Growing up in Wisconsin exposed me to its many famous food activities, such as Milwaukee-style pizza and Friday fish fry. Friday fish fry particularly was and is still a delight for two reasons: a fun gathering of our relatives and a delicious evening meal of fried fish, potato fries, coleslaw, rye bread, and condiments.
Over the years, the Friday Fish Fry tradition still excites us and provides a chance to have communal gatherings. The only thing we may disagree on is our favorite fish fry spot. Preferences in a restaurant’s atmosphere, fish type, cooking style, sides, and drink options influence this.
Even now, as a limo driver with busy Fridays, I still make time for a traditional fish fry meal. My Friday clients aren’t left out, either. When I share my fish fry stories, they usually ask for recommendations on the best Friday fish fry spots. Since that’s why you’re here, let’s explore the Badger State’s top Fish Fry spots.
History of the Wisconsin Friday Fish Fry
Wisconsin Friday Fish Fry dates to the mid-1960s. This tradition was inspired by Lent, the prohibition era, and the abundance of freshwater fish.
When Europeans migrated to Wisconsin, they came with Catholic traditions. One of these was avoiding warm-blooded meat every Friday in reverence for the crucifixion of Jesus on Good Friday. Following this rule, Wisconsin Catholic used fish fry as an alternative. Later, the church modified the rule to just the Friday during Lent. By then, fishing and fish cooking had become a popular Friday practice in Wisconsin.
Also, from 1920 to 1933, the United States banned the selling and consuming of alcoholic beverages. This period was called the prohibition era. Many taverns resorted to bootlegging, and the strong smell of frying fish was one way to mask the smell of alcohol. These taverns either sold the fish cheaply or gave it away for free.
Lastly, Wisconsin is close to freshwater bodies. These water bodies have fishes like bluegill, smelt, perch, and walleye, which locals catch in abundance. Despite its popularity, Friday Fish Fry did not have an official celebration date until 2024, when the Wisconsin governor declared February 16th the official Friday Fish Fry Day.
Must-haves of Every Friday Fish Fry
For a successful Friday fish fry, you must have the following:
- Fresh, locally sourced fish: The fish is the main item of a fish fry. The best ones for a fish fry include walleye, perch and cod.
- Sides: These include coleslaw, French fries, and rye bread
- Sauces and garnishes: House-made sauces like tartar sauce and fresh lemon wedges bring out the flavor of the fish.
- Beverage: Alcoholic or nonalcoholic drinks provide a refreshing meal experience.
Best Fish Fry Spots in Each Part of Wisconsin
Northern Wisconsin
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The Guide’s Inn
Source: theguidesinn The Guide’s Inn is a fine dining establishment famous for its pan-fried walleye and preparation, which follows the Wisconsin tradition. The cooks use minimal seasoning and apply light beer batter on the fish to maintain its natural flavor after cooking. It also makes the fish crispy outside but tender and flaky inside.
Location: 5427 Park St., Boulder Junction, WI 54512
Operation Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday: 4 PM – 9 PM
Fish Fry Specials: Pan-fried rainbow trout, pan-fried walleye, batter-fried or broiled haddock
Sides: appetizer plate, tossed or spinach salad, potato, bread and butter
Drinks: craft beers and Old-Fashioned mixed cocktails
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The Boathouse
Source: Theboathouse There aren’t many things better than fish fry with a lake view. The Boathouse offers a scenic view of Lake Minocqua, relaxing live piano music, and a delicious fish fry meal. You also get distinct-tasting homemade sauces, including tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, and lemon herb butter sauce.
Each meal preparation is from a standardized house recipe, which means you enjoy the same taste every time you visit.
Location: 305 W Park Ave, Minocqua
Operation Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 11 PM – 9 PM
Fish Fry Specials: Lake Walleye Fry, Beer-Battered Perch, and Fish Fry Combo
Sides: appetizers, salads, and sandwiches
Drinks: craft beers and Old-Fashioned cocktails
Southern Wisconsin
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Toby’s Supper Club
Source: Tobyssupperclub This roadhouse-style restaurant is a popular fish fry destination in Madison. The restaurant prepares locally sourced fresh fish using methods passed through generations. The result is fish with a crisp crust. Some of their popular fish options include lake perch and cod.
Location: 3717 S. Dutch Mill Rd Madison, WI, 53718
Operation Hours:
Monday – Tuesday: 5 PM – 9 PM
Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday: 5 PM – 10 PM
Friday: 5 PM – 10:30 PM
Fish Fry Specials: Lake Perch Fry, Beer-Battered Cod, and Seasonal Trout Fry
Sides: appetizers, potato (fried loaded or baked), and sandwiches
Drinks: craft beers and cocktails
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The Dorf Haus
Source: Dorfhaussupperclub The Dorf Haus brings a touch of Bavarian charm to its Friday fish fry. Everything here gives the feeling of a small European village, from the rustic dining room decor to the German drinks and sides.
Their award-winning fish fry includes beer-battered cod, perch, and walleye. The fish is fried golden and paired with an array of homemade sauces. The meal comprises coleslaw, rye bread, German potatoes, French fries, and baked potatoes.
Location: 8931 County Hwy Y, Sauk City, WI 53583
Operation Hours:
Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 4 PM – 8 PM
Friday and Saturday: 4 PM – 9 PM
Fish Fry Specials: Beer-Battered Cod, perch and walleye
Sides: appetizers, German specialties, and American favorites
Drinks: German beers and mixed old-fashioned
Central Wisconsin
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American Serb Hall
Source: Serbhall.net Since the 1960s, the American Serb Hall’s massive setting has hosted some of Wisconsin’s largest fish fry settings. Locals crave their traditionally made crisp and golden fish fry with condiments. The restaurant also offers baked fish options for those who seek a healthier option.
The American Serb Hall has an extensive drinks selection of regional craft beers and cocktails to accompany your fish fry. Another restaurant with a massive drinks option is Carnevor Steakhouse, Milwaukee.
Location: 5101 W Oklahoma Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53219
Operation Hours:
Friday Fish Fry: 3:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Sunday – Monday: 10 AM – 8 PM
Tuesday – Saturday: 10 AM – 9 PM
Fish Fry Specials: Beer-Battered Cod, lake perch and walleye
Sides: appetizers
Drinks: Beers and cocktails
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Hilltop Pub & Grill
Source: hilltoppubandgrill Every Friday night, patrons gather in Hilltop’s relaxing Northwoods-themed interiors for some quality and delicious fish fry. While enjoying your fish fry, you can also watch the games on any of the TVs in there.
Location: 4917 Main St, Stevens Point, WI 54481
Operation Hours:
Friday and Saturday: 10:30 AM – 10 PM
Sunday – Thursday: 10:30 AM – 9 PM
Fish Fry Specials: Beer-Battered Haddock, cod, perch, bluegill, walleye (baked variants available)
Sides: appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches, wraps and burgers
Drinks: Craft beers
Eastern Wisconsin
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Wendt’s On the Lake
Source: wendtsonthelake This restaurant is one of Wisconsin’s most sought-after restaurants for its award-winning fish fry and setting. It’s located on the shores of Lake Winnebago and provides a panoramic water view with delicious fish fry. Its fish also comes from the lake.
The bar area has nautical decor, which gives the place a welcoming vibe.
Location: N9699 Lakeshore Drive, Van Dyne, WI 54979
Operation Hours:
Friday: 11 AM – 9 PM
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday: 11 AM – 8 PM
Fish Fry Specials: Fresh perch fry, beer-battered cod, and walleye
Sides: appetizers, tartar sauce, coleslaw, and rye bread
Drinks: Beers and cocktails
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K.K. Fiske Restaurant
Source: The Koyen Collection: K.K. Fiske Restaurant K.K. Fiske on Washington Island uses authentic island style to prepare its fish fry. The fish is dipped in precisely measured beer batter and fried at controlled temperatures to achieve a crisp exterior and tender interior.
The restaurant’s setting has scenic harbor views with indoor and outdoor seating.
Location: 1177 Main Rd, Washington, WI 54246
Operation Hours:
Wednesday – Saturday: 11 AM – 8 PM
Fish Fry Specials: Perch fry and walleye
Sides: appetizers, sauces, coleslaw, and rye bread
Drinks: Beers and cocktails
Western Wisconsin
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Hungry Peddler
Source: hungrypeddlerlacrosse A visit to the Hungry Peddler is like a trip back to the 1970s but in the best way imaginable. For decades, this restaurant has served one of the most beloved fish fries in Western Wisconsin.
The interior includes wood-paneled walls, old-school neon signs, and a bar that makes patrons feel at home whenever they’re in there. Pair your fish fry with some ice-cold beer for a timeless La Crosse fish fry experience.
Another fine dining establishment steeped in Wisconsin’s old-school fish fry tradition is Foxes & Hounds in Hubertus. Since 1933, the restaurant has served different classes of Wisconsin patron’s delicious meals in its nerve-relaxing atmosphere.
Location: 3429 Mormon Coulee Road, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601
Operation Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 7 AM – 9 PM
Fish Fry Specials: Cod, catfish, and walleye (pan-fried, blackened, or batter-fried)
Sides: appetizers, beer-battered shrimp, tartar sauce, coleslaw, and rye bread
Drinks: Beers and cocktails
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Wigwam Tavern
Source: wigwamtavern Who can resist a fish fry that comes with fun activities? The Wigwam Tavern comes complete with pool tables, neon beer signs, and friendly locals. Their pan-fried fish fry is famous for its light batter, delicate crunch, and minimal grease. It also comes with sauce, fries, coleslaw, and buttered rye.
Location: 314 E Madison St, Eau Claire, WI 54703
Operation Hours:
Friday: 11 AM – 2:30 AM
Saturday: 9 AM – 2:30 AM
Sunday: 9 AM – 2 AM
Monday – Thursday: 11 AM – 2 AM
Fish Fry Specials: Perch fry and walleye (pan-fried and beer-battered)
Sides: appetizers, deep-fried shrimp, sauces, coleslaw, and rye bread
Drinks: Beers and cocktails
What is the best fish for a Wisconsin fish fry?
Walleye is one of Wisconsin’s best fish for fish fry. It is abundant in Wisconsin lakes and rivers. It’s also a favorite among cooks because of its natural tenderness, which ensures it fries evenly.
When prepared, walleye has a slightly sweet flavor with firm, flaky meat, which makes it a delight to eat.
What drinks go with a Wisconsin fish fry?
Your beverage, whether alcoholic or nonalcoholic, boosts your fish fry experience. It cleanses your palate and ensures you savor the fish fry’s flavors. The best Wisconsin drink options include craft beer, old-fashioned cocktails, iced tea, lemonade, soda, and sparkling water.
What is the best sauce for a Wisconsin fish fry?
Tartar sauce is considered a top sauce choice for Wisconsin fish fry. It’s usually a mix of mayonnaise, pickles or relish, lemon juice, and herbs. It has a tangy, acidic taste and creamy texture, refreshingly enhancing the fish’s flavor.