Restaurant Review: The Fish Keg

This week I visited longtime Rogers Park institution The Fish Keg to pick up a rather large order for a family get-together. Full disclosure: when it comes to fish, I usually take a pass. However, when it comes to The Fish Keg, I ask for seconds. That’s just how good the quality of food is, and has been, for over 50 years at this beloved spot located at 2233 Howard Street, just a few blocks west of the Howard “L” station.

The menu at The Fish Keg is highlighted by the fried shrimp, lightly breaded and fried to a scrumptious perfection. Dipped with their delicious homemade cocktails sauce and your hands will automatically be reaching for the next shrimp as your taste buds savor the explosion of crunch and freshness with each bite. I ordered a pound of the shrimp ($19), which consisted of approximately 20 pieces, although you can order less or more depending on your needs.

I stepped outside my comfort zone by ordering the scallops, fully prepared to admit that my fish consumption will never make it past fried shrimp. However, one taste of these jumbo-sized scallops from the Grand Banks had me quickly realize my palate for fish just increased. Oozing with a smooth and buttery flavor and covered in a rich breading, the scallops are the epitome of mouth-watering satisfaction. A pound of sizzling scallops will run you $26. Still, like almost everything else on the expansive menu, you can order what you need when it comes to quantity.

Next up was the Fish Chips consisting of a mild Icelandic Cod and a spicy batter that I could have easily made a meal out of without anything else needed. Like every other item on the menu, the fish chips come piping hot and fresh without any unnecessary grease. 

Regardless of what you order at The Fish Keg, be sure to go home with the hush puppies. The mixture of cornbread and spices all rolled up into a ball of fantastic flavor is the perfect companion to the fish (although I am no stranger to stopping in solely to grab an order of these tasty treats). These hush puppies are undoubtedly in the running for the best in the city and surrounding suburbs. 

A few other items on the menu that I usually skip at BBQs but never can get enough of here, is the coleslaw and potato salad. Creamy and crammed with taste, you can’t go wrong with either, and it would be wise to pick up an order of both the next time your taste buds are in a fish frenzy. 

The Fish Keg is not a restaurant in the typical sense. There are no seats, and it’s set up more like a deli with orders being picked up nonstop. Of course, this matters little amidst the pandemic. Don’t be surprised to see other patrons in the parking lot diving right into their orders while sitting in their cars. Yea, it’s just that good. 

So take it from someone who doesn’t often partake in underwater delicacies and head over to The Fish Keg for fresh seafood done right. The Fish Keg is open every day from 10 am to 9 pm.

ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO