I had a really memorable fish and chips at Ginger's Ale House on Ashland not long back. The fish was lightly battered, chunky and unbelievably moist and flakey. I'm not a regular at Ginger's so I can't say if I was there on a (very) good night or if they know something about fish and chips few others do. Either way, on that evening, it transcended the label "bar food."

Ginger's Ale House
3801 N Ashland Ave
Chicago, IL
(773) 348-2767
http://www.gingersalehouse.com

Just noticed Ginger's has an all-you-can-eat fish and chips special on Friday for $9.00. Dunno if the quality I experienced would suffer at the hands of quantity but that seems like a pretty decent deal.

The Gage is very good for fish & chips. It's a regular item, not a Friday special and it's just a tad more upscale than most.

I've heard good things about Keefer's fish & frites but I have yet to try it.

The Gage is probably the best F & C I've had in the city. Duke of Perth's are very good too, as are Ginger's, but the Gage uses the freshest fish which just makes it really tasty.

Here's a string from last year with good ideas, including longtime board favorite, Ginger's.

viewtopic.php?f=14&t=19154&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=gingers

Anyway, the fish is usually even better on Friday due to high turnover. To clarify, it's a regular menu item. Friday has the all-you-can-eat option, which is a fairly common special in pubs around town. The Atlantic, up past Lincol Sq. is another good option.

Duke's is where I go.

Eat an extra plate for me. If you don't like peas or fries, tell them to leave those off.

Thanks for all the great suggestions!

Such_Luck wrote:The only fish and chips thread I saw out there was from 2005 so I thought it would be okay if I posted a new one.

The preference is to update existing threads, if the topic has already begun.

Regards,

http://chicago.metromix.com/restaurants ... 78/content

This article on Friday Fish deals says Duke of Perth's has cole slaw. I'd always thought they had peas! Anyone know if they've changed?

My wife and I decided to try something different for a Friday fish fix. We visited Las Islas Marias, at 5401 S Pulaski in Chicago.






We know it can get crowded with a line out the door, so we arrived early, about 4:30, and the place was maxxed out already. The turnover is actually pretty decent, so you wouldn't wait any more than 15 minutes for a table. When we left at 6:00PM, the place was still full, but with no waiting.

On your arrival, you get a decent sample of ceviche pescado, some tostadas, and a tomatillo, jalepeno salsa that is hot...a good hot.

We ordered a few Modelos, and a half order of fresh oysters. The oysters arrive with fresh sliced, juicy limes. The oysters were surprisingly fresh and served chilled on ice. They were great.

For our entrees, my wife ordered the Mocajete Kora, which was a seafood mix in a tomato based, peppered broth, served sizzling in a hot mocajete. It was very flavorful, but perhaps a little salty for my taste.



I ordered the Pina Relleno, which is a pineapple split in half, then grilled. The pineapple pulp is removed and diced, the mixed with a variety of seafood in a light cream sauce, and put back inside the pineapple. A layer of Chihuahua goes over the top, then it it is put back in the oven to melt. Oh man....so good!




The total tab for two beers, an app, and two entrees was about $53.00. We were happy with our choices, and saw many other items we'd like to return to try. If your looking for something perhaps a little different than the usual fried fish-n-chips, why not mix it up a little? I think you might like the exciting flavors!



Las Islas Marias
5401 S. Pulaski Ave
Chicago, IL 60632
773-767-0908


.

jimswside wrote:

John Danza wrote:My wife and I had a taste for fish and chips yesterday, so we headed off to Ballydoyle in Downers Grove based on some of the posts here. I don't know if they were having an off night or if they've changed since the others here posted, but it was absolutely awful.

I have had a couple bad meals @ Ballydoyles, their corned beef was worse than their fish if that is possible.

I've had really, REALLY bad service at Ballydoyles. Was completely ignored during their non-busy time. If that's how patrons are treated I can't imagine what happens when it gets busy.

On another note unless my memory has faded a bit my favorite Fish Fry is Duke's Grille in Wauconda. http://www.menuism.com/restaurants/duke ... nda-324121

BEST Fish Fry I've ever had. This was a while back though. We recently moved to the Lombard area and it's quite a haul up to Wauconda on a Friday night. But I remember wanting to give my fries to my friends to make more room for fish it was that good

BEST Fish Fry I've ever had. This was a while back though. We recently moved to the Lombard area and it's quite a haul up to Wauconda on a Friday night. But I remember wanting to give my fries to my friends to make more room for fish it was that good

Duke's, unfortunately, has been gone for quite awhile--at least two years, if I'm not mistaken. Wish I'd known about it, though. I'm always on the hunt for good fish fry in the McHenry area..and haven't found a great place yet.

John Danza wrote:
I still hope to find a good fish and chips place in the western 'burbs. Any thoughts?

At risk of being pithy....

there's no such thing as Irish "cuisine"

I'm 1/2 irish raised here in town and if I hear a place is "Irish", I never think I need to run out and eat there for a chance at wonderful food. I might want to rush there for other reasons but never for their menu.

Go ahead and spank me.

jersette wrote:

BEST Fish Fry I've ever had. This was a while back though. We recently moved to the Lombard area and it's quite a haul up to Wauconda on a Friday night. But I remember wanting to give my fries to my friends to make more room for fish it was that good

Duke's, unfortunately, has been gone for quite awhile--at least two years, if I'm not mistaken. Wish I'd known about it, though. I'm always on the hunt for good fish fry in the McHenry area..and haven't found a great place yet.

That's so sad!! They really had great food!! Do you know what occupies the space now?

That's so sad!! They really had great food!! Do you know what occupies the space now?

I can't recall, but it's not a restaurant.

Irish Times in Brookfield does have a good Friday Fish Fry. They use good fish, I used know the fish monger they bought from.
Real Irish owners, so expect a good guiness pour.
However be warned the place is nuts on Friday. Packed. Go real early say 5 pm or later than 8 to get a seat. Or go another night. OR dont go on Friday during lent.
They have irish pub music on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
It can be quite fun! (But I dont like it when it is overpacked during lent. I am catholic but not a good one!)
It is right off the Metra Brookfield stop as is Xni-Pec.

Irish Times
8869 Burlington Ave
(between Forest Ave & Prairie Ave)
Brookfield, IL 60513

(708) 485-8787
http://www.irishtimespubchicago.com

Teibel's on Rte 30 and Indianapolis is a fish destination. Boned and buttered lake perch. AYCE on Fridays. One can get a combo with frog legs or their famous fried chicken. I have a friend who lives for their chicken livers.
Good stiff drinks, relish trays, ice cream included. It is a '50s flashback but well worth it. A kinder gentler era.

Well, it looks like I might as well drive up to Wisconsin if I want a true Sconnie style fish fry, but I think I'll stay in town tonight and go the fish and chips route. I'm in Avondale/Logan Square and was thinking about Chief O'Neil's, but wondering if there were any other good alternatives in the neighborhood.

I also want to prevent anybody from making a mistake that I made a while back. I went to D4, the Irish gastropub in Streeterville and assumed that an Irish gastropub could deliver on their fish and chips. Abysmal, soggy mess. Yikes, D4!

Manzo's on Irving Park just started advertising AYCE Friday Fish Fry for something like $7.95. No idea if it's any good, but the price is right and the place does have a bit of Wisconsinny feel. Might be worth a try.

Manzo's
3210 W Irving Park Rd
(773) 478-3070

I really like the fish and chips at Jimmy's Grill in Naperville. It's availble all year round, every day. While it's not all you can eat, they give you four or five pieces of "Icelandic Cod" fish with a bunch of very good fries, all for $10.95. The batter is crunchy and not too thick. It's the best I've found in the area thus far, so it's my go-to place when I want fried fish.

Jimmy's Grill
245 S Washington St (Washington and Chicago)
Naperville, IL 60540
(630) 548-2500

Kennyz wrote:Manzo's on Irving Park just started advertising AYCE Friday Fish Fry for something like $7.95. No idea if it's any good, but the price is right and the place does have a bit of Wisconsinny feel. Might be worth a try.

Manzo's
3210 W Irving Park Rd
(773) 478-3070

Not been here... but fairly close by, stopped in yesterday to Gingers Ale House on Ashland (about 3800 N Ashland IIRC, couple blocks south of Irving Park Road). It was quite excellent - crisp, greaseless fish, decent chips etc.. and very good beer of course (went with a Murphy's yesterday). A quite excellent AYCE Friday Fish Fry, for 9 bucks IIRC.

c8w

Kennyz wrote:Manzo's on Irving Park

Thanks for the suggestion, Kennyz. I have had Manzo's pizza delivered, but I've never stopped in or had anything else on the menu. The pizza was pretty good, but I haven't been inspired to order from them again.

We did end up going to Chief O'Neills, which was busy on Friday evening, but we were seated right away. The fish & chips were $11.95, AYCE on Fridays, but I didn't even finish my first 2 pieces. They were huge. The batter was light and crispy. The chips were thick and also just the right crispy-ness. Served with slaw, but I'm not a cole slaw eater, so I can't comment on that. I doused everything in a liberal amount of malt vinegar and was very happy. Clearly, there are cheaper options, but I've had the fish & chips here a few times and at least know that they are consistently tasty.

Chief O'Neill's
3471 North Elston Avenue
Chicago, IL 60618-5624
(773) 583-3066

See on NewsSunOnline.com:

St. Patrick's Church
15000 W. Wadsworth Road
Wadsworth, IL
847/361-7191

March 11th from 5 pm to 8 pm

Cost is $9, (children's mac and cheese is $5) and includes whitefish, fried shrimp, cole slaw, potatoes, dessert and coffee. Soft drinks for a nominal charge.

Captain Porky's is making the food. The church will provide cakes, brownies and cupcakes.

Sponsored by the St. Patrick Knights of Columbus. St. Patrick's Boy Scout Troop 678 will be assisting as waiters, they will receive 50% of the net proceeds. Remainder will be to food baskets for the needy on Thanksgiving, Easter and local food pantries.

***

St. Mary's of Vernon Hills
Lenten fish fry at the Vernon Hills Golf Course

March 11, 18, 25, April 1, 8 and 15, from 5 pm to 7:30 pm.

Tickets at the door are $11 for adults, $10 for seniors, Children 4 to 12 $7. The menu includes fried tilapia and choice of sides.

When I want a great fish fry, I go to McGills at 4553 N. Pulaski. This is a neighborhood joint that has been around for years. They have a good bar food menu, but their Friday Fish Fry is a killer. The fish is cod, and the beer batter recipe came from the late, lamented (at least to me) Clancy's Pub at Lincoln and Cullom. I took a friend there last Friday for lunch. I had the all you can eat number, with two reloads, while my pal had the two piece lunch. Potato salad, slaw and rye bread, with large diet cokes for each totaled around 16.50. Nice people, great service-we enjoy the place.

My go to north side pub for AYCE Fish and Chips is the Atlantic Bar and Grill on Friday nights. $9.95 every Friday. During lent I think it's a dollar more if my memory serves me right and they donate the extra dollar to the local parish.

The Atlantic Bar and Grill | 5062 N. Lincoln Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60625 | 773.506.7090

Fish and chips at St. Andrew's Inn, Edgewater.

Lake County Lent fish fries

Chicago and Cook County round up of fish fries and other Lent specials

What's pathetic about most fish frys these days is that nearly all of them serve only ocean fish. Boy how things have changed in my lifetime. Here the Chicago area sits on the shores of the Great Lakes that once had a huge fishing industry with some of the finest fish in the world. And among the finest tasting fish IMO are the great yellow lake perch from the Great Lakes, which seems to be making somewhat of a comeback but you wouldn't know that by visiting the average restaurant in the Chicago area. I remember the AYCE yellow lake perch fish frys that use to be so commonplace. But unfortunately, they are generally long gone but not forgotten.

Often times where you see "perch" on the menu, it is most often "ocean" perch, which is vastly different, or "white perch," which is really a variant of bass fish that invaded the Great Lakes about 30 years ago through the St. Lawrence Seaway. "White perch" is not really perch at all and can't compare to the fine taste of the great yellow lake perch. And some ocean fish is fairly good, but the worse in my estimation is Pollock, the cheapest and most common and tasteless fish that so many places serve at fish frys.

Tiebels in Schererville that was mentioned above still specializes in yellow lake perch as well as the Schererville Lounge a couple of miles away from Tiebels. Both are excellent. I also noted that Steve's Lounge in Hegewisch (Chicago's far south side) still serves lake perch also.

SD

Yellow perch and its distinction from other fish has been discussed here at length before. (Eg, http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=12269 )

The topic always seems to come up with Lent and the advent of fishing season. While not nearly as common as in Wisconsin, Michigan and NW Indiana-- places where yellow perch, walleye, whitefish (and sometimes bluegill) are regarded the mark of serious dining -- some spots in Chicago always have quality yellow perch. It's the Friday special at Jury's in Lincoln Square, always has been. It's often a Friday special at Miller's Pub. And it's on the menu every day of the year at Hugo's. The latter does a very nice job with the light butter pan fry that's familiar to those who have had lake perch in NW IN or Michigan.

I'm a big fan of yellow perch but eat it mostly in its native land of Michigan. I think the dumpy roadhouse/snowmobiler bar/Bridgeport Irish outpost BT's in Sister Lakes Michigan does a phenomenal job, cheaply. The deep fried (not pan sauteed) fillets and home fries (like Gene & Georgetti's but better) are terrific, though most of the rest of the menu is not.

[Edit, I should also mention the scratch soups made by the bar's matriarch each morning. Soon they will have the cream of morel which is the most over-the-top luxurious soup you will ever get for 3 bucks at a smoky dive with a $2 pint of PBR. Last year a large bowl of this stuff typically had about $15 worth of morels (serious), heavy cream enriched with mushroom broth, and that's it. The asparagus soup (also on its way) isn't too shabby, either. I mention the soups because, like the perch and homefries, they inexplicably don't come from a Sysco bag like most of the other stuff. The opposite.]

However, if you want to try "destination" yellow perch, the place that springs to mind for me is the Thirsty Perch in South Haven. It's a big, "corporate" looking spot with long lines during the summer, but well worth checking out -- particularly in the off season. They use fresh Lake Michigan (not Canadian or Erie, which is rare) yellow perch and have a serious commitment to local vegetables (terrific), beer and wine. The Thirsty Perch is as close as I think I'll see to a Frenchy's or Rusty Bellies (grouper, Tampa area), Joe's Stone Crab, or Acme in the Midwest. It's a great little place with a lot of stuff revolving around a core seafood specialty. http://www.thirstyperch.com/images/stor ... 101web.pdf

BTB, our local, intrepid yellow perch detective, also sussed out a place in Saugatuck, MI that serves yellow perch on Fridays, handy for people heading up there soon.

By the way, the state of fish and chips in Chicago is at an all time high, in my recent experienece. Good quality cod is becoming easier to find all around as owners and chefs realize people are willing to pay a bit more. My local is Ginger's, and it's always solid. The new Red Lion does a top notch job, with really great chips in the authentic style. Big & Little's uses good fish, though I've had minor issues with them using oil that's a bit cool and frying the fish too long (possibly to make up for problem 1). But usually very good.

Someone should tell the guys at the Twin Anchors, though. While I hesitantly agree with some recent sentiment that the place has its charms, the so-called "Wisconsin Fish Fry" is a disgusting affront. I can't believe my server recommended this "white cod", which turned out to be 3 dense planks of injection-molded fish McNuggets. Nasty (and lots of it, so there's that).