This Michigan Diner Serves Fried Fish So Perfect, It Became A Friday Night Tradition
I’ll never forget my first visit to Scotty Simpson’s Fish & Chips in Detroit.
The aroma of perfectly fried fish hit me before I even opened the door, and the line of locals waiting patiently told me everything I needed to know.
For over seven decades, this unassuming eatery has transformed Friday nights into a community celebration centered around what many consider the best fish fry in Michigan.
What makes this place so special that families plan their entire week around it?
Crispy Battered Fish That Keeps You Coming Back
One bite of Scotty Simpson’s legendary fish and chips and I was hooked for life! The fillets arrive piping hot with a golden-brown crust that shatters with the most satisfying crunch you’ve ever heard. Underneath that perfect exterior lies flaky, tender fish that practically melts on your tongue.
The recipe remains a closely guarded secret, though regulars swear there’s a touch of buttermilk and maybe even a splash of Michigan craft beer in the batter. Whatever the formula, it creates a light, airy coating that enhances rather than overwhelms the delicate fish flavor.
From Family Tables To New Generations
“My grandpa brought me here when I was just a kid,” laughs Mark Tompkins, now 52, as he corrals his own grandchildren through Scotty’s door. This scene repeats itself every Friday night as families spanning three or four generations crowd around tables covered in red-checkered cloths.
College students who’ve moved away make special trips home on weekends, often with the explicit purpose of getting their fish fix. Local legend tells of a couple who had their first date here in the early ’90s and have returned every anniversary since.
The walls themselves tell stories, covered with faded photographs of smiling patrons holding up plates of fish. New snapshots are added constantly, creating a living timeline of the community that’s grown up around Scotty Simpson’s crispy creation.
The Perfect Crunch: Batter Secrets Unveiled
My curiosity got the better of me last summer, and I straight-up asked how they achieve that perfect crunch. The cook laughed before sharing a few tidbits: “Temperature control is everything.”
The batter stays ice cold until the moment it hits the fryer. Each piece of fish gets dipped just once, with a gentle shake to remove excess before swimming in bubbling oil. No double-dipping or heavy coating here.
Another hack? A pinch of baking powder for extra airiness and just enough seasoning to make the fish sing without overpowering it.
Sides That Steal The Spotlight Too
Holy smokes, those hand-cut fries nearly upstaged the fish during my last visit! Cut fresh daily from Michigan potatoes, they’re double-fried to achieve a crispy exterior and fluffy interior that puts fast food chains to shame.
The coleslaw deserves its own fan club too. Made from a recipe passed down for generations, it balances creamy, tangy, and sweet notes perfectly. Each batch is prepared fresh throughout the day to maintain its crunch.
And don’t overlook the rolls, which arrive warm and slathered with butter. I’ve seen grown adults nearly come to blows over the last one in the basket!
Why Locals Say Scotty’s Is The Gold Standard
“Friday nights used to be movie nights for our family,” confessed Sarah Miller, a local teacher and Scotty’s regular. “Now we wouldn’t dream of being anywhere but here when the weekend starts.”
The consistency amazes me every visit. Whether you came last week or last year, that fish tastes identical — perfectly crisp, never greasy, and always fresh. Even food critics from across the state make the drive to experience what many have tried but failed to replicate.
Perhaps most telling? When competing restaurants opened nearby with flashier menus and modern décor, locals stayed loyal to Scotty Simpson’s. As one regular put it: “Why mess with perfection?”