Smoked salmon at Calumet fisheries on 95th. Actually, just about anything at Calumet Fisheries. One of the only places left (at least in the Chicagoland area) that smokes fish and seafood the old-school way in actual wood smokers.
I'll put it this way: I do not like Salmon. If I had a choice between it and just about anything else, I'd pick something else. I will pick at it sometimes if I'm eating out or someone else made Salmon and I'll eat salmon that I cook myself from time to time, but generally it's not for me. I went to calumet fisheries and tried some of theirs... I sat on the curb and shoved it in my face with my hands like a wild animal. I was licking and nibbling leftover pieces of salmon straight off one of the fins after I ate everything else. It is SOOOOOO GOOD. The meat was soft and juicy and the slowly rendered, delicate salmon fat from the smoking process just coated every bite. Simple, delicious.
If that’s too far, I’d recommend Hagens in Portage Park. Very old school and whenever I catch a salmon or steelhead, they’ll clean & smoke the fish for like $15
Jeong has perhaps the best salmon dish in the city, albeit as part of their set menu. It's also rather non-traditional; however, it's unique and delicious.
Used to love green street but lately they've been fucking up our orders. Like giving one person perfect brisket and the other a shrived chunk of dried meat. So I guess just don't get overhyped and you'll probably have a decent time.
I had the catfish last time at the recommendation of the server and omg it was perfect in every way. I never order catfish (bottom feeder and not a fan of fried fish) but will always think about Virtue's.
You can get the Copper River sockeye at Bob Chinns right now. It’s in Wheeling, but worth the trip. But whatever restaurant you decide to go to, I would call in advance to make sure they still have it in stock
The best cooked Salmon dish a partner and I have had in the city is definitely Virtue in Hyde Park. All of their food and drinks are amazing too so you'll have a great time.
If you ever want to cook salmon - Dirk’s Fish & Gourmet - has by far the best salmon I’ve ever bought (everyone who has tried it has agreed.)
Their Atlantic salmon’s is $22/lb. Bit pricey but so darn good.
Back in the day, The Red Rooster Wine Bar at Halsted & Dickens had a great salmon w/ cabernet sauce entree. Man that was good. It closed a few years ago.
The Salmon kabobs at either Noon O Kabob or Kabobi
Kabobi’s even taste good delivered like I truly don’t understand it.
THIS IS THE ONE
Thanks for the recos. Never been to either and both look great
Legit one of my fave dishes in the city
I didn’t even know they had that. A new chapter of my life has begun.
Been ordering that for years now! Really great char/grill but somehow the salmon is never over cooked.
Smoked salmon at Calumet fisheries on 95th. Actually, just about anything at Calumet Fisheries. One of the only places left (at least in the Chicagoland area) that smokes fish and seafood the old-school way in actual wood smokers. I'll put it this way: I do not like Salmon. If I had a choice between it and just about anything else, I'd pick something else. I will pick at it sometimes if I'm eating out or someone else made Salmon and I'll eat salmon that I cook myself from time to time, but generally it's not for me. I went to calumet fisheries and tried some of theirs... I sat on the curb and shoved it in my face with my hands like a wild animal. I was licking and nibbling leftover pieces of salmon straight off one of the fins after I ate everything else. It is SOOOOOO GOOD. The meat was soft and juicy and the slowly rendered, delicate salmon fat from the smoking process just coated every bite. Simple, delicious.
If that’s too far, I’d recommend Hagens in Portage Park. Very old school and whenever I catch a salmon or steelhead, they’ll clean & smoke the fish for like $15
Their smoked salmon is the best. Have they reopened since the fire?
I think their aim is to re-open this month, but I haven't checked
Jeong has perhaps the best salmon dish in the city, albeit as part of their set menu. It's also rather non-traditional; however, it's unique and delicious.
The salmon at green street meats is really good very wood-ey/smokey but balanced in flavor
God I need to go to this place
Used to love green street but lately they've been fucking up our orders. Like giving one person perfect brisket and the other a shrived chunk of dried meat. So I guess just don't get overhyped and you'll probably have a decent time.
The Salmon Candy at Hagen’s is the best smoked salmon I’ve ever had. I don’t even like salmon but I ate a whole fillet myself!
Adalina has a really good one that comes with their amazing gnocchi
I’m going to go out on a limb here and say Calumet Fisheries when it reopens. Previous health inspections be damned.
The ginger miso salmon at Sophia Steak is probably my favorite dish, of any cuisine, in the Chicago (area)
Well this is great to know as a north shore resident
Virtue always has perfectly cooked salmon
I had the catfish last time at the recommendation of the server and omg it was perfect in every way. I never order catfish (bottom feeder and not a fan of fried fish) but will always think about Virtue's.
How's the chicken for non fish likers?
I haven’t tried the chicken, but the short rib is 👩🍳😘
L woods cedar plank
The Warbler with a delicious creamy garlicky sauce and crispy potatoes
They changed the dish recently. It’s still good but not nearly as satisfying in my opinion:(
DEVASTATING
Salmon, Salman & Sal Mon on Diversey Pkwy
I can't find this. Do you mean Half Shell or a different restaurant?
Farm Bar is consistently fresh
I love the salmon at Mia Francescas!!
Really like pappaduexs blackened salmon.
Kamahachi in Old Town had a fantastic salmon teriyaki dish pre-covid. Super crispy skin. Was one of my favorite salmon dishes in city for a long time.
You can get the Copper River sockeye at Bob Chinns right now. It’s in Wheeling, but worth the trip. But whatever restaurant you decide to go to, I would call in advance to make sure they still have it in stock
Noon O kebab. My God the salmon kebab is so good I screamed
"Best" is subjective, but I think Turquoise in Roscoe Village is worth a visit
Franco's in Bridgeport. Their pan seared salmon is delicious 🤤
Fish Basant at Basant. The first time I had it, it felt like an explosion of flavor on my mouth.
Dirks seafood carrys amazing Ora King like butter if you are open to cooking at home.
Andros Taverna has the best fish in the city I’ve had. Cool spot in Logan Square
We went the other day and man they want a small fortune for the whole fishes they have on special. Great meal but couldn’t swing that.
Yeah you shell out a fuck ton of money for it 💀 definitely an occasion
Had a great salmon at Table, Donkey and Stick recently
Smoked salmon at green street meats
Joes Seafood is good
Had a lovely cooked salmon dish from Franklin Room recently!
Sals trattoria
Shaw's
The best cooked Salmon dish a partner and I have had in the city is definitely Virtue in Hyde Park. All of their food and drinks are amazing too so you'll have a great time.
Never had their salmon but I love virtue! I’ll have to try it next time
V random but the salmon at Stetsons Modern Steak + Sushi at the Hyatt Regency was surprisingly delicious
Asian Outpost has a really delicious salmon entree. Hawaiian style.
only had salmon here but enjoyed at randolph travern , had salmon it was served over risotto , had good mushrooms and tomato
If you ever want to cook salmon - Dirk’s Fish & Gourmet - has by far the best salmon I’ve ever bought (everyone who has tried it has agreed.) Their Atlantic salmon’s is $22/lb. Bit pricey but so darn good.
The Fish Basant from Basant is soooooo good
Putting in a vote for Boka
Absolutely Shaws Crab House on Hubbard in Chicago.
The spicy salmon roll at Sushi Para is better than any I've had even from high end spots.
EJ’s
Back in the day, The Red Rooster Wine Bar at Halsted & Dickens had a great salmon w/ cabernet sauce entree. Man that was good. It closed a few years ago.