13 Indiana Carryout Fish Fry Windows Known for Hot, Crispy Lake Perch
Every Friday in Indiana, a delicious tradition crackles to life at carryout windows across the state. It’s fish fry season when families line up for boxes of hot, crispy lake perch that somehow always taste like they were made just for you.
Whether you’re a lifelong Hoosier who knows exactly where to go or a curious visitor chasing your first real Midwest fish fry, these local spots serve up some of the best fried fish you’ll ever bite into.
It’s the kind of comfort food that turns an ordinary Friday into a mini celebration and maybe even a weekly ritual.
1. Teibel’s Family Restaurant
Since 1929, this legendary spot has been frying up lake perch that keeps generations coming back for more. The golden-brown coating crunches perfectly with every bite, revealing tender, flaky fish inside that practically melts on your tongue.
Their takeout service stays busy every Friday with locals who know exactly what they want.
The secret? A long-standing preparation style and high-quality perch—still their most iconic dish.
Families often order enough for the whole crew because leftovers rarely make it to Saturday. The portions are generous, the prices are fair, and the quality never wavers, making Teibel’s a true Indiana treasure.
2. Town Club on 45th
You won’t find a literal walk-up window here, but the restaurant handles carryout orders constantly, especially on Fridays. Town Club doesn’t mess around when it comes to their perch, each piece gets individual attention during the frying process.
The crispy exterior stays crunchy even after the drive home, which is practically a superpower in the fish fry world. Their tartar sauce has a tangy kick that complements the mild perch flavor beautifully.
Regulars swear by ordering extra because one serving is never enough. The fish stays hot thanks to smart packaging, and the carryout service moves quickly even during the Friday rush hours.
3. Johnson’s Fish & Shrimp
If you’re hunting for perch that practically sings with flavor, Johnson’s delivers every single time. Their seasoning has a subtle kick that fans rave about.
The carryout operation runs like a well-oiled machine, getting piping hot fish into eager hands within minutes. People frequently mention traveling from nearby towns to pick up their perch, a testament to its popularity.
What sets them apart? The fish-to-batter ratio is absolutely perfect—not too thick, not too thin, just right. Add their homemade coleslaw on the side, and you’ve got yourself a meal worth celebrating every week.
4. Heston Supper Club
Heston Supper Club does offer takeout and is well-regarded for its lake perch dinners. Their lake perch arrives at your car window so hot you’ll need to wait a minute before digging in.
The coating has that satisfying crackle that tells you it was fried at exactly the right temperature. Heston’s doesn’t skimp on portion sizes either, you get serious value for your money here.
Friday evenings can get busy as customers place takeout orders or wait inside, creating a lively supper-club atmosphere. The atmosphere alone makes it worth the trip, but that perfectly seasoned perch seals the deal every time.
5. Kelsey’s Steakhouse
You might think a steakhouse would focus solely on beef, but Kelsey’s perch proves they’re masters of multiple crafts. Their Friday fish fry draws crowds that rival their weekend steak nights.
Each perch fillet gets treated like royalty, fried to a gorgeous golden color that photographs beautifully. The meat inside stays incredibly moist while the outside delivers that essential crunch everyone craves.
Kelsey’s offers takeout and orders hold up well for the drive home. Smart diners call ahead to skip the line, though waiting gives you time to enjoy the mouthwatering aromas drifting from the kitchen windows.
6. Flamingo Pizza of Miller Beach
Pizza isn’t the only star at this Miller Beach favorite—their perch has developed a cult following all its own. The combination of pizza shop efficiency and serious fish-frying skills creates something special.
Fridays transform this place into perch central, with the fryers working overtime to keep up with demand. The batter has a unique lightness that lets the fresh perch flavor shine through brilliantly.
Flamingo offers standard takeout service, but grabbing pizza and perch in one stop makes it a family favorite for busy Friday nights. The carryout window stays open late, saving the day for anyone who works late and still wants their weekly fish fix.
7. Danny O’s Bar & Grill
Danny O’s brings serious bar-and-grill energy to their perch game, and the results speak for themselves every Friday. The fish comes out of the fryer with an audible sizzle that promises deliciousness.
Their no-nonsense approach means you get straightforward, perfectly executed perch without fancy frills. The coating stays crispy for an impressively long time, making it ideal for carryout orders.
While they don’t advertise a dedicated carryout window, Danny O’s offers reliable takeout service, and perch is a frequent favorite on Friday nights. The prices won’t break the bank, and the quality consistently exceeds expectations, making Danny O’s a reliable choice for fish fry fans.
8. Radius
If downtown Valpo had a “most likely to impress with perch” award, Radius would already have it hanging by the bar.
Their lightly breaded lake perch comes out crisp, clean, and confidently simple—proof that great fish doesn’t need a full PR campaign.
Add in sides that actually earn their keep and takeout that runs smoother than most people’s Fridays, and you’ve got a spot that lets you look organized even if you ordered five minutes before closing.
9. Fahrenheit Two Twelve
Fahrenheit Two Twelve jumps straight into action with a pan-fried perch that means business. The dilled tartar brings just enough personality to the plate without trying to steal the show.
Their carryout setup is fast, consistent, and suspiciously efficient—so efficient you might start rethinking all your other weekly dinner plans. Grab it once and you’ll understand why locals keep coming back like it’s their civic duty.
10. Pappas Restaurant
At Pappas, lake perch strolls onto the menu like it knows it’s the star, and frankly, everyone agrees.
Online ordering makes takeout almost too easy, especially for anyone who considers “fried fish emergencies” a real category.
The best part? Pappas can handle your perch craving while also feeding the rest of the household, no matter how many picky eaters you’ve collected over the years.
11. Swingbelly’s
Swingbelly’s treats Friday like a weekly festival by rolling out its Yellow Lake Perch lineup—sandwiches, dinners, and enough fans to form their own pep squad.
Everything is cooked fresh, with portions that never leave you wondering where the rest of your meal went. Call ahead for takeout and you’re basically unlocking Michigan City’s unofficial start to the weekend, complete with that “I beat the rush” satisfaction.
12. Castaways Family Diner
Castaways keeps the vibe easy: friendly staff, generous plates, and takeout that gets you in and out without a scavenger hunt.
Their perch pops up seasonally, so calling ahead is your best strategy, but when it’s available, it’s absolutely worth the stop.
It’s the kind of diner where you walk out smiling—and then realize your takeout box mysteriously emptied itself before you even got home.
13. Pivot Lounge
Pivot Lounge doesn’t play around when it comes to lake perch—lightly breaded, buttery, and ready to go faster than you can say “Friday fix.”
Their menu leans comforting without getting boring, and the perch stands tall among the crowd-pleasers.
Order it for takeout and you’ll quickly understand why locals guard this place like a well-kept secret, even though everyone in Crown Point already knows it’s good.