11 Wisconsin Friday Fish Fries Locals Say Are Worth The Drive
In Wisconsin, Friday night smells like hot oil and malt vinegar. Families squeeze into taverns lined with deer mounts and old Schlitz mirrors, plates clattering as fish baskets hit the table.
The rhythm is steady: coleslaw scooped, rye bread buttered, potato pancakes flipped crisp on the griddle. It’s noisy, a little chaotic, and full of warmth.
I’ve traced that trail of frying batter across towns, letting it pull me through doorways. Here are eleven fish fry rooms where Wisconsin’s heart beats loudest.
1. Lakefront Brewery, Milwaukee
Under high ceilings in its beer hall, the scent of beer batter mingles with hops from the taps. The space feels unapologetically local, full of laughter and clinked glasses.
On Friday nights, Lakefront turns full service, running its fish fry from 4 pm to 9 pm with reservations open early for select slots.
Their fish fry dinner comes with three pieces of beer-battered cod, creamy coleslaw, choice of side, rye bread, and tartar.
2. Kegel’s Inn, West Allis
The air inside the historic German beer hall hums with warmth, chatter, and the promise of crisp fried fish. You feel the wood and years in every corner.
Since 1924, Kegel’s has layered German tradition over Wisconsin’s fish fry scene. Their Friday special lists hand-breaded cod, bluegill, perch, all with sides and rye.
Get there early. The lines grow, and the beer garden may tug your attention. I once got the third wave of fish, still crisp, still satisfying.
3. The Old Fashioned, Madison
Light streams through windows onto vintage décor and a room full of chatter. The vibe is Wisconsin pride distilled into wood and good food.
The Old Fashioned builds its menu around Wisconsin staples, and in winter months its Friday fish fry becomes a draw for locals and visitors alike.
Choose potato pancakes. Their golden edge and soft inside make them worth that extra order.
4. The Packing House, Milwaukee
You walk in past polished wood bars and warm light, the buzz of patrons greeting one another before food arrives. The space feels like a living room with a fry station.
At The Packing House, fish fry is woven into its identity. It’s one of Milwaukee’s signature Friday nights, pairing seafood with craft beer and The drive-thru is real. When lines inside swell, people pick up fish plates from the window and continue the fish fry ritual on the go.
5. Clifford’s Supper Club, Hales Corners
Soft lights, low booths, and the murmur of regulars define the supper club energy. The room feels settled and comfortable.
Clifford’s leans into supper club traditions, treating the Friday fish fry as part of its foundation. Expect classic pairings, plates presented with polish.
Go early. Supper clubs run on cycles, and claiming your table before the rush often means you eat in relaxed cadence.
6. Wendt’s On The Lake, Van Dyne (Lake Winnebago)
Water glimpses through windows while the room hums with anticipation. You know you’re near a lake when the air tastes like salt on wind.
This supper club anchors itself by the lake with Friday fish, lake perch, and a view that feels part of the meal. Locals call it a destination, not just a stop.
Order perch if possible. It’s fresher, thinner, faster crisp, the kind that tells you someone knows their fish.
7. Toby’s Supper Club, Madison
Floor lamps cast warm glows over booths and polished tables. The hush between courses feels respectful, like people expect something good.
Toby’s fish fry is part of its supper club legacy: steady plates, generous sides, classics done right.
Ask about smoked fish specials. I encountered one and it elevated the fried portion into a deeper Wisconsin story.
8. St. Paul Fish Company, Milwaukee Public Market
The sizzle meets the echo in this market hall, where foot traffic moves before plates arrive. The vibe is casual, urban, spirited.
St. Paul Fish Company brings fish fry into the market world, counter orders, fresh fish, and Minnesotan roots.
Pick counter seats facing the grill. Watching fish drop, crust form, sauce pour, it’s the show before the meal.
9. Kroll’s East, Green Bay
Windows fog slightly from kitchen steam; chatter lifts off lines and fills the room. The energy feels like people waiting for something good.
Kroll’s East leans into Green Bay’s supper club tradition while doing Friday fish right: cod, perch, sides of slaw and rye.
Parking may require a walk. I’ve done it, and the walk builds hunger. By the time you sit, the first bite tastes like victory.
10. Sister Bay Bowl, Sister Bay
Pennsylvania Dutch charm meets lakeside energy inside this Bay County staple. The vibe embraces weekenders and locals alike.
As part of Door County, Sister Bay Bowl’s fish fry follows local tradition, beer-battered cod, perch, crisp sides, a crowd that stretches in summer.
Season matters. I ate here in early autumn, fewer people, same quality, easier pace. The fish tasted sharper, the experience sweeter.
11. Buckhorn Supper Club, Milton
Dim lamps, friendly nods, and wood tones set the stage. The room feels homey and respectful of tradition.
Buckhorn serves Madison area with supper club soul. Friday fish connects to lake life, and the supper club format gives weight to the ritual.
Try the combo platters. They stretch variety without doubling price. Once I did, I walked away thinking I’d eaten a week’s worth of flavor in one night.