Snappy's Shrimp House [Irving Park]

I waited a good long time for the Northside Leon's (Ashland and Fullerton) to open, only to be disappointed by the poor, rewarmed, not-cooked-there everything. I had high hopes for this relatively fancy-looking south side import. While the SS Leon's are not great, or not Lem's or Barbara Ann's, the original -- where they still smoke -- isn't bad.

[PS I drove around Harvey and surrounding areas today to kill a little time. No rib shacks were open, but plenty were obviously in existence with tell-tale sooty stacks. Georges (right?) does look like the place to be, which I think I've heard before.]

Anyway, a similarly Chicago-specific takeout genre spot opened up right by my house, and I didn't even know. Snappy's Shrimp House, like the new Leon's, is way too fancy and clean to be confused with one of the venerable originals. But that's where the comparison ends. Some shrimp. Huge, fat, wild-caught, never-frozen Gulf beauties fried to order by a kid who seems to know what he's doing. Good cole slaw too. 15 bucks a pound. Not too shabby, considering the quality of the crustacean.

Light breading, decent hot sauce.

Why someone chose to open a shrimp house here, that's another question.

Snappy's Shrimp House
1901 Irving Park Road
(between Damen Ave & Lincoln Ave)
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 244-1008

I'd been meaning to point this out as well, though I haven't had a chance to try it. I did recently try, however, JD's Shrimp tucked away just north of Irving Park on Albany, next to the Lost and Found Bar. The shrimp are cheaper than Snappy's--I think a half dozen regular fried shrimp were $5.50. No fried lobster on the menu like YourPalWill's favorite Southside Shrimp Shack, but some pretty darn good shrimp. The breading was not Goose Island-thick. Shrimps are deveined, shelled, and breaded in house according to a homemade recipe, and fried to order.

Good stuff. Gotta admit I've been wondering what's behind the northside shrimp trend.

Addresses please!

Southside Shrimp House
Shrimp, 333 W 31st

Snappy's
1901 W Irving Park

I've noticed Snappy's recently Jeff and Aaron. Look forward to trying it in the future.

JD's Shrimp Fish & Chips
4011 N. Albany
773-588-1665
M-Th 11am-12am
F-S 11am-3am

Now that I have the menu in front of me, I can also tell you the full range of offerings includes

jumbo shrimp ($12/lb.)
regular shrimp ($10)
fish chips ($5.50)
cat fish [sic] ($6.30)
crab cakes ($6.50)
cod fish ($7.20)
scallops ($10)
chicken strips ($6.50)

And for veggies, they have home fries, onion rings, breaded mushrooms, zucchini, and slaw.

Incidentally, when at JD's, we discovered the oddly pleasing combination of fried shrimp and Hawaiian Punch. The girl behind the counter offered Watson a Hawaiian Punch on the house. I took a swig to wash down the shrimp. Normally I really don't care for Hawaiian Punch, but in this case it really hit the spot.

One more thing--Kate reports that The Fish Guy on Elston is now offering fried shrimp on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Fish Guy
4423 North Elston
773-283-7400

(And if you look carefully at the title of this topic, I believe JeffB left a clue as to it's location. )

YourPalWill wrote:Southside Shrimp House
Shrimp, 333 W 31st

Will,

As an aside, Southside Shrimp House is in the former location of one of ReneG's past favorites, Dino Boy's.

My favorite Dino Boy's sandwich was the Uncle Shorts. Asparagus, egg, potato, hot banana peppers and added capicolla for an additional dollar for a total of $5.50.

Enjoy,
Gary

Next time you are in the south suburbs try Lincoln's.Lots of sandwiches.I like their Reuben although they use mustard instead of Thousand Island.


1458 Sibley Blvd.
Calumet City
708.891.3240

1/4 lb. of shrimp, 1/4 lb. scallops

Went to Snappy's to feed my shrimp craving.

Though I thought the shrimp good, everything else was very average.

The scallops were chewy and gooed up the coating with their moisture(not really how I prefer scallops anyway, I don't know what I was thinking).

The coleslaw was pretty near inedible and Mr. Food Nut hated it, too. The cabbage was chopped very fine and had too much dressing, it was like soup. Tasted like it was from a supplier.

The tartar tasted homemade and was quite good. We got mild red sauce and I liked it okay enough.

The fries tasted like they were fried in old oil and that taste stayed in my mouth for awhile after.

Note they include Red Gold ketchup.

Aaron Deacon wrote:JD's Shrimp tucked away just north of Irving Park on Albany, next to the Lost and Found Bar.

I've been wondering if JD's was an afifiliation or perhaps an outgrowth of a Lost and Found kitchen operation?

I'll bear witness for this place. My shrimp were nicely prepared, fried to order, and of a nice size. The shrimp meat was sweet, and reminded me of the fresh, hours-from-the-water fried shrimp that I grew up (I teethed on them, I think) eating on Texas' Gulf Coast.

Wade

I'm a fan of the Fish Chips at Snappy's. The shrimp are very good, but the value on the fish chips is impressive. $6.50/lb for some tasty little fish nuggets. Pair that with the $2.00 drink/fries/side combo deal and you've got a nice meal for 2 for $8.50. Can't beat it.

Has anyone tried Goose Island Shrimp House (on division and halsted) ?

m'th'su wrote:

Aaron Deacon wrote:JD's Shrimp tucked away just north of Irving Park on Albany, next to the Lost and Found Bar.

I've been wondering if JD's was an afifiliation or perhaps an outgrowth of a Lost and Found kitchen operation?

I wondered that too, though I can't recall if I specifically asked. From my brief conversation with the behind-the-counter girl, It didn't seem to be, though the collaborative signage that occasionally appears on that corner suggests otherwise.

After the Bears game Sunday Gabe and I were jonesing for shrimps and so headed off to Snappy's for a fix, as we often like to do. The fried creatures were very good, but as usual, the shrimp cocktail stole the show. The cocktails are a specialty at Snappy's and are truly exceptional. Made from "colossal" (12-14/lb) wild caught (not farmed or imported) gulf shrimp, shelled,cleaned, chilled and perfectly boiled they are a joy to behold. Simply served with Snappy's great cocktail sauce, this is where the quality of the wild shrimp really comes thru. These stand up to comparison with the best ritzy steakhouse shrimp cocktais in the city and are actually better than most of those. Available in 1/2 and 1# sizes in the cooler these are takeout treasures (and low fat too!). Only a few are made up each day, so they may not always be available. Shrimp cocktail lovers take note.

Went to Snappy's last Saturday. The shrimp is as good as advertised but I didn't care for the breading. Also ordered the clam strips which were okay and the potatoe cakes which were surprisingly nice. The cakes came with a choice of apple sauce or sour cream. I suggest the sour cream since I thought the apple sauce was so so.My friend who lives nearby suggested I try the shrimp wrap next time which I gladly will.

Try the cocktail next time! I'm definitely trying the potato cakes you mention.

Went to Snappy's approximately one month ago on a Friday evening. Medium Fried Shrimp were tasty but they were OUT of cocktail sauce. The amount of breading on the shrimp was perfect and the quality of shrimp was definitely up to par. However, I can't understand a seafood restaurant that does not have adequete supplies of seafood condiments. I.E. tartar sauce, lemon wedges, hot sauce, cocktail sauce. The gentleman at the counter was overly apologetic but it just didn't cut it.

So, i did a search, found a few references to the place here and there but I couldn't find any recent threads dedicated to this place.

I'm a poor student right now and I live basically across the street from this place. I wanted to just put it on the radar (if it isn't already) because this is one of the few great, embarrassingly cheap, locally run fast food joints in the North center area.

I'm not going to go out on a limb and say it's "amazing" but I will tell you that the fried shrimp is extremely fresh and these guys have a pretty darn good idea on how to fry stuff.

Whether it's the breaded chicken or fish sandwich (on a great, unique bun), to the french fries, to the shrimp - it's never greasy and the batter is always just right.

Add that to the fact that the people there are extremely nice and quick to have your meal ready - and you're walking out of there with less than a $10 hit to wallet - there really isn't an excuse not to hit this place up every once and awhile.

I do hope that places like these survive over the next few years because i'm the ONLY person that i've seen when i go in there for a pickup order.

Do yourself a favor, call ahead, order a bunch of fried shrimp and let me know what you think about the place.

Snappy's Shrimp House
1901 Irving Park Road
(between Damen Ave & Lincoln Ave)
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 244-1008

can u plz elaborate on bun? sounds good.

Circular shaped burger bun - it's cracks on it's outside - but isn't necessarily "crispy". Easily depressed. Kind of like the texture of a really fresh, properly baked sourdough - but I'm not certain it's sourdough. Every time i've gone in there the bread has been really fresh, soft and tasty - do try it.

I like to make shrimp po'boys using Snappy's shrimp, baguettes from Nhu Lan Bakery, lettuce, and my own homemade remoulade sauce.
I really can't think of an easier or more delicious dinner.

You know, I've been to Snappy's numerous times and every time I've had the shrimp there they have a faint chlorine taste to them.

Other than that I like everything I've had there, particularly the fried scallops.

Last year I lived very close and frequented Snappy's probably more than I should have for my waistline's sake. The shrimp is excellent, but my standard was to get 1/4# scallops and 1/4# fish chips and an order of hush puppies. Upthread someone mentioned the scallops made the breading gummy, which I never encountered. However, my one complaint with Snappy's is that I think they sometimes overbread for my likes. The scallops themselves are good sized and have a clear, bright taste and a great silky texture that plays nicely against the frycrunch. I'll agree with the upthread praise of the fish chips as the item on the menu with most bang for your buck.
The tartar sauce is one of the best I've had. I've not been impressed with the sides--fries are mediocre. The rice is a much better option (it's a 'dirty rice'). I used to really dig the hush puppies (and the accompanying honey butter) but my last few times they've been dry, gritty, overcooked, and kinda greasy so I'll be passing on those for a while. However, I really enjoy their cole slaw, which is similar to Carsons, mostly for the reasons the poster upthread disliked it: finely chopped cabbage, lots of liquid--I enjoy it's sweet tartness.
This is mostly a takeout business. They do have two or three tall tables and probably five seats at a window counter. I agree this place is worth a try and merits repeat attendance. Nice people, good food, reasonable prices.
ps-Timber Lanes next store is an excellent and cheap bowling alley (and bar) that is generally very laid back and I would wager would let you bring in your meal from Snappy's.

Do they have smelt?

Cogito wrote:Do they have smelt?

nope.

Does life imitate LTH or does LTH imitate life? I can't tell you how many times I pass by a place and wonder what its like, only to come on these boards and read a post about them days later.

A friend of mine is performing in a play by Irving Park and Ravenswood and she mentioned that one of her cast members routinely eats at Snappy's and cannot break his addiction. that was all i needed to hear to put it on my radar.

I planned on hitting it up after her play a couple of nights ago, but due to the unexpected fully-nude scenes by three men whose physiques showed varying levels of bodily disregard - all wdistrubingly within arms length of the audience and yours truly, by the way - all I could do was drive home immediately afterwards, curl up in fetal position and wish it all away. One day, I will return to brave the memories of Irving Park.

Thank you for letting me share.

Please, do me a favor, and TRY THE FRIED OYSTERS. You will NOT be disappointed.

Beyond plump and bursting with juice. So awesome.

Ghazi wrote:[i]
I planned on hitting it up after her play a couple of nights ago, but due to the unexpected fully-nude scenes by three men whose physiques showed varying levels of bodily disregard - all wdistrubingly within arms length of the audience and yours truly, by the way - all I could do was drive home immediately afterwards, curl up in fetal position and wish it all away. One day, I will return to brave the memories of Irving Park.

I'm so sorry about that incident. But I just had to laugh. That is too funny. Luckily I won't have that sight in my head before I go to Snappy's.

Bumping Snappy's to re-note the shrimp cocktail. It's $15+ for this level of shrimptastic anywhere else. I haven't had better at a place without a white tablecloth and big steak knives. $6 bucks and you're out the door at Snappy's. Great walking food.

I mentioned Snappy's to a friend today and it got me wondering whether it's been discussed here. I was glad to find this thread and see that it is! I make it to Snappy's about twice a year, which is far too infrequent. This is an excellent spot. djenks sums up the place well. It always seems empty - go check it out.