These Pennsylvania Carryout Fish Fry Windows Praised For Hot, Crispy Lake Perch

I’ll never forget the first time I bit into a perfectly fried piece of lake perch from a carryout window in Pennsylvania.

The golden crust crackled under my teeth, and the tender, flaky fish inside was still steaming hot.

That moment turned me into a lifelong fish fry fanatic, always on the hunt for the next great carryout spot.

Pennsylvania’s Lake Erie region has become famous for these humble fish fry windows, where families line up every Friday for hot, crispy perch that rivals anything you’d find in a fancy restaurant.

1. Smith’s Hot Fish Window – North East, PA

Tucked between vineyards and farmland, Smith’s proves that great fish fry isn’t just an Erie thing. My cousin dragged me here one autumn afternoon, promising it would change my perspective on carryout seafood. She wasn’t exaggerating one bit.

The secret weapon at Smith’s is their seasoning blend, a mysterious mix that adds a subtle kick without overwhelming the delicate perch flavor. Each piece emerges from the oil crackling with life, and they pack it so carefully that it arrives home nearly as crispy as when it left the fryer. The family running this window treats every customer like a neighbor, remembering orders and asking about your week.

Their homemade coleslaw deserves its own fan club. The tangy crunch pairs perfectly with the rich, buttery fish, creating a balance that keeps you reaching for just one more bite.

2. Joe’s Fish Market – Erie

Walking up to Joe’s feels like stepping back in time to when fish markets were community gathering spots. The smell of fresh perch frying hits you half a block away, and suddenly you’re part of a tradition that’s been feeding Erie families since 1952. Every piece comes out of the fryer with a golden shell that shatters beautifully, revealing moist fish that practically melts on your tongue.

What makes Joe’s special is their refusal to cut corners. They hand bread each fillet throughout the day, ensuring nobody gets stuck with soggy leftovers. The portions are generous enough to share, though I’ve never managed to do that myself.

Locals swear by their Friday rush, when the line wraps around the building but moves surprisingly fast. That energy, that anticipation, makes every bite taste even better than the last.

3. The Original Pop’s Fish Fry – Erie

Pop’s has earned legendary status among fish fry enthusiasts, and one taste explains why. The batter recipe supposedly came from Pop himself back in 1965, and his grandkids guard it like a state secret. That coating achieves something magical: crispy enough to crunch audibly, yet light enough that you never feel weighed down.

I’ve watched the crew at Pop’s work, and their rhythm is mesmerizing. They drop baskets with perfect timing, pull them at exactly the right moment, and season while the fish is still sizzling. Nothing sits under heat lamps here.

The loyalty this place inspires is intense. Families have been coming here for three generations, introducing their kids to the same flavors they grew up loving. That kind of devotion doesn’t happen by accident or luck.

4. Stan’s Carryout Seafood – Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh might not touch Lake Erie, but Stan’s brings that lakeside magic right into the heart of the city. Finding quality perch this far from the water used to be impossible, but Stan changed the game when he opened this window in 2003. He drives to the lake himself twice weekly, returning with coolers full of fresh catch that he portions and fries to order.

The texture here is something special. Each fillet gets a double dip in batter, creating layers of crunch that protect the tender fish inside. Urban fish fry lovers finally have a spot they can brag about to their Erie cousins.

Stan himself usually works the window during dinner rush, cracking jokes and remembering regulars by name. His enthusiasm for perfectly fried fish is genuinely contagious and absolutely delightful.

5. Lakefront Perch Shack – Harborcreek

Eating perch with your toes practically in Lake Erie feels ridiculously right. The Perch Shack sits so close to the water that you can watch fishing boats return while waiting for your order. That connection between lake and plate makes every meal feel special and somehow more authentic.

Their approach is beautifully simple: fresh fish, clean oil, perfect temperature, and patience. They won’t rush a single basket, even when the line stretches down the dock. The result is consistently excellent perch with a light, almost tempura style coating that lets the fish shine through.

Summer evenings here are pure magic. Grab your order, claim a picnic table, and watch the sun set over the water while enjoying some of Pennsylvania’s finest fried fish. Simple pleasures rarely get better than this moment.

6. West Ridge Fish Co. – Erie

West Ridge brought a modern sensibility to the traditional fish fry game in Pennsylvania without losing the soul that makes it special. The space is cleaner and brighter than most carryout windows, but the fish is every bit as authentic and delicious. They installed state-of-the-art fryers that maintain precise temperatures, eliminating those occasional soggy batches that plague other spots.

My favorite thing about West Ridge is their commitment to sustainability. They source only responsibly caught perch and post daily updates about where their fish comes from. Knowing your dinner was swimming in Lake Erie just hours ago adds something meaningful to the experience.

The staff here really knows their stuff. Ask any question about preparation or sourcing, and you’ll get detailed, passionate answers that reveal true pride in their craft and product.

7. Fisherman’s Fry House – Fairview

Fairview’s best kept secret sits on a quiet corner where you’d never expect to find extraordinary fish. Fisherman’s Fry House operates out of a converted garage, and the humble exterior hides some seriously impressive frying skills. The owner spent twenty years working on commercial fishing boats before opening this window, and his expertise shows in every perfectly cooked piece.

What sets this place apart is the attention to detail. Each order gets packed with extra napkins, lemon wedges, and their signature tartar sauce that has just the right amount of tang. The fish itself boasts a satisfying crunch that holds up during the entire drive home, which is no small feat.

Word of mouth keeps this spot busy despite minimal advertising. Once you try it, you become an unofficial ambassador, telling everyone who will listen about this hidden treasure.