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Fried catfish with seafood in Chicago

You are looking for a place that treats fried catfish with the same level of care as the rest of their seafood menu.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Dirty Tiff's Cafe image 1
Dirty Tiff's Cafe image 2
Dirty Tiff's Cafe image 3
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Small, family-owned restaurant with a homey atmosphere and casual dining setup. The vibe is warm and welcoming, with a mix of take-out and dine-in options. Known for authentic soul food with standout dishes like jerk chicken and collard greens.

Jerk fish stands out with its bold flavor and juicy texture. Fried shrimp arrives with rice and beans and tastes great, though it lacks a bit of spice.

Fried catfish comes crispy with a good flavor and is less flaky than usual. Portions are generous and the seasoning stands out well.

People are saying

"You can taste all the love Ms. Tiffany puts into her Fried Catfish."

"I consider this the best jerk chicken spot in Chicago."

"The fried shrimp here is so good."

Good to know

1

They close early on Sundays, with last orders at 6 pm.

2

The jerk chicken dinner costs about $20 with tax included.

3

The meals are reasonably priced and provide generous portions.

02
Shake A Leg image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers hookah and a patio vibe that stands out. Atmosphere feels professional and clean with great vibes and a welcoming environment. Food features excellent lamb chops and strong, well-made drinks.

Fish dishes feature perfectly flaky catfish with a crunchy fry and tender inside. The Crazy Cajun Pasta includes salmon and shrimp paired with cabbage, offering a flavorful seafood mix.

Fried catfish comes fresh and hot with a perfect seasoning that keeps its crunch even for delivery. The Butter Garlic sauce adds a rich flavor that stands out.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, flavorful, and fresh."

"The fried catfish here is delicious and flaky."

"I found the fried catfish to be perfectly seasoned and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 5 PM until close on Sundays.

2

Delivery can take up to two hours, so plan accordingly.

3

Some menu items may run out, so check availability before ordering.

03
Soule To Soule image 1
Soul food restaurant

Small space with green velvet decor and 1990s Harlem vibe feels more like a bar or lounge than a traditional restaurant. Cozy, intimate atmosphere pairs with top-tier R&B music and lively energy. Tables are low and tiny, emphasizing a focus on cocktails and socializing over formal dining.

Shrimp features heavily in several dishes, including a creamy pasta and spicy jerk shrimp appetizer. Salmon appears both fried and paired with mashed potatoes, while lamb chops accompany some seafood dishes, creating a mix of surf and turf flavors.

Fried catfish has a super crisp crust and stays light and fluffy inside. It pairs well with Louisiana hot sauce for a nice kick.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and amazing."

"The seafood, especially the shrimp and grits, was so tasty."

"The fried catfish has a super crisp, not oily crust."

Good to know

1

Making a reservation is recommended due to limited seating.

2

It's BYOB with a $10 fee for bringing your own bottle.

3

Expect small portion sizes relative to the price.

04
S2 Express Grill Downtown image 1

Restaurant combines unique decor with a warm, welcoming vibe and top-tier music including hip-hop, R&B, and afrobeats. Atmosphere feels both like a casual takeout spot and a lively club under the right circumstances. Clean environment supports a positive, chill energy throughout.

Shrimp dishes stand out with crispy shrimp and jumbo shrimp options. The filled shrimp pairs well with garlic bread, and sides like southern-style mac and cheese and fries add texture and flavor.

Fried catfish comes well seasoned and crisply fried. It pairs well with other dishes like lamb chops and Ultra wings, all showing consistent seasoning quality.

People are saying

"I experienced unique, great customer service here."

"The jumbo shrimp here are crispy and amazing."

"The fried catfish here is seasoned very well."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour runs until 7pm with affordable drinks for dine-in only.

2

Live DJ performs on Taco Tuesdays, creating a lively atmosphere.

3

Expect a fun vibe on Fridays when the DJ is present.

05
Soul Prime image 1
Soul food restaurant

Small space with modern contemporary design and soulful R&B music creates an intimate, joyful vibe. Music plays continuously, mixing gospel and 90s throwbacks, setting a family block party atmosphere. Spacious bar and warm hospitality add to the welcoming energy.

Buffalo shrimp stands out as very tasty and comforting. The seafood nachos offer a flavorful twist that adds variety to the seafood options.

Fried catfish comes fresh and delicious, often served alongside collard green dip or as part of the 290 Platter with wings, fries, and cornbread muffins.

People are saying

"The fried chicken and mac and cheese are soul-warming American food."

"The seafood here is fresh, hot, and incredibly flavorful."

"The owner and staff here are so friendly when you get Fried Catfish."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for parties of three or more on weekends.

2

Happy Hour runs from Tuesday to Friday, 3-6 p.m., with $3-$9 food options.

3

The kitchen closes at 9:30 p.m., so arrive early for dinner.

06
S2 Grill - Stony image 1

Upscale restaurant with beautiful decor and fast food feel offers a lively atmosphere with RnB music and a party vibe. Frozen daiquiris come from a signature drink machine with many flavors, complementing dishes like shrimp and grits or lamb chops. The space includes an event area and features a professional photographer.

Shrimp features prominently in several dishes like shrimp and grits and jerk Alfredo with chicken and broccoli. The seafood pairs well with meats in options like surf and turf combining lamb and shrimp.

Crispy fried catfish stands out with its tender texture and rich flavor. It often comes paired with loaded mashed potatoes and cheesy broccoli, making for a hearty meal.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing."

"The seafood here is amazing, especially the fried shrimp."

"The fried catfish was fried to perfection!"

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday to Friday from 4-7 PM with great drink specials.

2

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times during peak hours.

3

The restaurant requires payment upfront, including a 15% gratuity.

07
Soul Vibez - Chicago image 1
Soul food restaurant

Small space with only a few booths creates an intimate setting. Stylish decor and a bumping sound system set a great vibe with amazing music. Authentic soul food pairs with exceptional cocktails, making the atmosphere lively and distinctive.

Fish comes fried to perfection with crispy fries and cornbread. Shrimp po boy tastes delicious, and oysters arrive piled high with spinach, Parmesan, bread crumbs, lemon, and a hint of Tabasco.

Fried catfish comes with creamy grits and macaroni and cheese. It is mostly cooked well and often described as amazing or very good.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

"The fried fish here is perfection."

"The fried catfish here is amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 pm to 6 pm with $10 drinks.

2

Reservations are recommended as wait times can exceed one hour.

3

Expect a 45-minute wait if arriving shortly after opening.

08
Cleoโ€™s - Loop image 1
American restaurant

Small space with just a few tables and stools creates an intimate setting. Music, including 90s RnB videos, adds to the chill vibes and welcoming atmosphere. The place feels like a cozy gathering spot with friendly energy.

Fried fish comes out hot and fresh with a crispy texture. Remoulade sauce pairs well with both fish and crab, adding a flavorful kick. Pineapple sweet potatoes complement the soul food style dishes.

Fried catfish comes with all the sides and matches the quality of Ms. T's. Options include a catfish po boy with crab meat, and the fried catfish pairs well with chicken wings or green beans.

People are saying

"The American Food here, especially the catfish, is the best I've ever tasted."

"The fried fish is crispy, well-seasoned, and the best I've ever had."

"The fried catfish here is seasoned perfectly."

Good to know

1

Order ahead for takeout as food is made to order and takes time.

2

Cleoโ€™s does not accept cash; credit cards only.

3

Be prepared for a wait of over an hour on busy weekends.

09
Jordyn's Soul Cafe image 1
Soul food restaurant

Soul food restaurant with cozy booths and bold, dark decor creates an intimate but loud atmosphere. R&B and Soul music from past decades plays loudly, shaping a vibrant, energetic vibe. Space feels small and congested, making it lively and bustling.

Shrimp tacos stand out with fresh cilantro and lime, pineapple, and a tasty topping sauce. Fish dishes come nicely seasoned, and the shrimp Alfredo offers a well-seasoned, flavorful option.

Fried catfish comes out crispy and flavorful. It pairs well with macaroni and cheese and yams for a classic Southern combo.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and seasoned perfectly."

"The fried catfish here is so good, it'll snatch your soul."

"The seafood here is seasoned perfectly, tasting like real soul food."

Good to know

1

Jordyn's Soul Cafe is BYOB, so bring your own alcohol.

2

Expect a 35-minute wait during peak hours.

3

Parking can be difficult; plan to circle the block.

10
Bronzeville Soul image 1
Soul food restaurant

Soul food restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere with live band music that creates a lively vibe. Seating is roomy and comfortable, supporting a relaxed dining experience. Music volume can be high, sometimes overpowering conversation.

Fish dishes come out cooked to perfection with a fresh taste. Fried fish pairs well with mac and cheese and yams, making for a delicious meal.

Fried catfish filets come out crispy and juicy with a pleasing look and taste. They often arrive with sides like green beans and mac and cheese that complement the dish well.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here are like grandma's cooking, made with love."

"The mac and cheese is cheesy, creamy, and comforting."

"The fried fish here is cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

Live music occurs on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month.

2

Bring your own beverage for Wednesday night events.

3

A 15% gratuity is automatically added to dine-in bills.

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