I was introduced to this place August, 2025 when someone offered me some popcorn from there. I tasted it and was like "WHOA"!!! It was so good! I wanted to eat the whole bag, LOL. I pass by this place alot when traveling to/fro work as it's in the Metra station. I had a little bit of extra time on 7/9/26 so I went in and got a mix of Smokin Hot, BBQ and Cheddar. A small is $4.99. The guy waiting on me was very nice. After leaving and getting on the train to eat my popcorn, I regretted not getting a bigger size. Fresh, delish! Much better than Garrett's as I don't eat theirs anymore - it doesn't taste fresh like it used to. I will definitely be back. The next time I will just get the bbq & smokin' hot together. Maybe get the white cheddar separately. Thank you Chicago Kernel Popcorn, you are great! A+! read more

Chicago Kernel Gourmet Popcorn - My receipt. - Popcorn Shops Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

The popcorn was delicious..The last time I had some of this popcorn was over thirty years ago, a friend of mine would bring the popcorn back from Chicago...The great taste has not changed... read more

Chicago Kernel Gourmet Popcorn is a lot better than Garretts Popcorn. It is a secret here locally, but I always tell my out-of-town guest about Chicago Kernel. It is delicious and they have a variety of different flavors. read more

They have a deal where its buy one and get one 50% off of any size. The place is small and generally not easy to find unless you're exploring through the underground pedway. A nice solo man was heading the shop. No samples due to covid, nice stop before the metro trains I think. I got the spicy popcorn which I have not seen before. He shoveled it into a nice ziploc bag and said it would keep 3-4 days max. The popcorn was a bit soft, I think business has been slow and so there was a lot of overstock. It taste cheesy with a peppery kick ( like black pepper) read more

Chicago Kernel Gourmet Popcorn - Popcorn hot - Popcorn Shops Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

I often visit them as they are on my way to work. Its been a year since I found them and their taste is the same since then. Every time I visit, there is a brown guy excited to help you to choose amongst the flavors. My personal favorite is the white cheddar. I am in love with its crisp crunch and intense-flavor. I was a big Garret fan unlike other Chicagoans but after try this popcorn I found Chicago Kernel far more better then the Garrets. I recommend you to visit this place and try there popcorn. And they do samples too for the popcorn. Its a tiny little store with many intense flavor popcorn. read more

Chicago Kernel Gourmet Popcorn - White cheddar flavor - Popcorn Shops Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Although we are Garrets loyalists the hubby picked some Chicago Kernel on his way home. The kids really enjoyed the cheese popcorn. I did taste some since I am a popcorn snob and was not bad. read more

Chicago Kernel Gourmet Popcorn - two bags of popcorn - Popcorn Shops Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I remember when this placed opened some years ago and they toted that their popcorn was better than Garret's. I was skeptical at first, but I finally gave it s try and loved it's warm deliciousness! From then on, I would choose it before Garret's ANYDAY. I have since moved away from the area and have been for 6 years now. Since I was in the area today I decided to get some of my favorite popcorn. I was really excited. Like...forget this diet, I am going to have some popcorn today! BOY...was I disappointed. They no longer serve the popcorn warm, which is what ultimately won me over. Also I can tell the cheddar popcorn was a bit stale. I asked the guy why was it not served warm anymore and he said it makes the popcorn chewy. Hmmm...that's funny because for the couple years I would but popcorn from them, at least once a month, I never had that issue. Even when i moved away I would order it on occasion. However I can tell they changed the recipe a bit. I'm guessing the company was sold and is under new management. And the new owners changed a few things. Why fix what's not broken? WHY? Let's just say I'm sad and will not be returning. At least Garret's is consistent. ‍ read more

I got a small bag of white cheddar and an icee - not impressed overall. The popcorn was stale in both samples I tried - the white cheddar and gold cheese popcorns. I went ahead and got a bag of the cheddar, just in case it was just the top bits that were problematic- nope, all stale. The icee overflowed from the cup as the cashier was pouring it and she handed it to me dripping down the sides - didn't even try to wipe it off or give me a napkin. The entire time, the cashier would barely even interact with me, and rolled her eyes when I asked for the popcorn and again when I asked for a napkin, general air of disinterest. I get it's probably a minimum wage job - I'm not looking for overwhelming enthusiasm here or always-happy faces - but some vague level of customer service skills would be nice. Quite unfortunate - I expected more. read more

I absolutely love this popcorn. It is my go-to cheat snack. The Chicago mix is always good. The Smoking Chicago will have you coming back for more. We have a long lasting relationship....I this popcorn!!! read more

I love Carmel corn & think this is better then Garrett's as it tastes less burnt & more buttery

My friend introduced me to Chicago Kernel. I NEVER thought anybody could beat out Garrett's popcorn. I was so wrong! I'm bout to order a bucket of Chicago Kernel when I'm done writing this post. It's not too sweet or gummy or salty. Love it! read more

I love this place ! They have awesome popcorn flavors and the employees always seem to be nice and welcoming . When I took the metra often I was in here a lot . My husband also ordered popcorn and had it shipped to us it came timley and was fresh . read more

I think this is the best popcorn . I get the small bag of Chicago Mix with the option to fill it all the way to the top. The caramel corn isn't sticky and it melts in your mouth. The cheese corn is cheesy flavorful goodness which is a little messy. There's a reason they give you napkins and wet wipe packets. The bag seals up tightly and keeps the popcorn fresh longer. The small bag usually lasts me a couple of days. The people who work here are very friendly. read more

Located in the Michigan Ave pedway (by the metra stations - - metra electric/south shore lines), I've passed this popcorn shop numerous times, but never ventured in. I was running late for my train and didn't have time to stop at Garrett's so I opted to give Kernel Fabyan's a try. I chose a small "chicago mix" (caramel/cheddar) and it was SOOOO delicious! The best part? It's only $3.61 for a small size and it comes in a nice resealable bag with the option to fill it up to the top! The small size lasted me 3 days and remained fresh the entire time. This location is not only convenient, but the popcorn was delicious and the staff extremely friendly. read more

I love, love popcorn and this is a great treat to grab when the craving strikes. Yes, it's pricey but it's a little splurge that's worth it. I love that the popcorn is always warm and it stays fresh even a couple days later. It's right up there with Garrett's,but a little better because it doesn't get stale so soon. Get some! read more

I love this popcorn! Someone gave me a small bag of the caramel/cheddar and I could barely stop to breath I stuffed it in my mouth so fast. Today I picked up some Garret's and tasted it side-by-side with Chicago Kernel popcorn. Definitely prefer Chicago Kernel! The caramel corn from Garret's tastes kind of like molasses, whereas the Chicago Kernel tastes like yummy caramel. And the cheddar popcorn from Garret's seems more like American cheese while Chicago Kernel tastes more like cheddar. So sad I can't get this when I return to LA! read more

I love popcorn and Chicago is known for Garrett's over on State and Jackson but as of lately it is REALLY lacking. This place makes up for it. There aren't long lines and it's delicious and stays fresh unlike Garrett's. read more

I love this,place! I travel to Chicago 2-3 times per year this is a must stop for me, the popcorn is popped fresh and taste great, in my opinion they are much better than Garrett's, read more

Well they sell this popcorn @ my church, & I tell you its good .Its soo good that I purchase a bag just about every week,so I decided to go online & see how they sell it . I'm telling you its addictive so beware if u haven't tried it before! Garrets don't have nothing on this,i would choose this brand any day! read more

"Happy Hour" sale is awesome - bucket for $10 between 3 PM-6 PM. Combine that with one of their usual Groupon offers, and it truly is a tremendous deal! As a point of comparison, I would put their Caramel Corn right up there with Garrett's. The Cheese Corn has good flavor, but I think the texture is a little "soggy". If it wasn't for that, this would be a soild 5 star review. Overall, very good and would highly recommend. read more

The place is located in pedway. The caramel popcorn is delicious and it is much better nuts on clark. The popcorn stayed fresh for couple days if you ordered the resealable bag. read more

Best popcorn I've ever had. I work 2 blocks from there and am a regular. Just wish it was fat free lol!

Very good popcorn. What really got me is the amazing, friendly service. I wish I would have caught the guys name, but he made the whole experience there worth while. read more

I once thought Garrett's was the best, however; I am singing a new song. My daughter had me do the blind taste test and I picked...you guessed it Chicago Kernel Gourmet Popcorn. It remains fresh longer in their bag you can open and close as it remains fresh more than one day. I'm in popcorn love. read more

Love the popcorn and the frozen yogurt at Chicago Kernel. The happy hour deal is fantastic - $10 for a bucket between 3pm - 6pm. The cheese and caramel is a classic treat but I also recommend throwing in some salt & vinegar. I also love the frozen yogurt flavors. The fruit flavors are very refreshing. Highly recommended for an afternoon treat. read more

The girls were very nice and efficient! I appreciate that when in grabbing a snack for the train ride home and the popcorn is good.

The popcorn here is great. Its very fresh and the carmelcorn doesn't get stuck in your teeth. The service is fast and polite.

I worked with Satish on a catering order and everything went very well. The bulk pricing was very reasonable, delivery was on time and all the guests really enjoyed the popcorn. I would highly recommend using Chicago Kernel for event catering. read more

What's with this place being closed all January? We'd all be better off if they just closed for good and get something in here that makes something decent for a change. Train people need better than what this place offers. The place is a dump - dark, all messed up and filled with PRE-PACKAGED stuff. Geez, if I wanted packed up stuff I'd go to CVS - get it cheaper and guaranteed fresher. I'll get on the train hungry before buying any of this again. What a pitiful thing this is. Want F R E S H popcorn that's made in front of your eyes? Want GOOD popcorn close by the train? Go to Sticky Fingers on Michigan just north of Randolph. Sure, it may be a FEW steps out of your way - but at least you're paying for QUALITY, FRESH popcorn. REAL BUTTER ! WHITE & CHEDDAR Cheese that is NOT GREASY and did I say FRESH?????? Garrett people hate the place cuz it's SO MUCH BETTER and CLEANER and FRIENDLIER than Garretts! FRESH KETTLE CORN too. STAYS FRESH TOO. Forget the dump in the station - you owe it to yourself to try the place on Michigan . read more

I love this popcorn and had ordered some for my grandson in Maryland on September 2nd. However he never got the popcorn. When I called the number (on September 9th) re: orders I found that it was disconnected. I then called the store in Chicago and talked to a manager who couldn't understand English very well and said I should call UPS. I read one of the reviews and found out that the store is under different management! I'm not sure if that caused the problem with on-line orders but I would be very careful about placing an order. You would do better going to the store and purchasing the popcorn and shipping it yourself. Just saying! read more

This popcorn is expensive; however it tastes great. I don't mind paying for great tasting popcorn; unlike Garrett's. Garrett's popcorn has to be eaten within 30 minutes before it tastes like styrofoam. I have bought Kernel Fabyan's and it will keep for about 4 days. read more

Oh. My. God. This place takes popcorn to a whole new level. Best freaking popcorn I've ever had in my entire life, no joke. Yes, it's expensive, but SO worth it...the cheddar cheese flavor was so hot and fresh, and the caramel popcorn is melt-in-your-mouth good. WOW. Like another reviewer said - worth every penny!!! read more

Chicago Kernel is what Garett's was 20 yrs ago. Pont. Blank.Period. Carmel/cheese mix is the BEST! Stays fresh longer & the cheese melts in your mouth...Gotta get some today! read more

I have had the other major player's popcorn and I have had Chicago Kernel's popcorn. Chicago Kernel Gourmet is the best! It is truly one of Chicago's Best Kept Secrets. I been to the one in the South Loop and also had a very positive experience (fresh popcorn). When I have visitors from out of town - I definitely buy Chicago Kernel for them. I believe it is better than Garrett's. read more

Well, the cheese popcorn is very good but I think very expensive. I got the small size which is 3.61 plus .39 tax. So a small bag of popcorn cost 4.00! I compare this to Garrett's that I buy when I come through O'Hare which is a much better value and tastes the same if not better. I don't think Kernel Fabyan at this location will be in business long because it's always empty of customers when I pass by. I do like the classy bags though. Maybe that's what jacks up the prices! read more

I absolutely loved the Chicago mix popcorn! The kernels were not huge and spongy but nice and flavorful! I will miss this popcorn as we do not live near Chicago. read more

This popcorn is the best. I am a cheeze popcorn fan and it tastes 10 times better than Garrett. I would recommend it.

Decided to give this place a try since Garrett only has spicy popcorn for a limited time every year. This isn't Garrett's. A small spicy popcorn cost $8.00 (vs. roughly $6.50 for Garrett). The flavor was good, the popcorn was borderline stale. It tastes like it had been sitting out for awhile. We didn't try the caramel corn because it didn't look like it was well coated, and it wasn't worth the $ to try what looked like a mediocre product. It's a lot of packaging for a small bag of popcorn--resealable bags are great if you're wanting to store or send it, but seem a bit silly for a standard purchase (maybe why it costs so much?). The spicy popcorn isn't enough of a reason to go back--Garrett wins. read more

Just great popcorn. I would recommend it to anyone, and works great for Christmas Gifts

I am a regular customer at Chicago kernel on Michigan Avenue. On monday I went there and the music has been very loud employees walking around with headphones little kids behind the counters. I was trying to order my popcorn . The music was so loud I had to speak to the young lady 3 times. I think it is very unprofessional for the business to let there employers have headphones on. I don't know if there was a manager there at the time but there was another young lady with a black shirt on . And if the young lady Was the manager it was very unprofessional. read more