Friday night in Ohio has its own menu, and walleye usually sits right at the top of it, with a scoop of coleslaw close behind. This list covers seven spots across the state, from Lake Erie harbor towns to a Toledo kitchen, a Cleveland carryout counter, and a restored firehouse in Dayton, where that classic pairing still shows up on the plate.
Some fry their fish in a crunchy batter, some blacken it, and at least one serves hushpuppies and waffle fries on the side. If you have ever argued with a friend about where to find the best Friday fish in Ohio, save this list and let the next argument be about which one to visit first.
1. Jolly Rogers Seafood House, Port Clinton, OH
Port Clinton calls itself a walleye town, and this casual counter-service spot on East Perry Street backs that up with platters of hand-battered Lake Erie fish.
The Walleye Dinner is the headliner. Fillets come breaded and fried, with a generous portion that can easily fill a hungry appetite, and the plate usually lands with waffle fries, hushpuppies, and coleslaw that gets plenty of attention on its own…