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JJ Fish and Chicken
$$ · Fast Food, Seafood

5401 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60609 (773) 268-1600
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ZipPicks Awards

Best Seafood in Rogers Park Best Pet Friendly Restaurants in Austin Best Happy Hour Wings in Bronzeville Best Seafood in Near West Side

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

JJ Fish and Chicken 7.7
Fuller Park
Vibes: Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Quick Bites Champions Late Night Legends Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A no-frills Loop counter built for fried seafood cravings—catfish, shrimp combos, and the kind of late-hour utility that office and theater traffic actually uses. Order it like a local: one fish lane plus one side, then eat it hot so the breading stays crisp.
Must-Try Dishes: Catfish dinner, Jumbo shrimp combo, Fried okra
Scores:
Value: 8.4 Service: 7.2 Consistency: 7.6 Food Quality: 7.9 Atmosphere: 6.3 Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Fresh-fried fish and shrimp built for late-night Loop cravings.
Who should go: Budget-minded seafood fans who prioritize hot-and-fast.
When to visit: Late night or off-peak lunch to skip waits.
What to order: Catfish dinner, shrimp combo, fried okra.
Insider tip: Ask for fresh drop—then eat immediately for peak crunch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated parking—street parking is limited downtown; plan on a nearby garage or transit/walking if you're already in the Loop.
Dress code: Ultra casual. Anything goes (jeans, hoodies, work clothes).
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud counter energy—fine for quick conversation, not ideal for a long, quiet catch-up.
Weekend wait: 10–20 min typical (can spike later at night if the fried-food rush hits).
Weekday lunch: 0–10 min typical (fast turnover; lines move quickly).
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—mostly sides (fries, okra) and possibly salads depending on the day; it’s a fish-and-fry spot first.
Vegan options: Very limited—expect sides only; confirm frying oil and cross-contact if you’re strict.
Gluten-free options: Not ideal—most items are breaded and share fryers; best bet is to choose non-breaded options only if available and ask how it’s cooked.
Best For
Better for: Hot, fast fried seafood at a low price—especially when you want a simple combo (catfish or shrimp) and immediate crunch without paying sit-down premiums.
Skip if: You want a comfortable dining room, a quieter meal, or dietary-friendly flexibility. For a nicer seafood experience (or anything date-forward), choose a full-service spot instead.

Hours

Monday9am - 11pm
Tuesday9am - 11pm
Wednesday9am - 11pm
Thursday9am - 11pm
Friday9am - 12am
Saturday9am - 12am
Sunday10am - 10pm