. Sweet and juicy. (The watermelons, not the man.)
(5)
Greg D.
Great fish. Try the smoked trout with garlic and pepper. Quite good. Its an old school fish store where you can get a sleave of saltines to go with the fish. They have plenty of deep fried fish, but the smoked is much better.
(5)
Jay L.
First review on Yelp and I thought it would be fitting to do it on Calumet Fisheries. I, like everyone else on here, saw Anthony Bourdain enjoy it and decided to try it out. First things first, you have to cross the $3.00 toll to get there. No one has mentioned this. I went by myself, automatically adding $6 to my total bill. I'm sure there are other ways to get there but it's the first exit after the toll. Once there, it's not hard to find. It's the only store there and just park on the street in front. I walked in and ordered smoked shrimp dinner (about 6 pieces of jumbo shrimp with fries and coleslaw), smelt, a piece of smoked salmon and a piece of trout. They sell the smoke fish by the piece and weigh it accordingly. I originally thought that I could just buy 1 lb but it's by pieces. Works out for me because both pieces were under 1 lb. EVERYTHING not fried is not warm. The smoked stuff was all room temperature. That aside, everything was pretty fantastic. The fried smelts were delicious and made me wish I tried more fried items. My total was about $32 + $6 toll but it's definitely enough to feed 2, maybe 3 people. Highly recommended. Update to my last review: You can drive down I-94 and get of 95th street. It's about 4-5 miles off of the highway and you don't need to pay toll. Also, they forgot my fried shrimp this time around! Double check your bags before leaving. I also tried the fried fish filets and fried scallops. Both were decent. As for the fried items, I still recommend the smelt. I originally gave Calumet 5 stars but to be 5 stars, you must be consistent. They were not.
(4)
Leticia L.
I have been going to this place since I was a child. I grew up on the southeast side and was amazed to see Anthony Bourdain on tv eating right in front of the fishery. I thought to myself, "why have I not yelped about Calumet Fisheries?" Not much has changed in the quality of the food at this establishment which is refreshing. I am a fan of their shrimp. When I was a little girl my dad used to buy smoked shrimp, fried shrimp, and fries. We would go to Calumet park and have a small picnic. It is one of those places I hope is around when my son is old enough to enjoy seafood!!
(5)
Quantas G.
Wowzers! This place is awesome! Anthony Bourdain was on to something. Calumet Fisheries is THE place for smoked fish. Me and some buddies made the drive down to check this place out after seeing it on TV. And a coupon didn't hurt either. ;) We loaded up on smoked salmon, smoked whiting, smoked shrimp, fried oysters, fried shrimp, and fried smelt. The fish is smoked right on the premises right outside the front door. The aroma seduces you once you park streetside. The customer service is incomparable. The entire staff was very helpful, ready to ask questions, ready to help you with anything you need. Come prepared: with cash, for good smoked fish, and awesome customer service. The staff will tell you a great place to enjoy your grubs a 2-minute drive to Calumet Park nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan.
(5)
Tolga E.
I actually remembered Calumet Fisheries from the scene in the original Blues Brothers movie, but I had to have Anthony Bourdain convince me it was worth a trip out to the southiest-south-side of Chicago to try it. Calumet is so deep into the South Side, it's literally a quick walk over to Indiana. Three tourists, a Catholic, a Turk, and a Japanese Texan, really had no business being here. But really, the Blues Brothers didn't either. But the blues (or if you ask Jake and Elwood, the Lord) brings people together in strange ways...and smoked shrimp seems to have the same effect. So, we packed into the rental car and made our way down here. Unfortunately, we went on Easter Sunday and they were closed - one of only two days a year they are closed. So, we tried again the next morning and were a bit more successful. Upon seeing how out-of-place and wide-eyed we were, the guy working there immediately asked "you saw the TV show right?" You bet we did. We ordered the fried shrimp, the famous smoked shrimp, and some smoked salmon. The fried shrimp was fried shrimp, nothing special there. The smoked salmon was really good, but I felt like they probably specialize in smoking other types of fish that would come out better. Then, we had the smoked shrimp, which is served cold, peel-n-eat. These were pretty great. I can't really compare the taste to anything else, be it other shrimp or other smoked foods. It tastes...uniquely like smoked shrimp. I wasn't blown away, but it was a unique experience. And that was good enough. Overall, you should go to Calumet Fisheries to have the experience of traversing the south side, of witnessing the place, and of eating the smoked shrimp. You may not ever need to go back again, but when in Chicago, I can't think of too many things to do that are more worthy.
(4)
El B.
Wow!! went there after seeing the Anthony Bourdain episode on Chicago. The guys who worked there were nice, funny, helpful and above all, GRATEFUL to have had the opportunity to have been on such a widely watched TV show and to have all the new business and yuppies from the city drive their Jettas down for some good eating. Had a great time chatting with them. The food was so so so good! The smoked shrimp was especially amazing. These aren't dinky little cocktail shrimp either. Three good bites. You will stink like hell for a long time afterwards and I kept getting whiffs while driving back to the city. It became nauseating actually and after washing my hands twice and showering, I finally got rid of the fish smell. Totally worth it, though. Can't wait to go again. Be prepared to eat in/on your car. There is no where to sit and it's in the middle of nowhere (read: litter and general detritus abounds). Bring wetnaps!
(5)
Ron C.
I had no idea what to expect coming here. Firstly it took us a long time to drive down here. And after getting lost, and waiting for 2 bridges to lower due to a passing ship) we finally found the place. A little shack in the middle of nowhere, on the way southside of Chicago, which I find to be unique and reminiscent of the way "things used to be", I just refused to believe how good it could be. We walked in and randomly ordered some smoked items. A salmon, some chubs and shrimp. I guess it might've been the first time I've had smoked cold seafood, but everything was so fresh, so sweet and oh soo good. The chubs (which I've never had before) were especially sweet, and just digging into this stuff with your bare hands inside your car, just made it all the more delicious. Man, writing this review makes me want to go back so much. Grrr!!!
(5)
Peter F.
We ate at Everest the night after dining here, and there was dispute over which was the finer food. That's right, Calumet Fisheries' smoked shrimp is that good. Less complex, certainly, but those two flavors are perfect each and in combination. And I certainly didn't accidentally nibble on my finger after a delicious lingering aroma from Everest. The huge shrimp get smoked in the shack's own little smokeshack in the back (it doesn't look like much, but perhaps that's why this stuff is so good). Their breaded shrimp is great too, quite possibly the best in the city, but skip it anyway and get a 1/2 lb. of smoked shrimp ($10) per person. As implied above, the beautiful smoked shrimp smell will linger on your fingers, so watch that you don't chew on them. It's also a great place to pick up other smoked fish like salmon and especially chubs. Ah, Calumet Fisheries' smoked chubs. Priced at just $10/lb., the chubs sell like hot cakes. Or rather, drugs--folks from the neighborhood call them "fish crack." I'm not sure on how Chicagoans eat their chubs, but I'll give you a run down on the Russian no-utensil version: 1) snap off that fish head and toss it; 2) pry the fish open from the bottom; 3) and start pulling meat off those bones 4) dip that meat in the hot sauce and eat. Lastly, the setting is perfect Calumet River industrial grandiosity. The ships on the river, steel mills in the distance, close up views of several great steel drawbridges, the Skyway, and a wayward little yacht marina. And you've got about a 25% chance on any given visit to see the 95th St bridge rise for a tugboat, which always draws a crowd of shrimp-devouring gawkers. Unfortunately, there's no good place to rest your meal while doing some gawking of your own--some sort of counter or small picnic table outside would be a great improvement, but who am I to complain when the fish is this good. Eat your food carefully in the car, on the hood, or take it back to wherever you're going. Driving over to Wolf Lake to gorge yourself on smoked chubs while looking at the industrial monstrosities of Lake Co. over the marshes will be memorable!
(5)
Paul S.
Was there on a Saturday over Labor Day weekend. Full, but not crowded at all. The staff was very patient and attentive. We grabbed three items. The garlic pepper smoked salmon was the winner. The smoked shrimp was fantastic as well. The fried fish was the best I ever had, however it's not "that" much better than other reputable fried fish places. If you're a fried food fanatic, I would recommend the fried items, but the smoked items are what make the place for sure.
(5)
Justin S.
Yes, this place is the real deal. I'm ashamed to admit - the day started in the morning in my car, where my buddy was on the phone saying, "No way I'm going - I'm only doing Anthony Bourdain stuff today!" After a stop by Hot Doug's, we made it to Calumet for dessert. I was blown away by the ambience. It was awesome. The tv show simply cannot capture it. It's a tiny shack, next to a rusty bridge, which is covering toxic water, located in an industrial wasteland. Love it!! The best food is always found in places like these. The smoked fish, of any kind, is bomb. Get it. The fried shrimp was awesome too. The fried smelts were peculiar, bordering on questionable. I'm sure some people love it though. This place is BYOWAPT - bring your own water and paper towels. You'll need it to wash your hands.
(5)
Mike I.
When I heard that Anthony Bourdain recently visited this little white shack nestled in the western armpit of the 95th street bridge, I figured I'd better get down there and see what the big deal was. It was a long drive. By the time we arrived and pulled off to the side of the road, I'd become disoriented with hunger, and in my haste to order I asked for fried instead of smoked shrimp. Luckily, my dining companions did not make the same mistake and were willing to share. Four of us stood at the rail of the old bridge, a hot noon sun bearing down on us while we downed shrimp after delicious shrimp. I could see the dark line where the smoke had worked itself into the body of the little beast. This was surely the most intensely smoked shrimp I'd ever laid teeth on. Dining Companion #3 also bought a collar of smoked salmon, which he devoured later in the day and called "Pretty fucking good." This is hearsay and therefore inadmissible in a court of law. Now, back at home and feeling the nascent pangs of evening hunger, with my smoke-infused T-shirt smelling downright edible, I'm tempted to drive right back down there for a second course.
(5)
JL S.
This place is classic and pure. It is what it is, and what it is is terrific.
(4)
Victoria S.
We wouldn't have found Calumet Fisheries without Yelp - but we're glad we did! It's bare bones - no doubt about it - but the fried seafood rocks! (We didn't try the smoked). We did a half order of the oysters (I'd never had oysters before - loved 'em) - and a half order of the shrimp (YUM - terriffic) and a half order of fries on the side. Because of other reviewers here on Yelp we planned ahead and brought 2 drinks from our hotel (we were in town for a show) - in the "borrowed" hotel ice bucket. And - we ended up eating in the car. We'd do it again in a heartbeat.
(4)
Tsubasa O.
We actually drove to here from Downtown twice within 24 hrs because our dumb asses didn't check to see if they were closed on Easter - which is one of three days they're closed all year. Still, we had to make the venture out to see what the hubbub was about. For me it was a little over-hyped from the Bourdain show. Smoked shrimp was top of the line, no doubt. Peppered salmon was good but nothing to make plans for. Popcorn shrimp is good - it's deep fried, no real magic there. Eating the food can be an issue, especially if it's windy and rainy outside. We took it inside our rental car and my friend (who's the most uncoordinated person) took the liberty to spill hot sauce all over his crotch, car seat, etc. Looked like he was emitting period blood everywhere. Good thing we were going to Cubs Opening Day with a corporate box in about an hour. For me, the experience of going to that place and hanging out there for a little bit was most exciting. Seeing the south side of Chicago and the blue collar ghost-town feel of 95th street is something I don't get to experience much in SF. (For Bay Area kids, it had the vibe of San Pablo Ave in Oakland, but much more vacant.) The guy who works there was super nice and asked us, "so, you saw the show, right? go to the pizza place too?" yes and yes. It was a fun trip to get there and if I'm in Chicago again for leisure, I'll make sure to visit again. I also regret not purchasing a trucker hat from them.
(4)
Kat M.
A maggot in my shrimp?! My fiance and I just got back home from our adventure to South Deering. Because we don't often travel to the South Side, we saved this dinner up for (and built it up in our minds as) something really special. The pepper and garlic salmon that my fiance got WAS something special... seriously, the best smoke salmon I've ever tasted - moist and so, so, so flavorful, without being salty or just plain dry. However, my smoked shrimp were.... un-special. In their reviews, no one really mentions that you can't (or at least we were told we couldn't - more on that later) get the smoked salmon as a "dinner" - i.e., you have to just buy the piece of fish and the side separately. No big deal, but since we'd never really been there before and didn't really have the program down yet, we looked like complete idiots while ordering. As we left, we both remarked that we almost felt laughed at by the service person helping us at the counter... he could have been a little more polite and a little more helpful. Anyway, we took our spread home to dine in the air conditioning and with utensils (which they neglected to include and we neglected to ask for). When we got home, Fiance popped open the fish that we'd been catching drool-inducing whiffs of on our hour drive home. It was truly out of this world. The shrimp... oh, the shrimp... were a different story. They were massively big, and I think I was on my 4th or 5th one (out of probably 8 that came with the order) when I started to peel off the shell and tried to pick something off that looked less like a leg and more like a... worm. Upon closer inspection, I realized that it was actually a maggot. Talk about losing my appetite.... and my lovely fiance just reminded me that not only was it a maggot, it was almost a three-quarter inch maggot. I realize that maybe it was a freak occurrence and this prob doesn't happen to every person that orders shrimp, but if I were a patron, I would definitely inspect my seafood closely. Otherwise, you might be left praying that you don't have food poisoning. Like I am right now. All in all, I would definitely love to go back for more salmon, but ix-nay on the imp-shray.
(3)
Yuko K.
The best smoked shrimp ever!! My friend and I drove there on rainy Saturday just to get the food and come back. We ended up woofing down the smoked shrimp in a car parked in front of the restaurant (very classy move), and then immediately went back in to get another pound of them. Not cheap though at $20 per pound, but was worth every bite. We also tried smoked pepper salmon, which was good but completely overshadowed by smoked shrimp. Definitely requires another trip to try out frog legs and other smoked fish.
(5)
Slu S.
Now some blanch at going to Andersonville or Pilsen for food, but this joint is way, way, way out of the way. We are talking about in the shadows of the skyway bridge. That being said. Shut down your computer. Get in your car (if you don't drive, steal a car). Set aside 90 minutes and go. If you are a fan of seafood or the Blues Brothers (Cal Fisheries was in the movie), you will love this place. It is no non-sense and you smell what you will taste. Get as many smoked shrimp as you can afford and sit in your car or on the bridge and peel and eat. Apply hot sauce as needed. Repeat. Now try finding your way home.
(5)
chris c.
I think that their smoked fish is a little above average, but you can find better in the city. The smoked shrimp on the other hand is definitely worth the trip all by itself. I have yet to try the fried seafood offerings that many love, but I made the way through the smoked section and the shrimp seperates itself from the other offerings.
(3)
Roy A.
This is the epitome of a food joint. Hole in the wall place. Whatever you wanna call it, but damn is it good. I, like every one else, went here a couple months after Bourdain had it on the show and it was well worth the trek over there. Smoked salmon, chub (aka crack), fried shrimp and smoked shrimp was the order for the day. Not one disappointed and the freshness was clearly evident. I don't know if there's another place like this anywhere outside somewhere in the south, I'd guess. Plain and simple--the BEST smoked food you'll probably ever eat. I'm shocked that such a place exists in the middle of nowhere on 95th St off of 90. Incredible stuff and worth going to at least once regardless of how far you may have to drive.
(5)
D T.
Yelpers- You have let me down on this one. I just got back and am dumbfounded by those of you who don't love the fried foods here. I generally only like fresh fish, and don't think it should be fried, unless Calumet Fisheries is doing the frying. But, everything was awesome. OK, 1st of all, do NOT take local roads here. Navigation Lady and I aren't speaking right now. She had me take E 79th St. the entire way and I don't know how a suburban family with a gay dog made it out alive. Holy Panic the entire drive there. 2nd of all, order A LOT! Fried will reheat in the oven well, smoked is already served almost cool. 3rd Bring a car you don't care about. We brought the new SUV- dumb. I must say I was most excited about the smoked fish, (well, mostly excited I made the drive here alive- and I'm no wimp. Seriously) but I really dig the fried food. I think it's what mood you're in because I keep going back and forth between the two and they don't mix well. 1) Fried Catfish- I wanted to smack my husband when he got this but it was sooooo good. Fresh, not greasy, delicious. I made him go back in mid-gorging to get another order of that and fried shrimp. 2) Fried Shrimp- It's not just "fried shrimp" people. It's amazing fried shrimp that is the best I have ever had. 3) Fried Scallops- SOOOO light and, once again, fresh. They were my husbands favorite- very unlike him. 4) Fries- so many complaints about them by reviewers. They're fine. You come here for fish, not fries. 5) Smoked Shrimp- Only had room for 2, but they're really good. Gonna dig in later when I can breathe. 6) Smoked salmon- Delicious!!! I cannot believe this comes out of water by us. Scary. But good. 7) Smoked Trout- Not as good as the salmon, and I thought I'd like it more. I am sooo spoiled by a local restaurants smoked trout, and it can't be beat. 8) BBQ sauce- FANTASTIC 9) Hot Sauce- Friggin awesome. 10) Grape Sunkist- Really? I had 3. We made this a "field trip" so my daughter wouldn't complain about the drive. That and popped in a DVD- lazy parenting at its finest people. When we pulled up, she noted the obvious, "This place does NOT look fun or like it has good food!!" She was singing a different tune after she had some of the awesomeness. I think part of the excitement was being able to eat in the new car- forbidden normally. The guy working is sooo friendly. He was cracking up when my husband went in for more 3 minutes into eating. We spent about $100.00 on 3 of us, and have PLENTY for dinner or lunch tomorrow. So GO!! It's a must try.
(5)
magic g.
my first 5* ... anything smoked here is amazing, especially the huge smoked shrimp (don't get the fried one). just wow
(5)
Fernando A.
Damn this place is good! Living in LA, it's really hard to find smoked fish. Lot's of fresh fish in LA, but not a whole lot of people making smoked fish. Anyhow, I grew up in Michigan, and love smoked fish from the great lakes, so after we saw this on Bourdain, I just had to go here. First of all, the owners are super friendly. They saw us taking photos outside, and started teasing us when we came in. They took us out back and let us take photos of their smoke house too. We got the smoked trout, shrimp, smelt, and peppered salmon. All were incredibly delicious. We stunk like fish the rest of the day, since we ate it in the car. My one downer is that I wish this was a full on sit down deli. It would be much more enjoyable to eat this with some bread, bagels, spread, etc. As tourists, we couldn't really bring it back to the hotel room. I wish there was a comparable place to this near Long Beach. If I lived in Chicago, I'd be here on a weekly basis.
(5)
Ardena C.
I was very disappointed in the food here. two of the four items that we ordered from this place were over cooked and rubbery. The service was great though..and fast. Very friendly people work there.
(2)
K S.
This place is way off the beaten path, and the only place i didn't know(and haven't been to) from Anthony Bourdain's Chicago episode. The person working here made it a great experience. We got the smoked salmon and shrimp. The shrimp was AMAZING! I think they were worth the drive alone. This place can get deceivingly pricey for a carryout, side of the road place. I went later in the day, when no one else was there with a friend of mine. The guy working the counter was great! He made this a 5 star experience. We told him it was our first time there and had no idea what we were doing. He asked us if we wanted to try some smoked salmon and some shrimp. I can recommend this place anytime, but expect to drive back and eat it at home, no place to sit, side of the road carryout only place.
(5)
January C.
I was on a little tour of the southside with my boyfriend last week. We drove by the Calumet Fisheries and I asked him to pull over. I really wanted some hush puppies. I went inside only to find out they didn't have hush puppies; when I turned around to leave I saw Anthony Bourdain's picture on the wall. Hmmm...if it's good enough for Tony, maybe I should give it a chance. I knew this place looked familiar... So, I ended up ordering their fish chip dinner. The fish was pretty darn good. Crispy but not over fried, made with fresh oil. The fries were thick cut but lacked flavor. The side of coleslaw was unusually sweet but a nice balance with the saltiness of the fish. I didn't try any of their smoked meat but it sure did smell tasty. If I'm driving by again I won't hesitate to stop in.
(3)
Sofia D.
I have one large regret that I will not forgive myself for until I return to Calumet Fisheries. I shamefully have not tried their smoked fish... sorry! Bad judgment call at the time. But, I HAVE tried their fried shrimp (and snacked on my buddy's fish dinner) and holy hell, it is amazing! We were trying to make it to the fish shack by sunset in order to enjoy our meals at Calumet Park right down the road. The boys behind the counter were very polite and had our food ready really quickly. We ordered the sweet potato tots (that vegetable being one of my first loves), fried shrimp dinner, and fish dinner. The mild fish dippin' sauce was great and the spicy one tasted like straight-up hot sauce. The fried shrimp were cooked to perfection and the fries that came along with it tasted like they'd just been chopped and fried minutes before. Everything was great but I noticed that my grape soda tasted like fish... may have been from the fishy particles floating around and greasing up my can... a little funny, to be honest. Anyway, we did make it to the park before it got dark, in case you were wondering, but we didn't see the sunset. We'll have to make a trip out soon so I can capture the sun fading and get my smoked fish on simultaneously. Nothing says romance like the smell of fish!
(4)
H S.
I think its en vogue to give places like this 5-stars just to prove you were there and know good food. That's why I'm keeping it real and only going 4-stars.....that way you still know I went and know I'm still keeping it real! I had the smoked salmon and the smoked shrimp. I enjoyed them both-very much so indeed. However, that is a lot of smoked seafood. A bit too much smoked seafood for me and a lot of food. I think a fried shrimp order would have countered the smoked salmon better. They were out of chub unfortunately but the salmon was on point. I wish the sides offered were better but I would imagine this is best bought for small groups of people in which you can try various smoked/fried portions, make or bring your own sides and enjoy a cold beverage with. Nonetheless, happy I went!
(4)
Joe M.
Was not tremendously impressed. The Salmon was very good, the Chub was ok, but the Catfish and the Frogs legs were not battered and cooked fresh, they were frozen. So a little disappointed for the $$$$. Kind of a cool industrial ambiance. Would get the Salmon again
(3)
Kimberly G.
Food is always good here, that's not to say the same for the service. Every time I come into place which has been at least 4 times now, the staff at the counter is terrible. At least I seem to think so there is this young kid that gives me the death stare every time I dont want to jump to conclusions but maybe its what I'm "Wearing". lol This not only happens with this kid every time also I've been there on several occasions to only be overlooked and totally ignored until i speak up. Yesterday was the last time that i will spend 40-50 dollars at this place to test out my theory. I'd rather go to lawrence fisheries where I always feel welcome. Don't like how this staff makes me "uncomfortable"
(2)
Jim M.
I used to work across the river from Calumet Fisheries, when they still unloaded cargo at the Federal Marine Terminal. That was awhile ago, but I still find myself in that area at least once a month getting smoked shrimp. This is one of those perfect get and go kind of places, pull up, jump out, order, it'll come to you fast, and leave, go to Calumet Park, watch a softball game and enjoy the food. The service is very friendly and patient, there's a lot to choose from, take your time, get it right. I've had the fried oysters, also excellent, as is the smelt. I love me some smelt. It's hard to find anything that doesn't taste good fried. Head over, it's a great location, get some food, you'll enjoy it.
(4)
Brian B.
Wonderful, unique and worth the drive! I don't have anything else to add that the others haven't said.
(4)
Michael W.
Hours after my seafood rendezous on the side of a road near the Chicago Skyway, the scent of smoked shrimp lingered on my fingers. The memories of a love consummated .... in the mouth. Oh, yeah. I knew I was in the right dining environment when we pulled up into the tow zone by a shack atop the 95th Street bridge on the far Southeast Side in the shadow of a City of Chicago Streets and Sanitation truck. Those guys know food. So does Mr. Tony, aka Anthony Bourdain of Travel Channel's "No Reservations" whose recent visit to Calumet features prominently inside, along with photos of Jake and Elwood Blues. As every other wall article explains, this is the spot The Blues Brothers jump the bridge in the seminal Chi-Town movie of our time. No doubt John Belushi got down on some smoked shrimp. No, you're not reading this incorrectly. Smoked shrimp, not fried shrimp. There is this delicious flavor that given my limited history with smoked foods meant the shrimp tasted like ham. Seafood ham. Yum. Still, don't miss out on the fried shrimp & scallops. A little advice, this is a seafood destination so skip the dinner combo and go right for the fish, by the full orders (pounds) if you can swing it. You're guaranteed to leave satisfied.
(5)
Marlene S.
Lot's of character in this tiny little place, but I should have tried something smoked intead of fried. There was way too much coating on the smelt and the fried fish. The stuffed shrimp had the most flavor. I love crab, but since the crab cakes were listed as "imitation crab" there wasn't any point in trying them. No tables, so you eat in your car, and if you are lucky, the bridge goes up and you see some water traffic.
(3)
Ryan S.
This place has solid flavors. I am a salmon fan and ate the smoked salmon and Holy Shiz it was good! I am an extremely picky eater and this place set me right. The smoked shrimp was incredibly flavorful. How come its always the little shacks that have the best food? This place is small and off the beaten path. So, if you live far it is worth the travel.
(5)
Madelyn H.
i'm always looking for new and interesting food experiences and visiting calumet fisheries was definitely that! of course, i heard about it on no reservations. the fish is delish. my fav was the smoked salmon and trout. i also loved the fried smelt and the sauce they serve with it is so good. the chubs and shrimp were good, but for me, the salmon and trout were definitely the standouts. my hands did smell for hours afterwords, even after scrubbing them multiple times, but it was well worth it. we read on yelp that you should go to calumet park and this was a great tip, especially given the alternative of eating in your car. calumet park is right on the lake.
(5)
Alex K.
What can I say that hasn't been said here? They have a James Beard award hanging on the wall next to a white board that shows the price of a can of soda. You probably have no idea how good smoked fish can be unless you've been here. If you find yourself heading past 95th on the highway, you owe it to yourself to stop and try this stuff. Smoked shrimp FTW.
(5)
Jim A.
after seeing this place on anthony bourdain's no reservations (like many others have), we decided to give it a try ourselves. we were not at all disappointed. the place itself is way on the south side of chicago (95th at the bridge as their sign says). you just park on the side of the road and walk in. the two guys working there at the time were friendly and courteous. after we received our order (and with no seating area available) we ate right in our car. luckily I had a leftover newspaper in the car which came in handy! it was tough to decide what to order since there were only two of us. we went with the smoked shrimp, fried catfish, and fried oysters. everything was fresh and delicious. the fried items were crispy and not too oily. we topped it off with an order of fries and soft drink, but it was the fresh seafood that was the star. it was definitely worth the trip here. we'll definitely be back. they also recently won a james beard award in the america's classic category. I can see why.
(5)
Mimi P.
OK this PLACE STINKS as in SMELLS, I had to wait on the curbside that overlooked the beauty of the east side to prevent the upchuck reflex, but I believe it was the "smoking" process of fish, barf. I had fried smelts, fried shrimp, fried scallops, fried clam strips and I was all fried out in a bad way. They have a variety but I wont be going again.
(2)
Gerald H.
Let's get right to it. If you don't love fish you might as well stay away from this place. I used to go often (I should have said very often) when I lived in the city. Now I get there about twice a year but when I do, look out! Because I'm gonna do some damage. The fried shrimp, scallops, fish chips and smoked (anything) are delicious, as are the fries. I don't get caught up in the ambiance because I've been there many times but it's a quaint place that I hope never goes away. If you ever have a chance be sure to stop here.
(4)
Esther Y.
Stick to the smoked fish...it's a must.
(4)
Dopple C.
Like other Bourdain fans, I had to go check this place out when I visited Chicago last week. I took the trip from downtown using Metra, the commuter rail, and the train runs once an hour to South Chicago. It was about another 10-15 minute walk (seems really long if you don't know where to go) to find the place. Unfortunately, I was traveling solo and didn't want any leftovers, so I ate a small order of fried fish chips, which was OK, and took out some smoked shimp and smoked salmon for the plane trip home. Since I had missed the hourly Metra back, I walked on to Commercial Ave to find a bus to the Red Line back to the Loop. And lived to talk about it :-) The smoked shrimp and salmon survived the rest of my day bumming around in Chicago and the dealyed flight back to NYC. Around 11pm, I ate the smoked shrimp. IT WAS GOOD!!! I was somewhat concerned about the food spoiling en route, but isn't the point of smoking food to preserve it? I'm saving the salmon for now, but at least I now know my way there by public transportation. Lesson for next time is to bring friends (AND DRIVE) so I can sample MORE!
(4)
Joseph M.
Best smoked salmon I've ever had. I get the garlic & peppered style, it's just fantastic. Good smoked shrimp. Decent fried scallops. The fried shrimp is alright but not nearly as good as the fried shrimp at Bob's Shrimp on Calumet Ave. in Hammond. Carryout only.
(5)
Char Y.
best fried seafood ever! the oysters were juicy, yummy, and seriously heavenly. I never had smelt before and am now totally a fan. The smoke shrimps were ok, but definitely worth the trip! if you take the skyway it only takes 15 minutes from downtown.
(4)
Rob S.
Also, forgot to mention that if you are coming from the North, instead of swinging onto 90 (Chicago Skyway), take 94 south and exit at 95th street and head east. This will save you from paying any tolls and takes almost the same time. Drive past Chicago State University and it will come up eventually on your right.
(5)
William C.
I've gone past this place all my years growing up and never once stopped. I learned about this place from Bourdain's show No Reservations. They deliver some of the best smoked fish I've eaten. We had the smoked shrimp, pepper/garlic salmon, smoked salmon, and fried scallops. I'd love to make those smoked shrimp into a po' boy; they are large, succulent, smokey, and just plain good dipped into hot sauce. There is no place to sit except your car, which we did. The experience is worth it, and we brought several pounds of smoked fish home to share.
(5)
ed d.
Very good shrimp. If you are in the area, stop by. Not sure I would drive 45 minutes for it.
(4)
Paul M.
I have been to Calumet Fisheries many times and never have been disappointed. My favorits are their smoked shrimp, smoked trout, and fried stuffed shrimp. I used to get the Mahi Mahi half order but the last few times I went - they didn't offer it. Being a big Blues Brothers fan, I really enjoy looking at the pictures from when they filmed the bridge jump scene right on the 95th street bridge where Calumet Fisheries is located. If you are lucky, you can get to see the bridge raise for a huge boat hauling freight. This place is one of those rare gems in the city. It hasn't been ruined by Check Please like some of my other favorite places (you hear me Hot Doug? you think I am going to wait in a line around the block for a pigeon hot dog?). Service is top notch. If I could rate it 4 and a half stars I would.
(4)
Angelica D.
If you haven't been here, I would definitely reccomend you do. They have the best fried shrimp out there :) I always get the hot sauce that comes with it and it just totally rocks my world! The place is super small, not someplace to come and sit as they have no seating area. The lakefront is a few blocks away though. The food here is really cheap in my opinion compared to other places. Can't wait til my next trip.
(5)
Dean D.
Went back a second time and tried the salmon again. It was a more moist than the first time, but I would still not get it from there. Also tried the fried oysters and they were decent. I'd definitely come back for the smoke chubs and the smoked shrimp and would gladly recommend those two items to anyone.
(4)
Steven L.
I too got sucked in by Bourdain. Afterall, a nice sunny afternoon, a few good friends, and all the smoked fish and shrimp we could eat sounded pretty a-peel-ing (Pun totally intended!) Warning: If you go to this place, I strongly recommend you follow this list in order to make your visit as enjoyable as possible. Besides your appetite, I recommend bringing these things: 1. Bring cash: They do not take credit or debit cards! 2. Drinks: They do have a few options, but there is no beer or wine. Personally I've always been told: "Smoke in one hand, beer in the other." I think we can let that rule apply here. 3. Cut your fingernails: If you do the dirty work, your hands are going to smell. That means peeling the shrimp, tearing the fish, etc. And if your nails are long, that scent will stick underneath your fingers for a couple of days. 4. Bring handiwipes or wet towels: The bathroom facilities here are nonexistent. That means after chowing down on the smokey treats, your hands are going to smell a bit fishy. You will be itchin' to give them a good cleanse. 5. Sauce: Now this may seem like a sin to some, but if you really love a good cocktail sauce (like me) bring your own. They did not have any. I personally think the smoke flavor of the shrimp could have benefited from a little spice from horseradish. They do have some hot sauce, but it's more of the Frank's Red Hot variety. Not my personal fave. Now onto the ambiance. Oh wait, there is none. That's because there are no seats. If you want to eat there, grab a seat on the curb or the bridge nearby and enjoy the outdoor. It really wouldn't hurt for management to put in some picnic tables as they have the room for it. The food. My friends and I (3 of us total) purchased 1 lb of shrimp and half a lb each of smoked pepper salmon, trout, and chub fish. This ended up costing us about $14 each and was plenty of food for all 3 of us. I couldn't wait to "sink" my teeth into these savory delights. I sampled the shrimp first. The smoke flavor is very strong and potent. It definitely takes over the actual taste of shrimp. Very delicious. But I think a dip in some cocktail sauce would really work well here. The fish also have very strong smoke flavor. My favorite of the fish was the peppered salmon. I suppose us fans of lox and cheese already know how tasty smoked salmon can be. Here it is even better! The trout and chubs were also tasty. Definitely worth a try. So what is this meal missing? I don't know. Perhaps it's the Asian in me, but I found the smoke to be overwhelming after a few bites. I think the fish could really benefit from something more neutral to help counter the very strong smoke taste. Perhaps, a side of rice or bread option would be helpful to the menu. Also, I would have probably gone with 4 stars here, but I just thought the amenities of the restaurant really left something to be desired. A bathroom, or handiwipes at minimum, should be provided. Especially since most of us are making a bit of a journey to come to this place.
(3)
Matt C.
How have I missed this in all of my years in Chicago? Maybe because it is in the middle of nowhere and close to some not so great neighborhoods. The setting definitely made me feel like I was in a different city, except for the Chicago Police cruisers there (eating). My buddy and I split the smoked shrimp, fried shrimp, fried frog legs, and smoked pepper salmon. No complaints regarding anything I had. The frog legs were some of the best I've had, and the smoked shrimp was ridiculously good (never had it before, so I guess I can say it is the best I've had). My recommendation to avoid the skyway is to take Lakeshore down and follow S. Shore Dr/US-41 when it ends. Just turn on 95th and you are only a block or 2 away. South Lakeshore is beautiful, and you are really only in a "rough" neighborhood for a few blocks. I used to work all throughout the area, and never once had a problem. The cash only thing with no ATM in sight was kind of annoying, but I had enough cash to make sure I had an adequate lunch. I didn't mind eating in my car either, it reminded me of the local fish places I have been to on the east coast. If you are looking for an offbeat place to experience Chicago, this is definitely a good option
(5)
Jennifer G.
Came in to finally sample some of the fried delicacies. Our first trip here consisted only of the smoked shrimp, which is excellent. Fried shrimp was also wonderful - the breading is light and the shrimp were cooked perfectly. Son had the oysters and husband had the scallops, all of which were in the same light breading and cooked just right. I decided to also get one smoked salmon piece to take home to make dip with. A few days went by and I almost forgot about it and took it out to find a piece of salmon that was still perfectly wonderful. The salmon is juicy, flavorful and perfect for making dip. It really could be eaten plain, it is just that good. I think the smoked salmon may really be the star of the show here.
(4)
Annie P.
Happy I finally made a point to drive down here. What a unique place! My family did the smoked salmon, pepper and garlic smoked salmon, and smoked whitefish. The p&g salmon and the whitefish were both standout. We also did the smoked shrimp which were interesting to try (have never had) and were good as well. My brother likes slaw and wasn't impressed by theirs. Good experience though. Happy I've gone at least once and if am in the vicinity will definitely come back
(5)
Virtie P.
The full order of fries shrimp was on point. I've also tried the smoked salmon, which was also very good.
(5)
Hannah H.
I've been wanting to check out Calumet Fisheries FOREVER, so I was pretty excited to finally swing by! This smokehouse has been family-owned and -operated by the Kotlick-Toll family since '48, where the fish is brined overnight and special oak logs are used for the smoking. Fish, such as catfish, chubs, eel, rainbow trout, sable, salmon, sturgeon, white fish, and herring are some that are available. They also have fried seafood (shrimp, fish, catfish, scallops, and crab cakes), as well as sides and salads. I tried their Pepper & Garlic smoked salmon, a half order of the fried shrimp, and a half order of their fried smelts. The smoked salmon was pretty good; just use a strong fork to flake it apart; they have packages of saltine crackers available, but you can bring you own. It had a lovely smoked flavor, and the garlic and the peppercorn was not too overpowering. Just having the fish with the crackers can be a little dry, so having some mayonnaise to spruce it up is a good idea. The fried shrimp was forgettable, and the fried smelts were okay - the batter was more like ground cornmeal-like, rather than the crispy batter I was expecting. Service was super friendly, and everything is made fresh-to-order (besides the smoked fish). This is a cash only joint, so keep that in mind. It is a carry-out only, but there are a couple of picnic tables in the front to enjoy your meal (I prefer to just chowing down in the car - that's how you do ittttttt) :P I'd love to come back and try out their smoked sable, sturgeon, and the trout :D +Pepper & Garlic smoked salmon +friendly staff +cash only
(4)
Stefany V.
Worth driving out of your way for. Seriously. This was easily a half hour drive outside of Chicago, and I'd do it again. Smoked and fried fish aplenty, right on the water. It really doesn't get much better than this. If my endorsement isn't enough for you, the many awards on the walls should be. Anthony Bourdain is among their fans, too. Smoked is the way to go here. I'm sure their fried fish is fine, and the smelts we tried were tasty, but the smoked fish was by far the star of our meal. They sell by weight, so come hungry and plan to buy a couple of pounds to split with a group. There's some outdoor seating available or you can take it with you, but be sure to bring cash- I'm not a fan of cash-only businesses, but at least there's an ATM here. SMELTS: Grab a half order, available with a spicy or mild dipping sauce not unlike a buffalo wing sauce. They're hot and crispy, and plenty for sharing even with the half order. But I'd take these to go and make a garlic sauce to serve them with, as done in European cuisine. GARLIC PEPPER SMOKED SALMON: This was tasty, and by far the most recommended fish in the reviews. It was good, but not amazing. If your only knowledge of smoked fish is the lox on your bagel at a chain restaurant, you might really like this massive step up in quality. SMOKED TROUT: Go classic. The smoked trout is divine. No pepper or garlic needed, just simple, smoked fish. It's flavorful, with plenty of skin, and I could eat it for days. CRACKERS: Whatever you buy, grab a tube of crackers (they're 55 cents) to eat your fish with. And don't forget to grab napkins, because you'll be eating all this tastiness with your hands.
(4)
Paola N.
I had a really great experience at Calumet Fisheries. THE AMBIANCE: Calumet Fisheries is a small seafood shack with an outdoor smoke house. You walk in and pick your food off of a menu on the wall and from the glass counters. It is super small and the venue is meant for you to walk in and order. Outside by the smoke house there are long tables bleacher-style for you to sit and enjoy your pickings. THE FOOD: It was three (3) of us on this food trip and we ordered garlic smoked salmon, garlic smoked trout, fried scallops, fried catfish, and macaroni salad. A thing to note is that they don't have lemons (sigh) and they don't sell beer (double sigh). Lucky for us we had packed some brewskis. We set up food camp on the table and dug in. The seafood, especially the garlic smoked trout, was AMAZING. It was delicious! Calumet Fisheries provides a hot sauce that had a tangy-ness to it. Other than that you might want to bring your favorite hot sauce as well. The macaroni salad was not good. It had so much mayo. None of us liked it/ate it. Carlos, who works there, came over and talked to us a bit about the history of Calumet Fisheries and he brought us some fresh cooked salmon, which he broke apart in front of us so we could taste some of the most buttery and juicy parts. He is awesome. We also got a tour of the smoke house. Super cool. During our trip the crew of Man Fire Food on the Cooking Channel was there and I got to meet the host, Roger Mooking. Super sweet and down to earth guy. THE TIPS: It can get really hot so wear sunscreen! I would pack some lemons/limes, cold beer, and your fave hot sauce!! Street parking.
(5)
Teschia B.
Welp! Not what I was expecting. I have to stop putting faith in seafood that is located in the city and at a low cost. This is mediocre at best. The scallops are not fresh and very chewy. The shrimp are clearly store brought and not fresh. The smoked fish is good, but to be honest. I can get the same quality out of a can of tin fish from the grocery store. The best thing was the cheese bites and that is very sad. If I am in the area and craving some cheese bites and smoked trout. I will make the stop, but other then that. I will stick to Pappadeaux out in the burbs for quality seafood.
(2)
Rebecca S.
Yes yes yes. 100% love for this place. The service is excellent and family owned. The fish is QUALITY. Don't bother with the fried stuff, just get yourself a slab of the salmon with garlic and pepper. It is life changing. I honestly can't put this place into words, it became one of my favorite Chicago restaurants in the course of one meal. (Disclaimer: Ignore those people who are terrified of anything past Hyde Park. I'm all about safety, but sometimes I think people are too prejudiced against the South Side. This place is definitely worth the "risk.")
(5)
Tim T.
What do i say about a place that everything had been said. Gr8 food. Froglegs & smelt are a personal fav! Light breading, fast service. Place is a dump but who cares! Its got it baby! Ambience, the river & style! Cheap prices, i love them. Please go u wont be dissapointed! Its a chicago icon & a mom & pop place. Shrimp is killer!
(5)
Rosa J.
Yes and yes...I've made it to this place. It has been a long wait for me. It was a bit difficult to trek all the way down from Albany Park during the winter season. As I've announced publicly in one of my previous reviews, my "foodie hours" have been extended seasonally! I had a quick nap in my hubby's work fleet, and I woke up with yummy fish and "smokin'" hotties in front of me. You know fish can be just as hot as good-looking dudes or dudettes. I consider them gender-free after being bathed in smoke. Normally you would think a place like this that has won so many accolades from the big-foodie people (yeah I'm talking about Anthony Bourdain) wouldn't render a friendly service like I received this afternoon. The young man immediately greeted us and was ready to take our order. We chose the smoked shrimp dinner and fried fish dinner. The total was $18.88 after tax. For a seafood fry place, the price we paid was reasonably fair. Well, how were the tastes of our food? I've never been that "moved" and "agitated" in my mind after tasting their smoked shrimps. That 70-year-old smoker really is an excellent machine to deliver such aromatic smoke on these jumbo shrimps. I believe I consumed five (5) or six (6) large, if not, jumbo shrimps. Once again, the value for the quality of food I received wasn't a bad deal at all! All dinner combos came with fries, coleslaw, crackers, a choice of sauce (hot or cocktail), and salt/pepper. All other side dishes were solid. Hubby also enjoyed his fish, but you all need to try other smoked products! How many exclamation marks have I used in this review? Well, here's one (1) more for you! I also noticed that there are three (3) city of Chicago public trash cans in front of the Calumet Fisheries. I guess that's where my taxation goes...my foodie trash. We will be back when we do our summer weekend Metra trips around the far-end Chicago and nearby suburbs. I know the Metra station isn't too awfully far away; I can walk as long as there is food to entice me! There's an ATM onsite if you drop your cash in the river accidentally.
(5)
Daniel S.
Great to go fish place, its just by the 95th street bridge, there's really only street parking so just be aware, (well there's a gravel lot just west, but idk if that's an actual parking lot) it's also real small and cramped inside, with just some picnic tables outside to sit at, but don't let that take away from the quality of the fish, it's a chicago staple, almost 70 years old, from the fried selection we got scallops, fish nuggets, calamari and stuffed shrimp, (scallops and shrimp were best imo) and then the smoked salmon, the smoked options are just more expensive so thats why we couldnt get much, tho it was def good, and then potato salad and french fries sides, which were standard, id for sure go back and try some of the more exotic fish on hand
(4)
Donald T.
I don't recommend this place. The service was rude and the catfish tasted overly fishy and not very fresh.
(1)
G B.
great fe sh fish no dine in but a chicago nessitity
(4)
Paola S.
I can't wait to come back! The smoke salmon and shrimp were by far my favorites. For a very decent price we had a feast, from the smoked section we also had the white fish and from the fried side we had oysters Not easy to recommend a specific item because everything is delicious and worth trying.
(4)
Justin B.
It's hard to go wrong here...the big thing was just committing to make the drive here, but once I got in, I could see why the reviews here are so great. Tried the fried perch, fried catfish, fried clam strips, and the fried shrimp, while others in my party also got the fried oysters. Besides the fact that I'm surprised I'm still alive and able to write this review, the food was amazing and all of the dinners come with fries so you'll find a way to leave full here for sure. The space is small and not sexy, and there's nowhere to sit, and it's cash only. But if you are in the market for smoked fish of almost any type, this is the place to go and between Bourdain showing up here and Calumet being a Beard award finalist a few years ago for being an historic eatery, you know it's legit!
(5)
Yuchi C.
"You guys are driving through the hood? Do you want to borrow my gun?" Our friend in Chicago thought we were nuts to drive all the way there for some smoked fish, but we know it's gonna be so worth it. Salmon with garlic and pepper: so oily yet so tasty! Favorite! White fish: actually our second favorite. Really good flavor. Trout: pretty amazing fish, each section has its own distinct flavor and texture. Smoked Shrimp: awesome. Chubs: FAVORITE!!! But they are seasonal so we didn't have them this visit. We had it 5 years ago, amazing.
(5)
Diana T.
After reading about how Anthony Bourdaine has sponsored this place, I knew I had to stop by. This place is a 30 minute drive from downtown Chicago, so I would not suggest you take a taxi. If you decide to drive here, there is a $7 toll to get there and $7 to back into Chicago. The tolls can be pricey. I decided to stop by on my way home back to Michigan. You can park on the street or turn right into the fishery. Recently, Mark, the owner told me you do not need to take the skyway to get there. You can stay on 94 south. When it splits with 57, get off on the first exit that will take you right to 95th street turn right and drive 3 miles and your at our door steps. Good tip for us tourist (; The food is completely delicious. I really can not tell you how good this place is. I am still drooling when I think about their smoked pepper garlic salmon & smoked shrimp. Prices can be a bit pricey at $15 per lb for smoked salmon & $22 per lb for smoked shrimp, but it was definitely worth it. The flavors were on point. It was the best smoked fish I have ever had. The shrimp was just amazing! You can truly taste the true flavor of the shrimp. You can even smell the smoke from the shrimp. They do not have cocktail sauce. They have hot sauce and have an amazing tartar sauce. A few flaws are that they do not have a restroom, only take cash, and have only two tables to eat outside. Overall, I cannot wait to come back!
(5)
Davis J.
We've been wanting to come here ever since seeing it on Anthony Bordain's show and it was great! I had the smoked salmon (very good) and fried catfish (excellent). It is a little pricy but the quality merits the price. 4 starts for a lot of not-homemade items like the coleslaw, potato salad, and sauces.I would happily go back!
(4)
Chrissy M.
We dropped by last Friday afternoon and all the guys were very friendly. All were helpful and gave us a sample of the salmon. Boy, we were in for a treat! One of the guys (regret not asking his name) explained the sections of the salmon that taste best. He also suggested the eye but we declined; we're not that cool. Since we had purchased other food before the sample, we did not buy the smoked fish. On Saturday afternoon, my man suggested smoked fish for dinner so here we go again. We ordered the pepper and garlic salmon and the smallest piece of sturgeon. Once we got home, we began with the sturgeon. We regret buying the smallest sturgeon piece. The sturgeon was perfect! It was not flaky like other fish, it was very soft, flavorful and boneless (at least the section we bought). We bought a bigger piece of salmon and it was delightful. I expected to taste the garlic but I did not; however, we enjoyed it. Frankly, between the sturgeon and salmon, I prefer the sturgeon. The service during both visits was exceptional and we waited a few minutes to place our orders during both visits because there were several people ahead of us. Knowing my man's eating habits, we will be frequent customers. We've already determined that when family visits in a few weeks, we will be having smoked sturgeon for dinner.
(5)
Kate W.
I'm from New York. Fried shrimp was never something that was a big thing growing up for me. However. I am now a "real Chicago broad", as my husband likes to call me. And fried shrimp are F*&$-ing delicious. Calumet was my first fried shrimp experience. It did not disappoint. Sitting in the back of my buddy's car, eating greasy shrimp and fries with my fingers--perfection. The ice cold Dr. Pepper was the perfect complement. You've gotta check this place out. Seriously. My husband brought home a smoked salmon and a smoked trout. Can't wait to eat that next :) p.s. CASH ONLY
(4)
John T.
Wow. So, the bridge was up and we had time to kill so we decided to try this local legend out. So glad we did. We opted for the fried stuff because we were in the mood for it. The smelt and clams were amazing. Absolutely amazing. Definitely going back for the lemon pepper smoked fish. Fresh smoked fish on Fridays or Saturdays so plan accordingly. Honestly worth the short drive. Cash only but there's an atm there.
(5)
Kim L.
It would be a 5 star review if it was food alone BUT the score got knocked down bc of the location (so far south), their cash only policy, and no place to eat (everyone in line at the same time also ate in their car). But we loved what we ordered: Fried scallops - the best and really hearty pieces Calamari - delicious Smoked salmon with garlic and peppers - great flavor Fried oysters - good to try but probably sticking with cold oysters
(4)
Jason P.
Fried shrimp wasn't the greatest. Breading wasn't great and very greasy. The smoked fish and shrimp was super good! Would go back just don't have the deep fried shrimp, could've been better.
(4)
Jeffrey C.
Still on my barbecue bucket list is a trip to Kansas City, where the fine folks smoke anything under the sun. Given my Texas bias, which means brisket sits on the Iron Throne, ribs and sausage are Baratheons-in-waiting, and every thing else are declared usurpers of Westeros, I'm hesitant to think of things like smoked fish as barbecue. To that end, my recent trip to Calumet Fisheries was like a visit from the lord of light, sponsored by Anthony Bourdain. The "pit" at Calumet looks like a free-standing, ironclad meat locker, but the smoke is legit. It wafts out and hits you like a proper BBQ joint should, and the output that the Calumet pitmasters pull from the smoke is pure gold. First, some logistics. This is not an easy place to get to, as you have to drive far south on 90 or derail the trip off Lakeshore. Calumet is also truly a shack. It's to-go counter service only. On nice days when winter isn't coming or already frozen over, you can eat outside on a grass patch or on the few plastic picnic tables set up. Dogs are allowed outside the shack, and a bring your own soda or red solo cup policy is recommended. Ordering, as mentioned, is counter service. Anything smoked in the trays is ordered on the left, anything fried on the right. Got it? Good. Now, onto the smoked fish. It's wonderfully delicious. The highlight of our self-made trio sampler platter was the sable, otherwise known as black cod. It's succulent, buttery, and amazing, kind of like eating a brisket cookie sliced off the point end, dripping in fat. Our second fish, the pepper salmon, tasted like the flat with a flavorful char and a firm, slightly dry, meat. To each his own. I prefer the buttery, melt in your mouth texture. We ended with smoked shrimp, easy to peel, easy to eat, easy to enjoy. Along for the ride (because as a Texas ex and Louisiana neighbor, I'm a sucker for fried seafood) was a small order of fried oysters, strewn in a Chinese take-out box, piping hot, and also incredibly tasty. Dipping those suckers, and frankly, any of the seafood, in Calumet's hot sauce is a recommend. On that note, if I had but one complaint, it's that Calumet doesn't serve its seafood straight from the smoker. The smoked food isn't hot, but instead cooled and served at chilled temperatures. The pitmaster recommended waiting for room temperature before eating to bring out the flavor. He also provided by wife with ample samples right out the smoker. If my jealousy shows, it's because I was inside, in line, when these shenanigans occurred. Reheating isn't recommended, and so I'm just left wondering what a freshly completed, hot off the presses smoked fish tastes like. I'm guessing it would be in contention for the best smoked meat outside Texas.
(5)
Inez T.
Great food and fast service. The fried shimps are to die for. I have neen going there for years and I was never disappointed.
(5)
Oscar P.
Cash only, does not take bills over 100, so I was extremely limited in what I could purchase w $10, so I got 1/2 order of fried shrimp, which was solid. Will have to come back soon for more...and with more cash.
(4)
Bill S.
Been going there since I was a kid. Love the fish and chips and shrimp. Don't forget the fries. Mix the hot and mild sauce for the best. They used to have a medium but got rid of it years ago.
(5)
Kurt L.
Smoked shrimp and pepper garlic salmon was awesome. Hard to find place but we'll worth the drive.
(5)
Asper K.
Calumet Fisheries is in the middle of nowhere. Like nowhere so bad that it's almost Indiana. And it's next to a bridge. And it's super dystopian everywhere and there's lots of metal and concrete. In fact, it's so fcked up looking that Anthony Bourdain dragged his arse out here one time to film an episode of his show and was all like "OMG, be a traveler not a tourist..blah blah blah, live life to the fullest etc etc." So now, all these dudes trying to live life to the fullest come out here in hopes of experiencing something new. I don't know what exactly. They probably don't know either but the hope is that it'll be new or interesting in some way. In terms of the food, part of the hook is that the fish here is smoked on premises in a shack behind the restaurant. According to the proprietors this is super rare these days. So there's that. For me, it was mostly for the bike ride and to see the area. This place seemed like a good end point. On arrival, after admiring the signed Anthony B poster, I ordered deep fried catfish + fries. And I put a to-go order in for some smoked shrimp and smoked (garlic and pepper) trout. The catfish meal was exactly what I would have expected..deep fried and catfish. Okay by me. Nothing special. I put the smoked fish/shrimp in the fridge and tried it a couple days later. A bit of a surprise ensued. The smoked shrimp was partially rotten. Some was edible, other parts were mushy and I had to spit out. The smoked trout while not rotten was surprisingly terrible. I had a few bites and threw it out too. And I buy smoked fish sometimes, so I know what I'm talking about. Back when I visited the restaurant, there were a few dudes standing outside (there's no seating inside) who ordered the whole menu. You know..to live life to the fullest. Anyways, they beered me a deep fried frog leg to try. In an adventurous spirit I had a go. Actually I only had a couple of small bites. Not that great. Which is what I'd say about this Calumet Fisheries place.
(2)
Alexandria T.
I recently heard about Calumet Fisheries and really wanted to check it out. This Saturday proved to be the perfect opportunity to drive down from where I work on the South Side and have lunch outdoors. The place definitely looks like a shack on the side of the road, and I wouldn't have ever stopped inside if it weren't for the rave reviews. We ordered fried oysters, clam strips, smoked salmon, and a few smoked shrimp. They forgot a couple of things that we ordered, but we were ordering pretty sporadically between the one counter for fried food and the other for smoked seafood. I love, love, love seafood and especially smoked salmon. It was pretty amazing! The shrimp were great as well. I wasn't a huge fan of the fried oysters, but I bet there are someone else's jam. I'm happy I got to check this place out!
(4)
Matthew B.
Simple yet most effective way to write this review, this place can be summed up five words and here we go, best shrimp in the city. Whether you eat it in your car or lucky enough to get one of the picnic tables you will not be disappointed, this is easily a must have, the shrimp is so fresh lightly breaded and just plain awesome, the fries are the perfect complement and the choice of sauces just add to the perfect meal.
(5)
Kimmie R.
Pros- - wide selection of fish - tasty selection of side dishes including dessert - reasonable prices - friendly staff Cons- - takeout only - no dining in - if you have a shellfish allergy, but still eat fish beware this can be a death trap! I'm allergic to shellfish, but I've been eating fish from this place since, I was a kid. A few months ago, I order the usual fish order and my shellfish allergy kicked in. My face started to swell and etc. I did NOT order shellfish, but my order came in contact with something that touched shellfish. I'm guessing they reused their frying oil, because there's no other reason for my allergic reaction. Whatever the case this is a great place, but avoid it if you have shellfish allergies. No food is ever really "to die for".
(3)
John B.
So I have been meaning to go here for a number of years after seeing it on an episode of No Reservations. I went on President's Day as this place seemed perfect for a workweek adventure. It is definitely a bit of a trek and in no man's land. Be warned that there is no place to eat outside of in your car. I ordered fried pickles and fried oysters. The fried oysters were to die for and so crispy yet juicey. The fried pickles were good but they were spears and I would have liked pickle chips more. My friend got the catfish with fries. The catfish tasted great but the fries were the standard steak fries found everywhere. I will definitely go back and may consider doing it during a bike ride in the summer.
(5)
Aashish J.
Aesthetically abhorring (almost), heavenly to the tongue. We found out about this place from Mr. Bourdain. Therefore, expectations were very high. The smoked salmon exceeded our expectations. We also ordered other "dinner" items, fried shrimp and oysters. They were, well, fried. But this place is definitely worth it for smoked fish (salmon). Pros: 1. Smoked fish: the best that I have ever tried. Cons: 1. Location: it is in the middle of nowhere, very small and there are no restrooms. 2. Cash only: there is an ATM inside though 3. No seating available :(
(4)
Allan M.
It's all about the smoked seafood items here, such as the smoked salmon. If you don't get at least one smoked item, you're doing your visit wrong in my opinion, as that's always been their specialty. There's probably a reason that's the main thing I recall really liking here, and that the rest of what I ordered was good to not bad, but not sure if I'd say go out of your way unless you're on the south side. It's worth a trip at least once IMO, just for how darn good I really liked the smoked salmon here. I hope to do a visit when the weather warms up later in 2015, to see how the rest of the smoked seafood compares to the smoked salmon. BTW if you don't have a car, it's just a short walk(or bike ride) south from the 93rd Street(South Chicago Metra Electric branch) Metra station, to here. Go west from the station on 93rd St. to Baltimore Ave, Baltimore south to South Chicago Ave(major southeast/northwest road), South Chicago to 95th Street, then 95th east to the bridge. With this route, you won't have any delays between Metra and here if by some chance the drawbridge goes up, like it did at least on one past visit. And yes, this is the exact one seen in the 1980 Blues Brothers movie. No seating inside, except for a few tables outside, eating inside your car, or walk a few blocks east to Calumet Park and Beach to eat your food. Parking(no meters, and free btw) is mainly along 95th Street inbetween the South Chicago/95th traffic light and bridge, and at least one vacant lot immediately west of here has no parking signs, so be advised of this if you drive here. Nearly forgot to note this place is CASH ONLY, btw.
(4)
Carolyn w.
I've just got back from Calumet Fisheries East 95th Chicago ILL. I ordered Stuffed Fried Shrimp/ Fried Frog Legs /Smoked Salmon/ Smoked Cat Fish/ Smoked Shrimps. It has been well over 14 years since I've eaten stuffed shrimps and it was well worth it and the drive I had three just sitting there in the car mum-mum mum good.....two or three frog legs there mum mum good.........on the drive back my hand was in the bag again for another stuffed shrimp..........................the smoked catfish/ salmon and shrimps were just as good......I'm out south from time to time and will be dropping in for more. Maybe it's good I didn't know Calumets was there when I lived out south. But I know now.......yes yes yes ............... Boy the Stuffed Shrimps..............
(4)
Christopher J.
Ordered the Catfish way too overpriced ( almost $13 for 4 grammar school lunch squares???!!) especially for the south side and I get Catfish briskets that were like the freezer kind that you get from the grocery store for like $2 a bag back in the 1990's and it tasted terrible! This is not fried fish it is Congolese torture! The fries were dry and unbelievably horrible! Complete and total ripoff! Avoid at all costs!!!!!
(1)
David S.
If you love smoked fish - this place is the bomb. Salmon, shrimp, cat and trout....all excellent. Take out only!!!
(5)
Kenneth L.
On my daily commute back home, I'm always tempted to make a quick pit stop by the Fisheries and make use of the emergency stash of cash I keep in my car for this purpose alone. I've had many of the smoked variety - salmon, sable, trout, shrimp - and a couple of the fried options as dinners to go - catfish and oysters. The anticipation of ripping open that white paper package kills me on my drive home. You can't go wrong. Though, I will say the sable isn't always available and, to be honest, it's not as good as the salmon (too fatty). My personal favorites are the salmon and shrimp, which have an almost buttery taste with its natural oils kept heavily concentrated inside through the smoking process. Not to mention, the smoked salmon almost feels like a steal at ~$15/lb. The fried oysters are also surprisingly delicious. For those who aren't fortunate enough to work in the beautiful NW Indiana area, make the trip. It's worth it. The Fisheries are an institution that doesn't fail to live up to its reputation.
(5)
William H.
Anthony Bourdain's show about Chicago prompted my interest in Calumet Fisheries. It turns out that my Southside mother (88th and Mackinaw then Lansing) used to go to this very same place on Fridays in the 1950s when the restaurant served shrimp in Chinese take-out cartons whose sides would become so greasy that people could see through them! Sixty years later on 5/29/2015 my mother ordered the shrimp dinner, which comes with slaw. According to her, the shrimp still have the same coating as back in the '50s! My fiancee and I ordered a large fry (nice thick square-cut fries served in a huge old-fashioned red and white paper ground-beef tray), the smoked trout, smoked salmon with pepper and garlic, and the normal smoked salmon, to which an employee said, "There's nothing normal around here." :-) The salmon just came out of the smoker and had a pleasant oily and tender texture that lacked any trace of smokey flavor. The trout was fine. All three orders of fish came in triple-wrapped white paper, which adds to the great old-fashioned touch. The slaw was nice and tangy. The fries had a full and slightly oily favor that complemented the fish. Overall, there's nothing to criticize! Just enjoy this time-tested Southside treasure of great fishy goodness, especially if are a Chicagoan! Support the local economy, damn it!! PS Tip 1: Some people may be a bit apprehensive about the neighborhood, but they shouldn't worry too much. Just take the Bishop Ford to the Stoney Exit, which takes you on a very long exit ramp that deposits you at about 97th and Stoney. Go a couple blocks north to 95th, make a right, and go 2 short miles to Calumet Fisheries. Tip 2: We completed our Southeast-side tour by eating at some picnic tables at the William Powers State Recreation Area at 126th and Ave. O in the lesser-known Chicago neighborhood Hegewisch. Despite the Rahmfather's official tourist maps that end at 55th street, Chicago does have countless hidden gems south of Hype Park, such as Pullman, Argus Brewery, and Calumet Fisheries! Get in on the secret before the hipsters do!!
(5)
Tieshea B.
I saw this place on the travel channel years ago and couldn't get them out my head. I finally made it. The people were rude as they figured we knew what to do as far as ordering. The two different sides we were not aware of. Beyond that the food was good it's pricy but good. I had fried pickles which I love. The smoked shrimp was ok some were mushy. The fried shrimp was good as well as the smelts. I would return for the pickles!!!
(3)
Vina O.
Am I the only person who does not care for their food at all?! The breading to fish ratio is way off, to the point where I can barely taste the fish. The breading is also flavorless! I've had their breaded catfish, smelt, scallops, frog legs, and squid. I honestly did not like anything because of the breading! I can make MUCH better fried seafood anyday (and I do). Definitely not worth the trip nor the long lines.
(1)
Delilah D.
Delicious smoked shrimp and fried scallops that melt in your mouth.
(5)
Keith A.
Since Anthony Bourdain's first Chicago episode I've been wanting to come here. It isn't the easiest place to get to, but a business road trip allowed for me and a friend to come here on our way back. It had been a long drive and everything really hit the spot. I had read up on what to get and went with a lb or smoked shrimp, a half order of fried shrimp, and a half order of fried oysters. The smoked shrimp were just absolutely amazing. The shells were on and you had to peel them. What was peeled away was something that I could eat all day every day. What was even better was that the guy behind the counter asked if it was our first time, we said yes, and he then gave us a smoked shrimp each. It was really nice to get a sample of the goods before. The two fried selections were excellent too. I was digging more on the fried shrimp than oysters, but I think it's more because I'm a huge lover of raw oysters and I always want that flavor from them. Calumet Fisheries isn't the easiest place to get to for us north siders. But, it is well worth the trip. There is the added fun factor of sitting on one of the benches outside and feeling like you're in a completely different area of Chicago. Calumet Fisheries is a Chicago treasure and one that deserves to be visited.
(4)
Janie J.
What can I say that hasn't already been said? Even my picky eater of a little sister thoroughly enjoyed the smoked trout, salmon, sturgeon and the fried shrimp. It's all great, delicious, high quality fish. Love this place. So worth the drive!
(5)
Jordan P.
So I wasn't a huge fan of this place. I drove alllll the way down here with high expectations, but I'm going to have to disagree with my fellow Yelpers. This place was nothing special. We ordered a ton of food - fried clams, fried fish, fries, smoked fish, shrimp, etc. and all of it was meh. There was absolutely nothing special about it at all. The breading on everything was bland and the fish was of so-so quality. In addition, the place was extremely slow and smells disgusting. This place was definitely not worth the trip. I've had much better fried everything downtown.
(2)
Sadia K.
nothing beats smoked fish like this place...a small hole in the wall in the middle of nowhere but my oh my, the fish is delicious and fresh.. I wish we had a place like this back home. I could buy by the pound for my weekly sandwiches. No more am I going to be able to enjoy store bought smoked salmon.. Calumet fisheries has raised the bar! By the way, no restrooms.. relieve your duties before coming here..
(5)
Mike D.
I've been eating Calumet Fisheries as long as I can remember. My parents grew up a stones throw away from their location, so as a shorty I was treated to the delicious smoked fish and other items from their menu. On weekends you'll see cars jostling for parking and a line all the way out the door and then some. Try the chubs, frog legs, shrimp, smoked salmon, hell try it all! I love this place. Now I've got taste for it!
(4)
Tammy L.
I really liked the food from Calumet. My friends and I all piled into a car, bought a whole boatload of food, and ate at Calumet park, as others have suggested. It was a chilly day, so I think the food will taste even better on a sunny, warm one. We sampled both the fried food and the smoked fish, though I was disappointed that someone had apparently bought their entire supply of smoked sable for the day, so I'll have to try that next time. I really liked the pepper-garlic salmon. It was so moist and flavorful! Perfect with cream cheese )brought from home) and hot sauce. The smoked shrimp were really big and moist also. Like Johnny T, I really prefer cleaned shrimp, but I do understand that the shells probably need to be intact in order for the shrimp to stay moist through the smoking process. The fried things we tried (clam strips, smelts, shrimp) were also good, but I think I liked the smoked stuff better. Of the fried things, I think my favorite were the smelts. I kind of wished the clam strips had been more big pieces instead of small--lots of small bits. I would skip the potato and macaroni salads--not my cup of tea. Next time I'd make and bring my own. The folks at the counter were really nice and accommodating, especially since we were taking a while to strategize and put our order in. They happily gave us extra paper boats and other fixings. It's not necessarily the cheapest place, but the fish is really good, so you get what you pay for. It's worth the trip!
(4)
Jason N.
Found this place courtesy of Mr. Anthony Bourdain. Ended up ordering a large amount of fried seafood and smoked shrimp which we consumed in a fairly rapid fashion in our automobile. Despite smelling like fish fry already, we proceed to order several pounds of smoked fish to take home in our long journey back to NY. While we luckily did not have any cats attacks our auto on the way, it was well worth the risk. Pros: Great smoked fish, shrimp, fairly inexpensive Cons: It is literally a shack in the middle of nowhere near the Illinois/ Indiana border. No tables, no restroom, nada
(5)
Jackson E.
This place is right down the street...went on yelp to see what all the hype was about...every weekend we would see cars lined up near the bridge and people heading that way on bikes. Last night was our first stop in. Surprisingly clean inside despite the old shack type look on the outside. We ordered fish chips and the shrimp. They were good not "to die for" I didn't like the hot sauce it was more vinegar than hott. The fries were okay. I liked how everything was fried fresh to order...the staff was really friendly and fast. It was an alright friend. We also grabbed a smoked white fish to try. Overall I think if you were going in for their speciality smoked fish it is worth it....but I know I wouldn't drive more than down the block for the food. Cash Only if u do decide!
(3)
T G.
Loved it! Great food and friendly staff who are more than happy to answer questions. We got half orders of catfish, oysters, scallops and shrimp. Also large order of fries. Food was for 4 people and we had leftovers. Everything was good. Even though we're an hour away we'll definitely be coming back. *there is no seating
(5)
Sylvia C.
This place will quench your fried seafood craving. I had the fried shrimp, oysters, and fish. Everything was fried perfectly. The shrimp was awesome and retained a lot of the shrimp flavor for being fried. The oysters are on the pungent side (not because it was going bad, just the type of oyster it was), but I didn't mind this because I like pungent foods. The consistency of the oyster kept most of its raw form, which I also liked, but it's a little weird to bite into a crispy fried batter and have something mushy/boogery flood into your mouth. This isn't a complaint, though. Still pretty tasty. The fish was good. Nothing special, but delicious nonetheless. Fries were just ok. Typical fries. The cole slaw is 80% mayonnaise. The guy gave us a sample of the smoked fish and shrimp. Oh my goodness, did that fish melt in my mouth. They smoke it and retain a lot of the fat content, which is hard to do since smoking dries out meat. Next time I go, I'm going to get a steak of smoked salmon. It was pretty amazing and the smoke flavor was great! The smoked shrimp doesn't retain as much of the smoke flavor due to the shell, but it was still good. There is no seating. You eat in your car, or outside on the curb if it's not winter.
(4)
Angela P.
Sure, there's a little bit of added hype to the place because of Anthony Bourdain and the Blues Brothers, but I thought a Bourdain quote on the wall was particularly inspiring, "Be a traveler, not a tourist." When you go to Calumet Fisheries, you come for the food AND the view. It is far off the path for your typical tourist, but I've been working hard at creating an ideal "staycation" style itinerary for us to explore Chicago. I've been chasing after the concept of being a traveler in my own city and not a tourist. This is why you go to Calumet Fisheries. Still feeling full from our visit at Argus Brewery, we decided on a half order of shrimp, a half order of scallops and some fries to share. Add two cans of pop and we spent about $20. The fried shrimp was the best fried shrimp! The shrimp tasted fresh, and the batter was super crispy. Calumet Fisheries could be a dangerous spot for your wallet if you're a hungry hippo. The scallops were a little bit chewy though, which wasn't a complete surprise since scallops can be a challenge to cook. Still, you'd think a fishery would have this (nearly) perfected. A dingy little shack on the river is a great setting for lunch. However, since this is Chicago you may not want to sit on the two picnic tables outside if it's cold and windy. We opted to eat in the car, which was still fun since we got to watch the bridge come up once to let a boat through. Don't put Calumet Fisheries on your "when I'm in the neighborhood sometime..." list. Just give yourself a reason to GET in the neighborhood.
(5)
Maria E.
If you enjoy smoked fish, go here because it's quite delicious. Good smoked trout, salmon, sturgeon, shrimp, with a variety of sides to choose from. I loved the fried pickles, fried pickle spears to be exact, some of the best I've had. If you like the Blues Brothers and want to see where the bridge scene was filmed, go here. If you follow Anthony Bourdain wherever he goes, go here. This is kind of far from anywhere so find a car to drive here. It is cash only. There is no seating inside or outside so you either eat in your car and stink it up big time, or better option - drive down a little further and go sit and eat on a bench by the lake.
(4)
Courtney C.
I remembered seeing this place featured on the T.V. show 'No Reservations.' A co-worker and I had been spending some time in Chicago on business, and we decided to take the "scenic" route home. We happened across Calumet Fisheries on accident. It is tiny, but it can't be missed as it is the last business before crossing the bridge. My co-work was put off by the look of the smoked variety, so he settled with fried catfish. I love trout, so I got a healthy chunk of the garlic/peppercorn smoked trout. It was probably the best fish I have ever tasted! The smoke is present, but not overpowering. The garlic and crushed peppercorns enhance the flavors. I was blown away by how moist the meat was. It looks as though it would be dried out, but it is juicy and tender. My co-worker raved about the catfish, so I tried a piece of that as well. The breading was simple, but delicious. He inturn had a piece of the trout, which shocked him to the point of regretting the decision to go fried. I took a small piece home to my daughter (12) who has recently decided she likes fish. She was also impressed. The staff was friendly and helpful. Next time we're in Chi-town, we will be hitting this joint on our way out! An all around great experience.
(5)
Steven B.
I've been eating here since I was a kid and it is always amazing. The fish dinner is great, the shrimp dinner is great, and the smoked salmon is amazing.
(5)
Vincent S.
Driving by it near the state line, off the toll road and it was easy to find. It looks like a dump, we all know that, but that is OK. Beautiful looking fish.NO SAMPLES. That was not good. Either it is smoked or it is fried. I can get fried fish anywhere so I went for the smoked fish. I smoke salmon all the time, catching it on Lake Michigan. With this in mind I ordered a dinner of smoked WHITE FISH. The pop came in a can, ehh! The fries were good and ridiculously portioned. The fish was perfectly smoked but cool. I wasn't ready for that, but it was GREAT. It was a big chunk near the head. I got 3 crab cakes too, I can't pass them up. AWESOME taste, but not giants. Finally, the price wasn't bad either. As Arnold Schwarzenegger said, "I'll be back."
(4)
Diana J.
They smoke their fish in-house, and it's where Anthony Bourdain went to get some good fish in Chicago. Need I say more? Well, I probably should: This place is not close to you...it's probably in a part of the city you didn't know existed, even though the Blues Brothers car jumping bridge scene was shot here. It's very far south and very far east, but if you're anywhere near the neighborhood it's a must. They have an assortment of sea food smoked in different ways and even their fried catfish, shrimp, etc. are good. They are cash-only and there's no where to eat inside, so pack up some wet wipes, and plan to eat outside in your car.
(5)
Misty S.
The food here is decent, but nothing I would go out of the way to find. The guys that work here are friendly and fast. I tried the following: FRY FISH - I'm not sure what kind of fish, but $7 got me a pretty good amount of fried fish pieces and they were pretty good. The tarter sauce went well, as tarter sauces and fish go. I would try the smoked salmon next time around. FRY SHRIMP - $5 got me half order of friend shrimp, which at first I thought were the fish when I ate them. The texture was more fish-like than shrimp like. I dipped them in both tarter sauce and the hot sauce, but felt like neither sauce did the shrimps justice. Notes: -Cash only -Plenty of street parking -There's no place to sit and eat, plan on taking it to go
(3)
Alana D.
Wow pretty amazing! I've lived in the south shore area for a year and never heard about this till recently. Glad I checked it out! I had the shrimp dinner and it was really good! I really can't wait to go back! Also the scenery is pretty great it's near a boat dock and there is a picnic table out front.
(4)
Oscar S.
I am sooooo glad I finally got the opportunity to try Calumet Fisheries.Have been dying to come here FOR MONTHS!!!! Somehow it hadnt panned out till FINALLY today.Was an enjoyable experience.Couldnt pass up the chance to try the smoked salmon I've heard so much about.Definetely WORTH IT!!!!! As I waited on my order to be ready I was looking at the rest of their menu.I already know what my next order will be!!!!!! I WILL BE BACK!!!!!! Its a place people IM SURE just drive past and dont give it a second thought because its in the middle of nowhere.Luckily,I know its there and they have some AMAZING smoked fish!!!! Not too many places like this left.So every chance I get Im gonna make it a point to come in again.Totally recommend!!!!!
(5)
Ken B.
First trip here. It was really good! Got the fish dinner and it came with fries and cole slaw. Cole slaw was really good. Fish was flaky and good, a thinner but crunchy breading. Service was quick and friendly, cash only for payment. It's in a weird spot. I will go back for some smoked fish!
(4)
allison k.
Oh my, their smoked everything is awesome. The sable and sturgeon are more interesting but the good old fashioned smoked white fish and smoke salmon are still amazing. I also really liked the smoked shrimp!! I'm not that big into fried food bit the stuffed shrimp are really good. Everyone is friendly and easy to deal with. Small place so make your selections to keep things moving, no inside tables, quick service, cash only. So so good and wonderful to serve this smoked fish for Sunday morning brunch! Or a dinner appetizer! Or anytime!
(5)
Mayra M.
I give them five stars well deserved . I love their shrimp it's the best around!!! I have tried fried shrimp in a lot of places and this place is my favorite!!! Yet have to taste better!!! Not to mention quick service that's always a plus!!!
(5)
Chet M.
I refuse to succumb to the peer pressure and accolades of the Bourdain visit, James Beard Award, and storied history... This place is just okay on my sunny Wednesday noon time visit - - They only had 1 piece of smoked sable left. - There was no smoked sturgeon. Does me no damn good of how good it is if you can't sell me a piece. - The smoked shrimp was unique and very good. - Smoked salmon was as good as from any other serious smoke shops. - The fried smelt, fish chips, scallops, were as good as expected. - The sodas in the fridge counter was not cold and they do not offer cups of ice. Spent $157 here (goodie bags for friends) and no cold drink to wash down my meal in the car. Dissapointed and overrated? You betcha....
(3)
Jason B.
If you judge a place that smokes by the scent of smoke, this place is going to get 5 stars, hands down. It hits you hard and big as you walk in and if that's for you, certainly you'll mutter something like: this is f#cking awesome. And it is. Calumet Fisheries is awesome. I know of no other place in the area that really compares, so they have to get 5 stars. It's in a class of its own. Yeah, yeah... Bourdain, that's cool... Blues Brothers? If you frown or grimace or dismiss Blues Brothers lore in any way, you should not be living in Chicago. The food? Famously great, hundreds of other reviews will attest to that. And if it wasn't good, it wouldn't still be attracting people from across the states every single day. For me, Calumet Fisheries is more than just food. It's the setting. It's the humble shack that still pulls a James Beard award. It's a reminder that the southeast side of Chicago made something great, and still does. The smokestacks of Wisconsin Steel, Republic, Inland and more may be gone, but they're still smokin' at Calumet Fisheries and that is something to celebrate.
(5)
Jordan M.
This place is totally worth the pain in the ass drive (essentially) to Indiana. I stopped by on my way from Chicago to Indianapolis and planned to try a bunch of different things since I likely wouldn't be in the area again anytime soon. I ordered the smoked shrimp, the fried shrimp and the (fried) fish dinner. All three were worth ordering again but my favorite was the smoked shrimp and I don't think I could ever return and not order it again. The shrimp were fresh and very large. The smokey flavor was undeniable. These guys are professionals and the product reflects that. I've eaten seafood at GT Fish & Oyster, Joe's, Fish Bar, and numerous other places in Chicago and this place is right at the top of the list. Next time I visit (on my way to the Three Floyd's brewery with friends) I will make sure to try some of the smoked salmon because it looks absolutely delicious sitting in the glass casing. I fully expect that to rival the smoked shrimp in terms of flavor. The sauces that come with your order are nothing special but with such high quality food you don't really need to add much to it. There's nowhere to sit inside the especially unassuming shack on the side of the road. If the weather is nice, just eat your food on the nearby bridge while taking in the view of the river. If the weather sucks, take your food to go and eat in your car. Be aware, you and your vehicle are going to smell like whatever you ordered for at least the next day.
(5)
Chris H.
First visit. Nothing better than smoked whitefish on a sunny late-summer morning.
(5)
Ryne D.
What an ordeal this day was. After driving all the way here and eating, my girlfriend's car broke down, we had to get towed, and were left stranded in Oak Lawn by an unhelpful Mazda dealership. Luckily we got a ride to Midway from a friend and took an hour long trip home from there on the Orange. Yet still...for Calumet Fisheries? Totally worth it. I'd never had shrimp this flavorful before in my life. You can order by the piece, so my gf and I got 5 each. They were large, meaty, and buttery texture-wise, and didn't need any kind of dipping sauce at all. I would make the trip back just for these bad boys. We also got the peppered salmon. Now in my experience, unless it's slathered in some kind of mayo sauce, salmon often times turns out kind of dry. Now I don't know how smoking does this, but the salmon here turned out almost creamy with a great flavor. I'd never had fish like this and really want to see how their other fish turn out. We also got the fried scallops and fried oysters because, hell, we drove a far way from home to get here. These also turned out great, with the scallops being large and meaty and the oysters still retaining their tasty fishiness. The staff here was great, too. As we and some other people were taking pictures, one of the employees invited us to take a look at their smoker. I was quite amazed to see just how many fish they were smoking at one time, but given how great the food was, I can see them moving rather quickly. This place is a true Chicago landmark. Bring cash, bring wet naps, and bring a place to sit; a car will do nicely, provided that it still works when you're done eating.
(5)
James L.
Everything it is cracked up to be right down to the gritty industrial neighborhood and rusty bridges. Smoked fish was excellent. We had the salmon, trout and whitefish. Trout was my personal favorite. The smoked and fried shrimp were so different yet both so good. We got quite a bit to go, too, so don't forget your cooler and don't miss this true Chicago experience.
(5)
Danny M.
We've decided to come here because we were craving fried seafood and oysters on a Sunday afternoon. Needed something greasy to cure that hangover. This place was recommended to us by my gf's friend and I have bookmarked it a while back, but finally decided to give this place a try. The drive took about 15 minutes, which wasn't too bad, but it is still a drive because they have a similar place by me that gets the craving done as well. As soon as we got there, the place was small and they didn't have anywhere to sit and eat inside. It was somewhat busy, but the lines moved fast. The workers were really nice and we ordered a bunch of stuff worth $45.00. We got 2 full orders for Fried Oysters, full order of clam strips, half order of fried shrimp, and an order of fried sweet potato tater tots. We couldn't eat it there, so we drove back with the food and ate it about 30 minutes later. It was somewhat cold, but the important thing was that everything tasted really good still. The fried oysters were good, but it got a little dry from it being cold. The clam strips were good and you get a lot of clams and not a lot of breading like most places. The fried shrimp was really really good. Definitely my favorite. The fried sweet potato tater tots were really good as well, and it helps keep the spiciness down from the hot sauce. Overall, I would definitely come back here in the future, but this place is not convenient for as it is by the Illinois/Indiana border. If I hit up the Shoe, I would definitely make a stop here as it is right off the Skyway. Also, I would definitely get the smoked shrimp because I have heard many great things about them and they were really popular there. We just wanted something greasy, so we didn't get that. Oh and keep in mind, this place is CASH ONLY!! That's the only bad thing about this place.
(4)
Delores J.
Well if you think about it, my tip was my review but for the sake of being non complicated let's go again. If you like Smoked fish this is heaven. Heck if you bring them the Crackling I'm sure they would smoke it for you and then serve. The Smokehouse effect is for smoke meat lovers. This reminds me of the argument I love to have with Catholics. Try it, some of them think fish is not meat. So funny... try it during lent its even funnier.
(4)
Angela S.
When I venture out of the city to try a place I of course hope it's worth the trip. I'll admit I had some expectations after seeing CF on an episode of "Check Please." The place is such a dive and so cute looking. I didn't care that I'd have to eat in the car alongside the highway near the industrial Indiana border. I was excited to try some French fried seafood goodness! And it was busy. There were regulars and suburbanites in and out as I began to dig in to my car picnic of breaded clams, shrimp, catfish nuggets, fries and... Curly dark hairs! Not just one, but several sprinkled throughout the fries like a garnish. I couldn't believe my eyes. And had my fingers not been French fried greasy I would've taken a picture. I'm sure every place's cleanliness, hygiene and maintenance is compromised from time to time, but that was a huge disappointment. The food wasn't out if this world either. I've treated myself to that fried junk food at plenty of places in the city. The only difference is that it's been minus the short and curlies.
(2)
Marc R.
I went down here after driving past the place for decades and thinking it was a typical Chicago shrimp shack - which it is to a degree. I came for something specific: smoked fish pieces because I had seen Anthony Bourdain and read about the James Beard Award. I drive the Skyway all the time so decided to hop off at Indy-Blvd and go look for Calumet Fisheries. You park your car behind all the cop cars, city sanitation trucks, and highway crews (this place is a hit with Laborers, Cops, and city workers). Most people were getting the fried shrimp, and other fried stuff, but since I saw Anthony Bourdain going crazy as he sat and ate his smoked fish I went for the smoked fish! I selected the smoked salmon and Trout (Pepper & Garlic). Both were freaking amazing. The rich fish oils and smoked flavor of the salmon (you get to choose pieces) would do well on any fancy party tray. The garlic and pepper is a house specialty and was also amazing. I bought these to take home and had them with toasted bread, a little mustard, but mostly plain in my hands. The fish oils just taste so good (and are pretty good for you). I would go for the house specials which are the smoked fish items (they have whole fish), EEL, Sable, etc. If there is something you want to make sure you try I would suggest you call ahead before the lunch rush. They have a tiny little corner and the little shack has the smoke house right behind it. When I was there I saw the dudes tending to the smoke fires. How cool is that? The industrial site next door has a security truck sitting there - so I think they do not want you parking on that piece of property so you are forced to park in the small number of spots right before the 95th street bridge. If I had a place on the Michigan shore this would be a place to stop off at on the way over. Easy detour off the Skyway.
(4)
E J H.
OK, they got us. Some folks really have no taste. This was the worst seafood we've eaten...Ever! Since this was our first time ordering seafood from this place, we decided to sample a few items. And am I glad we did. We ordered a FULL (12 oz.) order of shrimp, half order each of catfish nuggets, perch nuggets and fries. Everything was hot but fried to a crisp; nearly burnt, and tasteless. The shrimp were so small, over-breaded, over-cooked and over-priced. Shrimp should be tender; not fried to a crisp. If you want any sauces or crackers, there is an extra charge. We wanted to try the smoked salmon, but the smallest piece was $15. Sure glad I had them put it back. If it was anything like the fried items, I'm glad I didn't waste any more money. If you enjoy good fried shrimp, drive north to Hammond, Indiana on Calumet Ave. and check out Bob's Shrimp. So much better taste and a FULL pound for less money. Calumet Fisheries may have been the place to go years ago, but today it's junk. Maybe it was an off-day for us. My recommendation: Don't waste your time or money.
(2)
Michael F.
Everyone knows that the Calumet River is the Seine of the southeast side of Chicago, and that its best, and possibly only, restaurant sits right on the rive gauche. People come from all around to get to Calumet Fisheries which is good because only 12 people live within a mile. If you're in the Loop and wish to meet your friend in Guatemala for lunch, this is a perfect in between point. There is no seating inside or out, but while I searched in vain for a possible outdoor picnic table or pumpkin to sit on, I found a small controlled fire next to the building which may be related to smoking the fish or an unrelated satanic ritual, but I'll never know as I chose not to further explore. Despite the distance and lack of seats, Calumet Fisheries is worth the hassle. The smoked fish is delicious and seemingly done on premises. The prices are reasonable and the food is probably not from the Calumet river. I would say that it is much better than Lawrence Fisheries or Goose Island Shrimp House.
(4)
Charlie M.
This place is a classic! You cant go wrong with the fried shrimp and hot sauce, Ive been coming here for my entire life and its never changed. My favorite comfort food on the planet!
(5)
Allison V.
Did a bike ride with friends and crashed on the Lakefront bike path on the way home. Glad it wasn't on the way there!! I opted for the catfish nuggets, fries, and a water. The catfish was SOOOO tasty. We sat on the grass just outside and had a little picnic. It is always a fun trek to this place. Always busy and always fresh. I will be back.
(5)
Shonda K.
My first experience at this restaurant and I must say I was not disappointed. I am a self proclaimed foodie and once I saw Calumet Fisheries listed on the top Shrimp Shack list and checked out Anthony Bourrdain's segment on this place, I knew I had to check it out. The fried shrimp was just ok [their competition just 2 miles away is better in the fried shrimp category in my opinion - Heinie's on 103rd and Torrence]. The true standout stars here are the smoked shrimp and salmon!! The smoking process really brought the sweetness in the Shrimp, and the Salmon? Words cannot describe the moist flavorful first bite. I'm saving my garlic pepper piece to eat it with my homemade Dill Rice and Fresh Steamed Broccoli. The perfect 4th of July meal!
(5)
A K.
I liked the smoked salmon , its cool place to visit if you have friends from outside town.
(4)
Mary Kate D.
Went yesterday after spending the day at the indiana dunes. We had the catfish dinner, smoked shrimp dinner, mac and cheese bites, and the smoked rainbow trout. Food was great. Smoked shrimp was the best. We enjoyed everything we had and the staff behind the counter was friendly, informative and quick. Support small businesses!
(4)
Parker W.
Worth a trip for the smoked fish. They sell a lot of deep-fried seafood which is good but not worth the trip. Don't eat on the bridge in spring.... it may try to open on you.
(5)
Vincent Y.
AH! Fantastically fried fish. I wish I could return over and over again on the Metra. So it's kind of in the middle of nowhere (next to the Skyway) but it's still delicious. And also there's no seating (or tables outside) but it's still delicious. And also it's nothing but fried fish, smoked fish, grilled fish (and some fried macaroni, fries, other fried stuff, etc.) but it's still delicious. One of the cooks, Carlos showed us the place around back and talked about the history of the place with LTH and the history of the place in general.. It was great. One of my favorite places in Chicago. There's a sign inside regarding the fact that this is not a chain restaurant. I hope it never becomes one.
(5)
Jon O.
Calumet Fisheries had been on my radar ever since I saw the Chicago episode of "No Reservations" a few years ago. Today, I finally made the long journey down to the southeast side of Chicago to give this place a try. Calumet Fisheries is basically a shack right next to a Calumet River drawbridge hidden behind the Skyway in an old, industrial neighborhood. Let me tell you this place is worth the drive! All of their fish is smoked on site, and the fried food is made to order. Everything we tried was delicious and inexpensive. I like that this place is small and old (opened in 1948) and located in a very non-touristy part of town. They are passionate about their product, and it is their reputation, not location, that has kept them in business this long.
(5)
Diana S.
Great. Fresh. Quality. Pricey. Smoked fish and shrimp truly delicious and not overly smokey but a distinct delicious flavor. Peppered salmon a must- almost like a damn good pastrami.... Yum yum yum !!!
(4)
Theresa C.
The best fish I have ever had in my life... hands down. Calumet Fisheries wins the debate. No one comes close. Unfortunately for me, I didn't do my homework and found out that it was cash only. I wanted smoked salmon, shrimp and everything on the menu. On my quest to be like Anthony Bourdain I had to try everything. What did I settle for with the few dollars in my pocket? The fried catfish. Yes, I went to a place known for smoked fish and ordered the catfish. Now I'm a catfish connoisseur despite being a Northern yankee. I've had the good and ugly of the catfish world. The breading and the catfish blended so well together here. I usually have catfish and it gets that dirty fishy taste, the fish is overcooked and dry or the breading overwhelms the fish. Not at Calumet Fisheries, it tasted so fresh, moist and damn delicious. The gods of flavor were smiling on this fish. Seriously I heard angelic harps somewhere. Top it off with the hot sauce (good for dipping the fries in as well), it made this meal heaven on Earth. My mom had the fish chips and absolutely raved about it. Usually eating with her, I can have a piece to "try." This time she wouldn't let go of any of it, so I knew it had to be good. Definitely worth the drive down 95th from Mt. Greenwood. I will be back, this time with money in my pockets for the the specialty of the house. Smoked salmon and shrimp, you have been warned.
(5)
Nishan P.
Johnny T. ate poop. The poor guy was mortified when he realized what he had done. He didn't know the smoked shrimp at Calumet Fisheries had not been deveined. His discovery sparked an interesting debate on whether smoked poop made the shrimp taste better. Theories were even offered about water poop being less disgusting than land poop. Okay, enough about poop; onto Calumet Fisheries. The business operates out of a shack on a bank of the Calumet River. There is barely enough room inside for a few people to stand while ordering. Large glass counters, displaying delicious looking hunks of smoked fish, consume most of the space. Behind the counters employees take orders and deep fry a variety of seafood. The fried oysters, fried clams, and fried fish were excellent. The smoked shrimp were also good but didn't taste much like shrimp; perhaps that's because of the poop. My fries were a bit of a disappointment. They tasted undercooked and were raw in the middle. There is no room to eat in the shack. Calumet Park, a few blocks down the road, is the perfect place for a lakeside picnic. Be prepared to fight off flocks of seagulls. They too seem to have a fondness for the Calumet Fisheries smoked shrimp, poop and all.
(4)
Polly G.
I've been coming here since I was a kid. I remember thinking how bad it smelled to me as a child, but as an adult, it is a mouth watering aroma. My favorite dish is the fried shrimp, best fried shrimp hands down. I've loved this place my whole life and am thrilled to see the culinary world take notice!
(5)
Abe R.
After my second visit I've finally gotten around to writing this review. Why I didn't after my first visit I have no idea, especially when it was easily one of the best overall meals in my lifetime. Maybe it was my conscience telling me to give it another try just to make sure I really did enjoy it as much as I believed. Who knows... Anyhow, I am going to make this as basic as possible: A. The fish is just damn fresh. B. The prices are fair to exceptional, especially for the quality. C. The people who work there are nice and helpful. Finally, here is a list of what I ate in no particular order of greatness since I eat everything and like all food. 1. Chubs--Fatty and Oily, and oh so great. 2. Heads and Collars--I love the collar, as again it is fatty and for me fat is goodness as it's moist and buttery. Same goes for the head. 3. Salmon--The smoke flavor really comes through in this type of fish. 4. Sturgeon--Smokey, Buttery, and unreal. 5. Shrimp--Huge, moist, and great. 6. Trout--Simple flavor, with not as much fat, but still very tasty. All in all I couldn't recommend this establishment enough if you like fish, especially fish that has been smoked and is extremely fresh. I will tell you though that if you are like me and have a larger appetite then you just might need to save up a bit when coming here. That however is just a slight drawback, as fresh fish is never cheap. By the way, the place is CASH ONLY, and there is nowhere to eat inside, so you either need to eat in your car on a cold day, or if it's nice, head to the park nearby just across the bridge. The latter I definitely recommend since you can sit by the lake and eat, and if you are on the lookout, their is usually a shaved ice vendor cart nearby and even a mango stand. Enjoy Suckas'!!!
(5)
J. Chuck K.
If you're looking for warm smiles and a friendly "hello" from the person serving you behind the counter, then go else where. This place is rough around the edges in just about every aspect of their operation, but they do put out some good food for a good value. I stopped by with some friends for a quick lunch on our way to Michigan for the weekend. To be honest, I'm not a big fish guy, so I went with the crab cakes and onion rings. For just under $11, I got 3 huge cakes and a Chinese food container filled to the brim with rings. While you're waiting for your food, there's plenty of news paper clips about the Blues Brothers and Anthony Bourdain. They are shameless in the fact they want you to know Anthony Bourdain once ate there. It's cool to read about the Blues Brothers filming by the bridge just feet away from this shack, but I really could have done without the shrine to Bourdain. Come here when it's warm out, because there's no place to eat inside. They have some old picnic tables or you can eat on the bridge, but be prepared to have lunch/dinner in your car if it's freezing or raining.
(3)
Carol M.
This places smokes the competition!! I've only had the smoked salmon and smoked trout tail, but both were amazing. The salmon served as a few dinners w/ some sliced apples, nuts, and cheeses. Prices weren't that bad either. This is totally worth the trip from the heart of the city...and next time I might take a cooler with me so I can stop by on my long bike rides. Swoon.
(5)
Mike P.
As a native to the area where Calumet Fisheries is, I'd never really tried it until a handful of years ago when I was looking for some place different to go. Its been well worth the wait (and finally they are getting the kudos they deserve for the awesome and delicious stuff they have). I'll admit I've only tried their smoked shrimp once (and enjoyed it) as I like to get their fried fish...the fish chips and shrimp most of the time. Its all freshly prepared so its nice and hot when I bring it in the house. They also have more than just fries for sides...mushrooms, calamari, and sweet potato tots to name a few. Yea there are no seats in the place and all they take is cash, but hey, they've been doing it right for so long, why fix what isn't broken? If you are coming here, especially now during the season of Lent (pre-Easter), be prepared to wait as I did tonight....the place does fill up quickly (and you can tell by how far back you have to park) and depending on what you get, it may take a bit to get your orders...but be prepared to enjoy some great seafood!
(5)
Adam K.
Thank the lord Jehova and all his witnesses this place exists, if not I'd be forced to eat McDonalds or subway everyday I forgot my lunch. Like today. But wow man, this place really is wonderful. They even messed my order up, and it was still tremendously better food than anything I can remember having recently. They sent me home with a half frozen smoked trout, slaw and sweet potato nuggets. After zapping the trout I dug in and it was superb. I will for sure be back. What a weird little spot. Just at the top of a bridge going over the Calumet river it looks like a fishing shack from the 1940s. Inside its all metal signs and a big wraparound counter. Thats it. So order it up and eat in your car like everyone else. Or return to work and make your lunchroom smell like a smoke house. The fish was devine. I will be a regular here. I don't need Tony Bourdain to tell me whats good. Its nice to be able to eat so close to work and not eat deep fried meat or other stuff that makes my cardiologist squeal with glee as he checks my gravy-blood.
(5)
Jon D.
Go for smoked fish, salmon especially. If it's quiet, one of the guys will take you to the smoker, and get you to eat a fish eye (it's really not that bad). We went with a group of about 7, at around 2 on a Saturday afternoon, and went through a pound of smoked shrimp, three salmon pieces, two fish chips, two clam strips, and fries, and still had left overs. There's no seating, or bathrooms, and it is cash only. If you're going in autumn or winter, dress appropriatly and picnic on the hood of your car watching the the vessels coming up the river and under the 95th st bridge. Quality fish, nothing fancy, and that suits it just perfectly.
(4)
The Big O.
I love this place--the food, the people who work there, the post-Apocalyptic setting--and highly recommend it. Specifically, I recommend the fried shrimp, fried scallops and fried oysters. If I'm feeling indulgent I get a not-so-small small order of each, and some of their hot sauce, a small thing of their cole slaw, and either sit in the car and eat on a bad-weather day, or sit near the Calumet on a nice-weather day.
(5)
Kay J.
Mom saw this place on Check Please and I arrived thinking we would have table service and a glass of wine. Uh, nope. It is strictly take away. You park on the street in the bike path. I guess you can park in the vacant lot a block away and apparently in the summer there are picnic tables. We took a fillet of smoked salmon and OMG! It was fresh and moist and tasted wonderful! We also took half a dozen smoked JUMBO shrimp and they too were delicious. The fried shrimp were smaller and came with hot or mild sauce. We were assured the hot sauce was not too hot. AAAARRRGGG!!! NOT TRUE! The fried shrimp were incredible - best I have ever had. We headed south to Mickey D's for beverages and plan to return with dates and a bottle of wine in the summer and enjoy the ambiance on the shores of the canal!
(5)
Amber L.
Yum.
(4)
Diana G.
Been on my to try list for a while now. Was coming back from Indiana and was about to pass it and was telling my sister that it was there. We thought it was closed since it was 9:40pm, but we saw the light and my guy did a quick u-turn.....lol. Went in with my sister to order and we just wanted to order everything. We ended up with smoked shrimp, smoked salmon, fried shrimp, fried oysters and fried frog legs. We didn't eat there, we drove all the way back home which was like a long....15-20 minutes with the smell in the car. Smoked Shrimp - Massive and had that smokey taste to it. Smoked Salmon - I liked it. Maybe if I ate it on some crackers would've been better. Fried Shrimp - They were ok. Better than Lawrence's, but Franks still has the best fried shrimp so far. Fried Oysters - These were good, but I think they would've been great if we ate it right then and there. Fried Frog Legs - These were ok. The hot sauce has quite a kick to it, but the mild sauce was very good! Definitely bring cash......this stuff is not cheap! Will be back to try the smoke chub and trout. Also, the guy working there was friendly and telling us about the place and stuff. Cool!
(4)
Nix M.
Brought home smoked shrimp, garlic and pepper salmon and smoked trout. Had the salmon which was moist and smokey tasting. Didn't really taste any garlic or pepper taste and to be honest it was very fishy tasting which makes me wonder how old the fish was when it was smoked. I am used to fresh smoked fish and this isn't it. While there we shared a fried shrimp dinner which was bland and tasteless. Couldn't they add seasoning to the breading? The sauces were yucky. Smoked shrimp were very good but would have liked them to be more smokey. Won't be going back even though the people there were very helpful and nice.
(3)
Damon M.
Great food period, if you are really into seafood. I tried this place after seeing them on "Check Please" one day. I could not believe that I had never been to CF after living in Chicago all my life and "Certified" seafood lover. I tried the garlic pepper salmon and the smoked jumbo shrimp. I was very impressed with this place. Even though it is a little pricey and a hole in the wall, but worth it to me. I will be returning faithfully for the smoked shrimp at least. Friendly straight forward service. They will know my name soon.....
(4)
Simon M.
Delicious.
(5)
Laila C.
I now have 5 pounds of smoked fish in my house! Kate G. came back to visit!!! and wanted to hit up Calumet Fisheries. Since going to South 95th is not something I do on a regular basis, I made the most out of my trip. Got smoke salmon and smoked trout in black pepper/garlic. Super rich and fishy with a great texture. Smoked shrimp which is about the size of my face-a pound gets you about a dozen. Fried oysters and I wanted fried clam stripes but they accidentally gave me fried scallops instead. The scallops were good but got too hot and mushy, the oysters were fine..but I couldn't really eat more than 3 and a pound ended up being about 2 dozen. EEks cons: hot sauce is not hot. fried stuff got too mushy additional pros: an awesome biker thought I had just finished "smoking" which is why I ordered so much food and when he found out I was in my right state of mind, told me he wanted to get with me---if it wasn't for his wife. 50 year old bikers hitting on me for my ability to consume a lot of food is probably the best compliment EVER.
(4)
Zach J.
First of all please ignore the lame brain yelpers that trashed on this place for lack of parking spots and cash only. The best ma n pa places are cash only idiot!! They are not going to plow away a huge parking lot or move since they have been there since at least 1927. Don't trash on a business because they want to stick to their roots!! Those that said it is not fresh do not know s**t about fresh seafood! Now onto the food, the food is mind blowingly good and many items are fresh caught right in Chicago. These guys even go ice fishing in the Winter! The Salmon is to die for, fresh, mouthwatering, fall off the bone, smoked to perfection salmon that will melt in your mouth. The trout is also friggin amazing too. I love ordering the fried smelt with that delicious hot sauce. The Shrimp is smoked and delicious, large and to die for! The fried pickles were delicious too. I have been here a few times and love it to death, I wish it was closer to home then I would visit every week! They have been using the same smoker since 1927, and they have not changed a thing about it! The way they cook your fish is exactly how they cooked it in 1927, if that does not make you excited enough to drive through the tough South Deering and East Side neighborhoods to dine at this wonderful joint I do not know what will.
(5)
Tony K.
Well I didnt get shot and no car jacking getting there and back. Thats worth 2 stars alone! The place aint pretty BUT its clean and the people working there were very nice. The food was very good and unique in that I just dont get this quality of flavor from the same food in my neck of the woods. Its not a restaurant flavor. Its a homemade taste and its possibly worth getting your car put up on blocks and getting your wheels stolen. The sauces are quality and everything was cooked perfectly. Price was fair too. Bring your kevlar vest and an empty stomach & enjoy the good eats at Calumet Fisheries!
(4)
An P.
Thirty miles, that's what separates me from some of the best seafood in the city. Located at 3259 E. 95th Street, you'll find this fish shop sitting on top of a hill overlooking the manmade canal sitting adjacent to a suspension bridge and across the Calumet Yacht Yard. Cars line up on the near the bridge despite the no parking sign with people coming in from all corners of the city and suburbs. Beside the fishery, you'll find a little smokehouse where they do their magic with hickory woodchips infusing the signature smokey flavor into salmon, trout, chub, and shrimp. Celebrating its 62nd year as a family owned and operating business and being named an American Classics restaurant by the James Beard Foundation, you'll find Anthony Bourdain's signature on the wall and signs that have probably been mounted on the wall for decades. I saw the diversity of Chicago waiting in line including two Korean women who spoke broken English as well as a mid-40's biker who ordered $60 of assorted seafood and had never been there before. Calumet Fisheries is one-part Hot Doug's, one-part Kuma's and a south side institution. While the line for Calumet Fisheries is nowhere as long or deep as Hot Doug's or Kuma's primarily due to its deep south location, it's easy to move in and out of line to take a gander at all of the wares of the house. Garlic peppered smoked salmon caught my eye at $15.59 a pound and I wondered what in the world smoked shrimp would taste like. The possibilities of oyster, frog legs, fried shrimp, or scallops led to sensory overload and I hadn't even had a bite to eat yet! It very quickly became of question of how much was I willing to spend? Since some of my friends were running about an hour late, the friends that I arrived with debated eating now or waiting for everyone. We decided on a compromise: we would start off with a snack to hold our appetite steady until the late stragglers. My friends ordered some fried oyster while I decided clam strips would be what I wanted. The man behind the counter joked that they didn't serve Cubs fans but let me pay for less than $4 for my order. I didn't know if I wanted a whole pound of smoked shrimp for $20.99 a pound, so I decided to buy just two pieces of shrimp that came out to $2.63. The food came out quickly so we all sped outside to examine our food and get to work! You won't any seating inside Calumet Fisheries, creativity and improvisation is a necessity to dine by Calumet Fisheries. While we waited outside for our friends before we ordered, we saw three older men march down the hill down by the riverside to sit on a slab of concrete. For our purposes, we took the easy way out and sat on the guard rail next to all of the cars parked in front of the suspension bridge. The clam crunched in my mouth and the mild sauce put a smile in my face and a perpetual nod to my head movements. I traded some clam for an oyster and we all ate and knew we were eating some of Chicago's finest seafood. There was a fork for my food, but I found it just as convenient to eat with my bare hands and we were lucky it wasn't raining or blowing incredible amounts of wind. After I polished off my clam, I pulled my smoked shrimp out of the bag and dipped it into the sauce. Smoked shrimp was next on the agenda, but first I had to pop off the shell. The jumbo shrimp was worth paying over $1 a shrimp since they were massive and each bite of the cold shrimp tasted like it was cooked on a barbecue grill with that classic smoky taste. It was a pleasant snack to polish off our appetizers and just as quick as the food came out, we did away with all remnants and threw all evidence into the steel drum garbage can sitting outside. After my friends showed up an hour late, we stepped back up to the counter and made my orders. Indecision started making me uncomfortable, but I got put in front of the line and got a fried shrimp dinner and order of oysters. I waited in another line for my food and couldn't resist: peppered garlic smoke salmon and smoked shrimp was now coming my way! The guy behind the counter told me Cubs fans can't order twice and we both laughed about it. $40 later, I had a giant bag of goodies and now we had to figure out where to eat. We decided on a short drive as far east as we could go on 95th street and ended up in Calumet Park. The fields were massive and cleanly manicured and reminded me of a golf course. We parked and marched with our food down near the water and sat on a ledge while the seagulls edged closer like hungry wolves screeching at us. We could see the Gary steel mills pumping out their pollution in the backdrop, and looked at the gambling riverboat across the lake. Lunch passed with deliciousness and a battle with seagulls. All I have to remember is that it's only thirty miles that separates me from divine seafood.
(5)
Ben N.
After visiting Calumet Fisheries a couple of times, I have to wonder why smokehouses like this are a dying breed. Because, Holy Bejeebus, fish can be shockingly delicious when it's given this treatment, at least when it's done right, as these folks do. We've stopped by here heading south out of the city. All told, it's only a half-hour or so detour off of I-94, and presumably a lot less off the Skyway. Sure, the area seems vaguely sketchy if you're from out of town, but the Rust Belt vibe makes it interesting. If you're from out of town and headed home, make sure you've got a little ice chest (and ice, of course), because you need to take some this smoked fish home with you. We're partial to the pepper-and-garlic salmon and the trout. It's very reasonably priced: $15 a pound for the salmon and only about $8 a pound for the trout. It's far fresher-tasting and firmer than the smoked fish than you'd get in a similar or even greater price range with the vacuum-sealed, rubbery, salty smoked-fish product. Given these prices, it is delicious, decadent eating for a couple or three days after we get home. We've yet to get to Calumet Fisheries for the fried seafood; for whatever reason, we've rolled through too early for lunch. Got to get back for the chowing-down-while-sitting-on-the-95th-Street-Âguardrails experience. No doubt that Calumet Fisheries labors under a mountain of hype, thanks in large part to the Bourdain Chicago episode. But I think the hype gets justified here, at least when it comes to smoked fish. Warning: no credit cards.
(5)
EurJean C.
My gracious hosts took me here during a visit to Chicago. I suggest coming early in the morning to beat the crowd. We were able to chat with Carlos, who showed us where the smoke the fish and explained the process to us. It was really interesting and I really appreciate the extra effort he took to make our experience great. We ordered the fried smelt, smoked sturgeon, smoked tuna, smoked garlic and pepper tuna, smoked salmon, smoked garlic and pepper salmon, and smoked shrimp. The smoked fish was a bit drier and tougher than I expected, almost like jerky. I think how moist or smoky it turns out really depends on the individual batch and type of fish. The smoked shrimp were delicious and fun to eat and I loved the fried smelt. I recommend coming here at least for the adventure and to try something new. I'd come back just to try a different assortment of smoked fish. Tips: Plan to picnic, so if you like tartar sauce and lemon wedges you should bring your own. Bundle up on a cold day or be prepared to eat in your car, there is no seating inside.
(4)
Billy B.
Um, Calumet Fisheries anyone? Yes please! The first time I went to Calumet I foolishly got the friend shrimp and oysters. I was promptly berated when I told my friend Ryan that I didnt get smoked fish. So, I journeyed back for round 2. Round 2 consisted of garlic pepper smoked trout and salmon. OMFG, is this place amazing. It tastes like fish butter. I dont know how else to describe the food so fish butter it is. Go see for yourself and enjoy this delicious hole in the wall gem. PS. The fish are not sourced from Lake Calumet, which is a good thing.
(5)
Bob D.
I am shocked by the 4 and 5 star reviews, apparently a lot of folk just get all gitty about being in an industrial wasteland. They buy some mediocre food and feel like they are donating their not so hard earned money to charity. The fried food tastes highly processed, the breading is cloying and heavy. If you don't eat it outside it will b mush before you can do a u-turn on the bridge. The smoked fish is fine, but they charge a premium. The onion rings are bullshit frozen mass produced gmo crap. The sweat potato tots are gimmicky and frozen as well. The fried shrimp don't even qualify in my top ten old school Chicago Swimp joints. I would say if you are in the area grab some smoked salmon, whitefish, or sable, but unless you work at the coal yards or in shipping I am not so sure what you would be doing here. It's just not that good, really?
(3)
Pinaki S.
Do you like seafood? Can you eat at a shack/dive much like you might find on a coastal beach town? Do you EVER drive down the Skyway towards Indiana/Michigan? I mean ever?? Well here you go guys. I got 8 of the tastiest JUMBO shrimp (who knew what 'smoked' meant) (which is a half pound) + some quality slaw + mild sauce + basket of fries for $9. Anthony Bourdain's been here. It's a LTH Great Neighborhood Restaurant. Check it out.
(5)
John Y.
I have been a regular customer of Calumet Fisheries since I was a kid as I mentioned in my First to Review comments. I absolutely love this landmark shrimp house where I have experienced the best breaded fried shrimp in town.... On my last and most recent visit on Friday April 20th.... I purchased two (2) large orders of shrimp, fries and drinks to go. While the shrimp was plump and juicy, the breading surely not the same I had experienced time and time again through the years. The shrimp seemed to be coated in a corndog consistency of breading..... smooth and of equal thickness of golden color.... This is not the breading that made this place famous long before the Blue Bros. film had any positive effects.... What happened ? Where are my crunchy pieces of deli sh breading at the bottom of my container? The smoke fish, while pricey, looks exactly as it always did in the case. I am reserving final judgment until I return a few more times to Calumet Fisheries, maybe it was a bad night? ..I want to visit Bob's Shrimp House in Hammond, Indiana for the first time as I have heard RAVE reviews about their shrimp...
(4)
Gregory B.
I've been to heaven and its name is Calumet Fisheries. Perfect. If you hate smoked fish, get the fried. If you hate fish, get the shrimp. If you hate fried fish, get the smoked. Rinse and repeat. This place was featured in the original Blues Bros Movie. James Beard Foundation gave it a huge award. Anthony Bourdain was nuts over it. It looks like a bridge tender shack next to the river. It's been there for 80 years and looks it. They've done it the same way since then. Get the smoked shrimp or the smoked pepper salmon. Best ever.
(5)
Christopher B.
I've learned traveling around the world that if Anthony Bourdain recommends it then you should at least try it (not to mention it's usually pretty amazing!). I grew up not very far from here and passed it on a number of occasions but never stopped by until I saw the show. I couldn't believe he picked this place, where the Blue Brothers jumped the bridge, to get fish. It didn't take me very long to be a believer. For one, I was with my family who already hit it last month and were anxious to get back. We came for the smoked salmon but couldn't resist ordering some fried shrimp and sweet potatoes. As you might know from my previous reviews, I'm not one for fried food but this was absolutely life changing! Wow! I don't think I'll ever be able to order fried shrimp from anywhere else. As a side note, a debate broke out about whether the smoked shrimp was better but I didn't have any so I can't comment but keep that in mind if you're here. The smoked salmon was hands down one of the best I've had. They had a whole bunch in the smoker and told us to come by in a few hours but we took what they had as we weren't planning on coming back to this area. The only place that compared to this salmon was in the great northwest when I picked some up on the way home to LA from Portland. I'm anxious to come back here the next time I visit and what better time than Easter?! Well, we'll see but I think this place will be on my list of places to visit while I'm in Chicago along side deep dish pizza!
(5)
David L.
Food: 3 Decor: 1 Service: 3 I came here with three friends on our drive back from Nashville. There is street parking and no seating inside. 1. Pepper and garlic salmon, 15.6/lb Pretty good. Fresh salmon, with plenty of pepper and garlic. 2. Smoked shrimp, 21/lb Not bad. I normally don't like shrimp when it's still got the skin on, but this had a nice smoky taste to it. Would have been nice if they de-veined them though. 3. Fries Okay. Not oversalted like a lot of places, although I could only eat a couple before stopping. We got one piece of the salmon and 8 shrimp, which was enough to share between two people. Service was okay, although I wish they were friendlier and suggested a couple items.
(3)
Grace E.
Smokey and fishy. But what's not to like about that? The peppercorn and garlic salmon is delicious, especially with the hot sauce dip, but after several hearty mouthfuls, I was really wishing for a lemon to squeeze over it. The trout is less heavy, clean, and very flavorful. Though you might turn away from ordering the shrimp since they're not deveined, don't wimp out on an opportunity to taste them smoked! Run a plastic knife down the back of a peeled shrimp, pry it open, and use the knife to pull out the large strand. Easy. 5 seconds of effort for delicious, poop-free shrimp. The industrial surroundings enhance the charm of this riverside seafood shack, but once you've received your food, drive straight ahead for about 3 minutes until you can't go any further. Park your car and walk straight to the lake and enjoy your meal overlooking the waters.
(4)
Annie D.
Okay 5 stars it is for smoked items! Of course I found this place because of No Reservations, how else would i wonder outside of downtown Chicago being a tourist?! Definitely worth the rental =) Smoked salmon- just had the perfect texture and taste, I'm not a big fan of smoked salmon to begin with, I order my philly rolls with fresh salmon for those who know it normally comes with smoked salmon... anyway, this smoked salmon taste was nothing near to what you can buy else where or well from what I've experienced. Smoked shrimp- the shrimp had a suttle taste of smokiness which gave it a great taste and the shrimp had great texture. Fried smelts- perfect with eaten nice and hot with some hot sauce dipping. Smoked Trout- very good! We came when the fishes have been smoked and refrigerated, but when it's pretty freshly smoked, like that day, it is completely different in taste and texture. We were lucky to have a taste of some trout that was made so we can see the difference, perfect. You didn't need anything with these smoked fish, no crackers needed. Overall, very good and well worth the stop when you're in Chicago. When I'm back, I'll be sure to stop in here! We even bought a couple more to bring back home to our friends as a part of their souvenir gifts! Hey, it's way better than shot glasses or key chains =) And use a fork, your hands will stay clean most of the time.. until you get the the shrimp, unless you have someone peeling them for you ;) CASH only of course! Enjoy!
(5)
M H.
ZOMG. sooo good. I'm usually pretty wary of places that EVERYONE has to eat at because it's usually overrated (I'm looking at you Hot Doug's), but Calumet Fisheries is AH-mazing. I should take away a star because the toll to get there is $4 (why hasn't anyone else mentioned this in their review?!?), but they are that good. I got a pepper and garlic salmon (warning, one of those will set you back ~$15). I didn't expect that, I don't know why, but it was worth it. So buttery and it just broke down. Also got a half order of smoked shrimp. Nothing more fun than sitting in the car and killing those shrimp. They are HUGE. My bf is not a huge seafood fan but he got an order of crab cakes. They told him its imitation crab which I thought was nice of them. They were the creamiest crab cakes we've ever had. uhhhh. mahhh. gawwwd. I'm never like this but they are so f****** good. Go get some now!
(5)
Jaison C.
Calumet Fisheries is very unique in every way. Smoked fish cooked over an extended period of time above fiery wood and surrounded by brick. I was able to try the salmon, shrimp, sable, cod and fries. Everything was so tasty and buttery. The intense smoke flavor goes extremely well with the garlic peppercorns. I was able to catch Calumet Fisheries during a time they weren't too busy and one of the managers took me to the smokehouse and told me Bourdain tales while showing me around. Just about any piece of smoked fish will do, but if you want something on the fattier side, ask for a steak near the fin. The taste is noticeably different. A James Beard Award well deserved, bravo CF.
(5)
Lexie V.
How have I lived so close to this place for so many years without ever stopping in? Calumet Fisheries is a total gem. My boyfriend and I were in the area one day and we were looking for some sort of culinary adventure, and thanks to Yelp we found this place. We got the shrimp dinner and a few other things and it was FANTASTIC. I like how it is no BS but at the same time the people are nice and helpful. They could tell we were a little overwhelmed and didn't know what to order, but they were patient. I can't wait to go back. I am also 99% sure their hot sauce is Frank's which made me a very happy camper. A+.
(5)
Billy D.
Borderline Gary, Indiana, Calumet is located in the well-off south-side industrial area. It's not the best neighborhood and pretty far from downtown, but hot damn that fish is good. Fried catfish - amazing with that special hot sauce. Smoked shrimp - you've never had anything like it. Expensive, but worth it. Pepper-smoked salmon - like whole peppercorns? me too. Smoked whitefish - back to the basics, buddy That James Beard award didn't just win itself.
(5)
Matt M.
Best shrimp in the city. Maybe the world. Yeah, it's that good. Seriously, walking into this place makes me feel like it's 50 years ago and the steel mills haven't closed and the south side is humming. I know everything changes but i'm glad this place doesn't!
(5)
Jim M.
I've been rocking this place for 25 years. After an early morning trip to Ed Shirley Sports in Markham and a long day of fishing, Calumet Fisheries was always the spot. Too many times I made a mess of my car after an ill-advised, late night, liquor fueled road trip. Now they cut us off early. The hours might be shorter but the fish is still fantastic. While off the beaten track for some, it's actually very easy to find... 95th street east. After you pass Jeffery Manor and the letter streets, on the south side of the street near the middle of the massive bridge look for a building too small to be a must-eat destination. If you drive into the lake you've gone just a little bit too far. Also since it's far enough off the expressway that some will find locking the doors mandatory, it's still obscure despite being featured on some of the gastro-sassy television shows. Everyone has been to Hot Doug's but it takes sand to make it this far south and east for a snack. Whatever you get here will be terrific. The smoked scallops, shrimp and chubs are the best I've ever had. But what i crave, what forces me to the edge of civilization to this little shack is the mixed fish dinner. Oh mama. Make sure to go with the mild sauce. It's unique with a little kick. Also while waiting for your fresh fried deliciousness note the yellowed newspaper clipping on the wall. The draw bridge was featured in the Blues Brothers and for just a moment you can see it in the movie . Delicious food and real Chicago trivia- what could be better!
(5)
sarah s.
Great fried shrimp and fries - crispy and salty!! This place is awesome and they have a lot to choose from.
(4)
Malcolm Jamal W.
I really love this place. The smoked fish is great, if pricey. The smoked salmon isn't like lox; it's like smoked/cooked all the way through. The fish and chips were good too, although I was surprised that I got these small (not nuggets but ) pieces instead of large fillets like I expected. The customer service experience was great. The customers love their shop, and the staff are proud of what they do, and that makes a big difference! Everybody there was just happy and friendly. This is a quality place; the kind they don't make anymore. Go see for yourself.
(4)
Yuriana A.
Born and raised on the south side, I have had the privileged to make calumet fisheries part of my weekly lunch schedule. It's awesome that Bourdain covered them, now I know they won't be running out of business anytime soon!! P.S. They only accept cash and there is no place to sit. It's all old school here!
(5)
Michele C.
Fried shrimp were good. Calamari were frozen rings .The kind from the grocery store.The calamari was like chewing rubber rings.yuk! Onion rings were mushy... The cocktail sauce provided is actually bbq sauce..I was so excited to eat there...but was so let down on the quality...
(3)
Kathy S.
Tried this place after a friend recommended it and boy was it good. I was so surprised at how small it was...not anything wrong with that but just wasn't expecting it. We did park in the tow zone but it's fine. We got a pound each of the smoked shrimp and fried fish and both were good although the smoked shrimp took the cake for me. Tastes just like ham! I did feel like I consumed way too much sodium though. But I'm looking forward to my next visit so I can try the fried scallops/shrimp next time.
(4)
Pascal M.
They could smoke my hand and I would take pleasure in eating it. A friend and I rode our bikes here from Harwood Heights in the Summer. A great trip and the food was worth the ride. I'm happy Bourdain hit this place up, because I may have never found out about it through my yelp searches. When we got there, they were smoking fish. So we rested for a bit as we chatted it up with the "smoke master" outside. He gave us some tips, history, and knowledge on the place. If anyone remembers the scene in the first Blues Brothers where they jump the bridge, that was right in front of Calumet. Another friend drove up, so we maxed out. We had their Fried Oysters. Fried Smelt, Smoked Salmon, Smoked Trout, Smoked Shrimp, and a side of macaroni salad and coleslaw. The smelt was one of the best pieces of fried food I've ever put in my mouth. I thought the fried oysters were just okay, probably because I enjoy them most when there just raw. The smoked shrimp was great. I love peel and eat shrimp. Their typically larger, more firm (yet still tender), and have better flavor. The Smoked trout and Salmon were outrageously good. Excellent crust from the black peppercorn and other spices they rub on before the smoke process. The macaroni salad was a nice carb to throw in there, but I wasn't a fan of the slaw'. I like crunchy vinegary slaw, this was kinda minced mush. Calumet Fisheries is blast. Its worth the hype and the drive. If your not taking your food home or eating it in your car, have fun sitting outside. It's strange, but I enjoyed taking in the industrial atmosphere, the bridge, and the river while me and my two friends snacked communally on some of great grub.
(5)
Kate W.
How does one of the most infamous eateries for "foodies" in Chicago only have around 100 reviews? Oh that's right, it takes forever to get there and is virtually impossible to access via public transportation. Well, unlike you rubes I have a 1995 Infiniti chariot to take me to the far reaches of Chicagoland. So on a nice, sunny Autumn Chicago day we braved the freeways and weekend traffic to pilgrimage down to 95th for some smoked and fried fishes. We had to do the Anthony, of course. Fried smelt and shrimp, smoked salmon and trout. Items are fried to order, and you can pick your smoked fish steak of choice. Then take it outside and eat (because there is no room inside!). Just be careful not to stand on that bridge when they are bringing boats to winterize. Because they can't see you and soon you'll realize that the ringing isn't just a bad memory from 'Nam, but that bridge is actually going up! Run. Then eat.
(5)
Michael S.
Excellence does speak for itself. Same owners since 1948. Hmmmm. They must be doing something right. And, they do; they are. It's superb. The fried oysters were the biggest, plumpest, freshest oysters I have ever tasted. Yes, EVER. The scallops and shrimp get honorable mentions that to me paled by comparison to the oysters. But the scallops were delish! Now, the really good stuff is all the smoked salmon and smoked trout in the display cases. yelp.com/user_local_phot… I didn't have room in my stomach and we didn't have room to schlep it back, since we went on foot. But I watched the boss take the smoked salmon and smoked trout out of the smokehouse on a huge tray. yelp.com/user_local_phot… Unmatchable, authentic fun. Yum. Next time we are driving.
(5)
Finch M.
Visited here for the 2nd time. This go around on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in August. Purchased some smoked shrimp, 1/2 order of frog legs, and the catfish dinner. Review goes as follows. Smoked Shrimp - was very much looking forward to these, but they left me sad. Had some shrimp that were clearly "not fresh" and the rest were just okay. Perhaps a bad batch? Not nearly as much flavor as anticipated. Frog legs - they were decent. Thickly breaded and fried. Tasted like chicken. Catfish dinner - highlight of the trip. Excellent portions, great breading, mouth watering taste. We ordered food and drove down the street to Calumet Beach. It was worth the drive from far west suburbs...just learning what I will and will not order next time.
(3)
Erika G.
Want to kill 5 or 6 hours on a beautiful Sunday? Who's goin' to church anyway, we're goin' to worship at the altar of Our Lady of Perpetual Smoked Fish! There's Sablefish, puh-lenty. I am partial to complicated public transit schemes, thinly disguised as "adventures". Ride the Red Line down to its end, and then take a bus deep into the south side. Hmmm, I've never seen this place, do I need my passport? Today I am a disciple of my #1 futile celebrity crush, Anthony Bourdain, who featured CF on his Chicago ep of No Reservations (and is appropriately enshrined at the establishment, as befits Food God status). Fried Fish Nirvana (we're Buddhist now). We partook (is that a word?) of the fried oysters, shrimp and scallops. Mon dieu, those scallops were the BEST! Plump and juicy, yet crunchy on the outside. Mmmmm. The fried oysters . . . now, to me, they looked like a bad cold breaded and fried, but they were damn delicious. If I go back here again, I'm renting a ZipCar so I can fill it up with the smoked fish offerings, smoked on the premises. That day, the thought of carrying bags of fish thru the heat did not appeal. Note: Table One is out back, a slab of concrete overlooking the barges on the Calumet River. No reservations needed. Ah, bliss.
(4)
M G.
Not a huge fan of seafood but this place makes me want it. Fish and chips, stuffed shrimp, and the crab cakes are my favorite. And the dipping sauce they have makes it tastier. It might not look like much from the outside but the food is great!!
(5)
The Food Abides W.
Truth be told, I didn't stumble upon this place. I saw it, like many others, on Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations. On the show, it seemed like an intriguingly hidden spot with spectacular smoked fish. However, in the months since viewing the episode, I had completely forgotten about this place altogether. Fast forward to a few weeks ago when I was scouring Yelp for places to dine in Chicago, I noticed rave reviews for Calumet and images of Bourdain passing a half-eaten salmon steak to his Chicago guide came flooding back to me. And that's how we ended up at Calumet Fisheries. Well, I make it sound much easier than it actually was - this was truly destination dining. Through a very long bus ride, a seemingly endless transfer, another bus-ride weaving in and out of a southern Chicago neighborhood, and a half mile walk in the snow, we finally ended up at this bridge-side shack to feast upon smoked fish (over 2 hours later). The storefront of Calumet is kind of like a deli, except with fish being the product, not cold cuts. A large case proudly displays salmon steaks, smoked chub, and buckets of shrimp. To the right of the store they had their frying station. I had my mind set on the Salmon before we even got there but the friendly cook, Carlos, advised me to go with their garlic and peppercorn crusted salmon steaks rather than the plain variety. Kins went the route of smoked shrimp. I was a little caught off guard by the fact that the Salmon was served cold. Seeing as how it's completely cooked, unlike lox, I expected it to be warm like barbecue after being smoked. The other surprise (although it shouldn't have been) was that the bones of the salmon were still in tact. Once I got over these two issues, I menacingly tore into the steak (avoiding the actual string used to hang the steak in the smoker) with my fingers popping the pulled morsels in my mouth. Carlos hooked me up with some hot sauce for the Salmon, but I found that it only took away from all the smokey flavor. My experience with smoked fish is severely limited, but I will be doing a comparison very soon between Rolling Bones' Salmon steaks and Calumet's. The shrimp were darned good. As a non shrimp fan, I was happy that the smoking erased the real shrimp-like flavor that I normally have to avoid (even when fried). If anything, the shrimp tasted a bit like ham, but I would describe the flavor as solely unique to smoked shrimp. The fries were standard frozen issue, but freshly fried for each order which makes a huge difference. I wish I could have tried some of their fried options, but alas there was only so much we could eat and take with us. Funnily enough, our cab driver for the ride back (yes, we weren't going to spend another 2 hours getting back) picked up some fried catfish for the road. After asking us why we travelled all the way out there and explaining to him all the blow-by-blow details of our adventure, he turned to us and said in his slavic accent, "Eh, it's not that special." Take that for what it's worth, but the catfish did look very, very good to me. Pricing was fair, considering the size of the Salmon steak I ordered (enough for two), but it certainly seemed a little more pricey than it should be considering it was served cold in a non sit-down environment. While I really enjoyed the food, the travel time made our journey seem like a quest for the Holy Arc. For visitors of Chicago, I'd recommend skipping this hot spot because of the travel time involved. There are just too many other great options to spend so much time getting out there and back - at least without a car rental. However, I highly recommend locals and smoked fish fans alike make at least one trip to Calumet for an unusual and tasty treat.
(4)
Shana M.
Yay! I finally went out and did something in my city again! I can finally write another Yelp review! WooHoo!! I played hooky from work on a sunny Friday afternoon in early August. My non-9-5 friends picked me up and we had ourselves a time, including a "field trip" to Calumet Fisheries. Since I had eaten a few misguided tacos not long before, and since I had no clue what I was about to be invited to experience, AND since my bank account is totally NOT recession proof, I waited outside while my friends ordered, payed, and received their booty. It was a satisfyingly voyeuristic experience. We sampled only the smoked shrimp (Oh. My. God. I need a new internet abbv. just for this shrimp people. How about...OVSFG: Oy Vey So Friggen Good!!!) and the fried oysters which were extremely hot and drippy and characteristically snotty, but the sauce was nummy. And so yeah, Anthony Bourdain, yippee skippee, blah blah blah, ate on the bridge, what a scene. Can't wait to go back for more: The End.
(4)
Ed F.
Fresh smoked fishes ... Amazing actually. Saw it on 'No Reservations' - it's a stop on the "Blues Brothers" Chicago tour. Bought loads of fish for a family meal and it was a super hit across 3 generations of smoked afishianados. Take out only - or dine in car near store.
(5)
Glynn F.
So good. If you like smoked anything then smoked peppercorn garlic salmon steaks & jumbo shrimp will be no exception. This shack serves up some truly flavorful stuff. Only *potential* problem is that they don't offer any sort of seating, so it's carry out only. That being said there is a park just over the nearby bridge where you can sit by the lake. That's what we did & it worked out famously. P.S. The peppercorn/garlic salmon works really well as a lox ingredient. Highly recommend using it for this purpose. P.P.S. The fries are better than the onion rings. The onion rings weren't crispy enough for my taster.
(5)
Ben R.
Excellent smoked fish. But there is a but. The shrimp aren't deveined. That's kind of disgusting. More than kind of. The salmon is farm-raised as well. The sturgeon is excellent. I feel bad leaving three stars and would give it six if they deveined the shrimp.
(3)
Ashley S.
I ventured to this off the beaten path gem on a surprise day trip with one of my foodie friends. We do this often and he never tells me where we were going so I've learned not to beg for hints/guess. My expectations we low when we got off the highway near Gary (no offense Gary but there is a reason a highway was built over you). Needless to say, I was pumped when we arrived since I've heard Bourdain rave about this place. I was not disappointed. Luck would have it that they were smoking that day so everything was super fresh. My friends got his usual favorite, the pepper smoked salmon and the incredibly knowledgeable counter guy recommended the smoked trout too. Who were we to argue. Next time I want to try to smoked sturgeon which came highly recommended. Also added some fried clams. Warning, eat them slowly as the hot water inside tend to explode. Love the trout's delicate texture and smokey yet fishy taste. We took the salmon home to sprinkle it over a salad and I already can't wait. Not sure when I'll be back but I hope it's soon. Love supporting local businesses like this that are knowledgeable, passionate about their craft and will talk your ear off one you get them going. Warning: If you don't strong fish smells and seeing tons of fish heads staring back at you, pass on this place.
(4)
Jimmy P.
Calumet Fisheries is Amazing! TL;DR Calumet Fisheries Amazing!
(5)
Victor M.
The rain has passed and today is a sunny day. With relatively low humidity... Tis was a perfect day to enjoy a lb of smoked shrimp outdoors. So I enjoyed this scrumptious shrimp at the lake a few blocks east.
(5)
Joe F.
A friend of mine took the trip to the far south side to try the smoked fish. We tried the smoked salmon, shrimp and trout. Both were very salty, lightly smoked and all things considered, very good. We also got the fried smelt, fried fish chunks, and fried clams. The breading was crisp and crunchy - not thick and hard, perfect crunch to crisp ratio. I tend to prefer smoked fish to be smoked a little longer rather than a little less. Calumet also does a super-salty brine, and I prefer a lighter touch on the salt. In terms of style, while Calumet may not be my absolute favorite, it's still very, very good. One day if I'm back in the neighborhood I wouldn't hesitate to stop by again.
(4)
Esteban P.
I CANNOT BELIEVE that I've never been here before. I grew up on the East Side and now I'm back from the loop to the South Side for the past 3 years. I had just told my friend Dean that we had to check this place out when my friend Xavier told me he saw the Anthony Bourdain No Reservations episode on it. So I told Dean it was time for a visit. We followed in Anthony Bourdain's foot steps and ordered what he had: smoked peppered salmon, smoked trout, smoked shrimp, fried smelt, hot sauce and a root beer. We actually got one chub too and Dean had to get his grape soda - I think it helps him 'fit in', though I think he should have kept his Cubs hat at home... good thing I was sporting my Sox hat :D The guys behind the counter were fast to get our order together. I couldn't actually believe the smelt where fried that quickly. It ended up being a lot of food because the portions of the smoked fish were so big. It was also pretty pricey (just under $40), but we had enough food to actually feed 4 people. We started with the hot food; that is the smelts. The batter was very light and minimal. I think that was a good thing because you were able to concentrate more on the taste of the fish. For my first time having smelt, I enjoyed it. The hot sauce made a really good dipping sauce. I just wish we had a lot more. Dean grabbed some "Hienie's Hot Sauce" (Quality Brand Hot Sauce). We moved on to the smoked shrimp. WOW, those were amazing. I was concerned with what they would turn out like, but the smoky flavor was just right. And the shrimp where HUGE. Again the hot sauce was a nice addition, but not necessary at all. We had mixed feelings on the smoked fish. I liked the salmon, but Dean thought it was too dry. He favored the Trout over the salmon. We hit a pocket of moist salmon and that was extremely good, so I know what he means. I agree that if the salmon was more moist it would have been even better, but the crush pepper seasoning was just right. We both agreed that that chub was the best. It was the least expensive of the smoked fish too. I will definitely visit more frequently, and have already started spreading the word. I'll get the pepper salmon again, though I'll pay more attention to the piece I choose. I'll also have to go order more chubs next time as well as trying to fries out, which I hear are pretty good. Only downside is that you do smell of smoked fish from the minute you walk in. Even if you don't walk in the smell will stay on your hands and mouth. But the food is so great it's worth dealing with the smoke until you can take a shower and brush your teeth. [UPDATE #1] Tried the Salmon again, and it was really nice and moist the second time round. Guess it depends on when you go. [UPDATE #2] Woe... they had the Sable in stock, and I must say it was AMAZING!!! It's usually a special order item - $25/lb, 3 lbs min. But I'll tell you want. It was WONDERFUL. Sable is Black Cod. The meat was so moist and juicy and soft. I was able to just scoop it out with my finger. It tasted buttery and just melted in my mouth. Man I could not believe how good it was. I h ope they start selling it regularly.
(5)
Dawn K.
Me follow Bourdain. This is what we got: Fried: shrimp, fish, smelt (smelt is the only thing Anthony Bourdain tried on the show, FYI) Smoked: shrimp, pepper+ garlic salmon Salad: pasta You should get: fried shrimp, fried smelt, smoked shrimp, and smoked salmon. Skip everything else. Servers are friendly and super helpful. Get ready for a fishy-smelling car if you're on the road, because there isn't any place to feast at the place. Get extra 'hot' sauce- better safe than sorry, right? Cash only
(4)
Ashley C.
I was willing to give this place another shot, even after the owner responded to my previous review, but methinks not. They only get the one star because that's the minimum, but I'd give less. I just want to go on record and say that I have no problem that the shell has to remain on the shrimp in order to smoke it. However, any idiot with culinary experience knows that you can clean a shrimp and leave the shell on. My mother just did it yesterday when she made shrimp pasta! Maybe my mother needs to teach the guys in the kitchen how to deal with seafood. Even if they can't figure out how to do what my mother can, surely they can give a customer a warning with something like, "Hey, you might not want to try to eat one of these before you clean the little line of shrimp doo doo off of them. Because nothing, I repeat, NOTHING, is sexier than your man trying to make out with you and there's a string of shrimp sh*t hanging off his lips. Um... DON'T THINK SO. Also, while I appreciate the owner commenting to me, telling me that AOL said that this place was the best restaurant in 2010 doesn't affect MY experience. I'm sure they didn't give Tony Bourdain OR the AOL Critic the quality of food I received. Because while Bourdain eats all kinds of things, shrimp sh*t probably wasn't on the menu that day. Just saying. I was open to admitting that every place has a funky day and maybe I got a funky bunch, but come on...the shrimp were expensive, and literally full of crap. So, I'll pass. If I want overpriced shrimp, next time, I'll save the gas and time and just go to Red Lobster. At least I can get myself some drinks and I'll be too drunk to notice my boyfriend's crappy mouth. AMENDING to let you know that the owner again has contacted me YET AGAIN (twice in ONE DAY) to tell me that Anthony Bourdain ate smoked shrimp that were shelled and not deveined, so in essence, he ate shrimp poop and was okay with it. He also wanted me that the yelper who said they had maggots in their smoked shrimp is lying. Either way, the smoked shrimp were still bad. The batter was still thick, the food was still overrated, underseasoned and overpriced and not worth the trip. I'll never go back now, thanks to the owner HARASSING me. FYI to the owner- MY saying 'any idiot with culinary experience' is not calling you or your staff idiots. Clearly, you guys don't know how to clean your 'smoked shrimp' so that they are smoked and POOP-free, so you don't GET the privilege to fall under the title of "idiot". Please stop messaging me and take the time you would spend harassing me and other not-so-great yelpers to improve the quality of your food on a CONSISTENT basis so everyone can have the experience Anthony Bourdain did.
(1)
Dennis B.
I've been here a few times for lunch while at work. I never would've tried them, but I saw them on Anthony Bourdain's TV show and I saw that they have smoked shrimp. SMOKED SHRIMP!!! I honestly didn't even know you could smoke a shrimp. Nothing special about the fried food. It doesn't touch Shrimp Express in Cal City. But the smoked salmon is on point. The smoked shrimp were, well, interesting. I like trying something different.
(3)
Mike B.
Yelp's most entertaining vegetarian is now yelp's most entertaining pescatarian. Fish is a big weakness for me, and I knew that if i were to break edge in the best way imaginable, I'd need to go bike to 95th & south chicago to score some fish from Calumet. The trip was the most interesting part of this adventure. I biked from 31st & Morgan all the way to 95th in the early afternoon hours. As a big fan of rough neighborhoods, as well as strange gazes from people who are confused about the presence of a giant bearded white guy, I was pleased by both of these elements from the trip. I mostly took lowe street south. I'm not sure why, but it felt safe for the most part. I also got to pass through a lot of really interesting sights, like the creek(?) near 79th & Normal, or this beautiful park that was ducked into a relatively small subdivision that was also somewhere in the 70s (i can't find it on google street view). The park helped me duck away from normal traffic, as I got nervous someone was going to follow & rob me after i passed this house and stared at a hilarious looking car without noticing that it's owners were sitting nearby, staring just as closely at me. I finally made it to 95th after an hour or so, but found that 95th street has very busy traffic, and since i've always wanted to be on 100th street, i decided to bike that for a while instead. I was then forced off that street, and back onto 95th for the remainder of the trip to the fishery. I finally got there, and bought some peppered salmon, some peppered trout, and some gatorade. I then rode my bike back north when i remembered that i wasn't far from brother tim's vegetarian fast food. So, I stopped in, and got my actual lunch, and then continued the bike ride back home. It was actually a pretty relaxed trip, and didn't leave me nearly as exhausted as I thought it would. Got even more strange looks, even from cops in the area, during that leg. After getting home, i ate some of the fish, it was just as delicious as expected, and i ate the remainder of it the next day. In all, it met all expectations I had, but i had been to calumet fisheries before, several years prior, and it was just as good as the previous encounter.
(5)
Jon E.
Bomb-diggity-seafood, I'm a fan! If you like seafood, check these guys out. If you're a photographer who likes landscapes and seafood you'd be an idiot to not give these guys a visit. Why? I have yet to see a more beautiful industrial landscape in Chicagoland than the one visible in 360 technicolor from the front steps of Calumet Fisheries. What some may consider bleak wasteland is a stunning juxtaposition of rust-belt historical ruins and the shimmering lake. What you see outside doesn't quite prepare you for the tastes inside but it stands to reason that beauty and tasty things are always best when they are a complete surprise. Fantastic smoked salmon? Check. Bomb fried shrimp? Natch. It is Chicago at its most natural, mixing an industrialized past with rich flavors and hidden surprises.
(4)
Ryan R.
Price reasonably, but noting like it's protrayed on "No Reservations". Pretty average for a fish place.
(2)
Kevin L.
You have not had real seafood until you've tried Calumet's seafood. My parents went to get some stuff at Horseshoe, and took me to this place to try out. My first thoughts were, "Hmm, smoked shrimp doesn't seem too appealing, and smoked salmon sounds pretty boring." Man, my thoughts were way off. Smoke Shrimp is AMAZING. Never have I thought shrimp could taste so good. Shrimp's not deveined though. Their smoked salmon in a few words : Moist, fatty, flavorful, addicting. I just had some leftover of their salmon just now, and I'm craving for some more. Things that put me off were the fried foods. At first glance, I instantly knew it would be mediocre, due to it being battered up, and refrigerated, resulting in a not-so-crispy tasting. I had the fried onion rings, and shrimp. Onion rings was not that crispy, and shrimp were, but over seasoned with salt. Don't get me wrong, for the price, it's VERY good, but I feel that they can work on it more. Maybe have batter ready, but batter it up when it's ordered, mainly because there's not that many customers at one time (When I was there, there were only 3 customers including myself). But overall as a restaurant, their food is top notch, and I'm defiantly going back there whenever I'm near the area.
(5)
Jeff Z.
Awesome, Totally Worth The Trip!
(5)
Steve H.
I'm not a fan of smoked anything by itself, which is probably my due to my sheltered Chicago suburb upbringing. Smoked BBQ is good but usually only if its accompanied by a vat of dipping sauce on the side. But as a Bourdain and Yelp fan I was obliged to get an order of the smoked salmon and smoked shrimp, just to say "Yes I tried 'em". Both were unique experiences but would I make a huge trip to the south side to try them again-probably not. The salmon was not de-boned, which made it quite cumbersome to eat around and my particular slice was pretty fatty in content. The shrimp on the other hand were ginormous for chicago standards. Both were served cold and unless I'm at a sushi restaurant, I'd like to be eating my fish flesh at least lukewarm temperature. If you like cold smoky meat I'd say give it a go for yourself. But for me if I'm ever tagging along some buddies who want to try this place for themselves, I'll stick to the fried menu.
(3)
RT S.
It's a small store by the south shore. They have smoked shrimp, salmon, trout and fried shrimp, fish, oyster and smelt. The fried shrimp is good with hot sauce, other than that nothing impressive. Note: cash only and you cannot sample prior to purchase. Diarrhea, nausea and vomitting followed the foods.
(1)
Patrick M.
It is located on the far south side of Chicago, but the view from the restaurant is very unique. I like how it is placed right next to a bridge overlooking the river. It provides a great aura to eat seafood and a variety of different fish. The customer service was great. The owner was working behind the counter and had chatted with us while we were ordering. I used to work at the Fish Keg in Evanston so we went back and forth on the similarities and differences of each store. He was a really nice guy. Additionally, he let my friends and I sample pieces of smoked trout and smoked shrimp. Very unique and smoky flavors I have never had with fresh fish, both were delicious! I ordered the fish chips, fries, and coleslaw, but a friend let me try his froglegs. The Fish Chips were excellent. They toss the cod in a bread crumb batter and deep fry it a little darker than usual, which I like. The tartar sauce is homemade too and it is done right. A bolder taste, not sweet. Fries were average. Well salted but pretty average long cut steak fries. Coleslaw was not my style. I took a bite and to put it down. I am either hit or miss with creamy coleslaw and this cup was not very good. Frog legs were interesting. Not a huge fan with hot sauce. I like froglegs with butter sauce, this was a change of pace. Fish Keg in Evanston is better in my opinion, but Calumet was very good. A really filling meal for $8. You park up, eat in the car, while overlooking the river. I think it's a nice spot and would recommend it, if you are willing to make the drive.
(4)
Michelle W.
Yummy, I only stop in here at the beginning of the boat season and at the end when I am spending more time than I care to at the boat yard. It is the only thing that makes driving down there something to look forward to. My favorite is the smoked garlic trout. I eat it cold, I eat it warm, I eat it while driving home and I put it in dips .... it's soooo goooood! No place to sit... know that!
(5)
R M.
Biked here from the north side and was treated to delicious fried shrimp, fried catfish and French fries. Will be going back to try the smoked fish. This place is an institution in Chicago, and well worth the journey.
(4)
Jessi M.
Definitely an establishment, definitely worth going to the south side for. The fried catfish had something magical in the breading and it was hot and perfectly fried. Also, I think they make their hot sauce in-house. I had never tasted anything like that before and I want more. Having lived in the Midwest my whole life I have no real concept of "good" seafood. I think this is it, though.
(4)
Rob S.
Also, forgot to mention that if you are coming from the North, instead of swinging onto 90 (Chicago Skyway), take 94 south and exit at 95th street and head east. This will save you from paying any tolls and takes almost the same time. Drive past Chicago State University and it will come up eventually on your right.
(5)
Dan M.
It was good. I love fried seafood, especially shrimp. The smoked salmon is good too. Funky soda choices, but that's cool with me. (bring a diet soda with if that's your thing, I don't think they had any) Hot sauce was great. I also like all the old photos on the wall from Blues Bros, etc. The kid that was working was really helpful and let us try a few little samples before deciding what to get. I love Bourdain. I've read his books and watched his show. But c'mon nut-huggers, a 5-star joint this is not. (I would have given it 3.5). It's still a fun little excursion if you feel like heading out that way, if you're in the area stop by and grab lunch.
(3)
Steve M.
This place is incredible. Could they expand...sure....Could they build other locations...sure...but why the heck would they? That is part of what makes this place great. Everything is good but hands down the Fried and Smoked Shrimp are the best. We have all had fried shrimp a million times, but you won't find it better than here. The hot sauce is legit. And the smoked shrimp has such a unique taste. A little off the beaten track but well worth the trip!
(5)
Toney S.
Best seafood in the Midwest. We bee going here since we were kids. My wife and I drive 22 miles for this experience, and have never been disappointed..
(5)
Johnny T.
Let's just get this out of the way: yes, I ate poop. No, I was not happy about it. I had two kinds of poop: crustacean and bivalve. Both were disconcerting to me and hilarious to my lunchmates. This is pertinent information. I'd been wanting to come to CF for years. I could never find anyone with whom to go so I plotted, bade my time, waited and - BAM! - I came up with the Neighborhood Spotlight idea and now i had a crew with which to explore South Deering and the East Side. But for all the traffic in God's green earth, this should have been a relatively easy trip from the north side. But, avoid LSD S traffic, Hyde Park bike races and Purple line shut downs... and you'll be fine. Arriving an hour after I first planned, I sheepishly made my way into the fish shack. I appreciate how the CF folks keep it real. Even though I'd been wanting to come here WAY BEFORE THAT ATTITUDINAL GUY, I liked the fact that the newfound national fame hadn't resulted in a different decor or procedure to how I'd heard things were set up. I ordered a smoked shrimp dinner, a half order of fried oysters and a strawberry Sunkist. I was ready for some south-side eatin'. After arriving at Calumet Park (see review) to eat the grub, I wondered what I had waited for. Don't get me wrong: the shrimp are HUGE, smoky and filling. But, they're also filled with poop (as in, not de-veined, as in, with every bite you see that big brown streak down the back of your food). Since I usually eat like I caveman, I didn't first notice the fishy dirt road. After I did, with every bite, I felt like gagging. The oysters weren't a respite. They offered nice breading, great fried taste...and green poop. Scat isn't my vice of choice, so I was thoroughly *out* of the experience. Despite being told to man up by my international cohorts, I could not co-sign my experience. Furthermore, even before the poop, I was waiting for some transcendent moment. I was waiting for some shrimp-nirvana to take me to another plane of existence. It never came. I lived in pre-Katrina New Orleans. I have been fortunate to eat all sorts of water roaches and love every bite. This... was good but, so what? I didn't get it. Obviously, I am the Simon Cowell of CF eating experiences. But, guess what? Simon Cowell is rich, beeytoches! I wouldn't come back. It wasn't bad but it didn't change my life (other than to give people more reasons to mock me). Take a hot tub time machine and go to New Orleans circa 2000. Eat some jumbo spicy skrimps. Flip the f out. Then talk to me about some mind-blowing sea creatures.
(3)
Steve R.
We ordered fried shrimp, smelt, and catfish and all three were horrible. None of the food was fresh, it was bland, and over cooked. We will not be coming back... ever. I would recommend Haire's Gulf Shrimp for decent food.
(1)
Rolando D.
The best smoke fish in the Midwest !
(5)
Na S.
Such a casual and homey diner. I ordered fried oysters and sat there with my girlfriends and chatted all night. I had to go up to the counter and ask for water a few times but they didn't seem to mind that at all. A good hang out place and really great food for the price.
(4)
Aurore L.
A few discoveries before, during and after this 3.5 stars visit: 1. Don't come here during the weekend in the beginning of the festival season with a set time in mind; you won't make it. Ever. Especially if your first name starts with a J- and ends in - ohnny and if you are in charge of managing a community. Or at least don't start your trek all the way up from Evanston. Sing: A,B,C Easy as 1,2,3... 2. There is a cycling race on the U of C campus on the third Saturday of May. Keep in mind. Well, if you are around on that day of course. It's pretty dead otherwise, no worries. Sing: I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike... 3. Bridges are scary to some of us. I would have liked to be there on time to hear the whole story on the 'how' and 'why' but I am unfortunately left alone to fill in the blanks.... NB - The 'fisheries' are situated by one of the coolest feature of Chicago engineering that has me clapping hands like a little girl: drawbridges. (I felt like I needed to supply an explanation....) Sing: Under the bridge downtown... 4. Oysters are not plenty in Lake Michigan, that's for sure. I thought I only liked them fresh straight out of the shell (and very salty, briny and petite) but man, these Calumet guys surely know how to fry these little dudes out to perfection. A half-order comes up to $7 or so and gives you a solid dozen of crispy goodies. NB 1 - delicious with hot sauce. And on a cracker with a little bit of slaw (or so I heard) NB 2 - don't bite into one and then study intently what you see. It might ruin your tasting pleasure. Sing: It's not that easy being green.... 5. Smoked shrimp are the sh$t. Literally. And unless you are French, Chinese or living with one and used to their disgusting eating habits you will find yourself squeamish because :::::::gasp::::::::: the fishermen of Calumet don't 'devein' them. A nice understatement of the English language because the black stuff running all along our shrimp is not a vein, but the intestinal track. And is of course filled with shrimp waste. Bon appetit! NB - don't forget towelettes and hand sanitizers and cream and mints. NB 2 - the IT doesn't taste like much. Sing: Goodbye mama shrimp papa shake my hand... Sing 2: It's time to man up.... It's up to you to discover the rest. Cheers!
(4)
La H.
Sooooooo me no likey. I got Catfish nuggets and there were only three in the box. The biggest one, which it was huge by the way, was not done. The breading on the inside was pink and gooey like dough. I asked if it was supposed to be like this in the man told me yes. He offered to make more but I know better than to return food. I will take this as a loss. Catfish was good, just not done.
(2)
Ryan K.
I've made the 30 minute trip down here 20+ times so far. I suppose that speaks for itself. Tips: - If you are driving from up north like myself, take LSD until it ends. Then just follow the Lake Michigan Tour signs until you get to 95th street. It is a pleasant and scenic drive around an area most north siders never experience. - There is literally no seating provided. If you walk a few hundred meters through the field behind the CF, there is a cement block you can chill out at. It is a nice spot by the canal. You might even get 20 minutes before the bees find you. - I haven't had anything bad on the menu yet. The smoked shrimp being the best so far.
(5)
Joshua N.
GPS found this place for me, otherwise I'd have starved to death by now. Where am I? This place was on TV, yet it isn't busy except for the Yelpers, we must be really far away. You know those people that call home and tell all of their friends where in Chicago they live by saying the number of blocks from Wrigley Field they are? Yeah, I'm not a fan of that either, but I did get an introspective chuckle imagining one of them getting a place near Calumet Fisheries and tweeting to their friends in Ohio who are coming next weekend to party that they'll only be about 300 blocks from Wrigley. Anyway, I ate here too, well down the street at Calumet park because you can't eat or use the restroom at the restaurant. The food was awesome, so smokey and amazing. Wasn't long before the gulls took notice and circled us menacingly. Luckily, I brought Yanyao along with me. She's an expert at scaring birds. Make sure that you have somebody with you who poses a legitimate threat to birds or they'll take your fish right from you. I went with the fried fish, no clue what kind it was, but completely fresh and lightly breaded right after I ordered it. Two sauces available, hot and mild. Also an order of fried shrimp which managed to retain the smokehouse flavor quite well under the batter and oil. Had the smoked shrimp as well, which as others have mentioned, is served with the veins. I can't imagine this mattering to someone who isn't squeamish. My position in the great debate was that sea-poo really isn't the same as land-poo, so it shouldn't matter. You put up with a lot to get down here on a weekend if you are coming from the Northside and once you get there, you are kind of on your own for finding a place to eat it, but I promise you that it is all worth it if you like smoked shrimp or fried fish. It really is the gem that people claim it to be.
(5)
Billy M.
Smoked fish is good but I went way out of my way to try this place and probably won't again. If I'm in the hood I might grab a bite but not a destination for me.
(3)
Pam D.
Scored some smoked sable this afternoon. I'm so happy! I just love this place so much. Happy, happy, happy.
(5)
Robby T.
Recently was compiling a list of "favorite places I've eaten by myself". Calumet was my first instinct. Like word association. Yes, it's expensive for smoked seafood out of a hut in Calumet...but an RC Cola, smoked prawns, and whitefish on your car's hood, while watching the drawbridge & ships = strange romantic memory for me.
(5)
Roy H.
The smoked salmon here is godly.....WOW!!!!! by far the best I have ever had. Smoked stuff you buy by the pound. They also have deep fried meals that you can get. I got the catfish. That was also very good!!! It came with a very generous portion of fries, coleslaw, and you choice of sauce (i got tartar). Another review said you have to pay a toll to get to the place, if you take the freeway and get off at the stony island ave exit you will not have to pay a toll. Its in a bit of a rundown/industrial area....but totally worth the trip!!!
(5)
Yukari T.
I had a bunch of fried goods and smoked shrimp - can't go wrong with that! I have no doubt the smoked fish is good but it seemed a bit too overwhelming to try to eat it there, on the spot. We had an impromtu picnic in the grassy area nearby. I'm pretty sure we were trespassing on private property. One of the guys working at Calumet suggested that we cross the bridge to the park on the other side but we didn't feel like venturing that far out. I happened to be on my way home from Indiana and I had this place bookmarked on Yelp for a while since I saw it on the news for winning a 2010 James Beard Award for America's Classics. The smoked shrimp was good but as Johnny T. so kindly mentions, it is not deveined. As for the fried stuff, I recommend the shrimp and just a half order will be plenty for one normal person. The catfish was a bit too fishy tasting for me and the oysters...while they were good, they were a bit messy (I got some guts all over my pants) and I personally prefer oysters friend Japanese style or just plain raw. I regretted not taking some smoked fish home to go. I don't think I'll be making a trek down there just to go there but if I'm ever passing through, I'll be sure to try the smoked salmon, trout, or chubs.
(3)
C F.
Man this is really good fish! I only order one thing since I got turned on.. it's the smoked Shrimp dinner. It's awesome, regardless if it's hot or cold, however it arrives to you, it's delish! This is only take out and man that smoked shrimp with a big lemon drop martini hit's the spot. I love it! Fast service and friendly kids serving. A Plus!
(5)
Cecilia C.
Calumet Fisheries, since I left your tiny establishment next to the big scary drawbridge- I have been dreaming of returning for some of that delicious smoked trout. A half pound is more of enough I tell you! Take it by the handy twine string that runs through it and your fish has a handle to take it on the go (which you will have to.) Pull it apart and the flavor is rich, moist, and slightly oily; permeates your fingers with a great scent of smoke and delicious. I had some breaded oysters with a spicy sauce which was quite tasty and the clam strips were formidable. The smoked shrimp was good, but not quite worth more than one or two. They tasted like ham- which defeats the purpose of shrimp. Also, the poop complaint is valid. Being huge shrimp, running into the vein was easy, and I felt like I was wiping my shrimps butt every time I tried to clean a little off before a bite. I found the soggy fries to be a great compliment to the fish- and abundant even in a small order. As for the area: Drawbridges are my childhood fear. It was reawakened here. One of the few restaurant locations ever to send me screaming and crying...so whatever you do...be sure you hear the alarms before the bridge pulls apart and devours you alive in it's mechanical jaws lest you meet a watery death.... ....preferably after eating eating delicious, delicious smoky trout.
(5)
Anthony G.
Drove here from Lombard, IL, so this was a nice little trip for us. Ordered the fried oysters, fried catfish, frog legs and stuffed shrimp. We also ordered the smoked sable and smoked salmon which they are really known for and the deep fried mac n cheese. I spent about $80. While the fried food was good, it wasn't as great like I expected. They really should season or marinate the food before frying them. Because they don't, I found them rather bland. For my taste if you want great flavor I would recommend Lawrence Fisheries on 22nd and Canal. I left Calumet Fisheries and headed straight to Lawrence's. There's no contest. On the other hand, the smoked sable and salmon were absolutely excellent. Great flavor and texture. The Sable (or Black Cod) is the most expensive at $29lbs. So if smoked meats are what you are after then Calumet Fisheries is the place. Save your money on the fried foods.
(2)
L L.
CASH ONLY Bring wet wipes Make sure you don't need to go potty! Finally after years of trying to make it here, I did! You guys even in rush hour traffic it took only about 20-30 mins from my office in River North! Which makes me believe I will be going way more often! Smoked fish is where it's at, I was told this but succumbed to some fried dishes fried shrimp - a lil fishy smelts - not fishy but slightly heavy on the breading fried oysters - good, okay, not sure if I like a cooked oyster as much as a raw one... fried pickles - AMAZING, the best fried pickles Ive ever had - they put dill in the breading and I loved it. Smoked shrimp - HUGE AND AMAZING Smoked trout - AMAZING! Smoked pepper/garlic salmon - AMAZING Next time I go it's smoked fish/shrimp and fried pickles. Nothing else, NOTHING ELSE! NOTHING ELSE!
(4)
Don D.
Not sure why everyone goes batshit crazy about this place? It has pretty good smoked fish maybe the only kind of place like it around here.....but the rest of the stuff I have had there is just deep fried fish seafood ect! They don't take cash they don't keep a very clean shop inside or outside and they don't seem to give two shits if there customers are happy or not...fried fish with redhot sauce is just not my thing and I don't care if Anthony bordain likes it or not!
(3)
Glen W.
Best warm smoked fish I've ever had. The sable fish and the shrimp are stand outs.
(4)
Ardena C.
I was very disappointed in the food here. two of the four items that we ordered from this place were over cooked and rubbery. The service was great though..and fast. Very friendly people work there.
(2)
Joseph M.
Best smoked salmon I've ever had. I get the garlic & peppered style, it's just fantastic. Good smoked shrimp. Decent fried scallops. The fried shrimp is alright but not nearly as good as the fried shrimp at Bob's Shrimp on Calumet Ave. in Hammond. Carryout only.
(5)
Char Y.
best fried seafood ever! the oysters were juicy, yummy, and seriously heavenly. I never had smelt before and am now totally a fan. The smoke shrimps were ok, but definitely worth the trip! if you take the skyway it only takes 15 minutes from downtown.
(4)
Mike K.
I've had a good bit of smoked fish in my time, but none so well prepared as the stuff they're slinging at Calumet Fisheries. The unassuming location can be mistaken for a little control booth for a drawbridge, but they're making some of the best craft food in Chicago. The salmon is incredible. It comes by the steak, and still has the string in it that they used to hang it in the smoker. The chubs are silky, fatty, and delicious. I'm not as big a fan of the smoked shrimp, but that's just me. I will say one thing: they're smoking some collossal shrimp over there. My favorite part of visiting this place - aside from the food - is checking out the smoke house on the side, where they hang the fish over a smoldering pile of oak. It's sublime to watch the process and taste it right there. Finally, some say it's in the middle of nowhere, and while I don't agree that it's "nowhere," I see what they mean. But just thesame, there's a lot of atmosphere to soak up there on the once bustling industrial port of the south side, and it's cool to eat in your car and just check it out. If you're looking for a better place to chow down nearby, keep driving east on 95th Street and after a few blocks you'll find yourself in Calumet Park where you can park next to the lake and have a little picnic. Don't miss the chance to go here!
(5)
Svitlana P.
I cannot shut up about the smoked shrimp at Calument Fisheries. It's delish (minus the fact that it's not deveined). We decided to try it spontaneously last Saturday, and I'm glad we did. There's also a park right on the lake where you can enjoy your "catch" on the shore. The place is a bit of a drive, considering I'm from NW suburbs, but nevertheless, totally worth it. And now that I see a 10% off coupon for the month of July, I have to come back. The smoked trout I got was also amazing. But I did not care for their cole slaw at all.
(5)
Casie S.
We just enjoyed the smoked shrimp and fried shrimp dinners. Both were tasty and we will certainly be back to try more items.
(4)
carmen b.
Hello, FOOD SNOB here. Well one of the last of its kind in OLD SOUTH CHICAGO. 10th ward I believe. Mr. Vyrdolyaks old stomping ground, remember him? They say its the last Fish Smokehouse in Chicago. It once hosted the BLUES BROTHERS back in 1979. And recently Anthony Bourdain. This is the place for old fashioned Fried and most of all Smoked Fish. Smoked Salmon is very Uniqe. 2 flavors, regular and GALIC. Fried shrimp is Great. I love the fried Oysters. I bring my own french bread bun with mayo and lettuce and add the Oysters on it.( my own cajun po boy). Its takeout only but you can go down the street to Calumet Park and eat by the Lake. Thats what we do. Accompanied with a little wine from home of course. The place hasn't changed since the 1940 or something like that. It is again, one of the last American Food Traditions of its kind.
(5)
Khadijah L.
Only the best and amazing smoked fish here. I bought some smoked pepper salmon, and smoked trout to take home and also had their catfish dinner. Really good friend seafood. A little too far for me to come often, especially if I live close to the #2 best fried seafood place in Chicago. They often have 10% off coupon so remember to print them. And bring cash!!
(4)
Maxwell K.
Yup, as good as it gets. The location, just before a draw bridge over the most polluted waterway in the United States, is just scary enough to make it awesome. The surrounding neighborhood, well known for urban decay is well-kept but just seedy enough to be interesting. Parking is easy on the side of the bridge, overflow parking is on a grassy lot, with a widely ignored sign that announces "absolutely no parking" The batter is the best i have had. Unfortunately the shrimp taste farmed. The smoked fish is beyond belief great, and the smoked shrimp, which are not farmed, have just enough snap to them to know that they were put under the smoke before a freezer and despite the smoking, they still taste and feel like shrimp...what an achievement!
(5)
Sarah S.
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM What bad can you say about smoked fish?? a MUST try folks..
(5)
George A.
I like the stuffed shrimp very much, I have had assorted smoked fish and enjoyed all of it.
(4)
Jamie L.
Awesome smoked salmon & smoked shrimps!!! Not a fan of their fried oysters, though! But overall, it was great food! :)
(5)
Chris M.
Solid 3.5 stars on Calumet fisheries. I stopped by here on the way back from a brewery voyage in Gary and stopped in really quick to grab some fried goodness for my trek back to the north burbs. Decided on the fried shrimp and asked for a recommendation on something else and got the catfish. Catfish was a wee bit too fishy for me, but the shrimp were $$$$. I need to come back and try the smoked salmon and trout, and perhaps the smelts as well. I also thought the cocktail sauce was a bit too sweet for my liking. Not enough bite (horseradish). I also didn't receive fries at all, and realized this as I was too far away to turn back. Oh well, next time, Gadget.
(3)
carlos R.
Best fried shrimp and smoked items by far!!!!!!!!! Try the pepper and garlic salmon and/smoked shrimp.
(5)
Denny L.
Came here on a cold sunday afternoon, after seeing it featured on Anthony bourdain a long while back. Came here with a friend and we ordered a pound of salmon, pound of shrimp, a pound of fried oysters and a order of calamari. Smoked salmon was delicious. Great flavor and fresh. The smoked shrimp was also very good. Fresh and sweet, just the right amount of smoky flavor. the oysters were good, but not as juicy as i expected. the calamari was just okay, kind of over battered, and on the bland side. Will definitely come back for the salmon and smoked shrimp!
(4)
Valerie H.
We stopped here last Saturday to get some smoked salmon to take over to Crowley's Yacht Yard where we are keeping our boat this season. We snacked on it with some gluten-free crackers and a pre-made sweet potato brought from home. It was delicious! We had stopped here one other time the prior month when we were checking out the boat yard. That was the first time I'd ever tried anything like that and I was hooked. I immediately thought I need to get some of this every weekend to take with us on the boat. The first time we tried it we were surprised it came cold but I'm glad that it did. It's perfect to store in a cooler and it keeps well; we can eat it over a 2-day period and one piece is enough for 2 adults and 1 small dog. (We aren't huge eaters). The prices are on their website. The only thing we've tried so far is the smoked salmon (the plain, not the pepper garlic yet). I want to try to the smoked shrimp next. I'd love to try their fried fish dinners, but unfortunately I have to eat gluten free so fried food is out of the question.
(5)
Karl Z.
I just love this place, it takes me back to my childhood in northern Wisconsin for the Friday night fish fry, but better. It is some of the best smelt I've had in a LONG time and one of the few places I can find it done right. They seem to have worked out frying to a science, and it just works. When I go, I also always need to pick up the smoked trout. Now, the smoked salmon is good, and the smoked shrimp are also delicious, but I think the trout is the star and is half the price. Why spend more when you can get that delicious smokey fish flavor for less! I still get the others once in awhile, but for me, the smoked trout is what it is all about. I also like the chubs, make an amazing smoked fish dip, but they don't always seem to have them. Grab lunch or dinner there, fried smelt, shrimp, or whatnot, and take smoked trout home, always enjoy it and don't mind the drive from downtown at all. To note, I used to live near Lawrence's Fisheries near Cermak and that place is ok, but Calumet is just so much better. The crust formed around the shrimp is great and the shrimp just taste better to me, the sauce isn't really needed, like it is at Lawrence's. Definitely worth the extra trip time.
(5)
Ye L.
Onward on my tour of Yelp's Chicago faves. This place was actually less of a hike from Hyde Park than many of the decidedly more North Side members of the list. It involves $3 of toll to ride about 1 minute of Skyway if you screw up though... Anyway, it really is a tiny shack on the side of the road with absolutely nothing else around. As other Yelpers said, just park in the tow zone. Nobody cares and the employees even park there. We walked in to an empty store but a friendly young employee popped out in no time to take our order. We got a full order of fried scallops and a pound of smoked shrimp (the latter as recommended by a friend). We decided against any fish as I've never been a fan of smoked salmon at least. The shrimp is just in a big bin next to the rest of the smoked fish and is served cold. The frying happens on the spot and is pretty quick. The bill was pretty high for random shack food (40 bucks) but it was so worth it. The scallops were polished off on the hood of my car right away, no sauce necessary. Fantastic. Lightly covered in dough and not greasy at all. The shrimps were a bit cold but they were amazing. Full smokey flavor but no loss of shrimp flavor. Very much worth 22 a pound. Come here. It's a hike but very worth it.
(5)
Sam K.
My friend and I just had a really amazing day exploring the East Side, and it started with a relaxed visit to Calumet Fisheries. Before I get to the food, let me first point out that this place is absolutely spotless. Not what I expected from a fried fish place. My friend and I ordered a half pound of smoked trout and a fried fish dinner to share. We checked out all the great posters on the wall while we waited, and upon the suggestion of the staff, walked down the stairs to the edge of the river to eat on a completely fabulous industrial landscape. The fried fish was great - fried in fresh oil at a high temperature, and very well drained. It wasn't greasy at all- just salty and crisp and delicious. The smoked trout was amazing. It was a little too fishy for me to eat much in one sitting, but I put it aside and ate the rest for dinner. It was a beautiful day with a delicious meal by the water, with an amazing view. A day like today can't be recreated. After we ate, I went back to buy a little more to take home - I bought some smoked salmon, which is much more my style anyway, and is even better than the trout. I'm not so sure I can go back to the smoked Nova chunks at Trader Joe's now . . . Don't plan on going anywhere after a visit to Calumet Fisheries. Because you will stink like fish. My friend handed me his industrial strength germ killer that he got from serving in the army. It burned my skin but didn't remove the fish smell. We went for a swim in the lake. We came home and showered. And we still stink. But definitely plan a visit her on a lazy afternoon. The one thing I would change in the future is show up with a salad of raw tomato, curly parsley, and lemon; when we left, our tastebuds were screaming for something fresh.
(4)
Dave P.
1. Plan ahead and bring a few cold beverages. 2. Find a few friends or co-workers. 3. Order: Smoked salmon, fried clams, smoked shrimp, frog legs, mushrooms, fries. 4. Drive East across the bridge into Calumet Park. 5. Walk towards Lake Michigan with cold beverages, friends/co-workers, and food. 6. Enjoy the good life. P.S.- Watch out for hungry gulls.
(5)
Tamara M.
Luv this place. The shrimp is awesome!
(3)
Marc F.
Like a lot of people who came here after seeing it on No Reservations, I must say that this is some of the greatest smoked items I've ever had. We ordered the smoked shrimp and smoked salmon to start. The shrimp was simply amazing; they were huge and the smokey flavor was just right. It took a lot of willpower to stop eating them and move to the salmon, which was also incredible. When I moved on to the salmon, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it came in great slabs. It practically melts in your mouth with delicious salmon and smoke flavor. A bone here and there, but that's what gives it some charm. On the side, we had some french fries, which were generic at best. I think they only offer them as filler in case you decide to eat on location (which I don't really suggest if you came in a car). The only (and major problems) with eating here is that this place is in the middle of nowhere. Coming from Chicago's city-center, It took 2 changes on the subway, 2 bus changes, and a walk to get here, which was about a 3 to 4 hour round trip. This place is best if you simply pick up and eat it at home. I give Calumet Fisheries 5 stars for their excellent and topnotch craftsmanship for their specialty. I choose not to rate down for the location because you frankly can't be everywhere and close to everybody. Keep on smoking, guys!
(5)
Dan E.
I haven't been in the area in a while but have always been meaning to try the place. Well, I finally did (thanks to Tina B). It's bare bones with no seating. The deep fried selections are cooked up to order. I was most impressed with the clientele when we were there: there was a well-heeled older couple picking out treats for that evenings soiree which contrasted with the group who drove up on their motorcycles decked out in their leather finery. And you can conveniently pick up The Blues Brothers on DVD...
(5)
Dean F.
Our travel plans took us southward from downtown Chicago so a stop at the (in)famous Calumet fisheries was put on the itinerary. The selection of smoked items in the fridge wasn't as wide as I expected and the salmon had looked far better in my mind's eye than it did on the shelf. I'm never really all that taken with the reality of smoked salmon, but to save the day, we found two of our favorites on the menu: fried oysters and for me, smelts. We topped off our order with some American potato salad and we made the trek over the drawbridge to Cal Park to eat it by shore. My oyster expert was not very much pleased with the thick batter coat, much more preferring a more delicate wrapper. I thought they were delicious. My tray of smelts was satisfying, even if the fry cook may have left them in the hot oil a tad too long. The mild red sauce complimented both entrees very nicely and the potato salad was to our liking. I would give a higher rating if the smoke fish presentation had been more inviting. I'm glad we stopped and it took me back to some places.
(3)
Tina B.
Just to be clear - you will smell like smoked fish long after you're done, no matter how many times you wash you hands afterward, still desperately trying to bring the lingering aroma to a merciful end 14 hours later. But you'll probably find it worth any trouble to do it again. This is not one of those super sanitized, fancy eating experiences. You'll get a big ol hunk of smoked fish, maybe complete with head, skin and bones, shell and little leggies. You'll have to devein your own giant shrimp with your fingernails. Then you eat it all barbarian style with your hands either in your car out front on the street under where it says "Tow Zone" or leaning against the Calumet River Bridge pondering the scenic industrialism. The smoked shrimp is...kind of weird. It does kind of taste like fishy ham. But I found myself still eating shrimp after shrimp after shrimp trying to figure out how I felt about it. I'd like to still eat some more now, to keep trying to figure it out. FULL DISCLOSURE - I'm kind of really over smoked seafood, almost to the point, but not quite yet, of being kind of grossed out by it. My mom lives in Alaska and for many years I have endured gifts of smoked halibut treats and salmon jerkies tucked into every Christmas and birthday present. So..yeah... BUT - Their fried seafood is amazing, the fried scallops are some of the best I've had in years. Usually in Chicago I find myself ripping the fried crusty stuff off and chucking it. But this is perfectly, expertly fried. Light and perfectly crispy, the scallops perfectly cooked and wonderfully juicy. I will be getting these every time. It ain't cheap. Bring cash. A ton of cash, because they don't take cards, and a modest lunch for two came to more than $40. I mean, you could save money and get the dinner, but you'll get loaded up with pretty average french fries - and even that will run you at least $10 a person. Oh, and don't worry about parking in that tow zone out front. Everybody does it. And chances are that if you see any cops, city workers or tow trucks, they're just there for lunch, too.
(4)
Sabrina M.
The culinary delights on the "East Side" where I grew up are one of the city's best kept secrets. One of my favorite East Side "secrets" that brings together residents of Calumet Heights, South Chicago, South Deering, Hegewisch and the like is Calumet Fisheries! I've been eating here since I was a kid and the quality of the food has remained consistently good. I just ate here for the first time in a long time today and it is still smack-your-lips good. They've managed to find that perfect frying formula of not-too-hard, not-too-soft, not-too-greasy, perfectly golden brown batter goodness. Today I ordered the same thing I did as a kid -- the shrimp dinner and a side of smelt and I managed to down it all in embarassingly short order! Everything here is good, but I'm partial to the shrimp, smoked shrimp and smelt. It's takeout only and made fresh-to-order. And it's still wonderfully traditional enough that they don't carry Pepsi or Coke -- it's RC Cola, Diet Rite or Nehi, take your pick. If you go on a weekend, don't be surprised if you see cars backed up along the bridge and a line out of the door. Trust me, it's absolutely worth it. And, hey, while you're in there you can pick up a DVD of The Blues Brothers, where this place was immortalized.
(5)
Tiff S.
Being the impressionable person that I am, the day after the "No Reservation-Chicago" episode aired, I hopped into my car and drove for an hour to reach this wonderful, wonderful place. The owner was very friendly, we chatted about the restaurants that were featured on the show and he told us he actually paid Burt's pizza a visit after the episode aired. Since this was our first stop on our "No Reservation-Chicago" trip, we only got half order of the fried shrimps and fried oysters. Both were very tasty. The hot sauce from the store complimented the food fabulously. The oysters were JUICY...every time I bit into one I get juice splash all over myself...so my advice is to get a lot of napkins if you ever get it. Since I like to share with the less fortunate (i.e. people who are stuck at work), I brought home a chuck of garlic & pepper smoke salmon and it was devoured before I put it down on the table...how is that possible? Well, that is just how good the smoke salmon was.
(5)
BeatlesNali D.
I remember this place when I was growing up. We would always order from here during Lent. The place would be packed but the wait was worth it. As I got older I revisited Calumet Fisheries and fell in love with the smoked fish. The quality amazing. I Recomend: Smoked salmon Smoked pepper salmon Smoked Shrimp Shrimp dinner Their only downfall is that they do not accept debit or cc! Which is a good thing is you are on a budget because we would go overboard if we used our debit. So make sure you bring enough cash.
(5)
Mike T.
There is no other place that I've been to which serves such great smoked seafood. If you are brave enough to drive around the area and have cash on you, Calumet Fisheries is the place to go. Smoked shrimp is my favorite to eat, and then it would be the smoked whitefish. Some of the fried food needs to be eaten very quickly and fresh, otherwise the food gets kind of soggy. I've been here a handful of times and I'll continue to go back as long as they keep up their great quality of food.
(5)
Hugh B.
There is no place to sit and eat. It is a shlep and a half from the North Side. It is in a dingy and depressing area. But the food... ahh the food... Been twice. Have had smoked trout, smoked salmon (plain and garlic/pepper), smoked shrimp, and last time, fried shrimp. All have been spectacular. And a bargain to boot. I shudder to think what Whole Foods would charge for stuff like this... A bonus is the (apparently unconnected to the fish shack) man selling watermelons from his truck parked near the front. Sweet and juicy. (The watermelons, not the man.)
(5)
Greg D.
Great fish. Try the smoked trout with garlic and pepper. Quite good. Its an old school fish store where you can get a sleave of saltines to go with the fish. They have plenty of deep fried fish, but the smoked is much better.
(5)
Jay L.
First review on Yelp and I thought it would be fitting to do it on Calumet Fisheries. I, like everyone else on here, saw Anthony Bourdain enjoy it and decided to try it out. First things first, you have to cross the $3.00 toll to get there. No one has mentioned this. I went by myself, automatically adding $6 to my total bill. I'm sure there are other ways to get there but it's the first exit after the toll. Once there, it's not hard to find. It's the only store there and just park on the street in front. I walked in and ordered smoked shrimp dinner (about 6 pieces of jumbo shrimp with fries and coleslaw), smelt, a piece of smoked salmon and a piece of trout. They sell the smoke fish by the piece and weigh it accordingly. I originally thought that I could just buy 1 lb but it's by pieces. Works out for me because both pieces were under 1 lb. EVERYTHING not fried is not warm. The smoked stuff was all room temperature. That aside, everything was pretty fantastic. The fried smelts were delicious and made me wish I tried more fried items. My total was about $32 + $6 toll but it's definitely enough to feed 2, maybe 3 people. Highly recommended. Update to my last review: You can drive down I-94 and get of 95th street. It's about 4-5 miles off of the highway and you don't need to pay toll. Also, they forgot my fried shrimp this time around! Double check your bags before leaving. I also tried the fried fish filets and fried scallops. Both were decent. As for the fried items, I still recommend the smelt. I originally gave Calumet 5 stars but to be 5 stars, you must be consistent. They were not.
(4)
Leticia L.
I have been going to this place since I was a child. I grew up on the southeast side and was amazed to see Anthony Bourdain on tv eating right in front of the fishery. I thought to myself, "why have I not yelped about Calumet Fisheries?" Not much has changed in the quality of the food at this establishment which is refreshing. I am a fan of their shrimp. When I was a little girl my dad used to buy smoked shrimp, fried shrimp, and fries. We would go to Calumet park and have a small picnic. It is one of those places I hope is around when my son is old enough to enjoy seafood!!
(5)
Quantas G.
Wowzers! This place is awesome! Anthony Bourdain was on to something. Calumet Fisheries is THE place for smoked fish. Me and some buddies made the drive down to check this place out after seeing it on TV. And a coupon didn't hurt either. ;) We loaded up on smoked salmon, smoked whiting, smoked shrimp, fried oysters, fried shrimp, and fried smelt. The fish is smoked right on the premises right outside the front door. The aroma seduces you once you park streetside. The customer service is incomparable. The entire staff was very helpful, ready to ask questions, ready to help you with anything you need. Come prepared: with cash, for good smoked fish, and awesome customer service. The staff will tell you a great place to enjoy your grubs a 2-minute drive to Calumet Park nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan.
(5)
Tolga E.
I actually remembered Calumet Fisheries from the scene in the original Blues Brothers movie, but I had to have Anthony Bourdain convince me it was worth a trip out to the southiest-south-side of Chicago to try it. Calumet is so deep into the South Side, it's literally a quick walk over to Indiana. Three tourists, a Catholic, a Turk, and a Japanese Texan, really had no business being here. But really, the Blues Brothers didn't either. But the blues (or if you ask Jake and Elwood, the Lord) brings people together in strange ways...and smoked shrimp seems to have the same effect. So, we packed into the rental car and made our way down here. Unfortunately, we went on Easter Sunday and they were closed - one of only two days a year they are closed. So, we tried again the next morning and were a bit more successful. Upon seeing how out-of-place and wide-eyed we were, the guy working there immediately asked "you saw the TV show right?" You bet we did. We ordered the fried shrimp, the famous smoked shrimp, and some smoked salmon. The fried shrimp was fried shrimp, nothing special there. The smoked salmon was really good, but I felt like they probably specialize in smoking other types of fish that would come out better. Then, we had the smoked shrimp, which is served cold, peel-n-eat. These were pretty great. I can't really compare the taste to anything else, be it other shrimp or other smoked foods. It tastes...uniquely like smoked shrimp. I wasn't blown away, but it was a unique experience. And that was good enough. Overall, you should go to Calumet Fisheries to have the experience of traversing the south side, of witnessing the place, and of eating the smoked shrimp. You may not ever need to go back again, but when in Chicago, I can't think of too many things to do that are more worthy.
(4)
El B.
Wow!! went there after seeing the Anthony Bourdain episode on Chicago. The guys who worked there were nice, funny, helpful and above all, GRATEFUL to have had the opportunity to have been on such a widely watched TV show and to have all the new business and yuppies from the city drive their Jettas down for some good eating. Had a great time chatting with them. The food was so so so good! The smoked shrimp was especially amazing. These aren't dinky little cocktail shrimp either. Three good bites. You will stink like hell for a long time afterwards and I kept getting whiffs while driving back to the city. It became nauseating actually and after washing my hands twice and showering, I finally got rid of the fish smell. Totally worth it, though. Can't wait to go again. Be prepared to eat in/on your car. There is no where to sit and it's in the middle of nowhere (read: litter and general detritus abounds). Bring wetnaps!
(5)
Ron C.
I had no idea what to expect coming here. Firstly it took us a long time to drive down here. And after getting lost, and waiting for 2 bridges to lower due to a passing ship) we finally found the place. A little shack in the middle of nowhere, on the way southside of Chicago, which I find to be unique and reminiscent of the way "things used to be", I just refused to believe how good it could be. We walked in and randomly ordered some smoked items. A salmon, some chubs and shrimp. I guess it might've been the first time I've had smoked cold seafood, but everything was so fresh, so sweet and oh soo good. The chubs (which I've never had before) were especially sweet, and just digging into this stuff with your bare hands inside your car, just made it all the more delicious. Man, writing this review makes me want to go back so much. Grrr!!!
(5)
Peter F.
We ate at Everest the night after dining here, and there was dispute over which was the finer food. That's right, Calumet Fisheries' smoked shrimp is that good. Less complex, certainly, but those two flavors are perfect each and in combination. And I certainly didn't accidentally nibble on my finger after a delicious lingering aroma from Everest. The huge shrimp get smoked in the shack's own little smokeshack in the back (it doesn't look like much, but perhaps that's why this stuff is so good). Their breaded shrimp is great too, quite possibly the best in the city, but skip it anyway and get a 1/2 lb. of smoked shrimp ($10) per person. As implied above, the beautiful smoked shrimp smell will linger on your fingers, so watch that you don't chew on them. It's also a great place to pick up other smoked fish like salmon and especially chubs. Ah, Calumet Fisheries' smoked chubs. Priced at just $10/lb., the chubs sell like hot cakes. Or rather, drugs--folks from the neighborhood call them "fish crack." I'm not sure on how Chicagoans eat their chubs, but I'll give you a run down on the Russian no-utensil version: 1) snap off that fish head and toss it; 2) pry the fish open from the bottom; 3) and start pulling meat off those bones 4) dip that meat in the hot sauce and eat. Lastly, the setting is perfect Calumet River industrial grandiosity. The ships on the river, steel mills in the distance, close up views of several great steel drawbridges, the Skyway, and a wayward little yacht marina. And you've got about a 25% chance on any given visit to see the 95th St bridge rise for a tugboat, which always draws a crowd of shrimp-devouring gawkers. Unfortunately, there's no good place to rest your meal while doing some gawking of your own--some sort of counter or small picnic table outside would be a great improvement, but who am I to complain when the fish is this good. Eat your food carefully in the car, on the hood, or take it back to wherever you're going. Driving over to Wolf Lake to gorge yourself on smoked chubs while looking at the industrial monstrosities of Lake Co. over the marshes will be memorable!
(5)
Paul S.
Was there on a Saturday over Labor Day weekend. Full, but not crowded at all. The staff was very patient and attentive. We grabbed three items. The garlic pepper smoked salmon was the winner. The smoked shrimp was fantastic as well. The fried fish was the best I ever had, however it's not "that" much better than other reputable fried fish places. If you're a fried food fanatic, I would recommend the fried items, but the smoked items are what make the place for sure.
(5)
Justin S.
Yes, this place is the real deal. I'm ashamed to admit - the day started in the morning in my car, where my buddy was on the phone saying, "No way I'm going - I'm only doing Anthony Bourdain stuff today!" After a stop by Hot Doug's, we made it to Calumet for dessert. I was blown away by the ambience. It was awesome. The tv show simply cannot capture it. It's a tiny shack, next to a rusty bridge, which is covering toxic water, located in an industrial wasteland. Love it!! The best food is always found in places like these. The smoked fish, of any kind, is bomb. Get it. The fried shrimp was awesome too. The fried smelts were peculiar, bordering on questionable. I'm sure some people love it though. This place is BYOWAPT - bring your own water and paper towels. You'll need it to wash your hands.
(5)
Mike I.
When I heard that Anthony Bourdain recently visited this little white shack nestled in the western armpit of the 95th street bridge, I figured I'd better get down there and see what the big deal was. It was a long drive. By the time we arrived and pulled off to the side of the road, I'd become disoriented with hunger, and in my haste to order I asked for fried instead of smoked shrimp. Luckily, my dining companions did not make the same mistake and were willing to share. Four of us stood at the rail of the old bridge, a hot noon sun bearing down on us while we downed shrimp after delicious shrimp. I could see the dark line where the smoke had worked itself into the body of the little beast. This was surely the most intensely smoked shrimp I'd ever laid teeth on. Dining Companion #3 also bought a collar of smoked salmon, which he devoured later in the day and called "Pretty fucking good." This is hearsay and therefore inadmissible in a court of law. Now, back at home and feeling the nascent pangs of evening hunger, with my smoke-infused T-shirt smelling downright edible, I'm tempted to drive right back down there for a second course.
(5)
JL S.
This place is classic and pure. It is what it is, and what it is is terrific.
(4)
Victoria S.
We wouldn't have found Calumet Fisheries without Yelp - but we're glad we did! It's bare bones - no doubt about it - but the fried seafood rocks! (We didn't try the smoked). We did a half order of the oysters (I'd never had oysters before - loved 'em) - and a half order of the shrimp (YUM - terriffic) and a half order of fries on the side. Because of other reviewers here on Yelp we planned ahead and brought 2 drinks from our hotel (we were in town for a show) - in the "borrowed" hotel ice bucket. And - we ended up eating in the car. We'd do it again in a heartbeat.
(4)
Tsubasa O.
We actually drove to here from Downtown twice within 24 hrs because our dumb asses didn't check to see if they were closed on Easter - which is one of three days they're closed all year. Still, we had to make the venture out to see what the hubbub was about. For me it was a little over-hyped from the Bourdain show. Smoked shrimp was top of the line, no doubt. Peppered salmon was good but nothing to make plans for. Popcorn shrimp is good - it's deep fried, no real magic there. Eating the food can be an issue, especially if it's windy and rainy outside. We took it inside our rental car and my friend (who's the most uncoordinated person) took the liberty to spill hot sauce all over his crotch, car seat, etc. Looked like he was emitting period blood everywhere. Good thing we were going to Cubs Opening Day with a corporate box in about an hour. For me, the experience of going to that place and hanging out there for a little bit was most exciting. Seeing the south side of Chicago and the blue collar ghost-town feel of 95th street is something I don't get to experience much in SF. (For Bay Area kids, it had the vibe of San Pablo Ave in Oakland, but much more vacant.) The guy who works there was super nice and asked us, "so, you saw the show, right? go to the pizza place too?" yes and yes. It was a fun trip to get there and if I'm in Chicago again for leisure, I'll make sure to visit again. I also regret not purchasing a trucker hat from them.
(4)
Kat M.
A maggot in my shrimp?! My fiance and I just got back home from our adventure to South Deering. Because we don't often travel to the South Side, we saved this dinner up for (and built it up in our minds as) something really special. The pepper and garlic salmon that my fiance got WAS something special... seriously, the best smoke salmon I've ever tasted - moist and so, so, so flavorful, without being salty or just plain dry. However, my smoked shrimp were.... un-special. In their reviews, no one really mentions that you can't (or at least we were told we couldn't - more on that later) get the smoked salmon as a "dinner" - i.e., you have to just buy the piece of fish and the side separately. No big deal, but since we'd never really been there before and didn't really have the program down yet, we looked like complete idiots while ordering. As we left, we both remarked that we almost felt laughed at by the service person helping us at the counter... he could have been a little more polite and a little more helpful. Anyway, we took our spread home to dine in the air conditioning and with utensils (which they neglected to include and we neglected to ask for). When we got home, Fiance popped open the fish that we'd been catching drool-inducing whiffs of on our hour drive home. It was truly out of this world. The shrimp... oh, the shrimp... were a different story. They were massively big, and I think I was on my 4th or 5th one (out of probably 8 that came with the order) when I started to peel off the shell and tried to pick something off that looked less like a leg and more like a... worm. Upon closer inspection, I realized that it was actually a maggot. Talk about losing my appetite.... and my lovely fiance just reminded me that not only was it a maggot, it was almost a three-quarter inch maggot. I realize that maybe it was a freak occurrence and this prob doesn't happen to every person that orders shrimp, but if I were a patron, I would definitely inspect my seafood closely. Otherwise, you might be left praying that you don't have food poisoning. Like I am right now. All in all, I would definitely love to go back for more salmon, but ix-nay on the imp-shray.
(3)
Yuko K.
The best smoked shrimp ever!! My friend and I drove there on rainy Saturday just to get the food and come back. We ended up woofing down the smoked shrimp in a car parked in front of the restaurant (very classy move), and then immediately went back in to get another pound of them. Not cheap though at $20 per pound, but was worth every bite. We also tried smoked pepper salmon, which was good but completely overshadowed by smoked shrimp. Definitely requires another trip to try out frog legs and other smoked fish.
(5)
Slu S.
Now some blanch at going to Andersonville or Pilsen for food, but this joint is way, way, way out of the way. We are talking about in the shadows of the skyway bridge. That being said. Shut down your computer. Get in your car (if you don't drive, steal a car). Set aside 90 minutes and go. If you are a fan of seafood or the Blues Brothers (Cal Fisheries was in the movie), you will love this place. It is no non-sense and you smell what you will taste. Get as many smoked shrimp as you can afford and sit in your car or on the bridge and peel and eat. Apply hot sauce as needed. Repeat. Now try finding your way home.
(5)
Matt C.
How have I missed this in all of my years in Chicago? Maybe because it is in the middle of nowhere and close to some not so great neighborhoods. The setting definitely made me feel like I was in a different city, except for the Chicago Police cruisers there (eating). My buddy and I split the smoked shrimp, fried shrimp, fried frog legs, and smoked pepper salmon. No complaints regarding anything I had. The frog legs were some of the best I've had, and the smoked shrimp was ridiculously good (never had it before, so I guess I can say it is the best I've had). My recommendation to avoid the skyway is to take Lakeshore down and follow S. Shore Dr/US-41 when it ends. Just turn on 95th and you are only a block or 2 away. South Lakeshore is beautiful, and you are really only in a "rough" neighborhood for a few blocks. I used to work all throughout the area, and never once had a problem. The cash only thing with no ATM in sight was kind of annoying, but I had enough cash to make sure I had an adequate lunch. I didn't mind eating in my car either, it reminded me of the local fish places I have been to on the east coast. If you are looking for an offbeat place to experience Chicago, this is definitely a good option
(5)
Jennifer G.
Came in to finally sample some of the fried delicacies. Our first trip here consisted only of the smoked shrimp, which is excellent. Fried shrimp was also wonderful - the breading is light and the shrimp were cooked perfectly. Son had the oysters and husband had the scallops, all of which were in the same light breading and cooked just right. I decided to also get one smoked salmon piece to take home to make dip with. A few days went by and I almost forgot about it and took it out to find a piece of salmon that was still perfectly wonderful. The salmon is juicy, flavorful and perfect for making dip. It really could be eaten plain, it is just that good. I think the smoked salmon may really be the star of the show here.
(4)
chris c.
I think that their smoked fish is a little above average, but you can find better in the city. The smoked shrimp on the other hand is definitely worth the trip all by itself. I have yet to try the fried seafood offerings that many love, but I made the way through the smoked section and the shrimp seperates itself from the other offerings.
(3)
Roy A.
This is the epitome of a food joint. Hole in the wall place. Whatever you wanna call it, but damn is it good. I, like every one else, went here a couple months after Bourdain had it on the show and it was well worth the trek over there. Smoked salmon, chub (aka crack), fried shrimp and smoked shrimp was the order for the day. Not one disappointed and the freshness was clearly evident. I don't know if there's another place like this anywhere outside somewhere in the south, I'd guess. Plain and simple--the BEST smoked food you'll probably ever eat. I'm shocked that such a place exists in the middle of nowhere on 95th St off of 90. Incredible stuff and worth going to at least once regardless of how far you may have to drive.
(5)
D T.
Yelpers- You have let me down on this one. I just got back and am dumbfounded by those of you who don't love the fried foods here. I generally only like fresh fish, and don't think it should be fried, unless Calumet Fisheries is doing the frying. But, everything was awesome. OK, 1st of all, do NOT take local roads here. Navigation Lady and I aren't speaking right now. She had me take E 79th St. the entire way and I don't know how a suburban family with a gay dog made it out alive. Holy Panic the entire drive there. 2nd of all, order A LOT! Fried will reheat in the oven well, smoked is already served almost cool. 3rd Bring a car you don't care about. We brought the new SUV- dumb. I must say I was most excited about the smoked fish, (well, mostly excited I made the drive here alive- and I'm no wimp. Seriously) but I really dig the fried food. I think it's what mood you're in because I keep going back and forth between the two and they don't mix well. 1) Fried Catfish- I wanted to smack my husband when he got this but it was sooooo good. Fresh, not greasy, delicious. I made him go back in mid-gorging to get another order of that and fried shrimp. 2) Fried Shrimp- It's not just "fried shrimp" people. It's amazing fried shrimp that is the best I have ever had. 3) Fried Scallops- SOOOO light and, once again, fresh. They were my husbands favorite- very unlike him. 4) Fries- so many complaints about them by reviewers. They're fine. You come here for fish, not fries. 5) Smoked Shrimp- Only had room for 2, but they're really good. Gonna dig in later when I can breathe. 6) Smoked salmon- Delicious!!! I cannot believe this comes out of water by us. Scary. But good. 7) Smoked Trout- Not as good as the salmon, and I thought I'd like it more. I am sooo spoiled by a local restaurants smoked trout, and it can't be beat. 8) BBQ sauce- FANTASTIC 9) Hot Sauce- Friggin awesome. 10) Grape Sunkist- Really? I had 3. We made this a "field trip" so my daughter wouldn't complain about the drive. That and popped in a DVD- lazy parenting at its finest people. When we pulled up, she noted the obvious, "This place does NOT look fun or like it has good food!!" She was singing a different tune after she had some of the awesomeness. I think part of the excitement was being able to eat in the new car- forbidden normally. The guy working is sooo friendly. He was cracking up when my husband went in for more 3 minutes into eating. We spent about $100.00 on 3 of us, and have PLENTY for dinner or lunch tomorrow. So GO!! It's a must try.
(5)
magic g.
my first 5* ... anything smoked here is amazing, especially the huge smoked shrimp (don't get the fried one). just wow
(5)
Fernando A.
Damn this place is good! Living in LA, it's really hard to find smoked fish. Lot's of fresh fish in LA, but not a whole lot of people making smoked fish. Anyhow, I grew up in Michigan, and love smoked fish from the great lakes, so after we saw this on Bourdain, I just had to go here. First of all, the owners are super friendly. They saw us taking photos outside, and started teasing us when we came in. They took us out back and let us take photos of their smoke house too. We got the smoked trout, shrimp, smelt, and peppered salmon. All were incredibly delicious. We stunk like fish the rest of the day, since we ate it in the car. My one downer is that I wish this was a full on sit down deli. It would be much more enjoyable to eat this with some bread, bagels, spread, etc. As tourists, we couldn't really bring it back to the hotel room. I wish there was a comparable place to this near Long Beach. If I lived in Chicago, I'd be here on a weekly basis.
(5)
K S.
This place is way off the beaten path, and the only place i didn't know(and haven't been to) from Anthony Bourdain's Chicago episode. The person working here made it a great experience. We got the smoked salmon and shrimp. The shrimp was AMAZING! I think they were worth the drive alone. This place can get deceivingly pricey for a carryout, side of the road place. I went later in the day, when no one else was there with a friend of mine. The guy working the counter was great! He made this a 5 star experience. We told him it was our first time there and had no idea what we were doing. He asked us if we wanted to try some smoked salmon and some shrimp. I can recommend this place anytime, but expect to drive back and eat it at home, no place to sit, side of the road carryout only place.
(5)
January C.
I was on a little tour of the southside with my boyfriend last week. We drove by the Calumet Fisheries and I asked him to pull over. I really wanted some hush puppies. I went inside only to find out they didn't have hush puppies; when I turned around to leave I saw Anthony Bourdain's picture on the wall. Hmmm...if it's good enough for Tony, maybe I should give it a chance. I knew this place looked familiar... So, I ended up ordering their fish chip dinner. The fish was pretty darn good. Crispy but not over fried, made with fresh oil. The fries were thick cut but lacked flavor. The side of coleslaw was unusually sweet but a nice balance with the saltiness of the fish. I didn't try any of their smoked meat but it sure did smell tasty. If I'm driving by again I won't hesitate to stop in.
(3)
Sofia D.
I have one large regret that I will not forgive myself for until I return to Calumet Fisheries. I shamefully have not tried their smoked fish... sorry! Bad judgment call at the time. But, I HAVE tried their fried shrimp (and snacked on my buddy's fish dinner) and holy hell, it is amazing! We were trying to make it to the fish shack by sunset in order to enjoy our meals at Calumet Park right down the road. The boys behind the counter were very polite and had our food ready really quickly. We ordered the sweet potato tots (that vegetable being one of my first loves), fried shrimp dinner, and fish dinner. The mild fish dippin' sauce was great and the spicy one tasted like straight-up hot sauce. The fried shrimp were cooked to perfection and the fries that came along with it tasted like they'd just been chopped and fried minutes before. Everything was great but I noticed that my grape soda tasted like fish... may have been from the fishy particles floating around and greasing up my can... a little funny, to be honest. Anyway, we did make it to the park before it got dark, in case you were wondering, but we didn't see the sunset. We'll have to make a trip out soon so I can capture the sun fading and get my smoked fish on simultaneously. Nothing says romance like the smell of fish!
(4)
H S.
I think its en vogue to give places like this 5-stars just to prove you were there and know good food. That's why I'm keeping it real and only going 4-stars.....that way you still know I went and know I'm still keeping it real! I had the smoked salmon and the smoked shrimp. I enjoyed them both-very much so indeed. However, that is a lot of smoked seafood. A bit too much smoked seafood for me and a lot of food. I think a fried shrimp order would have countered the smoked salmon better. They were out of chub unfortunately but the salmon was on point. I wish the sides offered were better but I would imagine this is best bought for small groups of people in which you can try various smoked/fried portions, make or bring your own sides and enjoy a cold beverage with. Nonetheless, happy I went!
(4)
Joe M.
Was not tremendously impressed. The Salmon was very good, the Chub was ok, but the Catfish and the Frogs legs were not battered and cooked fresh, they were frozen. So a little disappointed for the $$$$. Kind of a cool industrial ambiance. Would get the Salmon again
(3)
Kimberly G.
Food is always good here, that's not to say the same for the service. Every time I come into place which has been at least 4 times now, the staff at the counter is terrible. At least I seem to think so there is this young kid that gives me the death stare every time I dont want to jump to conclusions but maybe its what I'm "Wearing". lol This not only happens with this kid every time also I've been there on several occasions to only be overlooked and totally ignored until i speak up. Yesterday was the last time that i will spend 40-50 dollars at this place to test out my theory. I'd rather go to lawrence fisheries where I always feel welcome. Don't like how this staff makes me "uncomfortable"
(2)
Jim M.
I used to work across the river from Calumet Fisheries, when they still unloaded cargo at the Federal Marine Terminal. That was awhile ago, but I still find myself in that area at least once a month getting smoked shrimp. This is one of those perfect get and go kind of places, pull up, jump out, order, it'll come to you fast, and leave, go to Calumet Park, watch a softball game and enjoy the food. The service is very friendly and patient, there's a lot to choose from, take your time, get it right. I've had the fried oysters, also excellent, as is the smelt. I love me some smelt. It's hard to find anything that doesn't taste good fried. Head over, it's a great location, get some food, you'll enjoy it.
(4)
Brian B.
Wonderful, unique and worth the drive! I don't have anything else to add that the others haven't said.
(4)
Michael W.
Hours after my seafood rendezous on the side of a road near the Chicago Skyway, the scent of smoked shrimp lingered on my fingers. The memories of a love consummated .... in the mouth. Oh, yeah. I knew I was in the right dining environment when we pulled up into the tow zone by a shack atop the 95th Street bridge on the far Southeast Side in the shadow of a City of Chicago Streets and Sanitation truck. Those guys know food. So does Mr. Tony, aka Anthony Bourdain of Travel Channel's "No Reservations" whose recent visit to Calumet features prominently inside, along with photos of Jake and Elwood Blues. As every other wall article explains, this is the spot The Blues Brothers jump the bridge in the seminal Chi-Town movie of our time. No doubt John Belushi got down on some smoked shrimp. No, you're not reading this incorrectly. Smoked shrimp, not fried shrimp. There is this delicious flavor that given my limited history with smoked foods meant the shrimp tasted like ham. Seafood ham. Yum. Still, don't miss out on the fried shrimp & scallops. A little advice, this is a seafood destination so skip the dinner combo and go right for the fish, by the full orders (pounds) if you can swing it. You're guaranteed to leave satisfied.
(5)
Marlene S.
Lot's of character in this tiny little place, but I should have tried something smoked intead of fried. There was way too much coating on the smelt and the fried fish. The stuffed shrimp had the most flavor. I love crab, but since the crab cakes were listed as "imitation crab" there wasn't any point in trying them. No tables, so you eat in your car, and if you are lucky, the bridge goes up and you see some water traffic.
(3)
Ryan S.
This place has solid flavors. I am a salmon fan and ate the smoked salmon and Holy Shiz it was good! I am an extremely picky eater and this place set me right. The smoked shrimp was incredibly flavorful. How come its always the little shacks that have the best food? This place is small and off the beaten path. So, if you live far it is worth the travel.
(5)
Madelyn H.
i'm always looking for new and interesting food experiences and visiting calumet fisheries was definitely that! of course, i heard about it on no reservations. the fish is delish. my fav was the smoked salmon and trout. i also loved the fried smelt and the sauce they serve with it is so good. the chubs and shrimp were good, but for me, the salmon and trout were definitely the standouts. my hands did smell for hours afterwords, even after scrubbing them multiple times, but it was well worth it. we read on yelp that you should go to calumet park and this was a great tip, especially given the alternative of eating in your car. calumet park is right on the lake.
(5)
Alex K.
What can I say that hasn't been said here? They have a James Beard award hanging on the wall next to a white board that shows the price of a can of soda. You probably have no idea how good smoked fish can be unless you've been here. If you find yourself heading past 95th on the highway, you owe it to yourself to stop and try this stuff. Smoked shrimp FTW.
(5)
Jim A.
after seeing this place on anthony bourdain's no reservations (like many others have), we decided to give it a try ourselves. we were not at all disappointed. the place itself is way on the south side of chicago (95th at the bridge as their sign says). you just park on the side of the road and walk in. the two guys working there at the time were friendly and courteous. after we received our order (and with no seating area available) we ate right in our car. luckily I had a leftover newspaper in the car which came in handy! it was tough to decide what to order since there were only two of us. we went with the smoked shrimp, fried catfish, and fried oysters. everything was fresh and delicious. the fried items were crispy and not too oily. we topped it off with an order of fries and soft drink, but it was the fresh seafood that was the star. it was definitely worth the trip here. we'll definitely be back. they also recently won a james beard award in the america's classic category. I can see why.
(5)
Mimi P.
OK this PLACE STINKS as in SMELLS, I had to wait on the curbside that overlooked the beauty of the east side to prevent the upchuck reflex, but I believe it was the "smoking" process of fish, barf. I had fried smelts, fried shrimp, fried scallops, fried clam strips and I was all fried out in a bad way. They have a variety but I wont be going again.
(2)
Gerald H.
Let's get right to it. If you don't love fish you might as well stay away from this place. I used to go often (I should have said very often) when I lived in the city. Now I get there about twice a year but when I do, look out! Because I'm gonna do some damage. The fried shrimp, scallops, fish chips and smoked (anything) are delicious, as are the fries. I don't get caught up in the ambiance because I've been there many times but it's a quaint place that I hope never goes away. If you ever have a chance be sure to stop here.
(4)
Esther Y.
Stick to the smoked fish...it's a must.
(4)
Dopple C.
Like other Bourdain fans, I had to go check this place out when I visited Chicago last week. I took the trip from downtown using Metra, the commuter rail, and the train runs once an hour to South Chicago. It was about another 10-15 minute walk (seems really long if you don't know where to go) to find the place. Unfortunately, I was traveling solo and didn't want any leftovers, so I ate a small order of fried fish chips, which was OK, and took out some smoked shimp and smoked salmon for the plane trip home. Since I had missed the hourly Metra back, I walked on to Commercial Ave to find a bus to the Red Line back to the Loop. And lived to talk about it :-) The smoked shrimp and salmon survived the rest of my day bumming around in Chicago and the dealyed flight back to NYC. Around 11pm, I ate the smoked shrimp. IT WAS GOOD!!! I was somewhat concerned about the food spoiling en route, but isn't the point of smoking food to preserve it? I'm saving the salmon for now, but at least I now know my way there by public transportation. Lesson for next time is to bring friends (AND DRIVE) so I can sample MORE!
(4)
William C.
I've gone past this place all my years growing up and never once stopped. I learned about this place from Bourdain's show No Reservations. They deliver some of the best smoked fish I've eaten. We had the smoked shrimp, pepper/garlic salmon, smoked salmon, and fried scallops. I'd love to make those smoked shrimp into a po' boy; they are large, succulent, smokey, and just plain good dipped into hot sauce. There is no place to sit except your car, which we did. The experience is worth it, and we brought several pounds of smoked fish home to share.
(5)
ed d.
Very good shrimp. If you are in the area, stop by. Not sure I would drive 45 minutes for it.
(4)
Paul M.
I have been to Calumet Fisheries many times and never have been disappointed. My favorits are their smoked shrimp, smoked trout, and fried stuffed shrimp. I used to get the Mahi Mahi half order but the last few times I went - they didn't offer it. Being a big Blues Brothers fan, I really enjoy looking at the pictures from when they filmed the bridge jump scene right on the 95th street bridge where Calumet Fisheries is located. If you are lucky, you can get to see the bridge raise for a huge boat hauling freight. This place is one of those rare gems in the city. It hasn't been ruined by Check Please like some of my other favorite places (you hear me Hot Doug? you think I am going to wait in a line around the block for a pigeon hot dog?). Service is top notch. If I could rate it 4 and a half stars I would.
(4)
Angelica D.
If you haven't been here, I would definitely reccomend you do. They have the best fried shrimp out there :) I always get the hot sauce that comes with it and it just totally rocks my world! The place is super small, not someplace to come and sit as they have no seating area. The lakefront is a few blocks away though. The food here is really cheap in my opinion compared to other places. Can't wait til my next trip.
(5)
Dean D.
Went back a second time and tried the salmon again. It was a more moist than the first time, but I would still not get it from there. Also tried the fried oysters and they were decent. I'd definitely come back for the smoke chubs and the smoked shrimp and would gladly recommend those two items to anyone.
(4)
Steven L.
I too got sucked in by Bourdain. Afterall, a nice sunny afternoon, a few good friends, and all the smoked fish and shrimp we could eat sounded pretty a-peel-ing (Pun totally intended!) Warning: If you go to this place, I strongly recommend you follow this list in order to make your visit as enjoyable as possible. Besides your appetite, I recommend bringing these things: 1. Bring cash: They do not take credit or debit cards! 2. Drinks: They do have a few options, but there is no beer or wine. Personally I've always been told: "Smoke in one hand, beer in the other." I think we can let that rule apply here. 3. Cut your fingernails: If you do the dirty work, your hands are going to smell. That means peeling the shrimp, tearing the fish, etc. And if your nails are long, that scent will stick underneath your fingers for a couple of days. 4. Bring handiwipes or wet towels: The bathroom facilities here are nonexistent. That means after chowing down on the smokey treats, your hands are going to smell a bit fishy. You will be itchin' to give them a good cleanse. 5. Sauce: Now this may seem like a sin to some, but if you really love a good cocktail sauce (like me) bring your own. They did not have any. I personally think the smoke flavor of the shrimp could have benefited from a little spice from horseradish. They do have some hot sauce, but it's more of the Frank's Red Hot variety. Not my personal fave. Now onto the ambiance. Oh wait, there is none. That's because there are no seats. If you want to eat there, grab a seat on the curb or the bridge nearby and enjoy the outdoor. It really wouldn't hurt for management to put in some picnic tables as they have the room for it. The food. My friends and I (3 of us total) purchased 1 lb of shrimp and half a lb each of smoked pepper salmon, trout, and chub fish. This ended up costing us about $14 each and was plenty of food for all 3 of us. I couldn't wait to "sink" my teeth into these savory delights. I sampled the shrimp first. The smoke flavor is very strong and potent. It definitely takes over the actual taste of shrimp. Very delicious. But I think a dip in some cocktail sauce would really work well here. The fish also have very strong smoke flavor. My favorite of the fish was the peppered salmon. I suppose us fans of lox and cheese already know how tasty smoked salmon can be. Here it is even better! The trout and chubs were also tasty. Definitely worth a try. So what is this meal missing? I don't know. Perhaps it's the Asian in me, but I found the smoke to be overwhelming after a few bites. I think the fish could really benefit from something more neutral to help counter the very strong smoke taste. Perhaps, a side of rice or bread option would be helpful to the menu. Also, I would have probably gone with 4 stars here, but I just thought the amenities of the restaurant really left something to be desired. A bathroom, or handiwipes at minimum, should be provided. Especially since most of us are making a bit of a journey to come to this place.
(3)
Michael D.
I love this place! I got to go for the second time yesterday, and was as pleased as I was the first time. This time, though, I knew not to order too much food. A single filet (smoked salmon with or without pepper/garlic, trout with or without pepper/garlic) is really filling...as is a basket of the fried smelt. I got a single filet ($12) of the peppered salmon this time with a drink, and it made a perfect lunch. I live out-of-state, so I like to eat it with my hands in the car or on the bridge next door. If I lived nearby, I'd take a ton of this stuff home for use in full meals. By the way, I met the owner this time, and he offered up some samples of the stuff I was looking at. The samples I got were right out of the smoker, and still a little bit warm. The stuff in the regular case is fantastic enough already, and the warm goodies are completely out of this world. And, if you like to talk business, there is nothing more satisfying than meeting someone like this that is extremely proud of his craft, recent awards, and his long-term well-deserved success.
(5)
Susan G.
Oh yum! I grew up in the Jewish community of South Shore and remembered the place from my childhood. For all MOTs and other lovers of smoked fish, you can get there in a flash from Hyde Park by taking Stony Island out to South Chicago Avenue (at 79th Street). It's a little tricky to avoid the ramps to the Skyway (and that $3 toll), but bear left at the 3-street intersection and you'll make it to the Promised Land of sable, smoked chubs, etc. Forget the "trayf" and concentrate on what your foks used to serve for Sunday brunch. My Russian-born grandmother would suck the eyes out of the smoked chubs -- eeeyew! gross! but delish.
(5)
Mel M.
Nothing like it! Get the steamed options or fried shrimp and you will not be disappointed.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : No Accepts Bitcoin : No Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Divey Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : Yes Waiter Service : No Caters : No
Jimmy P.
Calumet Fisheries is Amazing! TL;DR Calumet Fisheries Amazing!
(5)Matt M.
Best shrimp in the city. Maybe the world. Yeah, it's that good. Seriously, walking into this place makes me feel like it's 50 years ago and the steel mills haven't closed and the south side is humming. I know everything changes but i'm glad this place doesn't!
(5)Kathy S.
Tried this place after a friend recommended it and boy was it good. I was so surprised at how small it was...not anything wrong with that but just wasn't expecting it. We did park in the tow zone but it's fine. We got a pound each of the smoked shrimp and fried fish and both were good although the smoked shrimp took the cake for me. Tastes just like ham! I did feel like I consumed way too much sodium though. But I'm looking forward to my next visit so I can try the fried scallops/shrimp next time.
(4)Billy D.
Borderline Gary, Indiana, Calumet is located in the well-off south-side industrial area. It's not the best neighborhood and pretty far from downtown, but hot damn that fish is good. Fried catfish - amazing with that special hot sauce. Smoked shrimp - you've never had anything like it. Expensive, but worth it. Pepper-smoked salmon - like whole peppercorns? me too. Smoked whitefish - back to the basics, buddy That James Beard award didn't just win itself.
(5)Jamie L.
Awesome smoked salmon & smoked shrimps!!! Not a fan of their fried oysters, though! But overall, it was great food! :)
(5)Chris M.
Solid 3.5 stars on Calumet fisheries. I stopped by here on the way back from a brewery voyage in Gary and stopped in really quick to grab some fried goodness for my trek back to the north burbs. Decided on the fried shrimp and asked for a recommendation on something else and got the catfish. Catfish was a wee bit too fishy for me, but the shrimp were $$$$. I need to come back and try the smoked salmon and trout, and perhaps the smelts as well. I also thought the cocktail sauce was a bit too sweet for my liking. Not enough bite (horseradish). I also didn't receive fries at all, and realized this as I was too far away to turn back. Oh well, next time, Gadget.
(3)Kim L.
It would be a 5 star review if it was food alone BUT the score got knocked down bc of the location (so far south), their cash only policy, and no place to eat (everyone in line at the same time also ate in their car). But we loved what we ordered: Fried scallops - the best and really hearty pieces Calamari - delicious Smoked salmon with garlic and peppers - great flavor Fried oysters - good to try but probably sticking with cold oysters
(4)Jason P.
Fried shrimp wasn't the greatest. Breading wasn't great and very greasy. The smoked fish and shrimp was super good! Would go back just don't have the deep fried shrimp, could've been better.
(4)Hannah H.
I've been wanting to check out Calumet Fisheries FOREVER, so I was pretty excited to finally swing by! This smokehouse has been family-owned and -operated by the Kotlick-Toll family since '48, where the fish is brined overnight and special oak logs are used for the smoking. Fish, such as catfish, chubs, eel, rainbow trout, sable, salmon, sturgeon, white fish, and herring are some that are available. They also have fried seafood (shrimp, fish, catfish, scallops, and crab cakes), as well as sides and salads. I tried their Pepper & Garlic smoked salmon, a half order of the fried shrimp, and a half order of their fried smelts. The smoked salmon was pretty good; just use a strong fork to flake it apart; they have packages of saltine crackers available, but you can bring you own. It had a lovely smoked flavor, and the garlic and the peppercorn was not too overpowering. Just having the fish with the crackers can be a little dry, so having some mayonnaise to spruce it up is a good idea. The fried shrimp was forgettable, and the fried smelts were okay - the batter was more like ground cornmeal-like, rather than the crispy batter I was expecting. Service was super friendly, and everything is made fresh-to-order (besides the smoked fish). This is a cash only joint, so keep that in mind. It is a carry-out only, but there are a couple of picnic tables in the front to enjoy your meal (I prefer to just chowing down in the car - that's how you do ittttttt) :P I'd love to come back and try out their smoked sable, sturgeon, and the trout :D +Pepper & Garlic smoked salmon +friendly staff +cash only
(4)Stefany V.
Worth driving out of your way for. Seriously. This was easily a half hour drive outside of Chicago, and I'd do it again. Smoked and fried fish aplenty, right on the water. It really doesn't get much better than this. If my endorsement isn't enough for you, the many awards on the walls should be. Anthony Bourdain is among their fans, too. Smoked is the way to go here. I'm sure their fried fish is fine, and the smelts we tried were tasty, but the smoked fish was by far the star of our meal. They sell by weight, so come hungry and plan to buy a couple of pounds to split with a group. There's some outdoor seating available or you can take it with you, but be sure to bring cash- I'm not a fan of cash-only businesses, but at least there's an ATM here. SMELTS: Grab a half order, available with a spicy or mild dipping sauce not unlike a buffalo wing sauce. They're hot and crispy, and plenty for sharing even with the half order. But I'd take these to go and make a garlic sauce to serve them with, as done in European cuisine. GARLIC PEPPER SMOKED SALMON: This was tasty, and by far the most recommended fish in the reviews. It was good, but not amazing. If your only knowledge of smoked fish is the lox on your bagel at a chain restaurant, you might really like this massive step up in quality. SMOKED TROUT: Go classic. The smoked trout is divine. No pepper or garlic needed, just simple, smoked fish. It's flavorful, with plenty of skin, and I could eat it for days. CRACKERS: Whatever you buy, grab a tube of crackers (they're 55 cents) to eat your fish with. And don't forget to grab napkins, because you'll be eating all this tastiness with your hands.
(4)Paola N.
I had a really great experience at Calumet Fisheries. THE AMBIANCE: Calumet Fisheries is a small seafood shack with an outdoor smoke house. You walk in and pick your food off of a menu on the wall and from the glass counters. It is super small and the venue is meant for you to walk in and order. Outside by the smoke house there are long tables bleacher-style for you to sit and enjoy your pickings. THE FOOD: It was three (3) of us on this food trip and we ordered garlic smoked salmon, garlic smoked trout, fried scallops, fried catfish, and macaroni salad. A thing to note is that they don't have lemons (sigh) and they don't sell beer (double sigh). Lucky for us we had packed some brewskis. We set up food camp on the table and dug in. The seafood, especially the garlic smoked trout, was AMAZING. It was delicious! Calumet Fisheries provides a hot sauce that had a tangy-ness to it. Other than that you might want to bring your favorite hot sauce as well. The macaroni salad was not good. It had so much mayo. None of us liked it/ate it. Carlos, who works there, came over and talked to us a bit about the history of Calumet Fisheries and he brought us some fresh cooked salmon, which he broke apart in front of us so we could taste some of the most buttery and juicy parts. He is awesome. We also got a tour of the smoke house. Super cool. During our trip the crew of Man Fire Food on the Cooking Channel was there and I got to meet the host, Roger Mooking. Super sweet and down to earth guy. THE TIPS: It can get really hot so wear sunscreen! I would pack some lemons/limes, cold beer, and your fave hot sauce!! Street parking.
(5)Teschia B.
Welp! Not what I was expecting. I have to stop putting faith in seafood that is located in the city and at a low cost. This is mediocre at best. The scallops are not fresh and very chewy. The shrimp are clearly store brought and not fresh. The smoked fish is good, but to be honest. I can get the same quality out of a can of tin fish from the grocery store. The best thing was the cheese bites and that is very sad. If I am in the area and craving some cheese bites and smoked trout. I will make the stop, but other then that. I will stick to Pappadeaux out in the burbs for quality seafood.
(2)Rebecca S.
Yes yes yes. 100% love for this place. The service is excellent and family owned. The fish is QUALITY. Don't bother with the fried stuff, just get yourself a slab of the salmon with garlic and pepper. It is life changing. I honestly can't put this place into words, it became one of my favorite Chicago restaurants in the course of one meal. (Disclaimer: Ignore those people who are terrified of anything past Hyde Park. I'm all about safety, but sometimes I think people are too prejudiced against the South Side. This place is definitely worth the "risk.")
(5)Tim T.
What do i say about a place that everything had been said. Gr8 food. Froglegs & smelt are a personal fav! Light breading, fast service. Place is a dump but who cares! Its got it baby! Ambience, the river & style! Cheap prices, i love them. Please go u wont be dissapointed! Its a chicago icon & a mom & pop place. Shrimp is killer!
(5)Rosa J.
Yes and yes...I've made it to this place. It has been a long wait for me. It was a bit difficult to trek all the way down from Albany Park during the winter season. As I've announced publicly in one of my previous reviews, my "foodie hours" have been extended seasonally! I had a quick nap in my hubby's work fleet, and I woke up with yummy fish and "smokin'" hotties in front of me. You know fish can be just as hot as good-looking dudes or dudettes. I consider them gender-free after being bathed in smoke. Normally you would think a place like this that has won so many accolades from the big-foodie people (yeah I'm talking about Anthony Bourdain) wouldn't render a friendly service like I received this afternoon. The young man immediately greeted us and was ready to take our order. We chose the smoked shrimp dinner and fried fish dinner. The total was $18.88 after tax. For a seafood fry place, the price we paid was reasonably fair. Well, how were the tastes of our food? I've never been that "moved" and "agitated" in my mind after tasting their smoked shrimps. That 70-year-old smoker really is an excellent machine to deliver such aromatic smoke on these jumbo shrimps. I believe I consumed five (5) or six (6) large, if not, jumbo shrimps. Once again, the value for the quality of food I received wasn't a bad deal at all! All dinner combos came with fries, coleslaw, crackers, a choice of sauce (hot or cocktail), and salt/pepper. All other side dishes were solid. Hubby also enjoyed his fish, but you all need to try other smoked products! How many exclamation marks have I used in this review? Well, here's one (1) more for you! I also noticed that there are three (3) city of Chicago public trash cans in front of the Calumet Fisheries. I guess that's where my taxation goes...my foodie trash. We will be back when we do our summer weekend Metra trips around the far-end Chicago and nearby suburbs. I know the Metra station isn't too awfully far away; I can walk as long as there is food to entice me! There's an ATM onsite if you drop your cash in the river accidentally.
(5)Daniel S.
Great to go fish place, its just by the 95th street bridge, there's really only street parking so just be aware, (well there's a gravel lot just west, but idk if that's an actual parking lot) it's also real small and cramped inside, with just some picnic tables outside to sit at, but don't let that take away from the quality of the fish, it's a chicago staple, almost 70 years old, from the fried selection we got scallops, fish nuggets, calamari and stuffed shrimp, (scallops and shrimp were best imo) and then the smoked salmon, the smoked options are just more expensive so thats why we couldnt get much, tho it was def good, and then potato salad and french fries sides, which were standard, id for sure go back and try some of the more exotic fish on hand
(4)John T.
Wow. So, the bridge was up and we had time to kill so we decided to try this local legend out. So glad we did. We opted for the fried stuff because we were in the mood for it. The smelt and clams were amazing. Absolutely amazing. Definitely going back for the lemon pepper smoked fish. Fresh smoked fish on Fridays or Saturdays so plan accordingly. Honestly worth the short drive. Cash only but there's an atm there.
(5)Justin B.
It's hard to go wrong here...the big thing was just committing to make the drive here, but once I got in, I could see why the reviews here are so great. Tried the fried perch, fried catfish, fried clam strips, and the fried shrimp, while others in my party also got the fried oysters. Besides the fact that I'm surprised I'm still alive and able to write this review, the food was amazing and all of the dinners come with fries so you'll find a way to leave full here for sure. The space is small and not sexy, and there's nowhere to sit, and it's cash only. But if you are in the market for smoked fish of almost any type, this is the place to go and between Bourdain showing up here and Calumet being a Beard award finalist a few years ago for being an historic eatery, you know it's legit!
(5)Yuchi C.
"You guys are driving through the hood? Do you want to borrow my gun?" Our friend in Chicago thought we were nuts to drive all the way there for some smoked fish, but we know it's gonna be so worth it. Salmon with garlic and pepper: so oily yet so tasty! Favorite! White fish: actually our second favorite. Really good flavor. Trout: pretty amazing fish, each section has its own distinct flavor and texture. Smoked Shrimp: awesome. Chubs: FAVORITE!!! But they are seasonal so we didn't have them this visit. We had it 5 years ago, amazing.
(5)Diana T.
After reading about how Anthony Bourdaine has sponsored this place, I knew I had to stop by. This place is a 30 minute drive from downtown Chicago, so I would not suggest you take a taxi. If you decide to drive here, there is a $7 toll to get there and $7 to back into Chicago. The tolls can be pricey. I decided to stop by on my way home back to Michigan. You can park on the street or turn right into the fishery. Recently, Mark, the owner told me you do not need to take the skyway to get there. You can stay on 94 south. When it splits with 57, get off on the first exit that will take you right to 95th street turn right and drive 3 miles and your at our door steps. Good tip for us tourist (; The food is completely delicious. I really can not tell you how good this place is. I am still drooling when I think about their smoked pepper garlic salmon & smoked shrimp. Prices can be a bit pricey at $15 per lb for smoked salmon & $22 per lb for smoked shrimp, but it was definitely worth it. The flavors were on point. It was the best smoked fish I have ever had. The shrimp was just amazing! You can truly taste the true flavor of the shrimp. You can even smell the smoke from the shrimp. They do not have cocktail sauce. They have hot sauce and have an amazing tartar sauce. A few flaws are that they do not have a restroom, only take cash, and have only two tables to eat outside. Overall, I cannot wait to come back!
(5)Davis J.
We've been wanting to come here ever since seeing it on Anthony Bordain's show and it was great! I had the smoked salmon (very good) and fried catfish (excellent). It is a little pricy but the quality merits the price. 4 starts for a lot of not-homemade items like the coleslaw, potato salad, and sauces.I would happily go back!
(4)Chrissy M.
We dropped by last Friday afternoon and all the guys were very friendly. All were helpful and gave us a sample of the salmon. Boy, we were in for a treat! One of the guys (regret not asking his name) explained the sections of the salmon that taste best. He also suggested the eye but we declined; we're not that cool. Since we had purchased other food before the sample, we did not buy the smoked fish. On Saturday afternoon, my man suggested smoked fish for dinner so here we go again. We ordered the pepper and garlic salmon and the smallest piece of sturgeon. Once we got home, we began with the sturgeon. We regret buying the smallest sturgeon piece. The sturgeon was perfect! It was not flaky like other fish, it was very soft, flavorful and boneless (at least the section we bought). We bought a bigger piece of salmon and it was delightful. I expected to taste the garlic but I did not; however, we enjoyed it. Frankly, between the sturgeon and salmon, I prefer the sturgeon. The service during both visits was exceptional and we waited a few minutes to place our orders during both visits because there were several people ahead of us. Knowing my man's eating habits, we will be frequent customers. We've already determined that when family visits in a few weeks, we will be having smoked sturgeon for dinner.
(5)Kate W.
I'm from New York. Fried shrimp was never something that was a big thing growing up for me. However. I am now a "real Chicago broad", as my husband likes to call me. And fried shrimp are F*&$-ing delicious. Calumet was my first fried shrimp experience. It did not disappoint. Sitting in the back of my buddy's car, eating greasy shrimp and fries with my fingers--perfection. The ice cold Dr. Pepper was the perfect complement. You've gotta check this place out. Seriously. My husband brought home a smoked salmon and a smoked trout. Can't wait to eat that next :) p.s. CASH ONLY
(4)Annie P.
Happy I finally made a point to drive down here. What a unique place! My family did the smoked salmon, pepper and garlic smoked salmon, and smoked whitefish. The p&g salmon and the whitefish were both standout. We also did the smoked shrimp which were interesting to try (have never had) and were good as well. My brother likes slaw and wasn't impressed by theirs. Good experience though. Happy I've gone at least once and if am in the vicinity will definitely come back
(5)Virtie P.
The full order of fries shrimp was on point. I've also tried the smoked salmon, which was also very good.
(5)Donald T.
I don't recommend this place. The service was rude and the catfish tasted overly fishy and not very fresh.
(1)G B.
great fe sh fish no dine in but a chicago nessitity
(4)Paola S.
I can't wait to come back! The smoke salmon and shrimp were by far my favorites. For a very decent price we had a feast, from the smoked section we also had the white fish and from the fried side we had oysters Not easy to recommend a specific item because everything is delicious and worth trying.
(4)Jeffrey C.
Still on my barbecue bucket list is a trip to Kansas City, where the fine folks smoke anything under the sun. Given my Texas bias, which means brisket sits on the Iron Throne, ribs and sausage are Baratheons-in-waiting, and every thing else are declared usurpers of Westeros, I'm hesitant to think of things like smoked fish as barbecue. To that end, my recent trip to Calumet Fisheries was like a visit from the lord of light, sponsored by Anthony Bourdain. The "pit" at Calumet looks like a free-standing, ironclad meat locker, but the smoke is legit. It wafts out and hits you like a proper BBQ joint should, and the output that the Calumet pitmasters pull from the smoke is pure gold. First, some logistics. This is not an easy place to get to, as you have to drive far south on 90 or derail the trip off Lakeshore. Calumet is also truly a shack. It's to-go counter service only. On nice days when winter isn't coming or already frozen over, you can eat outside on a grass patch or on the few plastic picnic tables set up. Dogs are allowed outside the shack, and a bring your own soda or red solo cup policy is recommended. Ordering, as mentioned, is counter service. Anything smoked in the trays is ordered on the left, anything fried on the right. Got it? Good. Now, onto the smoked fish. It's wonderfully delicious. The highlight of our self-made trio sampler platter was the sable, otherwise known as black cod. It's succulent, buttery, and amazing, kind of like eating a brisket cookie sliced off the point end, dripping in fat. Our second fish, the pepper salmon, tasted like the flat with a flavorful char and a firm, slightly dry, meat. To each his own. I prefer the buttery, melt in your mouth texture. We ended with smoked shrimp, easy to peel, easy to eat, easy to enjoy. Along for the ride (because as a Texas ex and Louisiana neighbor, I'm a sucker for fried seafood) was a small order of fried oysters, strewn in a Chinese take-out box, piping hot, and also incredibly tasty. Dipping those suckers, and frankly, any of the seafood, in Calumet's hot sauce is a recommend. On that note, if I had but one complaint, it's that Calumet doesn't serve its seafood straight from the smoker. The smoked food isn't hot, but instead cooled and served at chilled temperatures. The pitmaster recommended waiting for room temperature before eating to bring out the flavor. He also provided by wife with ample samples right out the smoker. If my jealousy shows, it's because I was inside, in line, when these shenanigans occurred. Reheating isn't recommended, and so I'm just left wondering what a freshly completed, hot off the presses smoked fish tastes like. I'm guessing it would be in contention for the best smoked meat outside Texas.
(5)Inez T.
Great food and fast service. The fried shimps are to die for. I have neen going there for years and I was never disappointed.
(5)Oscar P.
Cash only, does not take bills over 100, so I was extremely limited in what I could purchase w $10, so I got 1/2 order of fried shrimp, which was solid. Will have to come back soon for more...and with more cash.
(4)Bill S.
Been going there since I was a kid. Love the fish and chips and shrimp. Don't forget the fries. Mix the hot and mild sauce for the best. They used to have a medium but got rid of it years ago.
(5)Kurt L.
Smoked shrimp and pepper garlic salmon was awesome. Hard to find place but we'll worth the drive.
(5)Asper K.
Calumet Fisheries is in the middle of nowhere. Like nowhere so bad that it's almost Indiana. And it's next to a bridge. And it's super dystopian everywhere and there's lots of metal and concrete. In fact, it's so fcked up looking that Anthony Bourdain dragged his arse out here one time to film an episode of his show and was all like "OMG, be a traveler not a tourist..blah blah blah, live life to the fullest etc etc." So now, all these dudes trying to live life to the fullest come out here in hopes of experiencing something new. I don't know what exactly. They probably don't know either but the hope is that it'll be new or interesting in some way. In terms of the food, part of the hook is that the fish here is smoked on premises in a shack behind the restaurant. According to the proprietors this is super rare these days. So there's that. For me, it was mostly for the bike ride and to see the area. This place seemed like a good end point. On arrival, after admiring the signed Anthony B poster, I ordered deep fried catfish + fries. And I put a to-go order in for some smoked shrimp and smoked (garlic and pepper) trout. The catfish meal was exactly what I would have expected..deep fried and catfish. Okay by me. Nothing special. I put the smoked fish/shrimp in the fridge and tried it a couple days later. A bit of a surprise ensued. The smoked shrimp was partially rotten. Some was edible, other parts were mushy and I had to spit out. The smoked trout while not rotten was surprisingly terrible. I had a few bites and threw it out too. And I buy smoked fish sometimes, so I know what I'm talking about. Back when I visited the restaurant, there were a few dudes standing outside (there's no seating inside) who ordered the whole menu. You know..to live life to the fullest. Anyways, they beered me a deep fried frog leg to try. In an adventurous spirit I had a go. Actually I only had a couple of small bites. Not that great. Which is what I'd say about this Calumet Fisheries place.
(2)Alexandria T.
I recently heard about Calumet Fisheries and really wanted to check it out. This Saturday proved to be the perfect opportunity to drive down from where I work on the South Side and have lunch outdoors. The place definitely looks like a shack on the side of the road, and I wouldn't have ever stopped inside if it weren't for the rave reviews. We ordered fried oysters, clam strips, smoked salmon, and a few smoked shrimp. They forgot a couple of things that we ordered, but we were ordering pretty sporadically between the one counter for fried food and the other for smoked seafood. I love, love, love seafood and especially smoked salmon. It was pretty amazing! The shrimp were great as well. I wasn't a huge fan of the fried oysters, but I bet there are someone else's jam. I'm happy I got to check this place out!
(4)Matthew B.
Simple yet most effective way to write this review, this place can be summed up five words and here we go, best shrimp in the city. Whether you eat it in your car or lucky enough to get one of the picnic tables you will not be disappointed, this is easily a must have, the shrimp is so fresh lightly breaded and just plain awesome, the fries are the perfect complement and the choice of sauces just add to the perfect meal.
(5)Kimmie R.
Pros- - wide selection of fish - tasty selection of side dishes including dessert - reasonable prices - friendly staff Cons- - takeout only - no dining in - if you have a shellfish allergy, but still eat fish beware this can be a death trap! I'm allergic to shellfish, but I've been eating fish from this place since, I was a kid. A few months ago, I order the usual fish order and my shellfish allergy kicked in. My face started to swell and etc. I did NOT order shellfish, but my order came in contact with something that touched shellfish. I'm guessing they reused their frying oil, because there's no other reason for my allergic reaction. Whatever the case this is a great place, but avoid it if you have shellfish allergies. No food is ever really "to die for".
(3)John B.
So I have been meaning to go here for a number of years after seeing it on an episode of No Reservations. I went on President's Day as this place seemed perfect for a workweek adventure. It is definitely a bit of a trek and in no man's land. Be warned that there is no place to eat outside of in your car. I ordered fried pickles and fried oysters. The fried oysters were to die for and so crispy yet juicey. The fried pickles were good but they were spears and I would have liked pickle chips more. My friend got the catfish with fries. The catfish tasted great but the fries were the standard steak fries found everywhere. I will definitely go back and may consider doing it during a bike ride in the summer.
(5)Aashish J.
Aesthetically abhorring (almost), heavenly to the tongue. We found out about this place from Mr. Bourdain. Therefore, expectations were very high. The smoked salmon exceeded our expectations. We also ordered other "dinner" items, fried shrimp and oysters. They were, well, fried. But this place is definitely worth it for smoked fish (salmon). Pros: 1. Smoked fish: the best that I have ever tried. Cons: 1. Location: it is in the middle of nowhere, very small and there are no restrooms. 2. Cash only: there is an ATM inside though 3. No seating available :(
(4)David S.
If you love smoked fish - this place is the bomb. Salmon, shrimp, cat and trout....all excellent. Take out only!!!
(5)Allan M.
It's all about the smoked seafood items here, such as the smoked salmon. If you don't get at least one smoked item, you're doing your visit wrong in my opinion, as that's always been their specialty. There's probably a reason that's the main thing I recall really liking here, and that the rest of what I ordered was good to not bad, but not sure if I'd say go out of your way unless you're on the south side. It's worth a trip at least once IMO, just for how darn good I really liked the smoked salmon here. I hope to do a visit when the weather warms up later in 2015, to see how the rest of the smoked seafood compares to the smoked salmon. BTW if you don't have a car, it's just a short walk(or bike ride) south from the 93rd Street(South Chicago Metra Electric branch) Metra station, to here. Go west from the station on 93rd St. to Baltimore Ave, Baltimore south to South Chicago Ave(major southeast/northwest road), South Chicago to 95th Street, then 95th east to the bridge. With this route, you won't have any delays between Metra and here if by some chance the drawbridge goes up, like it did at least on one past visit. And yes, this is the exact one seen in the 1980 Blues Brothers movie. No seating inside, except for a few tables outside, eating inside your car, or walk a few blocks east to Calumet Park and Beach to eat your food. Parking(no meters, and free btw) is mainly along 95th Street inbetween the South Chicago/95th traffic light and bridge, and at least one vacant lot immediately west of here has no parking signs, so be advised of this if you drive here. Nearly forgot to note this place is CASH ONLY, btw.
(4)Carolyn w.
I've just got back from Calumet Fisheries East 95th Chicago ILL. I ordered Stuffed Fried Shrimp/ Fried Frog Legs /Smoked Salmon/ Smoked Cat Fish/ Smoked Shrimps. It has been well over 14 years since I've eaten stuffed shrimps and it was well worth it and the drive I had three just sitting there in the car mum-mum mum good.....two or three frog legs there mum mum good.........on the drive back my hand was in the bag again for another stuffed shrimp..........................the smoked catfish/ salmon and shrimps were just as good......I'm out south from time to time and will be dropping in for more. Maybe it's good I didn't know Calumets was there when I lived out south. But I know now.......yes yes yes ............... Boy the Stuffed Shrimps..............
(4)Christopher J.
Ordered the Catfish way too overpriced ( almost $13 for 4 grammar school lunch squares???!!) especially for the south side and I get Catfish briskets that were like the freezer kind that you get from the grocery store for like $2 a bag back in the 1990's and it tasted terrible! This is not fried fish it is Congolese torture! The fries were dry and unbelievably horrible! Complete and total ripoff! Avoid at all costs!!!!!
(1)Kenneth L.
On my daily commute back home, I'm always tempted to make a quick pit stop by the Fisheries and make use of the emergency stash of cash I keep in my car for this purpose alone. I've had many of the smoked variety - salmon, sable, trout, shrimp - and a couple of the fried options as dinners to go - catfish and oysters. The anticipation of ripping open that white paper package kills me on my drive home. You can't go wrong. Though, I will say the sable isn't always available and, to be honest, it's not as good as the salmon (too fatty). My personal favorites are the salmon and shrimp, which have an almost buttery taste with its natural oils kept heavily concentrated inside through the smoking process. Not to mention, the smoked salmon almost feels like a steal at ~$15/lb. The fried oysters are also surprisingly delicious. For those who aren't fortunate enough to work in the beautiful NW Indiana area, make the trip. It's worth it. The Fisheries are an institution that doesn't fail to live up to its reputation.
(5)William H.
Anthony Bourdain's show about Chicago prompted my interest in Calumet Fisheries. It turns out that my Southside mother (88th and Mackinaw then Lansing) used to go to this very same place on Fridays in the 1950s when the restaurant served shrimp in Chinese take-out cartons whose sides would become so greasy that people could see through them! Sixty years later on 5/29/2015 my mother ordered the shrimp dinner, which comes with slaw. According to her, the shrimp still have the same coating as back in the '50s! My fiancee and I ordered a large fry (nice thick square-cut fries served in a huge old-fashioned red and white paper ground-beef tray), the smoked trout, smoked salmon with pepper and garlic, and the normal smoked salmon, to which an employee said, "There's nothing normal around here." :-) The salmon just came out of the smoker and had a pleasant oily and tender texture that lacked any trace of smokey flavor. The trout was fine. All three orders of fish came in triple-wrapped white paper, which adds to the great old-fashioned touch. The slaw was nice and tangy. The fries had a full and slightly oily favor that complemented the fish. Overall, there's nothing to criticize! Just enjoy this time-tested Southside treasure of great fishy goodness, especially if are a Chicagoan! Support the local economy, damn it!! PS Tip 1: Some people may be a bit apprehensive about the neighborhood, but they shouldn't worry too much. Just take the Bishop Ford to the Stoney Exit, which takes you on a very long exit ramp that deposits you at about 97th and Stoney. Go a couple blocks north to 95th, make a right, and go 2 short miles to Calumet Fisheries. Tip 2: We completed our Southeast-side tour by eating at some picnic tables at the William Powers State Recreation Area at 126th and Ave. O in the lesser-known Chicago neighborhood Hegewisch. Despite the Rahmfather's official tourist maps that end at 55th street, Chicago does have countless hidden gems south of Hype Park, such as Pullman, Argus Brewery, and Calumet Fisheries! Get in on the secret before the hipsters do!!
(5)Maria E.
If you enjoy smoked fish, go here because it's quite delicious. Good smoked trout, salmon, sturgeon, shrimp, with a variety of sides to choose from. I loved the fried pickles, fried pickle spears to be exact, some of the best I've had. If you like the Blues Brothers and want to see where the bridge scene was filmed, go here. If you follow Anthony Bourdain wherever he goes, go here. This is kind of far from anywhere so find a car to drive here. It is cash only. There is no seating inside or outside so you either eat in your car and stink it up big time, or better option - drive down a little further and go sit and eat on a bench by the lake.
(4)Tieshea B.
I saw this place on the travel channel years ago and couldn't get them out my head. I finally made it. The people were rude as they figured we knew what to do as far as ordering. The two different sides we were not aware of. Beyond that the food was good it's pricy but good. I had fried pickles which I love. The smoked shrimp was ok some were mushy. The fried shrimp was good as well as the smelts. I would return for the pickles!!!
(3)Mike D.
I've been eating Calumet Fisheries as long as I can remember. My parents grew up a stones throw away from their location, so as a shorty I was treated to the delicious smoked fish and other items from their menu. On weekends you'll see cars jostling for parking and a line all the way out the door and then some. Try the chubs, frog legs, shrimp, smoked salmon, hell try it all! I love this place. Now I've got taste for it!
(4)Jordan P.
So I wasn't a huge fan of this place. I drove alllll the way down here with high expectations, but I'm going to have to disagree with my fellow Yelpers. This place was nothing special. We ordered a ton of food - fried clams, fried fish, fries, smoked fish, shrimp, etc. and all of it was meh. There was absolutely nothing special about it at all. The breading on everything was bland and the fish was of so-so quality. In addition, the place was extremely slow and smells disgusting. This place was definitely not worth the trip. I've had much better fried everything downtown.
(2)Sadia K.
nothing beats smoked fish like this place...a small hole in the wall in the middle of nowhere but my oh my, the fish is delicious and fresh.. I wish we had a place like this back home. I could buy by the pound for my weekly sandwiches. No more am I going to be able to enjoy store bought smoked salmon.. Calumet fisheries has raised the bar! By the way, no restrooms.. relieve your duties before coming here..
(5)Janie J.
What can I say that hasn't already been said? Even my picky eater of a little sister thoroughly enjoyed the smoked trout, salmon, sturgeon and the fried shrimp. It's all great, delicious, high quality fish. Love this place. So worth the drive!
(5)Keith A.
Since Anthony Bourdain's first Chicago episode I've been wanting to come here. It isn't the easiest place to get to, but a business road trip allowed for me and a friend to come here on our way back. It had been a long drive and everything really hit the spot. I had read up on what to get and went with a lb or smoked shrimp, a half order of fried shrimp, and a half order of fried oysters. The smoked shrimp were just absolutely amazing. The shells were on and you had to peel them. What was peeled away was something that I could eat all day every day. What was even better was that the guy behind the counter asked if it was our first time, we said yes, and he then gave us a smoked shrimp each. It was really nice to get a sample of the goods before. The two fried selections were excellent too. I was digging more on the fried shrimp than oysters, but I think it's more because I'm a huge lover of raw oysters and I always want that flavor from them. Calumet Fisheries isn't the easiest place to get to for us north siders. But, it is well worth the trip. There is the added fun factor of sitting on one of the benches outside and feeling like you're in a completely different area of Chicago. Calumet Fisheries is a Chicago treasure and one that deserves to be visited.
(4)Tammy L.
I really liked the food from Calumet. My friends and I all piled into a car, bought a whole boatload of food, and ate at Calumet park, as others have suggested. It was a chilly day, so I think the food will taste even better on a sunny, warm one. We sampled both the fried food and the smoked fish, though I was disappointed that someone had apparently bought their entire supply of smoked sable for the day, so I'll have to try that next time. I really liked the pepper-garlic salmon. It was so moist and flavorful! Perfect with cream cheese )brought from home) and hot sauce. The smoked shrimp were really big and moist also. Like Johnny T, I really prefer cleaned shrimp, but I do understand that the shells probably need to be intact in order for the shrimp to stay moist through the smoking process. The fried things we tried (clam strips, smelts, shrimp) were also good, but I think I liked the smoked stuff better. Of the fried things, I think my favorite were the smelts. I kind of wished the clam strips had been more big pieces instead of small--lots of small bits. I would skip the potato and macaroni salads--not my cup of tea. Next time I'd make and bring my own. The folks at the counter were really nice and accommodating, especially since we were taking a while to strategize and put our order in. They happily gave us extra paper boats and other fixings. It's not necessarily the cheapest place, but the fish is really good, so you get what you pay for. It's worth the trip!
(4)Jason N.
Found this place courtesy of Mr. Anthony Bourdain. Ended up ordering a large amount of fried seafood and smoked shrimp which we consumed in a fairly rapid fashion in our automobile. Despite smelling like fish fry already, we proceed to order several pounds of smoked fish to take home in our long journey back to NY. While we luckily did not have any cats attacks our auto on the way, it was well worth the risk. Pros: Great smoked fish, shrimp, fairly inexpensive Cons: It is literally a shack in the middle of nowhere near the Illinois/ Indiana border. No tables, no restroom, nada
(5)Jackson E.
This place is right down the street...went on yelp to see what all the hype was about...every weekend we would see cars lined up near the bridge and people heading that way on bikes. Last night was our first stop in. Surprisingly clean inside despite the old shack type look on the outside. We ordered fish chips and the shrimp. They were good not "to die for" I didn't like the hot sauce it was more vinegar than hott. The fries were okay. I liked how everything was fried fresh to order...the staff was really friendly and fast. It was an alright friend. We also grabbed a smoked white fish to try. Overall I think if you were going in for their speciality smoked fish it is worth it....but I know I wouldn't drive more than down the block for the food. Cash Only if u do decide!
(3)T G.
Loved it! Great food and friendly staff who are more than happy to answer questions. We got half orders of catfish, oysters, scallops and shrimp. Also large order of fries. Food was for 4 people and we had leftovers. Everything was good. Even though we're an hour away we'll definitely be coming back. *there is no seating
(5)Sylvia C.
This place will quench your fried seafood craving. I had the fried shrimp, oysters, and fish. Everything was fried perfectly. The shrimp was awesome and retained a lot of the shrimp flavor for being fried. The oysters are on the pungent side (not because it was going bad, just the type of oyster it was), but I didn't mind this because I like pungent foods. The consistency of the oyster kept most of its raw form, which I also liked, but it's a little weird to bite into a crispy fried batter and have something mushy/boogery flood into your mouth. This isn't a complaint, though. Still pretty tasty. The fish was good. Nothing special, but delicious nonetheless. Fries were just ok. Typical fries. The cole slaw is 80% mayonnaise. The guy gave us a sample of the smoked fish and shrimp. Oh my goodness, did that fish melt in my mouth. They smoke it and retain a lot of the fat content, which is hard to do since smoking dries out meat. Next time I go, I'm going to get a steak of smoked salmon. It was pretty amazing and the smoke flavor was great! The smoked shrimp doesn't retain as much of the smoke flavor due to the shell, but it was still good. There is no seating. You eat in your car, or outside on the curb if it's not winter.
(4)Angela P.
Sure, there's a little bit of added hype to the place because of Anthony Bourdain and the Blues Brothers, but I thought a Bourdain quote on the wall was particularly inspiring, "Be a traveler, not a tourist." When you go to Calumet Fisheries, you come for the food AND the view. It is far off the path for your typical tourist, but I've been working hard at creating an ideal "staycation" style itinerary for us to explore Chicago. I've been chasing after the concept of being a traveler in my own city and not a tourist. This is why you go to Calumet Fisheries. Still feeling full from our visit at Argus Brewery, we decided on a half order of shrimp, a half order of scallops and some fries to share. Add two cans of pop and we spent about $20. The fried shrimp was the best fried shrimp! The shrimp tasted fresh, and the batter was super crispy. Calumet Fisheries could be a dangerous spot for your wallet if you're a hungry hippo. The scallops were a little bit chewy though, which wasn't a complete surprise since scallops can be a challenge to cook. Still, you'd think a fishery would have this (nearly) perfected. A dingy little shack on the river is a great setting for lunch. However, since this is Chicago you may not want to sit on the two picnic tables outside if it's cold and windy. We opted to eat in the car, which was still fun since we got to watch the bridge come up once to let a boat through. Don't put Calumet Fisheries on your "when I'm in the neighborhood sometime..." list. Just give yourself a reason to GET in the neighborhood.
(5)Vina O.
Am I the only person who does not care for their food at all?! The breading to fish ratio is way off, to the point where I can barely taste the fish. The breading is also flavorless! I've had their breaded catfish, smelt, scallops, frog legs, and squid. I honestly did not like anything because of the breading! I can make MUCH better fried seafood anyday (and I do). Definitely not worth the trip nor the long lines.
(1)Delilah D.
Delicious smoked shrimp and fried scallops that melt in your mouth.
(5)Courtney C.
I remembered seeing this place featured on the T.V. show 'No Reservations.' A co-worker and I had been spending some time in Chicago on business, and we decided to take the "scenic" route home. We happened across Calumet Fisheries on accident. It is tiny, but it can't be missed as it is the last business before crossing the bridge. My co-work was put off by the look of the smoked variety, so he settled with fried catfish. I love trout, so I got a healthy chunk of the garlic/peppercorn smoked trout. It was probably the best fish I have ever tasted! The smoke is present, but not overpowering. The garlic and crushed peppercorns enhance the flavors. I was blown away by how moist the meat was. It looks as though it would be dried out, but it is juicy and tender. My co-worker raved about the catfish, so I tried a piece of that as well. The breading was simple, but delicious. He inturn had a piece of the trout, which shocked him to the point of regretting the decision to go fried. I took a small piece home to my daughter (12) who has recently decided she likes fish. She was also impressed. The staff was friendly and helpful. Next time we're in Chi-town, we will be hitting this joint on our way out! An all around great experience.
(5)Steven B.
I've been eating here since I was a kid and it is always amazing. The fish dinner is great, the shrimp dinner is great, and the smoked salmon is amazing.
(5)Vincent S.
Driving by it near the state line, off the toll road and it was easy to find. It looks like a dump, we all know that, but that is OK. Beautiful looking fish.NO SAMPLES. That was not good. Either it is smoked or it is fried. I can get fried fish anywhere so I went for the smoked fish. I smoke salmon all the time, catching it on Lake Michigan. With this in mind I ordered a dinner of smoked WHITE FISH. The pop came in a can, ehh! The fries were good and ridiculously portioned. The fish was perfectly smoked but cool. I wasn't ready for that, but it was GREAT. It was a big chunk near the head. I got 3 crab cakes too, I can't pass them up. AWESOME taste, but not giants. Finally, the price wasn't bad either. As Arnold Schwarzenegger said, "I'll be back."
(4)Diana J.
They smoke their fish in-house, and it's where Anthony Bourdain went to get some good fish in Chicago. Need I say more? Well, I probably should: This place is not close to you...it's probably in a part of the city you didn't know existed, even though the Blues Brothers car jumping bridge scene was shot here. It's very far south and very far east, but if you're anywhere near the neighborhood it's a must. They have an assortment of sea food smoked in different ways and even their fried catfish, shrimp, etc. are good. They are cash-only and there's no where to eat inside, so pack up some wet wipes, and plan to eat outside in your car.
(5)Misty S.
The food here is decent, but nothing I would go out of the way to find. The guys that work here are friendly and fast. I tried the following: FRY FISH - I'm not sure what kind of fish, but $7 got me a pretty good amount of fried fish pieces and they were pretty good. The tarter sauce went well, as tarter sauces and fish go. I would try the smoked salmon next time around. FRY SHRIMP - $5 got me half order of friend shrimp, which at first I thought were the fish when I ate them. The texture was more fish-like than shrimp like. I dipped them in both tarter sauce and the hot sauce, but felt like neither sauce did the shrimps justice. Notes: -Cash only -Plenty of street parking -There's no place to sit and eat, plan on taking it to go
(3)Alana D.
Wow pretty amazing! I've lived in the south shore area for a year and never heard about this till recently. Glad I checked it out! I had the shrimp dinner and it was really good! I really can't wait to go back! Also the scenery is pretty great it's near a boat dock and there is a picnic table out front.
(4)Oscar S.
I am sooooo glad I finally got the opportunity to try Calumet Fisheries.Have been dying to come here FOR MONTHS!!!! Somehow it hadnt panned out till FINALLY today.Was an enjoyable experience.Couldnt pass up the chance to try the smoked salmon I've heard so much about.Definetely WORTH IT!!!!! As I waited on my order to be ready I was looking at the rest of their menu.I already know what my next order will be!!!!!! I WILL BE BACK!!!!!! Its a place people IM SURE just drive past and dont give it a second thought because its in the middle of nowhere.Luckily,I know its there and they have some AMAZING smoked fish!!!! Not too many places like this left.So every chance I get Im gonna make it a point to come in again.Totally recommend!!!!!
(5)Ken B.
First trip here. It was really good! Got the fish dinner and it came with fries and cole slaw. Cole slaw was really good. Fish was flaky and good, a thinner but crunchy breading. Service was quick and friendly, cash only for payment. It's in a weird spot. I will go back for some smoked fish!
(4)allison k.
Oh my, their smoked everything is awesome. The sable and sturgeon are more interesting but the good old fashioned smoked white fish and smoke salmon are still amazing. I also really liked the smoked shrimp!! I'm not that big into fried food bit the stuffed shrimp are really good. Everyone is friendly and easy to deal with. Small place so make your selections to keep things moving, no inside tables, quick service, cash only. So so good and wonderful to serve this smoked fish for Sunday morning brunch! Or a dinner appetizer! Or anytime!
(5)Mayra M.
I give them five stars well deserved . I love their shrimp it's the best around!!! I have tried fried shrimp in a lot of places and this place is my favorite!!! Yet have to taste better!!! Not to mention quick service that's always a plus!!!
(5)Chet M.
I refuse to succumb to the peer pressure and accolades of the Bourdain visit, James Beard Award, and storied history... This place is just okay on my sunny Wednesday noon time visit - - They only had 1 piece of smoked sable left. - There was no smoked sturgeon. Does me no damn good of how good it is if you can't sell me a piece. - The smoked shrimp was unique and very good. - Smoked salmon was as good as from any other serious smoke shops. - The fried smelt, fish chips, scallops, were as good as expected. - The sodas in the fridge counter was not cold and they do not offer cups of ice. Spent $157 here (goodie bags for friends) and no cold drink to wash down my meal in the car. Dissapointed and overrated? You betcha....
(3)Jason B.
If you judge a place that smokes by the scent of smoke, this place is going to get 5 stars, hands down. It hits you hard and big as you walk in and if that's for you, certainly you'll mutter something like: this is f#cking awesome. And it is. Calumet Fisheries is awesome. I know of no other place in the area that really compares, so they have to get 5 stars. It's in a class of its own. Yeah, yeah... Bourdain, that's cool... Blues Brothers? If you frown or grimace or dismiss Blues Brothers lore in any way, you should not be living in Chicago. The food? Famously great, hundreds of other reviews will attest to that. And if it wasn't good, it wouldn't still be attracting people from across the states every single day. For me, Calumet Fisheries is more than just food. It's the setting. It's the humble shack that still pulls a James Beard award. It's a reminder that the southeast side of Chicago made something great, and still does. The smokestacks of Wisconsin Steel, Republic, Inland and more may be gone, but they're still smokin' at Calumet Fisheries and that is something to celebrate.
(5)Jordan M.
This place is totally worth the pain in the ass drive (essentially) to Indiana. I stopped by on my way from Chicago to Indianapolis and planned to try a bunch of different things since I likely wouldn't be in the area again anytime soon. I ordered the smoked shrimp, the fried shrimp and the (fried) fish dinner. All three were worth ordering again but my favorite was the smoked shrimp and I don't think I could ever return and not order it again. The shrimp were fresh and very large. The smokey flavor was undeniable. These guys are professionals and the product reflects that. I've eaten seafood at GT Fish & Oyster, Joe's, Fish Bar, and numerous other places in Chicago and this place is right at the top of the list. Next time I visit (on my way to the Three Floyd's brewery with friends) I will make sure to try some of the smoked salmon because it looks absolutely delicious sitting in the glass casing. I fully expect that to rival the smoked shrimp in terms of flavor. The sauces that come with your order are nothing special but with such high quality food you don't really need to add much to it. There's nowhere to sit inside the especially unassuming shack on the side of the road. If the weather is nice, just eat your food on the nearby bridge while taking in the view of the river. If the weather sucks, take your food to go and eat in your car. Be aware, you and your vehicle are going to smell like whatever you ordered for at least the next day.
(5)Chris H.
First visit. Nothing better than smoked whitefish on a sunny late-summer morning.
(5)Ryne D.
What an ordeal this day was. After driving all the way here and eating, my girlfriend's car broke down, we had to get towed, and were left stranded in Oak Lawn by an unhelpful Mazda dealership. Luckily we got a ride to Midway from a friend and took an hour long trip home from there on the Orange. Yet still...for Calumet Fisheries? Totally worth it. I'd never had shrimp this flavorful before in my life. You can order by the piece, so my gf and I got 5 each. They were large, meaty, and buttery texture-wise, and didn't need any kind of dipping sauce at all. I would make the trip back just for these bad boys. We also got the peppered salmon. Now in my experience, unless it's slathered in some kind of mayo sauce, salmon often times turns out kind of dry. Now I don't know how smoking does this, but the salmon here turned out almost creamy with a great flavor. I'd never had fish like this and really want to see how their other fish turn out. We also got the fried scallops and fried oysters because, hell, we drove a far way from home to get here. These also turned out great, with the scallops being large and meaty and the oysters still retaining their tasty fishiness. The staff here was great, too. As we and some other people were taking pictures, one of the employees invited us to take a look at their smoker. I was quite amazed to see just how many fish they were smoking at one time, but given how great the food was, I can see them moving rather quickly. This place is a true Chicago landmark. Bring cash, bring wet naps, and bring a place to sit; a car will do nicely, provided that it still works when you're done eating.
(5)James L.
Everything it is cracked up to be right down to the gritty industrial neighborhood and rusty bridges. Smoked fish was excellent. We had the salmon, trout and whitefish. Trout was my personal favorite. The smoked and fried shrimp were so different yet both so good. We got quite a bit to go, too, so don't forget your cooler and don't miss this true Chicago experience.
(5)Danny M.
We've decided to come here because we were craving fried seafood and oysters on a Sunday afternoon. Needed something greasy to cure that hangover. This place was recommended to us by my gf's friend and I have bookmarked it a while back, but finally decided to give this place a try. The drive took about 15 minutes, which wasn't too bad, but it is still a drive because they have a similar place by me that gets the craving done as well. As soon as we got there, the place was small and they didn't have anywhere to sit and eat inside. It was somewhat busy, but the lines moved fast. The workers were really nice and we ordered a bunch of stuff worth $45.00. We got 2 full orders for Fried Oysters, full order of clam strips, half order of fried shrimp, and an order of fried sweet potato tater tots. We couldn't eat it there, so we drove back with the food and ate it about 30 minutes later. It was somewhat cold, but the important thing was that everything tasted really good still. The fried oysters were good, but it got a little dry from it being cold. The clam strips were good and you get a lot of clams and not a lot of breading like most places. The fried shrimp was really really good. Definitely my favorite. The fried sweet potato tater tots were really good as well, and it helps keep the spiciness down from the hot sauce. Overall, I would definitely come back here in the future, but this place is not convenient for as it is by the Illinois/Indiana border. If I hit up the Shoe, I would definitely make a stop here as it is right off the Skyway. Also, I would definitely get the smoked shrimp because I have heard many great things about them and they were really popular there. We just wanted something greasy, so we didn't get that. Oh and keep in mind, this place is CASH ONLY!! That's the only bad thing about this place.
(4)Delores J.
Well if you think about it, my tip was my review but for the sake of being non complicated let's go again. If you like Smoked fish this is heaven. Heck if you bring them the Crackling I'm sure they would smoke it for you and then serve. The Smokehouse effect is for smoke meat lovers. This reminds me of the argument I love to have with Catholics. Try it, some of them think fish is not meat. So funny... try it during lent its even funnier.
(4)Angela S.
When I venture out of the city to try a place I of course hope it's worth the trip. I'll admit I had some expectations after seeing CF on an episode of "Check Please." The place is such a dive and so cute looking. I didn't care that I'd have to eat in the car alongside the highway near the industrial Indiana border. I was excited to try some French fried seafood goodness! And it was busy. There were regulars and suburbanites in and out as I began to dig in to my car picnic of breaded clams, shrimp, catfish nuggets, fries and... Curly dark hairs! Not just one, but several sprinkled throughout the fries like a garnish. I couldn't believe my eyes. And had my fingers not been French fried greasy I would've taken a picture. I'm sure every place's cleanliness, hygiene and maintenance is compromised from time to time, but that was a huge disappointment. The food wasn't out if this world either. I've treated myself to that fried junk food at plenty of places in the city. The only difference is that it's been minus the short and curlies.
(2)Marc R.
I went down here after driving past the place for decades and thinking it was a typical Chicago shrimp shack - which it is to a degree. I came for something specific: smoked fish pieces because I had seen Anthony Bourdain and read about the James Beard Award. I drive the Skyway all the time so decided to hop off at Indy-Blvd and go look for Calumet Fisheries. You park your car behind all the cop cars, city sanitation trucks, and highway crews (this place is a hit with Laborers, Cops, and city workers). Most people were getting the fried shrimp, and other fried stuff, but since I saw Anthony Bourdain going crazy as he sat and ate his smoked fish I went for the smoked fish! I selected the smoked salmon and Trout (Pepper & Garlic). Both were freaking amazing. The rich fish oils and smoked flavor of the salmon (you get to choose pieces) would do well on any fancy party tray. The garlic and pepper is a house specialty and was also amazing. I bought these to take home and had them with toasted bread, a little mustard, but mostly plain in my hands. The fish oils just taste so good (and are pretty good for you). I would go for the house specials which are the smoked fish items (they have whole fish), EEL, Sable, etc. If there is something you want to make sure you try I would suggest you call ahead before the lunch rush. They have a tiny little corner and the little shack has the smoke house right behind it. When I was there I saw the dudes tending to the smoke fires. How cool is that? The industrial site next door has a security truck sitting there - so I think they do not want you parking on that piece of property so you are forced to park in the small number of spots right before the 95th street bridge. If I had a place on the Michigan shore this would be a place to stop off at on the way over. Easy detour off the Skyway.
(4)E J H.
OK, they got us. Some folks really have no taste. This was the worst seafood we've eaten...Ever! Since this was our first time ordering seafood from this place, we decided to sample a few items. And am I glad we did. We ordered a FULL (12 oz.) order of shrimp, half order each of catfish nuggets, perch nuggets and fries. Everything was hot but fried to a crisp; nearly burnt, and tasteless. The shrimp were so small, over-breaded, over-cooked and over-priced. Shrimp should be tender; not fried to a crisp. If you want any sauces or crackers, there is an extra charge. We wanted to try the smoked salmon, but the smallest piece was $15. Sure glad I had them put it back. If it was anything like the fried items, I'm glad I didn't waste any more money. If you enjoy good fried shrimp, drive north to Hammond, Indiana on Calumet Ave. and check out Bob's Shrimp. So much better taste and a FULL pound for less money. Calumet Fisheries may have been the place to go years ago, but today it's junk. Maybe it was an off-day for us. My recommendation: Don't waste your time or money.
(2)Michael F.
Everyone knows that the Calumet River is the Seine of the southeast side of Chicago, and that its best, and possibly only, restaurant sits right on the rive gauche. People come from all around to get to Calumet Fisheries which is good because only 12 people live within a mile. If you're in the Loop and wish to meet your friend in Guatemala for lunch, this is a perfect in between point. There is no seating inside or out, but while I searched in vain for a possible outdoor picnic table or pumpkin to sit on, I found a small controlled fire next to the building which may be related to smoking the fish or an unrelated satanic ritual, but I'll never know as I chose not to further explore. Despite the distance and lack of seats, Calumet Fisheries is worth the hassle. The smoked fish is delicious and seemingly done on premises. The prices are reasonable and the food is probably not from the Calumet river. I would say that it is much better than Lawrence Fisheries or Goose Island Shrimp House.
(4)Charlie M.
This place is a classic! You cant go wrong with the fried shrimp and hot sauce, Ive been coming here for my entire life and its never changed. My favorite comfort food on the planet!
(5)Allison V.
Did a bike ride with friends and crashed on the Lakefront bike path on the way home. Glad it wasn't on the way there!! I opted for the catfish nuggets, fries, and a water. The catfish was SOOOO tasty. We sat on the grass just outside and had a little picnic. It is always a fun trek to this place. Always busy and always fresh. I will be back.
(5)Parker W.
Worth a trip for the smoked fish. They sell a lot of deep-fried seafood which is good but not worth the trip. Don't eat on the bridge in spring.... it may try to open on you.
(5)Michael D.
I love this place! I got to go for the second time yesterday, and was as pleased as I was the first time. This time, though, I knew not to order too much food. A single filet (smoked salmon with or without pepper/garlic, trout with or without pepper/garlic) is really filling...as is a basket of the fried smelt. I got a single filet ($12) of the peppered salmon this time with a drink, and it made a perfect lunch. I live out-of-state, so I like to eat it with my hands in the car or on the bridge next door. If I lived nearby, I'd take a ton of this stuff home for use in full meals. By the way, I met the owner this time, and he offered up some samples of the stuff I was looking at. The samples I got were right out of the smoker, and still a little bit warm. The stuff in the regular case is fantastic enough already, and the warm goodies are completely out of this world. And, if you like to talk business, there is nothing more satisfying than meeting someone like this that is extremely proud of his craft, recent awards, and his long-term well-deserved success.
(5)Susan G.
Oh yum! I grew up in the Jewish community of South Shore and remembered the place from my childhood. For all MOTs and other lovers of smoked fish, you can get there in a flash from Hyde Park by taking Stony Island out to South Chicago Avenue (at 79th Street). It's a little tricky to avoid the ramps to the Skyway (and that $3 toll), but bear left at the 3-street intersection and you'll make it to the Promised Land of sable, smoked chubs, etc. Forget the "trayf" and concentrate on what your foks used to serve for Sunday brunch. My Russian-born grandmother would suck the eyes out of the smoked chubs -- eeeyew! gross! but delish.
(5)Mel M.
Nothing like it! Get the steamed options or fried shrimp and you will not be disappointed.
(4)Shonda K.
My first experience at this restaurant and I must say I was not disappointed. I am a self proclaimed foodie and once I saw Calumet Fisheries listed on the top Shrimp Shack list and checked out Anthony Bourrdain's segment on this place, I knew I had to check it out. The fried shrimp was just ok [their competition just 2 miles away is better in the fried shrimp category in my opinion - Heinie's on 103rd and Torrence]. The true standout stars here are the smoked shrimp and salmon!! The smoking process really brought the sweetness in the Shrimp, and the Salmon? Words cannot describe the moist flavorful first bite. I'm saving my garlic pepper piece to eat it with my homemade Dill Rice and Fresh Steamed Broccoli. The perfect 4th of July meal!
(5)A K.
I liked the smoked salmon , its cool place to visit if you have friends from outside town.
(4)Mary Kate D.
Went yesterday after spending the day at the indiana dunes. We had the catfish dinner, smoked shrimp dinner, mac and cheese bites, and the smoked rainbow trout. Food was great. Smoked shrimp was the best. We enjoyed everything we had and the staff behind the counter was friendly, informative and quick. Support small businesses!
(4)Vincent Y.
AH! Fantastically fried fish. I wish I could return over and over again on the Metra. So it's kind of in the middle of nowhere (next to the Skyway) but it's still delicious. And also there's no seating (or tables outside) but it's still delicious. And also it's nothing but fried fish, smoked fish, grilled fish (and some fried macaroni, fries, other fried stuff, etc.) but it's still delicious. One of the cooks, Carlos showed us the place around back and talked about the history of the place with LTH and the history of the place in general.. It was great. One of my favorite places in Chicago. There's a sign inside regarding the fact that this is not a chain restaurant. I hope it never becomes one.
(5)Jon O.
Calumet Fisheries had been on my radar ever since I saw the Chicago episode of "No Reservations" a few years ago. Today, I finally made the long journey down to the southeast side of Chicago to give this place a try. Calumet Fisheries is basically a shack right next to a Calumet River drawbridge hidden behind the Skyway in an old, industrial neighborhood. Let me tell you this place is worth the drive! All of their fish is smoked on site, and the fried food is made to order. Everything we tried was delicious and inexpensive. I like that this place is small and old (opened in 1948) and located in a very non-touristy part of town. They are passionate about their product, and it is their reputation, not location, that has kept them in business this long.
(5)Diana S.
Great. Fresh. Quality. Pricey. Smoked fish and shrimp truly delicious and not overly smokey but a distinct delicious flavor. Peppered salmon a must- almost like a damn good pastrami.... Yum yum yum !!!
(4)carlos R.
Best fried shrimp and smoked items by far!!!!!!!!! Try the pepper and garlic salmon and/smoked shrimp.
(5)Theresa C.
The best fish I have ever had in my life... hands down. Calumet Fisheries wins the debate. No one comes close. Unfortunately for me, I didn't do my homework and found out that it was cash only. I wanted smoked salmon, shrimp and everything on the menu. On my quest to be like Anthony Bourdain I had to try everything. What did I settle for with the few dollars in my pocket? The fried catfish. Yes, I went to a place known for smoked fish and ordered the catfish. Now I'm a catfish connoisseur despite being a Northern yankee. I've had the good and ugly of the catfish world. The breading and the catfish blended so well together here. I usually have catfish and it gets that dirty fishy taste, the fish is overcooked and dry or the breading overwhelms the fish. Not at Calumet Fisheries, it tasted so fresh, moist and damn delicious. The gods of flavor were smiling on this fish. Seriously I heard angelic harps somewhere. Top it off with the hot sauce (good for dipping the fries in as well), it made this meal heaven on Earth. My mom had the fish chips and absolutely raved about it. Usually eating with her, I can have a piece to "try." This time she wouldn't let go of any of it, so I knew it had to be good. Definitely worth the drive down 95th from Mt. Greenwood. I will be back, this time with money in my pockets for the the specialty of the house. Smoked salmon and shrimp, you have been warned.
(5)Nishan P.
Johnny T. ate poop. The poor guy was mortified when he realized what he had done. He didn't know the smoked shrimp at Calumet Fisheries had not been deveined. His discovery sparked an interesting debate on whether smoked poop made the shrimp taste better. Theories were even offered about water poop being less disgusting than land poop. Okay, enough about poop; onto Calumet Fisheries. The business operates out of a shack on a bank of the Calumet River. There is barely enough room inside for a few people to stand while ordering. Large glass counters, displaying delicious looking hunks of smoked fish, consume most of the space. Behind the counters employees take orders and deep fry a variety of seafood. The fried oysters, fried clams, and fried fish were excellent. The smoked shrimp were also good but didn't taste much like shrimp; perhaps that's because of the poop. My fries were a bit of a disappointment. They tasted undercooked and were raw in the middle. There is no room to eat in the shack. Calumet Park, a few blocks down the road, is the perfect place for a lakeside picnic. Be prepared to fight off flocks of seagulls. They too seem to have a fondness for the Calumet Fisheries smoked shrimp, poop and all.
(4)Abe R.
After my second visit I've finally gotten around to writing this review. Why I didn't after my first visit I have no idea, especially when it was easily one of the best overall meals in my lifetime. Maybe it was my conscience telling me to give it another try just to make sure I really did enjoy it as much as I believed. Who knows... Anyhow, I am going to make this as basic as possible: A. The fish is just damn fresh. B. The prices are fair to exceptional, especially for the quality. C. The people who work there are nice and helpful. Finally, here is a list of what I ate in no particular order of greatness since I eat everything and like all food. 1. Chubs--Fatty and Oily, and oh so great. 2. Heads and Collars--I love the collar, as again it is fatty and for me fat is goodness as it's moist and buttery. Same goes for the head. 3. Salmon--The smoke flavor really comes through in this type of fish. 4. Sturgeon--Smokey, Buttery, and unreal. 5. Shrimp--Huge, moist, and great. 6. Trout--Simple flavor, with not as much fat, but still very tasty. All in all I couldn't recommend this establishment enough if you like fish, especially fish that has been smoked and is extremely fresh. I will tell you though that if you are like me and have a larger appetite then you just might need to save up a bit when coming here. That however is just a slight drawback, as fresh fish is never cheap. By the way, the place is CASH ONLY, and there is nowhere to eat inside, so you either need to eat in your car on a cold day, or if it's nice, head to the park nearby just across the bridge. The latter I definitely recommend since you can sit by the lake and eat, and if you are on the lookout, their is usually a shaved ice vendor cart nearby and even a mango stand. Enjoy Suckas'!!!
(5)J. Chuck K.
If you're looking for warm smiles and a friendly "hello" from the person serving you behind the counter, then go else where. This place is rough around the edges in just about every aspect of their operation, but they do put out some good food for a good value. I stopped by with some friends for a quick lunch on our way to Michigan for the weekend. To be honest, I'm not a big fish guy, so I went with the crab cakes and onion rings. For just under $11, I got 3 huge cakes and a Chinese food container filled to the brim with rings. While you're waiting for your food, there's plenty of news paper clips about the Blues Brothers and Anthony Bourdain. They are shameless in the fact they want you to know Anthony Bourdain once ate there. It's cool to read about the Blues Brothers filming by the bridge just feet away from this shack, but I really could have done without the shrine to Bourdain. Come here when it's warm out, because there's no place to eat inside. They have some old picnic tables or you can eat on the bridge, but be prepared to have lunch/dinner in your car if it's freezing or raining.
(3)Carol M.
This places smokes the competition!! I've only had the smoked salmon and smoked trout tail, but both were amazing. The salmon served as a few dinners w/ some sliced apples, nuts, and cheeses. Prices weren't that bad either. This is totally worth the trip from the heart of the city...and next time I might take a cooler with me so I can stop by on my long bike rides. Swoon.
(5)Polly G.
I've been coming here since I was a kid. I remember thinking how bad it smelled to me as a child, but as an adult, it is a mouth watering aroma. My favorite dish is the fried shrimp, best fried shrimp hands down. I've loved this place my whole life and am thrilled to see the culinary world take notice!
(5)Mike P.
As a native to the area where Calumet Fisheries is, I'd never really tried it until a handful of years ago when I was looking for some place different to go. Its been well worth the wait (and finally they are getting the kudos they deserve for the awesome and delicious stuff they have). I'll admit I've only tried their smoked shrimp once (and enjoyed it) as I like to get their fried fish...the fish chips and shrimp most of the time. Its all freshly prepared so its nice and hot when I bring it in the house. They also have more than just fries for sides...mushrooms, calamari, and sweet potato tots to name a few. Yea there are no seats in the place and all they take is cash, but hey, they've been doing it right for so long, why fix what isn't broken? If you are coming here, especially now during the season of Lent (pre-Easter), be prepared to wait as I did tonight....the place does fill up quickly (and you can tell by how far back you have to park) and depending on what you get, it may take a bit to get your orders...but be prepared to enjoy some great seafood!
(5)Adam K.
Thank the lord Jehova and all his witnesses this place exists, if not I'd be forced to eat McDonalds or subway everyday I forgot my lunch. Like today. But wow man, this place really is wonderful. They even messed my order up, and it was still tremendously better food than anything I can remember having recently. They sent me home with a half frozen smoked trout, slaw and sweet potato nuggets. After zapping the trout I dug in and it was superb. I will for sure be back. What a weird little spot. Just at the top of a bridge going over the Calumet river it looks like a fishing shack from the 1940s. Inside its all metal signs and a big wraparound counter. Thats it. So order it up and eat in your car like everyone else. Or return to work and make your lunchroom smell like a smoke house. The fish was devine. I will be a regular here. I don't need Tony Bourdain to tell me whats good. Its nice to be able to eat so close to work and not eat deep fried meat or other stuff that makes my cardiologist squeal with glee as he checks my gravy-blood.
(5)Jon D.
Go for smoked fish, salmon especially. If it's quiet, one of the guys will take you to the smoker, and get you to eat a fish eye (it's really not that bad). We went with a group of about 7, at around 2 on a Saturday afternoon, and went through a pound of smoked shrimp, three salmon pieces, two fish chips, two clam strips, and fries, and still had left overs. There's no seating, or bathrooms, and it is cash only. If you're going in autumn or winter, dress appropriatly and picnic on the hood of your car watching the the vessels coming up the river and under the 95th st bridge. Quality fish, nothing fancy, and that suits it just perfectly.
(4)The Big O.
I love this place--the food, the people who work there, the post-Apocalyptic setting--and highly recommend it. Specifically, I recommend the fried shrimp, fried scallops and fried oysters. If I'm feeling indulgent I get a not-so-small small order of each, and some of their hot sauce, a small thing of their cole slaw, and either sit in the car and eat on a bad-weather day, or sit near the Calumet on a nice-weather day.
(5)Kay J.
Mom saw this place on Check Please and I arrived thinking we would have table service and a glass of wine. Uh, nope. It is strictly take away. You park on the street in the bike path. I guess you can park in the vacant lot a block away and apparently in the summer there are picnic tables. We took a fillet of smoked salmon and OMG! It was fresh and moist and tasted wonderful! We also took half a dozen smoked JUMBO shrimp and they too were delicious. The fried shrimp were smaller and came with hot or mild sauce. We were assured the hot sauce was not too hot. AAAARRRGGG!!! NOT TRUE! The fried shrimp were incredible - best I have ever had. We headed south to Mickey D's for beverages and plan to return with dates and a bottle of wine in the summer and enjoy the ambiance on the shores of the canal!
(5)Amber L.
Yum.
(4)Diana G.
Been on my to try list for a while now. Was coming back from Indiana and was about to pass it and was telling my sister that it was there. We thought it was closed since it was 9:40pm, but we saw the light and my guy did a quick u-turn.....lol. Went in with my sister to order and we just wanted to order everything. We ended up with smoked shrimp, smoked salmon, fried shrimp, fried oysters and fried frog legs. We didn't eat there, we drove all the way back home which was like a long....15-20 minutes with the smell in the car. Smoked Shrimp - Massive and had that smokey taste to it. Smoked Salmon - I liked it. Maybe if I ate it on some crackers would've been better. Fried Shrimp - They were ok. Better than Lawrence's, but Franks still has the best fried shrimp so far. Fried Oysters - These were good, but I think they would've been great if we ate it right then and there. Fried Frog Legs - These were ok. The hot sauce has quite a kick to it, but the mild sauce was very good! Definitely bring cash......this stuff is not cheap! Will be back to try the smoke chub and trout. Also, the guy working there was friendly and telling us about the place and stuff. Cool!
(4)Nix M.
Brought home smoked shrimp, garlic and pepper salmon and smoked trout. Had the salmon which was moist and smokey tasting. Didn't really taste any garlic or pepper taste and to be honest it was very fishy tasting which makes me wonder how old the fish was when it was smoked. I am used to fresh smoked fish and this isn't it. While there we shared a fried shrimp dinner which was bland and tasteless. Couldn't they add seasoning to the breading? The sauces were yucky. Smoked shrimp were very good but would have liked them to be more smokey. Won't be going back even though the people there were very helpful and nice.
(3)Damon M.
Great food period, if you are really into seafood. I tried this place after seeing them on "Check Please" one day. I could not believe that I had never been to CF after living in Chicago all my life and "Certified" seafood lover. I tried the garlic pepper salmon and the smoked jumbo shrimp. I was very impressed with this place. Even though it is a little pricey and a hole in the wall, but worth it to me. I will be returning faithfully for the smoked shrimp at least. Friendly straight forward service. They will know my name soon.....
(4)Simon M.
Delicious.
(5)Denny L.
Came here on a cold sunday afternoon, after seeing it featured on Anthony bourdain a long while back. Came here with a friend and we ordered a pound of salmon, pound of shrimp, a pound of fried oysters and a order of calamari. Smoked salmon was delicious. Great flavor and fresh. The smoked shrimp was also very good. Fresh and sweet, just the right amount of smoky flavor. the oysters were good, but not as juicy as i expected. the calamari was just okay, kind of over battered, and on the bland side. Will definitely come back for the salmon and smoked shrimp!
(4)Laila C.
I now have 5 pounds of smoked fish in my house! Kate G. came back to visit!!! and wanted to hit up Calumet Fisheries. Since going to South 95th is not something I do on a regular basis, I made the most out of my trip. Got smoke salmon and smoked trout in black pepper/garlic. Super rich and fishy with a great texture. Smoked shrimp which is about the size of my face-a pound gets you about a dozen. Fried oysters and I wanted fried clam stripes but they accidentally gave me fried scallops instead. The scallops were good but got too hot and mushy, the oysters were fine..but I couldn't really eat more than 3 and a pound ended up being about 2 dozen. EEks cons: hot sauce is not hot. fried stuff got too mushy additional pros: an awesome biker thought I had just finished "smoking" which is why I ordered so much food and when he found out I was in my right state of mind, told me he wanted to get with me---if it wasn't for his wife. 50 year old bikers hitting on me for my ability to consume a lot of food is probably the best compliment EVER.
(4)Zach J.
First of all please ignore the lame brain yelpers that trashed on this place for lack of parking spots and cash only. The best ma n pa places are cash only idiot!! They are not going to plow away a huge parking lot or move since they have been there since at least 1927. Don't trash on a business because they want to stick to their roots!! Those that said it is not fresh do not know s**t about fresh seafood! Now onto the food, the food is mind blowingly good and many items are fresh caught right in Chicago. These guys even go ice fishing in the Winter! The Salmon is to die for, fresh, mouthwatering, fall off the bone, smoked to perfection salmon that will melt in your mouth. The trout is also friggin amazing too. I love ordering the fried smelt with that delicious hot sauce. The Shrimp is smoked and delicious, large and to die for! The fried pickles were delicious too. I have been here a few times and love it to death, I wish it was closer to home then I would visit every week! They have been using the same smoker since 1927, and they have not changed a thing about it! The way they cook your fish is exactly how they cooked it in 1927, if that does not make you excited enough to drive through the tough South Deering and East Side neighborhoods to dine at this wonderful joint I do not know what will.
(5)Gregory B.
I've been to heaven and its name is Calumet Fisheries. Perfect. If you hate smoked fish, get the fried. If you hate fish, get the shrimp. If you hate fried fish, get the smoked. Rinse and repeat. This place was featured in the original Blues Bros Movie. James Beard Foundation gave it a huge award. Anthony Bourdain was nuts over it. It looks like a bridge tender shack next to the river. It's been there for 80 years and looks it. They've done it the same way since then. Get the smoked shrimp or the smoked pepper salmon. Best ever.
(5)Ben N.
After visiting Calumet Fisheries a couple of times, I have to wonder why smokehouses like this are a dying breed. Because, Holy Bejeebus, fish can be shockingly delicious when it's given this treatment, at least when it's done right, as these folks do. We've stopped by here heading south out of the city. All told, it's only a half-hour or so detour off of I-94, and presumably a lot less off the Skyway. Sure, the area seems vaguely sketchy if you're from out of town, but the Rust Belt vibe makes it interesting. If you're from out of town and headed home, make sure you've got a little ice chest (and ice, of course), because you need to take some this smoked fish home with you. We're partial to the pepper-and-garlic salmon and the trout. It's very reasonably priced: $15 a pound for the salmon and only about $8 a pound for the trout. It's far fresher-tasting and firmer than the smoked fish than you'd get in a similar or even greater price range with the vacuum-sealed, rubbery, salty smoked-fish product. Given these prices, it is delicious, decadent eating for a couple or three days after we get home. We've yet to get to Calumet Fisheries for the fried seafood; for whatever reason, we've rolled through too early for lunch. Got to get back for the chowing-down-while-sitting-on-the-95th-Street-Âguardrails experience. No doubt that Calumet Fisheries labors under a mountain of hype, thanks in large part to the Bourdain Chicago episode. But I think the hype gets justified here, at least when it comes to smoked fish. Warning: no credit cards.
(5)EurJean C.
My gracious hosts took me here during a visit to Chicago. I suggest coming early in the morning to beat the crowd. We were able to chat with Carlos, who showed us where the smoke the fish and explained the process to us. It was really interesting and I really appreciate the extra effort he took to make our experience great. We ordered the fried smelt, smoked sturgeon, smoked tuna, smoked garlic and pepper tuna, smoked salmon, smoked garlic and pepper salmon, and smoked shrimp. The smoked fish was a bit drier and tougher than I expected, almost like jerky. I think how moist or smoky it turns out really depends on the individual batch and type of fish. The smoked shrimp were delicious and fun to eat and I loved the fried smelt. I recommend coming here at least for the adventure and to try something new. I'd come back just to try a different assortment of smoked fish. Tips: Plan to picnic, so if you like tartar sauce and lemon wedges you should bring your own. Bundle up on a cold day or be prepared to eat in your car, there is no seating inside.
(4)Billy B.
Um, Calumet Fisheries anyone? Yes please! The first time I went to Calumet I foolishly got the friend shrimp and oysters. I was promptly berated when I told my friend Ryan that I didnt get smoked fish. So, I journeyed back for round 2. Round 2 consisted of garlic pepper smoked trout and salmon. OMFG, is this place amazing. It tastes like fish butter. I dont know how else to describe the food so fish butter it is. Go see for yourself and enjoy this delicious hole in the wall gem. PS. The fish are not sourced from Lake Calumet, which is a good thing.
(5)Bob D.
I am shocked by the 4 and 5 star reviews, apparently a lot of folk just get all gitty about being in an industrial wasteland. They buy some mediocre food and feel like they are donating their not so hard earned money to charity. The fried food tastes highly processed, the breading is cloying and heavy. If you don't eat it outside it will b mush before you can do a u-turn on the bridge. The smoked fish is fine, but they charge a premium. The onion rings are bullshit frozen mass produced gmo crap. The sweat potato tots are gimmicky and frozen as well. The fried shrimp don't even qualify in my top ten old school Chicago Swimp joints. I would say if you are in the area grab some smoked salmon, whitefish, or sable, but unless you work at the coal yards or in shipping I am not so sure what you would be doing here. It's just not that good, really?
(3)Pinaki S.
Do you like seafood? Can you eat at a shack/dive much like you might find on a coastal beach town? Do you EVER drive down the Skyway towards Indiana/Michigan? I mean ever?? Well here you go guys. I got 8 of the tastiest JUMBO shrimp (who knew what 'smoked' meant) (which is a half pound) + some quality slaw + mild sauce + basket of fries for $9. Anthony Bourdain's been here. It's a LTH Great Neighborhood Restaurant. Check it out.
(5)John Y.
I have been a regular customer of Calumet Fisheries since I was a kid as I mentioned in my First to Review comments. I absolutely love this landmark shrimp house where I have experienced the best breaded fried shrimp in town.... On my last and most recent visit on Friday April 20th.... I purchased two (2) large orders of shrimp, fries and drinks to go. While the shrimp was plump and juicy, the breading surely not the same I had experienced time and time again through the years. The shrimp seemed to be coated in a corndog consistency of breading..... smooth and of equal thickness of golden color.... This is not the breading that made this place famous long before the Blue Bros. film had any positive effects.... What happened ? Where are my crunchy pieces of deli sh breading at the bottom of my container? The smoke fish, while pricey, looks exactly as it always did in the case. I am reserving final judgment until I return a few more times to Calumet Fisheries, maybe it was a bad night? ..I want to visit Bob's Shrimp House in Hammond, Indiana for the first time as I have heard RAVE reviews about their shrimp...
(4)Tony K.
Well I didnt get shot and no car jacking getting there and back. Thats worth 2 stars alone! The place aint pretty BUT its clean and the people working there were very nice. The food was very good and unique in that I just dont get this quality of flavor from the same food in my neck of the woods. Its not a restaurant flavor. Its a homemade taste and its possibly worth getting your car put up on blocks and getting your wheels stolen. The sauces are quality and everything was cooked perfectly. Price was fair too. Bring your kevlar vest and an empty stomach & enjoy the good eats at Calumet Fisheries!
(4)An P.
Thirty miles, that's what separates me from some of the best seafood in the city. Located at 3259 E. 95th Street, you'll find this fish shop sitting on top of a hill overlooking the manmade canal sitting adjacent to a suspension bridge and across the Calumet Yacht Yard. Cars line up on the near the bridge despite the no parking sign with people coming in from all corners of the city and suburbs. Beside the fishery, you'll find a little smokehouse where they do their magic with hickory woodchips infusing the signature smokey flavor into salmon, trout, chub, and shrimp. Celebrating its 62nd year as a family owned and operating business and being named an American Classics restaurant by the James Beard Foundation, you'll find Anthony Bourdain's signature on the wall and signs that have probably been mounted on the wall for decades. I saw the diversity of Chicago waiting in line including two Korean women who spoke broken English as well as a mid-40's biker who ordered $60 of assorted seafood and had never been there before. Calumet Fisheries is one-part Hot Doug's, one-part Kuma's and a south side institution. While the line for Calumet Fisheries is nowhere as long or deep as Hot Doug's or Kuma's primarily due to its deep south location, it's easy to move in and out of line to take a gander at all of the wares of the house. Garlic peppered smoked salmon caught my eye at $15.59 a pound and I wondered what in the world smoked shrimp would taste like. The possibilities of oyster, frog legs, fried shrimp, or scallops led to sensory overload and I hadn't even had a bite to eat yet! It very quickly became of question of how much was I willing to spend? Since some of my friends were running about an hour late, the friends that I arrived with debated eating now or waiting for everyone. We decided on a compromise: we would start off with a snack to hold our appetite steady until the late stragglers. My friends ordered some fried oyster while I decided clam strips would be what I wanted. The man behind the counter joked that they didn't serve Cubs fans but let me pay for less than $4 for my order. I didn't know if I wanted a whole pound of smoked shrimp for $20.99 a pound, so I decided to buy just two pieces of shrimp that came out to $2.63. The food came out quickly so we all sped outside to examine our food and get to work! You won't any seating inside Calumet Fisheries, creativity and improvisation is a necessity to dine by Calumet Fisheries. While we waited outside for our friends before we ordered, we saw three older men march down the hill down by the riverside to sit on a slab of concrete. For our purposes, we took the easy way out and sat on the guard rail next to all of the cars parked in front of the suspension bridge. The clam crunched in my mouth and the mild sauce put a smile in my face and a perpetual nod to my head movements. I traded some clam for an oyster and we all ate and knew we were eating some of Chicago's finest seafood. There was a fork for my food, but I found it just as convenient to eat with my bare hands and we were lucky it wasn't raining or blowing incredible amounts of wind. After I polished off my clam, I pulled my smoked shrimp out of the bag and dipped it into the sauce. Smoked shrimp was next on the agenda, but first I had to pop off the shell. The jumbo shrimp was worth paying over $1 a shrimp since they were massive and each bite of the cold shrimp tasted like it was cooked on a barbecue grill with that classic smoky taste. It was a pleasant snack to polish off our appetizers and just as quick as the food came out, we did away with all remnants and threw all evidence into the steel drum garbage can sitting outside. After my friends showed up an hour late, we stepped back up to the counter and made my orders. Indecision started making me uncomfortable, but I got put in front of the line and got a fried shrimp dinner and order of oysters. I waited in another line for my food and couldn't resist: peppered garlic smoke salmon and smoked shrimp was now coming my way! The guy behind the counter told me Cubs fans can't order twice and we both laughed about it. $40 later, I had a giant bag of goodies and now we had to figure out where to eat. We decided on a short drive as far east as we could go on 95th street and ended up in Calumet Park. The fields were massive and cleanly manicured and reminded me of a golf course. We parked and marched with our food down near the water and sat on a ledge while the seagulls edged closer like hungry wolves screeching at us. We could see the Gary steel mills pumping out their pollution in the backdrop, and looked at the gambling riverboat across the lake. Lunch passed with deliciousness and a battle with seagulls. All I have to remember is that it's only thirty miles that separates me from divine seafood.
(5)Christopher B.
I've learned traveling around the world that if Anthony Bourdain recommends it then you should at least try it (not to mention it's usually pretty amazing!). I grew up not very far from here and passed it on a number of occasions but never stopped by until I saw the show. I couldn't believe he picked this place, where the Blue Brothers jumped the bridge, to get fish. It didn't take me very long to be a believer. For one, I was with my family who already hit it last month and were anxious to get back. We came for the smoked salmon but couldn't resist ordering some fried shrimp and sweet potatoes. As you might know from my previous reviews, I'm not one for fried food but this was absolutely life changing! Wow! I don't think I'll ever be able to order fried shrimp from anywhere else. As a side note, a debate broke out about whether the smoked shrimp was better but I didn't have any so I can't comment but keep that in mind if you're here. The smoked salmon was hands down one of the best I've had. They had a whole bunch in the smoker and told us to come by in a few hours but we took what they had as we weren't planning on coming back to this area. The only place that compared to this salmon was in the great northwest when I picked some up on the way home to LA from Portland. I'm anxious to come back here the next time I visit and what better time than Easter?! Well, we'll see but I think this place will be on my list of places to visit while I'm in Chicago along side deep dish pizza!
(5)David L.
Food: 3 Decor: 1 Service: 3 I came here with three friends on our drive back from Nashville. There is street parking and no seating inside. 1. Pepper and garlic salmon, 15.6/lb Pretty good. Fresh salmon, with plenty of pepper and garlic. 2. Smoked shrimp, 21/lb Not bad. I normally don't like shrimp when it's still got the skin on, but this had a nice smoky taste to it. Would have been nice if they de-veined them though. 3. Fries Okay. Not oversalted like a lot of places, although I could only eat a couple before stopping. We got one piece of the salmon and 8 shrimp, which was enough to share between two people. Service was okay, although I wish they were friendlier and suggested a couple items.
(3)Grace E.
Smokey and fishy. But what's not to like about that? The peppercorn and garlic salmon is delicious, especially with the hot sauce dip, but after several hearty mouthfuls, I was really wishing for a lemon to squeeze over it. The trout is less heavy, clean, and very flavorful. Though you might turn away from ordering the shrimp since they're not deveined, don't wimp out on an opportunity to taste them smoked! Run a plastic knife down the back of a peeled shrimp, pry it open, and use the knife to pull out the large strand. Easy. 5 seconds of effort for delicious, poop-free shrimp. The industrial surroundings enhance the charm of this riverside seafood shack, but once you've received your food, drive straight ahead for about 3 minutes until you can't go any further. Park your car and walk straight to the lake and enjoy your meal overlooking the waters.
(4)Annie D.
Okay 5 stars it is for smoked items! Of course I found this place because of No Reservations, how else would i wonder outside of downtown Chicago being a tourist?! Definitely worth the rental =) Smoked salmon- just had the perfect texture and taste, I'm not a big fan of smoked salmon to begin with, I order my philly rolls with fresh salmon for those who know it normally comes with smoked salmon... anyway, this smoked salmon taste was nothing near to what you can buy else where or well from what I've experienced. Smoked shrimp- the shrimp had a suttle taste of smokiness which gave it a great taste and the shrimp had great texture. Fried smelts- perfect with eaten nice and hot with some hot sauce dipping. Smoked Trout- very good! We came when the fishes have been smoked and refrigerated, but when it's pretty freshly smoked, like that day, it is completely different in taste and texture. We were lucky to have a taste of some trout that was made so we can see the difference, perfect. You didn't need anything with these smoked fish, no crackers needed. Overall, very good and well worth the stop when you're in Chicago. When I'm back, I'll be sure to stop in here! We even bought a couple more to bring back home to our friends as a part of their souvenir gifts! Hey, it's way better than shot glasses or key chains =) And use a fork, your hands will stay clean most of the time.. until you get the the shrimp, unless you have someone peeling them for you ;) CASH only of course! Enjoy!
(5)M H.
ZOMG. sooo good. I'm usually pretty wary of places that EVERYONE has to eat at because it's usually overrated (I'm looking at you Hot Doug's), but Calumet Fisheries is AH-mazing. I should take away a star because the toll to get there is $4 (why hasn't anyone else mentioned this in their review?!?), but they are that good. I got a pepper and garlic salmon (warning, one of those will set you back ~$15). I didn't expect that, I don't know why, but it was worth it. So buttery and it just broke down. Also got a half order of smoked shrimp. Nothing more fun than sitting in the car and killing those shrimp. They are HUGE. My bf is not a huge seafood fan but he got an order of crab cakes. They told him its imitation crab which I thought was nice of them. They were the creamiest crab cakes we've ever had. uhhhh. mahhh. gawwwd. I'm never like this but they are so f****** good. Go get some now!
(5)Jaison C.
Calumet Fisheries is very unique in every way. Smoked fish cooked over an extended period of time above fiery wood and surrounded by brick. I was able to try the salmon, shrimp, sable, cod and fries. Everything was so tasty and buttery. The intense smoke flavor goes extremely well with the garlic peppercorns. I was able to catch Calumet Fisheries during a time they weren't too busy and one of the managers took me to the smokehouse and told me Bourdain tales while showing me around. Just about any piece of smoked fish will do, but if you want something on the fattier side, ask for a steak near the fin. The taste is noticeably different. A James Beard Award well deserved, bravo CF.
(5)Lexie V.
How have I lived so close to this place for so many years without ever stopping in? Calumet Fisheries is a total gem. My boyfriend and I were in the area one day and we were looking for some sort of culinary adventure, and thanks to Yelp we found this place. We got the shrimp dinner and a few other things and it was FANTASTIC. I like how it is no BS but at the same time the people are nice and helpful. They could tell we were a little overwhelmed and didn't know what to order, but they were patient. I can't wait to go back. I am also 99% sure their hot sauce is Frank's which made me a very happy camper. A+.
(5)Jim M.
I've been rocking this place for 25 years. After an early morning trip to Ed Shirley Sports in Markham and a long day of fishing, Calumet Fisheries was always the spot. Too many times I made a mess of my car after an ill-advised, late night, liquor fueled road trip. Now they cut us off early. The hours might be shorter but the fish is still fantastic. While off the beaten track for some, it's actually very easy to find... 95th street east. After you pass Jeffery Manor and the letter streets, on the south side of the street near the middle of the massive bridge look for a building too small to be a must-eat destination. If you drive into the lake you've gone just a little bit too far. Also since it's far enough off the expressway that some will find locking the doors mandatory, it's still obscure despite being featured on some of the gastro-sassy television shows. Everyone has been to Hot Doug's but it takes sand to make it this far south and east for a snack. Whatever you get here will be terrific. The smoked scallops, shrimp and chubs are the best I've ever had. But what i crave, what forces me to the edge of civilization to this little shack is the mixed fish dinner. Oh mama. Make sure to go with the mild sauce. It's unique with a little kick. Also while waiting for your fresh fried deliciousness note the yellowed newspaper clipping on the wall. The draw bridge was featured in the Blues Brothers and for just a moment you can see it in the movie . Delicious food and real Chicago trivia- what could be better!
(5)sarah s.
Great fried shrimp and fries - crispy and salty!! This place is awesome and they have a lot to choose from.
(4)Malcolm Jamal W.
I really love this place. The smoked fish is great, if pricey. The smoked salmon isn't like lox; it's like smoked/cooked all the way through. The fish and chips were good too, although I was surprised that I got these small (not nuggets but ) pieces instead of large fillets like I expected. The customer service experience was great. The customers love their shop, and the staff are proud of what they do, and that makes a big difference! Everybody there was just happy and friendly. This is a quality place; the kind they don't make anymore. Go see for yourself.
(4)Yuriana A.
Born and raised on the south side, I have had the privileged to make calumet fisheries part of my weekly lunch schedule. It's awesome that Bourdain covered them, now I know they won't be running out of business anytime soon!! P.S. They only accept cash and there is no place to sit. It's all old school here!
(5)Michele C.
Fried shrimp were good. Calamari were frozen rings .The kind from the grocery store.The calamari was like chewing rubber rings.yuk! Onion rings were mushy... The cocktail sauce provided is actually bbq sauce..I was so excited to eat there...but was so let down on the quality...
(3)Pascal M.
They could smoke my hand and I would take pleasure in eating it. A friend and I rode our bikes here from Harwood Heights in the Summer. A great trip and the food was worth the ride. I'm happy Bourdain hit this place up, because I may have never found out about it through my yelp searches. When we got there, they were smoking fish. So we rested for a bit as we chatted it up with the "smoke master" outside. He gave us some tips, history, and knowledge on the place. If anyone remembers the scene in the first Blues Brothers where they jump the bridge, that was right in front of Calumet. Another friend drove up, so we maxed out. We had their Fried Oysters. Fried Smelt, Smoked Salmon, Smoked Trout, Smoked Shrimp, and a side of macaroni salad and coleslaw. The smelt was one of the best pieces of fried food I've ever put in my mouth. I thought the fried oysters were just okay, probably because I enjoy them most when there just raw. The smoked shrimp was great. I love peel and eat shrimp. Their typically larger, more firm (yet still tender), and have better flavor. The Smoked trout and Salmon were outrageously good. Excellent crust from the black peppercorn and other spices they rub on before the smoke process. The macaroni salad was a nice carb to throw in there, but I wasn't a fan of the slaw'. I like crunchy vinegary slaw, this was kinda minced mush. Calumet Fisheries is blast. Its worth the hype and the drive. If your not taking your food home or eating it in your car, have fun sitting outside. It's strange, but I enjoyed taking in the industrial atmosphere, the bridge, and the river while me and my two friends snacked communally on some of great grub.
(5)Kate W.
How does one of the most infamous eateries for "foodies" in Chicago only have around 100 reviews? Oh that's right, it takes forever to get there and is virtually impossible to access via public transportation. Well, unlike you rubes I have a 1995 Infiniti chariot to take me to the far reaches of Chicagoland. So on a nice, sunny Autumn Chicago day we braved the freeways and weekend traffic to pilgrimage down to 95th for some smoked and fried fishes. We had to do the Anthony, of course. Fried smelt and shrimp, smoked salmon and trout. Items are fried to order, and you can pick your smoked fish steak of choice. Then take it outside and eat (because there is no room inside!). Just be careful not to stand on that bridge when they are bringing boats to winterize. Because they can't see you and soon you'll realize that the ringing isn't just a bad memory from 'Nam, but that bridge is actually going up! Run. Then eat.
(5)Michael S.
Excellence does speak for itself. Same owners since 1948. Hmmmm. They must be doing something right. And, they do; they are. It's superb. The fried oysters were the biggest, plumpest, freshest oysters I have ever tasted. Yes, EVER. The scallops and shrimp get honorable mentions that to me paled by comparison to the oysters. But the scallops were delish! Now, the really good stuff is all the smoked salmon and smoked trout in the display cases. yelp.com/user_local_phot… I didn't have room in my stomach and we didn't have room to schlep it back, since we went on foot. But I watched the boss take the smoked salmon and smoked trout out of the smokehouse on a huge tray. yelp.com/user_local_phot… Unmatchable, authentic fun. Yum. Next time we are driving.
(5)Finch M.
Visited here for the 2nd time. This go around on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in August. Purchased some smoked shrimp, 1/2 order of frog legs, and the catfish dinner. Review goes as follows. Smoked Shrimp - was very much looking forward to these, but they left me sad. Had some shrimp that were clearly "not fresh" and the rest were just okay. Perhaps a bad batch? Not nearly as much flavor as anticipated. Frog legs - they were decent. Thickly breaded and fried. Tasted like chicken. Catfish dinner - highlight of the trip. Excellent portions, great breading, mouth watering taste. We ordered food and drove down the street to Calumet Beach. It was worth the drive from far west suburbs...just learning what I will and will not order next time.
(3)Erika G.
Want to kill 5 or 6 hours on a beautiful Sunday? Who's goin' to church anyway, we're goin' to worship at the altar of Our Lady of Perpetual Smoked Fish! There's Sablefish, puh-lenty. I am partial to complicated public transit schemes, thinly disguised as "adventures". Ride the Red Line down to its end, and then take a bus deep into the south side. Hmmm, I've never seen this place, do I need my passport? Today I am a disciple of my #1 futile celebrity crush, Anthony Bourdain, who featured CF on his Chicago ep of No Reservations (and is appropriately enshrined at the establishment, as befits Food God status). Fried Fish Nirvana (we're Buddhist now). We partook (is that a word?) of the fried oysters, shrimp and scallops. Mon dieu, those scallops were the BEST! Plump and juicy, yet crunchy on the outside. Mmmmm. The fried oysters . . . now, to me, they looked like a bad cold breaded and fried, but they were damn delicious. If I go back here again, I'm renting a ZipCar so I can fill it up with the smoked fish offerings, smoked on the premises. That day, the thought of carrying bags of fish thru the heat did not appeal. Note: Table One is out back, a slab of concrete overlooking the barges on the Calumet River. No reservations needed. Ah, bliss.
(4)M G.
Not a huge fan of seafood but this place makes me want it. Fish and chips, stuffed shrimp, and the crab cakes are my favorite. And the dipping sauce they have makes it tastier. It might not look like much from the outside but the food is great!!
(5)Victor M.
The rain has passed and today is a sunny day. With relatively low humidity... Tis was a perfect day to enjoy a lb of smoked shrimp outdoors. So I enjoyed this scrumptious shrimp at the lake a few blocks east.
(5)Joe F.
A friend of mine took the trip to the far south side to try the smoked fish. We tried the smoked salmon, shrimp and trout. Both were very salty, lightly smoked and all things considered, very good. We also got the fried smelt, fried fish chunks, and fried clams. The breading was crisp and crunchy - not thick and hard, perfect crunch to crisp ratio. I tend to prefer smoked fish to be smoked a little longer rather than a little less. Calumet also does a super-salty brine, and I prefer a lighter touch on the salt. In terms of style, while Calumet may not be my absolute favorite, it's still very, very good. One day if I'm back in the neighborhood I wouldn't hesitate to stop by again.
(4)The Food Abides W.
Truth be told, I didn't stumble upon this place. I saw it, like many others, on Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations. On the show, it seemed like an intriguingly hidden spot with spectacular smoked fish. However, in the months since viewing the episode, I had completely forgotten about this place altogether. Fast forward to a few weeks ago when I was scouring Yelp for places to dine in Chicago, I noticed rave reviews for Calumet and images of Bourdain passing a half-eaten salmon steak to his Chicago guide came flooding back to me. And that's how we ended up at Calumet Fisheries. Well, I make it sound much easier than it actually was - this was truly destination dining. Through a very long bus ride, a seemingly endless transfer, another bus-ride weaving in and out of a southern Chicago neighborhood, and a half mile walk in the snow, we finally ended up at this bridge-side shack to feast upon smoked fish (over 2 hours later). The storefront of Calumet is kind of like a deli, except with fish being the product, not cold cuts. A large case proudly displays salmon steaks, smoked chub, and buckets of shrimp. To the right of the store they had their frying station. I had my mind set on the Salmon before we even got there but the friendly cook, Carlos, advised me to go with their garlic and peppercorn crusted salmon steaks rather than the plain variety. Kins went the route of smoked shrimp. I was a little caught off guard by the fact that the Salmon was served cold. Seeing as how it's completely cooked, unlike lox, I expected it to be warm like barbecue after being smoked. The other surprise (although it shouldn't have been) was that the bones of the salmon were still in tact. Once I got over these two issues, I menacingly tore into the steak (avoiding the actual string used to hang the steak in the smoker) with my fingers popping the pulled morsels in my mouth. Carlos hooked me up with some hot sauce for the Salmon, but I found that it only took away from all the smokey flavor. My experience with smoked fish is severely limited, but I will be doing a comparison very soon between Rolling Bones' Salmon steaks and Calumet's. The shrimp were darned good. As a non shrimp fan, I was happy that the smoking erased the real shrimp-like flavor that I normally have to avoid (even when fried). If anything, the shrimp tasted a bit like ham, but I would describe the flavor as solely unique to smoked shrimp. The fries were standard frozen issue, but freshly fried for each order which makes a huge difference. I wish I could have tried some of their fried options, but alas there was only so much we could eat and take with us. Funnily enough, our cab driver for the ride back (yes, we weren't going to spend another 2 hours getting back) picked up some fried catfish for the road. After asking us why we travelled all the way out there and explaining to him all the blow-by-blow details of our adventure, he turned to us and said in his slavic accent, "Eh, it's not that special." Take that for what it's worth, but the catfish did look very, very good to me. Pricing was fair, considering the size of the Salmon steak I ordered (enough for two), but it certainly seemed a little more pricey than it should be considering it was served cold in a non sit-down environment. While I really enjoyed the food, the travel time made our journey seem like a quest for the Holy Arc. For visitors of Chicago, I'd recommend skipping this hot spot because of the travel time involved. There are just too many other great options to spend so much time getting out there and back - at least without a car rental. However, I highly recommend locals and smoked fish fans alike make at least one trip to Calumet for an unusual and tasty treat.
(4)Shana M.
Yay! I finally went out and did something in my city again! I can finally write another Yelp review! WooHoo!! I played hooky from work on a sunny Friday afternoon in early August. My non-9-5 friends picked me up and we had ourselves a time, including a "field trip" to Calumet Fisheries. Since I had eaten a few misguided tacos not long before, and since I had no clue what I was about to be invited to experience, AND since my bank account is totally NOT recession proof, I waited outside while my friends ordered, payed, and received their booty. It was a satisfyingly voyeuristic experience. We sampled only the smoked shrimp (Oh. My. God. I need a new internet abbv. just for this shrimp people. How about...OVSFG: Oy Vey So Friggen Good!!!) and the fried oysters which were extremely hot and drippy and characteristically snotty, but the sauce was nummy. And so yeah, Anthony Bourdain, yippee skippee, blah blah blah, ate on the bridge, what a scene. Can't wait to go back for more: The End.
(4)Ed F.
Fresh smoked fishes ... Amazing actually. Saw it on 'No Reservations' - it's a stop on the "Blues Brothers" Chicago tour. Bought loads of fish for a family meal and it was a super hit across 3 generations of smoked afishianados. Take out only - or dine in car near store.
(5)Glynn F.
So good. If you like smoked anything then smoked peppercorn garlic salmon steaks & jumbo shrimp will be no exception. This shack serves up some truly flavorful stuff. Only *potential* problem is that they don't offer any sort of seating, so it's carry out only. That being said there is a park just over the nearby bridge where you can sit by the lake. That's what we did & it worked out famously. P.S. The peppercorn/garlic salmon works really well as a lox ingredient. Highly recommend using it for this purpose. P.P.S. The fries are better than the onion rings. The onion rings weren't crispy enough for my taster.
(5)Ben R.
Excellent smoked fish. But there is a but. The shrimp aren't deveined. That's kind of disgusting. More than kind of. The salmon is farm-raised as well. The sturgeon is excellent. I feel bad leaving three stars and would give it six if they deveined the shrimp.
(3)Ashley S.
I ventured to this off the beaten path gem on a surprise day trip with one of my foodie friends. We do this often and he never tells me where we were going so I've learned not to beg for hints/guess. My expectations we low when we got off the highway near Gary (no offense Gary but there is a reason a highway was built over you). Needless to say, I was pumped when we arrived since I've heard Bourdain rave about this place. I was not disappointed. Luck would have it that they were smoking that day so everything was super fresh. My friends got his usual favorite, the pepper smoked salmon and the incredibly knowledgeable counter guy recommended the smoked trout too. Who were we to argue. Next time I want to try to smoked sturgeon which came highly recommended. Also added some fried clams. Warning, eat them slowly as the hot water inside tend to explode. Love the trout's delicate texture and smokey yet fishy taste. We took the salmon home to sprinkle it over a salad and I already can't wait. Not sure when I'll be back but I hope it's soon. Love supporting local businesses like this that are knowledgeable, passionate about their craft and will talk your ear off one you get them going. Warning: If you don't strong fish smells and seeing tons of fish heads staring back at you, pass on this place.
(4)Kevin L.
You have not had real seafood until you've tried Calumet's seafood. My parents went to get some stuff at Horseshoe, and took me to this place to try out. My first thoughts were, "Hmm, smoked shrimp doesn't seem too appealing, and smoked salmon sounds pretty boring." Man, my thoughts were way off. Smoke Shrimp is AMAZING. Never have I thought shrimp could taste so good. Shrimp's not deveined though. Their smoked salmon in a few words : Moist, fatty, flavorful, addicting. I just had some leftover of their salmon just now, and I'm craving for some more. Things that put me off were the fried foods. At first glance, I instantly knew it would be mediocre, due to it being battered up, and refrigerated, resulting in a not-so-crispy tasting. I had the fried onion rings, and shrimp. Onion rings was not that crispy, and shrimp were, but over seasoned with salt. Don't get me wrong, for the price, it's VERY good, but I feel that they can work on it more. Maybe have batter ready, but batter it up when it's ordered, mainly because there's not that many customers at one time (When I was there, there were only 3 customers including myself). But overall as a restaurant, their food is top notch, and I'm defiantly going back there whenever I'm near the area.
(5)Jeff Z.
Awesome, Totally Worth The Trip!
(5)R M.
Biked here from the north side and was treated to delicious fried shrimp, fried catfish and French fries. Will be going back to try the smoked fish. This place is an institution in Chicago, and well worth the journey.
(4)Esteban P.
I CANNOT BELIEVE that I've never been here before. I grew up on the East Side and now I'm back from the loop to the South Side for the past 3 years. I had just told my friend Dean that we had to check this place out when my friend Xavier told me he saw the Anthony Bourdain No Reservations episode on it. So I told Dean it was time for a visit. We followed in Anthony Bourdain's foot steps and ordered what he had: smoked peppered salmon, smoked trout, smoked shrimp, fried smelt, hot sauce and a root beer. We actually got one chub too and Dean had to get his grape soda - I think it helps him 'fit in', though I think he should have kept his Cubs hat at home... good thing I was sporting my Sox hat :D The guys behind the counter were fast to get our order together. I couldn't actually believe the smelt where fried that quickly. It ended up being a lot of food because the portions of the smoked fish were so big. It was also pretty pricey (just under $40), but we had enough food to actually feed 4 people. We started with the hot food; that is the smelts. The batter was very light and minimal. I think that was a good thing because you were able to concentrate more on the taste of the fish. For my first time having smelt, I enjoyed it. The hot sauce made a really good dipping sauce. I just wish we had a lot more. Dean grabbed some "Hienie's Hot Sauce" (Quality Brand Hot Sauce). We moved on to the smoked shrimp. WOW, those were amazing. I was concerned with what they would turn out like, but the smoky flavor was just right. And the shrimp where HUGE. Again the hot sauce was a nice addition, but not necessary at all. We had mixed feelings on the smoked fish. I liked the salmon, but Dean thought it was too dry. He favored the Trout over the salmon. We hit a pocket of moist salmon and that was extremely good, so I know what he means. I agree that if the salmon was more moist it would have been even better, but the crush pepper seasoning was just right. We both agreed that that chub was the best. It was the least expensive of the smoked fish too. I will definitely visit more frequently, and have already started spreading the word. I'll get the pepper salmon again, though I'll pay more attention to the piece I choose. I'll also have to go order more chubs next time as well as trying to fries out, which I hear are pretty good. Only downside is that you do smell of smoked fish from the minute you walk in. Even if you don't walk in the smell will stay on your hands and mouth. But the food is so great it's worth dealing with the smoke until you can take a shower and brush your teeth. [UPDATE #1] Tried the Salmon again, and it was really nice and moist the second time round. Guess it depends on when you go. [UPDATE #2] Woe... they had the Sable in stock, and I must say it was AMAZING!!! It's usually a special order item - $25/lb, 3 lbs min. But I'll tell you want. It was WONDERFUL. Sable is Black Cod. The meat was so moist and juicy and soft. I was able to just scoop it out with my finger. It tasted buttery and just melted in my mouth. Man I could not believe how good it was. I h ope they start selling it regularly.
(5)Dawn K.
Me follow Bourdain. This is what we got: Fried: shrimp, fish, smelt (smelt is the only thing Anthony Bourdain tried on the show, FYI) Smoked: shrimp, pepper+ garlic salmon Salad: pasta You should get: fried shrimp, fried smelt, smoked shrimp, and smoked salmon. Skip everything else. Servers are friendly and super helpful. Get ready for a fishy-smelling car if you're on the road, because there isn't any place to feast at the place. Get extra 'hot' sauce- better safe than sorry, right? Cash only
(4)Ashley C.
I was willing to give this place another shot, even after the owner responded to my previous review, but methinks not. They only get the one star because that's the minimum, but I'd give less. I just want to go on record and say that I have no problem that the shell has to remain on the shrimp in order to smoke it. However, any idiot with culinary experience knows that you can clean a shrimp and leave the shell on. My mother just did it yesterday when she made shrimp pasta! Maybe my mother needs to teach the guys in the kitchen how to deal with seafood. Even if they can't figure out how to do what my mother can, surely they can give a customer a warning with something like, "Hey, you might not want to try to eat one of these before you clean the little line of shrimp doo doo off of them. Because nothing, I repeat, NOTHING, is sexier than your man trying to make out with you and there's a string of shrimp sh*t hanging off his lips. Um... DON'T THINK SO. Also, while I appreciate the owner commenting to me, telling me that AOL said that this place was the best restaurant in 2010 doesn't affect MY experience. I'm sure they didn't give Tony Bourdain OR the AOL Critic the quality of food I received. Because while Bourdain eats all kinds of things, shrimp sh*t probably wasn't on the menu that day. Just saying. I was open to admitting that every place has a funky day and maybe I got a funky bunch, but come on...the shrimp were expensive, and literally full of crap. So, I'll pass. If I want overpriced shrimp, next time, I'll save the gas and time and just go to Red Lobster. At least I can get myself some drinks and I'll be too drunk to notice my boyfriend's crappy mouth. AMENDING to let you know that the owner again has contacted me YET AGAIN (twice in ONE DAY) to tell me that Anthony Bourdain ate smoked shrimp that were shelled and not deveined, so in essence, he ate shrimp poop and was okay with it. He also wanted me that the yelper who said they had maggots in their smoked shrimp is lying. Either way, the smoked shrimp were still bad. The batter was still thick, the food was still overrated, underseasoned and overpriced and not worth the trip. I'll never go back now, thanks to the owner HARASSING me. FYI to the owner- MY saying 'any idiot with culinary experience' is not calling you or your staff idiots. Clearly, you guys don't know how to clean your 'smoked shrimp' so that they are smoked and POOP-free, so you don't GET the privilege to fall under the title of "idiot". Please stop messaging me and take the time you would spend harassing me and other not-so-great yelpers to improve the quality of your food on a CONSISTENT basis so everyone can have the experience Anthony Bourdain did.
(1)Dennis B.
I've been here a few times for lunch while at work. I never would've tried them, but I saw them on Anthony Bourdain's TV show and I saw that they have smoked shrimp. SMOKED SHRIMP!!! I honestly didn't even know you could smoke a shrimp. Nothing special about the fried food. It doesn't touch Shrimp Express in Cal City. But the smoked salmon is on point. The smoked shrimp were, well, interesting. I like trying something different.
(3)Mike B.
Yelp's most entertaining vegetarian is now yelp's most entertaining pescatarian. Fish is a big weakness for me, and I knew that if i were to break edge in the best way imaginable, I'd need to go bike to 95th & south chicago to score some fish from Calumet. The trip was the most interesting part of this adventure. I biked from 31st & Morgan all the way to 95th in the early afternoon hours. As a big fan of rough neighborhoods, as well as strange gazes from people who are confused about the presence of a giant bearded white guy, I was pleased by both of these elements from the trip. I mostly took lowe street south. I'm not sure why, but it felt safe for the most part. I also got to pass through a lot of really interesting sights, like the creek(?) near 79th & Normal, or this beautiful park that was ducked into a relatively small subdivision that was also somewhere in the 70s (i can't find it on google street view). The park helped me duck away from normal traffic, as I got nervous someone was going to follow & rob me after i passed this house and stared at a hilarious looking car without noticing that it's owners were sitting nearby, staring just as closely at me. I finally made it to 95th after an hour or so, but found that 95th street has very busy traffic, and since i've always wanted to be on 100th street, i decided to bike that for a while instead. I was then forced off that street, and back onto 95th for the remainder of the trip to the fishery. I finally got there, and bought some peppered salmon, some peppered trout, and some gatorade. I then rode my bike back north when i remembered that i wasn't far from brother tim's vegetarian fast food. So, I stopped in, and got my actual lunch, and then continued the bike ride back home. It was actually a pretty relaxed trip, and didn't leave me nearly as exhausted as I thought it would. Got even more strange looks, even from cops in the area, during that leg. After getting home, i ate some of the fish, it was just as delicious as expected, and i ate the remainder of it the next day. In all, it met all expectations I had, but i had been to calumet fisheries before, several years prior, and it was just as good as the previous encounter.
(5)Jon E.
Bomb-diggity-seafood, I'm a fan! If you like seafood, check these guys out. If you're a photographer who likes landscapes and seafood you'd be an idiot to not give these guys a visit. Why? I have yet to see a more beautiful industrial landscape in Chicagoland than the one visible in 360 technicolor from the front steps of Calumet Fisheries. What some may consider bleak wasteland is a stunning juxtaposition of rust-belt historical ruins and the shimmering lake. What you see outside doesn't quite prepare you for the tastes inside but it stands to reason that beauty and tasty things are always best when they are a complete surprise. Fantastic smoked salmon? Check. Bomb fried shrimp? Natch. It is Chicago at its most natural, mixing an industrialized past with rich flavors and hidden surprises.
(4)Ryan R.
Price reasonably, but noting like it's protrayed on "No Reservations". Pretty average for a fish place.
(2)Steve H.
I'm not a fan of smoked anything by itself, which is probably my due to my sheltered Chicago suburb upbringing. Smoked BBQ is good but usually only if its accompanied by a vat of dipping sauce on the side. But as a Bourdain and Yelp fan I was obliged to get an order of the smoked salmon and smoked shrimp, just to say "Yes I tried 'em". Both were unique experiences but would I make a huge trip to the south side to try them again-probably not. The salmon was not de-boned, which made it quite cumbersome to eat around and my particular slice was pretty fatty in content. The shrimp on the other hand were ginormous for chicago standards. Both were served cold and unless I'm at a sushi restaurant, I'd like to be eating my fish flesh at least lukewarm temperature. If you like cold smoky meat I'd say give it a go for yourself. But for me if I'm ever tagging along some buddies who want to try this place for themselves, I'll stick to the fried menu.
(3)RT S.
It's a small store by the south shore. They have smoked shrimp, salmon, trout and fried shrimp, fish, oyster and smelt. The fried shrimp is good with hot sauce, other than that nothing impressive. Note: cash only and you cannot sample prior to purchase. Diarrhea, nausea and vomitting followed the foods.
(1)Patrick M.
It is located on the far south side of Chicago, but the view from the restaurant is very unique. I like how it is placed right next to a bridge overlooking the river. It provides a great aura to eat seafood and a variety of different fish. The customer service was great. The owner was working behind the counter and had chatted with us while we were ordering. I used to work at the Fish Keg in Evanston so we went back and forth on the similarities and differences of each store. He was a really nice guy. Additionally, he let my friends and I sample pieces of smoked trout and smoked shrimp. Very unique and smoky flavors I have never had with fresh fish, both were delicious! I ordered the fish chips, fries, and coleslaw, but a friend let me try his froglegs. The Fish Chips were excellent. They toss the cod in a bread crumb batter and deep fry it a little darker than usual, which I like. The tartar sauce is homemade too and it is done right. A bolder taste, not sweet. Fries were average. Well salted but pretty average long cut steak fries. Coleslaw was not my style. I took a bite and to put it down. I am either hit or miss with creamy coleslaw and this cup was not very good. Frog legs were interesting. Not a huge fan with hot sauce. I like froglegs with butter sauce, this was a change of pace. Fish Keg in Evanston is better in my opinion, but Calumet was very good. A really filling meal for $8. You park up, eat in the car, while overlooking the river. I think it's a nice spot and would recommend it, if you are willing to make the drive.
(4)Michelle W.
Yummy, I only stop in here at the beginning of the boat season and at the end when I am spending more time than I care to at the boat yard. It is the only thing that makes driving down there something to look forward to. My favorite is the smoked garlic trout. I eat it cold, I eat it warm, I eat it while driving home and I put it in dips .... it's soooo goooood! No place to sit... know that!
(5)Steve M.
This place is incredible. Could they expand...sure....Could they build other locations...sure...but why the heck would they? That is part of what makes this place great. Everything is good but hands down the Fried and Smoked Shrimp are the best. We have all had fried shrimp a million times, but you won't find it better than here. The hot sauce is legit. And the smoked shrimp has such a unique taste. A little off the beaten track but well worth the trip!
(5)Jessi M.
Definitely an establishment, definitely worth going to the south side for. The fried catfish had something magical in the breading and it was hot and perfectly fried. Also, I think they make their hot sauce in-house. I had never tasted anything like that before and I want more. Having lived in the Midwest my whole life I have no real concept of "good" seafood. I think this is it, though.
(4)Johnny T.
Let's just get this out of the way: yes, I ate poop. No, I was not happy about it. I had two kinds of poop: crustacean and bivalve. Both were disconcerting to me and hilarious to my lunchmates. This is pertinent information. I'd been wanting to come to CF for years. I could never find anyone with whom to go so I plotted, bade my time, waited and - BAM! - I came up with the Neighborhood Spotlight idea and now i had a crew with which to explore South Deering and the East Side. But for all the traffic in God's green earth, this should have been a relatively easy trip from the north side. But, avoid LSD S traffic, Hyde Park bike races and Purple line shut downs... and you'll be fine. Arriving an hour after I first planned, I sheepishly made my way into the fish shack. I appreciate how the CF folks keep it real. Even though I'd been wanting to come here WAY BEFORE THAT ATTITUDINAL GUY, I liked the fact that the newfound national fame hadn't resulted in a different decor or procedure to how I'd heard things were set up. I ordered a smoked shrimp dinner, a half order of fried oysters and a strawberry Sunkist. I was ready for some south-side eatin'. After arriving at Calumet Park (see review) to eat the grub, I wondered what I had waited for. Don't get me wrong: the shrimp are HUGE, smoky and filling. But, they're also filled with poop (as in, not de-veined, as in, with every bite you see that big brown streak down the back of your food). Since I usually eat like I caveman, I didn't first notice the fishy dirt road. After I did, with every bite, I felt like gagging. The oysters weren't a respite. They offered nice breading, great fried taste...and green poop. Scat isn't my vice of choice, so I was thoroughly *out* of the experience. Despite being told to man up by my international cohorts, I could not co-sign my experience. Furthermore, even before the poop, I was waiting for some transcendent moment. I was waiting for some shrimp-nirvana to take me to another plane of existence. It never came. I lived in pre-Katrina New Orleans. I have been fortunate to eat all sorts of water roaches and love every bite. This... was good but, so what? I didn't get it. Obviously, I am the Simon Cowell of CF eating experiences. But, guess what? Simon Cowell is rich, beeytoches! I wouldn't come back. It wasn't bad but it didn't change my life (other than to give people more reasons to mock me). Take a hot tub time machine and go to New Orleans circa 2000. Eat some jumbo spicy skrimps. Flip the f out. Then talk to me about some mind-blowing sea creatures.
(3)Steve R.
We ordered fried shrimp, smelt, and catfish and all three were horrible. None of the food was fresh, it was bland, and over cooked. We will not be coming back... ever. I would recommend Haire's Gulf Shrimp for decent food.
(1)Rolando D.
The best smoke fish in the Midwest !
(5)Na S.
Such a casual and homey diner. I ordered fried oysters and sat there with my girlfriends and chatted all night. I had to go up to the counter and ask for water a few times but they didn't seem to mind that at all. A good hang out place and really great food for the price.
(4)Aurore L.
A few discoveries before, during and after this 3.5 stars visit: 1. Don't come here during the weekend in the beginning of the festival season with a set time in mind; you won't make it. Ever. Especially if your first name starts with a J- and ends in - ohnny and if you are in charge of managing a community. Or at least don't start your trek all the way up from Evanston. Sing: A,B,C Easy as 1,2,3... 2. There is a cycling race on the U of C campus on the third Saturday of May. Keep in mind. Well, if you are around on that day of course. It's pretty dead otherwise, no worries. Sing: I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike... 3. Bridges are scary to some of us. I would have liked to be there on time to hear the whole story on the 'how' and 'why' but I am unfortunately left alone to fill in the blanks.... NB - The 'fisheries' are situated by one of the coolest feature of Chicago engineering that has me clapping hands like a little girl: drawbridges. (I felt like I needed to supply an explanation....) Sing: Under the bridge downtown... 4. Oysters are not plenty in Lake Michigan, that's for sure. I thought I only liked them fresh straight out of the shell (and very salty, briny and petite) but man, these Calumet guys surely know how to fry these little dudes out to perfection. A half-order comes up to $7 or so and gives you a solid dozen of crispy goodies. NB 1 - delicious with hot sauce. And on a cracker with a little bit of slaw (or so I heard) NB 2 - don't bite into one and then study intently what you see. It might ruin your tasting pleasure. Sing: It's not that easy being green.... 5. Smoked shrimp are the sh$t. Literally. And unless you are French, Chinese or living with one and used to their disgusting eating habits you will find yourself squeamish because :::::::gasp::::::::: the fishermen of Calumet don't 'devein' them. A nice understatement of the English language because the black stuff running all along our shrimp is not a vein, but the intestinal track. And is of course filled with shrimp waste. Bon appetit! NB - don't forget towelettes and hand sanitizers and cream and mints. NB 2 - the IT doesn't taste like much. Sing: Goodbye mama shrimp papa shake my hand... Sing 2: It's time to man up.... It's up to you to discover the rest. Cheers!
(4)Toney S.
Best seafood in the Midwest. We bee going here since we were kids. My wife and I drive 22 miles for this experience, and have never been disappointed..
(5)La H.
Sooooooo me no likey. I got Catfish nuggets and there were only three in the box. The biggest one, which it was huge by the way, was not done. The breading on the inside was pink and gooey like dough. I asked if it was supposed to be like this in the man told me yes. He offered to make more but I know better than to return food. I will take this as a loss. Catfish was good, just not done.
(2)Ryan K.
I've made the 30 minute trip down here 20+ times so far. I suppose that speaks for itself. Tips: - If you are driving from up north like myself, take LSD until it ends. Then just follow the Lake Michigan Tour signs until you get to 95th street. It is a pleasant and scenic drive around an area most north siders never experience. - There is literally no seating provided. If you walk a few hundred meters through the field behind the CF, there is a cement block you can chill out at. It is a nice spot by the canal. You might even get 20 minutes before the bees find you. - I haven't had anything bad on the menu yet. The smoked shrimp being the best so far.
(5)Joshua N.
GPS found this place for me, otherwise I'd have starved to death by now. Where am I? This place was on TV, yet it isn't busy except for the Yelpers, we must be really far away. You know those people that call home and tell all of their friends where in Chicago they live by saying the number of blocks from Wrigley Field they are? Yeah, I'm not a fan of that either, but I did get an introspective chuckle imagining one of them getting a place near Calumet Fisheries and tweeting to their friends in Ohio who are coming next weekend to party that they'll only be about 300 blocks from Wrigley. Anyway, I ate here too, well down the street at Calumet park because you can't eat or use the restroom at the restaurant. The food was awesome, so smokey and amazing. Wasn't long before the gulls took notice and circled us menacingly. Luckily, I brought Yanyao along with me. She's an expert at scaring birds. Make sure that you have somebody with you who poses a legitimate threat to birds or they'll take your fish right from you. I went with the fried fish, no clue what kind it was, but completely fresh and lightly breaded right after I ordered it. Two sauces available, hot and mild. Also an order of fried shrimp which managed to retain the smokehouse flavor quite well under the batter and oil. Had the smoked shrimp as well, which as others have mentioned, is served with the veins. I can't imagine this mattering to someone who isn't squeamish. My position in the great debate was that sea-poo really isn't the same as land-poo, so it shouldn't matter. You put up with a lot to get down here on a weekend if you are coming from the Northside and once you get there, you are kind of on your own for finding a place to eat it, but I promise you that it is all worth it if you like smoked shrimp or fried fish. It really is the gem that people claim it to be.
(5)Billy M.
Smoked fish is good but I went way out of my way to try this place and probably won't again. If I'm in the hood I might grab a bite but not a destination for me.
(3)Pam D.
Scored some smoked sable this afternoon. I'm so happy! I just love this place so much. Happy, happy, happy.
(5)Robby T.
Recently was compiling a list of "favorite places I've eaten by myself". Calumet was my first instinct. Like word association. Yes, it's expensive for smoked seafood out of a hut in Calumet...but an RC Cola, smoked prawns, and whitefish on your car's hood, while watching the drawbridge & ships = strange romantic memory for me.
(5)Roy H.
The smoked salmon here is godly.....WOW!!!!! by far the best I have ever had. Smoked stuff you buy by the pound. They also have deep fried meals that you can get. I got the catfish. That was also very good!!! It came with a very generous portion of fries, coleslaw, and you choice of sauce (i got tartar). Another review said you have to pay a toll to get to the place, if you take the freeway and get off at the stony island ave exit you will not have to pay a toll. Its in a bit of a rundown/industrial area....but totally worth the trip!!!
(5)Yukari T.
I had a bunch of fried goods and smoked shrimp - can't go wrong with that! I have no doubt the smoked fish is good but it seemed a bit too overwhelming to try to eat it there, on the spot. We had an impromtu picnic in the grassy area nearby. I'm pretty sure we were trespassing on private property. One of the guys working at Calumet suggested that we cross the bridge to the park on the other side but we didn't feel like venturing that far out. I happened to be on my way home from Indiana and I had this place bookmarked on Yelp for a while since I saw it on the news for winning a 2010 James Beard Award for America's Classics. The smoked shrimp was good but as Johnny T. so kindly mentions, it is not deveined. As for the fried stuff, I recommend the shrimp and just a half order will be plenty for one normal person. The catfish was a bit too fishy tasting for me and the oysters...while they were good, they were a bit messy (I got some guts all over my pants) and I personally prefer oysters friend Japanese style or just plain raw. I regretted not taking some smoked fish home to go. I don't think I'll be making a trek down there just to go there but if I'm ever passing through, I'll be sure to try the smoked salmon, trout, or chubs.
(3)C F.
Man this is really good fish! I only order one thing since I got turned on.. it's the smoked Shrimp dinner. It's awesome, regardless if it's hot or cold, however it arrives to you, it's delish! This is only take out and man that smoked shrimp with a big lemon drop martini hit's the spot. I love it! Fast service and friendly kids serving. A Plus!
(5)Cecilia C.
Calumet Fisheries, since I left your tiny establishment next to the big scary drawbridge- I have been dreaming of returning for some of that delicious smoked trout. A half pound is more of enough I tell you! Take it by the handy twine string that runs through it and your fish has a handle to take it on the go (which you will have to.) Pull it apart and the flavor is rich, moist, and slightly oily; permeates your fingers with a great scent of smoke and delicious. I had some breaded oysters with a spicy sauce which was quite tasty and the clam strips were formidable. The smoked shrimp was good, but not quite worth more than one or two. They tasted like ham- which defeats the purpose of shrimp. Also, the poop complaint is valid. Being huge shrimp, running into the vein was easy, and I felt like I was wiping my shrimps butt every time I tried to clean a little off before a bite. I found the soggy fries to be a great compliment to the fish- and abundant even in a small order. As for the area: Drawbridges are my childhood fear. It was reawakened here. One of the few restaurant locations ever to send me screaming and crying...so whatever you do...be sure you hear the alarms before the bridge pulls apart and devours you alive in it's mechanical jaws lest you meet a watery death.... ....preferably after eating eating delicious, delicious smoky trout.
(5)Anthony G.
Drove here from Lombard, IL, so this was a nice little trip for us. Ordered the fried oysters, fried catfish, frog legs and stuffed shrimp. We also ordered the smoked sable and smoked salmon which they are really known for and the deep fried mac n cheese. I spent about $80. While the fried food was good, it wasn't as great like I expected. They really should season or marinate the food before frying them. Because they don't, I found them rather bland. For my taste if you want great flavor I would recommend Lawrence Fisheries on 22nd and Canal. I left Calumet Fisheries and headed straight to Lawrence's. There's no contest. On the other hand, the smoked sable and salmon were absolutely excellent. Great flavor and texture. The Sable (or Black Cod) is the most expensive at $29lbs. So if smoked meats are what you are after then Calumet Fisheries is the place. Save your money on the fried foods.
(2)L L.
CASH ONLY Bring wet wipes Make sure you don't need to go potty! Finally after years of trying to make it here, I did! You guys even in rush hour traffic it took only about 20-30 mins from my office in River North! Which makes me believe I will be going way more often! Smoked fish is where it's at, I was told this but succumbed to some fried dishes fried shrimp - a lil fishy smelts - not fishy but slightly heavy on the breading fried oysters - good, okay, not sure if I like a cooked oyster as much as a raw one... fried pickles - AMAZING, the best fried pickles Ive ever had - they put dill in the breading and I loved it. Smoked shrimp - HUGE AND AMAZING Smoked trout - AMAZING! Smoked pepper/garlic salmon - AMAZING Next time I go it's smoked fish/shrimp and fried pickles. Nothing else, NOTHING ELSE! NOTHING ELSE!
(4)Don D.
Not sure why everyone goes batshit crazy about this place? It has pretty good smoked fish maybe the only kind of place like it around here.....but the rest of the stuff I have had there is just deep fried fish seafood ect! They don't take cash they don't keep a very clean shop inside or outside and they don't seem to give two shits if there customers are happy or not...fried fish with redhot sauce is just not my thing and I don't care if Anthony bordain likes it or not!
(3)Glen W.
Best warm smoked fish I've ever had. The sable fish and the shrimp are stand outs.
(4)Dan M.
It was good. I love fried seafood, especially shrimp. The smoked salmon is good too. Funky soda choices, but that's cool with me. (bring a diet soda with if that's your thing, I don't think they had any) Hot sauce was great. I also like all the old photos on the wall from Blues Bros, etc. The kid that was working was really helpful and let us try a few little samples before deciding what to get. I love Bourdain. I've read his books and watched his show. But c'mon nut-huggers, a 5-star joint this is not. (I would have given it 3.5). It's still a fun little excursion if you feel like heading out that way, if you're in the area stop by and grab lunch.
(3)Mike K.
I've had a good bit of smoked fish in my time, but none so well prepared as the stuff they're slinging at Calumet Fisheries. The unassuming location can be mistaken for a little control booth for a drawbridge, but they're making some of the best craft food in Chicago. The salmon is incredible. It comes by the steak, and still has the string in it that they used to hang it in the smoker. The chubs are silky, fatty, and delicious. I'm not as big a fan of the smoked shrimp, but that's just me. I will say one thing: they're smoking some collossal shrimp over there. My favorite part of visiting this place - aside from the food - is checking out the smoke house on the side, where they hang the fish over a smoldering pile of oak. It's sublime to watch the process and taste it right there. Finally, some say it's in the middle of nowhere, and while I don't agree that it's "nowhere," I see what they mean. But just thesame, there's a lot of atmosphere to soak up there on the once bustling industrial port of the south side, and it's cool to eat in your car and just check it out. If you're looking for a better place to chow down nearby, keep driving east on 95th Street and after a few blocks you'll find yourself in Calumet Park where you can park next to the lake and have a little picnic. Don't miss the chance to go here!
(5)Svitlana P.
I cannot shut up about the smoked shrimp at Calument Fisheries. It's delish (minus the fact that it's not deveined). We decided to try it spontaneously last Saturday, and I'm glad we did. There's also a park right on the lake where you can enjoy your "catch" on the shore. The place is a bit of a drive, considering I'm from NW suburbs, but nevertheless, totally worth it. And now that I see a 10% off coupon for the month of July, I have to come back. The smoked trout I got was also amazing. But I did not care for their cole slaw at all.
(5)Casie S.
We just enjoyed the smoked shrimp and fried shrimp dinners. Both were tasty and we will certainly be back to try more items.
(4)carmen b.
Hello, FOOD SNOB here. Well one of the last of its kind in OLD SOUTH CHICAGO. 10th ward I believe. Mr. Vyrdolyaks old stomping ground, remember him? They say its the last Fish Smokehouse in Chicago. It once hosted the BLUES BROTHERS back in 1979. And recently Anthony Bourdain. This is the place for old fashioned Fried and most of all Smoked Fish. Smoked Salmon is very Uniqe. 2 flavors, regular and GALIC. Fried shrimp is Great. I love the fried Oysters. I bring my own french bread bun with mayo and lettuce and add the Oysters on it.( my own cajun po boy). Its takeout only but you can go down the street to Calumet Park and eat by the Lake. Thats what we do. Accompanied with a little wine from home of course. The place hasn't changed since the 1940 or something like that. It is again, one of the last American Food Traditions of its kind.
(5)Khadijah L.
Only the best and amazing smoked fish here. I bought some smoked pepper salmon, and smoked trout to take home and also had their catfish dinner. Really good friend seafood. A little too far for me to come often, especially if I live close to the #2 best fried seafood place in Chicago. They often have 10% off coupon so remember to print them. And bring cash!!
(4)Maxwell K.
Yup, as good as it gets. The location, just before a draw bridge over the most polluted waterway in the United States, is just scary enough to make it awesome. The surrounding neighborhood, well known for urban decay is well-kept but just seedy enough to be interesting. Parking is easy on the side of the bridge, overflow parking is on a grassy lot, with a widely ignored sign that announces "absolutely no parking" The batter is the best i have had. Unfortunately the shrimp taste farmed. The smoked fish is beyond belief great, and the smoked shrimp, which are not farmed, have just enough snap to them to know that they were put under the smoke before a freezer and despite the smoking, they still taste and feel like shrimp...what an achievement!
(5)Sarah S.
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM What bad can you say about smoked fish?? a MUST try folks..
(5)George A.
I like the stuffed shrimp very much, I have had assorted smoked fish and enjoyed all of it.
(4)Valerie H.
We stopped here last Saturday to get some smoked salmon to take over to Crowley's Yacht Yard where we are keeping our boat this season. We snacked on it with some gluten-free crackers and a pre-made sweet potato brought from home. It was delicious! We had stopped here one other time the prior month when we were checking out the boat yard. That was the first time I'd ever tried anything like that and I was hooked. I immediately thought I need to get some of this every weekend to take with us on the boat. The first time we tried it we were surprised it came cold but I'm glad that it did. It's perfect to store in a cooler and it keeps well; we can eat it over a 2-day period and one piece is enough for 2 adults and 1 small dog. (We aren't huge eaters). The prices are on their website. The only thing we've tried so far is the smoked salmon (the plain, not the pepper garlic yet). I want to try to the smoked shrimp next. I'd love to try their fried fish dinners, but unfortunately I have to eat gluten free so fried food is out of the question.
(5)Karl Z.
I just love this place, it takes me back to my childhood in northern Wisconsin for the Friday night fish fry, but better. It is some of the best smelt I've had in a LONG time and one of the few places I can find it done right. They seem to have worked out frying to a science, and it just works. When I go, I also always need to pick up the smoked trout. Now, the smoked salmon is good, and the smoked shrimp are also delicious, but I think the trout is the star and is half the price. Why spend more when you can get that delicious smokey fish flavor for less! I still get the others once in awhile, but for me, the smoked trout is what it is all about. I also like the chubs, make an amazing smoked fish dip, but they don't always seem to have them. Grab lunch or dinner there, fried smelt, shrimp, or whatnot, and take smoked trout home, always enjoy it and don't mind the drive from downtown at all. To note, I used to live near Lawrence's Fisheries near Cermak and that place is ok, but Calumet is just so much better. The crust formed around the shrimp is great and the shrimp just taste better to me, the sauce isn't really needed, like it is at Lawrence's. Definitely worth the extra trip time.
(5)Ye L.
Onward on my tour of Yelp's Chicago faves. This place was actually less of a hike from Hyde Park than many of the decidedly more North Side members of the list. It involves $3 of toll to ride about 1 minute of Skyway if you screw up though... Anyway, it really is a tiny shack on the side of the road with absolutely nothing else around. As other Yelpers said, just park in the tow zone. Nobody cares and the employees even park there. We walked in to an empty store but a friendly young employee popped out in no time to take our order. We got a full order of fried scallops and a pound of smoked shrimp (the latter as recommended by a friend). We decided against any fish as I've never been a fan of smoked salmon at least. The shrimp is just in a big bin next to the rest of the smoked fish and is served cold. The frying happens on the spot and is pretty quick. The bill was pretty high for random shack food (40 bucks) but it was so worth it. The scallops were polished off on the hood of my car right away, no sauce necessary. Fantastic. Lightly covered in dough and not greasy at all. The shrimps were a bit cold but they were amazing. Full smokey flavor but no loss of shrimp flavor. Very much worth 22 a pound. Come here. It's a hike but very worth it.
(5)Sam K.
My friend and I just had a really amazing day exploring the East Side, and it started with a relaxed visit to Calumet Fisheries. Before I get to the food, let me first point out that this place is absolutely spotless. Not what I expected from a fried fish place. My friend and I ordered a half pound of smoked trout and a fried fish dinner to share. We checked out all the great posters on the wall while we waited, and upon the suggestion of the staff, walked down the stairs to the edge of the river to eat on a completely fabulous industrial landscape. The fried fish was great - fried in fresh oil at a high temperature, and very well drained. It wasn't greasy at all- just salty and crisp and delicious. The smoked trout was amazing. It was a little too fishy for me to eat much in one sitting, but I put it aside and ate the rest for dinner. It was a beautiful day with a delicious meal by the water, with an amazing view. A day like today can't be recreated. After we ate, I went back to buy a little more to take home - I bought some smoked salmon, which is much more my style anyway, and is even better than the trout. I'm not so sure I can go back to the smoked Nova chunks at Trader Joe's now . . . Don't plan on going anywhere after a visit to Calumet Fisheries. Because you will stink like fish. My friend handed me his industrial strength germ killer that he got from serving in the army. It burned my skin but didn't remove the fish smell. We went for a swim in the lake. We came home and showered. And we still stink. But definitely plan a visit her on a lazy afternoon. The one thing I would change in the future is show up with a salad of raw tomato, curly parsley, and lemon; when we left, our tastebuds were screaming for something fresh.
(4)Dave P.
1. Plan ahead and bring a few cold beverages. 2. Find a few friends or co-workers. 3. Order: Smoked salmon, fried clams, smoked shrimp, frog legs, mushrooms, fries. 4. Drive East across the bridge into Calumet Park. 5. Walk towards Lake Michigan with cold beverages, friends/co-workers, and food. 6. Enjoy the good life. P.S.- Watch out for hungry gulls.
(5)Tamara M.
Luv this place. The shrimp is awesome!
(3)Marc F.
Like a lot of people who came here after seeing it on No Reservations, I must say that this is some of the greatest smoked items I've ever had. We ordered the smoked shrimp and smoked salmon to start. The shrimp was simply amazing; they were huge and the smokey flavor was just right. It took a lot of willpower to stop eating them and move to the salmon, which was also incredible. When I moved on to the salmon, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it came in great slabs. It practically melts in your mouth with delicious salmon and smoke flavor. A bone here and there, but that's what gives it some charm. On the side, we had some french fries, which were generic at best. I think they only offer them as filler in case you decide to eat on location (which I don't really suggest if you came in a car). The only (and major problems) with eating here is that this place is in the middle of nowhere. Coming from Chicago's city-center, It took 2 changes on the subway, 2 bus changes, and a walk to get here, which was about a 3 to 4 hour round trip. This place is best if you simply pick up and eat it at home. I give Calumet Fisheries 5 stars for their excellent and topnotch craftsmanship for their specialty. I choose not to rate down for the location because you frankly can't be everywhere and close to everybody. Keep on smoking, guys!
(5)Dan E.
I haven't been in the area in a while but have always been meaning to try the place. Well, I finally did (thanks to Tina B). It's bare bones with no seating. The deep fried selections are cooked up to order. I was most impressed with the clientele when we were there: there was a well-heeled older couple picking out treats for that evenings soiree which contrasted with the group who drove up on their motorcycles decked out in their leather finery. And you can conveniently pick up The Blues Brothers on DVD...
(5)Dean F.
Our travel plans took us southward from downtown Chicago so a stop at the (in)famous Calumet fisheries was put on the itinerary. The selection of smoked items in the fridge wasn't as wide as I expected and the salmon had looked far better in my mind's eye than it did on the shelf. I'm never really all that taken with the reality of smoked salmon, but to save the day, we found two of our favorites on the menu: fried oysters and for me, smelts. We topped off our order with some American potato salad and we made the trek over the drawbridge to Cal Park to eat it by shore. My oyster expert was not very much pleased with the thick batter coat, much more preferring a more delicate wrapper. I thought they were delicious. My tray of smelts was satisfying, even if the fry cook may have left them in the hot oil a tad too long. The mild red sauce complimented both entrees very nicely and the potato salad was to our liking. I would give a higher rating if the smoke fish presentation had been more inviting. I'm glad we stopped and it took me back to some places.
(3)Tina B.
Just to be clear - you will smell like smoked fish long after you're done, no matter how many times you wash you hands afterward, still desperately trying to bring the lingering aroma to a merciful end 14 hours later. But you'll probably find it worth any trouble to do it again. This is not one of those super sanitized, fancy eating experiences. You'll get a big ol hunk of smoked fish, maybe complete with head, skin and bones, shell and little leggies. You'll have to devein your own giant shrimp with your fingernails. Then you eat it all barbarian style with your hands either in your car out front on the street under where it says "Tow Zone" or leaning against the Calumet River Bridge pondering the scenic industrialism. The smoked shrimp is...kind of weird. It does kind of taste like fishy ham. But I found myself still eating shrimp after shrimp after shrimp trying to figure out how I felt about it. I'd like to still eat some more now, to keep trying to figure it out. FULL DISCLOSURE - I'm kind of really over smoked seafood, almost to the point, but not quite yet, of being kind of grossed out by it. My mom lives in Alaska and for many years I have endured gifts of smoked halibut treats and salmon jerkies tucked into every Christmas and birthday present. So..yeah... BUT - Their fried seafood is amazing, the fried scallops are some of the best I've had in years. Usually in Chicago I find myself ripping the fried crusty stuff off and chucking it. But this is perfectly, expertly fried. Light and perfectly crispy, the scallops perfectly cooked and wonderfully juicy. I will be getting these every time. It ain't cheap. Bring cash. A ton of cash, because they don't take cards, and a modest lunch for two came to more than $40. I mean, you could save money and get the dinner, but you'll get loaded up with pretty average french fries - and even that will run you at least $10 a person. Oh, and don't worry about parking in that tow zone out front. Everybody does it. And chances are that if you see any cops, city workers or tow trucks, they're just there for lunch, too.
(4)Sabrina M.
The culinary delights on the "East Side" where I grew up are one of the city's best kept secrets. One of my favorite East Side "secrets" that brings together residents of Calumet Heights, South Chicago, South Deering, Hegewisch and the like is Calumet Fisheries! I've been eating here since I was a kid and the quality of the food has remained consistently good. I just ate here for the first time in a long time today and it is still smack-your-lips good. They've managed to find that perfect frying formula of not-too-hard, not-too-soft, not-too-greasy, perfectly golden brown batter goodness. Today I ordered the same thing I did as a kid -- the shrimp dinner and a side of smelt and I managed to down it all in embarassingly short order! Everything here is good, but I'm partial to the shrimp, smoked shrimp and smelt. It's takeout only and made fresh-to-order. And it's still wonderfully traditional enough that they don't carry Pepsi or Coke -- it's RC Cola, Diet Rite or Nehi, take your pick. If you go on a weekend, don't be surprised if you see cars backed up along the bridge and a line out of the door. Trust me, it's absolutely worth it. And, hey, while you're in there you can pick up a DVD of The Blues Brothers, where this place was immortalized.
(5)Tiff S.
Being the impressionable person that I am, the day after the "No Reservation-Chicago" episode aired, I hopped into my car and drove for an hour to reach this wonderful, wonderful place. The owner was very friendly, we chatted about the restaurants that were featured on the show and he told us he actually paid Burt's pizza a visit after the episode aired. Since this was our first stop on our "No Reservation-Chicago" trip, we only got half order of the fried shrimps and fried oysters. Both were very tasty. The hot sauce from the store complimented the food fabulously. The oysters were JUICY...every time I bit into one I get juice splash all over myself...so my advice is to get a lot of napkins if you ever get it. Since I like to share with the less fortunate (i.e. people who are stuck at work), I brought home a chuck of garlic & pepper smoke salmon and it was devoured before I put it down on the table...how is that possible? Well, that is just how good the smoke salmon was.
(5)BeatlesNali D.
I remember this place when I was growing up. We would always order from here during Lent. The place would be packed but the wait was worth it. As I got older I revisited Calumet Fisheries and fell in love with the smoked fish. The quality amazing. I Recomend: Smoked salmon Smoked pepper salmon Smoked Shrimp Shrimp dinner Their only downfall is that they do not accept debit or cc! Which is a good thing is you are on a budget because we would go overboard if we used our debit. So make sure you bring enough cash.
(5)Mike T.
There is no other place that I've been to which serves such great smoked seafood. If you are brave enough to drive around the area and have cash on you, Calumet Fisheries is the place to go. Smoked shrimp is my favorite to eat, and then it would be the smoked whitefish. Some of the fried food needs to be eaten very quickly and fresh, otherwise the food gets kind of soggy. I've been here a handful of times and I'll continue to go back as long as they keep up their great quality of food.
(5)Hugh B.
There is no place to sit and eat. It is a shlep and a half from the North Side. It is in a dingy and depressing area. But the food... ahh the food... Been twice. Have had smoked trout, smoked salmon (plain and garlic/pepper), smoked shrimp, and last time, fried shrimp. All have been spectacular. And a bargain to boot. I shudder to think what Whole Foods would charge for stuff like this... A bonus is the (apparently unconnected to the fish shack) man selling watermelons from his truck parked near the front. Sweet and juicy. (The watermelons, not the man.)
(5)Greg D.
Great fish. Try the smoked trout with garlic and pepper. Quite good. Its an old school fish store where you can get a sleave of saltines to go with the fish. They have plenty of deep fried fish, but the smoked is much better.
(5)Jay L.
First review on Yelp and I thought it would be fitting to do it on Calumet Fisheries. I, like everyone else on here, saw Anthony Bourdain enjoy it and decided to try it out. First things first, you have to cross the $3.00 toll to get there. No one has mentioned this. I went by myself, automatically adding $6 to my total bill. I'm sure there are other ways to get there but it's the first exit after the toll. Once there, it's not hard to find. It's the only store there and just park on the street in front. I walked in and ordered smoked shrimp dinner (about 6 pieces of jumbo shrimp with fries and coleslaw), smelt, a piece of smoked salmon and a piece of trout. They sell the smoke fish by the piece and weigh it accordingly. I originally thought that I could just buy 1 lb but it's by pieces. Works out for me because both pieces were under 1 lb. EVERYTHING not fried is not warm. The smoked stuff was all room temperature. That aside, everything was pretty fantastic. The fried smelts were delicious and made me wish I tried more fried items. My total was about $32 + $6 toll but it's definitely enough to feed 2, maybe 3 people. Highly recommended. Update to my last review: You can drive down I-94 and get of 95th street. It's about 4-5 miles off of the highway and you don't need to pay toll. Also, they forgot my fried shrimp this time around! Double check your bags before leaving. I also tried the fried fish filets and fried scallops. Both were decent. As for the fried items, I still recommend the smelt. I originally gave Calumet 5 stars but to be 5 stars, you must be consistent. They were not.
(4)Leticia L.
I have been going to this place since I was a child. I grew up on the southeast side and was amazed to see Anthony Bourdain on tv eating right in front of the fishery. I thought to myself, "why have I not yelped about Calumet Fisheries?" Not much has changed in the quality of the food at this establishment which is refreshing. I am a fan of their shrimp. When I was a little girl my dad used to buy smoked shrimp, fried shrimp, and fries. We would go to Calumet park and have a small picnic. It is one of those places I hope is around when my son is old enough to enjoy seafood!!
(5)Quantas G.
Wowzers! This place is awesome! Anthony Bourdain was on to something. Calumet Fisheries is THE place for smoked fish. Me and some buddies made the drive down to check this place out after seeing it on TV. And a coupon didn't hurt either. ;) We loaded up on smoked salmon, smoked whiting, smoked shrimp, fried oysters, fried shrimp, and fried smelt. The fish is smoked right on the premises right outside the front door. The aroma seduces you once you park streetside. The customer service is incomparable. The entire staff was very helpful, ready to ask questions, ready to help you with anything you need. Come prepared: with cash, for good smoked fish, and awesome customer service. The staff will tell you a great place to enjoy your grubs a 2-minute drive to Calumet Park nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan.
(5)Tolga E.
I actually remembered Calumet Fisheries from the scene in the original Blues Brothers movie, but I had to have Anthony Bourdain convince me it was worth a trip out to the southiest-south-side of Chicago to try it. Calumet is so deep into the South Side, it's literally a quick walk over to Indiana. Three tourists, a Catholic, a Turk, and a Japanese Texan, really had no business being here. But really, the Blues Brothers didn't either. But the blues (or if you ask Jake and Elwood, the Lord) brings people together in strange ways...and smoked shrimp seems to have the same effect. So, we packed into the rental car and made our way down here. Unfortunately, we went on Easter Sunday and they were closed - one of only two days a year they are closed. So, we tried again the next morning and were a bit more successful. Upon seeing how out-of-place and wide-eyed we were, the guy working there immediately asked "you saw the TV show right?" You bet we did. We ordered the fried shrimp, the famous smoked shrimp, and some smoked salmon. The fried shrimp was fried shrimp, nothing special there. The smoked salmon was really good, but I felt like they probably specialize in smoking other types of fish that would come out better. Then, we had the smoked shrimp, which is served cold, peel-n-eat. These were pretty great. I can't really compare the taste to anything else, be it other shrimp or other smoked foods. It tastes...uniquely like smoked shrimp. I wasn't blown away, but it was a unique experience. And that was good enough. Overall, you should go to Calumet Fisheries to have the experience of traversing the south side, of witnessing the place, and of eating the smoked shrimp. You may not ever need to go back again, but when in Chicago, I can't think of too many things to do that are more worthy.
(4)El B.
Wow!! went there after seeing the Anthony Bourdain episode on Chicago. The guys who worked there were nice, funny, helpful and above all, GRATEFUL to have had the opportunity to have been on such a widely watched TV show and to have all the new business and yuppies from the city drive their Jettas down for some good eating. Had a great time chatting with them. The food was so so so good! The smoked shrimp was especially amazing. These aren't dinky little cocktail shrimp either. Three good bites. You will stink like hell for a long time afterwards and I kept getting whiffs while driving back to the city. It became nauseating actually and after washing my hands twice and showering, I finally got rid of the fish smell. Totally worth it, though. Can't wait to go again. Be prepared to eat in/on your car. There is no where to sit and it's in the middle of nowhere (read: litter and general detritus abounds). Bring wetnaps!
(5)Ron C.
I had no idea what to expect coming here. Firstly it took us a long time to drive down here. And after getting lost, and waiting for 2 bridges to lower due to a passing ship) we finally found the place. A little shack in the middle of nowhere, on the way southside of Chicago, which I find to be unique and reminiscent of the way "things used to be", I just refused to believe how good it could be. We walked in and randomly ordered some smoked items. A salmon, some chubs and shrimp. I guess it might've been the first time I've had smoked cold seafood, but everything was so fresh, so sweet and oh soo good. The chubs (which I've never had before) were especially sweet, and just digging into this stuff with your bare hands inside your car, just made it all the more delicious. Man, writing this review makes me want to go back so much. Grrr!!!
(5)Peter F.
We ate at Everest the night after dining here, and there was dispute over which was the finer food. That's right, Calumet Fisheries' smoked shrimp is that good. Less complex, certainly, but those two flavors are perfect each and in combination. And I certainly didn't accidentally nibble on my finger after a delicious lingering aroma from Everest. The huge shrimp get smoked in the shack's own little smokeshack in the back (it doesn't look like much, but perhaps that's why this stuff is so good). Their breaded shrimp is great too, quite possibly the best in the city, but skip it anyway and get a 1/2 lb. of smoked shrimp ($10) per person. As implied above, the beautiful smoked shrimp smell will linger on your fingers, so watch that you don't chew on them. It's also a great place to pick up other smoked fish like salmon and especially chubs. Ah, Calumet Fisheries' smoked chubs. Priced at just $10/lb., the chubs sell like hot cakes. Or rather, drugs--folks from the neighborhood call them "fish crack." I'm not sure on how Chicagoans eat their chubs, but I'll give you a run down on the Russian no-utensil version: 1) snap off that fish head and toss it; 2) pry the fish open from the bottom; 3) and start pulling meat off those bones 4) dip that meat in the hot sauce and eat. Lastly, the setting is perfect Calumet River industrial grandiosity. The ships on the river, steel mills in the distance, close up views of several great steel drawbridges, the Skyway, and a wayward little yacht marina. And you've got about a 25% chance on any given visit to see the 95th St bridge rise for a tugboat, which always draws a crowd of shrimp-devouring gawkers. Unfortunately, there's no good place to rest your meal while doing some gawking of your own--some sort of counter or small picnic table outside would be a great improvement, but who am I to complain when the fish is this good. Eat your food carefully in the car, on the hood, or take it back to wherever you're going. Driving over to Wolf Lake to gorge yourself on smoked chubs while looking at the industrial monstrosities of Lake Co. over the marshes will be memorable!
(5)Paul S.
Was there on a Saturday over Labor Day weekend. Full, but not crowded at all. The staff was very patient and attentive. We grabbed three items. The garlic pepper smoked salmon was the winner. The smoked shrimp was fantastic as well. The fried fish was the best I ever had, however it's not "that" much better than other reputable fried fish places. If you're a fried food fanatic, I would recommend the fried items, but the smoked items are what make the place for sure.
(5)Justin S.
Yes, this place is the real deal. I'm ashamed to admit - the day started in the morning in my car, where my buddy was on the phone saying, "No way I'm going - I'm only doing Anthony Bourdain stuff today!" After a stop by Hot Doug's, we made it to Calumet for dessert. I was blown away by the ambience. It was awesome. The tv show simply cannot capture it. It's a tiny shack, next to a rusty bridge, which is covering toxic water, located in an industrial wasteland. Love it!! The best food is always found in places like these. The smoked fish, of any kind, is bomb. Get it. The fried shrimp was awesome too. The fried smelts were peculiar, bordering on questionable. I'm sure some people love it though. This place is BYOWAPT - bring your own water and paper towels. You'll need it to wash your hands.
(5)Mike I.
When I heard that Anthony Bourdain recently visited this little white shack nestled in the western armpit of the 95th street bridge, I figured I'd better get down there and see what the big deal was. It was a long drive. By the time we arrived and pulled off to the side of the road, I'd become disoriented with hunger, and in my haste to order I asked for fried instead of smoked shrimp. Luckily, my dining companions did not make the same mistake and were willing to share. Four of us stood at the rail of the old bridge, a hot noon sun bearing down on us while we downed shrimp after delicious shrimp. I could see the dark line where the smoke had worked itself into the body of the little beast. This was surely the most intensely smoked shrimp I'd ever laid teeth on. Dining Companion #3 also bought a collar of smoked salmon, which he devoured later in the day and called "Pretty fucking good." This is hearsay and therefore inadmissible in a court of law. Now, back at home and feeling the nascent pangs of evening hunger, with my smoke-infused T-shirt smelling downright edible, I'm tempted to drive right back down there for a second course.
(5)JL S.
This place is classic and pure. It is what it is, and what it is is terrific.
(4)Victoria S.
We wouldn't have found Calumet Fisheries without Yelp - but we're glad we did! It's bare bones - no doubt about it - but the fried seafood rocks! (We didn't try the smoked). We did a half order of the oysters (I'd never had oysters before - loved 'em) - and a half order of the shrimp (YUM - terriffic) and a half order of fries on the side. Because of other reviewers here on Yelp we planned ahead and brought 2 drinks from our hotel (we were in town for a show) - in the "borrowed" hotel ice bucket. And - we ended up eating in the car. We'd do it again in a heartbeat.
(4)Tsubasa O.
We actually drove to here from Downtown twice within 24 hrs because our dumb asses didn't check to see if they were closed on Easter - which is one of three days they're closed all year. Still, we had to make the venture out to see what the hubbub was about. For me it was a little over-hyped from the Bourdain show. Smoked shrimp was top of the line, no doubt. Peppered salmon was good but nothing to make plans for. Popcorn shrimp is good - it's deep fried, no real magic there. Eating the food can be an issue, especially if it's windy and rainy outside. We took it inside our rental car and my friend (who's the most uncoordinated person) took the liberty to spill hot sauce all over his crotch, car seat, etc. Looked like he was emitting period blood everywhere. Good thing we were going to Cubs Opening Day with a corporate box in about an hour. For me, the experience of going to that place and hanging out there for a little bit was most exciting. Seeing the south side of Chicago and the blue collar ghost-town feel of 95th street is something I don't get to experience much in SF. (For Bay Area kids, it had the vibe of San Pablo Ave in Oakland, but much more vacant.) The guy who works there was super nice and asked us, "so, you saw the show, right? go to the pizza place too?" yes and yes. It was a fun trip to get there and if I'm in Chicago again for leisure, I'll make sure to visit again. I also regret not purchasing a trucker hat from them.
(4)Kat M.
A maggot in my shrimp?! My fiance and I just got back home from our adventure to South Deering. Because we don't often travel to the South Side, we saved this dinner up for (and built it up in our minds as) something really special. The pepper and garlic salmon that my fiance got WAS something special... seriously, the best smoke salmon I've ever tasted - moist and so, so, so flavorful, without being salty or just plain dry. However, my smoked shrimp were.... un-special. In their reviews, no one really mentions that you can't (or at least we were told we couldn't - more on that later) get the smoked salmon as a "dinner" - i.e., you have to just buy the piece of fish and the side separately. No big deal, but since we'd never really been there before and didn't really have the program down yet, we looked like complete idiots while ordering. As we left, we both remarked that we almost felt laughed at by the service person helping us at the counter... he could have been a little more polite and a little more helpful. Anyway, we took our spread home to dine in the air conditioning and with utensils (which they neglected to include and we neglected to ask for). When we got home, Fiance popped open the fish that we'd been catching drool-inducing whiffs of on our hour drive home. It was truly out of this world. The shrimp... oh, the shrimp... were a different story. They were massively big, and I think I was on my 4th or 5th one (out of probably 8 that came with the order) when I started to peel off the shell and tried to pick something off that looked less like a leg and more like a... worm. Upon closer inspection, I realized that it was actually a maggot. Talk about losing my appetite.... and my lovely fiance just reminded me that not only was it a maggot, it was almost a three-quarter inch maggot. I realize that maybe it was a freak occurrence and this prob doesn't happen to every person that orders shrimp, but if I were a patron, I would definitely inspect my seafood closely. Otherwise, you might be left praying that you don't have food poisoning. Like I am right now. All in all, I would definitely love to go back for more salmon, but ix-nay on the imp-shray.
(3)Yuko K.
The best smoked shrimp ever!! My friend and I drove there on rainy Saturday just to get the food and come back. We ended up woofing down the smoked shrimp in a car parked in front of the restaurant (very classy move), and then immediately went back in to get another pound of them. Not cheap though at $20 per pound, but was worth every bite. We also tried smoked pepper salmon, which was good but completely overshadowed by smoked shrimp. Definitely requires another trip to try out frog legs and other smoked fish.
(5)Slu S.
Now some blanch at going to Andersonville or Pilsen for food, but this joint is way, way, way out of the way. We are talking about in the shadows of the skyway bridge. That being said. Shut down your computer. Get in your car (if you don't drive, steal a car). Set aside 90 minutes and go. If you are a fan of seafood or the Blues Brothers (Cal Fisheries was in the movie), you will love this place. It is no non-sense and you smell what you will taste. Get as many smoked shrimp as you can afford and sit in your car or on the bridge and peel and eat. Apply hot sauce as needed. Repeat. Now try finding your way home.
(5)chris c.
I think that their smoked fish is a little above average, but you can find better in the city. The smoked shrimp on the other hand is definitely worth the trip all by itself. I have yet to try the fried seafood offerings that many love, but I made the way through the smoked section and the shrimp seperates itself from the other offerings.
(3)Roy A.
This is the epitome of a food joint. Hole in the wall place. Whatever you wanna call it, but damn is it good. I, like every one else, went here a couple months after Bourdain had it on the show and it was well worth the trek over there. Smoked salmon, chub (aka crack), fried shrimp and smoked shrimp was the order for the day. Not one disappointed and the freshness was clearly evident. I don't know if there's another place like this anywhere outside somewhere in the south, I'd guess. Plain and simple--the BEST smoked food you'll probably ever eat. I'm shocked that such a place exists in the middle of nowhere on 95th St off of 90. Incredible stuff and worth going to at least once regardless of how far you may have to drive.
(5)D T.
Yelpers- You have let me down on this one. I just got back and am dumbfounded by those of you who don't love the fried foods here. I generally only like fresh fish, and don't think it should be fried, unless Calumet Fisheries is doing the frying. But, everything was awesome. OK, 1st of all, do NOT take local roads here. Navigation Lady and I aren't speaking right now. She had me take E 79th St. the entire way and I don't know how a suburban family with a gay dog made it out alive. Holy Panic the entire drive there. 2nd of all, order A LOT! Fried will reheat in the oven well, smoked is already served almost cool. 3rd Bring a car you don't care about. We brought the new SUV- dumb. I must say I was most excited about the smoked fish, (well, mostly excited I made the drive here alive- and I'm no wimp. Seriously) but I really dig the fried food. I think it's what mood you're in because I keep going back and forth between the two and they don't mix well. 1) Fried Catfish- I wanted to smack my husband when he got this but it was sooooo good. Fresh, not greasy, delicious. I made him go back in mid-gorging to get another order of that and fried shrimp. 2) Fried Shrimp- It's not just "fried shrimp" people. It's amazing fried shrimp that is the best I have ever had. 3) Fried Scallops- SOOOO light and, once again, fresh. They were my husbands favorite- very unlike him. 4) Fries- so many complaints about them by reviewers. They're fine. You come here for fish, not fries. 5) Smoked Shrimp- Only had room for 2, but they're really good. Gonna dig in later when I can breathe. 6) Smoked salmon- Delicious!!! I cannot believe this comes out of water by us. Scary. But good. 7) Smoked Trout- Not as good as the salmon, and I thought I'd like it more. I am sooo spoiled by a local restaurants smoked trout, and it can't be beat. 8) BBQ sauce- FANTASTIC 9) Hot Sauce- Friggin awesome. 10) Grape Sunkist- Really? I had 3. We made this a "field trip" so my daughter wouldn't complain about the drive. That and popped in a DVD- lazy parenting at its finest people. When we pulled up, she noted the obvious, "This place does NOT look fun or like it has good food!!" She was singing a different tune after she had some of the awesomeness. I think part of the excitement was being able to eat in the new car- forbidden normally. The guy working is sooo friendly. He was cracking up when my husband went in for more 3 minutes into eating. We spent about $100.00 on 3 of us, and have PLENTY for dinner or lunch tomorrow. So GO!! It's a must try.
(5)magic g.
my first 5* ... anything smoked here is amazing, especially the huge smoked shrimp (don't get the fried one). just wow
(5)Fernando A.
Damn this place is good! Living in LA, it's really hard to find smoked fish. Lot's of fresh fish in LA, but not a whole lot of people making smoked fish. Anyhow, I grew up in Michigan, and love smoked fish from the great lakes, so after we saw this on Bourdain, I just had to go here. First of all, the owners are super friendly. They saw us taking photos outside, and started teasing us when we came in. They took us out back and let us take photos of their smoke house too. We got the smoked trout, shrimp, smelt, and peppered salmon. All were incredibly delicious. We stunk like fish the rest of the day, since we ate it in the car. My one downer is that I wish this was a full on sit down deli. It would be much more enjoyable to eat this with some bread, bagels, spread, etc. As tourists, we couldn't really bring it back to the hotel room. I wish there was a comparable place to this near Long Beach. If I lived in Chicago, I'd be here on a weekly basis.
(5)Ardena C.
I was very disappointed in the food here. two of the four items that we ordered from this place were over cooked and rubbery. The service was great though..and fast. Very friendly people work there.
(2)K S.
This place is way off the beaten path, and the only place i didn't know(and haven't been to) from Anthony Bourdain's Chicago episode. The person working here made it a great experience. We got the smoked salmon and shrimp. The shrimp was AMAZING! I think they were worth the drive alone. This place can get deceivingly pricey for a carryout, side of the road place. I went later in the day, when no one else was there with a friend of mine. The guy working the counter was great! He made this a 5 star experience. We told him it was our first time there and had no idea what we were doing. He asked us if we wanted to try some smoked salmon and some shrimp. I can recommend this place anytime, but expect to drive back and eat it at home, no place to sit, side of the road carryout only place.
(5)January C.
I was on a little tour of the southside with my boyfriend last week. We drove by the Calumet Fisheries and I asked him to pull over. I really wanted some hush puppies. I went inside only to find out they didn't have hush puppies; when I turned around to leave I saw Anthony Bourdain's picture on the wall. Hmmm...if it's good enough for Tony, maybe I should give it a chance. I knew this place looked familiar... So, I ended up ordering their fish chip dinner. The fish was pretty darn good. Crispy but not over fried, made with fresh oil. The fries were thick cut but lacked flavor. The side of coleslaw was unusually sweet but a nice balance with the saltiness of the fish. I didn't try any of their smoked meat but it sure did smell tasty. If I'm driving by again I won't hesitate to stop in.
(3)Sofia D.
I have one large regret that I will not forgive myself for until I return to Calumet Fisheries. I shamefully have not tried their smoked fish... sorry! Bad judgment call at the time. But, I HAVE tried their fried shrimp (and snacked on my buddy's fish dinner) and holy hell, it is amazing! We were trying to make it to the fish shack by sunset in order to enjoy our meals at Calumet Park right down the road. The boys behind the counter were very polite and had our food ready really quickly. We ordered the sweet potato tots (that vegetable being one of my first loves), fried shrimp dinner, and fish dinner. The mild fish dippin' sauce was great and the spicy one tasted like straight-up hot sauce. The fried shrimp were cooked to perfection and the fries that came along with it tasted like they'd just been chopped and fried minutes before. Everything was great but I noticed that my grape soda tasted like fish... may have been from the fishy particles floating around and greasing up my can... a little funny, to be honest. Anyway, we did make it to the park before it got dark, in case you were wondering, but we didn't see the sunset. We'll have to make a trip out soon so I can capture the sun fading and get my smoked fish on simultaneously. Nothing says romance like the smell of fish!
(4)H S.
I think its en vogue to give places like this 5-stars just to prove you were there and know good food. That's why I'm keeping it real and only going 4-stars.....that way you still know I went and know I'm still keeping it real! I had the smoked salmon and the smoked shrimp. I enjoyed them both-very much so indeed. However, that is a lot of smoked seafood. A bit too much smoked seafood for me and a lot of food. I think a fried shrimp order would have countered the smoked salmon better. They were out of chub unfortunately but the salmon was on point. I wish the sides offered were better but I would imagine this is best bought for small groups of people in which you can try various smoked/fried portions, make or bring your own sides and enjoy a cold beverage with. Nonetheless, happy I went!
(4)Joe M.
Was not tremendously impressed. The Salmon was very good, the Chub was ok, but the Catfish and the Frogs legs were not battered and cooked fresh, they were frozen. So a little disappointed for the $$$$. Kind of a cool industrial ambiance. Would get the Salmon again
(3)Kimberly G.
Food is always good here, that's not to say the same for the service. Every time I come into place which has been at least 4 times now, the staff at the counter is terrible. At least I seem to think so there is this young kid that gives me the death stare every time I dont want to jump to conclusions but maybe its what I'm "Wearing". lol This not only happens with this kid every time also I've been there on several occasions to only be overlooked and totally ignored until i speak up. Yesterday was the last time that i will spend 40-50 dollars at this place to test out my theory. I'd rather go to lawrence fisheries where I always feel welcome. Don't like how this staff makes me "uncomfortable"
(2)Jim M.
I used to work across the river from Calumet Fisheries, when they still unloaded cargo at the Federal Marine Terminal. That was awhile ago, but I still find myself in that area at least once a month getting smoked shrimp. This is one of those perfect get and go kind of places, pull up, jump out, order, it'll come to you fast, and leave, go to Calumet Park, watch a softball game and enjoy the food. The service is very friendly and patient, there's a lot to choose from, take your time, get it right. I've had the fried oysters, also excellent, as is the smelt. I love me some smelt. It's hard to find anything that doesn't taste good fried. Head over, it's a great location, get some food, you'll enjoy it.
(4)Brian B.
Wonderful, unique and worth the drive! I don't have anything else to add that the others haven't said.
(4)Michael W.
Hours after my seafood rendezous on the side of a road near the Chicago Skyway, the scent of smoked shrimp lingered on my fingers. The memories of a love consummated .... in the mouth. Oh, yeah. I knew I was in the right dining environment when we pulled up into the tow zone by a shack atop the 95th Street bridge on the far Southeast Side in the shadow of a City of Chicago Streets and Sanitation truck. Those guys know food. So does Mr. Tony, aka Anthony Bourdain of Travel Channel's "No Reservations" whose recent visit to Calumet features prominently inside, along with photos of Jake and Elwood Blues. As every other wall article explains, this is the spot The Blues Brothers jump the bridge in the seminal Chi-Town movie of our time. No doubt John Belushi got down on some smoked shrimp. No, you're not reading this incorrectly. Smoked shrimp, not fried shrimp. There is this delicious flavor that given my limited history with smoked foods meant the shrimp tasted like ham. Seafood ham. Yum. Still, don't miss out on the fried shrimp & scallops. A little advice, this is a seafood destination so skip the dinner combo and go right for the fish, by the full orders (pounds) if you can swing it. You're guaranteed to leave satisfied.
(5)Marlene S.
Lot's of character in this tiny little place, but I should have tried something smoked intead of fried. There was way too much coating on the smelt and the fried fish. The stuffed shrimp had the most flavor. I love crab, but since the crab cakes were listed as "imitation crab" there wasn't any point in trying them. No tables, so you eat in your car, and if you are lucky, the bridge goes up and you see some water traffic.
(3)Ryan S.
This place has solid flavors. I am a salmon fan and ate the smoked salmon and Holy Shiz it was good! I am an extremely picky eater and this place set me right. The smoked shrimp was incredibly flavorful. How come its always the little shacks that have the best food? This place is small and off the beaten path. So, if you live far it is worth the travel.
(5)Madelyn H.
i'm always looking for new and interesting food experiences and visiting calumet fisheries was definitely that! of course, i heard about it on no reservations. the fish is delish. my fav was the smoked salmon and trout. i also loved the fried smelt and the sauce they serve with it is so good. the chubs and shrimp were good, but for me, the salmon and trout were definitely the standouts. my hands did smell for hours afterwords, even after scrubbing them multiple times, but it was well worth it. we read on yelp that you should go to calumet park and this was a great tip, especially given the alternative of eating in your car. calumet park is right on the lake.
(5)Alex K.
What can I say that hasn't been said here? They have a James Beard award hanging on the wall next to a white board that shows the price of a can of soda. You probably have no idea how good smoked fish can be unless you've been here. If you find yourself heading past 95th on the highway, you owe it to yourself to stop and try this stuff. Smoked shrimp FTW.
(5)Jim A.
after seeing this place on anthony bourdain's no reservations (like many others have), we decided to give it a try ourselves. we were not at all disappointed. the place itself is way on the south side of chicago (95th at the bridge as their sign says). you just park on the side of the road and walk in. the two guys working there at the time were friendly and courteous. after we received our order (and with no seating area available) we ate right in our car. luckily I had a leftover newspaper in the car which came in handy! it was tough to decide what to order since there were only two of us. we went with the smoked shrimp, fried catfish, and fried oysters. everything was fresh and delicious. the fried items were crispy and not too oily. we topped it off with an order of fries and soft drink, but it was the fresh seafood that was the star. it was definitely worth the trip here. we'll definitely be back. they also recently won a james beard award in the america's classic category. I can see why.
(5)Mimi P.
OK this PLACE STINKS as in SMELLS, I had to wait on the curbside that overlooked the beauty of the east side to prevent the upchuck reflex, but I believe it was the "smoking" process of fish, barf. I had fried smelts, fried shrimp, fried scallops, fried clam strips and I was all fried out in a bad way. They have a variety but I wont be going again.
(2)Gerald H.
Let's get right to it. If you don't love fish you might as well stay away from this place. I used to go often (I should have said very often) when I lived in the city. Now I get there about twice a year but when I do, look out! Because I'm gonna do some damage. The fried shrimp, scallops, fish chips and smoked (anything) are delicious, as are the fries. I don't get caught up in the ambiance because I've been there many times but it's a quaint place that I hope never goes away. If you ever have a chance be sure to stop here.
(4)Esther Y.
Stick to the smoked fish...it's a must.
(4)Dopple C.
Like other Bourdain fans, I had to go check this place out when I visited Chicago last week. I took the trip from downtown using Metra, the commuter rail, and the train runs once an hour to South Chicago. It was about another 10-15 minute walk (seems really long if you don't know where to go) to find the place. Unfortunately, I was traveling solo and didn't want any leftovers, so I ate a small order of fried fish chips, which was OK, and took out some smoked shimp and smoked salmon for the plane trip home. Since I had missed the hourly Metra back, I walked on to Commercial Ave to find a bus to the Red Line back to the Loop. And lived to talk about it :-) The smoked shrimp and salmon survived the rest of my day bumming around in Chicago and the dealyed flight back to NYC. Around 11pm, I ate the smoked shrimp. IT WAS GOOD!!! I was somewhat concerned about the food spoiling en route, but isn't the point of smoking food to preserve it? I'm saving the salmon for now, but at least I now know my way there by public transportation. Lesson for next time is to bring friends (AND DRIVE) so I can sample MORE!
(4)Joseph M.
Best smoked salmon I've ever had. I get the garlic & peppered style, it's just fantastic. Good smoked shrimp. Decent fried scallops. The fried shrimp is alright but not nearly as good as the fried shrimp at Bob's Shrimp on Calumet Ave. in Hammond. Carryout only.
(5)Char Y.
best fried seafood ever! the oysters were juicy, yummy, and seriously heavenly. I never had smelt before and am now totally a fan. The smoke shrimps were ok, but definitely worth the trip! if you take the skyway it only takes 15 minutes from downtown.
(4)Rob S.
Also, forgot to mention that if you are coming from the North, instead of swinging onto 90 (Chicago Skyway), take 94 south and exit at 95th street and head east. This will save you from paying any tolls and takes almost the same time. Drive past Chicago State University and it will come up eventually on your right.
(5)William C.
I've gone past this place all my years growing up and never once stopped. I learned about this place from Bourdain's show No Reservations. They deliver some of the best smoked fish I've eaten. We had the smoked shrimp, pepper/garlic salmon, smoked salmon, and fried scallops. I'd love to make those smoked shrimp into a po' boy; they are large, succulent, smokey, and just plain good dipped into hot sauce. There is no place to sit except your car, which we did. The experience is worth it, and we brought several pounds of smoked fish home to share.
(5)ed d.
Very good shrimp. If you are in the area, stop by. Not sure I would drive 45 minutes for it.
(4)Paul M.
I have been to Calumet Fisheries many times and never have been disappointed. My favorits are their smoked shrimp, smoked trout, and fried stuffed shrimp. I used to get the Mahi Mahi half order but the last few times I went - they didn't offer it. Being a big Blues Brothers fan, I really enjoy looking at the pictures from when they filmed the bridge jump scene right on the 95th street bridge where Calumet Fisheries is located. If you are lucky, you can get to see the bridge raise for a huge boat hauling freight. This place is one of those rare gems in the city. It hasn't been ruined by Check Please like some of my other favorite places (you hear me Hot Doug? you think I am going to wait in a line around the block for a pigeon hot dog?). Service is top notch. If I could rate it 4 and a half stars I would.
(4)Angelica D.
If you haven't been here, I would definitely reccomend you do. They have the best fried shrimp out there :) I always get the hot sauce that comes with it and it just totally rocks my world! The place is super small, not someplace to come and sit as they have no seating area. The lakefront is a few blocks away though. The food here is really cheap in my opinion compared to other places. Can't wait til my next trip.
(5)Dean D.
Went back a second time and tried the salmon again. It was a more moist than the first time, but I would still not get it from there. Also tried the fried oysters and they were decent. I'd definitely come back for the smoke chubs and the smoked shrimp and would gladly recommend those two items to anyone.
(4)Steven L.
I too got sucked in by Bourdain. Afterall, a nice sunny afternoon, a few good friends, and all the smoked fish and shrimp we could eat sounded pretty a-peel-ing (Pun totally intended!) Warning: If you go to this place, I strongly recommend you follow this list in order to make your visit as enjoyable as possible. Besides your appetite, I recommend bringing these things: 1. Bring cash: They do not take credit or debit cards! 2. Drinks: They do have a few options, but there is no beer or wine. Personally I've always been told: "Smoke in one hand, beer in the other." I think we can let that rule apply here. 3. Cut your fingernails: If you do the dirty work, your hands are going to smell. That means peeling the shrimp, tearing the fish, etc. And if your nails are long, that scent will stick underneath your fingers for a couple of days. 4. Bring handiwipes or wet towels: The bathroom facilities here are nonexistent. That means after chowing down on the smokey treats, your hands are going to smell a bit fishy. You will be itchin' to give them a good cleanse. 5. Sauce: Now this may seem like a sin to some, but if you really love a good cocktail sauce (like me) bring your own. They did not have any. I personally think the smoke flavor of the shrimp could have benefited from a little spice from horseradish. They do have some hot sauce, but it's more of the Frank's Red Hot variety. Not my personal fave. Now onto the ambiance. Oh wait, there is none. That's because there are no seats. If you want to eat there, grab a seat on the curb or the bridge nearby and enjoy the outdoor. It really wouldn't hurt for management to put in some picnic tables as they have the room for it. The food. My friends and I (3 of us total) purchased 1 lb of shrimp and half a lb each of smoked pepper salmon, trout, and chub fish. This ended up costing us about $14 each and was plenty of food for all 3 of us. I couldn't wait to "sink" my teeth into these savory delights. I sampled the shrimp first. The smoke flavor is very strong and potent. It definitely takes over the actual taste of shrimp. Very delicious. But I think a dip in some cocktail sauce would really work well here. The fish also have very strong smoke flavor. My favorite of the fish was the peppered salmon. I suppose us fans of lox and cheese already know how tasty smoked salmon can be. Here it is even better! The trout and chubs were also tasty. Definitely worth a try. So what is this meal missing? I don't know. Perhaps it's the Asian in me, but I found the smoke to be overwhelming after a few bites. I think the fish could really benefit from something more neutral to help counter the very strong smoke taste. Perhaps, a side of rice or bread option would be helpful to the menu. Also, I would have probably gone with 4 stars here, but I just thought the amenities of the restaurant really left something to be desired. A bathroom, or handiwipes at minimum, should be provided. Especially since most of us are making a bit of a journey to come to this place.
(3)Matt C.
How have I missed this in all of my years in Chicago? Maybe because it is in the middle of nowhere and close to some not so great neighborhoods. The setting definitely made me feel like I was in a different city, except for the Chicago Police cruisers there (eating). My buddy and I split the smoked shrimp, fried shrimp, fried frog legs, and smoked pepper salmon. No complaints regarding anything I had. The frog legs were some of the best I've had, and the smoked shrimp was ridiculously good (never had it before, so I guess I can say it is the best I've had). My recommendation to avoid the skyway is to take Lakeshore down and follow S. Shore Dr/US-41 when it ends. Just turn on 95th and you are only a block or 2 away. South Lakeshore is beautiful, and you are really only in a "rough" neighborhood for a few blocks. I used to work all throughout the area, and never once had a problem. The cash only thing with no ATM in sight was kind of annoying, but I had enough cash to make sure I had an adequate lunch. I didn't mind eating in my car either, it reminded me of the local fish places I have been to on the east coast. If you are looking for an offbeat place to experience Chicago, this is definitely a good option
(5)Jennifer G.
Came in to finally sample some of the fried delicacies. Our first trip here consisted only of the smoked shrimp, which is excellent. Fried shrimp was also wonderful - the breading is light and the shrimp were cooked perfectly. Son had the oysters and husband had the scallops, all of which were in the same light breading and cooked just right. I decided to also get one smoked salmon piece to take home to make dip with. A few days went by and I almost forgot about it and took it out to find a piece of salmon that was still perfectly wonderful. The salmon is juicy, flavorful and perfect for making dip. It really could be eaten plain, it is just that good. I think the smoked salmon may really be the star of the show here.
(4)Annie P.
Happy I finally made a point to drive down here. What a unique place! My family did the smoked salmon, pepper and garlic smoked salmon, and smoked whitefish. The p&g salmon and the whitefish were both standout. We also did the smoked shrimp which were interesting to try (have never had) and were good as well. My brother likes slaw and wasn't impressed by theirs. Good experience though. Happy I've gone at least once and if am in the vicinity will definitely come back
(5)Virtie P.
The full order of fries shrimp was on point. I've also tried the smoked salmon, which was also very good.
(5)Hannah H.
I've been wanting to check out Calumet Fisheries FOREVER, so I was pretty excited to finally swing by! This smokehouse has been family-owned and -operated by the Kotlick-Toll family since '48, where the fish is brined overnight and special oak logs are used for the smoking. Fish, such as catfish, chubs, eel, rainbow trout, sable, salmon, sturgeon, white fish, and herring are some that are available. They also have fried seafood (shrimp, fish, catfish, scallops, and crab cakes), as well as sides and salads. I tried their Pepper & Garlic smoked salmon, a half order of the fried shrimp, and a half order of their fried smelts. The smoked salmon was pretty good; just use a strong fork to flake it apart; they have packages of saltine crackers available, but you can bring you own. It had a lovely smoked flavor, and the garlic and the peppercorn was not too overpowering. Just having the fish with the crackers can be a little dry, so having some mayonnaise to spruce it up is a good idea. The fried shrimp was forgettable, and the fried smelts were okay - the batter was more like ground cornmeal-like, rather than the crispy batter I was expecting. Service was super friendly, and everything is made fresh-to-order (besides the smoked fish). This is a cash only joint, so keep that in mind. It is a carry-out only, but there are a couple of picnic tables in the front to enjoy your meal (I prefer to just chowing down in the car - that's how you do ittttttt) :P I'd love to come back and try out their smoked sable, sturgeon, and the trout :D +Pepper & Garlic smoked salmon +friendly staff +cash only
(4)Stefany V.
Worth driving out of your way for. Seriously. This was easily a half hour drive outside of Chicago, and I'd do it again. Smoked and fried fish aplenty, right on the water. It really doesn't get much better than this. If my endorsement isn't enough for you, the many awards on the walls should be. Anthony Bourdain is among their fans, too. Smoked is the way to go here. I'm sure their fried fish is fine, and the smelts we tried were tasty, but the smoked fish was by far the star of our meal. They sell by weight, so come hungry and plan to buy a couple of pounds to split with a group. There's some outdoor seating available or you can take it with you, but be sure to bring cash- I'm not a fan of cash-only businesses, but at least there's an ATM here. SMELTS: Grab a half order, available with a spicy or mild dipping sauce not unlike a buffalo wing sauce. They're hot and crispy, and plenty for sharing even with the half order. But I'd take these to go and make a garlic sauce to serve them with, as done in European cuisine. GARLIC PEPPER SMOKED SALMON: This was tasty, and by far the most recommended fish in the reviews. It was good, but not amazing. If your only knowledge of smoked fish is the lox on your bagel at a chain restaurant, you might really like this massive step up in quality. SMOKED TROUT: Go classic. The smoked trout is divine. No pepper or garlic needed, just simple, smoked fish. It's flavorful, with plenty of skin, and I could eat it for days. CRACKERS: Whatever you buy, grab a tube of crackers (they're 55 cents) to eat your fish with. And don't forget to grab napkins, because you'll be eating all this tastiness with your hands.
(4)Paola N.
I had a really great experience at Calumet Fisheries. THE AMBIANCE: Calumet Fisheries is a small seafood shack with an outdoor smoke house. You walk in and pick your food off of a menu on the wall and from the glass counters. It is super small and the venue is meant for you to walk in and order. Outside by the smoke house there are long tables bleacher-style for you to sit and enjoy your pickings. THE FOOD: It was three (3) of us on this food trip and we ordered garlic smoked salmon, garlic smoked trout, fried scallops, fried catfish, and macaroni salad. A thing to note is that they don't have lemons (sigh) and they don't sell beer (double sigh). Lucky for us we had packed some brewskis. We set up food camp on the table and dug in. The seafood, especially the garlic smoked trout, was AMAZING. It was delicious! Calumet Fisheries provides a hot sauce that had a tangy-ness to it. Other than that you might want to bring your favorite hot sauce as well. The macaroni salad was not good. It had so much mayo. None of us liked it/ate it. Carlos, who works there, came over and talked to us a bit about the history of Calumet Fisheries and he brought us some fresh cooked salmon, which he broke apart in front of us so we could taste some of the most buttery and juicy parts. He is awesome. We also got a tour of the smoke house. Super cool. During our trip the crew of Man Fire Food on the Cooking Channel was there and I got to meet the host, Roger Mooking. Super sweet and down to earth guy. THE TIPS: It can get really hot so wear sunscreen! I would pack some lemons/limes, cold beer, and your fave hot sauce!! Street parking.
(5)Teschia B.
Welp! Not what I was expecting. I have to stop putting faith in seafood that is located in the city and at a low cost. This is mediocre at best. The scallops are not fresh and very chewy. The shrimp are clearly store brought and not fresh. The smoked fish is good, but to be honest. I can get the same quality out of a can of tin fish from the grocery store. The best thing was the cheese bites and that is very sad. If I am in the area and craving some cheese bites and smoked trout. I will make the stop, but other then that. I will stick to Pappadeaux out in the burbs for quality seafood.
(2)Rebecca S.
Yes yes yes. 100% love for this place. The service is excellent and family owned. The fish is QUALITY. Don't bother with the fried stuff, just get yourself a slab of the salmon with garlic and pepper. It is life changing. I honestly can't put this place into words, it became one of my favorite Chicago restaurants in the course of one meal. (Disclaimer: Ignore those people who are terrified of anything past Hyde Park. I'm all about safety, but sometimes I think people are too prejudiced against the South Side. This place is definitely worth the "risk.")
(5)Tim T.
What do i say about a place that everything had been said. Gr8 food. Froglegs & smelt are a personal fav! Light breading, fast service. Place is a dump but who cares! Its got it baby! Ambience, the river & style! Cheap prices, i love them. Please go u wont be dissapointed! Its a chicago icon & a mom & pop place. Shrimp is killer!
(5)Rosa J.
Yes and yes...I've made it to this place. It has been a long wait for me. It was a bit difficult to trek all the way down from Albany Park during the winter season. As I've announced publicly in one of my previous reviews, my "foodie hours" have been extended seasonally! I had a quick nap in my hubby's work fleet, and I woke up with yummy fish and "smokin'" hotties in front of me. You know fish can be just as hot as good-looking dudes or dudettes. I consider them gender-free after being bathed in smoke. Normally you would think a place like this that has won so many accolades from the big-foodie people (yeah I'm talking about Anthony Bourdain) wouldn't render a friendly service like I received this afternoon. The young man immediately greeted us and was ready to take our order. We chose the smoked shrimp dinner and fried fish dinner. The total was $18.88 after tax. For a seafood fry place, the price we paid was reasonably fair. Well, how were the tastes of our food? I've never been that "moved" and "agitated" in my mind after tasting their smoked shrimps. That 70-year-old smoker really is an excellent machine to deliver such aromatic smoke on these jumbo shrimps. I believe I consumed five (5) or six (6) large, if not, jumbo shrimps. Once again, the value for the quality of food I received wasn't a bad deal at all! All dinner combos came with fries, coleslaw, crackers, a choice of sauce (hot or cocktail), and salt/pepper. All other side dishes were solid. Hubby also enjoyed his fish, but you all need to try other smoked products! How many exclamation marks have I used in this review? Well, here's one (1) more for you! I also noticed that there are three (3) city of Chicago public trash cans in front of the Calumet Fisheries. I guess that's where my taxation goes...my foodie trash. We will be back when we do our summer weekend Metra trips around the far-end Chicago and nearby suburbs. I know the Metra station isn't too awfully far away; I can walk as long as there is food to entice me! There's an ATM onsite if you drop your cash in the river accidentally.
(5)Daniel S.
Great to go fish place, its just by the 95th street bridge, there's really only street parking so just be aware, (well there's a gravel lot just west, but idk if that's an actual parking lot) it's also real small and cramped inside, with just some picnic tables outside to sit at, but don't let that take away from the quality of the fish, it's a chicago staple, almost 70 years old, from the fried selection we got scallops, fish nuggets, calamari and stuffed shrimp, (scallops and shrimp were best imo) and then the smoked salmon, the smoked options are just more expensive so thats why we couldnt get much, tho it was def good, and then potato salad and french fries sides, which were standard, id for sure go back and try some of the more exotic fish on hand
(4)Donald T.
I don't recommend this place. The service was rude and the catfish tasted overly fishy and not very fresh.
(1)G B.
great fe sh fish no dine in but a chicago nessitity
(4)Paola S.
I can't wait to come back! The smoke salmon and shrimp were by far my favorites. For a very decent price we had a feast, from the smoked section we also had the white fish and from the fried side we had oysters Not easy to recommend a specific item because everything is delicious and worth trying.
(4)Justin B.
It's hard to go wrong here...the big thing was just committing to make the drive here, but once I got in, I could see why the reviews here are so great. Tried the fried perch, fried catfish, fried clam strips, and the fried shrimp, while others in my party also got the fried oysters. Besides the fact that I'm surprised I'm still alive and able to write this review, the food was amazing and all of the dinners come with fries so you'll find a way to leave full here for sure. The space is small and not sexy, and there's nowhere to sit, and it's cash only. But if you are in the market for smoked fish of almost any type, this is the place to go and between Bourdain showing up here and Calumet being a Beard award finalist a few years ago for being an historic eatery, you know it's legit!
(5)Yuchi C.
"You guys are driving through the hood? Do you want to borrow my gun?" Our friend in Chicago thought we were nuts to drive all the way there for some smoked fish, but we know it's gonna be so worth it. Salmon with garlic and pepper: so oily yet so tasty! Favorite! White fish: actually our second favorite. Really good flavor. Trout: pretty amazing fish, each section has its own distinct flavor and texture. Smoked Shrimp: awesome. Chubs: FAVORITE!!! But they are seasonal so we didn't have them this visit. We had it 5 years ago, amazing.
(5)Diana T.
After reading about how Anthony Bourdaine has sponsored this place, I knew I had to stop by. This place is a 30 minute drive from downtown Chicago, so I would not suggest you take a taxi. If you decide to drive here, there is a $7 toll to get there and $7 to back into Chicago. The tolls can be pricey. I decided to stop by on my way home back to Michigan. You can park on the street or turn right into the fishery. Recently, Mark, the owner told me you do not need to take the skyway to get there. You can stay on 94 south. When it splits with 57, get off on the first exit that will take you right to 95th street turn right and drive 3 miles and your at our door steps. Good tip for us tourist (; The food is completely delicious. I really can not tell you how good this place is. I am still drooling when I think about their smoked pepper garlic salmon & smoked shrimp. Prices can be a bit pricey at $15 per lb for smoked salmon & $22 per lb for smoked shrimp, but it was definitely worth it. The flavors were on point. It was the best smoked fish I have ever had. The shrimp was just amazing! You can truly taste the true flavor of the shrimp. You can even smell the smoke from the shrimp. They do not have cocktail sauce. They have hot sauce and have an amazing tartar sauce. A few flaws are that they do not have a restroom, only take cash, and have only two tables to eat outside. Overall, I cannot wait to come back!
(5)Davis J.
We've been wanting to come here ever since seeing it on Anthony Bordain's show and it was great! I had the smoked salmon (very good) and fried catfish (excellent). It is a little pricy but the quality merits the price. 4 starts for a lot of not-homemade items like the coleslaw, potato salad, and sauces.I would happily go back!
(4)Chrissy M.
We dropped by last Friday afternoon and all the guys were very friendly. All were helpful and gave us a sample of the salmon. Boy, we were in for a treat! One of the guys (regret not asking his name) explained the sections of the salmon that taste best. He also suggested the eye but we declined; we're not that cool. Since we had purchased other food before the sample, we did not buy the smoked fish. On Saturday afternoon, my man suggested smoked fish for dinner so here we go again. We ordered the pepper and garlic salmon and the smallest piece of sturgeon. Once we got home, we began with the sturgeon. We regret buying the smallest sturgeon piece. The sturgeon was perfect! It was not flaky like other fish, it was very soft, flavorful and boneless (at least the section we bought). We bought a bigger piece of salmon and it was delightful. I expected to taste the garlic but I did not; however, we enjoyed it. Frankly, between the sturgeon and salmon, I prefer the sturgeon. The service during both visits was exceptional and we waited a few minutes to place our orders during both visits because there were several people ahead of us. Knowing my man's eating habits, we will be frequent customers. We've already determined that when family visits in a few weeks, we will be having smoked sturgeon for dinner.
(5)Kate W.
I'm from New York. Fried shrimp was never something that was a big thing growing up for me. However. I am now a "real Chicago broad", as my husband likes to call me. And fried shrimp are F*&$-ing delicious. Calumet was my first fried shrimp experience. It did not disappoint. Sitting in the back of my buddy's car, eating greasy shrimp and fries with my fingers--perfection. The ice cold Dr. Pepper was the perfect complement. You've gotta check this place out. Seriously. My husband brought home a smoked salmon and a smoked trout. Can't wait to eat that next :) p.s. CASH ONLY
(4)John T.
Wow. So, the bridge was up and we had time to kill so we decided to try this local legend out. So glad we did. We opted for the fried stuff because we were in the mood for it. The smelt and clams were amazing. Absolutely amazing. Definitely going back for the lemon pepper smoked fish. Fresh smoked fish on Fridays or Saturdays so plan accordingly. Honestly worth the short drive. Cash only but there's an atm there.
(5)Kim L.
It would be a 5 star review if it was food alone BUT the score got knocked down bc of the location (so far south), their cash only policy, and no place to eat (everyone in line at the same time also ate in their car). But we loved what we ordered: Fried scallops - the best and really hearty pieces Calamari - delicious Smoked salmon with garlic and peppers - great flavor Fried oysters - good to try but probably sticking with cold oysters
(4)Jason P.
Fried shrimp wasn't the greatest. Breading wasn't great and very greasy. The smoked fish and shrimp was super good! Would go back just don't have the deep fried shrimp, could've been better.
(4)Jeffrey C.
Still on my barbecue bucket list is a trip to Kansas City, where the fine folks smoke anything under the sun. Given my Texas bias, which means brisket sits on the Iron Throne, ribs and sausage are Baratheons-in-waiting, and every thing else are declared usurpers of Westeros, I'm hesitant to think of things like smoked fish as barbecue. To that end, my recent trip to Calumet Fisheries was like a visit from the lord of light, sponsored by Anthony Bourdain. The "pit" at Calumet looks like a free-standing, ironclad meat locker, but the smoke is legit. It wafts out and hits you like a proper BBQ joint should, and the output that the Calumet pitmasters pull from the smoke is pure gold. First, some logistics. This is not an easy place to get to, as you have to drive far south on 90 or derail the trip off Lakeshore. Calumet is also truly a shack. It's to-go counter service only. On nice days when winter isn't coming or already frozen over, you can eat outside on a grass patch or on the few plastic picnic tables set up. Dogs are allowed outside the shack, and a bring your own soda or red solo cup policy is recommended. Ordering, as mentioned, is counter service. Anything smoked in the trays is ordered on the left, anything fried on the right. Got it? Good. Now, onto the smoked fish. It's wonderfully delicious. The highlight of our self-made trio sampler platter was the sable, otherwise known as black cod. It's succulent, buttery, and amazing, kind of like eating a brisket cookie sliced off the point end, dripping in fat. Our second fish, the pepper salmon, tasted like the flat with a flavorful char and a firm, slightly dry, meat. To each his own. I prefer the buttery, melt in your mouth texture. We ended with smoked shrimp, easy to peel, easy to eat, easy to enjoy. Along for the ride (because as a Texas ex and Louisiana neighbor, I'm a sucker for fried seafood) was a small order of fried oysters, strewn in a Chinese take-out box, piping hot, and also incredibly tasty. Dipping those suckers, and frankly, any of the seafood, in Calumet's hot sauce is a recommend. On that note, if I had but one complaint, it's that Calumet doesn't serve its seafood straight from the smoker. The smoked food isn't hot, but instead cooled and served at chilled temperatures. The pitmaster recommended waiting for room temperature before eating to bring out the flavor. He also provided by wife with ample samples right out the smoker. If my jealousy shows, it's because I was inside, in line, when these shenanigans occurred. Reheating isn't recommended, and so I'm just left wondering what a freshly completed, hot off the presses smoked fish tastes like. I'm guessing it would be in contention for the best smoked meat outside Texas.
(5)Inez T.
Great food and fast service. The fried shimps are to die for. I have neen going there for years and I was never disappointed.
(5)Oscar P.
Cash only, does not take bills over 100, so I was extremely limited in what I could purchase w $10, so I got 1/2 order of fried shrimp, which was solid. Will have to come back soon for more...and with more cash.
(4)Bill S.
Been going there since I was a kid. Love the fish and chips and shrimp. Don't forget the fries. Mix the hot and mild sauce for the best. They used to have a medium but got rid of it years ago.
(5)Kurt L.
Smoked shrimp and pepper garlic salmon was awesome. Hard to find place but we'll worth the drive.
(5)Asper K.
Calumet Fisheries is in the middle of nowhere. Like nowhere so bad that it's almost Indiana. And it's next to a bridge. And it's super dystopian everywhere and there's lots of metal and concrete. In fact, it's so fcked up looking that Anthony Bourdain dragged his arse out here one time to film an episode of his show and was all like "OMG, be a traveler not a tourist..blah blah blah, live life to the fullest etc etc." So now, all these dudes trying to live life to the fullest come out here in hopes of experiencing something new. I don't know what exactly. They probably don't know either but the hope is that it'll be new or interesting in some way. In terms of the food, part of the hook is that the fish here is smoked on premises in a shack behind the restaurant. According to the proprietors this is super rare these days. So there's that. For me, it was mostly for the bike ride and to see the area. This place seemed like a good end point. On arrival, after admiring the signed Anthony B poster, I ordered deep fried catfish + fries. And I put a to-go order in for some smoked shrimp and smoked (garlic and pepper) trout. The catfish meal was exactly what I would have expected..deep fried and catfish. Okay by me. Nothing special. I put the smoked fish/shrimp in the fridge and tried it a couple days later. A bit of a surprise ensued. The smoked shrimp was partially rotten. Some was edible, other parts were mushy and I had to spit out. The smoked trout while not rotten was surprisingly terrible. I had a few bites and threw it out too. And I buy smoked fish sometimes, so I know what I'm talking about. Back when I visited the restaurant, there were a few dudes standing outside (there's no seating inside) who ordered the whole menu. You know..to live life to the fullest. Anyways, they beered me a deep fried frog leg to try. In an adventurous spirit I had a go. Actually I only had a couple of small bites. Not that great. Which is what I'd say about this Calumet Fisheries place.
(2)Alexandria T.
I recently heard about Calumet Fisheries and really wanted to check it out. This Saturday proved to be the perfect opportunity to drive down from where I work on the South Side and have lunch outdoors. The place definitely looks like a shack on the side of the road, and I wouldn't have ever stopped inside if it weren't for the rave reviews. We ordered fried oysters, clam strips, smoked salmon, and a few smoked shrimp. They forgot a couple of things that we ordered, but we were ordering pretty sporadically between the one counter for fried food and the other for smoked seafood. I love, love, love seafood and especially smoked salmon. It was pretty amazing! The shrimp were great as well. I wasn't a huge fan of the fried oysters, but I bet there are someone else's jam. I'm happy I got to check this place out!
(4)Matthew B.
Simple yet most effective way to write this review, this place can be summed up five words and here we go, best shrimp in the city. Whether you eat it in your car or lucky enough to get one of the picnic tables you will not be disappointed, this is easily a must have, the shrimp is so fresh lightly breaded and just plain awesome, the fries are the perfect complement and the choice of sauces just add to the perfect meal.
(5)Kimmie R.
Pros- - wide selection of fish - tasty selection of side dishes including dessert - reasonable prices - friendly staff Cons- - takeout only - no dining in - if you have a shellfish allergy, but still eat fish beware this can be a death trap! I'm allergic to shellfish, but I've been eating fish from this place since, I was a kid. A few months ago, I order the usual fish order and my shellfish allergy kicked in. My face started to swell and etc. I did NOT order shellfish, but my order came in contact with something that touched shellfish. I'm guessing they reused their frying oil, because there's no other reason for my allergic reaction. Whatever the case this is a great place, but avoid it if you have shellfish allergies. No food is ever really "to die for".
(3)John B.
So I have been meaning to go here for a number of years after seeing it on an episode of No Reservations. I went on President's Day as this place seemed perfect for a workweek adventure. It is definitely a bit of a trek and in no man's land. Be warned that there is no place to eat outside of in your car. I ordered fried pickles and fried oysters. The fried oysters were to die for and so crispy yet juicey. The fried pickles were good but they were spears and I would have liked pickle chips more. My friend got the catfish with fries. The catfish tasted great but the fries were the standard steak fries found everywhere. I will definitely go back and may consider doing it during a bike ride in the summer.
(5)Aashish J.
Aesthetically abhorring (almost), heavenly to the tongue. We found out about this place from Mr. Bourdain. Therefore, expectations were very high. The smoked salmon exceeded our expectations. We also ordered other "dinner" items, fried shrimp and oysters. They were, well, fried. But this place is definitely worth it for smoked fish (salmon). Pros: 1. Smoked fish: the best that I have ever tried. Cons: 1. Location: it is in the middle of nowhere, very small and there are no restrooms. 2. Cash only: there is an ATM inside though 3. No seating available :(
(4)Allan M.
It's all about the smoked seafood items here, such as the smoked salmon. If you don't get at least one smoked item, you're doing your visit wrong in my opinion, as that's always been their specialty. There's probably a reason that's the main thing I recall really liking here, and that the rest of what I ordered was good to not bad, but not sure if I'd say go out of your way unless you're on the south side. It's worth a trip at least once IMO, just for how darn good I really liked the smoked salmon here. I hope to do a visit when the weather warms up later in 2015, to see how the rest of the smoked seafood compares to the smoked salmon. BTW if you don't have a car, it's just a short walk(or bike ride) south from the 93rd Street(South Chicago Metra Electric branch) Metra station, to here. Go west from the station on 93rd St. to Baltimore Ave, Baltimore south to South Chicago Ave(major southeast/northwest road), South Chicago to 95th Street, then 95th east to the bridge. With this route, you won't have any delays between Metra and here if by some chance the drawbridge goes up, like it did at least on one past visit. And yes, this is the exact one seen in the 1980 Blues Brothers movie. No seating inside, except for a few tables outside, eating inside your car, or walk a few blocks east to Calumet Park and Beach to eat your food. Parking(no meters, and free btw) is mainly along 95th Street inbetween the South Chicago/95th traffic light and bridge, and at least one vacant lot immediately west of here has no parking signs, so be advised of this if you drive here. Nearly forgot to note this place is CASH ONLY, btw.
(4)Carolyn w.
I've just got back from Calumet Fisheries East 95th Chicago ILL. I ordered Stuffed Fried Shrimp/ Fried Frog Legs /Smoked Salmon/ Smoked Cat Fish/ Smoked Shrimps. It has been well over 14 years since I've eaten stuffed shrimps and it was well worth it and the drive I had three just sitting there in the car mum-mum mum good.....two or three frog legs there mum mum good.........on the drive back my hand was in the bag again for another stuffed shrimp..........................the smoked catfish/ salmon and shrimps were just as good......I'm out south from time to time and will be dropping in for more. Maybe it's good I didn't know Calumets was there when I lived out south. But I know now.......yes yes yes ............... Boy the Stuffed Shrimps..............
(4)Christopher J.
Ordered the Catfish way too overpriced ( almost $13 for 4 grammar school lunch squares???!!) especially for the south side and I get Catfish briskets that were like the freezer kind that you get from the grocery store for like $2 a bag back in the 1990's and it tasted terrible! This is not fried fish it is Congolese torture! The fries were dry and unbelievably horrible! Complete and total ripoff! Avoid at all costs!!!!!
(1)David S.
If you love smoked fish - this place is the bomb. Salmon, shrimp, cat and trout....all excellent. Take out only!!!
(5)Kenneth L.
On my daily commute back home, I'm always tempted to make a quick pit stop by the Fisheries and make use of the emergency stash of cash I keep in my car for this purpose alone. I've had many of the smoked variety - salmon, sable, trout, shrimp - and a couple of the fried options as dinners to go - catfish and oysters. The anticipation of ripping open that white paper package kills me on my drive home. You can't go wrong. Though, I will say the sable isn't always available and, to be honest, it's not as good as the salmon (too fatty). My personal favorites are the salmon and shrimp, which have an almost buttery taste with its natural oils kept heavily concentrated inside through the smoking process. Not to mention, the smoked salmon almost feels like a steal at ~$15/lb. The fried oysters are also surprisingly delicious. For those who aren't fortunate enough to work in the beautiful NW Indiana area, make the trip. It's worth it. The Fisheries are an institution that doesn't fail to live up to its reputation.
(5)William H.
Anthony Bourdain's show about Chicago prompted my interest in Calumet Fisheries. It turns out that my Southside mother (88th and Mackinaw then Lansing) used to go to this very same place on Fridays in the 1950s when the restaurant served shrimp in Chinese take-out cartons whose sides would become so greasy that people could see through them! Sixty years later on 5/29/2015 my mother ordered the shrimp dinner, which comes with slaw. According to her, the shrimp still have the same coating as back in the '50s! My fiancee and I ordered a large fry (nice thick square-cut fries served in a huge old-fashioned red and white paper ground-beef tray), the smoked trout, smoked salmon with pepper and garlic, and the normal smoked salmon, to which an employee said, "There's nothing normal around here." :-) The salmon just came out of the smoker and had a pleasant oily and tender texture that lacked any trace of smokey flavor. The trout was fine. All three orders of fish came in triple-wrapped white paper, which adds to the great old-fashioned touch. The slaw was nice and tangy. The fries had a full and slightly oily favor that complemented the fish. Overall, there's nothing to criticize! Just enjoy this time-tested Southside treasure of great fishy goodness, especially if are a Chicagoan! Support the local economy, damn it!! PS Tip 1: Some people may be a bit apprehensive about the neighborhood, but they shouldn't worry too much. Just take the Bishop Ford to the Stoney Exit, which takes you on a very long exit ramp that deposits you at about 97th and Stoney. Go a couple blocks north to 95th, make a right, and go 2 short miles to Calumet Fisheries. Tip 2: We completed our Southeast-side tour by eating at some picnic tables at the William Powers State Recreation Area at 126th and Ave. O in the lesser-known Chicago neighborhood Hegewisch. Despite the Rahmfather's official tourist maps that end at 55th street, Chicago does have countless hidden gems south of Hype Park, such as Pullman, Argus Brewery, and Calumet Fisheries! Get in on the secret before the hipsters do!!
(5)Tieshea B.
I saw this place on the travel channel years ago and couldn't get them out my head. I finally made it. The people were rude as they figured we knew what to do as far as ordering. The two different sides we were not aware of. Beyond that the food was good it's pricy but good. I had fried pickles which I love. The smoked shrimp was ok some were mushy. The fried shrimp was good as well as the smelts. I would return for the pickles!!!
(3)Vina O.
Am I the only person who does not care for their food at all?! The breading to fish ratio is way off, to the point where I can barely taste the fish. The breading is also flavorless! I've had their breaded catfish, smelt, scallops, frog legs, and squid. I honestly did not like anything because of the breading! I can make MUCH better fried seafood anyday (and I do). Definitely not worth the trip nor the long lines.
(1)Delilah D.
Delicious smoked shrimp and fried scallops that melt in your mouth.
(5)Keith A.
Since Anthony Bourdain's first Chicago episode I've been wanting to come here. It isn't the easiest place to get to, but a business road trip allowed for me and a friend to come here on our way back. It had been a long drive and everything really hit the spot. I had read up on what to get and went with a lb or smoked shrimp, a half order of fried shrimp, and a half order of fried oysters. The smoked shrimp were just absolutely amazing. The shells were on and you had to peel them. What was peeled away was something that I could eat all day every day. What was even better was that the guy behind the counter asked if it was our first time, we said yes, and he then gave us a smoked shrimp each. It was really nice to get a sample of the goods before. The two fried selections were excellent too. I was digging more on the fried shrimp than oysters, but I think it's more because I'm a huge lover of raw oysters and I always want that flavor from them. Calumet Fisheries isn't the easiest place to get to for us north siders. But, it is well worth the trip. There is the added fun factor of sitting on one of the benches outside and feeling like you're in a completely different area of Chicago. Calumet Fisheries is a Chicago treasure and one that deserves to be visited.
(4)Janie J.
What can I say that hasn't already been said? Even my picky eater of a little sister thoroughly enjoyed the smoked trout, salmon, sturgeon and the fried shrimp. It's all great, delicious, high quality fish. Love this place. So worth the drive!
(5)Jordan P.
So I wasn't a huge fan of this place. I drove alllll the way down here with high expectations, but I'm going to have to disagree with my fellow Yelpers. This place was nothing special. We ordered a ton of food - fried clams, fried fish, fries, smoked fish, shrimp, etc. and all of it was meh. There was absolutely nothing special about it at all. The breading on everything was bland and the fish was of so-so quality. In addition, the place was extremely slow and smells disgusting. This place was definitely not worth the trip. I've had much better fried everything downtown.
(2)Sadia K.
nothing beats smoked fish like this place...a small hole in the wall in the middle of nowhere but my oh my, the fish is delicious and fresh.. I wish we had a place like this back home. I could buy by the pound for my weekly sandwiches. No more am I going to be able to enjoy store bought smoked salmon.. Calumet fisheries has raised the bar! By the way, no restrooms.. relieve your duties before coming here..
(5)Mike D.
I've been eating Calumet Fisheries as long as I can remember. My parents grew up a stones throw away from their location, so as a shorty I was treated to the delicious smoked fish and other items from their menu. On weekends you'll see cars jostling for parking and a line all the way out the door and then some. Try the chubs, frog legs, shrimp, smoked salmon, hell try it all! I love this place. Now I've got taste for it!
(4)Tammy L.
I really liked the food from Calumet. My friends and I all piled into a car, bought a whole boatload of food, and ate at Calumet park, as others have suggested. It was a chilly day, so I think the food will taste even better on a sunny, warm one. We sampled both the fried food and the smoked fish, though I was disappointed that someone had apparently bought their entire supply of smoked sable for the day, so I'll have to try that next time. I really liked the pepper-garlic salmon. It was so moist and flavorful! Perfect with cream cheese )brought from home) and hot sauce. The smoked shrimp were really big and moist also. Like Johnny T, I really prefer cleaned shrimp, but I do understand that the shells probably need to be intact in order for the shrimp to stay moist through the smoking process. The fried things we tried (clam strips, smelts, shrimp) were also good, but I think I liked the smoked stuff better. Of the fried things, I think my favorite were the smelts. I kind of wished the clam strips had been more big pieces instead of small--lots of small bits. I would skip the potato and macaroni salads--not my cup of tea. Next time I'd make and bring my own. The folks at the counter were really nice and accommodating, especially since we were taking a while to strategize and put our order in. They happily gave us extra paper boats and other fixings. It's not necessarily the cheapest place, but the fish is really good, so you get what you pay for. It's worth the trip!
(4)Jason N.
Found this place courtesy of Mr. Anthony Bourdain. Ended up ordering a large amount of fried seafood and smoked shrimp which we consumed in a fairly rapid fashion in our automobile. Despite smelling like fish fry already, we proceed to order several pounds of smoked fish to take home in our long journey back to NY. While we luckily did not have any cats attacks our auto on the way, it was well worth the risk. Pros: Great smoked fish, shrimp, fairly inexpensive Cons: It is literally a shack in the middle of nowhere near the Illinois/ Indiana border. No tables, no restroom, nada
(5)Jackson E.
This place is right down the street...went on yelp to see what all the hype was about...every weekend we would see cars lined up near the bridge and people heading that way on bikes. Last night was our first stop in. Surprisingly clean inside despite the old shack type look on the outside. We ordered fish chips and the shrimp. They were good not "to die for" I didn't like the hot sauce it was more vinegar than hott. The fries were okay. I liked how everything was fried fresh to order...the staff was really friendly and fast. It was an alright friend. We also grabbed a smoked white fish to try. Overall I think if you were going in for their speciality smoked fish it is worth it....but I know I wouldn't drive more than down the block for the food. Cash Only if u do decide!
(3)T G.
Loved it! Great food and friendly staff who are more than happy to answer questions. We got half orders of catfish, oysters, scallops and shrimp. Also large order of fries. Food was for 4 people and we had leftovers. Everything was good. Even though we're an hour away we'll definitely be coming back. *there is no seating
(5)Sylvia C.
This place will quench your fried seafood craving. I had the fried shrimp, oysters, and fish. Everything was fried perfectly. The shrimp was awesome and retained a lot of the shrimp flavor for being fried. The oysters are on the pungent side (not because it was going bad, just the type of oyster it was), but I didn't mind this because I like pungent foods. The consistency of the oyster kept most of its raw form, which I also liked, but it's a little weird to bite into a crispy fried batter and have something mushy/boogery flood into your mouth. This isn't a complaint, though. Still pretty tasty. The fish was good. Nothing special, but delicious nonetheless. Fries were just ok. Typical fries. The cole slaw is 80% mayonnaise. The guy gave us a sample of the smoked fish and shrimp. Oh my goodness, did that fish melt in my mouth. They smoke it and retain a lot of the fat content, which is hard to do since smoking dries out meat. Next time I go, I'm going to get a steak of smoked salmon. It was pretty amazing and the smoke flavor was great! The smoked shrimp doesn't retain as much of the smoke flavor due to the shell, but it was still good. There is no seating. You eat in your car, or outside on the curb if it's not winter.
(4)Angela P.
Sure, there's a little bit of added hype to the place because of Anthony Bourdain and the Blues Brothers, but I thought a Bourdain quote on the wall was particularly inspiring, "Be a traveler, not a tourist." When you go to Calumet Fisheries, you come for the food AND the view. It is far off the path for your typical tourist, but I've been working hard at creating an ideal "staycation" style itinerary for us to explore Chicago. I've been chasing after the concept of being a traveler in my own city and not a tourist. This is why you go to Calumet Fisheries. Still feeling full from our visit at Argus Brewery, we decided on a half order of shrimp, a half order of scallops and some fries to share. Add two cans of pop and we spent about $20. The fried shrimp was the best fried shrimp! The shrimp tasted fresh, and the batter was super crispy. Calumet Fisheries could be a dangerous spot for your wallet if you're a hungry hippo. The scallops were a little bit chewy though, which wasn't a complete surprise since scallops can be a challenge to cook. Still, you'd think a fishery would have this (nearly) perfected. A dingy little shack on the river is a great setting for lunch. However, since this is Chicago you may not want to sit on the two picnic tables outside if it's cold and windy. We opted to eat in the car, which was still fun since we got to watch the bridge come up once to let a boat through. Don't put Calumet Fisheries on your "when I'm in the neighborhood sometime..." list. Just give yourself a reason to GET in the neighborhood.
(5)Maria E.
If you enjoy smoked fish, go here because it's quite delicious. Good smoked trout, salmon, sturgeon, shrimp, with a variety of sides to choose from. I loved the fried pickles, fried pickle spears to be exact, some of the best I've had. If you like the Blues Brothers and want to see where the bridge scene was filmed, go here. If you follow Anthony Bourdain wherever he goes, go here. This is kind of far from anywhere so find a car to drive here. It is cash only. There is no seating inside or outside so you either eat in your car and stink it up big time, or better option - drive down a little further and go sit and eat on a bench by the lake.
(4)Courtney C.
I remembered seeing this place featured on the T.V. show 'No Reservations.' A co-worker and I had been spending some time in Chicago on business, and we decided to take the "scenic" route home. We happened across Calumet Fisheries on accident. It is tiny, but it can't be missed as it is the last business before crossing the bridge. My co-work was put off by the look of the smoked variety, so he settled with fried catfish. I love trout, so I got a healthy chunk of the garlic/peppercorn smoked trout. It was probably the best fish I have ever tasted! The smoke is present, but not overpowering. The garlic and crushed peppercorns enhance the flavors. I was blown away by how moist the meat was. It looks as though it would be dried out, but it is juicy and tender. My co-worker raved about the catfish, so I tried a piece of that as well. The breading was simple, but delicious. He inturn had a piece of the trout, which shocked him to the point of regretting the decision to go fried. I took a small piece home to my daughter (12) who has recently decided she likes fish. She was also impressed. The staff was friendly and helpful. Next time we're in Chi-town, we will be hitting this joint on our way out! An all around great experience.
(5)Steven B.
I've been eating here since I was a kid and it is always amazing. The fish dinner is great, the shrimp dinner is great, and the smoked salmon is amazing.
(5)Vincent S.
Driving by it near the state line, off the toll road and it was easy to find. It looks like a dump, we all know that, but that is OK. Beautiful looking fish.NO SAMPLES. That was not good. Either it is smoked or it is fried. I can get fried fish anywhere so I went for the smoked fish. I smoke salmon all the time, catching it on Lake Michigan. With this in mind I ordered a dinner of smoked WHITE FISH. The pop came in a can, ehh! The fries were good and ridiculously portioned. The fish was perfectly smoked but cool. I wasn't ready for that, but it was GREAT. It was a big chunk near the head. I got 3 crab cakes too, I can't pass them up. AWESOME taste, but not giants. Finally, the price wasn't bad either. As Arnold Schwarzenegger said, "I'll be back."
(4)Diana J.
They smoke their fish in-house, and it's where Anthony Bourdain went to get some good fish in Chicago. Need I say more? Well, I probably should: This place is not close to you...it's probably in a part of the city you didn't know existed, even though the Blues Brothers car jumping bridge scene was shot here. It's very far south and very far east, but if you're anywhere near the neighborhood it's a must. They have an assortment of sea food smoked in different ways and even their fried catfish, shrimp, etc. are good. They are cash-only and there's no where to eat inside, so pack up some wet wipes, and plan to eat outside in your car.
(5)Misty S.
The food here is decent, but nothing I would go out of the way to find. The guys that work here are friendly and fast. I tried the following: FRY FISH - I'm not sure what kind of fish, but $7 got me a pretty good amount of fried fish pieces and they were pretty good. The tarter sauce went well, as tarter sauces and fish go. I would try the smoked salmon next time around. FRY SHRIMP - $5 got me half order of friend shrimp, which at first I thought were the fish when I ate them. The texture was more fish-like than shrimp like. I dipped them in both tarter sauce and the hot sauce, but felt like neither sauce did the shrimps justice. Notes: -Cash only -Plenty of street parking -There's no place to sit and eat, plan on taking it to go
(3)Alana D.
Wow pretty amazing! I've lived in the south shore area for a year and never heard about this till recently. Glad I checked it out! I had the shrimp dinner and it was really good! I really can't wait to go back! Also the scenery is pretty great it's near a boat dock and there is a picnic table out front.
(4)Oscar S.
I am sooooo glad I finally got the opportunity to try Calumet Fisheries.Have been dying to come here FOR MONTHS!!!! Somehow it hadnt panned out till FINALLY today.Was an enjoyable experience.Couldnt pass up the chance to try the smoked salmon I've heard so much about.Definetely WORTH IT!!!!! As I waited on my order to be ready I was looking at the rest of their menu.I already know what my next order will be!!!!!! I WILL BE BACK!!!!!! Its a place people IM SURE just drive past and dont give it a second thought because its in the middle of nowhere.Luckily,I know its there and they have some AMAZING smoked fish!!!! Not too many places like this left.So every chance I get Im gonna make it a point to come in again.Totally recommend!!!!!
(5)Ken B.
First trip here. It was really good! Got the fish dinner and it came with fries and cole slaw. Cole slaw was really good. Fish was flaky and good, a thinner but crunchy breading. Service was quick and friendly, cash only for payment. It's in a weird spot. I will go back for some smoked fish!
(4)allison k.
Oh my, their smoked everything is awesome. The sable and sturgeon are more interesting but the good old fashioned smoked white fish and smoke salmon are still amazing. I also really liked the smoked shrimp!! I'm not that big into fried food bit the stuffed shrimp are really good. Everyone is friendly and easy to deal with. Small place so make your selections to keep things moving, no inside tables, quick service, cash only. So so good and wonderful to serve this smoked fish for Sunday morning brunch! Or a dinner appetizer! Or anytime!
(5)Mayra M.
I give them five stars well deserved . I love their shrimp it's the best around!!! I have tried fried shrimp in a lot of places and this place is my favorite!!! Yet have to taste better!!! Not to mention quick service that's always a plus!!!
(5)Chet M.
I refuse to succumb to the peer pressure and accolades of the Bourdain visit, James Beard Award, and storied history... This place is just okay on my sunny Wednesday noon time visit - - They only had 1 piece of smoked sable left. - There was no smoked sturgeon. Does me no damn good of how good it is if you can't sell me a piece. - The smoked shrimp was unique and very good. - Smoked salmon was as good as from any other serious smoke shops. - The fried smelt, fish chips, scallops, were as good as expected. - The sodas in the fridge counter was not cold and they do not offer cups of ice. Spent $157 here (goodie bags for friends) and no cold drink to wash down my meal in the car. Dissapointed and overrated? You betcha....
(3)Jason B.
If you judge a place that smokes by the scent of smoke, this place is going to get 5 stars, hands down. It hits you hard and big as you walk in and if that's for you, certainly you'll mutter something like: this is f#cking awesome. And it is. Calumet Fisheries is awesome. I know of no other place in the area that really compares, so they have to get 5 stars. It's in a class of its own. Yeah, yeah... Bourdain, that's cool... Blues Brothers? If you frown or grimace or dismiss Blues Brothers lore in any way, you should not be living in Chicago. The food? Famously great, hundreds of other reviews will attest to that. And if it wasn't good, it wouldn't still be attracting people from across the states every single day. For me, Calumet Fisheries is more than just food. It's the setting. It's the humble shack that still pulls a James Beard award. It's a reminder that the southeast side of Chicago made something great, and still does. The smokestacks of Wisconsin Steel, Republic, Inland and more may be gone, but they're still smokin' at Calumet Fisheries and that is something to celebrate.
(5)Jordan M.
This place is totally worth the pain in the ass drive (essentially) to Indiana. I stopped by on my way from Chicago to Indianapolis and planned to try a bunch of different things since I likely wouldn't be in the area again anytime soon. I ordered the smoked shrimp, the fried shrimp and the (fried) fish dinner. All three were worth ordering again but my favorite was the smoked shrimp and I don't think I could ever return and not order it again. The shrimp were fresh and very large. The smokey flavor was undeniable. These guys are professionals and the product reflects that. I've eaten seafood at GT Fish & Oyster, Joe's, Fish Bar, and numerous other places in Chicago and this place is right at the top of the list. Next time I visit (on my way to the Three Floyd's brewery with friends) I will make sure to try some of the smoked salmon because it looks absolutely delicious sitting in the glass casing. I fully expect that to rival the smoked shrimp in terms of flavor. The sauces that come with your order are nothing special but with such high quality food you don't really need to add much to it. There's nowhere to sit inside the especially unassuming shack on the side of the road. If the weather is nice, just eat your food on the nearby bridge while taking in the view of the river. If the weather sucks, take your food to go and eat in your car. Be aware, you and your vehicle are going to smell like whatever you ordered for at least the next day.
(5)Chris H.
First visit. Nothing better than smoked whitefish on a sunny late-summer morning.
(5)Ryne D.
What an ordeal this day was. After driving all the way here and eating, my girlfriend's car broke down, we had to get towed, and were left stranded in Oak Lawn by an unhelpful Mazda dealership. Luckily we got a ride to Midway from a friend and took an hour long trip home from there on the Orange. Yet still...for Calumet Fisheries? Totally worth it. I'd never had shrimp this flavorful before in my life. You can order by the piece, so my gf and I got 5 each. They were large, meaty, and buttery texture-wise, and didn't need any kind of dipping sauce at all. I would make the trip back just for these bad boys. We also got the peppered salmon. Now in my experience, unless it's slathered in some kind of mayo sauce, salmon often times turns out kind of dry. Now I don't know how smoking does this, but the salmon here turned out almost creamy with a great flavor. I'd never had fish like this and really want to see how their other fish turn out. We also got the fried scallops and fried oysters because, hell, we drove a far way from home to get here. These also turned out great, with the scallops being large and meaty and the oysters still retaining their tasty fishiness. The staff here was great, too. As we and some other people were taking pictures, one of the employees invited us to take a look at their smoker. I was quite amazed to see just how many fish they were smoking at one time, but given how great the food was, I can see them moving rather quickly. This place is a true Chicago landmark. Bring cash, bring wet naps, and bring a place to sit; a car will do nicely, provided that it still works when you're done eating.
(5)James L.
Everything it is cracked up to be right down to the gritty industrial neighborhood and rusty bridges. Smoked fish was excellent. We had the salmon, trout and whitefish. Trout was my personal favorite. The smoked and fried shrimp were so different yet both so good. We got quite a bit to go, too, so don't forget your cooler and don't miss this true Chicago experience.
(5)Danny M.
We've decided to come here because we were craving fried seafood and oysters on a Sunday afternoon. Needed something greasy to cure that hangover. This place was recommended to us by my gf's friend and I have bookmarked it a while back, but finally decided to give this place a try. The drive took about 15 minutes, which wasn't too bad, but it is still a drive because they have a similar place by me that gets the craving done as well. As soon as we got there, the place was small and they didn't have anywhere to sit and eat inside. It was somewhat busy, but the lines moved fast. The workers were really nice and we ordered a bunch of stuff worth $45.00. We got 2 full orders for Fried Oysters, full order of clam strips, half order of fried shrimp, and an order of fried sweet potato tater tots. We couldn't eat it there, so we drove back with the food and ate it about 30 minutes later. It was somewhat cold, but the important thing was that everything tasted really good still. The fried oysters were good, but it got a little dry from it being cold. The clam strips were good and you get a lot of clams and not a lot of breading like most places. The fried shrimp was really really good. Definitely my favorite. The fried sweet potato tater tots were really good as well, and it helps keep the spiciness down from the hot sauce. Overall, I would definitely come back here in the future, but this place is not convenient for as it is by the Illinois/Indiana border. If I hit up the Shoe, I would definitely make a stop here as it is right off the Skyway. Also, I would definitely get the smoked shrimp because I have heard many great things about them and they were really popular there. We just wanted something greasy, so we didn't get that. Oh and keep in mind, this place is CASH ONLY!! That's the only bad thing about this place.
(4)Delores J.
Well if you think about it, my tip was my review but for the sake of being non complicated let's go again. If you like Smoked fish this is heaven. Heck if you bring them the Crackling I'm sure they would smoke it for you and then serve. The Smokehouse effect is for smoke meat lovers. This reminds me of the argument I love to have with Catholics. Try it, some of them think fish is not meat. So funny... try it during lent its even funnier.
(4)Angela S.
When I venture out of the city to try a place I of course hope it's worth the trip. I'll admit I had some expectations after seeing CF on an episode of "Check Please." The place is such a dive and so cute looking. I didn't care that I'd have to eat in the car alongside the highway near the industrial Indiana border. I was excited to try some French fried seafood goodness! And it was busy. There were regulars and suburbanites in and out as I began to dig in to my car picnic of breaded clams, shrimp, catfish nuggets, fries and... Curly dark hairs! Not just one, but several sprinkled throughout the fries like a garnish. I couldn't believe my eyes. And had my fingers not been French fried greasy I would've taken a picture. I'm sure every place's cleanliness, hygiene and maintenance is compromised from time to time, but that was a huge disappointment. The food wasn't out if this world either. I've treated myself to that fried junk food at plenty of places in the city. The only difference is that it's been minus the short and curlies.
(2)Marc R.
I went down here after driving past the place for decades and thinking it was a typical Chicago shrimp shack - which it is to a degree. I came for something specific: smoked fish pieces because I had seen Anthony Bourdain and read about the James Beard Award. I drive the Skyway all the time so decided to hop off at Indy-Blvd and go look for Calumet Fisheries. You park your car behind all the cop cars, city sanitation trucks, and highway crews (this place is a hit with Laborers, Cops, and city workers). Most people were getting the fried shrimp, and other fried stuff, but since I saw Anthony Bourdain going crazy as he sat and ate his smoked fish I went for the smoked fish! I selected the smoked salmon and Trout (Pepper & Garlic). Both were freaking amazing. The rich fish oils and smoked flavor of the salmon (you get to choose pieces) would do well on any fancy party tray. The garlic and pepper is a house specialty and was also amazing. I bought these to take home and had them with toasted bread, a little mustard, but mostly plain in my hands. The fish oils just taste so good (and are pretty good for you). I would go for the house specials which are the smoked fish items (they have whole fish), EEL, Sable, etc. If there is something you want to make sure you try I would suggest you call ahead before the lunch rush. They have a tiny little corner and the little shack has the smoke house right behind it. When I was there I saw the dudes tending to the smoke fires. How cool is that? The industrial site next door has a security truck sitting there - so I think they do not want you parking on that piece of property so you are forced to park in the small number of spots right before the 95th street bridge. If I had a place on the Michigan shore this would be a place to stop off at on the way over. Easy detour off the Skyway.
(4)E J H.
OK, they got us. Some folks really have no taste. This was the worst seafood we've eaten...Ever! Since this was our first time ordering seafood from this place, we decided to sample a few items. And am I glad we did. We ordered a FULL (12 oz.) order of shrimp, half order each of catfish nuggets, perch nuggets and fries. Everything was hot but fried to a crisp; nearly burnt, and tasteless. The shrimp were so small, over-breaded, over-cooked and over-priced. Shrimp should be tender; not fried to a crisp. If you want any sauces or crackers, there is an extra charge. We wanted to try the smoked salmon, but the smallest piece was $15. Sure glad I had them put it back. If it was anything like the fried items, I'm glad I didn't waste any more money. If you enjoy good fried shrimp, drive north to Hammond, Indiana on Calumet Ave. and check out Bob's Shrimp. So much better taste and a FULL pound for less money. Calumet Fisheries may have been the place to go years ago, but today it's junk. Maybe it was an off-day for us. My recommendation: Don't waste your time or money.
(2)Michael F.
Everyone knows that the Calumet River is the Seine of the southeast side of Chicago, and that its best, and possibly only, restaurant sits right on the rive gauche. People come from all around to get to Calumet Fisheries which is good because only 12 people live within a mile. If you're in the Loop and wish to meet your friend in Guatemala for lunch, this is a perfect in between point. There is no seating inside or out, but while I searched in vain for a possible outdoor picnic table or pumpkin to sit on, I found a small controlled fire next to the building which may be related to smoking the fish or an unrelated satanic ritual, but I'll never know as I chose not to further explore. Despite the distance and lack of seats, Calumet Fisheries is worth the hassle. The smoked fish is delicious and seemingly done on premises. The prices are reasonable and the food is probably not from the Calumet river. I would say that it is much better than Lawrence Fisheries or Goose Island Shrimp House.
(4)Charlie M.
This place is a classic! You cant go wrong with the fried shrimp and hot sauce, Ive been coming here for my entire life and its never changed. My favorite comfort food on the planet!
(5)Allison V.
Did a bike ride with friends and crashed on the Lakefront bike path on the way home. Glad it wasn't on the way there!! I opted for the catfish nuggets, fries, and a water. The catfish was SOOOO tasty. We sat on the grass just outside and had a little picnic. It is always a fun trek to this place. Always busy and always fresh. I will be back.
(5)Shonda K.
My first experience at this restaurant and I must say I was not disappointed. I am a self proclaimed foodie and once I saw Calumet Fisheries listed on the top Shrimp Shack list and checked out Anthony Bourrdain's segment on this place, I knew I had to check it out. The fried shrimp was just ok [their competition just 2 miles away is better in the fried shrimp category in my opinion - Heinie's on 103rd and Torrence]. The true standout stars here are the smoked shrimp and salmon!! The smoking process really brought the sweetness in the Shrimp, and the Salmon? Words cannot describe the moist flavorful first bite. I'm saving my garlic pepper piece to eat it with my homemade Dill Rice and Fresh Steamed Broccoli. The perfect 4th of July meal!
(5)A K.
I liked the smoked salmon , its cool place to visit if you have friends from outside town.
(4)Mary Kate D.
Went yesterday after spending the day at the indiana dunes. We had the catfish dinner, smoked shrimp dinner, mac and cheese bites, and the smoked rainbow trout. Food was great. Smoked shrimp was the best. We enjoyed everything we had and the staff behind the counter was friendly, informative and quick. Support small businesses!
(4)Parker W.
Worth a trip for the smoked fish. They sell a lot of deep-fried seafood which is good but not worth the trip. Don't eat on the bridge in spring.... it may try to open on you.
(5)Vincent Y.
AH! Fantastically fried fish. I wish I could return over and over again on the Metra. So it's kind of in the middle of nowhere (next to the Skyway) but it's still delicious. And also there's no seating (or tables outside) but it's still delicious. And also it's nothing but fried fish, smoked fish, grilled fish (and some fried macaroni, fries, other fried stuff, etc.) but it's still delicious. One of the cooks, Carlos showed us the place around back and talked about the history of the place with LTH and the history of the place in general.. It was great. One of my favorite places in Chicago. There's a sign inside regarding the fact that this is not a chain restaurant. I hope it never becomes one.
(5)Jon O.
Calumet Fisheries had been on my radar ever since I saw the Chicago episode of "No Reservations" a few years ago. Today, I finally made the long journey down to the southeast side of Chicago to give this place a try. Calumet Fisheries is basically a shack right next to a Calumet River drawbridge hidden behind the Skyway in an old, industrial neighborhood. Let me tell you this place is worth the drive! All of their fish is smoked on site, and the fried food is made to order. Everything we tried was delicious and inexpensive. I like that this place is small and old (opened in 1948) and located in a very non-touristy part of town. They are passionate about their product, and it is their reputation, not location, that has kept them in business this long.
(5)Diana S.
Great. Fresh. Quality. Pricey. Smoked fish and shrimp truly delicious and not overly smokey but a distinct delicious flavor. Peppered salmon a must- almost like a damn good pastrami.... Yum yum yum !!!
(4)Theresa C.
The best fish I have ever had in my life... hands down. Calumet Fisheries wins the debate. No one comes close. Unfortunately for me, I didn't do my homework and found out that it was cash only. I wanted smoked salmon, shrimp and everything on the menu. On my quest to be like Anthony Bourdain I had to try everything. What did I settle for with the few dollars in my pocket? The fried catfish. Yes, I went to a place known for smoked fish and ordered the catfish. Now I'm a catfish connoisseur despite being a Northern yankee. I've had the good and ugly of the catfish world. The breading and the catfish blended so well together here. I usually have catfish and it gets that dirty fishy taste, the fish is overcooked and dry or the breading overwhelms the fish. Not at Calumet Fisheries, it tasted so fresh, moist and damn delicious. The gods of flavor were smiling on this fish. Seriously I heard angelic harps somewhere. Top it off with the hot sauce (good for dipping the fries in as well), it made this meal heaven on Earth. My mom had the fish chips and absolutely raved about it. Usually eating with her, I can have a piece to "try." This time she wouldn't let go of any of it, so I knew it had to be good. Definitely worth the drive down 95th from Mt. Greenwood. I will be back, this time with money in my pockets for the the specialty of the house. Smoked salmon and shrimp, you have been warned.
(5)Nishan P.
Johnny T. ate poop. The poor guy was mortified when he realized what he had done. He didn't know the smoked shrimp at Calumet Fisheries had not been deveined. His discovery sparked an interesting debate on whether smoked poop made the shrimp taste better. Theories were even offered about water poop being less disgusting than land poop. Okay, enough about poop; onto Calumet Fisheries. The business operates out of a shack on a bank of the Calumet River. There is barely enough room inside for a few people to stand while ordering. Large glass counters, displaying delicious looking hunks of smoked fish, consume most of the space. Behind the counters employees take orders and deep fry a variety of seafood. The fried oysters, fried clams, and fried fish were excellent. The smoked shrimp were also good but didn't taste much like shrimp; perhaps that's because of the poop. My fries were a bit of a disappointment. They tasted undercooked and were raw in the middle. There is no room to eat in the shack. Calumet Park, a few blocks down the road, is the perfect place for a lakeside picnic. Be prepared to fight off flocks of seagulls. They too seem to have a fondness for the Calumet Fisheries smoked shrimp, poop and all.
(4)Polly G.
I've been coming here since I was a kid. I remember thinking how bad it smelled to me as a child, but as an adult, it is a mouth watering aroma. My favorite dish is the fried shrimp, best fried shrimp hands down. I've loved this place my whole life and am thrilled to see the culinary world take notice!
(5)Abe R.
After my second visit I've finally gotten around to writing this review. Why I didn't after my first visit I have no idea, especially when it was easily one of the best overall meals in my lifetime. Maybe it was my conscience telling me to give it another try just to make sure I really did enjoy it as much as I believed. Who knows... Anyhow, I am going to make this as basic as possible: A. The fish is just damn fresh. B. The prices are fair to exceptional, especially for the quality. C. The people who work there are nice and helpful. Finally, here is a list of what I ate in no particular order of greatness since I eat everything and like all food. 1. Chubs--Fatty and Oily, and oh so great. 2. Heads and Collars--I love the collar, as again it is fatty and for me fat is goodness as it's moist and buttery. Same goes for the head. 3. Salmon--The smoke flavor really comes through in this type of fish. 4. Sturgeon--Smokey, Buttery, and unreal. 5. Shrimp--Huge, moist, and great. 6. Trout--Simple flavor, with not as much fat, but still very tasty. All in all I couldn't recommend this establishment enough if you like fish, especially fish that has been smoked and is extremely fresh. I will tell you though that if you are like me and have a larger appetite then you just might need to save up a bit when coming here. That however is just a slight drawback, as fresh fish is never cheap. By the way, the place is CASH ONLY, and there is nowhere to eat inside, so you either need to eat in your car on a cold day, or if it's nice, head to the park nearby just across the bridge. The latter I definitely recommend since you can sit by the lake and eat, and if you are on the lookout, their is usually a shaved ice vendor cart nearby and even a mango stand. Enjoy Suckas'!!!
(5)J. Chuck K.
If you're looking for warm smiles and a friendly "hello" from the person serving you behind the counter, then go else where. This place is rough around the edges in just about every aspect of their operation, but they do put out some good food for a good value. I stopped by with some friends for a quick lunch on our way to Michigan for the weekend. To be honest, I'm not a big fish guy, so I went with the crab cakes and onion rings. For just under $11, I got 3 huge cakes and a Chinese food container filled to the brim with rings. While you're waiting for your food, there's plenty of news paper clips about the Blues Brothers and Anthony Bourdain. They are shameless in the fact they want you to know Anthony Bourdain once ate there. It's cool to read about the Blues Brothers filming by the bridge just feet away from this shack, but I really could have done without the shrine to Bourdain. Come here when it's warm out, because there's no place to eat inside. They have some old picnic tables or you can eat on the bridge, but be prepared to have lunch/dinner in your car if it's freezing or raining.
(3)Carol M.
This places smokes the competition!! I've only had the smoked salmon and smoked trout tail, but both were amazing. The salmon served as a few dinners w/ some sliced apples, nuts, and cheeses. Prices weren't that bad either. This is totally worth the trip from the heart of the city...and next time I might take a cooler with me so I can stop by on my long bike rides. Swoon.
(5)Mike P.
As a native to the area where Calumet Fisheries is, I'd never really tried it until a handful of years ago when I was looking for some place different to go. Its been well worth the wait (and finally they are getting the kudos they deserve for the awesome and delicious stuff they have). I'll admit I've only tried their smoked shrimp once (and enjoyed it) as I like to get their fried fish...the fish chips and shrimp most of the time. Its all freshly prepared so its nice and hot when I bring it in the house. They also have more than just fries for sides...mushrooms, calamari, and sweet potato tots to name a few. Yea there are no seats in the place and all they take is cash, but hey, they've been doing it right for so long, why fix what isn't broken? If you are coming here, especially now during the season of Lent (pre-Easter), be prepared to wait as I did tonight....the place does fill up quickly (and you can tell by how far back you have to park) and depending on what you get, it may take a bit to get your orders...but be prepared to enjoy some great seafood!
(5)Adam K.
Thank the lord Jehova and all his witnesses this place exists, if not I'd be forced to eat McDonalds or subway everyday I forgot my lunch. Like today. But wow man, this place really is wonderful. They even messed my order up, and it was still tremendously better food than anything I can remember having recently. They sent me home with a half frozen smoked trout, slaw and sweet potato nuggets. After zapping the trout I dug in and it was superb. I will for sure be back. What a weird little spot. Just at the top of a bridge going over the Calumet river it looks like a fishing shack from the 1940s. Inside its all metal signs and a big wraparound counter. Thats it. So order it up and eat in your car like everyone else. Or return to work and make your lunchroom smell like a smoke house. The fish was devine. I will be a regular here. I don't need Tony Bourdain to tell me whats good. Its nice to be able to eat so close to work and not eat deep fried meat or other stuff that makes my cardiologist squeal with glee as he checks my gravy-blood.
(5)Jon D.
Go for smoked fish, salmon especially. If it's quiet, one of the guys will take you to the smoker, and get you to eat a fish eye (it's really not that bad). We went with a group of about 7, at around 2 on a Saturday afternoon, and went through a pound of smoked shrimp, three salmon pieces, two fish chips, two clam strips, and fries, and still had left overs. There's no seating, or bathrooms, and it is cash only. If you're going in autumn or winter, dress appropriatly and picnic on the hood of your car watching the the vessels coming up the river and under the 95th st bridge. Quality fish, nothing fancy, and that suits it just perfectly.
(4)The Big O.
I love this place--the food, the people who work there, the post-Apocalyptic setting--and highly recommend it. Specifically, I recommend the fried shrimp, fried scallops and fried oysters. If I'm feeling indulgent I get a not-so-small small order of each, and some of their hot sauce, a small thing of their cole slaw, and either sit in the car and eat on a bad-weather day, or sit near the Calumet on a nice-weather day.
(5)Kay J.
Mom saw this place on Check Please and I arrived thinking we would have table service and a glass of wine. Uh, nope. It is strictly take away. You park on the street in the bike path. I guess you can park in the vacant lot a block away and apparently in the summer there are picnic tables. We took a fillet of smoked salmon and OMG! It was fresh and moist and tasted wonderful! We also took half a dozen smoked JUMBO shrimp and they too were delicious. The fried shrimp were smaller and came with hot or mild sauce. We were assured the hot sauce was not too hot. AAAARRRGGG!!! NOT TRUE! The fried shrimp were incredible - best I have ever had. We headed south to Mickey D's for beverages and plan to return with dates and a bottle of wine in the summer and enjoy the ambiance on the shores of the canal!
(5)Amber L.
Yum.
(4)Diana G.
Been on my to try list for a while now. Was coming back from Indiana and was about to pass it and was telling my sister that it was there. We thought it was closed since it was 9:40pm, but we saw the light and my guy did a quick u-turn.....lol. Went in with my sister to order and we just wanted to order everything. We ended up with smoked shrimp, smoked salmon, fried shrimp, fried oysters and fried frog legs. We didn't eat there, we drove all the way back home which was like a long....15-20 minutes with the smell in the car. Smoked Shrimp - Massive and had that smokey taste to it. Smoked Salmon - I liked it. Maybe if I ate it on some crackers would've been better. Fried Shrimp - They were ok. Better than Lawrence's, but Franks still has the best fried shrimp so far. Fried Oysters - These were good, but I think they would've been great if we ate it right then and there. Fried Frog Legs - These were ok. The hot sauce has quite a kick to it, but the mild sauce was very good! Definitely bring cash......this stuff is not cheap! Will be back to try the smoke chub and trout. Also, the guy working there was friendly and telling us about the place and stuff. Cool!
(4)Nix M.
Brought home smoked shrimp, garlic and pepper salmon and smoked trout. Had the salmon which was moist and smokey tasting. Didn't really taste any garlic or pepper taste and to be honest it was very fishy tasting which makes me wonder how old the fish was when it was smoked. I am used to fresh smoked fish and this isn't it. While there we shared a fried shrimp dinner which was bland and tasteless. Couldn't they add seasoning to the breading? The sauces were yucky. Smoked shrimp were very good but would have liked them to be more smokey. Won't be going back even though the people there were very helpful and nice.
(3)Damon M.
Great food period, if you are really into seafood. I tried this place after seeing them on "Check Please" one day. I could not believe that I had never been to CF after living in Chicago all my life and "Certified" seafood lover. I tried the garlic pepper salmon and the smoked jumbo shrimp. I was very impressed with this place. Even though it is a little pricey and a hole in the wall, but worth it to me. I will be returning faithfully for the smoked shrimp at least. Friendly straight forward service. They will know my name soon.....
(4)Simon M.
Delicious.
(5)Laila C.
I now have 5 pounds of smoked fish in my house! Kate G. came back to visit!!! and wanted to hit up Calumet Fisheries. Since going to South 95th is not something I do on a regular basis, I made the most out of my trip. Got smoke salmon and smoked trout in black pepper/garlic. Super rich and fishy with a great texture. Smoked shrimp which is about the size of my face-a pound gets you about a dozen. Fried oysters and I wanted fried clam stripes but they accidentally gave me fried scallops instead. The scallops were good but got too hot and mushy, the oysters were fine..but I couldn't really eat more than 3 and a pound ended up being about 2 dozen. EEks cons: hot sauce is not hot. fried stuff got too mushy additional pros: an awesome biker thought I had just finished "smoking" which is why I ordered so much food and when he found out I was in my right state of mind, told me he wanted to get with me---if it wasn't for his wife. 50 year old bikers hitting on me for my ability to consume a lot of food is probably the best compliment EVER.
(4)Zach J.
First of all please ignore the lame brain yelpers that trashed on this place for lack of parking spots and cash only. The best ma n pa places are cash only idiot!! They are not going to plow away a huge parking lot or move since they have been there since at least 1927. Don't trash on a business because they want to stick to their roots!! Those that said it is not fresh do not know s**t about fresh seafood! Now onto the food, the food is mind blowingly good and many items are fresh caught right in Chicago. These guys even go ice fishing in the Winter! The Salmon is to die for, fresh, mouthwatering, fall off the bone, smoked to perfection salmon that will melt in your mouth. The trout is also friggin amazing too. I love ordering the fried smelt with that delicious hot sauce. The Shrimp is smoked and delicious, large and to die for! The fried pickles were delicious too. I have been here a few times and love it to death, I wish it was closer to home then I would visit every week! They have been using the same smoker since 1927, and they have not changed a thing about it! The way they cook your fish is exactly how they cooked it in 1927, if that does not make you excited enough to drive through the tough South Deering and East Side neighborhoods to dine at this wonderful joint I do not know what will.
(5)Tony K.
Well I didnt get shot and no car jacking getting there and back. Thats worth 2 stars alone! The place aint pretty BUT its clean and the people working there were very nice. The food was very good and unique in that I just dont get this quality of flavor from the same food in my neck of the woods. Its not a restaurant flavor. Its a homemade taste and its possibly worth getting your car put up on blocks and getting your wheels stolen. The sauces are quality and everything was cooked perfectly. Price was fair too. Bring your kevlar vest and an empty stomach & enjoy the good eats at Calumet Fisheries!
(4)An P.
Thirty miles, that's what separates me from some of the best seafood in the city. Located at 3259 E. 95th Street, you'll find this fish shop sitting on top of a hill overlooking the manmade canal sitting adjacent to a suspension bridge and across the Calumet Yacht Yard. Cars line up on the near the bridge despite the no parking sign with people coming in from all corners of the city and suburbs. Beside the fishery, you'll find a little smokehouse where they do their magic with hickory woodchips infusing the signature smokey flavor into salmon, trout, chub, and shrimp. Celebrating its 62nd year as a family owned and operating business and being named an American Classics restaurant by the James Beard Foundation, you'll find Anthony Bourdain's signature on the wall and signs that have probably been mounted on the wall for decades. I saw the diversity of Chicago waiting in line including two Korean women who spoke broken English as well as a mid-40's biker who ordered $60 of assorted seafood and had never been there before. Calumet Fisheries is one-part Hot Doug's, one-part Kuma's and a south side institution. While the line for Calumet Fisheries is nowhere as long or deep as Hot Doug's or Kuma's primarily due to its deep south location, it's easy to move in and out of line to take a gander at all of the wares of the house. Garlic peppered smoked salmon caught my eye at $15.59 a pound and I wondered what in the world smoked shrimp would taste like. The possibilities of oyster, frog legs, fried shrimp, or scallops led to sensory overload and I hadn't even had a bite to eat yet! It very quickly became of question of how much was I willing to spend? Since some of my friends were running about an hour late, the friends that I arrived with debated eating now or waiting for everyone. We decided on a compromise: we would start off with a snack to hold our appetite steady until the late stragglers. My friends ordered some fried oyster while I decided clam strips would be what I wanted. The man behind the counter joked that they didn't serve Cubs fans but let me pay for less than $4 for my order. I didn't know if I wanted a whole pound of smoked shrimp for $20.99 a pound, so I decided to buy just two pieces of shrimp that came out to $2.63. The food came out quickly so we all sped outside to examine our food and get to work! You won't any seating inside Calumet Fisheries, creativity and improvisation is a necessity to dine by Calumet Fisheries. While we waited outside for our friends before we ordered, we saw three older men march down the hill down by the riverside to sit on a slab of concrete. For our purposes, we took the easy way out and sat on the guard rail next to all of the cars parked in front of the suspension bridge. The clam crunched in my mouth and the mild sauce put a smile in my face and a perpetual nod to my head movements. I traded some clam for an oyster and we all ate and knew we were eating some of Chicago's finest seafood. There was a fork for my food, but I found it just as convenient to eat with my bare hands and we were lucky it wasn't raining or blowing incredible amounts of wind. After I polished off my clam, I pulled my smoked shrimp out of the bag and dipped it into the sauce. Smoked shrimp was next on the agenda, but first I had to pop off the shell. The jumbo shrimp was worth paying over $1 a shrimp since they were massive and each bite of the cold shrimp tasted like it was cooked on a barbecue grill with that classic smoky taste. It was a pleasant snack to polish off our appetizers and just as quick as the food came out, we did away with all remnants and threw all evidence into the steel drum garbage can sitting outside. After my friends showed up an hour late, we stepped back up to the counter and made my orders. Indecision started making me uncomfortable, but I got put in front of the line and got a fried shrimp dinner and order of oysters. I waited in another line for my food and couldn't resist: peppered garlic smoke salmon and smoked shrimp was now coming my way! The guy behind the counter told me Cubs fans can't order twice and we both laughed about it. $40 later, I had a giant bag of goodies and now we had to figure out where to eat. We decided on a short drive as far east as we could go on 95th street and ended up in Calumet Park. The fields were massive and cleanly manicured and reminded me of a golf course. We parked and marched with our food down near the water and sat on a ledge while the seagulls edged closer like hungry wolves screeching at us. We could see the Gary steel mills pumping out their pollution in the backdrop, and looked at the gambling riverboat across the lake. Lunch passed with deliciousness and a battle with seagulls. All I have to remember is that it's only thirty miles that separates me from divine seafood.
(5)Ben N.
After visiting Calumet Fisheries a couple of times, I have to wonder why smokehouses like this are a dying breed. Because, Holy Bejeebus, fish can be shockingly delicious when it's given this treatment, at least when it's done right, as these folks do. We've stopped by here heading south out of the city. All told, it's only a half-hour or so detour off of I-94, and presumably a lot less off the Skyway. Sure, the area seems vaguely sketchy if you're from out of town, but the Rust Belt vibe makes it interesting. If you're from out of town and headed home, make sure you've got a little ice chest (and ice, of course), because you need to take some this smoked fish home with you. We're partial to the pepper-and-garlic salmon and the trout. It's very reasonably priced: $15 a pound for the salmon and only about $8 a pound for the trout. It's far fresher-tasting and firmer than the smoked fish than you'd get in a similar or even greater price range with the vacuum-sealed, rubbery, salty smoked-fish product. Given these prices, it is delicious, decadent eating for a couple or three days after we get home. We've yet to get to Calumet Fisheries for the fried seafood; for whatever reason, we've rolled through too early for lunch. Got to get back for the chowing-down-while-sitting-on-the-95th-Street-Âguardrails experience. No doubt that Calumet Fisheries labors under a mountain of hype, thanks in large part to the Bourdain Chicago episode. But I think the hype gets justified here, at least when it comes to smoked fish. Warning: no credit cards.
(5)EurJean C.
My gracious hosts took me here during a visit to Chicago. I suggest coming early in the morning to beat the crowd. We were able to chat with Carlos, who showed us where the smoke the fish and explained the process to us. It was really interesting and I really appreciate the extra effort he took to make our experience great. We ordered the fried smelt, smoked sturgeon, smoked tuna, smoked garlic and pepper tuna, smoked salmon, smoked garlic and pepper salmon, and smoked shrimp. The smoked fish was a bit drier and tougher than I expected, almost like jerky. I think how moist or smoky it turns out really depends on the individual batch and type of fish. The smoked shrimp were delicious and fun to eat and I loved the fried smelt. I recommend coming here at least for the adventure and to try something new. I'd come back just to try a different assortment of smoked fish. Tips: Plan to picnic, so if you like tartar sauce and lemon wedges you should bring your own. Bundle up on a cold day or be prepared to eat in your car, there is no seating inside.
(4)Billy B.
Um, Calumet Fisheries anyone? Yes please! The first time I went to Calumet I foolishly got the friend shrimp and oysters. I was promptly berated when I told my friend Ryan that I didnt get smoked fish. So, I journeyed back for round 2. Round 2 consisted of garlic pepper smoked trout and salmon. OMFG, is this place amazing. It tastes like fish butter. I dont know how else to describe the food so fish butter it is. Go see for yourself and enjoy this delicious hole in the wall gem. PS. The fish are not sourced from Lake Calumet, which is a good thing.
(5)Bob D.
I am shocked by the 4 and 5 star reviews, apparently a lot of folk just get all gitty about being in an industrial wasteland. They buy some mediocre food and feel like they are donating their not so hard earned money to charity. The fried food tastes highly processed, the breading is cloying and heavy. If you don't eat it outside it will b mush before you can do a u-turn on the bridge. The smoked fish is fine, but they charge a premium. The onion rings are bullshit frozen mass produced gmo crap. The sweat potato tots are gimmicky and frozen as well. The fried shrimp don't even qualify in my top ten old school Chicago Swimp joints. I would say if you are in the area grab some smoked salmon, whitefish, or sable, but unless you work at the coal yards or in shipping I am not so sure what you would be doing here. It's just not that good, really?
(3)Pinaki S.
Do you like seafood? Can you eat at a shack/dive much like you might find on a coastal beach town? Do you EVER drive down the Skyway towards Indiana/Michigan? I mean ever?? Well here you go guys. I got 8 of the tastiest JUMBO shrimp (who knew what 'smoked' meant) (which is a half pound) + some quality slaw + mild sauce + basket of fries for $9. Anthony Bourdain's been here. It's a LTH Great Neighborhood Restaurant. Check it out.
(5)John Y.
I have been a regular customer of Calumet Fisheries since I was a kid as I mentioned in my First to Review comments. I absolutely love this landmark shrimp house where I have experienced the best breaded fried shrimp in town.... On my last and most recent visit on Friday April 20th.... I purchased two (2) large orders of shrimp, fries and drinks to go. While the shrimp was plump and juicy, the breading surely not the same I had experienced time and time again through the years. The shrimp seemed to be coated in a corndog consistency of breading..... smooth and of equal thickness of golden color.... This is not the breading that made this place famous long before the Blue Bros. film had any positive effects.... What happened ? Where are my crunchy pieces of deli sh breading at the bottom of my container? The smoke fish, while pricey, looks exactly as it always did in the case. I am reserving final judgment until I return a few more times to Calumet Fisheries, maybe it was a bad night? ..I want to visit Bob's Shrimp House in Hammond, Indiana for the first time as I have heard RAVE reviews about their shrimp...
(4)Gregory B.
I've been to heaven and its name is Calumet Fisheries. Perfect. If you hate smoked fish, get the fried. If you hate fish, get the shrimp. If you hate fried fish, get the smoked. Rinse and repeat. This place was featured in the original Blues Bros Movie. James Beard Foundation gave it a huge award. Anthony Bourdain was nuts over it. It looks like a bridge tender shack next to the river. It's been there for 80 years and looks it. They've done it the same way since then. Get the smoked shrimp or the smoked pepper salmon. Best ever.
(5)Christopher B.
I've learned traveling around the world that if Anthony Bourdain recommends it then you should at least try it (not to mention it's usually pretty amazing!). I grew up not very far from here and passed it on a number of occasions but never stopped by until I saw the show. I couldn't believe he picked this place, where the Blue Brothers jumped the bridge, to get fish. It didn't take me very long to be a believer. For one, I was with my family who already hit it last month and were anxious to get back. We came for the smoked salmon but couldn't resist ordering some fried shrimp and sweet potatoes. As you might know from my previous reviews, I'm not one for fried food but this was absolutely life changing! Wow! I don't think I'll ever be able to order fried shrimp from anywhere else. As a side note, a debate broke out about whether the smoked shrimp was better but I didn't have any so I can't comment but keep that in mind if you're here. The smoked salmon was hands down one of the best I've had. They had a whole bunch in the smoker and told us to come by in a few hours but we took what they had as we weren't planning on coming back to this area. The only place that compared to this salmon was in the great northwest when I picked some up on the way home to LA from Portland. I'm anxious to come back here the next time I visit and what better time than Easter?! Well, we'll see but I think this place will be on my list of places to visit while I'm in Chicago along side deep dish pizza!
(5)David L.
Food: 3 Decor: 1 Service: 3 I came here with three friends on our drive back from Nashville. There is street parking and no seating inside. 1. Pepper and garlic salmon, 15.6/lb Pretty good. Fresh salmon, with plenty of pepper and garlic. 2. Smoked shrimp, 21/lb Not bad. I normally don't like shrimp when it's still got the skin on, but this had a nice smoky taste to it. Would have been nice if they de-veined them though. 3. Fries Okay. Not oversalted like a lot of places, although I could only eat a couple before stopping. We got one piece of the salmon and 8 shrimp, which was enough to share between two people. Service was okay, although I wish they were friendlier and suggested a couple items.
(3)Grace E.
Smokey and fishy. But what's not to like about that? The peppercorn and garlic salmon is delicious, especially with the hot sauce dip, but after several hearty mouthfuls, I was really wishing for a lemon to squeeze over it. The trout is less heavy, clean, and very flavorful. Though you might turn away from ordering the shrimp since they're not deveined, don't wimp out on an opportunity to taste them smoked! Run a plastic knife down the back of a peeled shrimp, pry it open, and use the knife to pull out the large strand. Easy. 5 seconds of effort for delicious, poop-free shrimp. The industrial surroundings enhance the charm of this riverside seafood shack, but once you've received your food, drive straight ahead for about 3 minutes until you can't go any further. Park your car and walk straight to the lake and enjoy your meal overlooking the waters.
(4)Annie D.
Okay 5 stars it is for smoked items! Of course I found this place because of No Reservations, how else would i wonder outside of downtown Chicago being a tourist?! Definitely worth the rental =) Smoked salmon- just had the perfect texture and taste, I'm not a big fan of smoked salmon to begin with, I order my philly rolls with fresh salmon for those who know it normally comes with smoked salmon... anyway, this smoked salmon taste was nothing near to what you can buy else where or well from what I've experienced. Smoked shrimp- the shrimp had a suttle taste of smokiness which gave it a great taste and the shrimp had great texture. Fried smelts- perfect with eaten nice and hot with some hot sauce dipping. Smoked Trout- very good! We came when the fishes have been smoked and refrigerated, but when it's pretty freshly smoked, like that day, it is completely different in taste and texture. We were lucky to have a taste of some trout that was made so we can see the difference, perfect. You didn't need anything with these smoked fish, no crackers needed. Overall, very good and well worth the stop when you're in Chicago. When I'm back, I'll be sure to stop in here! We even bought a couple more to bring back home to our friends as a part of their souvenir gifts! Hey, it's way better than shot glasses or key chains =) And use a fork, your hands will stay clean most of the time.. until you get the the shrimp, unless you have someone peeling them for you ;) CASH only of course! Enjoy!
(5)M H.
ZOMG. sooo good. I'm usually pretty wary of places that EVERYONE has to eat at because it's usually overrated (I'm looking at you Hot Doug's), but Calumet Fisheries is AH-mazing. I should take away a star because the toll to get there is $4 (why hasn't anyone else mentioned this in their review?!?), but they are that good. I got a pepper and garlic salmon (warning, one of those will set you back ~$15). I didn't expect that, I don't know why, but it was worth it. So buttery and it just broke down. Also got a half order of smoked shrimp. Nothing more fun than sitting in the car and killing those shrimp. They are HUGE. My bf is not a huge seafood fan but he got an order of crab cakes. They told him its imitation crab which I thought was nice of them. They were the creamiest crab cakes we've ever had. uhhhh. mahhh. gawwwd. I'm never like this but they are so f****** good. Go get some now!
(5)Jaison C.
Calumet Fisheries is very unique in every way. Smoked fish cooked over an extended period of time above fiery wood and surrounded by brick. I was able to try the salmon, shrimp, sable, cod and fries. Everything was so tasty and buttery. The intense smoke flavor goes extremely well with the garlic peppercorns. I was able to catch Calumet Fisheries during a time they weren't too busy and one of the managers took me to the smokehouse and told me Bourdain tales while showing me around. Just about any piece of smoked fish will do, but if you want something on the fattier side, ask for a steak near the fin. The taste is noticeably different. A James Beard Award well deserved, bravo CF.
(5)Lexie V.
How have I lived so close to this place for so many years without ever stopping in? Calumet Fisheries is a total gem. My boyfriend and I were in the area one day and we were looking for some sort of culinary adventure, and thanks to Yelp we found this place. We got the shrimp dinner and a few other things and it was FANTASTIC. I like how it is no BS but at the same time the people are nice and helpful. They could tell we were a little overwhelmed and didn't know what to order, but they were patient. I can't wait to go back. I am also 99% sure their hot sauce is Frank's which made me a very happy camper. A+.
(5)Billy D.
Borderline Gary, Indiana, Calumet is located in the well-off south-side industrial area. It's not the best neighborhood and pretty far from downtown, but hot damn that fish is good. Fried catfish - amazing with that special hot sauce. Smoked shrimp - you've never had anything like it. Expensive, but worth it. Pepper-smoked salmon - like whole peppercorns? me too. Smoked whitefish - back to the basics, buddy That James Beard award didn't just win itself.
(5)Matt M.
Best shrimp in the city. Maybe the world. Yeah, it's that good. Seriously, walking into this place makes me feel like it's 50 years ago and the steel mills haven't closed and the south side is humming. I know everything changes but i'm glad this place doesn't!
(5)Jim M.
I've been rocking this place for 25 years. After an early morning trip to Ed Shirley Sports in Markham and a long day of fishing, Calumet Fisheries was always the spot. Too many times I made a mess of my car after an ill-advised, late night, liquor fueled road trip. Now they cut us off early. The hours might be shorter but the fish is still fantastic. While off the beaten track for some, it's actually very easy to find... 95th street east. After you pass Jeffery Manor and the letter streets, on the south side of the street near the middle of the massive bridge look for a building too small to be a must-eat destination. If you drive into the lake you've gone just a little bit too far. Also since it's far enough off the expressway that some will find locking the doors mandatory, it's still obscure despite being featured on some of the gastro-sassy television shows. Everyone has been to Hot Doug's but it takes sand to make it this far south and east for a snack. Whatever you get here will be terrific. The smoked scallops, shrimp and chubs are the best I've ever had. But what i crave, what forces me to the edge of civilization to this little shack is the mixed fish dinner. Oh mama. Make sure to go with the mild sauce. It's unique with a little kick. Also while waiting for your fresh fried deliciousness note the yellowed newspaper clipping on the wall. The draw bridge was featured in the Blues Brothers and for just a moment you can see it in the movie . Delicious food and real Chicago trivia- what could be better!
(5)sarah s.
Great fried shrimp and fries - crispy and salty!! This place is awesome and they have a lot to choose from.
(4)Malcolm Jamal W.
I really love this place. The smoked fish is great, if pricey. The smoked salmon isn't like lox; it's like smoked/cooked all the way through. The fish and chips were good too, although I was surprised that I got these small (not nuggets but ) pieces instead of large fillets like I expected. The customer service experience was great. The customers love their shop, and the staff are proud of what they do, and that makes a big difference! Everybody there was just happy and friendly. This is a quality place; the kind they don't make anymore. Go see for yourself.
(4)Yuriana A.
Born and raised on the south side, I have had the privileged to make calumet fisheries part of my weekly lunch schedule. It's awesome that Bourdain covered them, now I know they won't be running out of business anytime soon!! P.S. They only accept cash and there is no place to sit. It's all old school here!
(5)Michele C.
Fried shrimp were good. Calamari were frozen rings .The kind from the grocery store.The calamari was like chewing rubber rings.yuk! Onion rings were mushy... The cocktail sauce provided is actually bbq sauce..I was so excited to eat there...but was so let down on the quality...
(3)Kathy S.
Tried this place after a friend recommended it and boy was it good. I was so surprised at how small it was...not anything wrong with that but just wasn't expecting it. We did park in the tow zone but it's fine. We got a pound each of the smoked shrimp and fried fish and both were good although the smoked shrimp took the cake for me. Tastes just like ham! I did feel like I consumed way too much sodium though. But I'm looking forward to my next visit so I can try the fried scallops/shrimp next time.
(4)Pascal M.
They could smoke my hand and I would take pleasure in eating it. A friend and I rode our bikes here from Harwood Heights in the Summer. A great trip and the food was worth the ride. I'm happy Bourdain hit this place up, because I may have never found out about it through my yelp searches. When we got there, they were smoking fish. So we rested for a bit as we chatted it up with the "smoke master" outside. He gave us some tips, history, and knowledge on the place. If anyone remembers the scene in the first Blues Brothers where they jump the bridge, that was right in front of Calumet. Another friend drove up, so we maxed out. We had their Fried Oysters. Fried Smelt, Smoked Salmon, Smoked Trout, Smoked Shrimp, and a side of macaroni salad and coleslaw. The smelt was one of the best pieces of fried food I've ever put in my mouth. I thought the fried oysters were just okay, probably because I enjoy them most when there just raw. The smoked shrimp was great. I love peel and eat shrimp. Their typically larger, more firm (yet still tender), and have better flavor. The Smoked trout and Salmon were outrageously good. Excellent crust from the black peppercorn and other spices they rub on before the smoke process. The macaroni salad was a nice carb to throw in there, but I wasn't a fan of the slaw'. I like crunchy vinegary slaw, this was kinda minced mush. Calumet Fisheries is blast. Its worth the hype and the drive. If your not taking your food home or eating it in your car, have fun sitting outside. It's strange, but I enjoyed taking in the industrial atmosphere, the bridge, and the river while me and my two friends snacked communally on some of great grub.
(5)Kate W.
How does one of the most infamous eateries for "foodies" in Chicago only have around 100 reviews? Oh that's right, it takes forever to get there and is virtually impossible to access via public transportation. Well, unlike you rubes I have a 1995 Infiniti chariot to take me to the far reaches of Chicagoland. So on a nice, sunny Autumn Chicago day we braved the freeways and weekend traffic to pilgrimage down to 95th for some smoked and fried fishes. We had to do the Anthony, of course. Fried smelt and shrimp, smoked salmon and trout. Items are fried to order, and you can pick your smoked fish steak of choice. Then take it outside and eat (because there is no room inside!). Just be careful not to stand on that bridge when they are bringing boats to winterize. Because they can't see you and soon you'll realize that the ringing isn't just a bad memory from 'Nam, but that bridge is actually going up! Run. Then eat.
(5)Michael S.
Excellence does speak for itself. Same owners since 1948. Hmmmm. They must be doing something right. And, they do; they are. It's superb. The fried oysters were the biggest, plumpest, freshest oysters I have ever tasted. Yes, EVER. The scallops and shrimp get honorable mentions that to me paled by comparison to the oysters. But the scallops were delish! Now, the really good stuff is all the smoked salmon and smoked trout in the display cases. yelp.com/user_local_phot… I didn't have room in my stomach and we didn't have room to schlep it back, since we went on foot. But I watched the boss take the smoked salmon and smoked trout out of the smokehouse on a huge tray. yelp.com/user_local_phot… Unmatchable, authentic fun. Yum. Next time we are driving.
(5)Finch M.
Visited here for the 2nd time. This go around on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in August. Purchased some smoked shrimp, 1/2 order of frog legs, and the catfish dinner. Review goes as follows. Smoked Shrimp - was very much looking forward to these, but they left me sad. Had some shrimp that were clearly "not fresh" and the rest were just okay. Perhaps a bad batch? Not nearly as much flavor as anticipated. Frog legs - they were decent. Thickly breaded and fried. Tasted like chicken. Catfish dinner - highlight of the trip. Excellent portions, great breading, mouth watering taste. We ordered food and drove down the street to Calumet Beach. It was worth the drive from far west suburbs...just learning what I will and will not order next time.
(3)Erika G.
Want to kill 5 or 6 hours on a beautiful Sunday? Who's goin' to church anyway, we're goin' to worship at the altar of Our Lady of Perpetual Smoked Fish! There's Sablefish, puh-lenty. I am partial to complicated public transit schemes, thinly disguised as "adventures". Ride the Red Line down to its end, and then take a bus deep into the south side. Hmmm, I've never seen this place, do I need my passport? Today I am a disciple of my #1 futile celebrity crush, Anthony Bourdain, who featured CF on his Chicago ep of No Reservations (and is appropriately enshrined at the establishment, as befits Food God status). Fried Fish Nirvana (we're Buddhist now). We partook (is that a word?) of the fried oysters, shrimp and scallops. Mon dieu, those scallops were the BEST! Plump and juicy, yet crunchy on the outside. Mmmmm. The fried oysters . . . now, to me, they looked like a bad cold breaded and fried, but they were damn delicious. If I go back here again, I'm renting a ZipCar so I can fill it up with the smoked fish offerings, smoked on the premises. That day, the thought of carrying bags of fish thru the heat did not appeal. Note: Table One is out back, a slab of concrete overlooking the barges on the Calumet River. No reservations needed. Ah, bliss.
(4)M G.
Not a huge fan of seafood but this place makes me want it. Fish and chips, stuffed shrimp, and the crab cakes are my favorite. And the dipping sauce they have makes it tastier. It might not look like much from the outside but the food is great!!
(5)The Food Abides W.
Truth be told, I didn't stumble upon this place. I saw it, like many others, on Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations. On the show, it seemed like an intriguingly hidden spot with spectacular smoked fish. However, in the months since viewing the episode, I had completely forgotten about this place altogether. Fast forward to a few weeks ago when I was scouring Yelp for places to dine in Chicago, I noticed rave reviews for Calumet and images of Bourdain passing a half-eaten salmon steak to his Chicago guide came flooding back to me. And that's how we ended up at Calumet Fisheries. Well, I make it sound much easier than it actually was - this was truly destination dining. Through a very long bus ride, a seemingly endless transfer, another bus-ride weaving in and out of a southern Chicago neighborhood, and a half mile walk in the snow, we finally ended up at this bridge-side shack to feast upon smoked fish (over 2 hours later). The storefront of Calumet is kind of like a deli, except with fish being the product, not cold cuts. A large case proudly displays salmon steaks, smoked chub, and buckets of shrimp. To the right of the store they had their frying station. I had my mind set on the Salmon before we even got there but the friendly cook, Carlos, advised me to go with their garlic and peppercorn crusted salmon steaks rather than the plain variety. Kins went the route of smoked shrimp. I was a little caught off guard by the fact that the Salmon was served cold. Seeing as how it's completely cooked, unlike lox, I expected it to be warm like barbecue after being smoked. The other surprise (although it shouldn't have been) was that the bones of the salmon were still in tact. Once I got over these two issues, I menacingly tore into the steak (avoiding the actual string used to hang the steak in the smoker) with my fingers popping the pulled morsels in my mouth. Carlos hooked me up with some hot sauce for the Salmon, but I found that it only took away from all the smokey flavor. My experience with smoked fish is severely limited, but I will be doing a comparison very soon between Rolling Bones' Salmon steaks and Calumet's. The shrimp were darned good. As a non shrimp fan, I was happy that the smoking erased the real shrimp-like flavor that I normally have to avoid (even when fried). If anything, the shrimp tasted a bit like ham, but I would describe the flavor as solely unique to smoked shrimp. The fries were standard frozen issue, but freshly fried for each order which makes a huge difference. I wish I could have tried some of their fried options, but alas there was only so much we could eat and take with us. Funnily enough, our cab driver for the ride back (yes, we weren't going to spend another 2 hours getting back) picked up some fried catfish for the road. After asking us why we travelled all the way out there and explaining to him all the blow-by-blow details of our adventure, he turned to us and said in his slavic accent, "Eh, it's not that special." Take that for what it's worth, but the catfish did look very, very good to me. Pricing was fair, considering the size of the Salmon steak I ordered (enough for two), but it certainly seemed a little more pricey than it should be considering it was served cold in a non sit-down environment. While I really enjoyed the food, the travel time made our journey seem like a quest for the Holy Arc. For visitors of Chicago, I'd recommend skipping this hot spot because of the travel time involved. There are just too many other great options to spend so much time getting out there and back - at least without a car rental. However, I highly recommend locals and smoked fish fans alike make at least one trip to Calumet for an unusual and tasty treat.
(4)Shana M.
Yay! I finally went out and did something in my city again! I can finally write another Yelp review! WooHoo!! I played hooky from work on a sunny Friday afternoon in early August. My non-9-5 friends picked me up and we had ourselves a time, including a "field trip" to Calumet Fisheries. Since I had eaten a few misguided tacos not long before, and since I had no clue what I was about to be invited to experience, AND since my bank account is totally NOT recession proof, I waited outside while my friends ordered, payed, and received their booty. It was a satisfyingly voyeuristic experience. We sampled only the smoked shrimp (Oh. My. God. I need a new internet abbv. just for this shrimp people. How about...OVSFG: Oy Vey So Friggen Good!!!) and the fried oysters which were extremely hot and drippy and characteristically snotty, but the sauce was nummy. And so yeah, Anthony Bourdain, yippee skippee, blah blah blah, ate on the bridge, what a scene. Can't wait to go back for more: The End.
(4)Ed F.
Fresh smoked fishes ... Amazing actually. Saw it on 'No Reservations' - it's a stop on the "Blues Brothers" Chicago tour. Bought loads of fish for a family meal and it was a super hit across 3 generations of smoked afishianados. Take out only - or dine in car near store.
(5)Glynn F.
So good. If you like smoked anything then smoked peppercorn garlic salmon steaks & jumbo shrimp will be no exception. This shack serves up some truly flavorful stuff. Only *potential* problem is that they don't offer any sort of seating, so it's carry out only. That being said there is a park just over the nearby bridge where you can sit by the lake. That's what we did & it worked out famously. P.S. The peppercorn/garlic salmon works really well as a lox ingredient. Highly recommend using it for this purpose. P.P.S. The fries are better than the onion rings. The onion rings weren't crispy enough for my taster.
(5)Ben R.
Excellent smoked fish. But there is a but. The shrimp aren't deveined. That's kind of disgusting. More than kind of. The salmon is farm-raised as well. The sturgeon is excellent. I feel bad leaving three stars and would give it six if they deveined the shrimp.
(3)Ashley S.
I ventured to this off the beaten path gem on a surprise day trip with one of my foodie friends. We do this often and he never tells me where we were going so I've learned not to beg for hints/guess. My expectations we low when we got off the highway near Gary (no offense Gary but there is a reason a highway was built over you). Needless to say, I was pumped when we arrived since I've heard Bourdain rave about this place. I was not disappointed. Luck would have it that they were smoking that day so everything was super fresh. My friends got his usual favorite, the pepper smoked salmon and the incredibly knowledgeable counter guy recommended the smoked trout too. Who were we to argue. Next time I want to try to smoked sturgeon which came highly recommended. Also added some fried clams. Warning, eat them slowly as the hot water inside tend to explode. Love the trout's delicate texture and smokey yet fishy taste. We took the salmon home to sprinkle it over a salad and I already can't wait. Not sure when I'll be back but I hope it's soon. Love supporting local businesses like this that are knowledgeable, passionate about their craft and will talk your ear off one you get them going. Warning: If you don't strong fish smells and seeing tons of fish heads staring back at you, pass on this place.
(4)Jimmy P.
Calumet Fisheries is Amazing! TL;DR Calumet Fisheries Amazing!
(5)Victor M.
The rain has passed and today is a sunny day. With relatively low humidity... Tis was a perfect day to enjoy a lb of smoked shrimp outdoors. So I enjoyed this scrumptious shrimp at the lake a few blocks east.
(5)Joe F.
A friend of mine took the trip to the far south side to try the smoked fish. We tried the smoked salmon, shrimp and trout. Both were very salty, lightly smoked and all things considered, very good. We also got the fried smelt, fried fish chunks, and fried clams. The breading was crisp and crunchy - not thick and hard, perfect crunch to crisp ratio. I tend to prefer smoked fish to be smoked a little longer rather than a little less. Calumet also does a super-salty brine, and I prefer a lighter touch on the salt. In terms of style, while Calumet may not be my absolute favorite, it's still very, very good. One day if I'm back in the neighborhood I wouldn't hesitate to stop by again.
(4)Esteban P.
I CANNOT BELIEVE that I've never been here before. I grew up on the East Side and now I'm back from the loop to the South Side for the past 3 years. I had just told my friend Dean that we had to check this place out when my friend Xavier told me he saw the Anthony Bourdain No Reservations episode on it. So I told Dean it was time for a visit. We followed in Anthony Bourdain's foot steps and ordered what he had: smoked peppered salmon, smoked trout, smoked shrimp, fried smelt, hot sauce and a root beer. We actually got one chub too and Dean had to get his grape soda - I think it helps him 'fit in', though I think he should have kept his Cubs hat at home... good thing I was sporting my Sox hat :D The guys behind the counter were fast to get our order together. I couldn't actually believe the smelt where fried that quickly. It ended up being a lot of food because the portions of the smoked fish were so big. It was also pretty pricey (just under $40), but we had enough food to actually feed 4 people. We started with the hot food; that is the smelts. The batter was very light and minimal. I think that was a good thing because you were able to concentrate more on the taste of the fish. For my first time having smelt, I enjoyed it. The hot sauce made a really good dipping sauce. I just wish we had a lot more. Dean grabbed some "Hienie's Hot Sauce" (Quality Brand Hot Sauce). We moved on to the smoked shrimp. WOW, those were amazing. I was concerned with what they would turn out like, but the smoky flavor was just right. And the shrimp where HUGE. Again the hot sauce was a nice addition, but not necessary at all. We had mixed feelings on the smoked fish. I liked the salmon, but Dean thought it was too dry. He favored the Trout over the salmon. We hit a pocket of moist salmon and that was extremely good, so I know what he means. I agree that if the salmon was more moist it would have been even better, but the crush pepper seasoning was just right. We both agreed that that chub was the best. It was the least expensive of the smoked fish too. I will definitely visit more frequently, and have already started spreading the word. I'll get the pepper salmon again, though I'll pay more attention to the piece I choose. I'll also have to go order more chubs next time as well as trying to fries out, which I hear are pretty good. Only downside is that you do smell of smoked fish from the minute you walk in. Even if you don't walk in the smell will stay on your hands and mouth. But the food is so great it's worth dealing with the smoke until you can take a shower and brush your teeth. [UPDATE #1] Tried the Salmon again, and it was really nice and moist the second time round. Guess it depends on when you go. [UPDATE #2] Woe... they had the Sable in stock, and I must say it was AMAZING!!! It's usually a special order item - $25/lb, 3 lbs min. But I'll tell you want. It was WONDERFUL. Sable is Black Cod. The meat was so moist and juicy and soft. I was able to just scoop it out with my finger. It tasted buttery and just melted in my mouth. Man I could not believe how good it was. I h ope they start selling it regularly.
(5)Dawn K.
Me follow Bourdain. This is what we got: Fried: shrimp, fish, smelt (smelt is the only thing Anthony Bourdain tried on the show, FYI) Smoked: shrimp, pepper+ garlic salmon Salad: pasta You should get: fried shrimp, fried smelt, smoked shrimp, and smoked salmon. Skip everything else. Servers are friendly and super helpful. Get ready for a fishy-smelling car if you're on the road, because there isn't any place to feast at the place. Get extra 'hot' sauce- better safe than sorry, right? Cash only
(4)Ashley C.
I was willing to give this place another shot, even after the owner responded to my previous review, but methinks not. They only get the one star because that's the minimum, but I'd give less. I just want to go on record and say that I have no problem that the shell has to remain on the shrimp in order to smoke it. However, any idiot with culinary experience knows that you can clean a shrimp and leave the shell on. My mother just did it yesterday when she made shrimp pasta! Maybe my mother needs to teach the guys in the kitchen how to deal with seafood. Even if they can't figure out how to do what my mother can, surely they can give a customer a warning with something like, "Hey, you might not want to try to eat one of these before you clean the little line of shrimp doo doo off of them. Because nothing, I repeat, NOTHING, is sexier than your man trying to make out with you and there's a string of shrimp sh*t hanging off his lips. Um... DON'T THINK SO. Also, while I appreciate the owner commenting to me, telling me that AOL said that this place was the best restaurant in 2010 doesn't affect MY experience. I'm sure they didn't give Tony Bourdain OR the AOL Critic the quality of food I received. Because while Bourdain eats all kinds of things, shrimp sh*t probably wasn't on the menu that day. Just saying. I was open to admitting that every place has a funky day and maybe I got a funky bunch, but come on...the shrimp were expensive, and literally full of crap. So, I'll pass. If I want overpriced shrimp, next time, I'll save the gas and time and just go to Red Lobster. At least I can get myself some drinks and I'll be too drunk to notice my boyfriend's crappy mouth. AMENDING to let you know that the owner again has contacted me YET AGAIN (twice in ONE DAY) to tell me that Anthony Bourdain ate smoked shrimp that were shelled and not deveined, so in essence, he ate shrimp poop and was okay with it. He also wanted me that the yelper who said they had maggots in their smoked shrimp is lying. Either way, the smoked shrimp were still bad. The batter was still thick, the food was still overrated, underseasoned and overpriced and not worth the trip. I'll never go back now, thanks to the owner HARASSING me. FYI to the owner- MY saying 'any idiot with culinary experience' is not calling you or your staff idiots. Clearly, you guys don't know how to clean your 'smoked shrimp' so that they are smoked and POOP-free, so you don't GET the privilege to fall under the title of "idiot". Please stop messaging me and take the time you would spend harassing me and other not-so-great yelpers to improve the quality of your food on a CONSISTENT basis so everyone can have the experience Anthony Bourdain did.
(1)Dennis B.
I've been here a few times for lunch while at work. I never would've tried them, but I saw them on Anthony Bourdain's TV show and I saw that they have smoked shrimp. SMOKED SHRIMP!!! I honestly didn't even know you could smoke a shrimp. Nothing special about the fried food. It doesn't touch Shrimp Express in Cal City. But the smoked salmon is on point. The smoked shrimp were, well, interesting. I like trying something different.
(3)Mike B.
Yelp's most entertaining vegetarian is now yelp's most entertaining pescatarian. Fish is a big weakness for me, and I knew that if i were to break edge in the best way imaginable, I'd need to go bike to 95th & south chicago to score some fish from Calumet. The trip was the most interesting part of this adventure. I biked from 31st & Morgan all the way to 95th in the early afternoon hours. As a big fan of rough neighborhoods, as well as strange gazes from people who are confused about the presence of a giant bearded white guy, I was pleased by both of these elements from the trip. I mostly took lowe street south. I'm not sure why, but it felt safe for the most part. I also got to pass through a lot of really interesting sights, like the creek(?) near 79th & Normal, or this beautiful park that was ducked into a relatively small subdivision that was also somewhere in the 70s (i can't find it on google street view). The park helped me duck away from normal traffic, as I got nervous someone was going to follow & rob me after i passed this house and stared at a hilarious looking car without noticing that it's owners were sitting nearby, staring just as closely at me. I finally made it to 95th after an hour or so, but found that 95th street has very busy traffic, and since i've always wanted to be on 100th street, i decided to bike that for a while instead. I was then forced off that street, and back onto 95th for the remainder of the trip to the fishery. I finally got there, and bought some peppered salmon, some peppered trout, and some gatorade. I then rode my bike back north when i remembered that i wasn't far from brother tim's vegetarian fast food. So, I stopped in, and got my actual lunch, and then continued the bike ride back home. It was actually a pretty relaxed trip, and didn't leave me nearly as exhausted as I thought it would. Got even more strange looks, even from cops in the area, during that leg. After getting home, i ate some of the fish, it was just as delicious as expected, and i ate the remainder of it the next day. In all, it met all expectations I had, but i had been to calumet fisheries before, several years prior, and it was just as good as the previous encounter.
(5)Jon E.
Bomb-diggity-seafood, I'm a fan! If you like seafood, check these guys out. If you're a photographer who likes landscapes and seafood you'd be an idiot to not give these guys a visit. Why? I have yet to see a more beautiful industrial landscape in Chicagoland than the one visible in 360 technicolor from the front steps of Calumet Fisheries. What some may consider bleak wasteland is a stunning juxtaposition of rust-belt historical ruins and the shimmering lake. What you see outside doesn't quite prepare you for the tastes inside but it stands to reason that beauty and tasty things are always best when they are a complete surprise. Fantastic smoked salmon? Check. Bomb fried shrimp? Natch. It is Chicago at its most natural, mixing an industrialized past with rich flavors and hidden surprises.
(4)Ryan R.
Price reasonably, but noting like it's protrayed on "No Reservations". Pretty average for a fish place.
(2)Kevin L.
You have not had real seafood until you've tried Calumet's seafood. My parents went to get some stuff at Horseshoe, and took me to this place to try out. My first thoughts were, "Hmm, smoked shrimp doesn't seem too appealing, and smoked salmon sounds pretty boring." Man, my thoughts were way off. Smoke Shrimp is AMAZING. Never have I thought shrimp could taste so good. Shrimp's not deveined though. Their smoked salmon in a few words : Moist, fatty, flavorful, addicting. I just had some leftover of their salmon just now, and I'm craving for some more. Things that put me off were the fried foods. At first glance, I instantly knew it would be mediocre, due to it being battered up, and refrigerated, resulting in a not-so-crispy tasting. I had the fried onion rings, and shrimp. Onion rings was not that crispy, and shrimp were, but over seasoned with salt. Don't get me wrong, for the price, it's VERY good, but I feel that they can work on it more. Maybe have batter ready, but batter it up when it's ordered, mainly because there's not that many customers at one time (When I was there, there were only 3 customers including myself). But overall as a restaurant, their food is top notch, and I'm defiantly going back there whenever I'm near the area.
(5)Jeff Z.
Awesome, Totally Worth The Trip!
(5)Steve H.
I'm not a fan of smoked anything by itself, which is probably my due to my sheltered Chicago suburb upbringing. Smoked BBQ is good but usually only if its accompanied by a vat of dipping sauce on the side. But as a Bourdain and Yelp fan I was obliged to get an order of the smoked salmon and smoked shrimp, just to say "Yes I tried 'em". Both were unique experiences but would I make a huge trip to the south side to try them again-probably not. The salmon was not de-boned, which made it quite cumbersome to eat around and my particular slice was pretty fatty in content. The shrimp on the other hand were ginormous for chicago standards. Both were served cold and unless I'm at a sushi restaurant, I'd like to be eating my fish flesh at least lukewarm temperature. If you like cold smoky meat I'd say give it a go for yourself. But for me if I'm ever tagging along some buddies who want to try this place for themselves, I'll stick to the fried menu.
(3)RT S.
It's a small store by the south shore. They have smoked shrimp, salmon, trout and fried shrimp, fish, oyster and smelt. The fried shrimp is good with hot sauce, other than that nothing impressive. Note: cash only and you cannot sample prior to purchase. Diarrhea, nausea and vomitting followed the foods.
(1)Patrick M.
It is located on the far south side of Chicago, but the view from the restaurant is very unique. I like how it is placed right next to a bridge overlooking the river. It provides a great aura to eat seafood and a variety of different fish. The customer service was great. The owner was working behind the counter and had chatted with us while we were ordering. I used to work at the Fish Keg in Evanston so we went back and forth on the similarities and differences of each store. He was a really nice guy. Additionally, he let my friends and I sample pieces of smoked trout and smoked shrimp. Very unique and smoky flavors I have never had with fresh fish, both were delicious! I ordered the fish chips, fries, and coleslaw, but a friend let me try his froglegs. The Fish Chips were excellent. They toss the cod in a bread crumb batter and deep fry it a little darker than usual, which I like. The tartar sauce is homemade too and it is done right. A bolder taste, not sweet. Fries were average. Well salted but pretty average long cut steak fries. Coleslaw was not my style. I took a bite and to put it down. I am either hit or miss with creamy coleslaw and this cup was not very good. Frog legs were interesting. Not a huge fan with hot sauce. I like froglegs with butter sauce, this was a change of pace. Fish Keg in Evanston is better in my opinion, but Calumet was very good. A really filling meal for $8. You park up, eat in the car, while overlooking the river. I think it's a nice spot and would recommend it, if you are willing to make the drive.
(4)Michelle W.
Yummy, I only stop in here at the beginning of the boat season and at the end when I am spending more time than I care to at the boat yard. It is the only thing that makes driving down there something to look forward to. My favorite is the smoked garlic trout. I eat it cold, I eat it warm, I eat it while driving home and I put it in dips .... it's soooo goooood! No place to sit... know that!
(5)R M.
Biked here from the north side and was treated to delicious fried shrimp, fried catfish and French fries. Will be going back to try the smoked fish. This place is an institution in Chicago, and well worth the journey.
(4)Jessi M.
Definitely an establishment, definitely worth going to the south side for. The fried catfish had something magical in the breading and it was hot and perfectly fried. Also, I think they make their hot sauce in-house. I had never tasted anything like that before and I want more. Having lived in the Midwest my whole life I have no real concept of "good" seafood. I think this is it, though.
(4)Rob S.
Also, forgot to mention that if you are coming from the North, instead of swinging onto 90 (Chicago Skyway), take 94 south and exit at 95th street and head east. This will save you from paying any tolls and takes almost the same time. Drive past Chicago State University and it will come up eventually on your right.
(5)Dan M.
It was good. I love fried seafood, especially shrimp. The smoked salmon is good too. Funky soda choices, but that's cool with me. (bring a diet soda with if that's your thing, I don't think they had any) Hot sauce was great. I also like all the old photos on the wall from Blues Bros, etc. The kid that was working was really helpful and let us try a few little samples before deciding what to get. I love Bourdain. I've read his books and watched his show. But c'mon nut-huggers, a 5-star joint this is not. (I would have given it 3.5). It's still a fun little excursion if you feel like heading out that way, if you're in the area stop by and grab lunch.
(3)Steve M.
This place is incredible. Could they expand...sure....Could they build other locations...sure...but why the heck would they? That is part of what makes this place great. Everything is good but hands down the Fried and Smoked Shrimp are the best. We have all had fried shrimp a million times, but you won't find it better than here. The hot sauce is legit. And the smoked shrimp has such a unique taste. A little off the beaten track but well worth the trip!
(5)Toney S.
Best seafood in the Midwest. We bee going here since we were kids. My wife and I drive 22 miles for this experience, and have never been disappointed..
(5)Johnny T.
Let's just get this out of the way: yes, I ate poop. No, I was not happy about it. I had two kinds of poop: crustacean and bivalve. Both were disconcerting to me and hilarious to my lunchmates. This is pertinent information. I'd been wanting to come to CF for years. I could never find anyone with whom to go so I plotted, bade my time, waited and - BAM! - I came up with the Neighborhood Spotlight idea and now i had a crew with which to explore South Deering and the East Side. But for all the traffic in God's green earth, this should have been a relatively easy trip from the north side. But, avoid LSD S traffic, Hyde Park bike races and Purple line shut downs... and you'll be fine. Arriving an hour after I first planned, I sheepishly made my way into the fish shack. I appreciate how the CF folks keep it real. Even though I'd been wanting to come here WAY BEFORE THAT ATTITUDINAL GUY, I liked the fact that the newfound national fame hadn't resulted in a different decor or procedure to how I'd heard things were set up. I ordered a smoked shrimp dinner, a half order of fried oysters and a strawberry Sunkist. I was ready for some south-side eatin'. After arriving at Calumet Park (see review) to eat the grub, I wondered what I had waited for. Don't get me wrong: the shrimp are HUGE, smoky and filling. But, they're also filled with poop (as in, not de-veined, as in, with every bite you see that big brown streak down the back of your food). Since I usually eat like I caveman, I didn't first notice the fishy dirt road. After I did, with every bite, I felt like gagging. The oysters weren't a respite. They offered nice breading, great fried taste...and green poop. Scat isn't my vice of choice, so I was thoroughly *out* of the experience. Despite being told to man up by my international cohorts, I could not co-sign my experience. Furthermore, even before the poop, I was waiting for some transcendent moment. I was waiting for some shrimp-nirvana to take me to another plane of existence. It never came. I lived in pre-Katrina New Orleans. I have been fortunate to eat all sorts of water roaches and love every bite. This... was good but, so what? I didn't get it. Obviously, I am the Simon Cowell of CF eating experiences. But, guess what? Simon Cowell is rich, beeytoches! I wouldn't come back. It wasn't bad but it didn't change my life (other than to give people more reasons to mock me). Take a hot tub time machine and go to New Orleans circa 2000. Eat some jumbo spicy skrimps. Flip the f out. Then talk to me about some mind-blowing sea creatures.
(3)Steve R.
We ordered fried shrimp, smelt, and catfish and all three were horrible. None of the food was fresh, it was bland, and over cooked. We will not be coming back... ever. I would recommend Haire's Gulf Shrimp for decent food.
(1)Rolando D.
The best smoke fish in the Midwest !
(5)Na S.
Such a casual and homey diner. I ordered fried oysters and sat there with my girlfriends and chatted all night. I had to go up to the counter and ask for water a few times but they didn't seem to mind that at all. A good hang out place and really great food for the price.
(4)Aurore L.
A few discoveries before, during and after this 3.5 stars visit: 1. Don't come here during the weekend in the beginning of the festival season with a set time in mind; you won't make it. Ever. Especially if your first name starts with a J- and ends in - ohnny and if you are in charge of managing a community. Or at least don't start your trek all the way up from Evanston. Sing: A,B,C Easy as 1,2,3... 2. There is a cycling race on the U of C campus on the third Saturday of May. Keep in mind. Well, if you are around on that day of course. It's pretty dead otherwise, no worries. Sing: I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike... 3. Bridges are scary to some of us. I would have liked to be there on time to hear the whole story on the 'how' and 'why' but I am unfortunately left alone to fill in the blanks.... NB - The 'fisheries' are situated by one of the coolest feature of Chicago engineering that has me clapping hands like a little girl: drawbridges. (I felt like I needed to supply an explanation....) Sing: Under the bridge downtown... 4. Oysters are not plenty in Lake Michigan, that's for sure. I thought I only liked them fresh straight out of the shell (and very salty, briny and petite) but man, these Calumet guys surely know how to fry these little dudes out to perfection. A half-order comes up to $7 or so and gives you a solid dozen of crispy goodies. NB 1 - delicious with hot sauce. And on a cracker with a little bit of slaw (or so I heard) NB 2 - don't bite into one and then study intently what you see. It might ruin your tasting pleasure. Sing: It's not that easy being green.... 5. Smoked shrimp are the sh$t. Literally. And unless you are French, Chinese or living with one and used to their disgusting eating habits you will find yourself squeamish because :::::::gasp::::::::: the fishermen of Calumet don't 'devein' them. A nice understatement of the English language because the black stuff running all along our shrimp is not a vein, but the intestinal track. And is of course filled with shrimp waste. Bon appetit! NB - don't forget towelettes and hand sanitizers and cream and mints. NB 2 - the IT doesn't taste like much. Sing: Goodbye mama shrimp papa shake my hand... Sing 2: It's time to man up.... It's up to you to discover the rest. Cheers!
(4)La H.
Sooooooo me no likey. I got Catfish nuggets and there were only three in the box. The biggest one, which it was huge by the way, was not done. The breading on the inside was pink and gooey like dough. I asked if it was supposed to be like this in the man told me yes. He offered to make more but I know better than to return food. I will take this as a loss. Catfish was good, just not done.
(2)Ryan K.
I've made the 30 minute trip down here 20+ times so far. I suppose that speaks for itself. Tips: - If you are driving from up north like myself, take LSD until it ends. Then just follow the Lake Michigan Tour signs until you get to 95th street. It is a pleasant and scenic drive around an area most north siders never experience. - There is literally no seating provided. If you walk a few hundred meters through the field behind the CF, there is a cement block you can chill out at. It is a nice spot by the canal. You might even get 20 minutes before the bees find you. - I haven't had anything bad on the menu yet. The smoked shrimp being the best so far.
(5)Joshua N.
GPS found this place for me, otherwise I'd have starved to death by now. Where am I? This place was on TV, yet it isn't busy except for the Yelpers, we must be really far away. You know those people that call home and tell all of their friends where in Chicago they live by saying the number of blocks from Wrigley Field they are? Yeah, I'm not a fan of that either, but I did get an introspective chuckle imagining one of them getting a place near Calumet Fisheries and tweeting to their friends in Ohio who are coming next weekend to party that they'll only be about 300 blocks from Wrigley. Anyway, I ate here too, well down the street at Calumet park because you can't eat or use the restroom at the restaurant. The food was awesome, so smokey and amazing. Wasn't long before the gulls took notice and circled us menacingly. Luckily, I brought Yanyao along with me. She's an expert at scaring birds. Make sure that you have somebody with you who poses a legitimate threat to birds or they'll take your fish right from you. I went with the fried fish, no clue what kind it was, but completely fresh and lightly breaded right after I ordered it. Two sauces available, hot and mild. Also an order of fried shrimp which managed to retain the smokehouse flavor quite well under the batter and oil. Had the smoked shrimp as well, which as others have mentioned, is served with the veins. I can't imagine this mattering to someone who isn't squeamish. My position in the great debate was that sea-poo really isn't the same as land-poo, so it shouldn't matter. You put up with a lot to get down here on a weekend if you are coming from the Northside and once you get there, you are kind of on your own for finding a place to eat it, but I promise you that it is all worth it if you like smoked shrimp or fried fish. It really is the gem that people claim it to be.
(5)Billy M.
Smoked fish is good but I went way out of my way to try this place and probably won't again. If I'm in the hood I might grab a bite but not a destination for me.
(3)Pam D.
Scored some smoked sable this afternoon. I'm so happy! I just love this place so much. Happy, happy, happy.
(5)Robby T.
Recently was compiling a list of "favorite places I've eaten by myself". Calumet was my first instinct. Like word association. Yes, it's expensive for smoked seafood out of a hut in Calumet...but an RC Cola, smoked prawns, and whitefish on your car's hood, while watching the drawbridge & ships = strange romantic memory for me.
(5)Roy H.
The smoked salmon here is godly.....WOW!!!!! by far the best I have ever had. Smoked stuff you buy by the pound. They also have deep fried meals that you can get. I got the catfish. That was also very good!!! It came with a very generous portion of fries, coleslaw, and you choice of sauce (i got tartar). Another review said you have to pay a toll to get to the place, if you take the freeway and get off at the stony island ave exit you will not have to pay a toll. Its in a bit of a rundown/industrial area....but totally worth the trip!!!
(5)Yukari T.
I had a bunch of fried goods and smoked shrimp - can't go wrong with that! I have no doubt the smoked fish is good but it seemed a bit too overwhelming to try to eat it there, on the spot. We had an impromtu picnic in the grassy area nearby. I'm pretty sure we were trespassing on private property. One of the guys working at Calumet suggested that we cross the bridge to the park on the other side but we didn't feel like venturing that far out. I happened to be on my way home from Indiana and I had this place bookmarked on Yelp for a while since I saw it on the news for winning a 2010 James Beard Award for America's Classics. The smoked shrimp was good but as Johnny T. so kindly mentions, it is not deveined. As for the fried stuff, I recommend the shrimp and just a half order will be plenty for one normal person. The catfish was a bit too fishy tasting for me and the oysters...while they were good, they were a bit messy (I got some guts all over my pants) and I personally prefer oysters friend Japanese style or just plain raw. I regretted not taking some smoked fish home to go. I don't think I'll be making a trek down there just to go there but if I'm ever passing through, I'll be sure to try the smoked salmon, trout, or chubs.
(3)C F.
Man this is really good fish! I only order one thing since I got turned on.. it's the smoked Shrimp dinner. It's awesome, regardless if it's hot or cold, however it arrives to you, it's delish! This is only take out and man that smoked shrimp with a big lemon drop martini hit's the spot. I love it! Fast service and friendly kids serving. A Plus!
(5)Cecilia C.
Calumet Fisheries, since I left your tiny establishment next to the big scary drawbridge- I have been dreaming of returning for some of that delicious smoked trout. A half pound is more of enough I tell you! Take it by the handy twine string that runs through it and your fish has a handle to take it on the go (which you will have to.) Pull it apart and the flavor is rich, moist, and slightly oily; permeates your fingers with a great scent of smoke and delicious. I had some breaded oysters with a spicy sauce which was quite tasty and the clam strips were formidable. The smoked shrimp was good, but not quite worth more than one or two. They tasted like ham- which defeats the purpose of shrimp. Also, the poop complaint is valid. Being huge shrimp, running into the vein was easy, and I felt like I was wiping my shrimps butt every time I tried to clean a little off before a bite. I found the soggy fries to be a great compliment to the fish- and abundant even in a small order. As for the area: Drawbridges are my childhood fear. It was reawakened here. One of the few restaurant locations ever to send me screaming and crying...so whatever you do...be sure you hear the alarms before the bridge pulls apart and devours you alive in it's mechanical jaws lest you meet a watery death.... ....preferably after eating eating delicious, delicious smoky trout.
(5)Anthony G.
Drove here from Lombard, IL, so this was a nice little trip for us. Ordered the fried oysters, fried catfish, frog legs and stuffed shrimp. We also ordered the smoked sable and smoked salmon which they are really known for and the deep fried mac n cheese. I spent about $80. While the fried food was good, it wasn't as great like I expected. They really should season or marinate the food before frying them. Because they don't, I found them rather bland. For my taste if you want great flavor I would recommend Lawrence Fisheries on 22nd and Canal. I left Calumet Fisheries and headed straight to Lawrence's. There's no contest. On the other hand, the smoked sable and salmon were absolutely excellent. Great flavor and texture. The Sable (or Black Cod) is the most expensive at $29lbs. So if smoked meats are what you are after then Calumet Fisheries is the place. Save your money on the fried foods.
(2)L L.
CASH ONLY Bring wet wipes Make sure you don't need to go potty! Finally after years of trying to make it here, I did! You guys even in rush hour traffic it took only about 20-30 mins from my office in River North! Which makes me believe I will be going way more often! Smoked fish is where it's at, I was told this but succumbed to some fried dishes fried shrimp - a lil fishy smelts - not fishy but slightly heavy on the breading fried oysters - good, okay, not sure if I like a cooked oyster as much as a raw one... fried pickles - AMAZING, the best fried pickles Ive ever had - they put dill in the breading and I loved it. Smoked shrimp - HUGE AND AMAZING Smoked trout - AMAZING! Smoked pepper/garlic salmon - AMAZING Next time I go it's smoked fish/shrimp and fried pickles. Nothing else, NOTHING ELSE! NOTHING ELSE!
(4)Don D.
Not sure why everyone goes batshit crazy about this place? It has pretty good smoked fish maybe the only kind of place like it around here.....but the rest of the stuff I have had there is just deep fried fish seafood ect! They don't take cash they don't keep a very clean shop inside or outside and they don't seem to give two shits if there customers are happy or not...fried fish with redhot sauce is just not my thing and I don't care if Anthony bordain likes it or not!
(3)Glen W.
Best warm smoked fish I've ever had. The sable fish and the shrimp are stand outs.
(4)Ardena C.
I was very disappointed in the food here. two of the four items that we ordered from this place were over cooked and rubbery. The service was great though..and fast. Very friendly people work there.
(2)Joseph M.
Best smoked salmon I've ever had. I get the garlic & peppered style, it's just fantastic. Good smoked shrimp. Decent fried scallops. The fried shrimp is alright but not nearly as good as the fried shrimp at Bob's Shrimp on Calumet Ave. in Hammond. Carryout only.
(5)Char Y.
best fried seafood ever! the oysters were juicy, yummy, and seriously heavenly. I never had smelt before and am now totally a fan. The smoke shrimps were ok, but definitely worth the trip! if you take the skyway it only takes 15 minutes from downtown.
(4)Mike K.
I've had a good bit of smoked fish in my time, but none so well prepared as the stuff they're slinging at Calumet Fisheries. The unassuming location can be mistaken for a little control booth for a drawbridge, but they're making some of the best craft food in Chicago. The salmon is incredible. It comes by the steak, and still has the string in it that they used to hang it in the smoker. The chubs are silky, fatty, and delicious. I'm not as big a fan of the smoked shrimp, but that's just me. I will say one thing: they're smoking some collossal shrimp over there. My favorite part of visiting this place - aside from the food - is checking out the smoke house on the side, where they hang the fish over a smoldering pile of oak. It's sublime to watch the process and taste it right there. Finally, some say it's in the middle of nowhere, and while I don't agree that it's "nowhere," I see what they mean. But just thesame, there's a lot of atmosphere to soak up there on the once bustling industrial port of the south side, and it's cool to eat in your car and just check it out. If you're looking for a better place to chow down nearby, keep driving east on 95th Street and after a few blocks you'll find yourself in Calumet Park where you can park next to the lake and have a little picnic. Don't miss the chance to go here!
(5)Svitlana P.
I cannot shut up about the smoked shrimp at Calument Fisheries. It's delish (minus the fact that it's not deveined). We decided to try it spontaneously last Saturday, and I'm glad we did. There's also a park right on the lake where you can enjoy your "catch" on the shore. The place is a bit of a drive, considering I'm from NW suburbs, but nevertheless, totally worth it. And now that I see a 10% off coupon for the month of July, I have to come back. The smoked trout I got was also amazing. But I did not care for their cole slaw at all.
(5)Casie S.
We just enjoyed the smoked shrimp and fried shrimp dinners. Both were tasty and we will certainly be back to try more items.
(4)carmen b.
Hello, FOOD SNOB here. Well one of the last of its kind in OLD SOUTH CHICAGO. 10th ward I believe. Mr. Vyrdolyaks old stomping ground, remember him? They say its the last Fish Smokehouse in Chicago. It once hosted the BLUES BROTHERS back in 1979. And recently Anthony Bourdain. This is the place for old fashioned Fried and most of all Smoked Fish. Smoked Salmon is very Uniqe. 2 flavors, regular and GALIC. Fried shrimp is Great. I love the fried Oysters. I bring my own french bread bun with mayo and lettuce and add the Oysters on it.( my own cajun po boy). Its takeout only but you can go down the street to Calumet Park and eat by the Lake. Thats what we do. Accompanied with a little wine from home of course. The place hasn't changed since the 1940 or something like that. It is again, one of the last American Food Traditions of its kind.
(5)Khadijah L.
Only the best and amazing smoked fish here. I bought some smoked pepper salmon, and smoked trout to take home and also had their catfish dinner. Really good friend seafood. A little too far for me to come often, especially if I live close to the #2 best fried seafood place in Chicago. They often have 10% off coupon so remember to print them. And bring cash!!
(4)Maxwell K.
Yup, as good as it gets. The location, just before a draw bridge over the most polluted waterway in the United States, is just scary enough to make it awesome. The surrounding neighborhood, well known for urban decay is well-kept but just seedy enough to be interesting. Parking is easy on the side of the bridge, overflow parking is on a grassy lot, with a widely ignored sign that announces "absolutely no parking" The batter is the best i have had. Unfortunately the shrimp taste farmed. The smoked fish is beyond belief great, and the smoked shrimp, which are not farmed, have just enough snap to them to know that they were put under the smoke before a freezer and despite the smoking, they still taste and feel like shrimp...what an achievement!
(5)Sarah S.
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM What bad can you say about smoked fish?? a MUST try folks..
(5)George A.
I like the stuffed shrimp very much, I have had assorted smoked fish and enjoyed all of it.
(4)Jamie L.
Awesome smoked salmon & smoked shrimps!!! Not a fan of their fried oysters, though! But overall, it was great food! :)
(5)Chris M.
Solid 3.5 stars on Calumet fisheries. I stopped by here on the way back from a brewery voyage in Gary and stopped in really quick to grab some fried goodness for my trek back to the north burbs. Decided on the fried shrimp and asked for a recommendation on something else and got the catfish. Catfish was a wee bit too fishy for me, but the shrimp were $$$$. I need to come back and try the smoked salmon and trout, and perhaps the smelts as well. I also thought the cocktail sauce was a bit too sweet for my liking. Not enough bite (horseradish). I also didn't receive fries at all, and realized this as I was too far away to turn back. Oh well, next time, Gadget.
(3)carlos R.
Best fried shrimp and smoked items by far!!!!!!!!! Try the pepper and garlic salmon and/smoked shrimp.
(5)Denny L.
Came here on a cold sunday afternoon, after seeing it featured on Anthony bourdain a long while back. Came here with a friend and we ordered a pound of salmon, pound of shrimp, a pound of fried oysters and a order of calamari. Smoked salmon was delicious. Great flavor and fresh. The smoked shrimp was also very good. Fresh and sweet, just the right amount of smoky flavor. the oysters were good, but not as juicy as i expected. the calamari was just okay, kind of over battered, and on the bland side. Will definitely come back for the salmon and smoked shrimp!
(4)Valerie H.
We stopped here last Saturday to get some smoked salmon to take over to Crowley's Yacht Yard where we are keeping our boat this season. We snacked on it with some gluten-free crackers and a pre-made sweet potato brought from home. It was delicious! We had stopped here one other time the prior month when we were checking out the boat yard. That was the first time I'd ever tried anything like that and I was hooked. I immediately thought I need to get some of this every weekend to take with us on the boat. The first time we tried it we were surprised it came cold but I'm glad that it did. It's perfect to store in a cooler and it keeps well; we can eat it over a 2-day period and one piece is enough for 2 adults and 1 small dog. (We aren't huge eaters). The prices are on their website. The only thing we've tried so far is the smoked salmon (the plain, not the pepper garlic yet). I want to try to the smoked shrimp next. I'd love to try their fried fish dinners, but unfortunately I have to eat gluten free so fried food is out of the question.
(5)Karl Z.
I just love this place, it takes me back to my childhood in northern Wisconsin for the Friday night fish fry, but better. It is some of the best smelt I've had in a LONG time and one of the few places I can find it done right. They seem to have worked out frying to a science, and it just works. When I go, I also always need to pick up the smoked trout. Now, the smoked salmon is good, and the smoked shrimp are also delicious, but I think the trout is the star and is half the price. Why spend more when you can get that delicious smokey fish flavor for less! I still get the others once in awhile, but for me, the smoked trout is what it is all about. I also like the chubs, make an amazing smoked fish dip, but they don't always seem to have them. Grab lunch or dinner there, fried smelt, shrimp, or whatnot, and take smoked trout home, always enjoy it and don't mind the drive from downtown at all. To note, I used to live near Lawrence's Fisheries near Cermak and that place is ok, but Calumet is just so much better. The crust formed around the shrimp is great and the shrimp just taste better to me, the sauce isn't really needed, like it is at Lawrence's. Definitely worth the extra trip time.
(5)Ye L.
Onward on my tour of Yelp's Chicago faves. This place was actually less of a hike from Hyde Park than many of the decidedly more North Side members of the list. It involves $3 of toll to ride about 1 minute of Skyway if you screw up though... Anyway, it really is a tiny shack on the side of the road with absolutely nothing else around. As other Yelpers said, just park in the tow zone. Nobody cares and the employees even park there. We walked in to an empty store but a friendly young employee popped out in no time to take our order. We got a full order of fried scallops and a pound of smoked shrimp (the latter as recommended by a friend). We decided against any fish as I've never been a fan of smoked salmon at least. The shrimp is just in a big bin next to the rest of the smoked fish and is served cold. The frying happens on the spot and is pretty quick. The bill was pretty high for random shack food (40 bucks) but it was so worth it. The scallops were polished off on the hood of my car right away, no sauce necessary. Fantastic. Lightly covered in dough and not greasy at all. The shrimps were a bit cold but they were amazing. Full smokey flavor but no loss of shrimp flavor. Very much worth 22 a pound. Come here. It's a hike but very worth it.
(5)Sam K.
My friend and I just had a really amazing day exploring the East Side, and it started with a relaxed visit to Calumet Fisheries. Before I get to the food, let me first point out that this place is absolutely spotless. Not what I expected from a fried fish place. My friend and I ordered a half pound of smoked trout and a fried fish dinner to share. We checked out all the great posters on the wall while we waited, and upon the suggestion of the staff, walked down the stairs to the edge of the river to eat on a completely fabulous industrial landscape. The fried fish was great - fried in fresh oil at a high temperature, and very well drained. It wasn't greasy at all- just salty and crisp and delicious. The smoked trout was amazing. It was a little too fishy for me to eat much in one sitting, but I put it aside and ate the rest for dinner. It was a beautiful day with a delicious meal by the water, with an amazing view. A day like today can't be recreated. After we ate, I went back to buy a little more to take home - I bought some smoked salmon, which is much more my style anyway, and is even better than the trout. I'm not so sure I can go back to the smoked Nova chunks at Trader Joe's now . . . Don't plan on going anywhere after a visit to Calumet Fisheries. Because you will stink like fish. My friend handed me his industrial strength germ killer that he got from serving in the army. It burned my skin but didn't remove the fish smell. We went for a swim in the lake. We came home and showered. And we still stink. But definitely plan a visit her on a lazy afternoon. The one thing I would change in the future is show up with a salad of raw tomato, curly parsley, and lemon; when we left, our tastebuds were screaming for something fresh.
(4)Dave P.
1. Plan ahead and bring a few cold beverages. 2. Find a few friends or co-workers. 3. Order: Smoked salmon, fried clams, smoked shrimp, frog legs, mushrooms, fries. 4. Drive East across the bridge into Calumet Park. 5. Walk towards Lake Michigan with cold beverages, friends/co-workers, and food. 6. Enjoy the good life. P.S.- Watch out for hungry gulls.
(5)Tamara M.
Luv this place. The shrimp is awesome!
(3)Marc F.
Like a lot of people who came here after seeing it on No Reservations, I must say that this is some of the greatest smoked items I've ever had. We ordered the smoked shrimp and smoked salmon to start. The shrimp was simply amazing; they were huge and the smokey flavor was just right. It took a lot of willpower to stop eating them and move to the salmon, which was also incredible. When I moved on to the salmon, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it came in great slabs. It practically melts in your mouth with delicious salmon and smoke flavor. A bone here and there, but that's what gives it some charm. On the side, we had some french fries, which were generic at best. I think they only offer them as filler in case you decide to eat on location (which I don't really suggest if you came in a car). The only (and major problems) with eating here is that this place is in the middle of nowhere. Coming from Chicago's city-center, It took 2 changes on the subway, 2 bus changes, and a walk to get here, which was about a 3 to 4 hour round trip. This place is best if you simply pick up and eat it at home. I give Calumet Fisheries 5 stars for their excellent and topnotch craftsmanship for their specialty. I choose not to rate down for the location because you frankly can't be everywhere and close to everybody. Keep on smoking, guys!
(5)Dan E.
I haven't been in the area in a while but have always been meaning to try the place. Well, I finally did (thanks to Tina B). It's bare bones with no seating. The deep fried selections are cooked up to order. I was most impressed with the clientele when we were there: there was a well-heeled older couple picking out treats for that evenings soiree which contrasted with the group who drove up on their motorcycles decked out in their leather finery. And you can conveniently pick up The Blues Brothers on DVD...
(5)Dean F.
Our travel plans took us southward from downtown Chicago so a stop at the (in)famous Calumet fisheries was put on the itinerary. The selection of smoked items in the fridge wasn't as wide as I expected and the salmon had looked far better in my mind's eye than it did on the shelf. I'm never really all that taken with the reality of smoked salmon, but to save the day, we found two of our favorites on the menu: fried oysters and for me, smelts. We topped off our order with some American potato salad and we made the trek over the drawbridge to Cal Park to eat it by shore. My oyster expert was not very much pleased with the thick batter coat, much more preferring a more delicate wrapper. I thought they were delicious. My tray of smelts was satisfying, even if the fry cook may have left them in the hot oil a tad too long. The mild red sauce complimented both entrees very nicely and the potato salad was to our liking. I would give a higher rating if the smoke fish presentation had been more inviting. I'm glad we stopped and it took me back to some places.
(3)Tina B.
Just to be clear - you will smell like smoked fish long after you're done, no matter how many times you wash you hands afterward, still desperately trying to bring the lingering aroma to a merciful end 14 hours later. But you'll probably find it worth any trouble to do it again. This is not one of those super sanitized, fancy eating experiences. You'll get a big ol hunk of smoked fish, maybe complete with head, skin and bones, shell and little leggies. You'll have to devein your own giant shrimp with your fingernails. Then you eat it all barbarian style with your hands either in your car out front on the street under where it says "Tow Zone" or leaning against the Calumet River Bridge pondering the scenic industrialism. The smoked shrimp is...kind of weird. It does kind of taste like fishy ham. But I found myself still eating shrimp after shrimp after shrimp trying to figure out how I felt about it. I'd like to still eat some more now, to keep trying to figure it out. FULL DISCLOSURE - I'm kind of really over smoked seafood, almost to the point, but not quite yet, of being kind of grossed out by it. My mom lives in Alaska and for many years I have endured gifts of smoked halibut treats and salmon jerkies tucked into every Christmas and birthday present. So..yeah... BUT - Their fried seafood is amazing, the fried scallops are some of the best I've had in years. Usually in Chicago I find myself ripping the fried crusty stuff off and chucking it. But this is perfectly, expertly fried. Light and perfectly crispy, the scallops perfectly cooked and wonderfully juicy. I will be getting these every time. It ain't cheap. Bring cash. A ton of cash, because they don't take cards, and a modest lunch for two came to more than $40. I mean, you could save money and get the dinner, but you'll get loaded up with pretty average french fries - and even that will run you at least $10 a person. Oh, and don't worry about parking in that tow zone out front. Everybody does it. And chances are that if you see any cops, city workers or tow trucks, they're just there for lunch, too.
(4)Sabrina M.
The culinary delights on the "East Side" where I grew up are one of the city's best kept secrets. One of my favorite East Side "secrets" that brings together residents of Calumet Heights, South Chicago, South Deering, Hegewisch and the like is Calumet Fisheries! I've been eating here since I was a kid and the quality of the food has remained consistently good. I just ate here for the first time in a long time today and it is still smack-your-lips good. They've managed to find that perfect frying formula of not-too-hard, not-too-soft, not-too-greasy, perfectly golden brown batter goodness. Today I ordered the same thing I did as a kid -- the shrimp dinner and a side of smelt and I managed to down it all in embarassingly short order! Everything here is good, but I'm partial to the shrimp, smoked shrimp and smelt. It's takeout only and made fresh-to-order. And it's still wonderfully traditional enough that they don't carry Pepsi or Coke -- it's RC Cola, Diet Rite or Nehi, take your pick. If you go on a weekend, don't be surprised if you see cars backed up along the bridge and a line out of the door. Trust me, it's absolutely worth it. And, hey, while you're in there you can pick up a DVD of The Blues Brothers, where this place was immortalized.
(5)Tiff S.
Being the impressionable person that I am, the day after the "No Reservation-Chicago" episode aired, I hopped into my car and drove for an hour to reach this wonderful, wonderful place. The owner was very friendly, we chatted about the restaurants that were featured on the show and he told us he actually paid Burt's pizza a visit after the episode aired. Since this was our first stop on our "No Reservation-Chicago" trip, we only got half order of the fried shrimps and fried oysters. Both were very tasty. The hot sauce from the store complimented the food fabulously. The oysters were JUICY...every time I bit into one I get juice splash all over myself...so my advice is to get a lot of napkins if you ever get it. Since I like to share with the less fortunate (i.e. people who are stuck at work), I brought home a chuck of garlic & pepper smoke salmon and it was devoured before I put it down on the table...how is that possible? Well, that is just how good the smoke salmon was.
(5)BeatlesNali D.
I remember this place when I was growing up. We would always order from here during Lent. The place would be packed but the wait was worth it. As I got older I revisited Calumet Fisheries and fell in love with the smoked fish. The quality amazing. I Recomend: Smoked salmon Smoked pepper salmon Smoked Shrimp Shrimp dinner Their only downfall is that they do not accept debit or cc! Which is a good thing is you are on a budget because we would go overboard if we used our debit. So make sure you bring enough cash.
(5)Mike T.
There is no other place that I've been to which serves such great smoked seafood. If you are brave enough to drive around the area and have cash on you, Calumet Fisheries is the place to go. Smoked shrimp is my favorite to eat, and then it would be the smoked whitefish. Some of the fried food needs to be eaten very quickly and fresh, otherwise the food gets kind of soggy. I've been here a handful of times and I'll continue to go back as long as they keep up their great quality of food.
(5)Hugh B.
There is no place to sit and eat. It is a shlep and a half from the North Side. It is in a dingy and depressing area. But the food... ahh the food... Been twice. Have had smoked trout, smoked salmon (plain and garlic/pepper), smoked shrimp, and last time, fried shrimp. All have been spectacular. And a bargain to boot. I shudder to think what Whole Foods would charge for stuff like this... A bonus is the (apparently unconnected to the fish shack) man selling watermelons from his truck parked near the front. Sweet and juicy. (The watermelons, not the man.)
(5)Greg D.
Great fish. Try the smoked trout with garlic and pepper. Quite good. Its an old school fish store where you can get a sleave of saltines to go with the fish. They have plenty of deep fried fish, but the smoked is much better.
(5)Jay L.
First review on Yelp and I thought it would be fitting to do it on Calumet Fisheries. I, like everyone else on here, saw Anthony Bourdain enjoy it and decided to try it out. First things first, you have to cross the $3.00 toll to get there. No one has mentioned this. I went by myself, automatically adding $6 to my total bill. I'm sure there are other ways to get there but it's the first exit after the toll. Once there, it's not hard to find. It's the only store there and just park on the street in front. I walked in and ordered smoked shrimp dinner (about 6 pieces of jumbo shrimp with fries and coleslaw), smelt, a piece of smoked salmon and a piece of trout. They sell the smoke fish by the piece and weigh it accordingly. I originally thought that I could just buy 1 lb but it's by pieces. Works out for me because both pieces were under 1 lb. EVERYTHING not fried is not warm. The smoked stuff was all room temperature. That aside, everything was pretty fantastic. The fried smelts were delicious and made me wish I tried more fried items. My total was about $32 + $6 toll but it's definitely enough to feed 2, maybe 3 people. Highly recommended. Update to my last review: You can drive down I-94 and get of 95th street. It's about 4-5 miles off of the highway and you don't need to pay toll. Also, they forgot my fried shrimp this time around! Double check your bags before leaving. I also tried the fried fish filets and fried scallops. Both were decent. As for the fried items, I still recommend the smelt. I originally gave Calumet 5 stars but to be 5 stars, you must be consistent. They were not.
(4)Leticia L.
I have been going to this place since I was a child. I grew up on the southeast side and was amazed to see Anthony Bourdain on tv eating right in front of the fishery. I thought to myself, "why have I not yelped about Calumet Fisheries?" Not much has changed in the quality of the food at this establishment which is refreshing. I am a fan of their shrimp. When I was a little girl my dad used to buy smoked shrimp, fried shrimp, and fries. We would go to Calumet park and have a small picnic. It is one of those places I hope is around when my son is old enough to enjoy seafood!!
(5)Quantas G.
Wowzers! This place is awesome! Anthony Bourdain was on to something. Calumet Fisheries is THE place for smoked fish. Me and some buddies made the drive down to check this place out after seeing it on TV. And a coupon didn't hurt either. ;) We loaded up on smoked salmon, smoked whiting, smoked shrimp, fried oysters, fried shrimp, and fried smelt. The fish is smoked right on the premises right outside the front door. The aroma seduces you once you park streetside. The customer service is incomparable. The entire staff was very helpful, ready to ask questions, ready to help you with anything you need. Come prepared: with cash, for good smoked fish, and awesome customer service. The staff will tell you a great place to enjoy your grubs a 2-minute drive to Calumet Park nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan.
(5)Tolga E.
I actually remembered Calumet Fisheries from the scene in the original Blues Brothers movie, but I had to have Anthony Bourdain convince me it was worth a trip out to the southiest-south-side of Chicago to try it. Calumet is so deep into the South Side, it's literally a quick walk over to Indiana. Three tourists, a Catholic, a Turk, and a Japanese Texan, really had no business being here. But really, the Blues Brothers didn't either. But the blues (or if you ask Jake and Elwood, the Lord) brings people together in strange ways...and smoked shrimp seems to have the same effect. So, we packed into the rental car and made our way down here. Unfortunately, we went on Easter Sunday and they were closed - one of only two days a year they are closed. So, we tried again the next morning and were a bit more successful. Upon seeing how out-of-place and wide-eyed we were, the guy working there immediately asked "you saw the TV show right?" You bet we did. We ordered the fried shrimp, the famous smoked shrimp, and some smoked salmon. The fried shrimp was fried shrimp, nothing special there. The smoked salmon was really good, but I felt like they probably specialize in smoking other types of fish that would come out better. Then, we had the smoked shrimp, which is served cold, peel-n-eat. These were pretty great. I can't really compare the taste to anything else, be it other shrimp or other smoked foods. It tastes...uniquely like smoked shrimp. I wasn't blown away, but it was a unique experience. And that was good enough. Overall, you should go to Calumet Fisheries to have the experience of traversing the south side, of witnessing the place, and of eating the smoked shrimp. You may not ever need to go back again, but when in Chicago, I can't think of too many things to do that are more worthy.
(4)El B.
Wow!! went there after seeing the Anthony Bourdain episode on Chicago. The guys who worked there were nice, funny, helpful and above all, GRATEFUL to have had the opportunity to have been on such a widely watched TV show and to have all the new business and yuppies from the city drive their Jettas down for some good eating. Had a great time chatting with them. The food was so so so good! The smoked shrimp was especially amazing. These aren't dinky little cocktail shrimp either. Three good bites. You will stink like hell for a long time afterwards and I kept getting whiffs while driving back to the city. It became nauseating actually and after washing my hands twice and showering, I finally got rid of the fish smell. Totally worth it, though. Can't wait to go again. Be prepared to eat in/on your car. There is no where to sit and it's in the middle of nowhere (read: litter and general detritus abounds). Bring wetnaps!
(5)Ron C.
I had no idea what to expect coming here. Firstly it took us a long time to drive down here. And after getting lost, and waiting for 2 bridges to lower due to a passing ship) we finally found the place. A little shack in the middle of nowhere, on the way southside of Chicago, which I find to be unique and reminiscent of the way "things used to be", I just refused to believe how good it could be. We walked in and randomly ordered some smoked items. A salmon, some chubs and shrimp. I guess it might've been the first time I've had smoked cold seafood, but everything was so fresh, so sweet and oh soo good. The chubs (which I've never had before) were especially sweet, and just digging into this stuff with your bare hands inside your car, just made it all the more delicious. Man, writing this review makes me want to go back so much. Grrr!!!
(5)Peter F.
We ate at Everest the night after dining here, and there was dispute over which was the finer food. That's right, Calumet Fisheries' smoked shrimp is that good. Less complex, certainly, but those two flavors are perfect each and in combination. And I certainly didn't accidentally nibble on my finger after a delicious lingering aroma from Everest. The huge shrimp get smoked in the shack's own little smokeshack in the back (it doesn't look like much, but perhaps that's why this stuff is so good). Their breaded shrimp is great too, quite possibly the best in the city, but skip it anyway and get a 1/2 lb. of smoked shrimp ($10) per person. As implied above, the beautiful smoked shrimp smell will linger on your fingers, so watch that you don't chew on them. It's also a great place to pick up other smoked fish like salmon and especially chubs. Ah, Calumet Fisheries' smoked chubs. Priced at just $10/lb., the chubs sell like hot cakes. Or rather, drugs--folks from the neighborhood call them "fish crack." I'm not sure on how Chicagoans eat their chubs, but I'll give you a run down on the Russian no-utensil version: 1) snap off that fish head and toss it; 2) pry the fish open from the bottom; 3) and start pulling meat off those bones 4) dip that meat in the hot sauce and eat. Lastly, the setting is perfect Calumet River industrial grandiosity. The ships on the river, steel mills in the distance, close up views of several great steel drawbridges, the Skyway, and a wayward little yacht marina. And you've got about a 25% chance on any given visit to see the 95th St bridge rise for a tugboat, which always draws a crowd of shrimp-devouring gawkers. Unfortunately, there's no good place to rest your meal while doing some gawking of your own--some sort of counter or small picnic table outside would be a great improvement, but who am I to complain when the fish is this good. Eat your food carefully in the car, on the hood, or take it back to wherever you're going. Driving over to Wolf Lake to gorge yourself on smoked chubs while looking at the industrial monstrosities of Lake Co. over the marshes will be memorable!
(5)Paul S.
Was there on a Saturday over Labor Day weekend. Full, but not crowded at all. The staff was very patient and attentive. We grabbed three items. The garlic pepper smoked salmon was the winner. The smoked shrimp was fantastic as well. The fried fish was the best I ever had, however it's not "that" much better than other reputable fried fish places. If you're a fried food fanatic, I would recommend the fried items, but the smoked items are what make the place for sure.
(5)Justin S.
Yes, this place is the real deal. I'm ashamed to admit - the day started in the morning in my car, where my buddy was on the phone saying, "No way I'm going - I'm only doing Anthony Bourdain stuff today!" After a stop by Hot Doug's, we made it to Calumet for dessert. I was blown away by the ambience. It was awesome. The tv show simply cannot capture it. It's a tiny shack, next to a rusty bridge, which is covering toxic water, located in an industrial wasteland. Love it!! The best food is always found in places like these. The smoked fish, of any kind, is bomb. Get it. The fried shrimp was awesome too. The fried smelts were peculiar, bordering on questionable. I'm sure some people love it though. This place is BYOWAPT - bring your own water and paper towels. You'll need it to wash your hands.
(5)Mike I.
When I heard that Anthony Bourdain recently visited this little white shack nestled in the western armpit of the 95th street bridge, I figured I'd better get down there and see what the big deal was. It was a long drive. By the time we arrived and pulled off to the side of the road, I'd become disoriented with hunger, and in my haste to order I asked for fried instead of smoked shrimp. Luckily, my dining companions did not make the same mistake and were willing to share. Four of us stood at the rail of the old bridge, a hot noon sun bearing down on us while we downed shrimp after delicious shrimp. I could see the dark line where the smoke had worked itself into the body of the little beast. This was surely the most intensely smoked shrimp I'd ever laid teeth on. Dining Companion #3 also bought a collar of smoked salmon, which he devoured later in the day and called "Pretty fucking good." This is hearsay and therefore inadmissible in a court of law. Now, back at home and feeling the nascent pangs of evening hunger, with my smoke-infused T-shirt smelling downright edible, I'm tempted to drive right back down there for a second course.
(5)JL S.
This place is classic and pure. It is what it is, and what it is is terrific.
(4)Victoria S.
We wouldn't have found Calumet Fisheries without Yelp - but we're glad we did! It's bare bones - no doubt about it - but the fried seafood rocks! (We didn't try the smoked). We did a half order of the oysters (I'd never had oysters before - loved 'em) - and a half order of the shrimp (YUM - terriffic) and a half order of fries on the side. Because of other reviewers here on Yelp we planned ahead and brought 2 drinks from our hotel (we were in town for a show) - in the "borrowed" hotel ice bucket. And - we ended up eating in the car. We'd do it again in a heartbeat.
(4)Tsubasa O.
We actually drove to here from Downtown twice within 24 hrs because our dumb asses didn't check to see if they were closed on Easter - which is one of three days they're closed all year. Still, we had to make the venture out to see what the hubbub was about. For me it was a little over-hyped from the Bourdain show. Smoked shrimp was top of the line, no doubt. Peppered salmon was good but nothing to make plans for. Popcorn shrimp is good - it's deep fried, no real magic there. Eating the food can be an issue, especially if it's windy and rainy outside. We took it inside our rental car and my friend (who's the most uncoordinated person) took the liberty to spill hot sauce all over his crotch, car seat, etc. Looked like he was emitting period blood everywhere. Good thing we were going to Cubs Opening Day with a corporate box in about an hour. For me, the experience of going to that place and hanging out there for a little bit was most exciting. Seeing the south side of Chicago and the blue collar ghost-town feel of 95th street is something I don't get to experience much in SF. (For Bay Area kids, it had the vibe of San Pablo Ave in Oakland, but much more vacant.) The guy who works there was super nice and asked us, "so, you saw the show, right? go to the pizza place too?" yes and yes. It was a fun trip to get there and if I'm in Chicago again for leisure, I'll make sure to visit again. I also regret not purchasing a trucker hat from them.
(4)Kat M.
A maggot in my shrimp?! My fiance and I just got back home from our adventure to South Deering. Because we don't often travel to the South Side, we saved this dinner up for (and built it up in our minds as) something really special. The pepper and garlic salmon that my fiance got WAS something special... seriously, the best smoke salmon I've ever tasted - moist and so, so, so flavorful, without being salty or just plain dry. However, my smoked shrimp were.... un-special. In their reviews, no one really mentions that you can't (or at least we were told we couldn't - more on that later) get the smoked salmon as a "dinner" - i.e., you have to just buy the piece of fish and the side separately. No big deal, but since we'd never really been there before and didn't really have the program down yet, we looked like complete idiots while ordering. As we left, we both remarked that we almost felt laughed at by the service person helping us at the counter... he could have been a little more polite and a little more helpful. Anyway, we took our spread home to dine in the air conditioning and with utensils (which they neglected to include and we neglected to ask for). When we got home, Fiance popped open the fish that we'd been catching drool-inducing whiffs of on our hour drive home. It was truly out of this world. The shrimp... oh, the shrimp... were a different story. They were massively big, and I think I was on my 4th or 5th one (out of probably 8 that came with the order) when I started to peel off the shell and tried to pick something off that looked less like a leg and more like a... worm. Upon closer inspection, I realized that it was actually a maggot. Talk about losing my appetite.... and my lovely fiance just reminded me that not only was it a maggot, it was almost a three-quarter inch maggot. I realize that maybe it was a freak occurrence and this prob doesn't happen to every person that orders shrimp, but if I were a patron, I would definitely inspect my seafood closely. Otherwise, you might be left praying that you don't have food poisoning. Like I am right now. All in all, I would definitely love to go back for more salmon, but ix-nay on the imp-shray.
(3)Yuko K.
The best smoked shrimp ever!! My friend and I drove there on rainy Saturday just to get the food and come back. We ended up woofing down the smoked shrimp in a car parked in front of the restaurant (very classy move), and then immediately went back in to get another pound of them. Not cheap though at $20 per pound, but was worth every bite. We also tried smoked pepper salmon, which was good but completely overshadowed by smoked shrimp. Definitely requires another trip to try out frog legs and other smoked fish.
(5)Slu S.
Now some blanch at going to Andersonville or Pilsen for food, but this joint is way, way, way out of the way. We are talking about in the shadows of the skyway bridge. That being said. Shut down your computer. Get in your car (if you don't drive, steal a car). Set aside 90 minutes and go. If you are a fan of seafood or the Blues Brothers (Cal Fisheries was in the movie), you will love this place. It is no non-sense and you smell what you will taste. Get as many smoked shrimp as you can afford and sit in your car or on the bridge and peel and eat. Apply hot sauce as needed. Repeat. Now try finding your way home.
(5)Matt C.
How have I missed this in all of my years in Chicago? Maybe because it is in the middle of nowhere and close to some not so great neighborhoods. The setting definitely made me feel like I was in a different city, except for the Chicago Police cruisers there (eating). My buddy and I split the smoked shrimp, fried shrimp, fried frog legs, and smoked pepper salmon. No complaints regarding anything I had. The frog legs were some of the best I've had, and the smoked shrimp was ridiculously good (never had it before, so I guess I can say it is the best I've had). My recommendation to avoid the skyway is to take Lakeshore down and follow S. Shore Dr/US-41 when it ends. Just turn on 95th and you are only a block or 2 away. South Lakeshore is beautiful, and you are really only in a "rough" neighborhood for a few blocks. I used to work all throughout the area, and never once had a problem. The cash only thing with no ATM in sight was kind of annoying, but I had enough cash to make sure I had an adequate lunch. I didn't mind eating in my car either, it reminded me of the local fish places I have been to on the east coast. If you are looking for an offbeat place to experience Chicago, this is definitely a good option
(5)Jennifer G.
Came in to finally sample some of the fried delicacies. Our first trip here consisted only of the smoked shrimp, which is excellent. Fried shrimp was also wonderful - the breading is light and the shrimp were cooked perfectly. Son had the oysters and husband had the scallops, all of which were in the same light breading and cooked just right. I decided to also get one smoked salmon piece to take home to make dip with. A few days went by and I almost forgot about it and took it out to find a piece of salmon that was still perfectly wonderful. The salmon is juicy, flavorful and perfect for making dip. It really could be eaten plain, it is just that good. I think the smoked salmon may really be the star of the show here.
(4)chris c.
I think that their smoked fish is a little above average, but you can find better in the city. The smoked shrimp on the other hand is definitely worth the trip all by itself. I have yet to try the fried seafood offerings that many love, but I made the way through the smoked section and the shrimp seperates itself from the other offerings.
(3)Roy A.
This is the epitome of a food joint. Hole in the wall place. Whatever you wanna call it, but damn is it good. I, like every one else, went here a couple months after Bourdain had it on the show and it was well worth the trek over there. Smoked salmon, chub (aka crack), fried shrimp and smoked shrimp was the order for the day. Not one disappointed and the freshness was clearly evident. I don't know if there's another place like this anywhere outside somewhere in the south, I'd guess. Plain and simple--the BEST smoked food you'll probably ever eat. I'm shocked that such a place exists in the middle of nowhere on 95th St off of 90. Incredible stuff and worth going to at least once regardless of how far you may have to drive.
(5)D T.
Yelpers- You have let me down on this one. I just got back and am dumbfounded by those of you who don't love the fried foods here. I generally only like fresh fish, and don't think it should be fried, unless Calumet Fisheries is doing the frying. But, everything was awesome. OK, 1st of all, do NOT take local roads here. Navigation Lady and I aren't speaking right now. She had me take E 79th St. the entire way and I don't know how a suburban family with a gay dog made it out alive. Holy Panic the entire drive there. 2nd of all, order A LOT! Fried will reheat in the oven well, smoked is already served almost cool. 3rd Bring a car you don't care about. We brought the new SUV- dumb. I must say I was most excited about the smoked fish, (well, mostly excited I made the drive here alive- and I'm no wimp. Seriously) but I really dig the fried food. I think it's what mood you're in because I keep going back and forth between the two and they don't mix well. 1) Fried Catfish- I wanted to smack my husband when he got this but it was sooooo good. Fresh, not greasy, delicious. I made him go back in mid-gorging to get another order of that and fried shrimp. 2) Fried Shrimp- It's not just "fried shrimp" people. It's amazing fried shrimp that is the best I have ever had. 3) Fried Scallops- SOOOO light and, once again, fresh. They were my husbands favorite- very unlike him. 4) Fries- so many complaints about them by reviewers. They're fine. You come here for fish, not fries. 5) Smoked Shrimp- Only had room for 2, but they're really good. Gonna dig in later when I can breathe. 6) Smoked salmon- Delicious!!! I cannot believe this comes out of water by us. Scary. But good. 7) Smoked Trout- Not as good as the salmon, and I thought I'd like it more. I am sooo spoiled by a local restaurants smoked trout, and it can't be beat. 8) BBQ sauce- FANTASTIC 9) Hot Sauce- Friggin awesome. 10) Grape Sunkist- Really? I had 3. We made this a "field trip" so my daughter wouldn't complain about the drive. That and popped in a DVD- lazy parenting at its finest people. When we pulled up, she noted the obvious, "This place does NOT look fun or like it has good food!!" She was singing a different tune after she had some of the awesomeness. I think part of the excitement was being able to eat in the new car- forbidden normally. The guy working is sooo friendly. He was cracking up when my husband went in for more 3 minutes into eating. We spent about $100.00 on 3 of us, and have PLENTY for dinner or lunch tomorrow. So GO!! It's a must try.
(5)magic g.
my first 5* ... anything smoked here is amazing, especially the huge smoked shrimp (don't get the fried one). just wow
(5)Fernando A.
Damn this place is good! Living in LA, it's really hard to find smoked fish. Lot's of fresh fish in LA, but not a whole lot of people making smoked fish. Anyhow, I grew up in Michigan, and love smoked fish from the great lakes, so after we saw this on Bourdain, I just had to go here. First of all, the owners are super friendly. They saw us taking photos outside, and started teasing us when we came in. They took us out back and let us take photos of their smoke house too. We got the smoked trout, shrimp, smelt, and peppered salmon. All were incredibly delicious. We stunk like fish the rest of the day, since we ate it in the car. My one downer is that I wish this was a full on sit down deli. It would be much more enjoyable to eat this with some bread, bagels, spread, etc. As tourists, we couldn't really bring it back to the hotel room. I wish there was a comparable place to this near Long Beach. If I lived in Chicago, I'd be here on a weekly basis.
(5)K S.
This place is way off the beaten path, and the only place i didn't know(and haven't been to) from Anthony Bourdain's Chicago episode. The person working here made it a great experience. We got the smoked salmon and shrimp. The shrimp was AMAZING! I think they were worth the drive alone. This place can get deceivingly pricey for a carryout, side of the road place. I went later in the day, when no one else was there with a friend of mine. The guy working the counter was great! He made this a 5 star experience. We told him it was our first time there and had no idea what we were doing. He asked us if we wanted to try some smoked salmon and some shrimp. I can recommend this place anytime, but expect to drive back and eat it at home, no place to sit, side of the road carryout only place.
(5)January C.
I was on a little tour of the southside with my boyfriend last week. We drove by the Calumet Fisheries and I asked him to pull over. I really wanted some hush puppies. I went inside only to find out they didn't have hush puppies; when I turned around to leave I saw Anthony Bourdain's picture on the wall. Hmmm...if it's good enough for Tony, maybe I should give it a chance. I knew this place looked familiar... So, I ended up ordering their fish chip dinner. The fish was pretty darn good. Crispy but not over fried, made with fresh oil. The fries were thick cut but lacked flavor. The side of coleslaw was unusually sweet but a nice balance with the saltiness of the fish. I didn't try any of their smoked meat but it sure did smell tasty. If I'm driving by again I won't hesitate to stop in.
(3)Sofia D.
I have one large regret that I will not forgive myself for until I return to Calumet Fisheries. I shamefully have not tried their smoked fish... sorry! Bad judgment call at the time. But, I HAVE tried their fried shrimp (and snacked on my buddy's fish dinner) and holy hell, it is amazing! We were trying to make it to the fish shack by sunset in order to enjoy our meals at Calumet Park right down the road. The boys behind the counter were very polite and had our food ready really quickly. We ordered the sweet potato tots (that vegetable being one of my first loves), fried shrimp dinner, and fish dinner. The mild fish dippin' sauce was great and the spicy one tasted like straight-up hot sauce. The fried shrimp were cooked to perfection and the fries that came along with it tasted like they'd just been chopped and fried minutes before. Everything was great but I noticed that my grape soda tasted like fish... may have been from the fishy particles floating around and greasing up my can... a little funny, to be honest. Anyway, we did make it to the park before it got dark, in case you were wondering, but we didn't see the sunset. We'll have to make a trip out soon so I can capture the sun fading and get my smoked fish on simultaneously. Nothing says romance like the smell of fish!
(4)H S.
I think its en vogue to give places like this 5-stars just to prove you were there and know good food. That's why I'm keeping it real and only going 4-stars.....that way you still know I went and know I'm still keeping it real! I had the smoked salmon and the smoked shrimp. I enjoyed them both-very much so indeed. However, that is a lot of smoked seafood. A bit too much smoked seafood for me and a lot of food. I think a fried shrimp order would have countered the smoked salmon better. They were out of chub unfortunately but the salmon was on point. I wish the sides offered were better but I would imagine this is best bought for small groups of people in which you can try various smoked/fried portions, make or bring your own sides and enjoy a cold beverage with. Nonetheless, happy I went!
(4)Joe M.
Was not tremendously impressed. The Salmon was very good, the Chub was ok, but the Catfish and the Frogs legs were not battered and cooked fresh, they were frozen. So a little disappointed for the $$$$. Kind of a cool industrial ambiance. Would get the Salmon again
(3)Kimberly G.
Food is always good here, that's not to say the same for the service. Every time I come into place which has been at least 4 times now, the staff at the counter is terrible. At least I seem to think so there is this young kid that gives me the death stare every time I dont want to jump to conclusions but maybe its what I'm "Wearing". lol This not only happens with this kid every time also I've been there on several occasions to only be overlooked and totally ignored until i speak up. Yesterday was the last time that i will spend 40-50 dollars at this place to test out my theory. I'd rather go to lawrence fisheries where I always feel welcome. Don't like how this staff makes me "uncomfortable"
(2)Jim M.
I used to work across the river from Calumet Fisheries, when they still unloaded cargo at the Federal Marine Terminal. That was awhile ago, but I still find myself in that area at least once a month getting smoked shrimp. This is one of those perfect get and go kind of places, pull up, jump out, order, it'll come to you fast, and leave, go to Calumet Park, watch a softball game and enjoy the food. The service is very friendly and patient, there's a lot to choose from, take your time, get it right. I've had the fried oysters, also excellent, as is the smelt. I love me some smelt. It's hard to find anything that doesn't taste good fried. Head over, it's a great location, get some food, you'll enjoy it.
(4)Brian B.
Wonderful, unique and worth the drive! I don't have anything else to add that the others haven't said.
(4)Michael W.
Hours after my seafood rendezous on the side of a road near the Chicago Skyway, the scent of smoked shrimp lingered on my fingers. The memories of a love consummated .... in the mouth. Oh, yeah. I knew I was in the right dining environment when we pulled up into the tow zone by a shack atop the 95th Street bridge on the far Southeast Side in the shadow of a City of Chicago Streets and Sanitation truck. Those guys know food. So does Mr. Tony, aka Anthony Bourdain of Travel Channel's "No Reservations" whose recent visit to Calumet features prominently inside, along with photos of Jake and Elwood Blues. As every other wall article explains, this is the spot The Blues Brothers jump the bridge in the seminal Chi-Town movie of our time. No doubt John Belushi got down on some smoked shrimp. No, you're not reading this incorrectly. Smoked shrimp, not fried shrimp. There is this delicious flavor that given my limited history with smoked foods meant the shrimp tasted like ham. Seafood ham. Yum. Still, don't miss out on the fried shrimp & scallops. A little advice, this is a seafood destination so skip the dinner combo and go right for the fish, by the full orders (pounds) if you can swing it. You're guaranteed to leave satisfied.
(5)Marlene S.
Lot's of character in this tiny little place, but I should have tried something smoked intead of fried. There was way too much coating on the smelt and the fried fish. The stuffed shrimp had the most flavor. I love crab, but since the crab cakes were listed as "imitation crab" there wasn't any point in trying them. No tables, so you eat in your car, and if you are lucky, the bridge goes up and you see some water traffic.
(3)Ryan S.
This place has solid flavors. I am a salmon fan and ate the smoked salmon and Holy Shiz it was good! I am an extremely picky eater and this place set me right. The smoked shrimp was incredibly flavorful. How come its always the little shacks that have the best food? This place is small and off the beaten path. So, if you live far it is worth the travel.
(5)Madelyn H.
i'm always looking for new and interesting food experiences and visiting calumet fisheries was definitely that! of course, i heard about it on no reservations. the fish is delish. my fav was the smoked salmon and trout. i also loved the fried smelt and the sauce they serve with it is so good. the chubs and shrimp were good, but for me, the salmon and trout were definitely the standouts. my hands did smell for hours afterwords, even after scrubbing them multiple times, but it was well worth it. we read on yelp that you should go to calumet park and this was a great tip, especially given the alternative of eating in your car. calumet park is right on the lake.
(5)Alex K.
What can I say that hasn't been said here? They have a James Beard award hanging on the wall next to a white board that shows the price of a can of soda. You probably have no idea how good smoked fish can be unless you've been here. If you find yourself heading past 95th on the highway, you owe it to yourself to stop and try this stuff. Smoked shrimp FTW.
(5)Jim A.
after seeing this place on anthony bourdain's no reservations (like many others have), we decided to give it a try ourselves. we were not at all disappointed. the place itself is way on the south side of chicago (95th at the bridge as their sign says). you just park on the side of the road and walk in. the two guys working there at the time were friendly and courteous. after we received our order (and with no seating area available) we ate right in our car. luckily I had a leftover newspaper in the car which came in handy! it was tough to decide what to order since there were only two of us. we went with the smoked shrimp, fried catfish, and fried oysters. everything was fresh and delicious. the fried items were crispy and not too oily. we topped it off with an order of fries and soft drink, but it was the fresh seafood that was the star. it was definitely worth the trip here. we'll definitely be back. they also recently won a james beard award in the america's classic category. I can see why.
(5)Mimi P.
OK this PLACE STINKS as in SMELLS, I had to wait on the curbside that overlooked the beauty of the east side to prevent the upchuck reflex, but I believe it was the "smoking" process of fish, barf. I had fried smelts, fried shrimp, fried scallops, fried clam strips and I was all fried out in a bad way. They have a variety but I wont be going again.
(2)Gerald H.
Let's get right to it. If you don't love fish you might as well stay away from this place. I used to go often (I should have said very often) when I lived in the city. Now I get there about twice a year but when I do, look out! Because I'm gonna do some damage. The fried shrimp, scallops, fish chips and smoked (anything) are delicious, as are the fries. I don't get caught up in the ambiance because I've been there many times but it's a quaint place that I hope never goes away. If you ever have a chance be sure to stop here.
(4)Esther Y.
Stick to the smoked fish...it's a must.
(4)Dopple C.
Like other Bourdain fans, I had to go check this place out when I visited Chicago last week. I took the trip from downtown using Metra, the commuter rail, and the train runs once an hour to South Chicago. It was about another 10-15 minute walk (seems really long if you don't know where to go) to find the place. Unfortunately, I was traveling solo and didn't want any leftovers, so I ate a small order of fried fish chips, which was OK, and took out some smoked shimp and smoked salmon for the plane trip home. Since I had missed the hourly Metra back, I walked on to Commercial Ave to find a bus to the Red Line back to the Loop. And lived to talk about it :-) The smoked shrimp and salmon survived the rest of my day bumming around in Chicago and the dealyed flight back to NYC. Around 11pm, I ate the smoked shrimp. IT WAS GOOD!!! I was somewhat concerned about the food spoiling en route, but isn't the point of smoking food to preserve it? I'm saving the salmon for now, but at least I now know my way there by public transportation. Lesson for next time is to bring friends (AND DRIVE) so I can sample MORE!
(4)William C.
I've gone past this place all my years growing up and never once stopped. I learned about this place from Bourdain's show No Reservations. They deliver some of the best smoked fish I've eaten. We had the smoked shrimp, pepper/garlic salmon, smoked salmon, and fried scallops. I'd love to make those smoked shrimp into a po' boy; they are large, succulent, smokey, and just plain good dipped into hot sauce. There is no place to sit except your car, which we did. The experience is worth it, and we brought several pounds of smoked fish home to share.
(5)ed d.
Very good shrimp. If you are in the area, stop by. Not sure I would drive 45 minutes for it.
(4)Paul M.
I have been to Calumet Fisheries many times and never have been disappointed. My favorits are their smoked shrimp, smoked trout, and fried stuffed shrimp. I used to get the Mahi Mahi half order but the last few times I went - they didn't offer it. Being a big Blues Brothers fan, I really enjoy looking at the pictures from when they filmed the bridge jump scene right on the 95th street bridge where Calumet Fisheries is located. If you are lucky, you can get to see the bridge raise for a huge boat hauling freight. This place is one of those rare gems in the city. It hasn't been ruined by Check Please like some of my other favorite places (you hear me Hot Doug? you think I am going to wait in a line around the block for a pigeon hot dog?). Service is top notch. If I could rate it 4 and a half stars I would.
(4)Angelica D.
If you haven't been here, I would definitely reccomend you do. They have the best fried shrimp out there :) I always get the hot sauce that comes with it and it just totally rocks my world! The place is super small, not someplace to come and sit as they have no seating area. The lakefront is a few blocks away though. The food here is really cheap in my opinion compared to other places. Can't wait til my next trip.
(5)Dean D.
Went back a second time and tried the salmon again. It was a more moist than the first time, but I would still not get it from there. Also tried the fried oysters and they were decent. I'd definitely come back for the smoke chubs and the smoked shrimp and would gladly recommend those two items to anyone.
(4)Steven L.
I too got sucked in by Bourdain. Afterall, a nice sunny afternoon, a few good friends, and all the smoked fish and shrimp we could eat sounded pretty a-peel-ing (Pun totally intended!) Warning: If you go to this place, I strongly recommend you follow this list in order to make your visit as enjoyable as possible. Besides your appetite, I recommend bringing these things: 1. Bring cash: They do not take credit or debit cards! 2. Drinks: They do have a few options, but there is no beer or wine. Personally I've always been told: "Smoke in one hand, beer in the other." I think we can let that rule apply here. 3. Cut your fingernails: If you do the dirty work, your hands are going to smell. That means peeling the shrimp, tearing the fish, etc. And if your nails are long, that scent will stick underneath your fingers for a couple of days. 4. Bring handiwipes or wet towels: The bathroom facilities here are nonexistent. That means after chowing down on the smokey treats, your hands are going to smell a bit fishy. You will be itchin' to give them a good cleanse. 5. Sauce: Now this may seem like a sin to some, but if you really love a good cocktail sauce (like me) bring your own. They did not have any. I personally think the smoke flavor of the shrimp could have benefited from a little spice from horseradish. They do have some hot sauce, but it's more of the Frank's Red Hot variety. Not my personal fave. Now onto the ambiance. Oh wait, there is none. That's because there are no seats. If you want to eat there, grab a seat on the curb or the bridge nearby and enjoy the outdoor. It really wouldn't hurt for management to put in some picnic tables as they have the room for it. The food. My friends and I (3 of us total) purchased 1 lb of shrimp and half a lb each of smoked pepper salmon, trout, and chub fish. This ended up costing us about $14 each and was plenty of food for all 3 of us. I couldn't wait to "sink" my teeth into these savory delights. I sampled the shrimp first. The smoke flavor is very strong and potent. It definitely takes over the actual taste of shrimp. Very delicious. But I think a dip in some cocktail sauce would really work well here. The fish also have very strong smoke flavor. My favorite of the fish was the peppered salmon. I suppose us fans of lox and cheese already know how tasty smoked salmon can be. Here it is even better! The trout and chubs were also tasty. Definitely worth a try. So what is this meal missing? I don't know. Perhaps it's the Asian in me, but I found the smoke to be overwhelming after a few bites. I think the fish could really benefit from something more neutral to help counter the very strong smoke taste. Perhaps, a side of rice or bread option would be helpful to the menu. Also, I would have probably gone with 4 stars here, but I just thought the amenities of the restaurant really left something to be desired. A bathroom, or handiwipes at minimum, should be provided. Especially since most of us are making a bit of a journey to come to this place.
(3)Michael D.
I love this place! I got to go for the second time yesterday, and was as pleased as I was the first time. This time, though, I knew not to order too much food. A single filet (smoked salmon with or without pepper/garlic, trout with or without pepper/garlic) is really filling...as is a basket of the fried smelt. I got a single filet ($12) of the peppered salmon this time with a drink, and it made a perfect lunch. I live out-of-state, so I like to eat it with my hands in the car or on the bridge next door. If I lived nearby, I'd take a ton of this stuff home for use in full meals. By the way, I met the owner this time, and he offered up some samples of the stuff I was looking at. The samples I got were right out of the smoker, and still a little bit warm. The stuff in the regular case is fantastic enough already, and the warm goodies are completely out of this world. And, if you like to talk business, there is nothing more satisfying than meeting someone like this that is extremely proud of his craft, recent awards, and his long-term well-deserved success.
(5)Susan G.
Oh yum! I grew up in the Jewish community of South Shore and remembered the place from my childhood. For all MOTs and other lovers of smoked fish, you can get there in a flash from Hyde Park by taking Stony Island out to South Chicago Avenue (at 79th Street). It's a little tricky to avoid the ramps to the Skyway (and that $3 toll), but bear left at the 3-street intersection and you'll make it to the Promised Land of sable, smoked chubs, etc. Forget the "trayf" and concentrate on what your foks used to serve for Sunday brunch. My Russian-born grandmother would suck the eyes out of the smoked chubs -- eeeyew! gross! but delish.
(5)Mel M.
Nothing like it! Get the steamed options or fried shrimp and you will not be disappointed.
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