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Haire's Gulf Shrimp

1156 S Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60607
$
Seafood
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Master Critic Review

Haire's Gulf Shrimp 7.6
South Loop
Vibes: Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Quick Bites Champions Hidden Gems Heaven Solo Dining Sanctuaries
The South Loop outpost of Haire’s Gulf Shrimp brings the long-running South Side fried shrimp institution closer to downtown with a takeout-focused counter. Made-to-order jumbo shrimp, simple sides, and pan shrimp trays make it a go-to when you want straightforward, Louisiana-influenced fried seafood.
Must-Try Dishes: Jumbo shrimp dinner, Po' boy sandwich, Pan shrimp with spaghetti
Scores:
Value: 8.8 Service: 7.2 Consistency: 7.5 Food Quality: 8.1 Atmosphere: 6.2 Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Family-run fried shrimp specialist serving generous, to-go–friendly portions.
Who should go: Shrimp fans prioritizing flavor over seating or ambiance.
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner to avoid peak pickup rush.
What to order: Jumbo shrimp dinner, po’ boy, pan shrimp with spaghetti.
Insider tip: Consider splitting a Bomb Bag if you’re feeding a group.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking in the surrounding South Loop area; availability varies by time of day.
Dress code: Very casual — come as you are, takeout-friendly.
Noise level: Low — it’s mostly a grab-and-go counter with minimal dine-in.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes, longer during peak pickup rush.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, 5–10 minutes depending on orders ahead.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited — sides only (e.g., fries, coleslaw).
Vegan options: Very limited — mainly fries or plain sides.
Gluten-free options: No formal gluten-free program; fried items share oil and equipment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re planning a casual takeout hang — this is more about excellent fried shrimp than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — reservations aren’t used here, but seating is limited so expect takeout as the main experience.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple fried seafood and sides work well for families, but keep in mind the counter-service setup and limited seating.
Best For
Better for: Freshly fried jumbo shrimp at budget-friendly prices with big portions and quick service.
Skip if: You want full-service dining, extensive seafood variety, or strong vegetarian/healthy options.