John’s Live Poultry

This was an educational experience into the world of Chicago Live Poultry slaughter. We raise chickens in Indiana and called in advance to schedule a time for our medium size flock of chickens to be butchered. I was quoted a price of 3 $ a bird over the phone, told that birds would be bagged, and could be weighed if time permitted, and was given a window during which to bring the birds.
When we arrived, my husband checked in, identified us and was told a different price of 4 $/​bird. I called immediately after leaving and was told, «things changed from last week». I asked them to elaborate about what details contributed to higher cost and asked to speak to the owner/​manager. He came back after a brief wait and said they would honor the original price.
When I returned, the birds were not fully processed. I requested that heads and feet be removed and that the birds be individually bagged. They agreed. I stepped out to gather an additional container and when I returned, they tossed the last couple birds into the bins. I asked if I received all of my chickens and asked about some that were set aside near where chickens were staged. He quickly said, «no, no, no» and escorted me out the back door.
After careful examination of the job, I realized that they had only given me 24 of my 30 chickens and that they had quickly thrown as many not fully processed chickens into my large container and covered them up with other birds when I had stepped out.
Extremely unhappy with my experience and with this grimly unethical place and staff.

Where else can you get fresher chicken? A previous reviewer said it best — «they must be doing something right!» I mean, they must be here for AT MINIMUM 35 years. I remember coming here as a young boy in the early 1980s with my mom when she came here to buy fresh chicken and eggs. I’ll never forget hating the stinky smell of the inside. But it’s true, you do get used to it. Back in the ‘80s, I remember a kindly older, short woman who worked the counter all the time — can’t remember her name for the life of me. But she looked like she was about 75 or 80 years old. And there used to be a gumball machine in there, which distracted me from the sounds of the chopping. I have many memories of this little shop. There used to be a neon sign outside but I guess it was too expensive to maintain. There was even a competing poultry stand on Belmont near Long Ave, but it vanished by the late 1980s.
John’s is definitely your place for fresh chicken and eggs! A Chicago tradition!

Decent spot for live poultry. I was in and out quickly. Got a medium sized live chicken for about $ 13.
The guy at the counter was very polite. No complaints here. I will def be back when my tummy is hurting and I need to make the ever so healing sopa de pollo :)

This place is the best — I cannot imagine going anywhere else. Amazing selection of poultry and eggs. Everything is fresh — no processing. I thought the prices were reasonable considering what you were getting for your money. I look forward to ordering my Thanksgiving turkey here next year!

The true grim reality of eating meat. If your one for fresh chicken or fresh rabbit then this place is all you. You walk in, covering your nose, and just look around and pick out the chicken or rabbit you want. Then just let them know what you want to keep and what to throw away.
This definitely not my thing so that’s why I give it only one star. But this place has been open for as long as it has because it does something right.