Review Parson's Chicken & Fish - Chicago

Anytime you drive by Parsons there is people coming and going. The curb appeal from the exterior did nothing for me so I never stopped in. I was building out a barbershop space right across the street a couple years ago and I never felt the need stop in. Boy was I missing out! My wife wanted to try a place out that she had heard about and I was a little surprised when we pulled up. Walking in was definitely a better feeling, the energy was good the place was super clean, and we were greeted immediately. We ate inside because the lovely patio area was packed, and when our food came out my mind was blown! Best chicken sandwich in chicago. Have to come back and hopefully sit outside. Try Parsons out, you won't regret it (unless you don't like a lot of flavor)

Parsons has been our go to neighborhood spot for YEARS! And it’s because we haven’t ever had a bad experience or meal once. The drinks are always good, I love trying the rotating cocktail menu. And the food - well it’s the reason we’re all here. This was our first time ever trying the fish because it’s hard to not order your favorite chicken dish as soon as you hit the table. But the fish was surprisingly up to par with how amazing the chicken was. I wish the breading was a little heartier but other than that never ever disappointed coming here. Also get a slice of the pie EVERY TIME!

Parson’s is such a great spot for casual, outdoor dining with a large, dog-friendly patio. I recommend their Purple cocktail that tastes like a elevated grape koolaid in the best possible way! Their drink list is extensive and has something for everyone—including a section of mocktails. Their hot nuggets are awesome! The perfect level of heat that paired well with their tasty honey mustard. We also tried their famous hush puppies which were golden on the outside and fluffy on the inside with speckles of ham hock throughout.

Was in my save list from a long time and finally last week I got a chance to visit. Really loved the setting. Great food great service. Different touch on mac and cheese, flavor was really good. We got ranch fries with spicy mayo, really loved it. For the main course: we ordered parsons hot sandwich and fish sandwich (check out the pictures with this review) Chicken and fish were perfectly fried, sp fish it was fresh and it tasted amazing. Definitel recommend! 5 stars for the food, service and setting!

We ordered a hot chicken sandwich. It was good, but a little spicier than what we’re used to. We also ordered the sampler platter. It was a huge bed of fries with two fried shrimp, two hush puppies, and two chicken nuggets. The fries were flavorful and crunchy. The fried shrimp was okay. Their hush puppies are unique and popular, but we prefer them in a traditional preparation. The chicken nuggets were the best. Excellent seasoning on chunky pieces of chicken. Will definitely get a basket next time.

Always a great meal here! Staff is super friendly and accommodating. Keep telling myself to try something other then the chicken sandwich but it’s so good! Need to visit for Happy Hour, Mon-Thurs 3-6p for $10 Parson’s Fried Sampler!

Great food great service. The high puppies were excellent, nice flavor and perfectly fried. The dipping sauce has since heat. The chicken has a nice tasty breading and again perfectly fried. Fish too was excellent. And the dipping sauces were really great too. Unique flavors. The coleslaw was also great. Flavorful, not too sweet. Enough to share. Two people could easily share one coleslaw and a half chicken. The only disappointment was the below average chocolate milkshake with the evil paper straw. Otherwise awesome!

cute place. ordered the fish and my partner ordered the chicken. was a little disappointed they didn't have catfish (I'm southern and catfish and fried chicken just make sense), but the cod had a good fry on it and the tartar sauce was reaaaally good. drinks were also good and strong which I appreciated. was not a fan of the coleslaw though. my partner liked their chicken

I regularly went to Parson’s 10 years ago, their first year of being opened and it’s as good as I remember it! Still killing it with the hush puppies, hot chicken and fries. Tried the fried fish and that was also great. Such a good liquor menu/ selection too and fun frozen drinks. Staff is really friendly, too!

Great patio for a group meal in the summer. Food is consistently good and drinks are consistently strong. Service has never been less than great. Love coming here for the shrimp basket and SO loves the Mac and cheese

Well known in the city for great chicken sandwiches. A great treat, their fish sandwich is just as good if you’re looking for something light. They also have a Parsons branded beer which is brewed by Revolution Brewing. Very COVID safe staff and great outdoor seating with umbrellas for the sun. My only complaint is that the sandwiches no longer come with house made chips

I’m gonna say it: this is the best fried chicken sandwich in Chicago. Specifically the hot one. If you’re not into heat, do the plain one and just know that it’s sliiiiightly less incredible. All slushees are great. The coconut one and the mezcal one (rotating) was great. The pickle drink is also very refreshing and if you like pickles even a little, you should do it. I waffled but did it and was like “omg wow great decision.” Vibes are chill and fun too. Probably the best patio for casual summer vibes.

Love this place! Chicken is amazing, burgers are amazing, sides are amazing! If you like dill pickles, try the pickle spritz! A light and"savory" drink perfect for summer days on the patio!

Picture doesn't do it justice! The chicken sandwich was absolutely amazing! The chicken was huge, juicy, and very delicious. Everything about it was 5 stars and definitely recommend ordering one of these bad boys. The ranch fries were seasoned just right along with the dipping sauce. Will come back again when I'm in the area.

I'm back in town after a nice two week vacation and I spent the last two days planning what what I was going to eat on my next excursion into that wilderness of Chicago. I really wanted some Home Run Inn, but Parson's is like three blocks down the street from me so I decided to give it another try. Walking in there was nobody manning the door once again, but one of the staff came over after a few minutes and told me to just sit wherever (maybe it is about time to retire that "Please wait to be seated" sign.) I made sure to come in early afternoon to avoid the skeleton crew that was the night crew last time I was here. There were plenty of servers now, at least double from the last time from what I counted. My order was promptly taken. I mixed it up with some Mac 'N Cheese, 2 Fried Amish Chicken, a fish sandwich with some ginger beer. The guy taking the order explained how their chicken cuts worked so I settled on a breast and thigh. The wait wasn't nearly as bad as last time. I think it was around 10-15 minutes before my food came out. This time they it was just my food and not everybody in the restaurant's at once, which is most likely why the time was drastically shorter. Everything looked good aside from the chicken which is ironic. The chicken looked more like 2 big hard fried potato croquettes than actual fried chicken. I started off with the fish sandwich which was very airy. There was definitely a decent cut of fish so you don't feel cheated about the over breading, especially since the fluffy airiness of it doesn't take up much on the plate. It was indeed a mess eating it though. Things were way more flavorful this time around as well, but you still can't help to tell them to just throw on a tomato to make it that much better! Whoever owns this place must HATE tomatoes to the point where they don't even have ketchup. The chips were noticeably not as good as the last time though, a bit too over fried, leaving a bland yet soggy crunch. On to the chicken! I didn't know what to expect from the pair of balls that sat before me. Opening the thigh I felt sort of cheated as the cut was mostly bone. Still, the seasoning was good, just enough salt to taste. The meat was juicy. Skin was pretty meh. You hard fried the skin a bit too long so it was really tough. The second ball, the breast was perfection. Seasoned was superb, it was very flavorful and juicy. Pulled apart great and the skin was fried just right. There was no rubber chicken this time around since it seems like whoever did it, didn't rush like last time. Mac N' Cheese ended my night and put me to sleep (in a good way.) I found myself doing a little jig in my seat as I was eating it so you know its good. The macaroni was soaked in a ton of creamy cheese...just the way I like it. The Cheez-It and bacon crumbs was the icing on the cake. I'm writing this review right before I fall into a food coma. One thing I took away from this visit was that whoever was working that night the last time I was here was either an amateur chef or was in way over their head. The experiences are night and day. Overall, Parson's has redeemed itself in my eyes. The servers kept my drink filled all night and the food got me dancing. What's holding them back is the prices and the terrible furniture they have in there. The butt numbing child sized stools they have definitely need to be replaced. I had to run out because of the restricted blood flow I received in my legs and butt from sitting there made it painful and uncomfortable. 4 out of 5 stars

Expect a wait when eating here, but the drinks are great and it passes time on a beautiful day in their patio! The food was good, but unfortunately not worth the wait. Next time, I'll just have drinks and enjoy their patio with friends!

My wife and I were there for the lunch , I had a three Pieces of fish and my wife had fish sandwich both were excellent. We also ordered the Baked beans and the mashed potatoes with gravy I can’t say how much I love the mashed potatoes I think I could shrink the gravy by itself. Service was excellent we had a good experience and I would recommend This place to anyone.

Not sure what all the fuss is about for this place. The chicken was good, but by far not even close to the best I have had. And it was super expensive, chicken comes with no sides all the sides are ala carte. Staff was great, atmosphere was great.

My pup and I LOVE this place! Drinks and food are always on point and the staff is super friendly!

Always greeted with a smile! The wait can be crazy on a beautiful day, but opt to sit inside at the bar! You must try the grilled Amish chicken the trout crudo, warm quinoa salad, veggie sandwich, pimento toast, hush puppies and the cheese curd fritters! R.I.P. to the steak tartare. I Love the Dark and Stormy slush. Great crew all around!

Great place with wonderful food and staff... Hush puppies are to die for! I will be back ASAP

Amazing Southern comfort food, music and staff. Thank you for making my Mother's Day just perfect. The fish baskets, chicken and hushpuppies are incredible. The slushy drinks are the perfect beverage with the hot sauce condiments. When visiting Chicago or if you are a resident, you have to check this place out.

Chicken and Waffles was amazing, good drink selection. Get there early to get seating patio is closed and space is limited indoors.,

Great service....fantastic food....great option on a Friday afternoon. Love the place sitting outside a must!

Love this place! Drinks are always bomb, and the food is always amazing. Great atmosphere too!!

Relaxed friendly atmosphere no pressure ordering and if there is something on the menu you want it's all available to be ordered. And the food is amazing to top it off

The atmosphere and service are great, but the food is not worth waiting HOURS for. The fried fish was soggy, and the chicken was tasty, but a bit cold when it got to us.

They love me and my dog me and my dog had a nice time on our date here! I thought the food was amazing def going to invite all dog lovers owners here’s!

Great food, really imaginative space! And outside doggos is a big plus!

Service was kinda slow, I was there with a large group of people, 22 to be exact, and at first when our party was at like 8 - 10 people the server was ok but she became very distant and rude when the others started to arrive, and then denied service when the group was full, because it was to big. I don't understand why I would come back to your establishment, I had a total of 22 people, Im sure any business would be happy to have my friends and I as customers, we spend money and we are not rude or sloppy. I think is was because my group thinks the Earth is flat, we got second rate service.

Hot chicken was amazing. The fish wasn't anything to write home about. Maybe doing up the fish with the hot batter would equal some delish fish. Yellow hot sause is amazing!