- Attraction: Calumet Fisheries
- Location: 3259 E 95th St, Chicago, IL 60617
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://www.calumetfisheries.com/
Right next to the iconic 95th Street Bridge (yes, the same one from The Blues Brothers movie), you’ll discover a humble red-roofed shack that’s been smoking seafood to perfection for nearly a century.
Calumet Fisheries was originally established in 1928, and subsequently purchased in 1948 by Sid Kotlick and Len Toll.
This James Beard Award-winning smokehouse stands as one of only two remaining establishments in Chicago still allowed to burn wood and smoke fish the old-fashioned way.
What started as a small family operation has become a pilgrimage site for seafood lovers, celebrities like Anthony Bourdain, and even former Vice President Kamala Harris.
They marinate the fish in brine overnight, then use only special oak logs to stoke their fire, carefully tending the fish for hours to bring out its naturally delicious flavors.
Related
More in Illinois
Peoria’s Secret Is Out: This Vietnamese Restaurant Serves Up Massive Plates Of Flavor
Keep Exploring →This isn’t your typical restaurant experience – there’s no indoor seating, no bathrooms, and it’s strictly cash-only. You’ll order at the counter, grab your food, and join the time-honored tradition of eating while leaning against your car or at one of the two outdoor picnic tables.
Smoked Seafood Specialties
The Famous Smoked Shrimp: These are their “FAMOUS Smoked Shrimp” that keep people coming back decade after decade.
The Gulf shrimp are brined overnight and slowly smoked over oak, resulting in plump, tender pieces with an incredible smoky flavor that’s unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere. These were practically prawns, the headless bodies all 3-4 inches long.
Pepper & Garlic Salmon: Their “Pepper and garlic smoked salmon” has a “taste that will keep you coming back.” The salmon steaks are generously seasoned and have a perfect balance of smokiness with just the right amount of spice.
The salmon was perfectly cooked falling apart in a flaky festival under our forks. Spectacularly tender with a sublime flavor this smoked salmon was magnificent.
More in Illinois
Watch Polar Bears Swim Inches From You At This Awe-Inspiring Zoo Near Chicago
Discover MoreSmoked Sturgeon: This premium fish offers a firmer texture than salmon but remains incredibly moist and flaky. The sturgeon develops a deep, rich smokiness that pairs beautifully with crackers.
Rainbow Trout Options: Available both plain and with pepper & garlic seasoning, the trout offers a delicate, sweet flavor that’s perfect for first-time smoked fish enthusiasts.
Variety Beyond Salmon: You’ll also find smoked sablefish (black cod), whitefish, catfish, eel, and even smoked chubs – each with its own unique character and flavor profile.
Fried Seafood & Sides
Crispy Fried Shrimp: The breading is light, and doesn’t slide off. These come with their signature mild sauce that perfectly complements the seafood.
Golden Fried Scallops: Tender and never rubbery, these scallops get a light, crispy coating that doesn’t overpower the delicate seafood inside.
Related
More in Illinois
From Coconut Cream To Ley Lime, This Princeton Bakery Over-Delivers On Every Pie
Keep Exploring →Classic Fish & Chips: The fried fish dinners come with French fries, coleslaw, crackers, and sauce – making for a complete meal.
Mac & Cheese Bites: The Mac and cheese bites were crispy and very cheesy! Quite tasty!
Signature Sides: The macaroni salad was creamy and sweet with perfectly cooked macaroni, and the coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich smoked seafood.
Atmosphere & Location
Historic Riverside Setting: Located between Lake Michigan and the Chicago Skyway, this roadside seafood smokehouse overlooks the Calumet River and is one of the last of its kind.
The location offers glimpses into Chicago’s industrial past, surrounded by bridges and remnants of the area’s steel mill heritage.
More in Illinois
This Gorgeous Riverwalk In Downtown Naperville Feels Like A Hidden Garden In The Middle Of The City
Discover MoreNo-Frills Authentic Experience: It has a rustic and authentic vibe that makes you feel like you are eating at a fisherman’s dock. The business is barebones and compact, boasting the absence of indoor seating or bathrooms on its official website.
Car Culture Dining: Your general plan should be to eat while sitting or standing half in/half out of your car. This makes visiting Calumet one of our favorite summer activities in the city. It’s a uniquely Chicago experience that harkens back to a simpler time.
Celebrity Recognition: On the exterior wall of the smokehouse, a mural depicts the late chef Anthony Bourdain, who visited Calumet Fisheries in 2009 for an episode of his show No Reservations.
Other Considerations
Pricing & Value: Smoked fish runs approximately $8-30 per pound depending on the variety, with most popular items like salmon and shrimp falling in the $15-25 range.
While not cheap, the quality and uniqueness make it worthwhile for a special treat. Fried dinners are more budget-friendly at under $10 for most options.
Related
More in Illinois
A Champaign Eatery That Started As A Food Truck Has Become A Must-Visit Smash Burger Restaurant
Keep Exploring →Cash Only: Come prepared with cash – they don’t accept cards. There’s typically an ATM nearby if you forget.
Best Times to Visit: Items sell out once in a while, typically they always have their breaded seafood selection available but smoked fish does sell out and usually it’s their salmon and shrimp. Arriving earlier in the day gives you the best selection, especially on weekends.
Parking & Access: There’s a small parking area right in front where you can pull up close to the building. The setup is designed for quick in-and-out service.
What to Bring: Many regulars bring coolers since the smoked fish travels well and makes excellent gifts or future meals at home.
Calumet Fisheries
📍 3259 E 95th St, Chicago, IL 60617
