Hagen's Fish Market

"This legendary Northwest Side shop has both fresh and smoked seafood available for the home cook. They’ll smoke fish upon request. Crispy fried fish and shrimp are ordered by the pound, as are the smoked items — the barbecue salmon is a treat. There’s a shrimp po’ boy worth checking out." - Samantha Nelson, Eater Staff

"Since opening their doors in 1946, this little family-run seafood market has developed a loyal local following—and that following should also include you. Besides selling high-quality fresh, frozen, and smoked seafood (plus some fun merch), Hagen’s will deep fry a variety of fish, crustaceans, and shellfish on the spot. Everything has a light breading and somehow manages to stay juicy, like the excellent fried clams and calamari. The crispy fish filet sandwich is also a winner, and a lesson in simplicity—just flaky whitefish, tomato, lettuce, and tartar sauce on a toasted roll. It’s what a Filet-O-Fish aspires to be." - veda kilaru

"This little family-run seafood market in Portage Park has deep frying fish, crustaceans, and shellfish down to a science. Everything has a light breading and somehow manages to stay briny and juicy, like the excellent fried clams and calamari. Lucky for you, their crispy fish filet sandwich is also a winner, and clocks in at just $7. The flaky whitefish, tomato, lettuce, and tartar sauce on a toasted roll is what a Filet-O-Fish aspires to be. And if you’ve got money to burn after discovering your childhood piggy bank, splurge a little and spend $3 for a side, like hushpuppies or onion rings." - john ringor, veda kilaru

"Family owned since 1966, Hagen's sells deep-fried seafood by the pound (weighed pre-frying). Choose between lake perch and smelt for fish and fries and tater tots for the chips. The store is takeout-only, but there are tables and chairs outside in better weather." - Ashok Selvam, Naomi Waxman, Eater Staff

"Since opening their doors in 1946, this little family-run seafood market in Portage Park has developed a loyal local following—and that following should also include you. Besides selling high-quality fresh, frozen, and smoked seafood (plus some fun merch), Hagen’s Fish Market is one of the last surviving natural hardwood smokehouses in Chicago. Meaning they’ll smoke whatever you caught on your last fishing trip for you. But if you’re not the sort to hunt and gather your own meal, Hagen’s will fry up some of their own fish, crustaceans, and shellfish for you. Everything has a light breading and somehow manages to stay briny and juicy, like the excellent fried clams and calamari. The crispy fish filet sandwich is also a winner, and a lesson in simplicity—just flaky whitefish, tomato, lettuce, and tartar sauce on a toasted roll. It’s what a Filet-O-Fish aspires to be." - Veda Kilaru