Friday night in Wisconsin isn’t complete without the beloved ritual of fish fry. This cherished tradition brings families together around tables loaded with golden-battered fish, creamy coleslaw, and crispy potato pancakes. From Milwaukee’s bustling beer halls to quiet lakeside spots, these eight legendary fish fries capture the heart and soul of Midwest dining culture.
1. Lakefront Brewery
Nothing beats the raucous joy of Lakefront Brewery’s Friday fish fry, where polka music and flowing beer create the perfect Wisconsin vibe. Their beer-battered cod, made with their own Eastside Dark lager, achieves that mythical balance of crispy exterior and flaky interior.
The communal seating at long tables means you’ll likely make new friends between bites of potato pancakes. Their homemade tartar sauce, tangy and herb-flecked, deserves its own fan club among Milwaukee foodies.
2. Harborside Fish Market
Perched right on Lake Michigan, Harborside delivers that perfect marriage of fresh-caught fish and stunning views. My first bite of their lightly breaded perch transported me straight to fish fry nirvana: delicate, sweet, and impossibly fresh.
The family recipe coleslaw has just the right balance of creamy and tangy. What makes this place special is watching fishing boats dock while you dine, sometimes delivering the very catch you’re enjoying!
3. The Wisconsin Club
Walking into The Wisconsin Club feels like stepping back to a more elegant era. Their fish fry might come on fine china, but it maintains that authentic down-home flavor we Wisconsinites crave…