lawrence’s fish and shrimp

The History of Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp


Lawrence's Fish and Shrimp

Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp has come to represent an old-school, Southern-style fish fry in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood. The restaurant prides itself on its hot, crispy fried fish and the loyal following it has garnered over the years.

Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp was founded by Lawrence Lett in 1950. He started by selling fresh fish from his car to people in the community. Later, he began cooking fish in the backyard for his family and friends. Word soon got out about his standout seafood, and the popularity of his outdoor fish fry events grew.

Fast forward to 1980, and Lawrence’s son, Ron, took over the family business and opened the first Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp restaurant in the South Shore neighborhood. This location soon became a hot spot, featuring a no-nonsense approach to seafood. Ron continued his father’s traditions, serving up delicious fish that was fried to perfection, often with sides like coleslaw, hushpuppies, and mac and cheese.

In 1999, Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp expanded with the opening of a second location in Oak Lawn, Illinois. This location offers the same mouthwatering seafood that made Lawrence’s famous, but with a more spacious seating area.

Today, Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp continues to be a go-to spot for fish lovers in Chicago. The restaurant may have expanded, but they haven’t lost sight of their roots. They remain family-owned and operated, and committed to serving up quality seafood that keeps people coming back for more.

One of the things that sets Lawrence’s apart from other seafood restaurants is the attention to detail and the use of fresh ingredients. They have a reputation for using only the freshest fish, which they get from local markets, ensuring that their customers get the best possible flavor and quality.

Another factor that has contributed to the success of Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp is their friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant’s staff members are attentive, and always happy to make recommendations for customers who may be new to the menu.

All in all, Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp has become an institution in the Chicago community. With a rich history and a dedication to quality, it’s no wonder that the restaurant has thrived for over 70 years. Whether you’re a local or just passing through Chicago, be sure to stop by Lawrence’s and try some of their world-famous seafood.

The Menu

Fish and Chips Image

If you are a seafood lover, then you don’t want to miss out on the mouth-watering delicacies served at Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp restaurant. The menu is filled with a diverse range of seafood dishes from classic fish and chips to scrumptious shrimp po’boys, and much more. The chefs at Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimps source their ingredients from local suppliers, resulting in fresh and savory cuisines.

Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp’s menu offers a combination of classic and contemporary seafood dishes. It is a perfect place to dine with colleagues, friends, or family members any day of the week. If you’re new to the restaurant, you might want to start with their classic fish and chips. It’s a crispy, deep-fried fish topped with homemade tartar sauce and a squeeze of lemon juice to bring out the flavor. The fish is very light and flaky with a crunchy coating that adds to its texture – a perfect meal any day of the week.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you might want to try out their shrimp po’boys. A popular New Orleans sandwich, the shrimp po’boy is a meal that will leave an explosion of flavors in your mouth. The sandwich is generously filled with fried shrimp, lettuce, and melted cheese, which is then topped off with their homemade special sauce. It’s a filling and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp also offers shrimp tacos for those seeking a bit of Latin flavor. These tacos are one of the favorites of the management. Served on a lightly toasted corn tortilla with seasoning and topped with grilled shrimp, lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a special sauce. It’s a perfect meal to share with friends or family.

If you prefer seafood in a soup, then you should try the shrimp gumbo or clam chowder. Shrimp gumbo is a classic Louisiana dish that originated from the creole community. Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp’s recipe is a melting pot of various cultures, resulting in a thick and hearty soup rich in flavor. The clam chowder is equally as satisfying and is made with clams, onions, herbs, and potatoes, all cooked together in a creamy base.

Finally, if you’re not in the mood for seafood, then you can opt for their delicious chicken wings. These wings are tossed in a variety of flavors such as teriyaki, buffalo, sweet, or spicy. They are perfect for a quick bite or as an appetizer to share with friends during happy hour.

Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp restaurant is where you can get the best seafood in the city. Their diverse dishes are always freshly made, ensuring that the flavors are of the highest quality. Whether you are a seafood lover or not, Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp’s menu is packed with choices that will satisfy all your cravings.

Customer Reviews


Customer Reviews

If there’s one thing that Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp is known for, it’s their excellent food and service. Countless customers have left rave reviews about their delicious meals, attentive staff, and welcoming ambiance. Here are just a few snippets of what people are saying:

“Best seafood in town!”

“I’ve tried a lot of seafood restaurants in the area, but Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp is by far the best. The food is always fresh, cooked perfectly, and seasoned just right. I especially love their shrimp po’boys and fried catfish. Plus, the staff is really friendly and helpful.”

“Cozy, comfortable, and delicious”

“Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat on a cozy evening. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the food is absolutely delicious. I always come back for their crispy fried fish and addictive hush puppies. Highly recommend this restaurant!”

“Great service and quality food”

“I can always count on Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp for a great meal with great service. The staff is always attentive and friendly, and the food is consistently fresh and delicious. They have a great selection of seafood dishes, and I can never decide between the shrimp and the fish – they’re both so good!”

“Excellent value for your money”

“I was drawn to Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp because of their affordable prices, but I keep coming back because of how tasty the food is. The portions are generous, and everything is always cooked to perfection. I also appreciate how friendly and welcoming the staff is – they make you feel like family.”

“Must-try restaurant in the area”

“If you’re a fan of seafood, then Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp is a must-try. I’ve been here multiple times and have never been disappointed. Their menu has something for everyone, whether you’re in the mood for fried shrimp, grilled salmon, or steamed mussels. The service is wonderful and the prices are more than reasonable. Highly recommend!”

Clearly, Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp has made a big impression on their happy customers. If you’re looking for a delicious meal in a cozy and welcoming setting, be sure to check them out!

Community Involvement

Lawrence's Fish and Shrimp Community Involvement

Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp is not just a restaurant that serves delicious seafood, but it is also a business that values community involvement. As a long-standing member of Chicago’s Uptown community, Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp has consistently given back to the neighborhood through various local events and charity work.

One of the ways Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp is involved with the community is by participating in local events. Every year, Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp sponsors and participates in several festivals, such as the Uptown Art Fair, Taste of Chicago, and the Chicago Gospel Music Festival. These events are great opportunities for the business to show support to the local community and promote their famous seafood dishes.

Another way Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp gets involved in the community is by organizing charity work. Throughout the year, the restaurant hosts fundraisers and donations for various institutions, such as schools, churches, and community centers. Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp understands the importance of assisting local institutions financially, and they are always willing to partner and collaborate with different organizations to contribute to the community’s welfare.

One of Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp’s notable charity work is its commitment to the Cappleman Community Center. The restaurant has sponsored several events that support the community center’s activities, such as after-school programs, sports teams, and summer camps. Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp believes in investing in the youth, and its partnership with the Cappleman Community Center demonstrates its dedication to supporting children in the community.

Finally, Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp endeavors to create a welcoming environment for everyone in the neighborhood. Every day, the staff at Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp greet their customers warmly and treat them like family. The restaurant feels like a neighborhood hangout spot, and it is a place where locals can gather and connect with one another.

In conclusion, Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp is more than just a restaurant that serves seafood. It is a business that values community involvement and is committed to giving back to the neighborhood. From sponsoring local events to participating in charity work, Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp strives to make a positive impact in its community and create a welcoming space for everyone.

Plans for Expansion


Lawrence's Fish and Shrimp restaurant expansion

Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp has been a popular eating place for seafood lovers since it opened its doors in 2015. The restaurant is known for its fresh fish and shrimp, friendly service, and a relaxing atmosphere. With a loyal customer base and positive reviews, the owners have decided that it’s time to expand and reach more customers.

The owners have ambitious plans for expanding the restaurant, not only in terms of new locations but also by expanding their menu options, online presence, and catering services.

Opening New Locations


Lawrence's Fish and Shrimp restaurant location

The first step in the expansion plan is to open new locations in different areas. The owners are scouting locations in nearby towns and cities with a high demand for seafood. These locations will have the same aesthetic and theme as the original restaurant so that customers can still enjoy the same dining experience. Each new location will also have a private dining area for special events and functions.

Expanding Menu Options


Lawrence's Fish and Shrimp menu

The restaurant will also expand its menu options by adding new dishes and sides to its existing menu. Customers can look forward to more seafood options, including lobsters and crabs, as well as a variety of appetizers, salads, and desserts. The owners are also sourcing for locally grown ingredients that would be used in preparing some dishes.

Online Presence


Social media marketing

The owners also plan to expand their online presence by creating a user-friendly website and social media presence. The website will allow customers to place orders online, leave reviews, and get the latest information on menu specials and promotions. The social media presence will include regular posts promoting the restaurant’s products and services, menu items, and behind-the-scenes peeks.

Catering Services


Catering services

Finally, Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp caterers will offer catering services for special events, corporate functions, and private parties. The restaurant will cater for any event from office lunches to weddings, tailgate parties, or family reunions. These catering services will offer a range of menu options and packages that are customizable to the customer’s needs.

The owners of Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp are excited about their expansion plans and can’t wait to bring their fresh seafood and excellent service to a broader customer base. With these expansion plans, customers can expect more quality seafood, more catering options, and a more relaxed dining experience.

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