Delish. Love the Smelts with a little hot sauce mixed with the Cocktail sauce. If your looking for fine dining or a healthy salad, this is not the place. If your looking for a whole in the wall to pick up delicious fried Jumbo Shrimp or Smelts, this is the place. As others described, it's best to call the friendly staff to place your order ahead of time..
(5)
Nate L.
I wish it wasn't such pain in the a$$ to get to this place. This small restaurant is located on division between 2 bridges and the traffic is almost unbearable. Nevertheless, this is probably one of the best shrimp places I've ever had a pleasure to devour (trust me, I've been all over the world) I usually call ahead and order 1/2 to 3/4 lbs jumbo shrimp and 1/2 of catfish. What makes it so good is the breading. I don't know that the mixture is, but it's cripsy on the outside, and soft/moist/juicy on the inside. I've never had a bad meal from this place, but only thing I've ordered are the shrimps and catfish. I might order some fried oysters but after reading JT's review, it might not be a good idea. Hot damn man, their hot sauce is pretty good too! I was pretty skeptical about hot sauce at a seafood joint since every hot sauce I've tried around chicago has been..... straight up garbage. In the end, this is probably my favorite place to get fried shrimp and catfish so far, I know few other places (lawrence fish market) I need to try but so far, this is it for me! And parking ain't a problem either, it's in middle of industrial area so there are tons of free street parking. But call ahead so you don't have to wait in line for too long. Peave out homie. Oh yeah. CASH ONLY! 1 pinball machine and 1 arcade with pac-man and galaga installed. You can play while you wait if you want to.
(5)
Edward E.
Expensive and not very high quality. The counter people were very friendly, but way too much breading for my taste.
(2)
Dee M.
The shrimp is the star of this place HUGE tasty and filling .I love the ocean scallops personally which also are huge and wonderful and full of flavor .While i am not a fan of their sauce everything else I have ever purchased from this establishment seems to please my palate and doesn't kil my wallet and that important in my book . There is one problem parking and navigating the area but is definitely worth it once you get there .
(3)
Amy H.
Pardon my French, but what the f@ck??? And I say that in a good way. The other night after a lot of drinking, a few friends and I made a stop at the Goose Island Shrimp House. We all waited in the car while one person ran in and 5 minutes later was back in the car with a bag full of deep fried goodies. The deep fried shrimp was as big as my head! Ok, it really wasn't, but it was HUUUUGE!! The deep fried oyster was even bigger! This is drunk food on steroids! Deep fried, artery clogging goodness. At least the seafood part of it is healthy, right?
(3)
Melissa S.
I pass the shrimp house 5 days a week and today was my first visit. I of course yelped ahead and read some reviews. Here's the nitty gritty: - CASH ONLY - take out only - call ahead (it gets busy in there) - decent prices - huge jumpo shrimp and great oysters! I called ahead to pick up my order in time for my boyfriends lunch break. The man who answered was very polite and friendly, which is unusual for phone orders, so I had a good vibe already! Everything was ready when I got there and I paid $23 for a pound of huge, delicious fried shrimp, a half pound of oysters, fries, 2 cans of pop, lemon juice, hot sauce, and their signature sauce. I have always gone to Lawrences on Lawrence, but now I think I found a more convenient, affordable and tasty new shrimp house!
(5)
Howard C.
Some of the best fried shrimp I've ever had. The Goose Island Sauce is a MUST. The hot sauce is also fantabulous. You can call ahead, but if its late enough it only takes them about 10 minutes to throw your order together. And don't worry, you won't get shot. Well, most likely won't get shot. Park right out in front, run inside, order your shrimp and enjoy. I like the jumbo. The "pros" seem to order the regular. I have yet to order the regular size. Jumbo are $12 a pound, regular are $8.50 a pound. All I know is, when shrimp are so good that you are happy to eat the tail, then these are some damn good shrimp. You will enjoy!
(5)
LANCE L.
G.I.S.H. is a unique Chicago experience, though not for the faint of heart. You gan get the regular shrimp or the JUMBO 6 count to the pound shrimp here. I know of no where else that serves these jumbo monsters in the Chicago area. This is walk in; carry out only. No place to sit and eat. Parking on the street only. The place looks "grungy" but I have never heard anything about health problems with the food. The shrimp do tend to be "over breaded", and over cooked, for the most part, but the trick here is to ask for everything "LIGHTLY BREADED", and "LIGHTLY FRIED". You may have to wait a little longer, but it's worth it. I suggest bringing your own bottle of hot sauce or the like, and a salt shaker. I used to be able to take my bag of shrimp and walk up to "LIFE'S TOO SHORT" and eat them with a beer, but that place doesn't exist anymore. Another tragedy. So there it is. Follow my suggestions and you will have a great experience.
(4)
Dennis B.
I've lived in Chicago all my life and everyone talks about this place being so great. The Shrimp has to much bread on it. It's like I was eating fried cornbread. Not sure why so many people love this place. I went right after the work and there was no line, thank god, because I'd of been mad if I had to stand in line for it. The staff however are very friendly, which is why I give two stars.
(2)
Renee W.
These have to be the biggest Jumbo Shrimp I have ever seen or ate! OMG! it is like eating a steak. I can only eat 2 of them. I have been stopping in at this place over the years when I am in Chicago and nothing has changed which is good but for newbies the experience could be good or bad. The atmosphere is get in and get out so call ahead. The place is not fancy but the Shrimp is good!. Now I am not a fan of their shrimp sauce because it is too tangy for me so I carry my own sauce with me if I want to tear right into the bag and start eating once I get in the car.
(4)
Jackie G.
Two words: JUMBO SHRIMP! I absolutely love this place. Just grab your food and go. Call ahead though because most of the time, they take forever. It's not really a place you want to hang out at and wait for your food. The Jumbo Shrimp is so good though. i also tried the frog legs but they were nothing to write home about. The canned pops are always ice cold too. All you need is a half pound (or pound) of jumbo shrimp and a can of Root Beer. :)
(5)
Dee D.
DELICIOUS, cheap seafood. I'd recommend to anyone. Call ahead, because it will take forever for your food. I love the clam strips.
(4)
Stephanie M.
The best things on the menu are the regular shrimp and the scallops, make sure to ask for the scallops to be cooked dry so they aren't soggy. And you've got to go for the hot sauce...it's the perfect marriage. Always call ahead, waiting there can take forever when it's busy.
(4)
Maria H.
((((day dreaming of Goose Island shrimp)))) This is one of those Chicago staples.. nothing fancy abt this spot, it's somewhat in the hood, and you'lll prob run into some sketchy characters... keep your doors locked and windows rolled up when you go in. I say this only b/c my dumb arse left my windows down one visit, and had anything in plain sight stolen out my car. it is what it is, and that is the price of amazing shrimp. Their sauce is what marries it all together- a bit tart and spicey.. mm, delicious. Crunchy and well seasoned.. you just have to order a lb of jumbo shrimp!!!
(5)
Dan D.
Want GOOD fried shrimp that is fresh, never frozen, cheap, and from a place that has been around for a few decades?! Well I'm glad to let you know that Goose Island Shrimp House is THE destination for yourself. Don't be discouraged by the appearance of the outside or inside. Just a bare-bones white counter, non-flashy sign, easy to miss on Division Ave... but they will cook up the best tasty little shrimps your lil heart can handle. I recommend the super-spicy hot-sauce (it isn't that spicy, don't be a baby). Cheap, delicious, and I hope they will be around for another few decades!
(5)
Rose Q.
Great Shrimp... Love it. Cheap...but good and fresh!
(4)
Phyllis S.
OK.. this will be quick. The line was long OK. The shrimp were TERRIBLE!! Shrimp are to be golden with a slight crunch, this was beyond crunchy to say the least, it was just plain HARD! The crust or should I say batter was not up to my standards at all. In fact anyone who thinks that these are good shrimp, well they have not gotten out much to eat. I expected more, from the reviews, but sometimes you cannot believe the hype!!
(1)
Edward W.
If you're not from the city manage your expectations here. This is an inner city experience. The cast of characters you'll encounter here will certainly be interesting and may be frightening. Cash only my friends. Take out only. Don't even think about eating in here. No delivery. Everything is fried and the breading is extra thick. Some people think it's too thick. The place is a dump but clean. Its located in a scary lonely street at night but there are probably a couple of police officers inside getting a pound of jumbo to go. A real bare bones place but the food is great. If I'm not that hungry I get a order of fried clams, a bag of chips and a pop. Otherwise I'm a pound of jumbo with two bags of chips and two pops. Occasionally the frog legs. Here is how it goes at Goose. Don't mess with the staff. While you're still in your car get the money you expect to spend out and put it separately in your pocket. When you pay you won't have to pull out your entire wallet or a wad of cash. Walk in. Look at large menu above counter. Smile for the ten security cameras. They've been robbed a couple of times. When the guy looks at you tell him the main thing you want. e.g. Pound of jumbo. Half pound of regular. Two order of clams. That's it. Get it. Small talk is unnecessary and unwanted. Stand to the side and enjoy the show. Usually a great people watching experience. Now when they tell you your order is ready tell them what kind of pop you want and what kind of chips. Tell them whether you want the hot or mild sauce. It's included in the price but extra sauce costs extra. Don't take too much time. You should have decided what you wanted while you were waiting for your order. The hot sauce is hot and the mild sauce is mild. Don't ask about it. I always get the Goose Island sauce. Yeah it's extra but I like it. Now reach into your pocket and only grab the money you put aside earlier. Just pull out what you need. Pay and get out.
(5)
Chas J.
Food was ok. Nothing so good I'd go out if my way for and not so bad that I'd never go back again.
(3)
Chan K.
I stoppped by here on my way to Fed Ex. I must say it's a hole in the wall, but hey I got my food to go (and there's no seating so you can't eat there anyway). The shrimp were fresh and hot, and I really savored the hot sauce.. The breading was bit thick, however, but I guess that's just their style. I still liked it and am definitely coming back to try the fried scallops. Oh and they have frog legs for you meat lovers.
(3)
Miles F.
Love the Shrimp. Best afterhours meal hands down
(4)
Laneka G.
I order the jumbo shrimp, they are nice sized but i wish there was just a little less breading on them. i like their shrimp better than lawrences the scallops are the bomb! perfect size taste and breading love love love them. i only really like tater sauce didnt use the sauce they gave me
(4)
Blythe Z.
So, my husband got lucky..... I like good fried food over a fancy white table cloth place any day. SCALLOPS - don't need anything thing else. YUM-O! Honestly I was a lil upset the other stuff wasn't as great as I had pictured it be in my mind. BRING CASH - no credit. I also read other's complain about the staff - I thought they were really friendly and talkative, so 2 thumps up for service. A great Dive Place!
(4)
Marcee W.
If you like your shrimp gigantic and fried hard and crunchy, this is the place for you! Order a steamy, one pound bag of jumbo shrimp and cocktail sauce, but be prepared to eat it in your car outside. It's part of the experience and it's a carryout only place. Also, bring cash, They don't take credit cards. Enjoy!
(4)
Khadijah L.
AMAZING. Wonderfully deep fried seafood in a questionably ghetto sketch area with friendly service. They're open till 5 am, and you can call ahead to order and pickup if you don't want to wait around inside. Jumbo Shrimp was humongous, albeit really really thick breading. The shrimp was still huge, but the breading makes me sated really quickly. My favorite is the fried scallops and clams. Nom nom. delish. The sauce is great, but I can't see how its amazing as people mention here. I've tasted sauce from a bottle just as tasty. Anyway, i almost don't want to write a review about it because I want it to be a secret. Haha.
(4)
Kevin T.
Tasty fried seafood, shrimp, frog legs, oysters, fish, etc...open till 5am. Try the Goose Island Sauce. Good stuff.
(4)
Sherrie N.
I like breaded seafood. The scallops were cooked perfectly, so good. I didn't like my fries though. The only thing I didn't like were the fries and maybe that's just because the scallops outshined them so much. It's cheap and the portions are generous.
(4)
Richard A.
EPIC WIN I've been going here for years. This is a Chicago classic. Every time it's exactly the same delicious taste. Awesome fried fish. The fried oysters are my favorite. It's not super cheep or expensive, and it's to go only, so you stand around waiting for them to call out your order.. There is plenty of street parking right in front. This place just does it right. Period I'll be coming back for years to come. Thanks guys!
(5)
Chicago g.
Good and cheap ... take out only ... free street parking.
(5)
Aaron L.
4* Jumbo Fried Shrimp 2.5* Fried Mushrooms
(4)
E J.
OVERRATED! I just returned from Chicago from being in SC for a week where I literally ate good seafood every day. After checking out YELP for suggestions on good fried seafood, I read the reviews about this place, realized that it was close and decided to take my chances. *sigh* Must say, I was not impressed - not at all. As a matter of fact, I was deeply disappointed. I ordered the Jumbo Shrimp, Scallops, and Catfish. Shrimp were large but the breading was toooooo thick and the shrimp were fried too hard. The scallops were ...BLAH... and so was the catfish. I'm good with a whole in the wall every now and then, but Needless to say, I won't be returning.
(1)
Ayo R.
The Jumbo Shrimp is the bizness!!! I loved the food. Where else in Chicago can you still get a can of pop for 65 cents? At least around the Northside? They were friendly and the food was hot and delish! Definitely will be going back! I have read some reviews on here about the place being "ghetto" All in all it is a shrimp and fish shack!!! This is not some 5 star restaurant, it is the same type of shrimp and fish shack you would encounter in the deep south like in New Orleans or Houston (I know because I have been). So relax, get your food and STFU!!!!
(4)
Brady H.
Wonderfully ghetto. Friendly service. No frills. Awesome jumbo shrimp - very jumbo! The goose island sauce is delicious, though an extra $1 is sketchy. As an aside, the crazy upscale Calumet photo shop is just aronud the corner from there. Pick up your high end camera gear and stop by for a snack to take home.
(3)
Ryan B.
Completely ghetto joint across the river from what was once the Cabrini Green housing projects on Division St.. You can't eat there...it's dirty...it's very unappealing...BUT, don't be intimidated! Park on the dark street, head inside, order a pound of jumbo shrimp, a pound of fish nuggets, 4 hot sauces and 2 x 7UP's and you'll be glad you did. If you go on a Friday or Saturday night you'll be waiting awhile (standing), but it's worth it. They even have a big picture window so you can keep an eye on your car! Don't be a wuss...visit this charcoal-covered gem and keep it in your back pocket.
(5)
Dee C.
Hmmm, has their batter changed? I hadn't been to Goose Island since college days in the mid-late 90's but always remembered it as delicious. I went today and got a pound of jumbo shrimp. I always remembered their batter as similar to a rich version of a beer batter - light and crispy on the outside and a little soft on the inside. What I got today was much different and the only comparison I can think of is the outside of a hush puppy. Much harder and thicker - similar to what you find on frozen fried fish that you would buy at the grocery store. It was still a tasty shrimp but nowhere near as delicious as I remember and certainly not worth leaving the house to drive my pregnant, shrimp-craving self to pick some up. The 3 star rating is due in part to my nostalgia for the place.
(3)
Neil C.
Flame biz, real Chicagoans know whats up, negative reviews on here are from lames that just moved here. Goose Island & Hagens is the best fried shrimp & scallops in town.
(5)
Janeen W.
I can't believe that Goose Island has gotten alot of good reviews!!! Let me start off by saying that 20 years ago this place was rocking. I have heard that 35 years ago that it was even better. I remember my mama taking me here in 1991, I was 10 years old. It was so soooo good. I recently went in their to get that taste of nostalgia...I would have better off going to Chuck-e-Cheese!! Those were the worst shrimp I have ever had. It was a below average sized shrimp with a ton of tasteless breading to make it look Jumbo. Flavorless, Overcooked, and that tasted old as hell!!! They should be ashamed of what Goose Island has become!!!!!!! Damn Ashamed!!!
(1)
Kellie B.
Goose Island Shrimp is affordable, fast, and arrives in brown paper bags with their very own recipe called Goose Sauce, which is your cocktail sauce. It has a bit more horseradish which I liked a lot. The actual shrimp are larger than described, and in a half inch thick cracker breaded crust. Very crunchy, and very unique. \ I just, like mine from Michigan with beer batter. I really enjoyed the spicy horseradish sauce though, it seemed like fresh radishes were used. Carryout only.
(2)
Terrence C.
I think I've tried every fried seafood joint in Chicago, and Goose Island takes first place. Don't bring a date here or anything, but if you want to grub it out in the car or at home, this place will hit the spot. Ironically, while the seafood is insanely fresh, my favorite thing is the hot sauce. After years of trying to decipher the ingredients, I found its a mixture of hot sauce and mustard. ANYWAY. Shrimp and catfish are the way to go. Jumbo shrimp are HUGE and taste really fresh. Had fried oysters and to this day I can't figure out why it looked and tasted the way it did. It wasn't bad, just wasn't good. Similar to how you feel after eating a piece of celery. Go at off peak times, or you'll probably wait a bit. Pacman and pinball games await though.
(4)
Christina S.
I've been goin to this place with my dad since i was about 5 years old. You wanna try a scary neighborhood? Try goin to goose island about 20 years ago! then you guys can whine. Nowadays the nieghborhood has changed alot, but the place is still the same and as delicious as i remember. healthy, maybe not? But tasty?? hells yes!
(5)
Adam M.
Before finding this joint, I didn't even know there was an actual "Goose Island" in Chicago. Holy crap! It's the 'island' that is surrounded by a split in the (Chicago?) River, which is bisected by Division street. Anyway, GISH has some crazy amazing shrimp. Biggest I've ever eaten, and somehow incredibly fresh tasting (even though they're surrounded by like half an inch of breading). Fried mushrooms ... clam strips ... scallops ... /drool If you're going to order GISH - I have a recipe for the ultimate dipping sauce which compliments their fried delectables perfectly: Equal parts: Frank's Red Hot, ketchup, and ranch dressing. You're welcome.
(4)
Arlene G.
OMG! I've ben coming here for years and I an't get enough of it! I always order a pound of regular shrimp and a pound of oysters. I haven't been able to find fried oysters anywhere else that tastes this good! The food tastes even better after a night out clubbin! I don't know if it's the grease mixed with the alcohol that makes everything so delicious but whatever it is, I'll take it! I've been daring before and tried the frog legs and smelts, but it's just not as good as the shrimps and oysters.
(5)
Y.D. K.
The shrimp in this place is quite good, though not the best in my book - breading is a bit heavy, and the hot sauce is actually a bit medium and milky. Never had their catfish, cod, and frog legs. They are open late hours. Staff could use some shake up; there's one guy who's good in getting your orders and seems like a decent chap, but there's another one who's downright rude and will almost yell at you - so in general, don't take them to heart, get your food, pay for it and just leave. Parking is limited in front of the place, though there's other places to park nearby, but just watch out for the towing areas.
(3)
sandra C.
I used to frequent this place years ago, I stopped going there when I discovered Lawrence Fisheries. Way better.
(1)
Lisa A.
I've gone to this place since I was a kid and I have to say the flavor is still good! I normally get the 1/2 jumbo shrimp with the hot sauce. This place is a treat for me. I normally go on a saturday during the day or right before dinner so that I have some good food in my tummy before heading out for a long night. The staff is nice and you usually don't wait more then 4 minutes for the food to come out. Only downside...no place to eat it other then your car or taking it all the way home. Price is pretty reasonable.
(5)
Jay L.
Open super late, i mean early in the mornin.... 1LB of shrimp in a brown paper bag are really good, but their sauce is just awesome.... Sides of macaroni salad and potato salad are also great and enjoyable, altho they only give you a few bites... Definitely recommend this place for those late party nights....
(3)
Steve M.
I've driven past here many times on my way home from work and finally stopped in because i was jonesing for some greasy goodness. I like the selection and prices. I went in wanting some shrimp and catfish and walked out with a pound of smelt and and 1/2 lb of fried oysters. I drove up the road to Stanley's to buy some lettuce and tomato and made oyster po boys when I got home. I was quite happy and the tab at Goose island was less than $10. Nice!
(4)
David O.
They have incredible killer shrimp, excellent. As far as shrimp goes, far, far, far, better than Lawrence's fisheries. Goose island shrimp house jumbo shrimp, makes Lawrence's fisheries jumbo shrimp look like popcorn shrimp. Goose island shrimp cocktail sauce is hot with a unique color and taste all its own. And the price is extremely reasonable. This place is well known with hollywood and sports celebrities.
(4)
Matt R.
Goose Island Shrimp House is my all-time favorite spot to stop for late night eats. I only make it there a handful of times over the course of any given year but that makes it that much more brilliant when I find myself traveling by with a hungry belly. It is essentially a walk-in seafood stand because there aren't tables. Either you take it home, out to the car, or sit on your car. Those are pretty much the options for eating your golden fried treasures. Oh, and unlike every other shrimp house I've been to in the city, they either constantly swap out the cooking oil or don't mix cooked items because I've never had any mixed flavors here. Everywhere else it seems like your order tastes like shrimp regardless of what it is. The food here is amazingly fresh and priced low. I grabbed a 1/2 lb of Fried Jumbo Shrimp, a 1/2 lb of huge Fried Scallops, and an order of Fried Clams on the way home from the Viagra Triangle "i.e. Rush" and I think it may have cost $16 after taxes. And let me tell you, the leftovers I ate for lunch today were at least as good cold as they were piping hot last night. True story... no need to reheat :) The shrimp are the best I've found although the scallops are always perfectly fried and amazingly tender considering how hot they are when you get them. Seriously, be VERY careful putting anything in your mouth immediately after pick-up. The food will burn you severely if you aren't careful and give it a minute or two to cool down. But then it's pure heaven and the hot sauce is to die for. I always get the hot rather than the mild. It isn't burning hot and goes perfectly with everything on the menu. This is not the kind of place to be seen but you are sure to impress with the food! If you don't really know where Goose Island is, it is in Division between Cabrini Green to the east and 90/94 to the west... so don't expect this to be anything but a blue-collar crowd with a few people in the know scattered throughout the line. If you've been out clubbing and have girls in your group, consider leaving them in the car with 1-2 guys. It can be sketchy late-night but I've never seen anything that seemed unsafe. Either way, be on good behavior and appreciate the food. Also, if you served in the military, particularly the Marine Corp, you will find that the Goose Island Shrimp House will accept you with open arms as this is a Marine family.
(5)
Tiff B.
So, I've never been to Goose Island before oh, about 1 a.m. Don't judge me. It's just that I try not to eat deep fried stuff and it's usually around that witching hour when my will power fails me miserably and I go for broke. And if I'm going to do it, I figure why not go big and deal with the consequences later. Anyhow, this joint has the biggest shrimp ever and they're oh so tasty. The place looks like a total hole in the wall place and is in a almost remote location by a bunch of factories and a bridge. But all of that aside, you can't beat the fried shrimp and french fries. And they're open super late, so it's always an adventure to see what type of characters you'll stumble upon when the clubs close. Good times, gigantic shrimp to eat in your car. Yep, gotta experience it for yourself.
(5)
Jonathan A.
I was concerned coming upon the GISH when we saw a paramedic ambulance parked outside the front door. Maybe someone had keeled over due to the food. But no, inside the paramedic was just picking up lunch, whew. This is the kind of joint you walk into where you feel the atmosphere and decor must be inversely proportional to how great the food is going to be. You walk into a little room, and a bunch of people are standing around like it's the post office. Then the guy at the counter says 'NEXT'. You humbly walk up to the counter and order a mess of fried by the half pound, 3/4 lb, or pound. This may consist of shrimp, jumbo shrimp, frog legs, fish chips, oysters, etc. Anything you can fry basically. I wasn't really that hungry so I just got a half lb of reg shrimp. It was really good stuff, so much so that I can't wait to go back and try some more. I was expecting it to be a little cheaper than it was given the area and the fact that not much money is going towards interior design. Though they do have an old Centipede arcade game and a rather new looking Batman pinball machine. $4.25 for the half pound of reg shrimp, not bad but not great. Next time I will pony up for the jumbo shrimp and maybe some frog legs. Also, this place is apparently open till 5am which seems crazy to me.
(4)
Lois A.
The shrimp here are fantastic and so are the fries. The fries are my favorite kind, all fatty and soft when you get them home. The shrimp are so big I swear the regular would pass as jumbo at a lot of places and I love the goose island sauce. Cheap sides...like cole slaw for 50 cents. It's hard to beat the prices here. My only problem is that recently the catfish we ordered had lots of bones in it and that can be scary when there is heavy breading involved. Watch yourself! Hours are awesome and service is great.
(3)
Felix C.
I had pretty high expectations and they just weren't met. I had 1/2 lbs of jumpo shrimp and oysters. My issues with the shrimp is that it has too much breading for my taste. You can hardly taste the shrimp or even notice the texture of it. The oysters same thing... LIGHT on the breading please! Having said that.... I liked the oysters better.
(2)
Never M.
I was raised on Goose Island shrimp, I'm talkin since I was a lil mama, knee high to a duck! and I have turned out to be a well rounded person because of it. Guess they won't be gentrifying this spot away and thank goodness, how boring would that strip be without it? Lawrence Fisheries little fried dirt balls can't hold a candle to these batter dipped diamonds. Do you want fresh seafood with actual flavor whenever YOU want it? You want these guys then! Good seafood in the hood, where they do that at!
(5)
Jason N.
The best fried shrimp in the city, the jumbo shrimp are truly jumbo shrimp. And the regular shrimp are as big as what other shrimp shacks classify as jumbo. The dipping sauces are great and the fries are surprisingly good as well. If you need a shrimp fix this is the closest you'll get to living on the coast.
(5)
mike h.
best fried shrimp in the city, and i have tried most, been going here for over 10 years now- always the same, always awesome! Dont try much else there, all you need is the scrimps, and some cocktail sauce, and hot sauce- done! fried shrimp heaven. there is a reason they have been there almost 40 years!
(5)
Funkdragon H.
This place is the real deal. You want no-frills, fresh fried seafood, anytime from morning til dawn? This is the joint for you. Had a craving for some seafood, 7pm on a Saturday, i.e. their "down time." Called in my order, 1/2 oyster, 1/2 scallop. (As other Yelpers have said, don't bother saying "pound." They know what you mean.) Arrived when they promised it'd be ready, paid my cash, and scurried home to devour my brown paper bags of deep-fried goodness. Sweet. LORD! I expected the scallops to be those little mini buttons that barely resemble the savory medallions you'd see divinely plated at finer establishments. Hardly. Big and succulent, the simple breading gave them an entirely unexpected level of flavor. Outstanding. And then the oysters, a "love 'em or loathe 'em" type of food. They're fishy, they're tender, they are amazing. My 1/2 lb. consisted of four enormous breaded oysters, and biting into them was like someone had breaded the fresh open sea, deep fried it, and put it into my mouth. These juicy morsels were substantial and fresh and delicious, the deep-fry process perfectly sealing in the juices that any true oyster lover adores about this delicious mollusk. Truly, one of the most perfect fried oysters I've ever tasted. So leave pretense behind, grow a pair, and belly up to the countertop at Goose Island Shrimp.
(4)
Brad C.
Hot damn I'm full of shrimp! Now I'm not going to lie, this place is kind of shady. I rode my bike over here for lunch and had to lock it to the rusted fence around the corner. When I walked in the place was pretty packed. You really don't know who has ordered and who is just waiting for their food so you just kind of wait till the guy working the counter asks who's next. Since I wasn't that hungry I just ordered a 1/2 pound of regular shrimp. The 1/2 pound order was $4.25. Maybe not as cheap as I thought it should be but not bad. Within about fives minutes my order was in my hand and I was on the bike heading back to work. There isn't any place to eat unless you have a car to sit in outside. The shrimp was really good and the breading was excellent. Next time I'm going to get the frog legs and oysters.. thats right I'll be back! Not something I could eat all the time but after a few drinks at the bars, this would be a great stop. I can see this joint being packed late at night since they are open til 5:00 am.
(5)
Tish N.
I really wanted to give it more stars. The food is great don't get it twisted but the dudes who work there were having an extremely loud conversation in the back. I needed a moment to look the selection over and he just walked away. I didn't want to yell so I patiently waited until he came back. The chick waiting with me complained quite loudly about it too. I don't mess with people who are handling my food so I didn't say anything. I liked my shrimp but I have to have an extreme taste for it to go back. I like DeCola's on the southside better anyway.
(3)
Dred H.
K, I gave it 4 stars coz I haven't actually been there in over a decade. But everyone I talk to who knows about it says it hasn't changed. And when I went, I was usually a little bent, since I was working at KaBoom! on Chicago and Halsted at the time. And I usually went just before midnight, before the club got busy. So yeah. But, with those grains of salt, I have to say that their Jumbo shrimp (prawns, whatever) were amazing. Yes, the breading is a bit rocky sometimes... I wouldn't say "sandpaper," but more like "Cap'n Crunch." Insofar as it may rough up your palate a little, but it's nothing if you like really effin crunchy fried stuff. If the sauces are still the same, don't bother with the freebies they hand out with your order. Pay a little extra and get the "home-made" sauce. More substantial and better flavor - more horseradishy. Favorite side was always the potato salad. I almost got to eat there today - was putting the stuff from a tour in storage half a block away, but fell behind schedule. Sadness, but my tour staff bought me Hot Doug's instead, so I still win.
(4)
T. Murray -.
Ok - this is the ultimate in after the club, drank myself into a stupor, get your grub on greasy spoon spots. I love it. Almost everytime I go to Chicago I convince my friend E to take me here after a night of partying. I don't care that you have to wait twenty minutes while they fry your food up in the same oil they probably used the night before. It is, as cliche as it sounds, finger lickin good. These are some of the biggest shrimp I've ever seen and I am originally from the east coast. I haven't ventured from my usual shrimp order so I can't speak on other menu items. I can say that Atlanta has nothing like this and we are all forced to go to diners with options that taste like they came out of the grocer's freezer when it comes to seafood if we are craving it after the club. The neighborhood is in transition. Last time I was there I feel like you could turn one way and see Candyman's Caprini Green and turn the other way ans see new condo development.
(4)
Nicole L.
when i think of this place i think of my mom and all her fabulous expression (for instance) *"in the hood we call this a hookup". She took me here one night a around 3 in the morning on a school night bc i couldn't sleep. Before we get outta the car she tells me don't stare at anyone or touch anything. I laughed get out step in and was like wtf have you lost your damn mind. well this was a statement i knew she already had but what the hell. I end up seeing how huge the shrimp was tried it and never said a word. i was to busy stuffing my face. I loved it. Best food isn't in the cleanest places she told me. "i shutter to think that" but i trust it because anywhere that looks shady most likely has the best home cookin your gunna get. I do not advise children to go here fyi but im a big girl so i'll get my shrimp fix at 3am any day.
(3)
John G.
Best spot for some late night jumbo shrimp!
(5)
John Y.
About the only thing good about this place is it's close to Wicker Park. The breading makes the shrimp in most cases. This breading is more like heavy sand paper. It's crusty hard and does enhance the flavor of the shrimp. The shrimp tasted as if it were marinated in garlic something and was slimy in texture. I would not recommend this place. Try Calumet Fisheries on East 95th Street, it's the best! Another good one is Lawrence Fisheries in China Town.
(1)
antelia c.
After reading the reviews of this place, I decided to try Goose Island Shrimp House after leaving the club. I did not like the sauce, and did not like the food. The customer service was horrible. I had the shrimp, they were big, but to hard and did not have a taste to me. Will not return to this joint.
(2)
Rocky B.
Oh sweet mother of everything that is good and holy....this place has the best fried shrimp and they are seriously as big as your head. Okay....I exaggerate but they are truly friggin tasty. I remember working a nightclub not to far from Goose Island years back and my boss taking me on late night runs to this place. Neighborhood is seedy but the shrimp was so worth risking your life for. Haven't been here in a few years but I still have dreams about this place and I still look at it with sadness as I pass by it every now and then. It's like a friend that you know is bad influence on you but you still miss them. Sniff.
(3)
Ryan F.
My favorite late night stop on the way home. These shrimp are sooooo good, and sooo huge. It's a dive, but that's how I like it.
(3)
AR F.
Okay, so as a child I was taken here pretty often by my sister and her then boyfriend. I have to say, perhaps it's because I haven't had this food since then, however I went to grab a takeout order with my auntie and it was an absolute delight. The order was faster than ever since we called it in and I would absolutely go back!
(4)
Nikki L.
So, after having shrimp battles with my bf about who has better shrimp, Lawrences or Goose Island, I had to come back for a second try and REALLY eat a whole half pound on my own to make this decision. LOL. The Jumbo shrimps, are as big as my hand and twice the size of my mouth! I had to come home and cut them into bite size pieces because the breading on the shrimp was so thick and crusty that it was literally shredding the roof of my mouth. Like other yelpers, I feel that the shrimp itself tasted like it was soaking in a garlic clove and there was way too much breading on them. The neighborhood itself is quite scary let alone being INSIDE had me feeling like "is shrimp worth my life?" after this visit, sadly it is not. Sorry Goose Island, I'm a Lawrence's girl :-)
(2)
Edward H.
Man oh man... this is a great place to grease your belly (inside, not out silly!) up with fried goodies (hopefully from the sea and not anywhere near the Chicago river nearby). This little rundown place serves up greasy nuggets of tasty bliss for the masses - probably mostly the drunk masses. I've been here sober but it's 10x's better not. I'm not even sure if this place ever closes... they seem to be open at all odd hours of the night. So if you're coming back from a binge at nearby Gold Coast or Wrigleyville... this place has got what you need.
(4)
Omar W.
The fish and chips are the bomb. the breading is a little heavy. but over all really tasty. I can remember many of nights making that late night run to the Goose!
(3)
John H.
Once is enough. Food is ok, but service is just not there. They need to have tickets and to watch who is in line.
(2)
Syretta H.
Love Goose Island, especially after leaving the club and having that late night craving for greasy food. I don't know the hours of this place, it seems like they open late at night...not real sure, I've never really been there during the day. I've only ever had the shrimp, but my boyfriend has had the frog legs and loves them. Another reason I like Goose Island Shrimp House is because they cook the food while you wait. So it's hot and fresh and greasy.....just love it!
(5)
Jesse W.
This place has one of the best shrimp values in Chicago ($4 per half-pound). But even with that in mind, I couldn't see myself placing an order in the florescent-lit shack again. Most of the shrimps weight seems to come from the overly salty, garlicky, heavy batter. I stripped the batter from the shrimp and came out with a nice, jumbo size shrimp... too bad it remained excessively salty. I could hardly taste the shrimp as my blood pressure rose to unhealthy levels. The mild sauce is a mix of ketchup and mustard; and the hot sauce is your south side standard. Gladly, I tried only the fried jumbo shrimp. You can even find tastier, but smaller, shrimp at your local J&J or Shark's.
(3)
S to the izzo F.
Found an after hours and still hungry, swing by here any time and get some real comfort food. When you wake up in the morning you will hate yourself but at 4 AM, damn good food!!! Everything is deep fried. You've been slowly killing yourself all night so why stop! The food does taste good and the hot sauce is great! Plus, if you bring enough to the after hours, everyone will love you! Maybe I should try it out during the day... yea right!
(4)
Charles Q.
one of the top shrimp houses in the city...glad that they are still around...
(4)
tulip f.
it's been a few years sence i been here. can't wait to go back i know the location is not in the best place but the jumbo shrimps are awsome!
(5)
Amaliya L.
Do not confuse this place with the gross brewery that shares it's name. Goose Island Shrimp House is an incredible fish house tucked inside what most people would find a daunting, scary area. Yes, it is walking distance, not even a block from Cabrini Green. And yes, it is often scary to go there, but damn, I would walk there if I had to. This place rocks. The hand floured corn breaded Shrimp each weigh a ton and are bigger than your hand. The scallops are perfect and melt in your mouth! They weigh your seafood before breading, and frying it, so you definitely get your money's worth. They offer 2 very distinct dipping sauces, and it is definitely not hot sauce and ketchup. I've never had anything that didn't taste fresh or seemed "dirty". The only thing that I have had that I did not like because I was not used to it was the catfish nuggets. Their food is not what gourmands would consider fine dining, etc..it is just good real seafood. The lines out the door and along the counter is testament to this. This is a family business, they have another location on the west side. When my husband and I used to be really really poor, wanted to treat ourselves or cheer each other up, we would head to Goose Island. TO this day, it still brings a huge smile to my face and my tummy loves them!
(5)
Michelle W.
So the location isn't that desirable (right across the street from Cabrini Green), but the food is cheap and good. You can get shrimp by the pound and fish & clams too. The breading on the shrimp is a little weird, but the clams are really good. Their hot sauce is yummy too.
(4)
Bobby G.
I mean it's kickass fried shrimp. Like really Fred. And the hot sauce isn't hot but more like a southwestern tangy deliciousness. It's in the middle of nowhere and there's no seating so take that for what it is. The wait is around 15 minutes but there's arcade games. I want to go back and eat the fish chips because everybody's doing it.
(5)
Aeri B.
Literally the best seafood in Chicago. Way better than Lawrence's! I always get half pound of regular shrimp and two orders of clam strips with the hot sauce. Tastes super fresh. I've had a half order of jumbo shrimp and those things are huge. Some may say too big but I didn't mind it. You just need to be ready for how big these shrimps are or else you will be caught off guard lol. Cash only. No seating. Strictly coming for the food. And that's 100% fine with me.
(5)
Marianna C.
The most phenomenal shrimp of all time! I've been going since I was a kid and wont stop now.
(5)
David O.
Been here once, the food compares to Captain B's in Cicero very much(possibly same owners)only exception is this place is a shit hole!
(3)
Marc D.
I love Goose Island but I don't understand why is closed it's supposed to be open till 4 a.m.
(4)
NENE W.
Not a fan, the shrimp are fried to hard & it scratches the inside of my mouth. I am a shrimp lover.
(2)
Cindy L.
Goose Island Shrimp House Chicago, has been in the same location for well over two decades. They have celebrity pictures on the wall. I've eaten at this restaurant for many, many years. I usually buy the jumbo shrimp. They are HUGE, and not over seasoned with salt, or breading. The shrimp are de-vained and clean. Prices are reasonable. This is NOT a sit down fancy restaurant. This restaurant is well worth the drive if you're craving big fresh jumbo shrimp. The customer service is not so great, but the food is delicious!!!
(5)
Happiness L.
This place has...character and the very very very best jumbo fried shrimp on the planet. They sell their own cocktail sauce,..,don't complain about the $1 charge just buy some as your taste buds will be happy. The guy behind the counter is nice. The crowd is diverse. You can play classic Ms PacMan or pinball while you wait for your order so bring quarters. Note that there are no tables. This is a take out place. If you are super hungry when you get your order you can stand and eat by a small ledge counter by the window. Wish they were open 7 days a week yet happy they take time off for rest. Yay! A big time favorite.
(5)
Alexander T.
The food here is good. The service staff if rude and the wait time is high. Especially if you go at night when most people crave seafood anyway. If its lat forget about it just go to white castle there will be long lines. There have been times I wanted it so bad i waited and there have been times the wait wasn't worth it and I just drove away. I tried to call in my order to avoid the line and they refused the call in. So I will rate this ok because I love the food but am not a fan of the service.
(3)
Justin B.
Stick to the basics--fried shrimp, fries, soda. All were great and all were cheap. The catfish was cheap too, but it was so laden with chunky bone pieces (like, the size of a quarter or larger in some cases) that I would skip the catfish next time. Called ahead and all was ready in 20 minutes...and, you can't beat the prices: a pound of shrimp, a pound of catfish, two orders of fries and a soda was done for less than $20. Very plain interior so no place to dine in. Solid!
(4)
Kevin B.
Goose Island is going to that spot either you mess with it or you don't. Its really no grey area. If you are a late night, food junkie that doesn't want to pay alot of money, Welcome to Goose Island. Because their shrimp is great and they give you a lot for your money. Its cash only but for 5-10 bucks (depending on the size of your order), you'll tons of great tasting shrimp in a paper bag and can be on your way. If you are the type who doesnt like hole in the wall spots and wants breadsticks with your shrimp, pass on Goose Island. As I said before the shrimp is great but place is a true hole in the wall. Its Cash Only and no where to sit. And its not an ATM near so keep that in mind when you stumble in there off a Friday night bender. But if you just want good food, hit an ATM in route and go.
(4)
Marisa A.
Probably worth it for the experience alone. Come here after a long night, park outside, get your shrimp in a bag, then sit in your car and eat it while watching all sorts of characters do the exact same thing you just did. The shrimp is interesting. No one is lying here when they say they're huge! And the tails are still on, but breaded so easy to accidentally ingest. The breading is really thick but not particularly flavorful. Clam strips are the same thing... but clam strips. Fries were good in the way that only fries stuffed in paper bag can be, but they really need salt. It seems like a lot of people like the hot sauce, but I just thought it was ok.
(3)
Mikey S.
If you haven't had it, your missing out the best fried shrimp. So good the line speak for it's self
(5)
Hollywood P.
All you need to know is after partying in the Clubs or a Bar, Goose Island is the Spot to Hit on the way Home. Never in my life have I tasted better Shrimp and yes that includes Lawrence's! The Clam strips are off the Hook as well and don't be shy to try their Frog Legs!! Seafood is more expensive regardless where you go so the prices shouldn't be a concern. You'll get Quality and Quantity! The Goose gets nothing less than 5 Stars!!
(5)
Andre W.
This place has been around forever! I remember my aunt and uncles would always talk about coming here after being out partying on weekends. I remember being a teenager eating the leftover shrimp they could not eat and I enjoyed the hell out of it. I decided to stop by recently for nostalgia sake. I ordered 1/2lbs of jumbo shrimp. I always enjoy checking out old establishments that have signed pics of local and world celebrities. Shaq, Lisa Raye, local news reporters and countless others have donated their John Hancocks to the wall of fame here. My food didn't take very long to come out and I hopped in my car and drove home. I was excited to try the shrimp I hadn't eaten in almost 20 years. Once home I ripped the damn bag open and saw my big ass shrimp which caused the hunger to rise. There was too much breading on the shrimp which made it difficult to eat and it definitely affected the taste in a major way. Not as good as I remember it. The hot sauce definitely added flavor to the overly breaded shrimp and would probably be good on anything fried. People behind the counter are really cool. Parking here should be easy as there is street parking in front. The place is virtually in the middle of nowhere with nothing else to eat until you drive about a mile west on Division. I would definitely try the place again, but I prefer Lawrence Fisheries shrimp.
(3)
Brenda P.
Ordered a pound of scallops and a half pound of friend oysters, both were warm fresh and delicious, couldn't eat there but yowza amazing flavor. I am in love with the fried scallops, melt in your mouth goodness and they're open till 5!? Winning!!
(5)
Careese H.
I have been coming here since I was a child and it had always tasted the same and been fresh and delicious! The shrimp and scallops are my fav's! Oh and it's cash only!
(5)
Julian C.
I feel like I am the only one that thinks it is just "ok". I was so excited because it is a staple in Chicago. The shrimp have a lot of breading on them. My partner liked the fish chips. I honestly think Shrimp Express in Cal City is so much more fresh and does not have all the batter.
(3)
Shaun S.
I got a pound of skrimps and clam strips. The shrimps tasted good, the breading was ok. I came here during lunch. The service was fast and they hooked it up with shrimp. I couldn't come close to finishing it. The hot sauce is on point, probably my favorite part.
(4)
Gerrin C.
So I had heard that this is the place to go for shrimp. I was so excited to finally get the shrimp and catfish. The shrimp were huge and it smelled great. However, after the first bite I was very disappointed. Everything tasted like it was fried in old grease. It was a total waste of $25 for a pound and a half of Jumbo Shrimp and half pound of cat fish. The cat fish had a lot of bones. The breading was extra thick. I won't be going there again. Lawrence's is much better.
(1)
Yvonne B.
Um. No. Some people (who very much tickled my fancy) painted such vivid word pictures of stopping by Goose Island Shrimp House and bringing it home for dinner and of love and life and happiness... Well. I gushed! I had to stop there on my way to M's. I easily parked on the side of Division (for free!) and went into this hole in the wall place. I thought, "Down the rabbit's hole and into wonderland!!!" Freakin' exciting! Folks were leaning against the counter and the wall. There were two arcade games and no chairs. No tables. The counter was as tall as my shoulders. There were snap shots on the walls of [of what I assume to be] pron stars and family members. The floor was dirty. I ordered a pound of jumbo shrimp. The person after me got catfish. I asked him if it was good and he said that everyone he knows loves it. I added 3/4 pound of that to my order and asked him to throw in two Goose Island sauces ($1 each) for the heck of it. I stood around for long, long, long minutes. I texted M, "I'm getting us dinner now. :-) get excited!" I watched people order and pick up their food. I noticed that they all paid with cash. I wondered if it was a cash only place? I wouldn't put it past a hole in the wall joint to be a cash only place. Then again, there weren't any signs ANYWHERE that indicated such. Besides, cash only places usually have an ATM and this place only had those two arcade games. I walked to the opposite side of the room to see if I could possibly see the kitchen. I couldn't. Then they brought my order to the counter and I timidly started to hand over my debit card. Cash only. I asked where I could get cash. He said at the gas station over the bridge and to the left. Scrap that idea! I drove a half mile to a free ATM (free for me, at least) inside of K-Mart and then drove back. I paid $20.27. I got my food and brought it to M's. Up until this point, I believe that I would have given this place four or five stars if the food was nearly as amazing as what was described to me. But HECK NO. Both the shrimp and the catfish were both breaded and were indistinguishable from one another by a quick once over. The shrimp still had the shells on the ends and the catfish had bones in it. M called it a day after only a few bites but I wanted to power through. The breading was pretty thick and heavy. I think it might have been made with cornmeal. It had good flavor, but was too much. Eventually I started dissecting it by removing the breading to expose the shells and bones so that I could remove them before they poked my tongue and crunched in my teeth. M watched me sympathetically. She offered to make something else for me and tried her hardest to get me to give up on it. All I can say now is that those people who recommended Goose Island Shrimp House to me must have different tastes that me. I wonder if they knew that shells were on the shrimp or that bones were in the catfish? I haven't a clue, but I know it's not for me.
(1)
Diana T.
Love their scallops and their hot sauce. You can't beat them for what you get. Their freshness is the best on all they offer
(5)
Jean S.
I went here today i must say the jumbo shrimps are good but the have to much breading.also i tried the froglegs,in fish chips it all taste the same.
(3)
Vivian H.
Was walking home on Division from Ashland and the only enticing eaterie that popped up on Yelp was this place. The only storefront as far as the eye could see, 9pm, in the middle of a dark street.. probably not a great place for a girl to go alone... but everyone (staff & patrons) was so nice! Got the catfish and fries.. excuse me it was only $4? I only got the 1/2 lb catfish but it was like 5 huge pieces. Catfish itself tasted pretty fresh and was yummy enough, but the breading was kinda flavorless and a bit too thick, and there were a couple pieces with lots of bones. I got the hot sauce which helped but wasn't a huge fan of that either. Fries could use seasoning. It was certainly not the greatest food but for the price and the hours it's open, can't be beat.
(3)
Carl G.
Exactly what you think it is: a hole in the wall, cash only, and deep friend goodness. Pretty simple menu, pretty simple food. Staff is nice, food comes out pretty quick - the call in business seemed to be booming, and there were a lot of regulars in there as well. Breading seems to be cornmeal and is laid on nice and thick. Everything is breaded (tails included), and everything goes well with the sauces they hand out. It isn't your normal Chicago fast food place - definitely worth a trip.
(4)
Tenzo D.
Either you get it or you dont This is a cash only hole in the wall, evidenced by signs that say 'cash only' and have pictures of credit cards with a red X through them. This place defines hole in the wall and defines the neighborhood before it was gentrified. Dont pass on the fish chips. They are the best thing there. Although a lot of my friends like the shrimp. I order a pound bag for $5 and that is a LOT of food.
(5)
Henry L.
Shrimp house is right down the road and from all the reviews we decided to give it a try for lunch. About 5 of us order about 5# shrimp, 1/2#oysters, clams, fries, almost everything. I think most of these 4-5 stars are just having a nostalgia moment. The food was OK at best, oysters were downright scary. Breading was thick but shrimp size was good, just not much flavor. Goose Island sauce is just cocktail sauce (over priced). Won't be back except maybe for the clam strips. They seemed to be breaded differently which makes me think right from the freezer into the fryer from Gordon's fisherman.
(1)
Kevin Z.
Fried shrimp. regular shrimp is perfect, they have jumbo too if you like it big. they have a bunch of other fried seafood but I have only gotten the shrimp (its their name after all...) i got 3 pounds and took it to a party and was mister popular. the sauces are all good, they have bottles of hot sauce for sale too, the guy at the counter suggested an awesome one. cash only. hole in the wall. take out only. call ahead. if you dont understand these things stay away and leave it for us who appreciate it.
(4)
Julio G.
The best fry shrimp in Chicago,and at $9.00 a pound.I havebeen going to GOOSE for 40 years and Tony and the guys are the best.
(5)
Johnny T.
So, the long and short of it is: I guess I don't like fried oysters. I mean, I used to. I lived in New Orleans and would eat them all of the time. Thing is, when I ate them, I don't recall space alien-green sh!t (literally) oozing out of them all the time. It's repulsive. Of all the things to willingly put into one's mouth, this has to go near the bottom. Yes, I'm a Protestant. But, seriously, my meal here might have been one of the most singularly unhealthy things I have ever eaten. I ordered a 1/2 scallop, 1/2 oyster and 1/2 shrimp meal with fries. The shrimp were very large, expertly breaded and incredibly satisfying. And, after observation, they were de-veined, which is points for me. The rating has much to do with the shrimp and I would probably come back here to eat them (or, eat someone else's). The sauce was a slight upgrade from the usual cocktail sauce and provided just the right coating for the sea roaches. The scallops, too, were quite large, nicely breaded and tasted great. If I had never seen what these ugly f*ckers look like in the wild, I would eat them again. But, I can't. They're disgusting. They have all these beady, googly eyes all over their shells... ugh, I am getting grossed out by even writing it. Tasted good -- but no more for me. The oysters were... hot. I took a bite a did the "Haa-haaa-haa" thing and waved at my mouth. Spitting the bivalve onto a piece of paper so as to stop the scalding, I looked into the abyss and came back a changed man. The oyster was full of green ick and it was nauseating. I put that one aside and cut into another. More ooze. I tried to pawn one off on my friend as an experiment. He cussed me out. I just couldn't do it. No amount of sauce, breading or hype could get me to eat those things. I tried to salvage the meal with the fries. They were eh. The heat from the sea food made 'em soggy (the order came in the same brown bag). The lack of over salting/seasoning kept them bland. I threw most away. But, in GISH's defense, I was sober throughout the experience. There's a reason this is drunk-food.
(3)
Michelle C.
I heard great things about GISH and that the jumbo shrimp were delicious and the best in Chicago. So, I drove all the way from the Southside of Chicago and paid $69.72 for 3 lbs of shrimp, 1lb of catfish, 3 orders of lunchroom cookies, and 6 pops. Oh and 3 extra sauces! If you enjoy jumbo heavy, heavy, cornmeal breading on your shrimp then you will love this place. I myself found the shrimp to be the nastiest shrimp I've ever eaten. The hot sauce is some kind of weird color that was unrecognizable, didn't even touch that. The only good thing I can report is the Sprite was delish.
(1)
Marvin N.
Went last night. Not at all what I expected. The breading was heavy thick coating that was gross. I couldn't tell the difference between the jumbo shrimp and catfish. The catfish still had the bones in it and was undercooked. I did like the Clams. That's about it.
(1)
Patrick J.
Staff rude, loud music and loud talking coming from the kitchen. Ghetto joint!!!! No class whatsoever. I stopped by hear because of the rumor of their shrimp. These shrimp has to be on Steroids. I ordered a 1/2 pound and paid 6.00 bucks for 5 pawns!!
(2)
sandra C.
I used to frequent this place years ago, I stopped going there when I discovered Lawrence Fisheries. Way better.
(1)
Lisa A.
I've gone to this place since I was a kid and I have to say the flavor is still good! I normally get the 1/2 jumbo shrimp with the hot sauce. This place is a treat for me. I normally go on a saturday during the day or right before dinner so that I have some good food in my tummy before heading out for a long night. The staff is nice and you usually don't wait more then 4 minutes for the food to come out. Only downside...no place to eat it other then your car or taking it all the way home. Price is pretty reasonable.
(5)
Jay L.
Open super late, i mean early in the mornin.... 1LB of shrimp in a brown paper bag are really good, but their sauce is just awesome.... Sides of macaroni salad and potato salad are also great and enjoyable, altho they only give you a few bites... Definitely recommend this place for those late party nights....
(3)
Matt R.
Goose Island Shrimp House is my all-time favorite spot to stop for late night eats. I only make it there a handful of times over the course of any given year but that makes it that much more brilliant when I find myself traveling by with a hungry belly. It is essentially a walk-in seafood stand because there aren't tables. Either you take it home, out to the car, or sit on your car. Those are pretty much the options for eating your golden fried treasures. Oh, and unlike every other shrimp house I've been to in the city, they either constantly swap out the cooking oil or don't mix cooked items because I've never had any mixed flavors here. Everywhere else it seems like your order tastes like shrimp regardless of what it is. The food here is amazingly fresh and priced low. I grabbed a 1/2 lb of Fried Jumbo Shrimp, a 1/2 lb of huge Fried Scallops, and an order of Fried Clams on the way home from the Viagra Triangle "i.e. Rush" and I think it may have cost $16 after taxes. And let me tell you, the leftovers I ate for lunch today were at least as good cold as they were piping hot last night. True story... no need to reheat :) The shrimp are the best I've found although the scallops are always perfectly fried and amazingly tender considering how hot they are when you get them. Seriously, be VERY careful putting anything in your mouth immediately after pick-up. The food will burn you severely if you aren't careful and give it a minute or two to cool down. But then it's pure heaven and the hot sauce is to die for. I always get the hot rather than the mild. It isn't burning hot and goes perfectly with everything on the menu. This is not the kind of place to be seen but you are sure to impress with the food! If you don't really know where Goose Island is, it is in Division between Cabrini Green to the east and 90/94 to the west... so don't expect this to be anything but a blue-collar crowd with a few people in the know scattered throughout the line. If you've been out clubbing and have girls in your group, consider leaving them in the car with 1-2 guys. It can be sketchy late-night but I've never seen anything that seemed unsafe. Either way, be on good behavior and appreciate the food. Also, if you served in the military, particularly the Marine Corp, you will find that the Goose Island Shrimp House will accept you with open arms as this is a Marine family.
(5)
Tiff B.
So, I've never been to Goose Island before oh, about 1 a.m. Don't judge me. It's just that I try not to eat deep fried stuff and it's usually around that witching hour when my will power fails me miserably and I go for broke. And if I'm going to do it, I figure why not go big and deal with the consequences later. Anyhow, this joint has the biggest shrimp ever and they're oh so tasty. The place looks like a total hole in the wall place and is in a almost remote location by a bunch of factories and a bridge. But all of that aside, you can't beat the fried shrimp and french fries. And they're open super late, so it's always an adventure to see what type of characters you'll stumble upon when the clubs close. Good times, gigantic shrimp to eat in your car. Yep, gotta experience it for yourself.
(5)
Steve M.
I've driven past here many times on my way home from work and finally stopped in because i was jonesing for some greasy goodness. I like the selection and prices. I went in wanting some shrimp and catfish and walked out with a pound of smelt and and 1/2 lb of fried oysters. I drove up the road to Stanley's to buy some lettuce and tomato and made oyster po boys when I got home. I was quite happy and the tab at Goose island was less than $10. Nice!
(4)
David O.
They have incredible killer shrimp, excellent. As far as shrimp goes, far, far, far, better than Lawrence's fisheries. Goose island shrimp house jumbo shrimp, makes Lawrence's fisheries jumbo shrimp look like popcorn shrimp. Goose island shrimp cocktail sauce is hot with a unique color and taste all its own. And the price is extremely reasonable. This place is well known with hollywood and sports celebrities.
(4)
Jonathan A.
I was concerned coming upon the GISH when we saw a paramedic ambulance parked outside the front door. Maybe someone had keeled over due to the food. But no, inside the paramedic was just picking up lunch, whew. This is the kind of joint you walk into where you feel the atmosphere and decor must be inversely proportional to how great the food is going to be. You walk into a little room, and a bunch of people are standing around like it's the post office. Then the guy at the counter says 'NEXT'. You humbly walk up to the counter and order a mess of fried by the half pound, 3/4 lb, or pound. This may consist of shrimp, jumbo shrimp, frog legs, fish chips, oysters, etc. Anything you can fry basically. I wasn't really that hungry so I just got a half lb of reg shrimp. It was really good stuff, so much so that I can't wait to go back and try some more. I was expecting it to be a little cheaper than it was given the area and the fact that not much money is going towards interior design. Though they do have an old Centipede arcade game and a rather new looking Batman pinball machine. $4.25 for the half pound of reg shrimp, not bad but not great. Next time I will pony up for the jumbo shrimp and maybe some frog legs. Also, this place is apparently open till 5am which seems crazy to me.
(4)
Lois A.
The shrimp here are fantastic and so are the fries. The fries are my favorite kind, all fatty and soft when you get them home. The shrimp are so big I swear the regular would pass as jumbo at a lot of places and I love the goose island sauce. Cheap sides...like cole slaw for 50 cents. It's hard to beat the prices here. My only problem is that recently the catfish we ordered had lots of bones in it and that can be scary when there is heavy breading involved. Watch yourself! Hours are awesome and service is great.
(3)
Felix C.
I had pretty high expectations and they just weren't met. I had 1/2 lbs of jumpo shrimp and oysters. My issues with the shrimp is that it has too much breading for my taste. You can hardly taste the shrimp or even notice the texture of it. The oysters same thing... LIGHT on the breading please! Having said that.... I liked the oysters better.
(2)
Never M.
I was raised on Goose Island shrimp, I'm talkin since I was a lil mama, knee high to a duck! and I have turned out to be a well rounded person because of it. Guess they won't be gentrifying this spot away and thank goodness, how boring would that strip be without it? Lawrence Fisheries little fried dirt balls can't hold a candle to these batter dipped diamonds. Do you want fresh seafood with actual flavor whenever YOU want it? You want these guys then! Good seafood in the hood, where they do that at!
(5)
Jason N.
The best fried shrimp in the city, the jumbo shrimp are truly jumbo shrimp. And the regular shrimp are as big as what other shrimp shacks classify as jumbo. The dipping sauces are great and the fries are surprisingly good as well. If you need a shrimp fix this is the closest you'll get to living on the coast.
(5)
mike h.
best fried shrimp in the city, and i have tried most, been going here for over 10 years now- always the same, always awesome! Dont try much else there, all you need is the scrimps, and some cocktail sauce, and hot sauce- done! fried shrimp heaven. there is a reason they have been there almost 40 years!
(5)
Funkdragon H.
This place is the real deal. You want no-frills, fresh fried seafood, anytime from morning til dawn? This is the joint for you. Had a craving for some seafood, 7pm on a Saturday, i.e. their "down time." Called in my order, 1/2 oyster, 1/2 scallop. (As other Yelpers have said, don't bother saying "pound." They know what you mean.) Arrived when they promised it'd be ready, paid my cash, and scurried home to devour my brown paper bags of deep-fried goodness. Sweet. LORD! I expected the scallops to be those little mini buttons that barely resemble the savory medallions you'd see divinely plated at finer establishments. Hardly. Big and succulent, the simple breading gave them an entirely unexpected level of flavor. Outstanding. And then the oysters, a "love 'em or loathe 'em" type of food. They're fishy, they're tender, they are amazing. My 1/2 lb. consisted of four enormous breaded oysters, and biting into them was like someone had breaded the fresh open sea, deep fried it, and put it into my mouth. These juicy morsels were substantial and fresh and delicious, the deep-fry process perfectly sealing in the juices that any true oyster lover adores about this delicious mollusk. Truly, one of the most perfect fried oysters I've ever tasted. So leave pretense behind, grow a pair, and belly up to the countertop at Goose Island Shrimp.
(4)
Brad C.
Hot damn I'm full of shrimp! Now I'm not going to lie, this place is kind of shady. I rode my bike over here for lunch and had to lock it to the rusted fence around the corner. When I walked in the place was pretty packed. You really don't know who has ordered and who is just waiting for their food so you just kind of wait till the guy working the counter asks who's next. Since I wasn't that hungry I just ordered a 1/2 pound of regular shrimp. The 1/2 pound order was $4.25. Maybe not as cheap as I thought it should be but not bad. Within about fives minutes my order was in my hand and I was on the bike heading back to work. There isn't any place to eat unless you have a car to sit in outside. The shrimp was really good and the breading was excellent. Next time I'm going to get the frog legs and oysters.. thats right I'll be back! Not something I could eat all the time but after a few drinks at the bars, this would be a great stop. I can see this joint being packed late at night since they are open til 5:00 am.
(5)
Tish N.
I really wanted to give it more stars. The food is great don't get it twisted but the dudes who work there were having an extremely loud conversation in the back. I needed a moment to look the selection over and he just walked away. I didn't want to yell so I patiently waited until he came back. The chick waiting with me complained quite loudly about it too. I don't mess with people who are handling my food so I didn't say anything. I liked my shrimp but I have to have an extreme taste for it to go back. I like DeCola's on the southside better anyway.
(3)
Dred H.
K, I gave it 4 stars coz I haven't actually been there in over a decade. But everyone I talk to who knows about it says it hasn't changed. And when I went, I was usually a little bent, since I was working at KaBoom! on Chicago and Halsted at the time. And I usually went just before midnight, before the club got busy. So yeah. But, with those grains of salt, I have to say that their Jumbo shrimp (prawns, whatever) were amazing. Yes, the breading is a bit rocky sometimes... I wouldn't say "sandpaper," but more like "Cap'n Crunch." Insofar as it may rough up your palate a little, but it's nothing if you like really effin crunchy fried stuff. If the sauces are still the same, don't bother with the freebies they hand out with your order. Pay a little extra and get the "home-made" sauce. More substantial and better flavor - more horseradishy. Favorite side was always the potato salad. I almost got to eat there today - was putting the stuff from a tour in storage half a block away, but fell behind schedule. Sadness, but my tour staff bought me Hot Doug's instead, so I still win.
(4)
T. Murray -.
Ok - this is the ultimate in after the club, drank myself into a stupor, get your grub on greasy spoon spots. I love it. Almost everytime I go to Chicago I convince my friend E to take me here after a night of partying. I don't care that you have to wait twenty minutes while they fry your food up in the same oil they probably used the night before. It is, as cliche as it sounds, finger lickin good. These are some of the biggest shrimp I've ever seen and I am originally from the east coast. I haven't ventured from my usual shrimp order so I can't speak on other menu items. I can say that Atlanta has nothing like this and we are all forced to go to diners with options that taste like they came out of the grocer's freezer when it comes to seafood if we are craving it after the club. The neighborhood is in transition. Last time I was there I feel like you could turn one way and see Candyman's Caprini Green and turn the other way ans see new condo development.
(4)
Nicole L.
when i think of this place i think of my mom and all her fabulous expression (for instance) *"in the hood we call this a hookup". She took me here one night a around 3 in the morning on a school night bc i couldn't sleep. Before we get outta the car she tells me don't stare at anyone or touch anything. I laughed get out step in and was like wtf have you lost your damn mind. well this was a statement i knew she already had but what the hell. I end up seeing how huge the shrimp was tried it and never said a word. i was to busy stuffing my face. I loved it. Best food isn't in the cleanest places she told me. "i shutter to think that" but i trust it because anywhere that looks shady most likely has the best home cookin your gunna get. I do not advise children to go here fyi but im a big girl so i'll get my shrimp fix at 3am any day.
(3)
John G.
Best spot for some late night jumbo shrimp!
(5)
John Y.
About the only thing good about this place is it's close to Wicker Park. The breading makes the shrimp in most cases. This breading is more like heavy sand paper. It's crusty hard and does enhance the flavor of the shrimp. The shrimp tasted as if it were marinated in garlic something and was slimy in texture. I would not recommend this place. Try Calumet Fisheries on East 95th Street, it's the best! Another good one is Lawrence Fisheries in China Town.
(1)
antelia c.
After reading the reviews of this place, I decided to try Goose Island Shrimp House after leaving the club. I did not like the sauce, and did not like the food. The customer service was horrible. I had the shrimp, they were big, but to hard and did not have a taste to me. Will not return to this joint.
(2)
Rocky B.
Oh sweet mother of everything that is good and holy....this place has the best fried shrimp and they are seriously as big as your head. Okay....I exaggerate but they are truly friggin tasty. I remember working a nightclub not to far from Goose Island years back and my boss taking me on late night runs to this place. Neighborhood is seedy but the shrimp was so worth risking your life for. Haven't been here in a few years but I still have dreams about this place and I still look at it with sadness as I pass by it every now and then. It's like a friend that you know is bad influence on you but you still miss them. Sniff.
(3)
Ryan F.
My favorite late night stop on the way home. These shrimp are sooooo good, and sooo huge. It's a dive, but that's how I like it.
(3)
AR F.
Okay, so as a child I was taken here pretty often by my sister and her then boyfriend. I have to say, perhaps it's because I haven't had this food since then, however I went to grab a takeout order with my auntie and it was an absolute delight. The order was faster than ever since we called it in and I would absolutely go back!
(4)
Nikki L.
So, after having shrimp battles with my bf about who has better shrimp, Lawrences or Goose Island, I had to come back for a second try and REALLY eat a whole half pound on my own to make this decision. LOL. The Jumbo shrimps, are as big as my hand and twice the size of my mouth! I had to come home and cut them into bite size pieces because the breading on the shrimp was so thick and crusty that it was literally shredding the roof of my mouth. Like other yelpers, I feel that the shrimp itself tasted like it was soaking in a garlic clove and there was way too much breading on them. The neighborhood itself is quite scary let alone being INSIDE had me feeling like "is shrimp worth my life?" after this visit, sadly it is not. Sorry Goose Island, I'm a Lawrence's girl :-)
(2)
Edward H.
Man oh man... this is a great place to grease your belly (inside, not out silly!) up with fried goodies (hopefully from the sea and not anywhere near the Chicago river nearby). This little rundown place serves up greasy nuggets of tasty bliss for the masses - probably mostly the drunk masses. I've been here sober but it's 10x's better not. I'm not even sure if this place ever closes... they seem to be open at all odd hours of the night. So if you're coming back from a binge at nearby Gold Coast or Wrigleyville... this place has got what you need.
(4)
Omar W.
The fish and chips are the bomb. the breading is a little heavy. but over all really tasty. I can remember many of nights making that late night run to the Goose!
(3)
John H.
Once is enough. Food is ok, but service is just not there. They need to have tickets and to watch who is in line.
(2)
Syretta H.
Love Goose Island, especially after leaving the club and having that late night craving for greasy food. I don't know the hours of this place, it seems like they open late at night...not real sure, I've never really been there during the day. I've only ever had the shrimp, but my boyfriend has had the frog legs and loves them. Another reason I like Goose Island Shrimp House is because they cook the food while you wait. So it's hot and fresh and greasy.....just love it!
(5)
Jesse W.
This place has one of the best shrimp values in Chicago ($4 per half-pound). But even with that in mind, I couldn't see myself placing an order in the florescent-lit shack again. Most of the shrimps weight seems to come from the overly salty, garlicky, heavy batter. I stripped the batter from the shrimp and came out with a nice, jumbo size shrimp... too bad it remained excessively salty. I could hardly taste the shrimp as my blood pressure rose to unhealthy levels. The mild sauce is a mix of ketchup and mustard; and the hot sauce is your south side standard. Gladly, I tried only the fried jumbo shrimp. You can even find tastier, but smaller, shrimp at your local J&J or Shark's.
(3)
S to the izzo F.
Found an after hours and still hungry, swing by here any time and get some real comfort food. When you wake up in the morning you will hate yourself but at 4 AM, damn good food!!! Everything is deep fried. You've been slowly killing yourself all night so why stop! The food does taste good and the hot sauce is great! Plus, if you bring enough to the after hours, everyone will love you! Maybe I should try it out during the day... yea right!
(4)
Charles Q.
one of the top shrimp houses in the city...glad that they are still around...
(4)
tulip f.
it's been a few years sence i been here. can't wait to go back i know the location is not in the best place but the jumbo shrimps are awsome!
(5)
Amaliya L.
Do not confuse this place with the gross brewery that shares it's name. Goose Island Shrimp House is an incredible fish house tucked inside what most people would find a daunting, scary area. Yes, it is walking distance, not even a block from Cabrini Green. And yes, it is often scary to go there, but damn, I would walk there if I had to. This place rocks. The hand floured corn breaded Shrimp each weigh a ton and are bigger than your hand. The scallops are perfect and melt in your mouth! They weigh your seafood before breading, and frying it, so you definitely get your money's worth. They offer 2 very distinct dipping sauces, and it is definitely not hot sauce and ketchup. I've never had anything that didn't taste fresh or seemed "dirty". The only thing that I have had that I did not like because I was not used to it was the catfish nuggets. Their food is not what gourmands would consider fine dining, etc..it is just good real seafood. The lines out the door and along the counter is testament to this. This is a family business, they have another location on the west side. When my husband and I used to be really really poor, wanted to treat ourselves or cheer each other up, we would head to Goose Island. TO this day, it still brings a huge smile to my face and my tummy loves them!
(5)
Michelle W.
So the location isn't that desirable (right across the street from Cabrini Green), but the food is cheap and good. You can get shrimp by the pound and fish & clams too. The breading on the shrimp is a little weird, but the clams are really good. Their hot sauce is yummy too.
(4)
Bobby G.
I mean it's kickass fried shrimp. Like really Fred. And the hot sauce isn't hot but more like a southwestern tangy deliciousness. It's in the middle of nowhere and there's no seating so take that for what it is. The wait is around 15 minutes but there's arcade games. I want to go back and eat the fish chips because everybody's doing it.
(5)
David O.
Been here once, the food compares to Captain B's in Cicero very much(possibly same owners)only exception is this place is a shit hole!
(3)
Marc D.
I love Goose Island but I don't understand why is closed it's supposed to be open till 4 a.m.
(4)
NENE W.
Not a fan, the shrimp are fried to hard & it scratches the inside of my mouth. I am a shrimp lover.
(2)
Cindy L.
Goose Island Shrimp House Chicago, has been in the same location for well over two decades. They have celebrity pictures on the wall. I've eaten at this restaurant for many, many years. I usually buy the jumbo shrimp. They are HUGE, and not over seasoned with salt, or breading. The shrimp are de-vained and clean. Prices are reasonable. This is NOT a sit down fancy restaurant. This restaurant is well worth the drive if you're craving big fresh jumbo shrimp. The customer service is not so great, but the food is delicious!!!
(5)
Marianna C.
The most phenomenal shrimp of all time! I've been going since I was a kid and wont stop now.
(5)
Happiness L.
This place has...character and the very very very best jumbo fried shrimp on the planet. They sell their own cocktail sauce,..,don't complain about the $1 charge just buy some as your taste buds will be happy. The guy behind the counter is nice. The crowd is diverse. You can play classic Ms PacMan or pinball while you wait for your order so bring quarters. Note that there are no tables. This is a take out place. If you are super hungry when you get your order you can stand and eat by a small ledge counter by the window. Wish they were open 7 days a week yet happy they take time off for rest. Yay! A big time favorite.
(5)
Aeri B.
Literally the best seafood in Chicago. Way better than Lawrence's! I always get half pound of regular shrimp and two orders of clam strips with the hot sauce. Tastes super fresh. I've had a half order of jumbo shrimp and those things are huge. Some may say too big but I didn't mind it. You just need to be ready for how big these shrimps are or else you will be caught off guard lol. Cash only. No seating. Strictly coming for the food. And that's 100% fine with me.
(5)
Alexander T.
The food here is good. The service staff if rude and the wait time is high. Especially if you go at night when most people crave seafood anyway. If its lat forget about it just go to white castle there will be long lines. There have been times I wanted it so bad i waited and there have been times the wait wasn't worth it and I just drove away. I tried to call in my order to avoid the line and they refused the call in. So I will rate this ok because I love the food but am not a fan of the service.
(3)
Justin B.
Stick to the basics--fried shrimp, fries, soda. All were great and all were cheap. The catfish was cheap too, but it was so laden with chunky bone pieces (like, the size of a quarter or larger in some cases) that I would skip the catfish next time. Called ahead and all was ready in 20 minutes...and, you can't beat the prices: a pound of shrimp, a pound of catfish, two orders of fries and a soda was done for less than $20. Very plain interior so no place to dine in. Solid!
(4)
Kevin B.
Goose Island is going to that spot either you mess with it or you don't. Its really no grey area. If you are a late night, food junkie that doesn't want to pay alot of money, Welcome to Goose Island. Because their shrimp is great and they give you a lot for your money. Its cash only but for 5-10 bucks (depending on the size of your order), you'll tons of great tasting shrimp in a paper bag and can be on your way. If you are the type who doesnt like hole in the wall spots and wants breadsticks with your shrimp, pass on Goose Island. As I said before the shrimp is great but place is a true hole in the wall. Its Cash Only and no where to sit. And its not an ATM near so keep that in mind when you stumble in there off a Friday night bender. But if you just want good food, hit an ATM in route and go.
(4)
Marisa A.
Probably worth it for the experience alone. Come here after a long night, park outside, get your shrimp in a bag, then sit in your car and eat it while watching all sorts of characters do the exact same thing you just did. The shrimp is interesting. No one is lying here when they say they're huge! And the tails are still on, but breaded so easy to accidentally ingest. The breading is really thick but not particularly flavorful. Clam strips are the same thing... but clam strips. Fries were good in the way that only fries stuffed in paper bag can be, but they really need salt. It seems like a lot of people like the hot sauce, but I just thought it was ok.
(3)
Mikey S.
If you haven't had it, your missing out the best fried shrimp. So good the line speak for it's self
(5)
Hollywood P.
All you need to know is after partying in the Clubs or a Bar, Goose Island is the Spot to Hit on the way Home. Never in my life have I tasted better Shrimp and yes that includes Lawrence's! The Clam strips are off the Hook as well and don't be shy to try their Frog Legs!! Seafood is more expensive regardless where you go so the prices shouldn't be a concern. You'll get Quality and Quantity! The Goose gets nothing less than 5 Stars!!
(5)
Gerrin C.
So I had heard that this is the place to go for shrimp. I was so excited to finally get the shrimp and catfish. The shrimp were huge and it smelled great. However, after the first bite I was very disappointed. Everything tasted like it was fried in old grease. It was a total waste of $25 for a pound and a half of Jumbo Shrimp and half pound of cat fish. The cat fish had a lot of bones. The breading was extra thick. I won't be going there again. Lawrence's is much better.
(1)
Andre W.
This place has been around forever! I remember my aunt and uncles would always talk about coming here after being out partying on weekends. I remember being a teenager eating the leftover shrimp they could not eat and I enjoyed the hell out of it. I decided to stop by recently for nostalgia sake. I ordered 1/2lbs of jumbo shrimp. I always enjoy checking out old establishments that have signed pics of local and world celebrities. Shaq, Lisa Raye, local news reporters and countless others have donated their John Hancocks to the wall of fame here. My food didn't take very long to come out and I hopped in my car and drove home. I was excited to try the shrimp I hadn't eaten in almost 20 years. Once home I ripped the damn bag open and saw my big ass shrimp which caused the hunger to rise. There was too much breading on the shrimp which made it difficult to eat and it definitely affected the taste in a major way. Not as good as I remember it. The hot sauce definitely added flavor to the overly breaded shrimp and would probably be good on anything fried. People behind the counter are really cool. Parking here should be easy as there is street parking in front. The place is virtually in the middle of nowhere with nothing else to eat until you drive about a mile west on Division. I would definitely try the place again, but I prefer Lawrence Fisheries shrimp.
(3)
Brenda P.
Ordered a pound of scallops and a half pound of friend oysters, both were warm fresh and delicious, couldn't eat there but yowza amazing flavor. I am in love with the fried scallops, melt in your mouth goodness and they're open till 5!? Winning!!
(5)
Carl G.
Exactly what you think it is: a hole in the wall, cash only, and deep friend goodness. Pretty simple menu, pretty simple food. Staff is nice, food comes out pretty quick - the call in business seemed to be booming, and there were a lot of regulars in there as well. Breading seems to be cornmeal and is laid on nice and thick. Everything is breaded (tails included), and everything goes well with the sauces they hand out. It isn't your normal Chicago fast food place - definitely worth a trip.
(4)
Careese H.
I have been coming here since I was a child and it had always tasted the same and been fresh and delicious! The shrimp and scallops are my fav's! Oh and it's cash only!
(5)
Julian C.
I feel like I am the only one that thinks it is just "ok". I was so excited because it is a staple in Chicago. The shrimp have a lot of breading on them. My partner liked the fish chips. I honestly think Shrimp Express in Cal City is so much more fresh and does not have all the batter.
(3)
Shaun S.
I got a pound of skrimps and clam strips. The shrimps tasted good, the breading was ok. I came here during lunch. The service was fast and they hooked it up with shrimp. I couldn't come close to finishing it. The hot sauce is on point, probably my favorite part.
(4)
Yvonne B.
Um. No. Some people (who very much tickled my fancy) painted such vivid word pictures of stopping by Goose Island Shrimp House and bringing it home for dinner and of love and life and happiness... Well. I gushed! I had to stop there on my way to M's. I easily parked on the side of Division (for free!) and went into this hole in the wall place. I thought, "Down the rabbit's hole and into wonderland!!!" Freakin' exciting! Folks were leaning against the counter and the wall. There were two arcade games and no chairs. No tables. The counter was as tall as my shoulders. There were snap shots on the walls of [of what I assume to be] pron stars and family members. The floor was dirty. I ordered a pound of jumbo shrimp. The person after me got catfish. I asked him if it was good and he said that everyone he knows loves it. I added 3/4 pound of that to my order and asked him to throw in two Goose Island sauces ($1 each) for the heck of it. I stood around for long, long, long minutes. I texted M, "I'm getting us dinner now. :-) get excited!" I watched people order and pick up their food. I noticed that they all paid with cash. I wondered if it was a cash only place? I wouldn't put it past a hole in the wall joint to be a cash only place. Then again, there weren't any signs ANYWHERE that indicated such. Besides, cash only places usually have an ATM and this place only had those two arcade games. I walked to the opposite side of the room to see if I could possibly see the kitchen. I couldn't. Then they brought my order to the counter and I timidly started to hand over my debit card. Cash only. I asked where I could get cash. He said at the gas station over the bridge and to the left. Scrap that idea! I drove a half mile to a free ATM (free for me, at least) inside of K-Mart and then drove back. I paid $20.27. I got my food and brought it to M's. Up until this point, I believe that I would have given this place four or five stars if the food was nearly as amazing as what was described to me. But HECK NO. Both the shrimp and the catfish were both breaded and were indistinguishable from one another by a quick once over. The shrimp still had the shells on the ends and the catfish had bones in it. M called it a day after only a few bites but I wanted to power through. The breading was pretty thick and heavy. I think it might have been made with cornmeal. It had good flavor, but was too much. Eventually I started dissecting it by removing the breading to expose the shells and bones so that I could remove them before they poked my tongue and crunched in my teeth. M watched me sympathetically. She offered to make something else for me and tried her hardest to get me to give up on it. All I can say now is that those people who recommended Goose Island Shrimp House to me must have different tastes that me. I wonder if they knew that shells were on the shrimp or that bones were in the catfish? I haven't a clue, but I know it's not for me.
(1)
Diana T.
Love their scallops and their hot sauce. You can't beat them for what you get. Their freshness is the best on all they offer
(5)
Jean S.
I went here today i must say the jumbo shrimps are good but the have to much breading.also i tried the froglegs,in fish chips it all taste the same.
(3)
Vivian H.
Was walking home on Division from Ashland and the only enticing eaterie that popped up on Yelp was this place. The only storefront as far as the eye could see, 9pm, in the middle of a dark street.. probably not a great place for a girl to go alone... but everyone (staff & patrons) was so nice! Got the catfish and fries.. excuse me it was only $4? I only got the 1/2 lb catfish but it was like 5 huge pieces. Catfish itself tasted pretty fresh and was yummy enough, but the breading was kinda flavorless and a bit too thick, and there were a couple pieces with lots of bones. I got the hot sauce which helped but wasn't a huge fan of that either. Fries could use seasoning. It was certainly not the greatest food but for the price and the hours it's open, can't be beat.
(3)
Tenzo D.
Either you get it or you dont This is a cash only hole in the wall, evidenced by signs that say 'cash only' and have pictures of credit cards with a red X through them. This place defines hole in the wall and defines the neighborhood before it was gentrified. Dont pass on the fish chips. They are the best thing there. Although a lot of my friends like the shrimp. I order a pound bag for $5 and that is a LOT of food.
(5)
Johnny T.
So, the long and short of it is: I guess I don't like fried oysters. I mean, I used to. I lived in New Orleans and would eat them all of the time. Thing is, when I ate them, I don't recall space alien-green sh!t (literally) oozing out of them all the time. It's repulsive. Of all the things to willingly put into one's mouth, this has to go near the bottom. Yes, I'm a Protestant. But, seriously, my meal here might have been one of the most singularly unhealthy things I have ever eaten. I ordered a 1/2 scallop, 1/2 oyster and 1/2 shrimp meal with fries. The shrimp were very large, expertly breaded and incredibly satisfying. And, after observation, they were de-veined, which is points for me. The rating has much to do with the shrimp and I would probably come back here to eat them (or, eat someone else's). The sauce was a slight upgrade from the usual cocktail sauce and provided just the right coating for the sea roaches. The scallops, too, were quite large, nicely breaded and tasted great. If I had never seen what these ugly f*ckers look like in the wild, I would eat them again. But, I can't. They're disgusting. They have all these beady, googly eyes all over their shells... ugh, I am getting grossed out by even writing it. Tasted good -- but no more for me. The oysters were... hot. I took a bite a did the "Haa-haaa-haa" thing and waved at my mouth. Spitting the bivalve onto a piece of paper so as to stop the scalding, I looked into the abyss and came back a changed man. The oyster was full of green ick and it was nauseating. I put that one aside and cut into another. More ooze. I tried to pawn one off on my friend as an experiment. He cussed me out. I just couldn't do it. No amount of sauce, breading or hype could get me to eat those things. I tried to salvage the meal with the fries. They were eh. The heat from the sea food made 'em soggy (the order came in the same brown bag). The lack of over salting/seasoning kept them bland. I threw most away. But, in GISH's defense, I was sober throughout the experience. There's a reason this is drunk-food.
(3)
Michelle C.
I heard great things about GISH and that the jumbo shrimp were delicious and the best in Chicago. So, I drove all the way from the Southside of Chicago and paid $69.72 for 3 lbs of shrimp, 1lb of catfish, 3 orders of lunchroom cookies, and 6 pops. Oh and 3 extra sauces! If you enjoy jumbo heavy, heavy, cornmeal breading on your shrimp then you will love this place. I myself found the shrimp to be the nastiest shrimp I've ever eaten. The hot sauce is some kind of weird color that was unrecognizable, didn't even touch that. The only good thing I can report is the Sprite was delish.
(1)
Marvin N.
Went last night. Not at all what I expected. The breading was heavy thick coating that was gross. I couldn't tell the difference between the jumbo shrimp and catfish. The catfish still had the bones in it and was undercooked. I did like the Clams. That's about it.
(1)
Henry L.
Shrimp house is right down the road and from all the reviews we decided to give it a try for lunch. About 5 of us order about 5# shrimp, 1/2#oysters, clams, fries, almost everything. I think most of these 4-5 stars are just having a nostalgia moment. The food was OK at best, oysters were downright scary. Breading was thick but shrimp size was good, just not much flavor. Goose Island sauce is just cocktail sauce (over priced). Won't be back except maybe for the clam strips. They seemed to be breaded differently which makes me think right from the freezer into the fryer from Gordon's fisherman.
(1)
Kevin Z.
Fried shrimp. regular shrimp is perfect, they have jumbo too if you like it big. they have a bunch of other fried seafood but I have only gotten the shrimp (its their name after all...) i got 3 pounds and took it to a party and was mister popular. the sauces are all good, they have bottles of hot sauce for sale too, the guy at the counter suggested an awesome one. cash only. hole in the wall. take out only. call ahead. if you dont understand these things stay away and leave it for us who appreciate it.
(4)
Julio G.
The best fry shrimp in Chicago,and at $9.00 a pound.I havebeen going to GOOSE for 40 years and Tony and the guys are the best.
(5)
Patrick J.
Staff rude, loud music and loud talking coming from the kitchen. Ghetto joint!!!! No class whatsoever. I stopped by hear because of the rumor of their shrimp. These shrimp has to be on Steroids. I ordered a 1/2 pound and paid 6.00 bucks for 5 pawns!!
(2)
Tony R.
Delish. Love the Smelts with a little hot sauce mixed with the Cocktail sauce. If your looking for fine dining or a healthy salad, this is not the place. If your looking for a whole in the wall to pick up delicious fried Jumbo Shrimp or Smelts, this is the place. As others described, it's best to call the friendly staff to place your order ahead of time..
(5)
Nate L.
I wish it wasn't such pain in the a$$ to get to this place. This small restaurant is located on division between 2 bridges and the traffic is almost unbearable. Nevertheless, this is probably one of the best shrimp places I've ever had a pleasure to devour (trust me, I've been all over the world) I usually call ahead and order 1/2 to 3/4 lbs jumbo shrimp and 1/2 of catfish. What makes it so good is the breading. I don't know that the mixture is, but it's cripsy on the outside, and soft/moist/juicy on the inside. I've never had a bad meal from this place, but only thing I've ordered are the shrimps and catfish. I might order some fried oysters but after reading JT's review, it might not be a good idea. Hot damn man, their hot sauce is pretty good too! I was pretty skeptical about hot sauce at a seafood joint since every hot sauce I've tried around chicago has been..... straight up garbage. In the end, this is probably my favorite place to get fried shrimp and catfish so far, I know few other places (lawrence fish market) I need to try but so far, this is it for me! And parking ain't a problem either, it's in middle of industrial area so there are tons of free street parking. But call ahead so you don't have to wait in line for too long. Peave out homie. Oh yeah. CASH ONLY! 1 pinball machine and 1 arcade with pac-man and galaga installed. You can play while you wait if you want to.
(5)
Edward E.
Expensive and not very high quality. The counter people were very friendly, but way too much breading for my taste.
(2)
Dee M.
The shrimp is the star of this place HUGE tasty and filling .I love the ocean scallops personally which also are huge and wonderful and full of flavor .While i am not a fan of their sauce everything else I have ever purchased from this establishment seems to please my palate and doesn't kil my wallet and that important in my book . There is one problem parking and navigating the area but is definitely worth it once you get there .
(3)
Amy H.
Pardon my French, but what the f@ck??? And I say that in a good way. The other night after a lot of drinking, a few friends and I made a stop at the Goose Island Shrimp House. We all waited in the car while one person ran in and 5 minutes later was back in the car with a bag full of deep fried goodies. The deep fried shrimp was as big as my head! Ok, it really wasn't, but it was HUUUUGE!! The deep fried oyster was even bigger! This is drunk food on steroids! Deep fried, artery clogging goodness. At least the seafood part of it is healthy, right?
(3)
Melissa S.
I pass the shrimp house 5 days a week and today was my first visit. I of course yelped ahead and read some reviews. Here's the nitty gritty: - CASH ONLY - take out only - call ahead (it gets busy in there) - decent prices - huge jumpo shrimp and great oysters! I called ahead to pick up my order in time for my boyfriends lunch break. The man who answered was very polite and friendly, which is unusual for phone orders, so I had a good vibe already! Everything was ready when I got there and I paid $23 for a pound of huge, delicious fried shrimp, a half pound of oysters, fries, 2 cans of pop, lemon juice, hot sauce, and their signature sauce. I have always gone to Lawrences on Lawrence, but now I think I found a more convenient, affordable and tasty new shrimp house!
(5)
Howard C.
Some of the best fried shrimp I've ever had. The Goose Island Sauce is a MUST. The hot sauce is also fantabulous. You can call ahead, but if its late enough it only takes them about 10 minutes to throw your order together. And don't worry, you won't get shot. Well, most likely won't get shot. Park right out in front, run inside, order your shrimp and enjoy. I like the jumbo. The "pros" seem to order the regular. I have yet to order the regular size. Jumbo are $12 a pound, regular are $8.50 a pound. All I know is, when shrimp are so good that you are happy to eat the tail, then these are some damn good shrimp. You will enjoy!
(5)
LANCE L.
G.I.S.H. is a unique Chicago experience, though not for the faint of heart. You gan get the regular shrimp or the JUMBO 6 count to the pound shrimp here. I know of no where else that serves these jumbo monsters in the Chicago area. This is walk in; carry out only. No place to sit and eat. Parking on the street only. The place looks "grungy" but I have never heard anything about health problems with the food. The shrimp do tend to be "over breaded", and over cooked, for the most part, but the trick here is to ask for everything "LIGHTLY BREADED", and "LIGHTLY FRIED". You may have to wait a little longer, but it's worth it. I suggest bringing your own bottle of hot sauce or the like, and a salt shaker. I used to be able to take my bag of shrimp and walk up to "LIFE'S TOO SHORT" and eat them with a beer, but that place doesn't exist anymore. Another tragedy. So there it is. Follow my suggestions and you will have a great experience.
(4)
Dennis B.
I've lived in Chicago all my life and everyone talks about this place being so great. The Shrimp has to much bread on it. It's like I was eating fried cornbread. Not sure why so many people love this place. I went right after the work and there was no line, thank god, because I'd of been mad if I had to stand in line for it. The staff however are very friendly, which is why I give two stars.
(2)
Renee W.
These have to be the biggest Jumbo Shrimp I have ever seen or ate! OMG! it is like eating a steak. I can only eat 2 of them. I have been stopping in at this place over the years when I am in Chicago and nothing has changed which is good but for newbies the experience could be good or bad. The atmosphere is get in and get out so call ahead. The place is not fancy but the Shrimp is good!. Now I am not a fan of their shrimp sauce because it is too tangy for me so I carry my own sauce with me if I want to tear right into the bag and start eating once I get in the car.
(4)
Jackie G.
Two words: JUMBO SHRIMP! I absolutely love this place. Just grab your food and go. Call ahead though because most of the time, they take forever. It's not really a place you want to hang out at and wait for your food. The Jumbo Shrimp is so good though. i also tried the frog legs but they were nothing to write home about. The canned pops are always ice cold too. All you need is a half pound (or pound) of jumbo shrimp and a can of Root Beer. :)
(5)
Dee D.
DELICIOUS, cheap seafood. I'd recommend to anyone. Call ahead, because it will take forever for your food. I love the clam strips.
(4)
Stephanie M.
The best things on the menu are the regular shrimp and the scallops, make sure to ask for the scallops to be cooked dry so they aren't soggy. And you've got to go for the hot sauce...it's the perfect marriage. Always call ahead, waiting there can take forever when it's busy.
(4)
Maria H.
((((day dreaming of Goose Island shrimp)))) This is one of those Chicago staples.. nothing fancy abt this spot, it's somewhat in the hood, and you'lll prob run into some sketchy characters... keep your doors locked and windows rolled up when you go in. I say this only b/c my dumb arse left my windows down one visit, and had anything in plain sight stolen out my car. it is what it is, and that is the price of amazing shrimp. Their sauce is what marries it all together- a bit tart and spicey.. mm, delicious. Crunchy and well seasoned.. you just have to order a lb of jumbo shrimp!!!
(5)
Dan D.
Want GOOD fried shrimp that is fresh, never frozen, cheap, and from a place that has been around for a few decades?! Well I'm glad to let you know that Goose Island Shrimp House is THE destination for yourself. Don't be discouraged by the appearance of the outside or inside. Just a bare-bones white counter, non-flashy sign, easy to miss on Division Ave... but they will cook up the best tasty little shrimps your lil heart can handle. I recommend the super-spicy hot-sauce (it isn't that spicy, don't be a baby). Cheap, delicious, and I hope they will be around for another few decades!
(5)
Rose Q.
Great Shrimp... Love it. Cheap...but good and fresh!
(4)
Phyllis S.
OK.. this will be quick. The line was long OK. The shrimp were TERRIBLE!! Shrimp are to be golden with a slight crunch, this was beyond crunchy to say the least, it was just plain HARD! The crust or should I say batter was not up to my standards at all. In fact anyone who thinks that these are good shrimp, well they have not gotten out much to eat. I expected more, from the reviews, but sometimes you cannot believe the hype!!
(1)
Laneka G.
I order the jumbo shrimp, they are nice sized but i wish there was just a little less breading on them. i like their shrimp better than lawrences the scallops are the bomb! perfect size taste and breading love love love them. i only really like tater sauce didnt use the sauce they gave me
(4)
Marcee W.
If you like your shrimp gigantic and fried hard and crunchy, this is the place for you! Order a steamy, one pound bag of jumbo shrimp and cocktail sauce, but be prepared to eat it in your car outside. It's part of the experience and it's a carryout only place. Also, bring cash, They don't take credit cards. Enjoy!
(4)
Khadijah L.
AMAZING. Wonderfully deep fried seafood in a questionably ghetto sketch area with friendly service. They're open till 5 am, and you can call ahead to order and pickup if you don't want to wait around inside. Jumbo Shrimp was humongous, albeit really really thick breading. The shrimp was still huge, but the breading makes me sated really quickly. My favorite is the fried scallops and clams. Nom nom. delish. The sauce is great, but I can't see how its amazing as people mention here. I've tasted sauce from a bottle just as tasty. Anyway, i almost don't want to write a review about it because I want it to be a secret. Haha.
(4)
Edward W.
If you're not from the city manage your expectations here. This is an inner city experience. The cast of characters you'll encounter here will certainly be interesting and may be frightening. Cash only my friends. Take out only. Don't even think about eating in here. No delivery. Everything is fried and the breading is extra thick. Some people think it's too thick. The place is a dump but clean. Its located in a scary lonely street at night but there are probably a couple of police officers inside getting a pound of jumbo to go. A real bare bones place but the food is great. If I'm not that hungry I get a order of fried clams, a bag of chips and a pop. Otherwise I'm a pound of jumbo with two bags of chips and two pops. Occasionally the frog legs. Here is how it goes at Goose. Don't mess with the staff. While you're still in your car get the money you expect to spend out and put it separately in your pocket. When you pay you won't have to pull out your entire wallet or a wad of cash. Walk in. Look at large menu above counter. Smile for the ten security cameras. They've been robbed a couple of times. When the guy looks at you tell him the main thing you want. e.g. Pound of jumbo. Half pound of regular. Two order of clams. That's it. Get it. Small talk is unnecessary and unwanted. Stand to the side and enjoy the show. Usually a great people watching experience. Now when they tell you your order is ready tell them what kind of pop you want and what kind of chips. Tell them whether you want the hot or mild sauce. It's included in the price but extra sauce costs extra. Don't take too much time. You should have decided what you wanted while you were waiting for your order. The hot sauce is hot and the mild sauce is mild. Don't ask about it. I always get the Goose Island sauce. Yeah it's extra but I like it. Now reach into your pocket and only grab the money you put aside earlier. Just pull out what you need. Pay and get out.
(5)
Chas J.
Food was ok. Nothing so good I'd go out if my way for and not so bad that I'd never go back again.
(3)
Chan K.
I stoppped by here on my way to Fed Ex. I must say it's a hole in the wall, but hey I got my food to go (and there's no seating so you can't eat there anyway). The shrimp were fresh and hot, and I really savored the hot sauce.. The breading was bit thick, however, but I guess that's just their style. I still liked it and am definitely coming back to try the fried scallops. Oh and they have frog legs for you meat lovers.
(3)
Miles F.
Love the Shrimp. Best afterhours meal hands down
(4)
Blythe Z.
So, my husband got lucky..... I like good fried food over a fancy white table cloth place any day. SCALLOPS - don't need anything thing else. YUM-O! Honestly I was a lil upset the other stuff wasn't as great as I had pictured it be in my mind. BRING CASH - no credit. I also read other's complain about the staff - I thought they were really friendly and talkative, so 2 thumps up for service. A great Dive Place!
(4)
Kevin T.
Tasty fried seafood, shrimp, frog legs, oysters, fish, etc...open till 5am. Try the Goose Island Sauce. Good stuff.
(4)
Sherrie N.
I like breaded seafood. The scallops were cooked perfectly, so good. I didn't like my fries though. The only thing I didn't like were the fries and maybe that's just because the scallops outshined them so much. It's cheap and the portions are generous.
(4)
Richard A.
EPIC WIN I've been going here for years. This is a Chicago classic. Every time it's exactly the same delicious taste. Awesome fried fish. The fried oysters are my favorite. It's not super cheep or expensive, and it's to go only, so you stand around waiting for them to call out your order.. There is plenty of street parking right in front. This place just does it right. Period I'll be coming back for years to come. Thanks guys!
(5)
Chicago g.
Good and cheap ... take out only ... free street parking.
(5)
Aaron L.
4* Jumbo Fried Shrimp 2.5* Fried Mushrooms
(4)
E J.
OVERRATED! I just returned from Chicago from being in SC for a week where I literally ate good seafood every day. After checking out YELP for suggestions on good fried seafood, I read the reviews about this place, realized that it was close and decided to take my chances. *sigh* Must say, I was not impressed - not at all. As a matter of fact, I was deeply disappointed. I ordered the Jumbo Shrimp, Scallops, and Catfish. Shrimp were large but the breading was toooooo thick and the shrimp were fried too hard. The scallops were ...BLAH... and so was the catfish. I'm good with a whole in the wall every now and then, but Needless to say, I won't be returning.
(1)
Ayo R.
The Jumbo Shrimp is the bizness!!! I loved the food. Where else in Chicago can you still get a can of pop for 65 cents? At least around the Northside? They were friendly and the food was hot and delish! Definitely will be going back! I have read some reviews on here about the place being "ghetto" All in all it is a shrimp and fish shack!!! This is not some 5 star restaurant, it is the same type of shrimp and fish shack you would encounter in the deep south like in New Orleans or Houston (I know because I have been). So relax, get your food and STFU!!!!
(4)
Brady H.
Wonderfully ghetto. Friendly service. No frills. Awesome jumbo shrimp - very jumbo! The goose island sauce is delicious, though an extra $1 is sketchy. As an aside, the crazy upscale Calumet photo shop is just aronud the corner from there. Pick up your high end camera gear and stop by for a snack to take home.
(3)
Ryan B.
Completely ghetto joint across the river from what was once the Cabrini Green housing projects on Division St.. You can't eat there...it's dirty...it's very unappealing...BUT, don't be intimidated! Park on the dark street, head inside, order a pound of jumbo shrimp, a pound of fish nuggets, 4 hot sauces and 2 x 7UP's and you'll be glad you did. If you go on a Friday or Saturday night you'll be waiting awhile (standing), but it's worth it. They even have a big picture window so you can keep an eye on your car! Don't be a wuss...visit this charcoal-covered gem and keep it in your back pocket.
(5)
Dee C.
Hmmm, has their batter changed? I hadn't been to Goose Island since college days in the mid-late 90's but always remembered it as delicious. I went today and got a pound of jumbo shrimp. I always remembered their batter as similar to a rich version of a beer batter - light and crispy on the outside and a little soft on the inside. What I got today was much different and the only comparison I can think of is the outside of a hush puppy. Much harder and thicker - similar to what you find on frozen fried fish that you would buy at the grocery store. It was still a tasty shrimp but nowhere near as delicious as I remember and certainly not worth leaving the house to drive my pregnant, shrimp-craving self to pick some up. The 3 star rating is due in part to my nostalgia for the place.
(3)
Neil C.
Flame biz, real Chicagoans know whats up, negative reviews on here are from lames that just moved here. Goose Island & Hagens is the best fried shrimp & scallops in town.
(5)
Janeen W.
I can't believe that Goose Island has gotten alot of good reviews!!! Let me start off by saying that 20 years ago this place was rocking. I have heard that 35 years ago that it was even better. I remember my mama taking me here in 1991, I was 10 years old. It was so soooo good. I recently went in their to get that taste of nostalgia...I would have better off going to Chuck-e-Cheese!! Those were the worst shrimp I have ever had. It was a below average sized shrimp with a ton of tasteless breading to make it look Jumbo. Flavorless, Overcooked, and that tasted old as hell!!! They should be ashamed of what Goose Island has become!!!!!!! Damn Ashamed!!!
(1)
Kellie B.
Goose Island Shrimp is affordable, fast, and arrives in brown paper bags with their very own recipe called Goose Sauce, which is your cocktail sauce. It has a bit more horseradish which I liked a lot. The actual shrimp are larger than described, and in a half inch thick cracker breaded crust. Very crunchy, and very unique. \ I just, like mine from Michigan with beer batter. I really enjoyed the spicy horseradish sauce though, it seemed like fresh radishes were used. Carryout only.
(2)
Terrence C.
I think I've tried every fried seafood joint in Chicago, and Goose Island takes first place. Don't bring a date here or anything, but if you want to grub it out in the car or at home, this place will hit the spot. Ironically, while the seafood is insanely fresh, my favorite thing is the hot sauce. After years of trying to decipher the ingredients, I found its a mixture of hot sauce and mustard. ANYWAY. Shrimp and catfish are the way to go. Jumbo shrimp are HUGE and taste really fresh. Had fried oysters and to this day I can't figure out why it looked and tasted the way it did. It wasn't bad, just wasn't good. Similar to how you feel after eating a piece of celery. Go at off peak times, or you'll probably wait a bit. Pacman and pinball games await though.
(4)
Christina S.
I've been goin to this place with my dad since i was about 5 years old. You wanna try a scary neighborhood? Try goin to goose island about 20 years ago! then you guys can whine. Nowadays the nieghborhood has changed alot, but the place is still the same and as delicious as i remember. healthy, maybe not? But tasty?? hells yes!
(5)
Adam M.
Before finding this joint, I didn't even know there was an actual "Goose Island" in Chicago. Holy crap! It's the 'island' that is surrounded by a split in the (Chicago?) River, which is bisected by Division street. Anyway, GISH has some crazy amazing shrimp. Biggest I've ever eaten, and somehow incredibly fresh tasting (even though they're surrounded by like half an inch of breading). Fried mushrooms ... clam strips ... scallops ... /drool If you're going to order GISH - I have a recipe for the ultimate dipping sauce which compliments their fried delectables perfectly: Equal parts: Frank's Red Hot, ketchup, and ranch dressing. You're welcome.
(4)
Arlene G.
OMG! I've ben coming here for years and I an't get enough of it! I always order a pound of regular shrimp and a pound of oysters. I haven't been able to find fried oysters anywhere else that tastes this good! The food tastes even better after a night out clubbin! I don't know if it's the grease mixed with the alcohol that makes everything so delicious but whatever it is, I'll take it! I've been daring before and tried the frog legs and smelts, but it's just not as good as the shrimps and oysters.
(5)
Y.D. K.
The shrimp in this place is quite good, though not the best in my book - breading is a bit heavy, and the hot sauce is actually a bit medium and milky. Never had their catfish, cod, and frog legs. They are open late hours. Staff could use some shake up; there's one guy who's good in getting your orders and seems like a decent chap, but there's another one who's downright rude and will almost yell at you - so in general, don't take them to heart, get your food, pay for it and just leave. Parking is limited in front of the place, though there's other places to park nearby, but just watch out for the towing areas.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : No Good For : Late Night Parking : Street Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Divey Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Drive-Thru : No Caters : No
Tony R.
Delish. Love the Smelts with a little hot sauce mixed with the Cocktail sauce. If your looking for fine dining or a healthy salad, this is not the place. If your looking for a whole in the wall to pick up delicious fried Jumbo Shrimp or Smelts, this is the place. As others described, it's best to call the friendly staff to place your order ahead of time..
(5)Nate L.
I wish it wasn't such pain in the a$$ to get to this place. This small restaurant is located on division between 2 bridges and the traffic is almost unbearable. Nevertheless, this is probably one of the best shrimp places I've ever had a pleasure to devour (trust me, I've been all over the world) I usually call ahead and order 1/2 to 3/4 lbs jumbo shrimp and 1/2 of catfish. What makes it so good is the breading. I don't know that the mixture is, but it's cripsy on the outside, and soft/moist/juicy on the inside. I've never had a bad meal from this place, but only thing I've ordered are the shrimps and catfish. I might order some fried oysters but after reading JT's review, it might not be a good idea. Hot damn man, their hot sauce is pretty good too! I was pretty skeptical about hot sauce at a seafood joint since every hot sauce I've tried around chicago has been..... straight up garbage. In the end, this is probably my favorite place to get fried shrimp and catfish so far, I know few other places (lawrence fish market) I need to try but so far, this is it for me! And parking ain't a problem either, it's in middle of industrial area so there are tons of free street parking. But call ahead so you don't have to wait in line for too long. Peave out homie. Oh yeah. CASH ONLY! 1 pinball machine and 1 arcade with pac-man and galaga installed. You can play while you wait if you want to.
(5)Edward E.
Expensive and not very high quality. The counter people were very friendly, but way too much breading for my taste.
(2)Dee M.
The shrimp is the star of this place HUGE tasty and filling .I love the ocean scallops personally which also are huge and wonderful and full of flavor .While i am not a fan of their sauce everything else I have ever purchased from this establishment seems to please my palate and doesn't kil my wallet and that important in my book . There is one problem parking and navigating the area but is definitely worth it once you get there .
(3)Amy H.
Pardon my French, but what the f@ck??? And I say that in a good way. The other night after a lot of drinking, a few friends and I made a stop at the Goose Island Shrimp House. We all waited in the car while one person ran in and 5 minutes later was back in the car with a bag full of deep fried goodies. The deep fried shrimp was as big as my head! Ok, it really wasn't, but it was HUUUUGE!! The deep fried oyster was even bigger! This is drunk food on steroids! Deep fried, artery clogging goodness. At least the seafood part of it is healthy, right?
(3)Melissa S.
I pass the shrimp house 5 days a week and today was my first visit. I of course yelped ahead and read some reviews. Here's the nitty gritty: - CASH ONLY - take out only - call ahead (it gets busy in there) - decent prices - huge jumpo shrimp and great oysters! I called ahead to pick up my order in time for my boyfriends lunch break. The man who answered was very polite and friendly, which is unusual for phone orders, so I had a good vibe already! Everything was ready when I got there and I paid $23 for a pound of huge, delicious fried shrimp, a half pound of oysters, fries, 2 cans of pop, lemon juice, hot sauce, and their signature sauce. I have always gone to Lawrences on Lawrence, but now I think I found a more convenient, affordable and tasty new shrimp house!
(5)Howard C.
Some of the best fried shrimp I've ever had. The Goose Island Sauce is a MUST. The hot sauce is also fantabulous. You can call ahead, but if its late enough it only takes them about 10 minutes to throw your order together. And don't worry, you won't get shot. Well, most likely won't get shot. Park right out in front, run inside, order your shrimp and enjoy. I like the jumbo. The "pros" seem to order the regular. I have yet to order the regular size. Jumbo are $12 a pound, regular are $8.50 a pound. All I know is, when shrimp are so good that you are happy to eat the tail, then these are some damn good shrimp. You will enjoy!
(5)LANCE L.
G.I.S.H. is a unique Chicago experience, though not for the faint of heart. You gan get the regular shrimp or the JUMBO 6 count to the pound shrimp here. I know of no where else that serves these jumbo monsters in the Chicago area. This is walk in; carry out only. No place to sit and eat. Parking on the street only. The place looks "grungy" but I have never heard anything about health problems with the food. The shrimp do tend to be "over breaded", and over cooked, for the most part, but the trick here is to ask for everything "LIGHTLY BREADED", and "LIGHTLY FRIED". You may have to wait a little longer, but it's worth it. I suggest bringing your own bottle of hot sauce or the like, and a salt shaker. I used to be able to take my bag of shrimp and walk up to "LIFE'S TOO SHORT" and eat them with a beer, but that place doesn't exist anymore. Another tragedy. So there it is. Follow my suggestions and you will have a great experience.
(4)Dennis B.
I've lived in Chicago all my life and everyone talks about this place being so great. The Shrimp has to much bread on it. It's like I was eating fried cornbread. Not sure why so many people love this place. I went right after the work and there was no line, thank god, because I'd of been mad if I had to stand in line for it. The staff however are very friendly, which is why I give two stars.
(2)Renee W.
These have to be the biggest Jumbo Shrimp I have ever seen or ate! OMG! it is like eating a steak. I can only eat 2 of them. I have been stopping in at this place over the years when I am in Chicago and nothing has changed which is good but for newbies the experience could be good or bad. The atmosphere is get in and get out so call ahead. The place is not fancy but the Shrimp is good!. Now I am not a fan of their shrimp sauce because it is too tangy for me so I carry my own sauce with me if I want to tear right into the bag and start eating once I get in the car.
(4)Jackie G.
Two words: JUMBO SHRIMP! I absolutely love this place. Just grab your food and go. Call ahead though because most of the time, they take forever. It's not really a place you want to hang out at and wait for your food. The Jumbo Shrimp is so good though. i also tried the frog legs but they were nothing to write home about. The canned pops are always ice cold too. All you need is a half pound (or pound) of jumbo shrimp and a can of Root Beer. :)
(5)Dee D.
DELICIOUS, cheap seafood. I'd recommend to anyone. Call ahead, because it will take forever for your food. I love the clam strips.
(4)Stephanie M.
The best things on the menu are the regular shrimp and the scallops, make sure to ask for the scallops to be cooked dry so they aren't soggy. And you've got to go for the hot sauce...it's the perfect marriage. Always call ahead, waiting there can take forever when it's busy.
(4)Maria H.
((((day dreaming of Goose Island shrimp)))) This is one of those Chicago staples.. nothing fancy abt this spot, it's somewhat in the hood, and you'lll prob run into some sketchy characters... keep your doors locked and windows rolled up when you go in. I say this only b/c my dumb arse left my windows down one visit, and had anything in plain sight stolen out my car. it is what it is, and that is the price of amazing shrimp. Their sauce is what marries it all together- a bit tart and spicey.. mm, delicious. Crunchy and well seasoned.. you just have to order a lb of jumbo shrimp!!!
(5)Dan D.
Want GOOD fried shrimp that is fresh, never frozen, cheap, and from a place that has been around for a few decades?! Well I'm glad to let you know that Goose Island Shrimp House is THE destination for yourself. Don't be discouraged by the appearance of the outside or inside. Just a bare-bones white counter, non-flashy sign, easy to miss on Division Ave... but they will cook up the best tasty little shrimps your lil heart can handle. I recommend the super-spicy hot-sauce (it isn't that spicy, don't be a baby). Cheap, delicious, and I hope they will be around for another few decades!
(5)Rose Q.
Great Shrimp... Love it. Cheap...but good and fresh!
(4)Phyllis S.
OK.. this will be quick. The line was long OK. The shrimp were TERRIBLE!! Shrimp are to be golden with a slight crunch, this was beyond crunchy to say the least, it was just plain HARD! The crust or should I say batter was not up to my standards at all. In fact anyone who thinks that these are good shrimp, well they have not gotten out much to eat. I expected more, from the reviews, but sometimes you cannot believe the hype!!
(1)Edward W.
If you're not from the city manage your expectations here. This is an inner city experience. The cast of characters you'll encounter here will certainly be interesting and may be frightening. Cash only my friends. Take out only. Don't even think about eating in here. No delivery. Everything is fried and the breading is extra thick. Some people think it's too thick. The place is a dump but clean. Its located in a scary lonely street at night but there are probably a couple of police officers inside getting a pound of jumbo to go. A real bare bones place but the food is great. If I'm not that hungry I get a order of fried clams, a bag of chips and a pop. Otherwise I'm a pound of jumbo with two bags of chips and two pops. Occasionally the frog legs. Here is how it goes at Goose. Don't mess with the staff. While you're still in your car get the money you expect to spend out and put it separately in your pocket. When you pay you won't have to pull out your entire wallet or a wad of cash. Walk in. Look at large menu above counter. Smile for the ten security cameras. They've been robbed a couple of times. When the guy looks at you tell him the main thing you want. e.g. Pound of jumbo. Half pound of regular. Two order of clams. That's it. Get it. Small talk is unnecessary and unwanted. Stand to the side and enjoy the show. Usually a great people watching experience. Now when they tell you your order is ready tell them what kind of pop you want and what kind of chips. Tell them whether you want the hot or mild sauce. It's included in the price but extra sauce costs extra. Don't take too much time. You should have decided what you wanted while you were waiting for your order. The hot sauce is hot and the mild sauce is mild. Don't ask about it. I always get the Goose Island sauce. Yeah it's extra but I like it. Now reach into your pocket and only grab the money you put aside earlier. Just pull out what you need. Pay and get out.
(5)Chas J.
Food was ok. Nothing so good I'd go out if my way for and not so bad that I'd never go back again.
(3)Chan K.
I stoppped by here on my way to Fed Ex. I must say it's a hole in the wall, but hey I got my food to go (and there's no seating so you can't eat there anyway). The shrimp were fresh and hot, and I really savored the hot sauce.. The breading was bit thick, however, but I guess that's just their style. I still liked it and am definitely coming back to try the fried scallops. Oh and they have frog legs for you meat lovers.
(3)Miles F.
Love the Shrimp. Best afterhours meal hands down
(4)Laneka G.
I order the jumbo shrimp, they are nice sized but i wish there was just a little less breading on them. i like their shrimp better than lawrences the scallops are the bomb! perfect size taste and breading love love love them. i only really like tater sauce didnt use the sauce they gave me
(4)Blythe Z.
So, my husband got lucky..... I like good fried food over a fancy white table cloth place any day. SCALLOPS - don't need anything thing else. YUM-O! Honestly I was a lil upset the other stuff wasn't as great as I had pictured it be in my mind. BRING CASH - no credit. I also read other's complain about the staff - I thought they were really friendly and talkative, so 2 thumps up for service. A great Dive Place!
(4)Marcee W.
If you like your shrimp gigantic and fried hard and crunchy, this is the place for you! Order a steamy, one pound bag of jumbo shrimp and cocktail sauce, but be prepared to eat it in your car outside. It's part of the experience and it's a carryout only place. Also, bring cash, They don't take credit cards. Enjoy!
(4)Khadijah L.
AMAZING. Wonderfully deep fried seafood in a questionably ghetto sketch area with friendly service. They're open till 5 am, and you can call ahead to order and pickup if you don't want to wait around inside. Jumbo Shrimp was humongous, albeit really really thick breading. The shrimp was still huge, but the breading makes me sated really quickly. My favorite is the fried scallops and clams. Nom nom. delish. The sauce is great, but I can't see how its amazing as people mention here. I've tasted sauce from a bottle just as tasty. Anyway, i almost don't want to write a review about it because I want it to be a secret. Haha.
(4)Kevin T.
Tasty fried seafood, shrimp, frog legs, oysters, fish, etc...open till 5am. Try the Goose Island Sauce. Good stuff.
(4)Sherrie N.
I like breaded seafood. The scallops were cooked perfectly, so good. I didn't like my fries though. The only thing I didn't like were the fries and maybe that's just because the scallops outshined them so much. It's cheap and the portions are generous.
(4)Richard A.
EPIC WIN I've been going here for years. This is a Chicago classic. Every time it's exactly the same delicious taste. Awesome fried fish. The fried oysters are my favorite. It's not super cheep or expensive, and it's to go only, so you stand around waiting for them to call out your order.. There is plenty of street parking right in front. This place just does it right. Period I'll be coming back for years to come. Thanks guys!
(5)Chicago g.
Good and cheap ... take out only ... free street parking.
(5)Aaron L.
4* Jumbo Fried Shrimp 2.5* Fried Mushrooms
(4)E J.
OVERRATED! I just returned from Chicago from being in SC for a week where I literally ate good seafood every day. After checking out YELP for suggestions on good fried seafood, I read the reviews about this place, realized that it was close and decided to take my chances. *sigh* Must say, I was not impressed - not at all. As a matter of fact, I was deeply disappointed. I ordered the Jumbo Shrimp, Scallops, and Catfish. Shrimp were large but the breading was toooooo thick and the shrimp were fried too hard. The scallops were ...BLAH... and so was the catfish. I'm good with a whole in the wall every now and then, but Needless to say, I won't be returning.
(1)Ayo R.
The Jumbo Shrimp is the bizness!!! I loved the food. Where else in Chicago can you still get a can of pop for 65 cents? At least around the Northside? They were friendly and the food was hot and delish! Definitely will be going back! I have read some reviews on here about the place being "ghetto" All in all it is a shrimp and fish shack!!! This is not some 5 star restaurant, it is the same type of shrimp and fish shack you would encounter in the deep south like in New Orleans or Houston (I know because I have been). So relax, get your food and STFU!!!!
(4)Brady H.
Wonderfully ghetto. Friendly service. No frills. Awesome jumbo shrimp - very jumbo! The goose island sauce is delicious, though an extra $1 is sketchy. As an aside, the crazy upscale Calumet photo shop is just aronud the corner from there. Pick up your high end camera gear and stop by for a snack to take home.
(3)Ryan B.
Completely ghetto joint across the river from what was once the Cabrini Green housing projects on Division St.. You can't eat there...it's dirty...it's very unappealing...BUT, don't be intimidated! Park on the dark street, head inside, order a pound of jumbo shrimp, a pound of fish nuggets, 4 hot sauces and 2 x 7UP's and you'll be glad you did. If you go on a Friday or Saturday night you'll be waiting awhile (standing), but it's worth it. They even have a big picture window so you can keep an eye on your car! Don't be a wuss...visit this charcoal-covered gem and keep it in your back pocket.
(5)Dee C.
Hmmm, has their batter changed? I hadn't been to Goose Island since college days in the mid-late 90's but always remembered it as delicious. I went today and got a pound of jumbo shrimp. I always remembered their batter as similar to a rich version of a beer batter - light and crispy on the outside and a little soft on the inside. What I got today was much different and the only comparison I can think of is the outside of a hush puppy. Much harder and thicker - similar to what you find on frozen fried fish that you would buy at the grocery store. It was still a tasty shrimp but nowhere near as delicious as I remember and certainly not worth leaving the house to drive my pregnant, shrimp-craving self to pick some up. The 3 star rating is due in part to my nostalgia for the place.
(3)Neil C.
Flame biz, real Chicagoans know whats up, negative reviews on here are from lames that just moved here. Goose Island & Hagens is the best fried shrimp & scallops in town.
(5)Janeen W.
I can't believe that Goose Island has gotten alot of good reviews!!! Let me start off by saying that 20 years ago this place was rocking. I have heard that 35 years ago that it was even better. I remember my mama taking me here in 1991, I was 10 years old. It was so soooo good. I recently went in their to get that taste of nostalgia...I would have better off going to Chuck-e-Cheese!! Those were the worst shrimp I have ever had. It was a below average sized shrimp with a ton of tasteless breading to make it look Jumbo. Flavorless, Overcooked, and that tasted old as hell!!! They should be ashamed of what Goose Island has become!!!!!!! Damn Ashamed!!!
(1)Kellie B.
Goose Island Shrimp is affordable, fast, and arrives in brown paper bags with their very own recipe called Goose Sauce, which is your cocktail sauce. It has a bit more horseradish which I liked a lot. The actual shrimp are larger than described, and in a half inch thick cracker breaded crust. Very crunchy, and very unique. \ I just, like mine from Michigan with beer batter. I really enjoyed the spicy horseradish sauce though, it seemed like fresh radishes were used. Carryout only.
(2)Terrence C.
I think I've tried every fried seafood joint in Chicago, and Goose Island takes first place. Don't bring a date here or anything, but if you want to grub it out in the car or at home, this place will hit the spot. Ironically, while the seafood is insanely fresh, my favorite thing is the hot sauce. After years of trying to decipher the ingredients, I found its a mixture of hot sauce and mustard. ANYWAY. Shrimp and catfish are the way to go. Jumbo shrimp are HUGE and taste really fresh. Had fried oysters and to this day I can't figure out why it looked and tasted the way it did. It wasn't bad, just wasn't good. Similar to how you feel after eating a piece of celery. Go at off peak times, or you'll probably wait a bit. Pacman and pinball games await though.
(4)Christina S.
I've been goin to this place with my dad since i was about 5 years old. You wanna try a scary neighborhood? Try goin to goose island about 20 years ago! then you guys can whine. Nowadays the nieghborhood has changed alot, but the place is still the same and as delicious as i remember. healthy, maybe not? But tasty?? hells yes!
(5)Adam M.
Before finding this joint, I didn't even know there was an actual "Goose Island" in Chicago. Holy crap! It's the 'island' that is surrounded by a split in the (Chicago?) River, which is bisected by Division street. Anyway, GISH has some crazy amazing shrimp. Biggest I've ever eaten, and somehow incredibly fresh tasting (even though they're surrounded by like half an inch of breading). Fried mushrooms ... clam strips ... scallops ... /drool If you're going to order GISH - I have a recipe for the ultimate dipping sauce which compliments their fried delectables perfectly: Equal parts: Frank's Red Hot, ketchup, and ranch dressing. You're welcome.
(4)Arlene G.
OMG! I've ben coming here for years and I an't get enough of it! I always order a pound of regular shrimp and a pound of oysters. I haven't been able to find fried oysters anywhere else that tastes this good! The food tastes even better after a night out clubbin! I don't know if it's the grease mixed with the alcohol that makes everything so delicious but whatever it is, I'll take it! I've been daring before and tried the frog legs and smelts, but it's just not as good as the shrimps and oysters.
(5)Y.D. K.
The shrimp in this place is quite good, though not the best in my book - breading is a bit heavy, and the hot sauce is actually a bit medium and milky. Never had their catfish, cod, and frog legs. They are open late hours. Staff could use some shake up; there's one guy who's good in getting your orders and seems like a decent chap, but there's another one who's downright rude and will almost yell at you - so in general, don't take them to heart, get your food, pay for it and just leave. Parking is limited in front of the place, though there's other places to park nearby, but just watch out for the towing areas.
(3)sandra C.
I used to frequent this place years ago, I stopped going there when I discovered Lawrence Fisheries. Way better.
(1)Lisa A.
I've gone to this place since I was a kid and I have to say the flavor is still good! I normally get the 1/2 jumbo shrimp with the hot sauce. This place is a treat for me. I normally go on a saturday during the day or right before dinner so that I have some good food in my tummy before heading out for a long night. The staff is nice and you usually don't wait more then 4 minutes for the food to come out. Only downside...no place to eat it other then your car or taking it all the way home. Price is pretty reasonable.
(5)Jay L.
Open super late, i mean early in the mornin.... 1LB of shrimp in a brown paper bag are really good, but their sauce is just awesome.... Sides of macaroni salad and potato salad are also great and enjoyable, altho they only give you a few bites... Definitely recommend this place for those late party nights....
(3)Steve M.
I've driven past here many times on my way home from work and finally stopped in because i was jonesing for some greasy goodness. I like the selection and prices. I went in wanting some shrimp and catfish and walked out with a pound of smelt and and 1/2 lb of fried oysters. I drove up the road to Stanley's to buy some lettuce and tomato and made oyster po boys when I got home. I was quite happy and the tab at Goose island was less than $10. Nice!
(4)David O.
They have incredible killer shrimp, excellent. As far as shrimp goes, far, far, far, better than Lawrence's fisheries. Goose island shrimp house jumbo shrimp, makes Lawrence's fisheries jumbo shrimp look like popcorn shrimp. Goose island shrimp cocktail sauce is hot with a unique color and taste all its own. And the price is extremely reasonable. This place is well known with hollywood and sports celebrities.
(4)Matt R.
Goose Island Shrimp House is my all-time favorite spot to stop for late night eats. I only make it there a handful of times over the course of any given year but that makes it that much more brilliant when I find myself traveling by with a hungry belly. It is essentially a walk-in seafood stand because there aren't tables. Either you take it home, out to the car, or sit on your car. Those are pretty much the options for eating your golden fried treasures. Oh, and unlike every other shrimp house I've been to in the city, they either constantly swap out the cooking oil or don't mix cooked items because I've never had any mixed flavors here. Everywhere else it seems like your order tastes like shrimp regardless of what it is. The food here is amazingly fresh and priced low. I grabbed a 1/2 lb of Fried Jumbo Shrimp, a 1/2 lb of huge Fried Scallops, and an order of Fried Clams on the way home from the Viagra Triangle "i.e. Rush" and I think it may have cost $16 after taxes. And let me tell you, the leftovers I ate for lunch today were at least as good cold as they were piping hot last night. True story... no need to reheat :) The shrimp are the best I've found although the scallops are always perfectly fried and amazingly tender considering how hot they are when you get them. Seriously, be VERY careful putting anything in your mouth immediately after pick-up. The food will burn you severely if you aren't careful and give it a minute or two to cool down. But then it's pure heaven and the hot sauce is to die for. I always get the hot rather than the mild. It isn't burning hot and goes perfectly with everything on the menu. This is not the kind of place to be seen but you are sure to impress with the food! If you don't really know where Goose Island is, it is in Division between Cabrini Green to the east and 90/94 to the west... so don't expect this to be anything but a blue-collar crowd with a few people in the know scattered throughout the line. If you've been out clubbing and have girls in your group, consider leaving them in the car with 1-2 guys. It can be sketchy late-night but I've never seen anything that seemed unsafe. Either way, be on good behavior and appreciate the food. Also, if you served in the military, particularly the Marine Corp, you will find that the Goose Island Shrimp House will accept you with open arms as this is a Marine family.
(5)Tiff B.
So, I've never been to Goose Island before oh, about 1 a.m. Don't judge me. It's just that I try not to eat deep fried stuff and it's usually around that witching hour when my will power fails me miserably and I go for broke. And if I'm going to do it, I figure why not go big and deal with the consequences later. Anyhow, this joint has the biggest shrimp ever and they're oh so tasty. The place looks like a total hole in the wall place and is in a almost remote location by a bunch of factories and a bridge. But all of that aside, you can't beat the fried shrimp and french fries. And they're open super late, so it's always an adventure to see what type of characters you'll stumble upon when the clubs close. Good times, gigantic shrimp to eat in your car. Yep, gotta experience it for yourself.
(5)Jonathan A.
I was concerned coming upon the GISH when we saw a paramedic ambulance parked outside the front door. Maybe someone had keeled over due to the food. But no, inside the paramedic was just picking up lunch, whew. This is the kind of joint you walk into where you feel the atmosphere and decor must be inversely proportional to how great the food is going to be. You walk into a little room, and a bunch of people are standing around like it's the post office. Then the guy at the counter says 'NEXT'. You humbly walk up to the counter and order a mess of fried by the half pound, 3/4 lb, or pound. This may consist of shrimp, jumbo shrimp, frog legs, fish chips, oysters, etc. Anything you can fry basically. I wasn't really that hungry so I just got a half lb of reg shrimp. It was really good stuff, so much so that I can't wait to go back and try some more. I was expecting it to be a little cheaper than it was given the area and the fact that not much money is going towards interior design. Though they do have an old Centipede arcade game and a rather new looking Batman pinball machine. $4.25 for the half pound of reg shrimp, not bad but not great. Next time I will pony up for the jumbo shrimp and maybe some frog legs. Also, this place is apparently open till 5am which seems crazy to me.
(4)Lois A.
The shrimp here are fantastic and so are the fries. The fries are my favorite kind, all fatty and soft when you get them home. The shrimp are so big I swear the regular would pass as jumbo at a lot of places and I love the goose island sauce. Cheap sides...like cole slaw for 50 cents. It's hard to beat the prices here. My only problem is that recently the catfish we ordered had lots of bones in it and that can be scary when there is heavy breading involved. Watch yourself! Hours are awesome and service is great.
(3)Felix C.
I had pretty high expectations and they just weren't met. I had 1/2 lbs of jumpo shrimp and oysters. My issues with the shrimp is that it has too much breading for my taste. You can hardly taste the shrimp or even notice the texture of it. The oysters same thing... LIGHT on the breading please! Having said that.... I liked the oysters better.
(2)Never M.
I was raised on Goose Island shrimp, I'm talkin since I was a lil mama, knee high to a duck! and I have turned out to be a well rounded person because of it. Guess they won't be gentrifying this spot away and thank goodness, how boring would that strip be without it? Lawrence Fisheries little fried dirt balls can't hold a candle to these batter dipped diamonds. Do you want fresh seafood with actual flavor whenever YOU want it? You want these guys then! Good seafood in the hood, where they do that at!
(5)Jason N.
The best fried shrimp in the city, the jumbo shrimp are truly jumbo shrimp. And the regular shrimp are as big as what other shrimp shacks classify as jumbo. The dipping sauces are great and the fries are surprisingly good as well. If you need a shrimp fix this is the closest you'll get to living on the coast.
(5)mike h.
best fried shrimp in the city, and i have tried most, been going here for over 10 years now- always the same, always awesome! Dont try much else there, all you need is the scrimps, and some cocktail sauce, and hot sauce- done! fried shrimp heaven. there is a reason they have been there almost 40 years!
(5)Funkdragon H.
This place is the real deal. You want no-frills, fresh fried seafood, anytime from morning til dawn? This is the joint for you. Had a craving for some seafood, 7pm on a Saturday, i.e. their "down time." Called in my order, 1/2 oyster, 1/2 scallop. (As other Yelpers have said, don't bother saying "pound." They know what you mean.) Arrived when they promised it'd be ready, paid my cash, and scurried home to devour my brown paper bags of deep-fried goodness. Sweet. LORD! I expected the scallops to be those little mini buttons that barely resemble the savory medallions you'd see divinely plated at finer establishments. Hardly. Big and succulent, the simple breading gave them an entirely unexpected level of flavor. Outstanding. And then the oysters, a "love 'em or loathe 'em" type of food. They're fishy, they're tender, they are amazing. My 1/2 lb. consisted of four enormous breaded oysters, and biting into them was like someone had breaded the fresh open sea, deep fried it, and put it into my mouth. These juicy morsels were substantial and fresh and delicious, the deep-fry process perfectly sealing in the juices that any true oyster lover adores about this delicious mollusk. Truly, one of the most perfect fried oysters I've ever tasted. So leave pretense behind, grow a pair, and belly up to the countertop at Goose Island Shrimp.
(4)Brad C.
Hot damn I'm full of shrimp! Now I'm not going to lie, this place is kind of shady. I rode my bike over here for lunch and had to lock it to the rusted fence around the corner. When I walked in the place was pretty packed. You really don't know who has ordered and who is just waiting for their food so you just kind of wait till the guy working the counter asks who's next. Since I wasn't that hungry I just ordered a 1/2 pound of regular shrimp. The 1/2 pound order was $4.25. Maybe not as cheap as I thought it should be but not bad. Within about fives minutes my order was in my hand and I was on the bike heading back to work. There isn't any place to eat unless you have a car to sit in outside. The shrimp was really good and the breading was excellent. Next time I'm going to get the frog legs and oysters.. thats right I'll be back! Not something I could eat all the time but after a few drinks at the bars, this would be a great stop. I can see this joint being packed late at night since they are open til 5:00 am.
(5)Tish N.
I really wanted to give it more stars. The food is great don't get it twisted but the dudes who work there were having an extremely loud conversation in the back. I needed a moment to look the selection over and he just walked away. I didn't want to yell so I patiently waited until he came back. The chick waiting with me complained quite loudly about it too. I don't mess with people who are handling my food so I didn't say anything. I liked my shrimp but I have to have an extreme taste for it to go back. I like DeCola's on the southside better anyway.
(3)Dred H.
K, I gave it 4 stars coz I haven't actually been there in over a decade. But everyone I talk to who knows about it says it hasn't changed. And when I went, I was usually a little bent, since I was working at KaBoom! on Chicago and Halsted at the time. And I usually went just before midnight, before the club got busy. So yeah. But, with those grains of salt, I have to say that their Jumbo shrimp (prawns, whatever) were amazing. Yes, the breading is a bit rocky sometimes... I wouldn't say "sandpaper," but more like "Cap'n Crunch." Insofar as it may rough up your palate a little, but it's nothing if you like really effin crunchy fried stuff. If the sauces are still the same, don't bother with the freebies they hand out with your order. Pay a little extra and get the "home-made" sauce. More substantial and better flavor - more horseradishy. Favorite side was always the potato salad. I almost got to eat there today - was putting the stuff from a tour in storage half a block away, but fell behind schedule. Sadness, but my tour staff bought me Hot Doug's instead, so I still win.
(4)T. Murray -.
Ok - this is the ultimate in after the club, drank myself into a stupor, get your grub on greasy spoon spots. I love it. Almost everytime I go to Chicago I convince my friend E to take me here after a night of partying. I don't care that you have to wait twenty minutes while they fry your food up in the same oil they probably used the night before. It is, as cliche as it sounds, finger lickin good. These are some of the biggest shrimp I've ever seen and I am originally from the east coast. I haven't ventured from my usual shrimp order so I can't speak on other menu items. I can say that Atlanta has nothing like this and we are all forced to go to diners with options that taste like they came out of the grocer's freezer when it comes to seafood if we are craving it after the club. The neighborhood is in transition. Last time I was there I feel like you could turn one way and see Candyman's Caprini Green and turn the other way ans see new condo development.
(4)Nicole L.
when i think of this place i think of my mom and all her fabulous expression (for instance) *"in the hood we call this a hookup". She took me here one night a around 3 in the morning on a school night bc i couldn't sleep. Before we get outta the car she tells me don't stare at anyone or touch anything. I laughed get out step in and was like wtf have you lost your damn mind. well this was a statement i knew she already had but what the hell. I end up seeing how huge the shrimp was tried it and never said a word. i was to busy stuffing my face. I loved it. Best food isn't in the cleanest places she told me. "i shutter to think that" but i trust it because anywhere that looks shady most likely has the best home cookin your gunna get. I do not advise children to go here fyi but im a big girl so i'll get my shrimp fix at 3am any day.
(3)John G.
Best spot for some late night jumbo shrimp!
(5)John Y.
About the only thing good about this place is it's close to Wicker Park. The breading makes the shrimp in most cases. This breading is more like heavy sand paper. It's crusty hard and does enhance the flavor of the shrimp. The shrimp tasted as if it were marinated in garlic something and was slimy in texture. I would not recommend this place. Try Calumet Fisheries on East 95th Street, it's the best! Another good one is Lawrence Fisheries in China Town.
(1)antelia c.
After reading the reviews of this place, I decided to try Goose Island Shrimp House after leaving the club. I did not like the sauce, and did not like the food. The customer service was horrible. I had the shrimp, they were big, but to hard and did not have a taste to me. Will not return to this joint.
(2)Rocky B.
Oh sweet mother of everything that is good and holy....this place has the best fried shrimp and they are seriously as big as your head. Okay....I exaggerate but they are truly friggin tasty. I remember working a nightclub not to far from Goose Island years back and my boss taking me on late night runs to this place. Neighborhood is seedy but the shrimp was so worth risking your life for. Haven't been here in a few years but I still have dreams about this place and I still look at it with sadness as I pass by it every now and then. It's like a friend that you know is bad influence on you but you still miss them. Sniff.
(3)Ryan F.
My favorite late night stop on the way home. These shrimp are sooooo good, and sooo huge. It's a dive, but that's how I like it.
(3)AR F.
Okay, so as a child I was taken here pretty often by my sister and her then boyfriend. I have to say, perhaps it's because I haven't had this food since then, however I went to grab a takeout order with my auntie and it was an absolute delight. The order was faster than ever since we called it in and I would absolutely go back!
(4)Nikki L.
So, after having shrimp battles with my bf about who has better shrimp, Lawrences or Goose Island, I had to come back for a second try and REALLY eat a whole half pound on my own to make this decision. LOL. The Jumbo shrimps, are as big as my hand and twice the size of my mouth! I had to come home and cut them into bite size pieces because the breading on the shrimp was so thick and crusty that it was literally shredding the roof of my mouth. Like other yelpers, I feel that the shrimp itself tasted like it was soaking in a garlic clove and there was way too much breading on them. The neighborhood itself is quite scary let alone being INSIDE had me feeling like "is shrimp worth my life?" after this visit, sadly it is not. Sorry Goose Island, I'm a Lawrence's girl :-)
(2)Edward H.
Man oh man... this is a great place to grease your belly (inside, not out silly!) up with fried goodies (hopefully from the sea and not anywhere near the Chicago river nearby). This little rundown place serves up greasy nuggets of tasty bliss for the masses - probably mostly the drunk masses. I've been here sober but it's 10x's better not. I'm not even sure if this place ever closes... they seem to be open at all odd hours of the night. So if you're coming back from a binge at nearby Gold Coast or Wrigleyville... this place has got what you need.
(4)Omar W.
The fish and chips are the bomb. the breading is a little heavy. but over all really tasty. I can remember many of nights making that late night run to the Goose!
(3)John H.
Once is enough. Food is ok, but service is just not there. They need to have tickets and to watch who is in line.
(2)Syretta H.
Love Goose Island, especially after leaving the club and having that late night craving for greasy food. I don't know the hours of this place, it seems like they open late at night...not real sure, I've never really been there during the day. I've only ever had the shrimp, but my boyfriend has had the frog legs and loves them. Another reason I like Goose Island Shrimp House is because they cook the food while you wait. So it's hot and fresh and greasy.....just love it!
(5)Jesse W.
This place has one of the best shrimp values in Chicago ($4 per half-pound). But even with that in mind, I couldn't see myself placing an order in the florescent-lit shack again. Most of the shrimps weight seems to come from the overly salty, garlicky, heavy batter. I stripped the batter from the shrimp and came out with a nice, jumbo size shrimp... too bad it remained excessively salty. I could hardly taste the shrimp as my blood pressure rose to unhealthy levels. The mild sauce is a mix of ketchup and mustard; and the hot sauce is your south side standard. Gladly, I tried only the fried jumbo shrimp. You can even find tastier, but smaller, shrimp at your local J&J or Shark's.
(3)S to the izzo F.
Found an after hours and still hungry, swing by here any time and get some real comfort food. When you wake up in the morning you will hate yourself but at 4 AM, damn good food!!! Everything is deep fried. You've been slowly killing yourself all night so why stop! The food does taste good and the hot sauce is great! Plus, if you bring enough to the after hours, everyone will love you! Maybe I should try it out during the day... yea right!
(4)Charles Q.
one of the top shrimp houses in the city...glad that they are still around...
(4)tulip f.
it's been a few years sence i been here. can't wait to go back i know the location is not in the best place but the jumbo shrimps are awsome!
(5)Amaliya L.
Do not confuse this place with the gross brewery that shares it's name. Goose Island Shrimp House is an incredible fish house tucked inside what most people would find a daunting, scary area. Yes, it is walking distance, not even a block from Cabrini Green. And yes, it is often scary to go there, but damn, I would walk there if I had to. This place rocks. The hand floured corn breaded Shrimp each weigh a ton and are bigger than your hand. The scallops are perfect and melt in your mouth! They weigh your seafood before breading, and frying it, so you definitely get your money's worth. They offer 2 very distinct dipping sauces, and it is definitely not hot sauce and ketchup. I've never had anything that didn't taste fresh or seemed "dirty". The only thing that I have had that I did not like because I was not used to it was the catfish nuggets. Their food is not what gourmands would consider fine dining, etc..it is just good real seafood. The lines out the door and along the counter is testament to this. This is a family business, they have another location on the west side. When my husband and I used to be really really poor, wanted to treat ourselves or cheer each other up, we would head to Goose Island. TO this day, it still brings a huge smile to my face and my tummy loves them!
(5)Michelle W.
So the location isn't that desirable (right across the street from Cabrini Green), but the food is cheap and good. You can get shrimp by the pound and fish & clams too. The breading on the shrimp is a little weird, but the clams are really good. Their hot sauce is yummy too.
(4)Bobby G.
I mean it's kickass fried shrimp. Like really Fred. And the hot sauce isn't hot but more like a southwestern tangy deliciousness. It's in the middle of nowhere and there's no seating so take that for what it is. The wait is around 15 minutes but there's arcade games. I want to go back and eat the fish chips because everybody's doing it.
(5)Aeri B.
Literally the best seafood in Chicago. Way better than Lawrence's! I always get half pound of regular shrimp and two orders of clam strips with the hot sauce. Tastes super fresh. I've had a half order of jumbo shrimp and those things are huge. Some may say too big but I didn't mind it. You just need to be ready for how big these shrimps are or else you will be caught off guard lol. Cash only. No seating. Strictly coming for the food. And that's 100% fine with me.
(5)Marianna C.
The most phenomenal shrimp of all time! I've been going since I was a kid and wont stop now.
(5)David O.
Been here once, the food compares to Captain B's in Cicero very much(possibly same owners)only exception is this place is a shit hole!
(3)Marc D.
I love Goose Island but I don't understand why is closed it's supposed to be open till 4 a.m.
(4)NENE W.
Not a fan, the shrimp are fried to hard & it scratches the inside of my mouth. I am a shrimp lover.
(2)Cindy L.
Goose Island Shrimp House Chicago, has been in the same location for well over two decades. They have celebrity pictures on the wall. I've eaten at this restaurant for many, many years. I usually buy the jumbo shrimp. They are HUGE, and not over seasoned with salt, or breading. The shrimp are de-vained and clean. Prices are reasonable. This is NOT a sit down fancy restaurant. This restaurant is well worth the drive if you're craving big fresh jumbo shrimp. The customer service is not so great, but the food is delicious!!!
(5)Happiness L.
This place has...character and the very very very best jumbo fried shrimp on the planet. They sell their own cocktail sauce,..,don't complain about the $1 charge just buy some as your taste buds will be happy. The guy behind the counter is nice. The crowd is diverse. You can play classic Ms PacMan or pinball while you wait for your order so bring quarters. Note that there are no tables. This is a take out place. If you are super hungry when you get your order you can stand and eat by a small ledge counter by the window. Wish they were open 7 days a week yet happy they take time off for rest. Yay! A big time favorite.
(5)Alexander T.
The food here is good. The service staff if rude and the wait time is high. Especially if you go at night when most people crave seafood anyway. If its lat forget about it just go to white castle there will be long lines. There have been times I wanted it so bad i waited and there have been times the wait wasn't worth it and I just drove away. I tried to call in my order to avoid the line and they refused the call in. So I will rate this ok because I love the food but am not a fan of the service.
(3)Justin B.
Stick to the basics--fried shrimp, fries, soda. All were great and all were cheap. The catfish was cheap too, but it was so laden with chunky bone pieces (like, the size of a quarter or larger in some cases) that I would skip the catfish next time. Called ahead and all was ready in 20 minutes...and, you can't beat the prices: a pound of shrimp, a pound of catfish, two orders of fries and a soda was done for less than $20. Very plain interior so no place to dine in. Solid!
(4)Kevin B.
Goose Island is going to that spot either you mess with it or you don't. Its really no grey area. If you are a late night, food junkie that doesn't want to pay alot of money, Welcome to Goose Island. Because their shrimp is great and they give you a lot for your money. Its cash only but for 5-10 bucks (depending on the size of your order), you'll tons of great tasting shrimp in a paper bag and can be on your way. If you are the type who doesnt like hole in the wall spots and wants breadsticks with your shrimp, pass on Goose Island. As I said before the shrimp is great but place is a true hole in the wall. Its Cash Only and no where to sit. And its not an ATM near so keep that in mind when you stumble in there off a Friday night bender. But if you just want good food, hit an ATM in route and go.
(4)Marisa A.
Probably worth it for the experience alone. Come here after a long night, park outside, get your shrimp in a bag, then sit in your car and eat it while watching all sorts of characters do the exact same thing you just did. The shrimp is interesting. No one is lying here when they say they're huge! And the tails are still on, but breaded so easy to accidentally ingest. The breading is really thick but not particularly flavorful. Clam strips are the same thing... but clam strips. Fries were good in the way that only fries stuffed in paper bag can be, but they really need salt. It seems like a lot of people like the hot sauce, but I just thought it was ok.
(3)Mikey S.
If you haven't had it, your missing out the best fried shrimp. So good the line speak for it's self
(5)Hollywood P.
All you need to know is after partying in the Clubs or a Bar, Goose Island is the Spot to Hit on the way Home. Never in my life have I tasted better Shrimp and yes that includes Lawrence's! The Clam strips are off the Hook as well and don't be shy to try their Frog Legs!! Seafood is more expensive regardless where you go so the prices shouldn't be a concern. You'll get Quality and Quantity! The Goose gets nothing less than 5 Stars!!
(5)Andre W.
This place has been around forever! I remember my aunt and uncles would always talk about coming here after being out partying on weekends. I remember being a teenager eating the leftover shrimp they could not eat and I enjoyed the hell out of it. I decided to stop by recently for nostalgia sake. I ordered 1/2lbs of jumbo shrimp. I always enjoy checking out old establishments that have signed pics of local and world celebrities. Shaq, Lisa Raye, local news reporters and countless others have donated their John Hancocks to the wall of fame here. My food didn't take very long to come out and I hopped in my car and drove home. I was excited to try the shrimp I hadn't eaten in almost 20 years. Once home I ripped the damn bag open and saw my big ass shrimp which caused the hunger to rise. There was too much breading on the shrimp which made it difficult to eat and it definitely affected the taste in a major way. Not as good as I remember it. The hot sauce definitely added flavor to the overly breaded shrimp and would probably be good on anything fried. People behind the counter are really cool. Parking here should be easy as there is street parking in front. The place is virtually in the middle of nowhere with nothing else to eat until you drive about a mile west on Division. I would definitely try the place again, but I prefer Lawrence Fisheries shrimp.
(3)Brenda P.
Ordered a pound of scallops and a half pound of friend oysters, both were warm fresh and delicious, couldn't eat there but yowza amazing flavor. I am in love with the fried scallops, melt in your mouth goodness and they're open till 5!? Winning!!
(5)Careese H.
I have been coming here since I was a child and it had always tasted the same and been fresh and delicious! The shrimp and scallops are my fav's! Oh and it's cash only!
(5)Julian C.
I feel like I am the only one that thinks it is just "ok". I was so excited because it is a staple in Chicago. The shrimp have a lot of breading on them. My partner liked the fish chips. I honestly think Shrimp Express in Cal City is so much more fresh and does not have all the batter.
(3)Shaun S.
I got a pound of skrimps and clam strips. The shrimps tasted good, the breading was ok. I came here during lunch. The service was fast and they hooked it up with shrimp. I couldn't come close to finishing it. The hot sauce is on point, probably my favorite part.
(4)Gerrin C.
So I had heard that this is the place to go for shrimp. I was so excited to finally get the shrimp and catfish. The shrimp were huge and it smelled great. However, after the first bite I was very disappointed. Everything tasted like it was fried in old grease. It was a total waste of $25 for a pound and a half of Jumbo Shrimp and half pound of cat fish. The cat fish had a lot of bones. The breading was extra thick. I won't be going there again. Lawrence's is much better.
(1)Yvonne B.
Um. No. Some people (who very much tickled my fancy) painted such vivid word pictures of stopping by Goose Island Shrimp House and bringing it home for dinner and of love and life and happiness... Well. I gushed! I had to stop there on my way to M's. I easily parked on the side of Division (for free!) and went into this hole in the wall place. I thought, "Down the rabbit's hole and into wonderland!!!" Freakin' exciting! Folks were leaning against the counter and the wall. There were two arcade games and no chairs. No tables. The counter was as tall as my shoulders. There were snap shots on the walls of [of what I assume to be] pron stars and family members. The floor was dirty. I ordered a pound of jumbo shrimp. The person after me got catfish. I asked him if it was good and he said that everyone he knows loves it. I added 3/4 pound of that to my order and asked him to throw in two Goose Island sauces ($1 each) for the heck of it. I stood around for long, long, long minutes. I texted M, "I'm getting us dinner now. :-) get excited!" I watched people order and pick up their food. I noticed that they all paid with cash. I wondered if it was a cash only place? I wouldn't put it past a hole in the wall joint to be a cash only place. Then again, there weren't any signs ANYWHERE that indicated such. Besides, cash only places usually have an ATM and this place only had those two arcade games. I walked to the opposite side of the room to see if I could possibly see the kitchen. I couldn't. Then they brought my order to the counter and I timidly started to hand over my debit card. Cash only. I asked where I could get cash. He said at the gas station over the bridge and to the left. Scrap that idea! I drove a half mile to a free ATM (free for me, at least) inside of K-Mart and then drove back. I paid $20.27. I got my food and brought it to M's. Up until this point, I believe that I would have given this place four or five stars if the food was nearly as amazing as what was described to me. But HECK NO. Both the shrimp and the catfish were both breaded and were indistinguishable from one another by a quick once over. The shrimp still had the shells on the ends and the catfish had bones in it. M called it a day after only a few bites but I wanted to power through. The breading was pretty thick and heavy. I think it might have been made with cornmeal. It had good flavor, but was too much. Eventually I started dissecting it by removing the breading to expose the shells and bones so that I could remove them before they poked my tongue and crunched in my teeth. M watched me sympathetically. She offered to make something else for me and tried her hardest to get me to give up on it. All I can say now is that those people who recommended Goose Island Shrimp House to me must have different tastes that me. I wonder if they knew that shells were on the shrimp or that bones were in the catfish? I haven't a clue, but I know it's not for me.
(1)Diana T.
Love their scallops and their hot sauce. You can't beat them for what you get. Their freshness is the best on all they offer
(5)Jean S.
I went here today i must say the jumbo shrimps are good but the have to much breading.also i tried the froglegs,in fish chips it all taste the same.
(3)Vivian H.
Was walking home on Division from Ashland and the only enticing eaterie that popped up on Yelp was this place. The only storefront as far as the eye could see, 9pm, in the middle of a dark street.. probably not a great place for a girl to go alone... but everyone (staff & patrons) was so nice! Got the catfish and fries.. excuse me it was only $4? I only got the 1/2 lb catfish but it was like 5 huge pieces. Catfish itself tasted pretty fresh and was yummy enough, but the breading was kinda flavorless and a bit too thick, and there were a couple pieces with lots of bones. I got the hot sauce which helped but wasn't a huge fan of that either. Fries could use seasoning. It was certainly not the greatest food but for the price and the hours it's open, can't be beat.
(3)Carl G.
Exactly what you think it is: a hole in the wall, cash only, and deep friend goodness. Pretty simple menu, pretty simple food. Staff is nice, food comes out pretty quick - the call in business seemed to be booming, and there were a lot of regulars in there as well. Breading seems to be cornmeal and is laid on nice and thick. Everything is breaded (tails included), and everything goes well with the sauces they hand out. It isn't your normal Chicago fast food place - definitely worth a trip.
(4)Tenzo D.
Either you get it or you dont This is a cash only hole in the wall, evidenced by signs that say 'cash only' and have pictures of credit cards with a red X through them. This place defines hole in the wall and defines the neighborhood before it was gentrified. Dont pass on the fish chips. They are the best thing there. Although a lot of my friends like the shrimp. I order a pound bag for $5 and that is a LOT of food.
(5)Henry L.
Shrimp house is right down the road and from all the reviews we decided to give it a try for lunch. About 5 of us order about 5# shrimp, 1/2#oysters, clams, fries, almost everything. I think most of these 4-5 stars are just having a nostalgia moment. The food was OK at best, oysters were downright scary. Breading was thick but shrimp size was good, just not much flavor. Goose Island sauce is just cocktail sauce (over priced). Won't be back except maybe for the clam strips. They seemed to be breaded differently which makes me think right from the freezer into the fryer from Gordon's fisherman.
(1)Kevin Z.
Fried shrimp. regular shrimp is perfect, they have jumbo too if you like it big. they have a bunch of other fried seafood but I have only gotten the shrimp (its their name after all...) i got 3 pounds and took it to a party and was mister popular. the sauces are all good, they have bottles of hot sauce for sale too, the guy at the counter suggested an awesome one. cash only. hole in the wall. take out only. call ahead. if you dont understand these things stay away and leave it for us who appreciate it.
(4)Julio G.
The best fry shrimp in Chicago,and at $9.00 a pound.I havebeen going to GOOSE for 40 years and Tony and the guys are the best.
(5)Johnny T.
So, the long and short of it is: I guess I don't like fried oysters. I mean, I used to. I lived in New Orleans and would eat them all of the time. Thing is, when I ate them, I don't recall space alien-green sh!t (literally) oozing out of them all the time. It's repulsive. Of all the things to willingly put into one's mouth, this has to go near the bottom. Yes, I'm a Protestant. But, seriously, my meal here might have been one of the most singularly unhealthy things I have ever eaten. I ordered a 1/2 scallop, 1/2 oyster and 1/2 shrimp meal with fries. The shrimp were very large, expertly breaded and incredibly satisfying. And, after observation, they were de-veined, which is points for me. The rating has much to do with the shrimp and I would probably come back here to eat them (or, eat someone else's). The sauce was a slight upgrade from the usual cocktail sauce and provided just the right coating for the sea roaches. The scallops, too, were quite large, nicely breaded and tasted great. If I had never seen what these ugly f*ckers look like in the wild, I would eat them again. But, I can't. They're disgusting. They have all these beady, googly eyes all over their shells... ugh, I am getting grossed out by even writing it. Tasted good -- but no more for me. The oysters were... hot. I took a bite a did the "Haa-haaa-haa" thing and waved at my mouth. Spitting the bivalve onto a piece of paper so as to stop the scalding, I looked into the abyss and came back a changed man. The oyster was full of green ick and it was nauseating. I put that one aside and cut into another. More ooze. I tried to pawn one off on my friend as an experiment. He cussed me out. I just couldn't do it. No amount of sauce, breading or hype could get me to eat those things. I tried to salvage the meal with the fries. They were eh. The heat from the sea food made 'em soggy (the order came in the same brown bag). The lack of over salting/seasoning kept them bland. I threw most away. But, in GISH's defense, I was sober throughout the experience. There's a reason this is drunk-food.
(3)Michelle C.
I heard great things about GISH and that the jumbo shrimp were delicious and the best in Chicago. So, I drove all the way from the Southside of Chicago and paid $69.72 for 3 lbs of shrimp, 1lb of catfish, 3 orders of lunchroom cookies, and 6 pops. Oh and 3 extra sauces! If you enjoy jumbo heavy, heavy, cornmeal breading on your shrimp then you will love this place. I myself found the shrimp to be the nastiest shrimp I've ever eaten. The hot sauce is some kind of weird color that was unrecognizable, didn't even touch that. The only good thing I can report is the Sprite was delish.
(1)Marvin N.
Went last night. Not at all what I expected. The breading was heavy thick coating that was gross. I couldn't tell the difference between the jumbo shrimp and catfish. The catfish still had the bones in it and was undercooked. I did like the Clams. That's about it.
(1)Patrick J.
Staff rude, loud music and loud talking coming from the kitchen. Ghetto joint!!!! No class whatsoever. I stopped by hear because of the rumor of their shrimp. These shrimp has to be on Steroids. I ordered a 1/2 pound and paid 6.00 bucks for 5 pawns!!
(2)sandra C.
I used to frequent this place years ago, I stopped going there when I discovered Lawrence Fisheries. Way better.
(1)Lisa A.
I've gone to this place since I was a kid and I have to say the flavor is still good! I normally get the 1/2 jumbo shrimp with the hot sauce. This place is a treat for me. I normally go on a saturday during the day or right before dinner so that I have some good food in my tummy before heading out for a long night. The staff is nice and you usually don't wait more then 4 minutes for the food to come out. Only downside...no place to eat it other then your car or taking it all the way home. Price is pretty reasonable.
(5)Jay L.
Open super late, i mean early in the mornin.... 1LB of shrimp in a brown paper bag are really good, but their sauce is just awesome.... Sides of macaroni salad and potato salad are also great and enjoyable, altho they only give you a few bites... Definitely recommend this place for those late party nights....
(3)Matt R.
Goose Island Shrimp House is my all-time favorite spot to stop for late night eats. I only make it there a handful of times over the course of any given year but that makes it that much more brilliant when I find myself traveling by with a hungry belly. It is essentially a walk-in seafood stand because there aren't tables. Either you take it home, out to the car, or sit on your car. Those are pretty much the options for eating your golden fried treasures. Oh, and unlike every other shrimp house I've been to in the city, they either constantly swap out the cooking oil or don't mix cooked items because I've never had any mixed flavors here. Everywhere else it seems like your order tastes like shrimp regardless of what it is. The food here is amazingly fresh and priced low. I grabbed a 1/2 lb of Fried Jumbo Shrimp, a 1/2 lb of huge Fried Scallops, and an order of Fried Clams on the way home from the Viagra Triangle "i.e. Rush" and I think it may have cost $16 after taxes. And let me tell you, the leftovers I ate for lunch today were at least as good cold as they were piping hot last night. True story... no need to reheat :) The shrimp are the best I've found although the scallops are always perfectly fried and amazingly tender considering how hot they are when you get them. Seriously, be VERY careful putting anything in your mouth immediately after pick-up. The food will burn you severely if you aren't careful and give it a minute or two to cool down. But then it's pure heaven and the hot sauce is to die for. I always get the hot rather than the mild. It isn't burning hot and goes perfectly with everything on the menu. This is not the kind of place to be seen but you are sure to impress with the food! If you don't really know where Goose Island is, it is in Division between Cabrini Green to the east and 90/94 to the west... so don't expect this to be anything but a blue-collar crowd with a few people in the know scattered throughout the line. If you've been out clubbing and have girls in your group, consider leaving them in the car with 1-2 guys. It can be sketchy late-night but I've never seen anything that seemed unsafe. Either way, be on good behavior and appreciate the food. Also, if you served in the military, particularly the Marine Corp, you will find that the Goose Island Shrimp House will accept you with open arms as this is a Marine family.
(5)Tiff B.
So, I've never been to Goose Island before oh, about 1 a.m. Don't judge me. It's just that I try not to eat deep fried stuff and it's usually around that witching hour when my will power fails me miserably and I go for broke. And if I'm going to do it, I figure why not go big and deal with the consequences later. Anyhow, this joint has the biggest shrimp ever and they're oh so tasty. The place looks like a total hole in the wall place and is in a almost remote location by a bunch of factories and a bridge. But all of that aside, you can't beat the fried shrimp and french fries. And they're open super late, so it's always an adventure to see what type of characters you'll stumble upon when the clubs close. Good times, gigantic shrimp to eat in your car. Yep, gotta experience it for yourself.
(5)Steve M.
I've driven past here many times on my way home from work and finally stopped in because i was jonesing for some greasy goodness. I like the selection and prices. I went in wanting some shrimp and catfish and walked out with a pound of smelt and and 1/2 lb of fried oysters. I drove up the road to Stanley's to buy some lettuce and tomato and made oyster po boys when I got home. I was quite happy and the tab at Goose island was less than $10. Nice!
(4)David O.
They have incredible killer shrimp, excellent. As far as shrimp goes, far, far, far, better than Lawrence's fisheries. Goose island shrimp house jumbo shrimp, makes Lawrence's fisheries jumbo shrimp look like popcorn shrimp. Goose island shrimp cocktail sauce is hot with a unique color and taste all its own. And the price is extremely reasonable. This place is well known with hollywood and sports celebrities.
(4)Jonathan A.
I was concerned coming upon the GISH when we saw a paramedic ambulance parked outside the front door. Maybe someone had keeled over due to the food. But no, inside the paramedic was just picking up lunch, whew. This is the kind of joint you walk into where you feel the atmosphere and decor must be inversely proportional to how great the food is going to be. You walk into a little room, and a bunch of people are standing around like it's the post office. Then the guy at the counter says 'NEXT'. You humbly walk up to the counter and order a mess of fried by the half pound, 3/4 lb, or pound. This may consist of shrimp, jumbo shrimp, frog legs, fish chips, oysters, etc. Anything you can fry basically. I wasn't really that hungry so I just got a half lb of reg shrimp. It was really good stuff, so much so that I can't wait to go back and try some more. I was expecting it to be a little cheaper than it was given the area and the fact that not much money is going towards interior design. Though they do have an old Centipede arcade game and a rather new looking Batman pinball machine. $4.25 for the half pound of reg shrimp, not bad but not great. Next time I will pony up for the jumbo shrimp and maybe some frog legs. Also, this place is apparently open till 5am which seems crazy to me.
(4)Lois A.
The shrimp here are fantastic and so are the fries. The fries are my favorite kind, all fatty and soft when you get them home. The shrimp are so big I swear the regular would pass as jumbo at a lot of places and I love the goose island sauce. Cheap sides...like cole slaw for 50 cents. It's hard to beat the prices here. My only problem is that recently the catfish we ordered had lots of bones in it and that can be scary when there is heavy breading involved. Watch yourself! Hours are awesome and service is great.
(3)Felix C.
I had pretty high expectations and they just weren't met. I had 1/2 lbs of jumpo shrimp and oysters. My issues with the shrimp is that it has too much breading for my taste. You can hardly taste the shrimp or even notice the texture of it. The oysters same thing... LIGHT on the breading please! Having said that.... I liked the oysters better.
(2)Never M.
I was raised on Goose Island shrimp, I'm talkin since I was a lil mama, knee high to a duck! and I have turned out to be a well rounded person because of it. Guess they won't be gentrifying this spot away and thank goodness, how boring would that strip be without it? Lawrence Fisheries little fried dirt balls can't hold a candle to these batter dipped diamonds. Do you want fresh seafood with actual flavor whenever YOU want it? You want these guys then! Good seafood in the hood, where they do that at!
(5)Jason N.
The best fried shrimp in the city, the jumbo shrimp are truly jumbo shrimp. And the regular shrimp are as big as what other shrimp shacks classify as jumbo. The dipping sauces are great and the fries are surprisingly good as well. If you need a shrimp fix this is the closest you'll get to living on the coast.
(5)mike h.
best fried shrimp in the city, and i have tried most, been going here for over 10 years now- always the same, always awesome! Dont try much else there, all you need is the scrimps, and some cocktail sauce, and hot sauce- done! fried shrimp heaven. there is a reason they have been there almost 40 years!
(5)Funkdragon H.
This place is the real deal. You want no-frills, fresh fried seafood, anytime from morning til dawn? This is the joint for you. Had a craving for some seafood, 7pm on a Saturday, i.e. their "down time." Called in my order, 1/2 oyster, 1/2 scallop. (As other Yelpers have said, don't bother saying "pound." They know what you mean.) Arrived when they promised it'd be ready, paid my cash, and scurried home to devour my brown paper bags of deep-fried goodness. Sweet. LORD! I expected the scallops to be those little mini buttons that barely resemble the savory medallions you'd see divinely plated at finer establishments. Hardly. Big and succulent, the simple breading gave them an entirely unexpected level of flavor. Outstanding. And then the oysters, a "love 'em or loathe 'em" type of food. They're fishy, they're tender, they are amazing. My 1/2 lb. consisted of four enormous breaded oysters, and biting into them was like someone had breaded the fresh open sea, deep fried it, and put it into my mouth. These juicy morsels were substantial and fresh and delicious, the deep-fry process perfectly sealing in the juices that any true oyster lover adores about this delicious mollusk. Truly, one of the most perfect fried oysters I've ever tasted. So leave pretense behind, grow a pair, and belly up to the countertop at Goose Island Shrimp.
(4)Brad C.
Hot damn I'm full of shrimp! Now I'm not going to lie, this place is kind of shady. I rode my bike over here for lunch and had to lock it to the rusted fence around the corner. When I walked in the place was pretty packed. You really don't know who has ordered and who is just waiting for their food so you just kind of wait till the guy working the counter asks who's next. Since I wasn't that hungry I just ordered a 1/2 pound of regular shrimp. The 1/2 pound order was $4.25. Maybe not as cheap as I thought it should be but not bad. Within about fives minutes my order was in my hand and I was on the bike heading back to work. There isn't any place to eat unless you have a car to sit in outside. The shrimp was really good and the breading was excellent. Next time I'm going to get the frog legs and oysters.. thats right I'll be back! Not something I could eat all the time but after a few drinks at the bars, this would be a great stop. I can see this joint being packed late at night since they are open til 5:00 am.
(5)Tish N.
I really wanted to give it more stars. The food is great don't get it twisted but the dudes who work there were having an extremely loud conversation in the back. I needed a moment to look the selection over and he just walked away. I didn't want to yell so I patiently waited until he came back. The chick waiting with me complained quite loudly about it too. I don't mess with people who are handling my food so I didn't say anything. I liked my shrimp but I have to have an extreme taste for it to go back. I like DeCola's on the southside better anyway.
(3)Dred H.
K, I gave it 4 stars coz I haven't actually been there in over a decade. But everyone I talk to who knows about it says it hasn't changed. And when I went, I was usually a little bent, since I was working at KaBoom! on Chicago and Halsted at the time. And I usually went just before midnight, before the club got busy. So yeah. But, with those grains of salt, I have to say that their Jumbo shrimp (prawns, whatever) were amazing. Yes, the breading is a bit rocky sometimes... I wouldn't say "sandpaper," but more like "Cap'n Crunch." Insofar as it may rough up your palate a little, but it's nothing if you like really effin crunchy fried stuff. If the sauces are still the same, don't bother with the freebies they hand out with your order. Pay a little extra and get the "home-made" sauce. More substantial and better flavor - more horseradishy. Favorite side was always the potato salad. I almost got to eat there today - was putting the stuff from a tour in storage half a block away, but fell behind schedule. Sadness, but my tour staff bought me Hot Doug's instead, so I still win.
(4)T. Murray -.
Ok - this is the ultimate in after the club, drank myself into a stupor, get your grub on greasy spoon spots. I love it. Almost everytime I go to Chicago I convince my friend E to take me here after a night of partying. I don't care that you have to wait twenty minutes while they fry your food up in the same oil they probably used the night before. It is, as cliche as it sounds, finger lickin good. These are some of the biggest shrimp I've ever seen and I am originally from the east coast. I haven't ventured from my usual shrimp order so I can't speak on other menu items. I can say that Atlanta has nothing like this and we are all forced to go to diners with options that taste like they came out of the grocer's freezer when it comes to seafood if we are craving it after the club. The neighborhood is in transition. Last time I was there I feel like you could turn one way and see Candyman's Caprini Green and turn the other way ans see new condo development.
(4)Nicole L.
when i think of this place i think of my mom and all her fabulous expression (for instance) *"in the hood we call this a hookup". She took me here one night a around 3 in the morning on a school night bc i couldn't sleep. Before we get outta the car she tells me don't stare at anyone or touch anything. I laughed get out step in and was like wtf have you lost your damn mind. well this was a statement i knew she already had but what the hell. I end up seeing how huge the shrimp was tried it and never said a word. i was to busy stuffing my face. I loved it. Best food isn't in the cleanest places she told me. "i shutter to think that" but i trust it because anywhere that looks shady most likely has the best home cookin your gunna get. I do not advise children to go here fyi but im a big girl so i'll get my shrimp fix at 3am any day.
(3)John G.
Best spot for some late night jumbo shrimp!
(5)John Y.
About the only thing good about this place is it's close to Wicker Park. The breading makes the shrimp in most cases. This breading is more like heavy sand paper. It's crusty hard and does enhance the flavor of the shrimp. The shrimp tasted as if it were marinated in garlic something and was slimy in texture. I would not recommend this place. Try Calumet Fisheries on East 95th Street, it's the best! Another good one is Lawrence Fisheries in China Town.
(1)antelia c.
After reading the reviews of this place, I decided to try Goose Island Shrimp House after leaving the club. I did not like the sauce, and did not like the food. The customer service was horrible. I had the shrimp, they were big, but to hard and did not have a taste to me. Will not return to this joint.
(2)Rocky B.
Oh sweet mother of everything that is good and holy....this place has the best fried shrimp and they are seriously as big as your head. Okay....I exaggerate but they are truly friggin tasty. I remember working a nightclub not to far from Goose Island years back and my boss taking me on late night runs to this place. Neighborhood is seedy but the shrimp was so worth risking your life for. Haven't been here in a few years but I still have dreams about this place and I still look at it with sadness as I pass by it every now and then. It's like a friend that you know is bad influence on you but you still miss them. Sniff.
(3)Ryan F.
My favorite late night stop on the way home. These shrimp are sooooo good, and sooo huge. It's a dive, but that's how I like it.
(3)AR F.
Okay, so as a child I was taken here pretty often by my sister and her then boyfriend. I have to say, perhaps it's because I haven't had this food since then, however I went to grab a takeout order with my auntie and it was an absolute delight. The order was faster than ever since we called it in and I would absolutely go back!
(4)Nikki L.
So, after having shrimp battles with my bf about who has better shrimp, Lawrences or Goose Island, I had to come back for a second try and REALLY eat a whole half pound on my own to make this decision. LOL. The Jumbo shrimps, are as big as my hand and twice the size of my mouth! I had to come home and cut them into bite size pieces because the breading on the shrimp was so thick and crusty that it was literally shredding the roof of my mouth. Like other yelpers, I feel that the shrimp itself tasted like it was soaking in a garlic clove and there was way too much breading on them. The neighborhood itself is quite scary let alone being INSIDE had me feeling like "is shrimp worth my life?" after this visit, sadly it is not. Sorry Goose Island, I'm a Lawrence's girl :-)
(2)Edward H.
Man oh man... this is a great place to grease your belly (inside, not out silly!) up with fried goodies (hopefully from the sea and not anywhere near the Chicago river nearby). This little rundown place serves up greasy nuggets of tasty bliss for the masses - probably mostly the drunk masses. I've been here sober but it's 10x's better not. I'm not even sure if this place ever closes... they seem to be open at all odd hours of the night. So if you're coming back from a binge at nearby Gold Coast or Wrigleyville... this place has got what you need.
(4)Omar W.
The fish and chips are the bomb. the breading is a little heavy. but over all really tasty. I can remember many of nights making that late night run to the Goose!
(3)John H.
Once is enough. Food is ok, but service is just not there. They need to have tickets and to watch who is in line.
(2)Syretta H.
Love Goose Island, especially after leaving the club and having that late night craving for greasy food. I don't know the hours of this place, it seems like they open late at night...not real sure, I've never really been there during the day. I've only ever had the shrimp, but my boyfriend has had the frog legs and loves them. Another reason I like Goose Island Shrimp House is because they cook the food while you wait. So it's hot and fresh and greasy.....just love it!
(5)Jesse W.
This place has one of the best shrimp values in Chicago ($4 per half-pound). But even with that in mind, I couldn't see myself placing an order in the florescent-lit shack again. Most of the shrimps weight seems to come from the overly salty, garlicky, heavy batter. I stripped the batter from the shrimp and came out with a nice, jumbo size shrimp... too bad it remained excessively salty. I could hardly taste the shrimp as my blood pressure rose to unhealthy levels. The mild sauce is a mix of ketchup and mustard; and the hot sauce is your south side standard. Gladly, I tried only the fried jumbo shrimp. You can even find tastier, but smaller, shrimp at your local J&J or Shark's.
(3)S to the izzo F.
Found an after hours and still hungry, swing by here any time and get some real comfort food. When you wake up in the morning you will hate yourself but at 4 AM, damn good food!!! Everything is deep fried. You've been slowly killing yourself all night so why stop! The food does taste good and the hot sauce is great! Plus, if you bring enough to the after hours, everyone will love you! Maybe I should try it out during the day... yea right!
(4)Charles Q.
one of the top shrimp houses in the city...glad that they are still around...
(4)tulip f.
it's been a few years sence i been here. can't wait to go back i know the location is not in the best place but the jumbo shrimps are awsome!
(5)Amaliya L.
Do not confuse this place with the gross brewery that shares it's name. Goose Island Shrimp House is an incredible fish house tucked inside what most people would find a daunting, scary area. Yes, it is walking distance, not even a block from Cabrini Green. And yes, it is often scary to go there, but damn, I would walk there if I had to. This place rocks. The hand floured corn breaded Shrimp each weigh a ton and are bigger than your hand. The scallops are perfect and melt in your mouth! They weigh your seafood before breading, and frying it, so you definitely get your money's worth. They offer 2 very distinct dipping sauces, and it is definitely not hot sauce and ketchup. I've never had anything that didn't taste fresh or seemed "dirty". The only thing that I have had that I did not like because I was not used to it was the catfish nuggets. Their food is not what gourmands would consider fine dining, etc..it is just good real seafood. The lines out the door and along the counter is testament to this. This is a family business, they have another location on the west side. When my husband and I used to be really really poor, wanted to treat ourselves or cheer each other up, we would head to Goose Island. TO this day, it still brings a huge smile to my face and my tummy loves them!
(5)Michelle W.
So the location isn't that desirable (right across the street from Cabrini Green), but the food is cheap and good. You can get shrimp by the pound and fish & clams too. The breading on the shrimp is a little weird, but the clams are really good. Their hot sauce is yummy too.
(4)Bobby G.
I mean it's kickass fried shrimp. Like really Fred. And the hot sauce isn't hot but more like a southwestern tangy deliciousness. It's in the middle of nowhere and there's no seating so take that for what it is. The wait is around 15 minutes but there's arcade games. I want to go back and eat the fish chips because everybody's doing it.
(5)David O.
Been here once, the food compares to Captain B's in Cicero very much(possibly same owners)only exception is this place is a shit hole!
(3)Marc D.
I love Goose Island but I don't understand why is closed it's supposed to be open till 4 a.m.
(4)NENE W.
Not a fan, the shrimp are fried to hard & it scratches the inside of my mouth. I am a shrimp lover.
(2)Cindy L.
Goose Island Shrimp House Chicago, has been in the same location for well over two decades. They have celebrity pictures on the wall. I've eaten at this restaurant for many, many years. I usually buy the jumbo shrimp. They are HUGE, and not over seasoned with salt, or breading. The shrimp are de-vained and clean. Prices are reasonable. This is NOT a sit down fancy restaurant. This restaurant is well worth the drive if you're craving big fresh jumbo shrimp. The customer service is not so great, but the food is delicious!!!
(5)Marianna C.
The most phenomenal shrimp of all time! I've been going since I was a kid and wont stop now.
(5)Happiness L.
This place has...character and the very very very best jumbo fried shrimp on the planet. They sell their own cocktail sauce,..,don't complain about the $1 charge just buy some as your taste buds will be happy. The guy behind the counter is nice. The crowd is diverse. You can play classic Ms PacMan or pinball while you wait for your order so bring quarters. Note that there are no tables. This is a take out place. If you are super hungry when you get your order you can stand and eat by a small ledge counter by the window. Wish they were open 7 days a week yet happy they take time off for rest. Yay! A big time favorite.
(5)Aeri B.
Literally the best seafood in Chicago. Way better than Lawrence's! I always get half pound of regular shrimp and two orders of clam strips with the hot sauce. Tastes super fresh. I've had a half order of jumbo shrimp and those things are huge. Some may say too big but I didn't mind it. You just need to be ready for how big these shrimps are or else you will be caught off guard lol. Cash only. No seating. Strictly coming for the food. And that's 100% fine with me.
(5)Alexander T.
The food here is good. The service staff if rude and the wait time is high. Especially if you go at night when most people crave seafood anyway. If its lat forget about it just go to white castle there will be long lines. There have been times I wanted it so bad i waited and there have been times the wait wasn't worth it and I just drove away. I tried to call in my order to avoid the line and they refused the call in. So I will rate this ok because I love the food but am not a fan of the service.
(3)Justin B.
Stick to the basics--fried shrimp, fries, soda. All were great and all were cheap. The catfish was cheap too, but it was so laden with chunky bone pieces (like, the size of a quarter or larger in some cases) that I would skip the catfish next time. Called ahead and all was ready in 20 minutes...and, you can't beat the prices: a pound of shrimp, a pound of catfish, two orders of fries and a soda was done for less than $20. Very plain interior so no place to dine in. Solid!
(4)Kevin B.
Goose Island is going to that spot either you mess with it or you don't. Its really no grey area. If you are a late night, food junkie that doesn't want to pay alot of money, Welcome to Goose Island. Because their shrimp is great and they give you a lot for your money. Its cash only but for 5-10 bucks (depending on the size of your order), you'll tons of great tasting shrimp in a paper bag and can be on your way. If you are the type who doesnt like hole in the wall spots and wants breadsticks with your shrimp, pass on Goose Island. As I said before the shrimp is great but place is a true hole in the wall. Its Cash Only and no where to sit. And its not an ATM near so keep that in mind when you stumble in there off a Friday night bender. But if you just want good food, hit an ATM in route and go.
(4)Marisa A.
Probably worth it for the experience alone. Come here after a long night, park outside, get your shrimp in a bag, then sit in your car and eat it while watching all sorts of characters do the exact same thing you just did. The shrimp is interesting. No one is lying here when they say they're huge! And the tails are still on, but breaded so easy to accidentally ingest. The breading is really thick but not particularly flavorful. Clam strips are the same thing... but clam strips. Fries were good in the way that only fries stuffed in paper bag can be, but they really need salt. It seems like a lot of people like the hot sauce, but I just thought it was ok.
(3)Mikey S.
If you haven't had it, your missing out the best fried shrimp. So good the line speak for it's self
(5)Hollywood P.
All you need to know is after partying in the Clubs or a Bar, Goose Island is the Spot to Hit on the way Home. Never in my life have I tasted better Shrimp and yes that includes Lawrence's! The Clam strips are off the Hook as well and don't be shy to try their Frog Legs!! Seafood is more expensive regardless where you go so the prices shouldn't be a concern. You'll get Quality and Quantity! The Goose gets nothing less than 5 Stars!!
(5)Gerrin C.
So I had heard that this is the place to go for shrimp. I was so excited to finally get the shrimp and catfish. The shrimp were huge and it smelled great. However, after the first bite I was very disappointed. Everything tasted like it was fried in old grease. It was a total waste of $25 for a pound and a half of Jumbo Shrimp and half pound of cat fish. The cat fish had a lot of bones. The breading was extra thick. I won't be going there again. Lawrence's is much better.
(1)Andre W.
This place has been around forever! I remember my aunt and uncles would always talk about coming here after being out partying on weekends. I remember being a teenager eating the leftover shrimp they could not eat and I enjoyed the hell out of it. I decided to stop by recently for nostalgia sake. I ordered 1/2lbs of jumbo shrimp. I always enjoy checking out old establishments that have signed pics of local and world celebrities. Shaq, Lisa Raye, local news reporters and countless others have donated their John Hancocks to the wall of fame here. My food didn't take very long to come out and I hopped in my car and drove home. I was excited to try the shrimp I hadn't eaten in almost 20 years. Once home I ripped the damn bag open and saw my big ass shrimp which caused the hunger to rise. There was too much breading on the shrimp which made it difficult to eat and it definitely affected the taste in a major way. Not as good as I remember it. The hot sauce definitely added flavor to the overly breaded shrimp and would probably be good on anything fried. People behind the counter are really cool. Parking here should be easy as there is street parking in front. The place is virtually in the middle of nowhere with nothing else to eat until you drive about a mile west on Division. I would definitely try the place again, but I prefer Lawrence Fisheries shrimp.
(3)Brenda P.
Ordered a pound of scallops and a half pound of friend oysters, both were warm fresh and delicious, couldn't eat there but yowza amazing flavor. I am in love with the fried scallops, melt in your mouth goodness and they're open till 5!? Winning!!
(5)Carl G.
Exactly what you think it is: a hole in the wall, cash only, and deep friend goodness. Pretty simple menu, pretty simple food. Staff is nice, food comes out pretty quick - the call in business seemed to be booming, and there were a lot of regulars in there as well. Breading seems to be cornmeal and is laid on nice and thick. Everything is breaded (tails included), and everything goes well with the sauces they hand out. It isn't your normal Chicago fast food place - definitely worth a trip.
(4)Careese H.
I have been coming here since I was a child and it had always tasted the same and been fresh and delicious! The shrimp and scallops are my fav's! Oh and it's cash only!
(5)Julian C.
I feel like I am the only one that thinks it is just "ok". I was so excited because it is a staple in Chicago. The shrimp have a lot of breading on them. My partner liked the fish chips. I honestly think Shrimp Express in Cal City is so much more fresh and does not have all the batter.
(3)Shaun S.
I got a pound of skrimps and clam strips. The shrimps tasted good, the breading was ok. I came here during lunch. The service was fast and they hooked it up with shrimp. I couldn't come close to finishing it. The hot sauce is on point, probably my favorite part.
(4)Yvonne B.
Um. No. Some people (who very much tickled my fancy) painted such vivid word pictures of stopping by Goose Island Shrimp House and bringing it home for dinner and of love and life and happiness... Well. I gushed! I had to stop there on my way to M's. I easily parked on the side of Division (for free!) and went into this hole in the wall place. I thought, "Down the rabbit's hole and into wonderland!!!" Freakin' exciting! Folks were leaning against the counter and the wall. There were two arcade games and no chairs. No tables. The counter was as tall as my shoulders. There were snap shots on the walls of [of what I assume to be] pron stars and family members. The floor was dirty. I ordered a pound of jumbo shrimp. The person after me got catfish. I asked him if it was good and he said that everyone he knows loves it. I added 3/4 pound of that to my order and asked him to throw in two Goose Island sauces ($1 each) for the heck of it. I stood around for long, long, long minutes. I texted M, "I'm getting us dinner now. :-) get excited!" I watched people order and pick up their food. I noticed that they all paid with cash. I wondered if it was a cash only place? I wouldn't put it past a hole in the wall joint to be a cash only place. Then again, there weren't any signs ANYWHERE that indicated such. Besides, cash only places usually have an ATM and this place only had those two arcade games. I walked to the opposite side of the room to see if I could possibly see the kitchen. I couldn't. Then they brought my order to the counter and I timidly started to hand over my debit card. Cash only. I asked where I could get cash. He said at the gas station over the bridge and to the left. Scrap that idea! I drove a half mile to a free ATM (free for me, at least) inside of K-Mart and then drove back. I paid $20.27. I got my food and brought it to M's. Up until this point, I believe that I would have given this place four or five stars if the food was nearly as amazing as what was described to me. But HECK NO. Both the shrimp and the catfish were both breaded and were indistinguishable from one another by a quick once over. The shrimp still had the shells on the ends and the catfish had bones in it. M called it a day after only a few bites but I wanted to power through. The breading was pretty thick and heavy. I think it might have been made with cornmeal. It had good flavor, but was too much. Eventually I started dissecting it by removing the breading to expose the shells and bones so that I could remove them before they poked my tongue and crunched in my teeth. M watched me sympathetically. She offered to make something else for me and tried her hardest to get me to give up on it. All I can say now is that those people who recommended Goose Island Shrimp House to me must have different tastes that me. I wonder if they knew that shells were on the shrimp or that bones were in the catfish? I haven't a clue, but I know it's not for me.
(1)Diana T.
Love their scallops and their hot sauce. You can't beat them for what you get. Their freshness is the best on all they offer
(5)Jean S.
I went here today i must say the jumbo shrimps are good but the have to much breading.also i tried the froglegs,in fish chips it all taste the same.
(3)Vivian H.
Was walking home on Division from Ashland and the only enticing eaterie that popped up on Yelp was this place. The only storefront as far as the eye could see, 9pm, in the middle of a dark street.. probably not a great place for a girl to go alone... but everyone (staff & patrons) was so nice! Got the catfish and fries.. excuse me it was only $4? I only got the 1/2 lb catfish but it was like 5 huge pieces. Catfish itself tasted pretty fresh and was yummy enough, but the breading was kinda flavorless and a bit too thick, and there were a couple pieces with lots of bones. I got the hot sauce which helped but wasn't a huge fan of that either. Fries could use seasoning. It was certainly not the greatest food but for the price and the hours it's open, can't be beat.
(3)Tenzo D.
Either you get it or you dont This is a cash only hole in the wall, evidenced by signs that say 'cash only' and have pictures of credit cards with a red X through them. This place defines hole in the wall and defines the neighborhood before it was gentrified. Dont pass on the fish chips. They are the best thing there. Although a lot of my friends like the shrimp. I order a pound bag for $5 and that is a LOT of food.
(5)Johnny T.
So, the long and short of it is: I guess I don't like fried oysters. I mean, I used to. I lived in New Orleans and would eat them all of the time. Thing is, when I ate them, I don't recall space alien-green sh!t (literally) oozing out of them all the time. It's repulsive. Of all the things to willingly put into one's mouth, this has to go near the bottom. Yes, I'm a Protestant. But, seriously, my meal here might have been one of the most singularly unhealthy things I have ever eaten. I ordered a 1/2 scallop, 1/2 oyster and 1/2 shrimp meal with fries. The shrimp were very large, expertly breaded and incredibly satisfying. And, after observation, they were de-veined, which is points for me. The rating has much to do with the shrimp and I would probably come back here to eat them (or, eat someone else's). The sauce was a slight upgrade from the usual cocktail sauce and provided just the right coating for the sea roaches. The scallops, too, were quite large, nicely breaded and tasted great. If I had never seen what these ugly f*ckers look like in the wild, I would eat them again. But, I can't. They're disgusting. They have all these beady, googly eyes all over their shells... ugh, I am getting grossed out by even writing it. Tasted good -- but no more for me. The oysters were... hot. I took a bite a did the "Haa-haaa-haa" thing and waved at my mouth. Spitting the bivalve onto a piece of paper so as to stop the scalding, I looked into the abyss and came back a changed man. The oyster was full of green ick and it was nauseating. I put that one aside and cut into another. More ooze. I tried to pawn one off on my friend as an experiment. He cussed me out. I just couldn't do it. No amount of sauce, breading or hype could get me to eat those things. I tried to salvage the meal with the fries. They were eh. The heat from the sea food made 'em soggy (the order came in the same brown bag). The lack of over salting/seasoning kept them bland. I threw most away. But, in GISH's defense, I was sober throughout the experience. There's a reason this is drunk-food.
(3)Michelle C.
I heard great things about GISH and that the jumbo shrimp were delicious and the best in Chicago. So, I drove all the way from the Southside of Chicago and paid $69.72 for 3 lbs of shrimp, 1lb of catfish, 3 orders of lunchroom cookies, and 6 pops. Oh and 3 extra sauces! If you enjoy jumbo heavy, heavy, cornmeal breading on your shrimp then you will love this place. I myself found the shrimp to be the nastiest shrimp I've ever eaten. The hot sauce is some kind of weird color that was unrecognizable, didn't even touch that. The only good thing I can report is the Sprite was delish.
(1)Marvin N.
Went last night. Not at all what I expected. The breading was heavy thick coating that was gross. I couldn't tell the difference between the jumbo shrimp and catfish. The catfish still had the bones in it and was undercooked. I did like the Clams. That's about it.
(1)Henry L.
Shrimp house is right down the road and from all the reviews we decided to give it a try for lunch. About 5 of us order about 5# shrimp, 1/2#oysters, clams, fries, almost everything. I think most of these 4-5 stars are just having a nostalgia moment. The food was OK at best, oysters were downright scary. Breading was thick but shrimp size was good, just not much flavor. Goose Island sauce is just cocktail sauce (over priced). Won't be back except maybe for the clam strips. They seemed to be breaded differently which makes me think right from the freezer into the fryer from Gordon's fisherman.
(1)Kevin Z.
Fried shrimp. regular shrimp is perfect, they have jumbo too if you like it big. they have a bunch of other fried seafood but I have only gotten the shrimp (its their name after all...) i got 3 pounds and took it to a party and was mister popular. the sauces are all good, they have bottles of hot sauce for sale too, the guy at the counter suggested an awesome one. cash only. hole in the wall. take out only. call ahead. if you dont understand these things stay away and leave it for us who appreciate it.
(4)Julio G.
The best fry shrimp in Chicago,and at $9.00 a pound.I havebeen going to GOOSE for 40 years and Tony and the guys are the best.
(5)Patrick J.
Staff rude, loud music and loud talking coming from the kitchen. Ghetto joint!!!! No class whatsoever. I stopped by hear because of the rumor of their shrimp. These shrimp has to be on Steroids. I ordered a 1/2 pound and paid 6.00 bucks for 5 pawns!!
(2)Tony R.
Delish. Love the Smelts with a little hot sauce mixed with the Cocktail sauce. If your looking for fine dining or a healthy salad, this is not the place. If your looking for a whole in the wall to pick up delicious fried Jumbo Shrimp or Smelts, this is the place. As others described, it's best to call the friendly staff to place your order ahead of time..
(5)Nate L.
I wish it wasn't such pain in the a$$ to get to this place. This small restaurant is located on division between 2 bridges and the traffic is almost unbearable. Nevertheless, this is probably one of the best shrimp places I've ever had a pleasure to devour (trust me, I've been all over the world) I usually call ahead and order 1/2 to 3/4 lbs jumbo shrimp and 1/2 of catfish. What makes it so good is the breading. I don't know that the mixture is, but it's cripsy on the outside, and soft/moist/juicy on the inside. I've never had a bad meal from this place, but only thing I've ordered are the shrimps and catfish. I might order some fried oysters but after reading JT's review, it might not be a good idea. Hot damn man, their hot sauce is pretty good too! I was pretty skeptical about hot sauce at a seafood joint since every hot sauce I've tried around chicago has been..... straight up garbage. In the end, this is probably my favorite place to get fried shrimp and catfish so far, I know few other places (lawrence fish market) I need to try but so far, this is it for me! And parking ain't a problem either, it's in middle of industrial area so there are tons of free street parking. But call ahead so you don't have to wait in line for too long. Peave out homie. Oh yeah. CASH ONLY! 1 pinball machine and 1 arcade with pac-man and galaga installed. You can play while you wait if you want to.
(5)Edward E.
Expensive and not very high quality. The counter people were very friendly, but way too much breading for my taste.
(2)Dee M.
The shrimp is the star of this place HUGE tasty and filling .I love the ocean scallops personally which also are huge and wonderful and full of flavor .While i am not a fan of their sauce everything else I have ever purchased from this establishment seems to please my palate and doesn't kil my wallet and that important in my book . There is one problem parking and navigating the area but is definitely worth it once you get there .
(3)Amy H.
Pardon my French, but what the f@ck??? And I say that in a good way. The other night after a lot of drinking, a few friends and I made a stop at the Goose Island Shrimp House. We all waited in the car while one person ran in and 5 minutes later was back in the car with a bag full of deep fried goodies. The deep fried shrimp was as big as my head! Ok, it really wasn't, but it was HUUUUGE!! The deep fried oyster was even bigger! This is drunk food on steroids! Deep fried, artery clogging goodness. At least the seafood part of it is healthy, right?
(3)Melissa S.
I pass the shrimp house 5 days a week and today was my first visit. I of course yelped ahead and read some reviews. Here's the nitty gritty: - CASH ONLY - take out only - call ahead (it gets busy in there) - decent prices - huge jumpo shrimp and great oysters! I called ahead to pick up my order in time for my boyfriends lunch break. The man who answered was very polite and friendly, which is unusual for phone orders, so I had a good vibe already! Everything was ready when I got there and I paid $23 for a pound of huge, delicious fried shrimp, a half pound of oysters, fries, 2 cans of pop, lemon juice, hot sauce, and their signature sauce. I have always gone to Lawrences on Lawrence, but now I think I found a more convenient, affordable and tasty new shrimp house!
(5)Howard C.
Some of the best fried shrimp I've ever had. The Goose Island Sauce is a MUST. The hot sauce is also fantabulous. You can call ahead, but if its late enough it only takes them about 10 minutes to throw your order together. And don't worry, you won't get shot. Well, most likely won't get shot. Park right out in front, run inside, order your shrimp and enjoy. I like the jumbo. The "pros" seem to order the regular. I have yet to order the regular size. Jumbo are $12 a pound, regular are $8.50 a pound. All I know is, when shrimp are so good that you are happy to eat the tail, then these are some damn good shrimp. You will enjoy!
(5)LANCE L.
G.I.S.H. is a unique Chicago experience, though not for the faint of heart. You gan get the regular shrimp or the JUMBO 6 count to the pound shrimp here. I know of no where else that serves these jumbo monsters in the Chicago area. This is walk in; carry out only. No place to sit and eat. Parking on the street only. The place looks "grungy" but I have never heard anything about health problems with the food. The shrimp do tend to be "over breaded", and over cooked, for the most part, but the trick here is to ask for everything "LIGHTLY BREADED", and "LIGHTLY FRIED". You may have to wait a little longer, but it's worth it. I suggest bringing your own bottle of hot sauce or the like, and a salt shaker. I used to be able to take my bag of shrimp and walk up to "LIFE'S TOO SHORT" and eat them with a beer, but that place doesn't exist anymore. Another tragedy. So there it is. Follow my suggestions and you will have a great experience.
(4)Dennis B.
I've lived in Chicago all my life and everyone talks about this place being so great. The Shrimp has to much bread on it. It's like I was eating fried cornbread. Not sure why so many people love this place. I went right after the work and there was no line, thank god, because I'd of been mad if I had to stand in line for it. The staff however are very friendly, which is why I give two stars.
(2)Renee W.
These have to be the biggest Jumbo Shrimp I have ever seen or ate! OMG! it is like eating a steak. I can only eat 2 of them. I have been stopping in at this place over the years when I am in Chicago and nothing has changed which is good but for newbies the experience could be good or bad. The atmosphere is get in and get out so call ahead. The place is not fancy but the Shrimp is good!. Now I am not a fan of their shrimp sauce because it is too tangy for me so I carry my own sauce with me if I want to tear right into the bag and start eating once I get in the car.
(4)Jackie G.
Two words: JUMBO SHRIMP! I absolutely love this place. Just grab your food and go. Call ahead though because most of the time, they take forever. It's not really a place you want to hang out at and wait for your food. The Jumbo Shrimp is so good though. i also tried the frog legs but they were nothing to write home about. The canned pops are always ice cold too. All you need is a half pound (or pound) of jumbo shrimp and a can of Root Beer. :)
(5)Dee D.
DELICIOUS, cheap seafood. I'd recommend to anyone. Call ahead, because it will take forever for your food. I love the clam strips.
(4)Stephanie M.
The best things on the menu are the regular shrimp and the scallops, make sure to ask for the scallops to be cooked dry so they aren't soggy. And you've got to go for the hot sauce...it's the perfect marriage. Always call ahead, waiting there can take forever when it's busy.
(4)Maria H.
((((day dreaming of Goose Island shrimp)))) This is one of those Chicago staples.. nothing fancy abt this spot, it's somewhat in the hood, and you'lll prob run into some sketchy characters... keep your doors locked and windows rolled up when you go in. I say this only b/c my dumb arse left my windows down one visit, and had anything in plain sight stolen out my car. it is what it is, and that is the price of amazing shrimp. Their sauce is what marries it all together- a bit tart and spicey.. mm, delicious. Crunchy and well seasoned.. you just have to order a lb of jumbo shrimp!!!
(5)Dan D.
Want GOOD fried shrimp that is fresh, never frozen, cheap, and from a place that has been around for a few decades?! Well I'm glad to let you know that Goose Island Shrimp House is THE destination for yourself. Don't be discouraged by the appearance of the outside or inside. Just a bare-bones white counter, non-flashy sign, easy to miss on Division Ave... but they will cook up the best tasty little shrimps your lil heart can handle. I recommend the super-spicy hot-sauce (it isn't that spicy, don't be a baby). Cheap, delicious, and I hope they will be around for another few decades!
(5)Rose Q.
Great Shrimp... Love it. Cheap...but good and fresh!
(4)Phyllis S.
OK.. this will be quick. The line was long OK. The shrimp were TERRIBLE!! Shrimp are to be golden with a slight crunch, this was beyond crunchy to say the least, it was just plain HARD! The crust or should I say batter was not up to my standards at all. In fact anyone who thinks that these are good shrimp, well they have not gotten out much to eat. I expected more, from the reviews, but sometimes you cannot believe the hype!!
(1)Laneka G.
I order the jumbo shrimp, they are nice sized but i wish there was just a little less breading on them. i like their shrimp better than lawrences the scallops are the bomb! perfect size taste and breading love love love them. i only really like tater sauce didnt use the sauce they gave me
(4)Marcee W.
If you like your shrimp gigantic and fried hard and crunchy, this is the place for you! Order a steamy, one pound bag of jumbo shrimp and cocktail sauce, but be prepared to eat it in your car outside. It's part of the experience and it's a carryout only place. Also, bring cash, They don't take credit cards. Enjoy!
(4)Khadijah L.
AMAZING. Wonderfully deep fried seafood in a questionably ghetto sketch area with friendly service. They're open till 5 am, and you can call ahead to order and pickup if you don't want to wait around inside. Jumbo Shrimp was humongous, albeit really really thick breading. The shrimp was still huge, but the breading makes me sated really quickly. My favorite is the fried scallops and clams. Nom nom. delish. The sauce is great, but I can't see how its amazing as people mention here. I've tasted sauce from a bottle just as tasty. Anyway, i almost don't want to write a review about it because I want it to be a secret. Haha.
(4)Edward W.
If you're not from the city manage your expectations here. This is an inner city experience. The cast of characters you'll encounter here will certainly be interesting and may be frightening. Cash only my friends. Take out only. Don't even think about eating in here. No delivery. Everything is fried and the breading is extra thick. Some people think it's too thick. The place is a dump but clean. Its located in a scary lonely street at night but there are probably a couple of police officers inside getting a pound of jumbo to go. A real bare bones place but the food is great. If I'm not that hungry I get a order of fried clams, a bag of chips and a pop. Otherwise I'm a pound of jumbo with two bags of chips and two pops. Occasionally the frog legs. Here is how it goes at Goose. Don't mess with the staff. While you're still in your car get the money you expect to spend out and put it separately in your pocket. When you pay you won't have to pull out your entire wallet or a wad of cash. Walk in. Look at large menu above counter. Smile for the ten security cameras. They've been robbed a couple of times. When the guy looks at you tell him the main thing you want. e.g. Pound of jumbo. Half pound of regular. Two order of clams. That's it. Get it. Small talk is unnecessary and unwanted. Stand to the side and enjoy the show. Usually a great people watching experience. Now when they tell you your order is ready tell them what kind of pop you want and what kind of chips. Tell them whether you want the hot or mild sauce. It's included in the price but extra sauce costs extra. Don't take too much time. You should have decided what you wanted while you were waiting for your order. The hot sauce is hot and the mild sauce is mild. Don't ask about it. I always get the Goose Island sauce. Yeah it's extra but I like it. Now reach into your pocket and only grab the money you put aside earlier. Just pull out what you need. Pay and get out.
(5)Chas J.
Food was ok. Nothing so good I'd go out if my way for and not so bad that I'd never go back again.
(3)Chan K.
I stoppped by here on my way to Fed Ex. I must say it's a hole in the wall, but hey I got my food to go (and there's no seating so you can't eat there anyway). The shrimp were fresh and hot, and I really savored the hot sauce.. The breading was bit thick, however, but I guess that's just their style. I still liked it and am definitely coming back to try the fried scallops. Oh and they have frog legs for you meat lovers.
(3)Miles F.
Love the Shrimp. Best afterhours meal hands down
(4)Blythe Z.
So, my husband got lucky..... I like good fried food over a fancy white table cloth place any day. SCALLOPS - don't need anything thing else. YUM-O! Honestly I was a lil upset the other stuff wasn't as great as I had pictured it be in my mind. BRING CASH - no credit. I also read other's complain about the staff - I thought they were really friendly and talkative, so 2 thumps up for service. A great Dive Place!
(4)Kevin T.
Tasty fried seafood, shrimp, frog legs, oysters, fish, etc...open till 5am. Try the Goose Island Sauce. Good stuff.
(4)Sherrie N.
I like breaded seafood. The scallops were cooked perfectly, so good. I didn't like my fries though. The only thing I didn't like were the fries and maybe that's just because the scallops outshined them so much. It's cheap and the portions are generous.
(4)Richard A.
EPIC WIN I've been going here for years. This is a Chicago classic. Every time it's exactly the same delicious taste. Awesome fried fish. The fried oysters are my favorite. It's not super cheep or expensive, and it's to go only, so you stand around waiting for them to call out your order.. There is plenty of street parking right in front. This place just does it right. Period I'll be coming back for years to come. Thanks guys!
(5)Chicago g.
Good and cheap ... take out only ... free street parking.
(5)Aaron L.
4* Jumbo Fried Shrimp 2.5* Fried Mushrooms
(4)E J.
OVERRATED! I just returned from Chicago from being in SC for a week where I literally ate good seafood every day. After checking out YELP for suggestions on good fried seafood, I read the reviews about this place, realized that it was close and decided to take my chances. *sigh* Must say, I was not impressed - not at all. As a matter of fact, I was deeply disappointed. I ordered the Jumbo Shrimp, Scallops, and Catfish. Shrimp were large but the breading was toooooo thick and the shrimp were fried too hard. The scallops were ...BLAH... and so was the catfish. I'm good with a whole in the wall every now and then, but Needless to say, I won't be returning.
(1)Ayo R.
The Jumbo Shrimp is the bizness!!! I loved the food. Where else in Chicago can you still get a can of pop for 65 cents? At least around the Northside? They were friendly and the food was hot and delish! Definitely will be going back! I have read some reviews on here about the place being "ghetto" All in all it is a shrimp and fish shack!!! This is not some 5 star restaurant, it is the same type of shrimp and fish shack you would encounter in the deep south like in New Orleans or Houston (I know because I have been). So relax, get your food and STFU!!!!
(4)Brady H.
Wonderfully ghetto. Friendly service. No frills. Awesome jumbo shrimp - very jumbo! The goose island sauce is delicious, though an extra $1 is sketchy. As an aside, the crazy upscale Calumet photo shop is just aronud the corner from there. Pick up your high end camera gear and stop by for a snack to take home.
(3)Ryan B.
Completely ghetto joint across the river from what was once the Cabrini Green housing projects on Division St.. You can't eat there...it's dirty...it's very unappealing...BUT, don't be intimidated! Park on the dark street, head inside, order a pound of jumbo shrimp, a pound of fish nuggets, 4 hot sauces and 2 x 7UP's and you'll be glad you did. If you go on a Friday or Saturday night you'll be waiting awhile (standing), but it's worth it. They even have a big picture window so you can keep an eye on your car! Don't be a wuss...visit this charcoal-covered gem and keep it in your back pocket.
(5)Dee C.
Hmmm, has their batter changed? I hadn't been to Goose Island since college days in the mid-late 90's but always remembered it as delicious. I went today and got a pound of jumbo shrimp. I always remembered their batter as similar to a rich version of a beer batter - light and crispy on the outside and a little soft on the inside. What I got today was much different and the only comparison I can think of is the outside of a hush puppy. Much harder and thicker - similar to what you find on frozen fried fish that you would buy at the grocery store. It was still a tasty shrimp but nowhere near as delicious as I remember and certainly not worth leaving the house to drive my pregnant, shrimp-craving self to pick some up. The 3 star rating is due in part to my nostalgia for the place.
(3)Neil C.
Flame biz, real Chicagoans know whats up, negative reviews on here are from lames that just moved here. Goose Island & Hagens is the best fried shrimp & scallops in town.
(5)Janeen W.
I can't believe that Goose Island has gotten alot of good reviews!!! Let me start off by saying that 20 years ago this place was rocking. I have heard that 35 years ago that it was even better. I remember my mama taking me here in 1991, I was 10 years old. It was so soooo good. I recently went in their to get that taste of nostalgia...I would have better off going to Chuck-e-Cheese!! Those were the worst shrimp I have ever had. It was a below average sized shrimp with a ton of tasteless breading to make it look Jumbo. Flavorless, Overcooked, and that tasted old as hell!!! They should be ashamed of what Goose Island has become!!!!!!! Damn Ashamed!!!
(1)Kellie B.
Goose Island Shrimp is affordable, fast, and arrives in brown paper bags with their very own recipe called Goose Sauce, which is your cocktail sauce. It has a bit more horseradish which I liked a lot. The actual shrimp are larger than described, and in a half inch thick cracker breaded crust. Very crunchy, and very unique. \ I just, like mine from Michigan with beer batter. I really enjoyed the spicy horseradish sauce though, it seemed like fresh radishes were used. Carryout only.
(2)Terrence C.
I think I've tried every fried seafood joint in Chicago, and Goose Island takes first place. Don't bring a date here or anything, but if you want to grub it out in the car or at home, this place will hit the spot. Ironically, while the seafood is insanely fresh, my favorite thing is the hot sauce. After years of trying to decipher the ingredients, I found its a mixture of hot sauce and mustard. ANYWAY. Shrimp and catfish are the way to go. Jumbo shrimp are HUGE and taste really fresh. Had fried oysters and to this day I can't figure out why it looked and tasted the way it did. It wasn't bad, just wasn't good. Similar to how you feel after eating a piece of celery. Go at off peak times, or you'll probably wait a bit. Pacman and pinball games await though.
(4)Christina S.
I've been goin to this place with my dad since i was about 5 years old. You wanna try a scary neighborhood? Try goin to goose island about 20 years ago! then you guys can whine. Nowadays the nieghborhood has changed alot, but the place is still the same and as delicious as i remember. healthy, maybe not? But tasty?? hells yes!
(5)Adam M.
Before finding this joint, I didn't even know there was an actual "Goose Island" in Chicago. Holy crap! It's the 'island' that is surrounded by a split in the (Chicago?) River, which is bisected by Division street. Anyway, GISH has some crazy amazing shrimp. Biggest I've ever eaten, and somehow incredibly fresh tasting (even though they're surrounded by like half an inch of breading). Fried mushrooms ... clam strips ... scallops ... /drool If you're going to order GISH - I have a recipe for the ultimate dipping sauce which compliments their fried delectables perfectly: Equal parts: Frank's Red Hot, ketchup, and ranch dressing. You're welcome.
(4)Arlene G.
OMG! I've ben coming here for years and I an't get enough of it! I always order a pound of regular shrimp and a pound of oysters. I haven't been able to find fried oysters anywhere else that tastes this good! The food tastes even better after a night out clubbin! I don't know if it's the grease mixed with the alcohol that makes everything so delicious but whatever it is, I'll take it! I've been daring before and tried the frog legs and smelts, but it's just not as good as the shrimps and oysters.
(5)Y.D. K.
The shrimp in this place is quite good, though not the best in my book - breading is a bit heavy, and the hot sauce is actually a bit medium and milky. Never had their catfish, cod, and frog legs. They are open late hours. Staff could use some shake up; there's one guy who's good in getting your orders and seems like a decent chap, but there's another one who's downright rude and will almost yell at you - so in general, don't take them to heart, get your food, pay for it and just leave. Parking is limited in front of the place, though there's other places to park nearby, but just watch out for the towing areas.
(3)