Calumet Fisheries

Dr. Kohar Jones

All neighborhoods have their gems.

On Wednesday, we celebrated one of the economic (and gustatory!) assets of South Chicago, with lunch at the Calumet Fisheries.

SSP leadership team: the College and Med school students

Calumet Fisheries is a seafood joint in a shack on the banks of the Calumet River.  It is next to the 95^th Street drawbridge made famous for being jumped in the movie The Blues Brothers.  No seats, no bathrooms, just fresh fish served up by the same family who founded the restaurant in 1948.  Sid Kotlick and Len Toll had the dream of serving the “tastiest, freshest fish on the South Side.” The restaurant is famous today for its naturally smoked fish.  It won a 2010 James Beard Award (the Oscars of Restaurants) for American Classic.  In 2012 it is on the list of Top 100 US Cheap Eats on the Opinionated About Dining blog.

Salmon, trout, chubs, cat fish and shrimp (imported from far and wide) are smoked in a woodshed behind the restaurant.  Calumet Fisheries also serves fried fish, scallops and shrimp, which is also tasty, if not exactly “healthy” as we usually define healthy food.

Wise nutritional counselors would encourage us to eat fresh fruits and vegetables rather than fried fish, or food provision experts would advise preparing local foods at home to decrease the green footprint. But Calumet Fisheries supports a healthier community by providing a local restaurant that is recognized for its excellence, supporting the economy and positive self-identity of the community.  I love eating there, celebrating the health of the community.

3259 E. 95th Street
Chicago, IL 60617
773-933-9855
www.calumetfisheries.com

Sunday – Wednesday:
10:00 am – 9:45 PM
Thursday: 9:00 am – 9:30 PM
Friday and Saturday:
9:00 am – 9:45 PM
Open every day except New Year’s, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas!