TonyC wrote:

richard wrote:Better than Hagens,Lawrences and no longer in business Joe's Fisheries,

how about (as "better than Lawrences" isn't really saying much):

Southside Shrimp House
335 W. 31st St.
312-567-0000

they tout their Chicago-style fried shrimp as having more shrimp, less crust. (not sure if this is a good thing considering this thread on bleached shrimp)

I'd put them both equal.

I had a mini-shrimp-a-thon yesterday. I ended up having shrimp at Frank's on Addison and Troha's on 26th St. within about an hour of each other. Trohas's has always been my go-to place for great shrimp, but I'll be damned if I didn't like Frank's a tad better. Both were good but Frank's had a better taste due their spice choice; more garlicky. Troha's was great too, only with a more neutral taste.

Wow, didn't see this thread when it was first posted. I only discovered Frank's about a year ago. I love their shrimp. I grew up on Fish Keg and later on Hagen's. But Frank's is definitely a different style, as has been mentioned.

And to those remembering Al's on Grand, I really miss that place. I really loved the fact that they opened so early. I think that was mainly for the liquor sales, but I remember stopping there as early as 9AM. I think they actually opened at 7AM.

When I was driving by the Frank's on Addison I saw that the building had a for sale sign. Maybe moving to another location or just closing? That would be sad....

I was in Franklin Park Wednesday, so I stopped by the Frank's outlet there. It's not exactly on the beaten path, but easy enough to find. I picked up some shrimp and catfish. The shrimp was excellent, pretty much identical to the Addison St. batch that I tried earlier this week. I think the thing that sets Frank's and Troha's above most other places is the texture of their breading. It's not overly hard or crispy. Ever go to a Shark's? You practically need a chisel to eat their fish. Anyway, the catfish at Frank's was very good. I noticed that they use a timer when frying their orders. I think this is a good idea, because I have experienced both raw and overcooked fish at J&J's and Shark's in the past. I'm ODed on shrimp for awhile....

Stopped by the Hoffman Estates location a little after 1pm today for lunch where I found one person working and not a customer in the place. I'm a part time misanthrope, so this was fine by me. I ordered a half pound of Chicago style and they did not disappoint. Big fresh shrimp breaded to order and perfectly cooked. Cocktail sauce was also very good and the hot bbq sauce was pretty good. I'll go back next time I'm around.


http://frankschicagoshrimp.com/location ... n-estates/

Jeff

in 2005 I wrote:Since last December when I asked where this place was, I have been there on several occasions. I have to say that the Chicago Style fried shrimp are the real deal and some of the best of their kind that I have ever had. They are right up there with Calumet Fisheries. I've been holding off posting about my experience at Franks until I could go and take some pictures.

It only took 8 years, but I finally visited Frank's on Irving Park while I had my camera with me.

Frank's Chicago Style Shrimp al a Trunko


As has been mentioned before, Franks only uses fresh Gulf shrimp, and you can really taste the difference.



Franks Shrimp House
5052 W. Irving Park Rd.
Chicago, IL 60641
773-286-2533

Also locations on Archer & Kedzie, 79th Street in Burbank and in Hoffman Estates

I paid my first visit about two weeks ago.
The Chicago shrimp are indeed quite good.
I think I overheard that Chicago style has garlic powder (?).
My preference is a bit less breading but it doesn't really detract from the quality shrimp inside.
I quite liked the hot horseradish kick from the cocktail sauce and the hot sauce has a pleasant sweet taste I couldn't put my finger on, perhaps fruit juice?
The mushrooms were average and the zucchini coins were overwhelmed by the breading.
The perch is good though the squeeze packet tartar sauce a little disappointing.
Everything we tried appeared to use the same breading.

I'll be back for shrimp and to try the frog legs.
It would be interesting to try Frank's and Hagen's fried goods side-by-side.

Franks down on 79th street in Burbank is becoming a semi regular stop - the 1st end of a one-two lunch combo I enjoy. 2nd stop being a sub from Peppo's a few minutes away.

Got my mind right on the drive over & then munched a 1/4 # Chicago style on the drive to get my sandwich:



The Chicago style breading is good, and packs some flavor, but I am partial to the lighter breaded Johnson's, Trohas, and Haire's versions right now. That doesn't stop me from hitting this Franks every couple weeks.

Franks Shrimp House
6539 W. 79th Street
Burbank, IL.

menu: http://frankschicagoshrimp.com/menu-2/burbank-menu/

jimswside wrote:Franks down on 79th street in Burbank is becoming a semi regular stop - the 1st end of a one-two lunch combo I enjoy. 2nd stop being a sub from Peppo's a few minutes away.

Got my mind right on the drive over & then munched a 1/4 # Chicago style on the drive to get my sandwich:

redux.....



might be the most consistent shrimp spot around my work. Love that you can just get a 1/4 lb. for snacking.