The FishGuy Market

How many neighborhoods in Chicago have a fishmonger? Well, this one does, and its a good one. I’ve been visiting for well over five years, and its worth a stop for some high quality seafood you won’t always be able to get at Jewel, Mariano’s, or even Whole Foods.
You’ll pay for the privilege though — seafood of quality creates bills of quantity — so be sure to sign up for the mailing list, where you’ll hear of rotating specials. He runs specials most every week, and that’s where you want to live.
When they are on sale, I strongly urge you to get some of the sushi grade ahi tuna, which is superb, and the jumbo scallops, which are conveniently individually frozen. The fish is all excellent, as well — I’ve purchased hake and halibut and have been very pleased. You can even get uni here, which is amazing. I have not taken the plunge on that but I hope to soon.
Lobsters here are also recommended, at sale prices. A nice bonus is that he will steam your lobsters for you, for a minimal charge, so if you don’t want to deal with cooking them you don’t have to, although steaming your own whole lobster is something every self respecting gourmand should do, at least once.
The Fish Guy likes to branch out, and sometimes will offer morels, rack of lamb, sausages, turkeys prior to Thanksgiving, and other fruits non de mer. Always something interesting to consider. Indeed, recently he added Columbian coffee, and it is a kick in the teeth — a powerful espresso blend, and a steal at the sale price of $ 5 or $ 6 a pound.
One time I ordered some lobster bisque, and found it wanting for flavor, so buyer beware. The rest? Very tasty, and worthwhile for special occasions.

I stopped by this morning, hoping to find a selection that was more expansive than what one can find at Marianos, and was pleasantly surprised. They certainly had some great options, including these scallops that are actually bigger than my fist! They are definitely not inexpensive, but I know paying for quality makes a big difference.
I will be back!

The fourth best lobster roll in the city but I’m calling bullshit on that list. The best period. Especially since Fish Guy supplies the lobster for two of the supposed top three rolls.
So I’ve driven pass Fish Guy almost my entire life and never noticed it until a friend made me notice it, for the roll. The lobster is definitely the star tossed in what I would believe is a mayo with fresh herbs and other spices. But honestly the traditional flat side hot dog roll is a star on its pen and served perfectly. It’s served with regular potato chips and pepper cole slaw that’s good but I prefer a more fine slaw, not rustic.
As for the spot itself like I said you can miss it but I only honestly only did because I don’t usually prepare fresh seafood at home. They sell wonderful seafood and have a small but quality food menu for dine in and carry out. There are only about four or five tables which are two seaters. The dine area is small but cutesy and the space itself gives off the sterile all white vibe which I kind of appreciate with it being a fresh fish spot. Doesn’t smell of bacalao anywhere.
Shout out to a worker there named Janet Flores. She was pleasant and offered us samples of fresh lobster and oysters while we waited. She was spirited and played Marc Anthony music and showed off her concert photos with my momdukes and it was appreciated.

Stopped here to buy mussels to cook at home — good price, fresh, tasty!

Everyone is very nice and knowledgeable. Great for a quick lunch and a small party. Had the lobster roll.

We stop here every week or two for fresh fish. They have an few ‘common’ fish (like halibut or salmon), and then have ‘other’ kinds of fish that we’ve never heard of. They’ll suggest a way to cook them (if you ask), and dinner’s always a treat. Friendly helpful staff, great fish, & a nice variety. We’re very satisfied & think you would be also.

Missed lunch however was made a lobster roll to go. It was good a lot was served up! Came with chips and a bit of coleslaw. 19 $? And decided to try the crab cake (frozen) to go and make it @ home. When I cooked it according to suggested it broke apart

This place is a neighborhood gem if you haven’t discovered it.
I’ve heard of «The FishGuy Market» before they advertised a Groupon deal, but it wouldn’t hurt to purchase a Groupon so that I could explore this place with another seafood junkie, Daddy J.
«The FishGuy Market» is located on Elston, north of Montrose, in the Mayfair/​Albany Park neighborhood. The Groupon deal allowed a $ 40 discount. I remember I spent less than $ 25 to purchase this since Groupon often times offers random discount for local deals.
I was assisted by Janet, a friendly young lady, who explained how the deal worked and some of their popular items. Although the market place and dining room seating weren’t large and ample, the appearances of their fresh seafood were worth to take a serious look at.
They also featured some of the frozen specialties, such as lobster bisque, New England clam chowder, appetizers, and fish filets. Daddy and I picked up two (2) tubs of the clam chowder, one (1) pound of king salmon, and one (1) pound of cod. After the Groupon discount ($ 40 off), our total was $ 22 and some change.
The Groupon deal would also work on lunch items for dining in. Since Mom is staying with us, she can make a great use of these bad boys Dad and I purchased today.
Now I’ve found «The FishGuy Market,» so I don’t need to settle on lackluster seafood selections at our neighborhood grocery stores anymore. I live fairly close to TFM and will be looking forward to my next visit.

The FishGuy Market is located @ 4423 N Elston Avenue. Like many of the places I have driven by this place many times but for whatever reason had never gone in that is until today. I was reading the reviews on Unilocal and they were quite favorable, rating at 4.5 stars. I finally went in today and was greeted by Janet. She is very friendly, knowledgeable about the products and willing to take the time to explain to me what the different types of fish & seafood were. She was very helpful and went on to tell me that on Tuesday (and as luck would have it today is Tuesday) they have select seafood items for $ 10.00/lb. The selection items vary from week to week. This week was Monkfish (which has been compared to the poor mans lobster, red fish (to red snapper) & white Bass
In addition there was also a deal on Unilocal for $ 30.00 worth of seafood for $ 24.00.
The FishGuy deals wholesale to restaurants, retail to the public and has a small dining area for people interested in having their meals prepared. I did meet Bill the owner who came out while I was snapping some photos. We talked for a bit and he determined I meant no ill will so everything was cool.
I would like to go back at some point and try some of their prepared foods

Very fresh seafood, limited selection and pricy

We bought salmon, shrimp, crab and salmon cakes for a home cooked dinner. Really good quality and fresh. Very knowledgable guy and great service. He can very well guide you in ways to cook it best. Now we have to go and dine there, their menu looks amazing! Can’t wait!

My wife grew up on the east coast and when she had the lobster roll, she literally cried with joy.

I’ve been going here for a number of years! On an annual basis I order my clams, chowder and lobster for my deconstructed version of a new england style clambake. I also on occasion eat here for lunch, Bill and the entire team are the most friendly, engaging people you’d ever want to meet. The entire place is spotlessly clean, I had the opportunity to go in the back and in the coolers everything is a first class operation! The lobster rolls is a must have for lunch and you cannot beat the price $ 19, I easily pay $ 28 in Boston.

After the first visit, I was curious as to some of the other offerings that The FishGuy Market has on the menu. I was actually blown away this second go around.
Grilled prawns with pernod butter, petite salad. Seafood of the day.
The petite salad was not petite, and I will NOT complain about that. Not only were the shrimp plump, but the grilled eggplant with broccoli and corn were enough to make the salad seem like entrée portions. The seafood of the day was lemon fish — I think that’s the name of the fish I recall — with vegetarian couscous. Again, I was completely wowed with this dish.
At most seafood restaurants, lobster rolls seem to be the one item that everyone rushes to buy. As to The FishGuy Market, I am more inclined to sample their other seafood offerings. I haven’t had any other items that I didn’t fall in love with after the first bite.

Stopped in to by some sashimi grade fish which was excellent, a few oysters to try which were also excellent, but hard to open, but the frozen lobster bisque they sell is not good. Its so watery with no flavor and no little chunks of lobster. I was very disappointed. There were a few soup choices, and the lady behind the counter recommended the gumbo but it’s hard for me to pass up lobster bisque. Should have gone with the rec!

Amazing. I had the oysters and they were as good as ones I have had in CA. Definitely the best I’ve had in Chicago. I could have eaten a dozen but had to save room for the lobster roll. Which was wise bc that lobster roll was the best I’ve ever had. Made fresh with large chunks of lobster on buttery grilled bread. And the serving was huge. I was full halfway through but I couldn’t put it down.
Aside from the food being outstanding, the place is incredibly clean and does not smell like a fish market. Everyone is so nice and attentive, and the owner Bill came by and introduced himself, which is always nice.
Looking forward to bringing some friends here.

The FishGuy Market is truly a wonderful seafood market and a nice lunch spot. The owner and staff are incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and will be happy to answer any questions that you may have. This place is spotless and doesn’t have a fishy smell at all! I love the fact that your food is prepared right in front of you. I really appreciate the care and quality of the seafood, as well as where and how it is caught.
Yours Truly,
Seafood Fanatic Sam

Really nice service. Gave me a sample of freshly made ceviche and it was quite good. I ultimately decided to try the lobster roll and it did not disappoint, it being my first lobster roll. Whatever it’s supposed to be like (and I have seen them in Boston), this one was fantastic, stuffed with plenty of lobster and in a nice, warm brioche bun.

I came in for carryout and ordered two of their lobster rollllllll!!! While I was waiting I checked out what else they had and got their frozen seafood gumbo and lobster bisque. The lobster roll was good although it wasn’t as amazing as the ones I had in Boston. Of course I didn’t expect it to be so I still enjoyed the lobster roll very much. My wife and I had the seafood gumbo that evening for dinner and we both loved it. However, the lobster bisque was nothing special because we tasted more cheese than lobster. The décor of this place was nice and pleasant. I would look forward to dinning here and try other stuff on their menu. Also, this place is BYOB.

A clean fish market is a happy fish market. The bright, modern décor of The FishGuy paired with the friendly knowledgeable monger makes for a fantastic experience. In addition to unusual finds, like a naked lobster whose shell is basically power washed off the meat, to langostinos, you can also grab a bit to eat at the sleek stainless steel counter bar. Buy your fish here. Your tastebuds will thank you.

Hello my name is Liz and I am a seafood-​aholic.
I get extreme cravings for it, maybe it’s my body’s way of telling me I need my dosage of Omega-​3.
Remember «Sam the butcher» from the Brady Bunch? Well this place is like that except its much, much cooler and with fish.
The selection is small but quality is the key here. They pride themselves on it and they do it well.
We LOVE their Calamari Steaks! Yes, you read correctly … flattened out squid cut in the shape of rectangles that you sauté in white wine and butter and you’re in for a treat!
If you are a little adventurous, ask to see their Razor Clams, I have never heard of them before but the very knowledge and friendly owner asked if I ever tried them. He even gave me two at first to try at home for free. He’s no dummy because guess what I bought on my return visit?
For every special occasion I come here for my quality seafood. The staff never hesitates to tells the origin of the fish in addition to offering suggestions to prepare it.
There is also a small dine in portion of the market in front, but I’ve yet to try it.
I will one day.

We had the lobster roll (just right for one person) and the shrimp salad sandwich.
Both were very good, but not very heart healthy. I’d love to be able to try a grilled fish option.
We’ll be back perhaps to purchase the fish, but not to eat the sandwiches offered.
I can recommend for those who are able to eat mayo, everything was tasty.

I’ve never been a big connoisseur of fish, but recently my horizons have been expanded and I’ve been adding fish to my cooking repertoire more and more. Buying fish just «anywhere» won’t do; whenever possible, I like to buy the best quality I can find.
The Fish Guy Market is on a stretch of Elston Avenue and it’s pretty easy to miss if you’re not looking for it (as evidenced by me driving right past it). Street parking is quite easy.
Their selection isn’t abundant, but rather thoughtful and well-​chosen. You’ll definitely find something to work with here.
In addition to fish, they sell duck breast, Kobe beef burgers, albacore tuna salad, crab cakes, clam juice, and giant pieces of cooked lobster for only $ 3.50. I think I may just take a stab at making my own lobster rolls with it in the very near future.
The store is immaculate and pleasantly fishy smelling. The staff is friendly and eager to please. When I made my purchase, I was asked how far I was traveling and they offered ice packs so my fish would stay cold. That’s good customer service.
All of the fish I bought was delicious: salmon, tilapia, trout and mahi mahi. To be honest, I really don’t know how their prices compare with other fish markets as I’m a novice, but I just know the quality is there and I assume you get what you pay for.
ps — they also sell their own ready-​to-​eat lobster rolls and fish tacos.