Chicago Kernel Gourmet Popcorn

Grab-and-go

A trip to Chicago is not complete until we also make a trip to Garrett. I love getting the caramel…read moreand cheese corn mix. It is so quintessential Chicago experience. The service is always great. Please come and create your own adventure.

Heard about it from my friends . Strolling in Michigan St and tried their varieties of popcorn…read more I liked the cashew caramel popcorn more. Got medium bag for now and ate as we strolled. I loved the mural outside very striking. Be back

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Garrett Popcorn Shops

While downtown I just had to stop at Garrett's Popcorn to get me a mixed bag of caramel and cheese…read morepopcorn. The staff was friendly and ready to take your order. I was disappointed that my popcorn was stale.

It was good popcorn. I got the standard mix while my son just got the butter popcorn. I thought it…read morewas good, but I can't say it was worth the hype. Would I get it again? Probably, but I would have to go out of my way to do so. The workers at this particular location could've been nicer. It seems they all had a case of having a stick shoved up so far, they couldn't even smile or acknowledge customers in the shop, and that attitude was for everyone. I mean, that's a job you chose, amirite? Other than the nastiness for no reason, I did enjoy the popcorn. I'll just go to another shop where employees are actually happy to be there.

The world-famous Garrett Mix

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Garrett Popcorn Shops

The popcorn is so delicious! You simply must get the garret combo with caramel and cheesy popcorn…read moremixed. I got 2 large bags and brought it home to my family and they DEVOURED it !! So delicious and a must have sweet treat!

Went in deciding what I wanted to get so I let a couple of people ahead of me. I guess the lady in…read morefront of me was having trouble deciding between the spicy and cheddar so she kept coming in and out. Staff tried to give me the lady in front's order that was returned by her since she came back and I guess we ordered the same thing but I was not going to have that. Got a small for $5.55 (with tax) and it was yummy! Really a fan of the mix that comes with cheddar and caramel. It was only good for a few hours because the next day it was super stale. Heard if you buy the super expensive tin, it also doesn't help that much in terms of freshness, so best to buy and eat instantly.

2.5 mi•Noble Square, West Town

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Popus G Popcorn

4.9(10 reviews)

Wow -- what a wonderful owner, small business, and of course, POPCORN! We were greeted the moment…read morewe walked in with warmth, expertise, and hospitality. We were able to try as many samples as we wanted (we chose the banana pudding and buffalo) and were so impressed by the selection and quality. This is absolutely a hidden gem. You will not regret stopping by Popus Gourmet Popcorn!

I drive past this place all of the time and finally had the pleasure of stopping in tonight. We…read morewere greeted by Doug (I'm sorry if that's not your name) and were walked through their amazing selection of popcorn. You can feel his enthusiasm and excitement when telling you about all of the different flavor combinations. Everything we tried was amazing. I went with his own twist on the Cheddar/Carmel mix and a bag of buffalo and elote popcorn. Can't wait to crush it all in one sitting on the couch later.

Cheezy Carmel - Buffalo & Elote -

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RIP bag of Caramel drizzled with White Chocolate.

Garrett Popcorn Shops

A couple of my Miami friends highly recommended that we stop by at Garrett's and buy their…read moreGarrett's Mix, which is exactly what we did! The famous Chicago style Garrett Mix (formerly known as "Chicago Mix" per my friends) combines two distinct recipes: CaramelCrisp and CheeseCorn. Its core ingredients are Non-GMO popcorn kernels, brown sugar, organic brown rice syrup (or corn syrup), unsalted butter, coconut oil, and real cheddar cheese. The end result is the best popcorn you have ever tasted! It is also gluten free! We walked over to this shop as we were staying close by. I'm not sure about the parking situation. We bought 3 bags. Taking a bag home for a friend.

Honestly, what a bummer. I love love love popcorn, and stepping into Garrett's Michigan Avenue…read morelocation yesterday reminded me of a cute little shop that used to exist in Philly. I arrived about 10 minutes after opening, and a short line had formed but nothing crazy. For my order, I selected a small bag of buttery and a small bag of their famous mix. I was waiting for the person in front of me to clear out as the woman at the register yelled out, "ELEVEN SIXTY NINE." I was really confused as I hadn't even reached the register yet, so in response, she yelled with more annoyance, "ELEVEN SIXTY NINE." Allllrighty then. I paid my $11.69 and was on my way. At the airport a few hours later, I decided to take my first bites and somehow all three popcorn types were completely stale. I genuinely cannot figure out how that's even possible given how busy this location is, unless the popcorn was stored improperly overnight? I hope they will apply some better quality control in the future, but I'm sad to have wasted $11.69 on stale popcorn.

2.7 mi•Lincoln Park, Sheffield Neighbors, DePaul

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Berco's Popcorn

4.2(70 reviews)

So glad Berco's is open again on Armitage! Literally the best popcorn I've ever had, especially…read morethe White Truffle. As my son says, "it's fire"! Anyway, we are always sure to stop by for some treats whenever we're in Chicago. The best!

So good! Just went today for the first time and everyone was so friendly and the popcorn was…read moredelicious!

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Garrett Popcorn Shops

4.1(280 reviews)

15.9 mi

Every time I pass through O'Hare I stop here as they have some of the best popcorn you will ever…read morehave! I've been here soo many times over the years and it never disappoints I've honestly left another terminal to come here to get popcorn yeah it's that good so do yourself a favor and get some it's totally worth it! I've always gotten the classic Chicago mix as me being stubborn and only getting this once in a while you gotta go with what you know lol. That cheesy goodness is perfect full flavor and then mixed with that delicious Carmel corn your in for a treat! Overall this is not to be missed so do yourself a favor and grab some on your next adventure you'll be stoked that you did!

Been here before years ago. I remember it tasting better back then! Anyway I purchased a…read morecombination of low salt and butter popcorn, and also the Carmel / cheese combo popcorn. I got to my hotel to enjoy the butter low salt popcorn and it was stale!! Booo!! So disappointed. I opened the Carmel and cheese package the next day and it too was stale tasting. How sad it that??!!! Maybe they don't make it fresh anymore. But unfortunately I won't be spending my money there anymore.

Store front at terminal 1

Across from my gate... How do I resist?

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Garrett Popcorn Shops

I visited this location twice during my trip to Chicago, and both visits were great. The employees…read morewere friendly, welcoming, and happy to answer questions. The first visit the popcorn was good but seemed to lack freshness as it began to taste stale within 24 hours. I'm hoping the second batch that I purchased to take home is better. I also like that the photo op fits the area being in the theatre district. Free samples are available upon request, which gave me the chance to try the spicy cheese flavor. It had a nice kick and was definitely worth sampling. Overall, this is a nice quick location to grab popcorn.

I don't usually get to this Garrett's Popcorn location since I'm not usually in this area of the…read moreLoop. But it's really convenient when leaving the theatre! You aren't supposed to take the popcorn into the theaters (it's right next door to the Nederlander, and around the corner from the Goodman) so best to purchase it afterward, if they're open. Like all locations, they sell standard Garrett's products and the popcorn is yummy. They have a little spot where you can take photos if you're an especially proud Garrett's fan. No parking since it's smack dab in the middle of the Loop, but it's just off the Lake el.

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Windy City Sweets

4.3(230 reviews)

4.1 mi•Lakeview

Tell me if this sounds familiar: you're out and about, and are craving something sweet. However,…read morealmost all places and bakeries you walk into have, at smallest, a cookie the size of one's face. I'm looking to satisfy my sweet tooth, not have a full meal in dessert form! Windy City Sweets fits the bill perfectly! They have a very wide selection of all sorts of sweet goodies! Homemade chocolates and candies, commercially made candies, ice cream, jelly beans by weight (buttered popcorn is peak, and you can't change my mind). There are likely many others, but I found what my heart was craving and went for it. Looking at their selection, there is something for everyone, even stuffed animals! (Eating these is not recommended, HA!) I suppose a candy shop has *some* appeal to the young and young at heart, so why not? I also love that they have reasonable prices, are open late-ish (until 9pm), and have friendly, welcoming service. Final verdict: To make it dead-simple: if you have a sweet tooth, and are within a couple miles of Northalsted, get yourself in here already!

They have lots of different candies, chocolates, fudge, and other sweet treats. They have probably…read more15 different ice cream flavors and also have milkshakes and smoothies. I had the banana pudding ice cream made into a milkshake and enjoyed it.

Windy city fudge ice cream

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Peanut butter cup (handmade version of resse's)

Sha-Poppin Gourmet Popcorn Shoppe

4.7(43 reviews)

13.4 mi

I had no idea. Friend of mine just casually told me about this place.......this the real deal right…read morehere!!!! Ordered some thing spicefully sinful... Haven't opened my Chicago mix yesterday but after tasting the spicy hot flavored popcorn I don't think I'm going to be disappointed you got to try it

Food (product) ABSOLUTELY Service- very helpful and…read morefriendly ABSOLUTELY DO WE RECOMMEND: ABSOLUTELY YES! Thank goodness we don't live closer or we would go broke going there every weekend, we went 3 times in 3 weeks and we live 20 miles away one way. This stuff is and crack or crack on fire. So so good!!!

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2 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Satish P.

0

7

14

8 years ago

Best Gourmet Popcorn in Chicago, Very Fresh and many flavors to choose from. My personal favorite is "Smokin' Chicago" flavor. Truly "The City's Best Kept Secret" read more

Felicia F.

42

13

3

11 years ago

I love the one in the Pedway

Chicago Kernel Gourmet Popcorn - popcorn - Updated September 2026

People who viewed Chicago Kernel Gourmet Popcorn also viewed

Garrett Popcorn Shops

4.1

(280 reviews)

Every time I pass through O'Hare I stop here as they have some of the best popcorn you will ever…read morehave! I've been here soo many times over the years and it never disappoints I've honestly left another terminal to come here to get popcorn yeah it's that good so do yourself a favor and get some it's totally worth it! I've always gotten the classic Chicago mix as me being stubborn and only getting this once in a while you gotta go with what you know lol. That cheesy goodness is perfect full flavor and then mixed with that delicious Carmel corn your in for a treat! Overall this is not to be missed so do yourself a favor and grab some on your next adventure you'll be stoked that you did!

Been here before years ago. I remember it tasting better back then! Anyway I purchased a…read morecombination of low salt and butter popcorn, and also the Carmel / cheese combo popcorn. I got to my hotel to enjoy the butter low salt popcorn and it was stale!! Booo!! So disappointed. I opened the Carmel and cheese package the next day and it too was stale tasting. How sad it that??!!! Maybe they don't make it fresh anymore. But unfortunately I won't be spending my money there anymore.

Garrett Popcorn Shops

3.0

(11 reviews)

My visit was in July, I am just getting around to doing my review. Service was not great; there…read moreseemed to be an employee that knew what she was doing and the other couldn't do anything without being told. When I paid I stood there waiting for my bag while she walked away to make someone else's order. I had to reach over the counter to grab my bag and take my receipt. I don't live in Chicago but if I did I wouldn't go to this location again. I loved the neighborhood, there's food and shopping. Plenty of street parking.

Oh my, you cannot come to Chicago without buying Garrett Popcorn!…read more As we were waiting for our party to meet us for dinner, we stopped by Garrett's. There were 3 customers ahead of us. 3 staff members. They were all very friendly, funny, and helpful. I ordered the new Simply Salted and Pecan Caramel Crisp. By the time I checked out, the line was out the door. Most were tourists I loved the painting (artwork) on the walls. If you're in Hyde Park, grab a bag or two. You will not regret it

Nuts On Clark Carmelcorn At Union Station

3.5

(46 reviews)

•$

The smell of nuts on Clark is always amazing. Today, I decided that I could use a little snack. I…read moreappreciate that the popcorn comes in various sizes. I went with a 4 oz cheese, and it was tasty and big enough for a snack. The stand accepts cash and credit cards.

Butter popcorn was horrible and didn't taste like butter popcorn...it was bland ..small butter…read morepopcorn 5.11...it was hot but wasn't good at all...I ended up throwing it away

Garrett Popcorn Shops

4.0

(72 reviews)

Came here under duress. My super pregnant wife was not having a good airport morning. Delays,…read moreswelling, and me existing were all personal attacks in her book. A young girl walking in to clock in for her shift. She hadn't even punched in yet, but she saw the meltdown happening at Gate B5 and jumped in like a popcorn paramedic. She suggested we try their caramel corn to take the edge off. No hard sell, just real talk: "Salt + sugar fixes most airport moods." We walked two gates down to her restaurant and grabbed a big bag. Result? Instant attitude adjustment. My wife went from plotting my demise to sharing the popcorn and holding my hand. The rest of our trip was smooth sailing after that. The popcorn: Fresh, warm, perfect sweet-salty balance. Hits the exact craving you didn't know you had. The service: 10/10. The employee wasn't even on the clock yet but still cared enough to intervene in a domestic airport crisis. That's above-and-beyond customer service. The vibe: Lifesaving. If you're traveling with a super pregnant, upset spouse, find this place. The popcorn is great, but the staff's emotional intelligence is Michelin-star level. Will be buying bags for every flight from now on. Thanks for saving my marriage and our vacation Jessica!

They screwed up an shipment order and customer support says "too bad, we've got your money and our…read moresystem is right" Stay away from them.

Garrett Popcorn Shops

5.0

(4 reviews)

I'm a Chicagoan and was traveling to see a friend. I didn't have time to go to a Garrett's…read morebeforehand, so I hit up one in O'Hare. Even though they were busy, they were very fast and friendly. Popcorn was hot and ready too. I love their popcorn and was glad I could conveniently pick some up before flying out.

The popcorn is bagged up for you. They have tiny tins and medium tins. There was small, medium, and…read morelarge bags of cheese and Garrett's mix popcorn. The customer service is nice and friendly. Be prepared to possibly pay with a card which was fine for me. I paid less than $20 for a medium cheese popcorn bag and a large Garrett Mix bag. It's a nice treat for Chicago visitors and residents before going to baggage claim.

Nuts On Clark

3.4

(90 reviews)

Online Pops Corn bulk 5# bag super fresh carmel cheese Chicago style just as good fresh. Same price…read moreas 15 cups in expensive tin from this place.

I wasn't "nuts" about nuts on clark…read more.. While at Midway Airport, I stopped to grab popcorn!!! yummm.....yummmm...yummm I expected fresh seeing as how the popcorn was made on site, but I did wonder why popcorn aroma wasn't floating in the air... The popcorn was similiar to the tins / cans sold at walmart. Not freshly made tasting at all... I opted for regular and caramel.

Mr. Poppa Gourmet Popcorn

5.0

(6 reviews)

It's amazing stuff yall! I had their buffalo popcorn and it blew my socks off. I could not stop…read moreeating it while driving in my car. Of course, when I got home, I was upset that I ate it all. I am looking forward to trying all the different flavors, especially the Chicago mix. The owner is incredibly helpful and nice, and they do exceptional job with catering, packaging the popcorn very nicely for your event. Do yourself a favor and try them!

Delicious!! Never thought cheddar corn and caramel corn would be a good match but OMG!!!read more

Garrett Popcorn Shops

3.5

(11 reviews)

So be warned. Chicago O'Hare Airport has around 5 Garrett's Popcorn Shops so when you go to write a…read morereview, good luck finding the right one. Lol Chicago O'Hare. Concorse M. In Termainal 5 Newly opened, has a little grab and go stand you have to try. When I fly in I get a bag on arrival and always grab a bag on departure. Lol. And sometimes a bag for during my stay. It's that good. Many different flavors but my favorite is the cheese and Carmel Combo (Chicago Style). Give it a try, you won't be sorry. They also have a very extensive web site with many decorative containers which works out nice around the holidays.

Garrett's is a staple for Chicago popcorn. I usually get a mix but today I just got caramel. It's…read moreso yummy so if ur at the airport and especially if ur a visitor of Chicago, you should try it!

Popus G Popcorn

4.9

(10 reviews)

Wow -- what a wonderful owner, small business, and of course, POPCORN! We were greeted the moment…read morewe walked in with warmth, expertise, and hospitality. We were able to try as many samples as we wanted (we chose the banana pudding and buffalo) and were so impressed by the selection and quality. This is absolutely a hidden gem. You will not regret stopping by Popus Gourmet Popcorn!

I drive past this place all of the time and finally had the pleasure of stopping in tonight. We…read morewere greeted by Doug (I'm sorry if that's not your name) and were walked through their amazing selection of popcorn. You can feel his enthusiasm and excitement when telling you about all of the different flavor combinations. Everything we tried was amazing. I went with his own twist on the Cheddar/Carmel mix and a bag of buffalo and elote popcorn. Can't wait to crush it all in one sitting on the couch later.

Berco's Popcorn

4.2

(70 reviews)