12 Michigan Friday Fish Fry Spots Families Return To Week After Week
In Michigan, Friday nights mean one thing: the irresistible scent of golden, crispy fish drifting from local taverns and church halls.
Families pile into cozy dining rooms, chatting over plates of perch, walleye, and hushpuppies that taste like tradition.
It’s not just dinner, it’s a ritual that’s been passed down for generations.
From lakeside favorites to small-town treasures, these fish fry spots keep Michiganders coming back week after week for that perfect Friday feast.
1. Ivanhoe Cafe (Polish Yacht Club), Detroit
Walking into Ivanhoe Cafe feels like stepping into your Polish grandmother’s dining room, except the fish fry here is legendary.
Locals have been flocking to this spot since 1933, making it one of Detroit’s oldest family-run joints.
The perch is always fresh, perfectly breaded, and served with sides that make you want to lick the plate. Friday nights get packed fast, so arrive early or prepare to wait with everyone else who knows what’s up.
2. Eastside Fish Fry & Grill, Lansing
If you want no-nonsense fish done right, Eastside Fish Fry & Grill delivers every single time. This Lansing staple doesn’t mess around with fancy plating or gimmicks, just beautifully fried fish that hits the spot.
Their catfish is a crowd favorite, crispy on the outside and tender inside. Families love the relaxed vibe and the fact that kids eat free on certain nights, making it budget-friendly without sacrificing quality or flavor.
3. Krzysiak’s House Restaurant, Bay City
Bay City’s Krzysiak’s House has been serving Polish comfort food and amazing fish fries since 1938, and they haven’t lost their touch.
Generations of families have made this their Friday night tradition, and one bite explains why.
Their hand-breaded perch is cooked to perfection with a secret batter recipe passed down through decades.
The portions are generous, the atmosphere is warm, and the pierogi on the side are practically mandatory.
4. Scalawags Whitefish & Chips, Petoskey
Nestled in beautiful Petoskey, Scalawags takes the classic fish and chips concept and elevates it with fresh Great Lakes whitefish.
This place knows its audience and delivers consistently delicious meals with a side of Northern Michigan charm. The whitefish is flaky, the batter is light and crispy, and the chips are perfectly seasoned.
Families appreciate the kid-friendly menu and the waterfront location that makes every Friday feel like a mini vacation.
5. Keyhole Bar & Grill, Mackinaw City
Keyhole Bar & Grill might sound like a dive, but don’t let the name fool you because this Mackinaw City gem serves some seriously good fish.
Tourists and locals alike pack this place on Fridays for their famous all-you-can-eat fish fry special.
The cod is perfectly golden and comes with endless refills if you’re brave enough. Families love the casual atmosphere, friendly staff, and the fact that everyone leaves stuffed and happy without breaking the bank.
6. Audie’s Restaurant, Mackinaw City
Audie’s has been a Mackinaw City institution since 1947, and their fish fry is the kind that makes people plan their vacations around it.
Seriously, families drive hours just to get a taste of their legendary whitefish. Everything is made from scratch, and you can taste the care in every bite.
The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, with vintage charm that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time to when dining out was truly special.
7. The Brownstone Inn, Au Train
Tucked away in tiny Au Train, The Brownstone Inn is a hidden gem that locals guard like a secret. Their fish fry draws families from all over the Upper Peninsula who know that great food is worth the drive.
The perch here is unbelievably fresh, often caught locally and prepared with care.
The rustic atmosphere and friendly service make it feel like you’re eating at a friend’s cabin, and the homemade desserts are absolutely worth saving room for.
8. The Antlers, Sault Ste. Marie
For over 80 years, The Antlers has been serving up comfort food and fish fries that keep families coming back for more.
Located in Sault Ste. Marie, this classic eatery knows how to do Friday nights right with generous portions and unbeatable flavor.
Their walleye is a standout, perfectly seasoned and fried to golden perfection. The old-school diner vibe adds to the charm, and the prices are so reasonable you’ll wonder how they do it.
9. The Vierling Restaurant & Marquette Harbor Brewery, Marquette
Marquette’s Vierling combines craft beer and amazing fish fries in a historic building that’s been standing since 1883. Families love the unique atmosphere where kids can enjoy root beer floats while parents sip locally brewed ales alongside their fish.
The beer-battered cod is phenomenal, with a light and crispy coating that pairs perfectly with their house-made tartar sauce. The waterfront views and lively atmosphere make every Friday feel like a celebration worth repeating.
10. Clyde’s Drive-In, St. Ignace
Since 1949, Clyde’s Drive-In has been serving up nostalgia with a side of fantastic fish.
This St. Ignace icon is the kind of place where families pull up, order from their cars, and enjoy classic drive-in magic that never goes out of style.
Their whitefish baskets are legendary, crispy and delicious with perfectly seasoned fries.
The retro experience combined with consistently great food makes Clyde’s a must-visit Friday tradition for anyone in the area.
11. Knight’s Steakhouse, Ann Arbor
Yes, it’s a steakhouse, but Knight’s in Ann Arbor also happens to serve an incredible fish fry that rivals any seafood joint in the state. Families who discover this Friday special become instant converts and regulars.
The cod is hand-battered and fried to perfection, served with all the classic sides you crave.
The upscale-casual atmosphere makes it perfect for families who want quality without stuffiness, and the service is always top-notch and welcoming.
12. Big E’s Sports Grill, Grand Rapids
Big E’s in Grand Rapids proves that sports bars can absolutely nail the fish fry game.
Families pack this place on Fridays not just for the games on TV, but for the seriously good perch and walleye that keep people talking all week long.
The fish is always fresh, never greasy, and comes with generous portions that satisfy even the hungriest appetites.
The lively atmosphere and extensive menu options mean everyone in the family finds something they love.