The closest thing we get to an ocean in Illinois is Lake Michigan, and with the nearest coast hundreds of miles away, the second best option is definitely one the these eight seafood restaurants. Oysters, fried fish, shrimp, lobster, and so much more can be found at these excellent eateries.
Some of these hot spots are even situated on the water, increasing the chances you’ll feel like you’re dining by the ocean. Check it out:
- Boston Fish Market
Facebook/Boston Fish Market
Facebook/Boston Fish Market In business since 1995, this eatery pushes 200,000 pounds of salmon and 100,000 pounds of whitefish each week, making it the largest seafood processor in the Midwest. This is the best place to come for fresh, wholesale fish of all sorts. Click here to learn more about what types you can get.
Address: 1225 Forest Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018
- Carter’s Fish Market
Facebook/Carter’s fish market
Facebook/Carter’s fish market This Central Illinois restaurant has been a favorite since the 1980s, and it is all about the fried catfish, walleye, shrimp, and hushpuppies. This window-service joint is a tradition for those who know about it, and it’s often considered the best in the state. To find out why, click here.
Address: 1900 South Grand Avenue East, Springfield, IL 62703
- Crazy Joe’s Fish House
Facebook/Crazy Joes Fish House
Facebook/Crazy Joes Fish House This eccentric, hole-in-the-wall restaurant has been keeping locals full of fried fish and cold beer since 1995. Situated in a remote spot, this casual and laid-back restaurant is a dying breed. BBQ, homemade chips, and live music keep this place hopping all week long. Learn more about it here.
Address: 693 Suchman Road, Ava, IL 62907
- Family Fishery
Facebook/Family Fishery
Facebook/Family Fishery One of the oldest seafood restaurants in the state, this joint has been in business since 1976. It is known for its fish-by-the-pound, bottomless seafood dinners, and wide variety of fresh catches. Click here to learn more.
Address: 412 North Lake Street., Mundelein, IL 60060
- Fishhouse
Facebook/Fishhouse
Facebook/Fishhouse You’ll definitely feel like you’re on an ocean when you dine at this wonderful spot. Enjoy fried fish and shrimp dinners as well as tacos. Even guests who don’t enjoy seafood will love the menu at this restaurant. Get more information here.
Address: 13551 Dam East Access Area, Carlyle, IL 62231
- Islamorada Fish Company
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Facebook/Islamorada Fish Company Bolingbrook IL Featuring a 13,000-gallon fish tank, this is one of Illinois’ most magnificent seafood restaurants. Dine on a menu of catfish, redfish, mahi mahi, salmon, shrimp, tilapia, and mussels while you watch a gorgeous aquatic world come to life. Click here to learn more about this incredible spot inside the Bass Pro Shop.
Address: 709 Janes Avenue, Bolingbrook, IL 60440
- Jonah’s Seafood House & 2601 Oyster Bar
Facebook/Jonah’s Seafood House & 2601 Oyster Bar
Facebook/Jonah’s Seafood House & 2601 Oyster Bar Since 1986, this charming fish house has been known for its fresh lobster, oysters, and fish. It is situated on the Illinois River and has a casual atmosphere and incredible menu. Find out about the ocean-themed dinners you can get here.
Address: 2601 North Main Street, East Peoria, IL 61611
- The Shrimp Barn
Facebook/The Shrimp Barn
Facebook/The Shrimp Barn This quirky, vintage restaurant is known for serving a wide variety of seafood such as frogs legs, alligator, and octopus. Some of the best eats here are found on the appetizer list. Learn more about this hot spot here.
Address: 125 West Mondamin Street., Minooka, IL 60447
For more like this, check out these eight fried fish joints in Illinois that locals love.
Facebook/Boston Fish Market
In business since 1995, this eatery pushes 200,000 pounds of salmon and 100,000 pounds of whitefish each week, making it the largest seafood processor in the Midwest. This is the best place to come for fresh, wholesale fish of all sorts. Click here to learn more about what types you can get.
Address: 1225 Forest Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018
Facebook/Carter’s fish market
This Central Illinois restaurant has been a favorite since the 1980s, and it is all about the fried catfish, walleye, shrimp, and hushpuppies. This window-service joint is a tradition for those who know about it, and it’s often considered the best in the state. To find out why, click here.
Address: 1900 South Grand Avenue East, Springfield, IL 62703
Facebook/Crazy Joes Fish House
This eccentric, hole-in-the-wall restaurant has been keeping locals full of fried fish and cold beer since 1995. Situated in a remote spot, this casual and laid-back restaurant is a dying breed. BBQ, homemade chips, and live music keep this place hopping all week long. Learn more about it here.
Address: 693 Suchman Road, Ava, IL 62907
Facebook/Family Fishery
One of the oldest seafood restaurants in the state, this joint has been in business since 1976. It is known for its fish-by-the-pound, bottomless seafood dinners, and wide variety of fresh catches. Click here to learn more.
Address: 412 North Lake Street., Mundelein, IL 60060
Facebook/Fishhouse
You’ll definitely feel like you’re on an ocean when you dine at this wonderful spot. Enjoy fried fish and shrimp dinners as well as tacos. Even guests who don’t enjoy seafood will love the menu at this restaurant. Get more information here.
Address: 13551 Dam East Access Area, Carlyle, IL 62231
Google/Foodie
Facebook/Islamorada Fish Company Bolingbrook IL
Featuring a 13,000-gallon fish tank, this is one of Illinois’ most magnificent seafood restaurants. Dine on a menu of catfish, redfish, mahi mahi, salmon, shrimp, tilapia, and mussels while you watch a gorgeous aquatic world come to life. Click here to learn more about this incredible spot inside the Bass Pro Shop.
Address: 709 Janes Avenue, Bolingbrook, IL 60440
Facebook/Jonah’s Seafood House & 2601 Oyster Bar
Since 1986, this charming fish house has been known for its fresh lobster, oysters, and fish. It is situated on the Illinois River and has a casual atmosphere and incredible menu. Find out about the ocean-themed dinners you can get here.
Address: 2601 North Main Street, East Peoria, IL 61611
Facebook/The Shrimp Barn
This quirky, vintage restaurant is known for serving a wide variety of seafood such as frogs legs, alligator, and octopus. Some of the best eats here are found on the appetizer list. Learn more about this hot spot here.
Address: 125 West Mondamin Street., Minooka, IL 60447
What other seafood restaurants make you feel like you’re on the coast? Share your favorites with us below in the comments.
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