Friday night in Illinois has its own rhythm, and a lot of it runs on fried fish. From lakefront bars to small-town taverns, people line up for crispy cod, catfish, and crappie with all the classic sides.
This list covers seven spots where the fish fry is more than a menu item. It is a weekly tradition, so grab a friend and plan your next Friday around one of them.
1. The Village Tavern, Long Grove, IL
Some families mark Fridays on the calendar, and in Long Grove, plenty of them have been doing it at the same address for decades. The Village Tavern sits at 135 Old McHenry Rd in the village’s historic downtown district.
The draw is the all-you-can-eat Friday Fish Fry. It is served in a wood-trimmed dining room with a fireplace and a pub-style bar, which gives the place a classic, old-school look.
Live music adds to the evening, and the rest of the menu sticks to American comfort food. Burgers, broasted chicken, and a cheeseburger round out the options for anyone at the table who skips the fish.
Prices land around $10 to $30 per person. Friday evening is the busiest stretch, and the tavern accepts reservations, so calling ahead at 847-634-3117 is a smart move.
Plan around the schedule. The tavern is closed Tuesdays and closes at 5 PM on Sundays, but stays open until 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
2. Cat & Fiddle Tavern, Belleville, IL
Whole fried catfish is not something every bar puts on the menu. At Cat and Fiddle Tavern in Belleville, it shows up with typical sides and plenty of meat on the bone.
Fish dinners are the reason this Metro East tavern fills up from Friday afternoon into the evening. Chicken wings get their own spotlight on Thursdays, so the week has two easy anchor nights.
The setting is casual with a historic feel, and the bar is right on site. Prices run about $10 to $20 per person, which keeps it friendly for a regular weekly stop.
One practical note: the tavern does not take reservations. Free parking is usually easy to find, and late hours mean the kitchen fits a range of schedules.
Find it at 8301 Old St Louis Rd, Suite 1.
3. The Olympic Tavern, Rockford, IL
Rockford has had the Olympic Tavern on North Main Street long enough for it to feel like part of the neighborhood. The taproom pours more than 25 drafts and backs them up with a surprisingly big menu.
The fish fry gets attention for a crispy outside and flaky inside, with generous portions and solid sides. Fish and chips is a menu highlight, and Poor Man’s Lobster is another seafood pick worth a look.
Friday nights also bring a seafood soup. For non-fish fans, the ribeye steak, burgers, and Brussels sprouts keep everyone covered, and there are full vegan and vegetarian menus.
I would save this one for a group dinner. There is a fireplace, a patio, a private dining room, and reservations are accepted.
Expect about $20 to $30 per person. The tavern is closed Sundays and opens at 4 PM on Mondays and Tuesdays.
4. Old Mill Tavern, Sheridan, IL
Only three days a week, and the regulars know exactly which ones. Old Mill Tavern in Sheridan opens Friday through Sunday from 3 to 9:30 PM.
Out in this small Fox River valley community, the tavern serves home-cooked classics. All-you-can-eat crappie stands out, and the fish is cooked in fresh oil.
The signature onion rings are a must for the table. Fried chicken is another house favorite, and portions run large.
Prices sit around $10 to $20 per person. The decorations add character to the casual, historic room, and the wait staff is attentive.
Free parking is easy at 4194 E 2603rd Rd. Takeout is also available if you want to bring the fish home.
5. Track Shack, Springfield, IL
Timing matters at Track Shack. Night food service runs only on Thursdays and Fridays, and each night has its own special.
Thursday belongs to fried chicken, which is the house signature. Friday is fish fry night, and that is when the neighborhood shows up hungry.
Thursday evening tends to be the busiest. The bar keeps things simple with quick bar food, friendly service, and a casual crowd.
There is a drive-through and takeout, which is handy on a busy week. Reservations are not accepted.
Prices run about $10 to $20 per person at 233 E Laurel St.
6. Fairmont Shores, Lake Villa, IL
Few fish fries come with a sunset over the water. Fairmont Shores sits on the lake in Lake Villa, and the deck gives diners a view to match the meal.
The Friday special is all-you-can-eat cod, either beer battered or regular breaded. It comes with coleslaw, chips, and hush puppies, and the first plate is often big enough to finish the job.
Many guests make this an every-Friday stop. Outside of fish night, the Meatloaf Stack is a house favorite, alongside coconut shrimp, salmon, and potato skins.
There is live music, and dogs are allowed. Families will find a kids’ menu and high chairs.
Plan on $20 to $30 per person. Reservations are accepted, and weekend breakfast starts at 7 AM.
7. The Village Tavern & Grill of Carol Stream, Carol Stream, IL
Why wait until Friday? This Carol Stream sports bar runs its all-you-can-eat fish fry on Wednesdays too.
The cod comes in big pieces with a beer batter. There is also lemon baked cod for a lighter option.
The World Famous Chicken Fingers with honey mustard are the other big seller. Steak nachos, fish tacos, baby back ribs, and a pot roast sandwich fill out the menu.
The casual dining room has a patio and plenty of screens for game nights. Friday and Saturday evenings are busiest, and reservations are accepted.
Expect about $20 to $30 per person at 291 S Schmale Rd. Kids’ menus make it an easy family pick.
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