13 Ohio Carryouts Where The Windows Stay Steamy For Hot, Crispy Lake Perch
Ohio sits right on the edge of Lake Erie, which means fresh fish is practically a birthright around here.
Lake perch, with its delicate flakes and golden crust, has become the unofficial state comfort food for anyone who knows where to look.
When the windows fog up from all that hot frying action, you know you’re about to bite into something special.
1. Jolly Roger’s Seafood House (Port Clinton)
Port Clinton’s waterfront legend has been slinging crispy perch since forever, and locals guard this secret like buried treasure. The moment you walk in, that unmistakable aroma of hot oil and fresh catch hits you like a wave.
Their perch fillets come out golden brown with a crunch that echoes through the dining room. Every order gets hand-breaded before taking a hot bath in perfectly seasoned oil.
The windows stay so steamy, you’d think they were cooking up a storm inside—which, honestly, they are.
2. 1812 Food & Spirits (Port Clinton)
Named after the war that put Lake Erie on the map, this spot takes its fish seriously—and so should you. Their perch gets a light coating that lets the fish shine through without drowning it in batter.
Regulars swear by the Friday fish fry, when the kitchen cranks out basket after basket of piping-hot fillets. The windows fog up faster than a teenager’s car on prom night.
Order extra napkins because these beauties are juicy, flaky, and absolutely worth the inevitable grease stains.
3. Berardi’s Family Restaurant (Huron)
Family-run since the dawn of time—or at least it feels that way—Berardi’s knows exactly how Ohioans like their perch. Expect no-nonsense portions that could feed a small army or one really hungry fisherman.
The breading recipe is a closely guarded family secret, passed down through generations like a treasured heirloom. Crispy edges give way to tender, flaky fish that practically melts on your tongue.
Those steamy windows? That’s just proof that the fryers never take a break during dinner rush.
4. Brennan’s Fish House (Grand River)
Tucked along the Grand River, this no-frills fish shack has mastered the art of the perfect perch fry. Fishermen stop here straight from the docks, still smelling like lake water and adventure.
Brennan’s keeps it simple: fresh fish, hot oil, and a breading mix that adds just enough crunch without overpowering the delicate flavor. The result is perch that tastes like it jumped from the lake onto your plate.
Windows stay perpetually foggy during peak hours, which is basically any time they’re open.
5. Hil-Mak Seafoods Fish Market (Ashtabula)
Part fish market, part culinary miracle, Hil-Mak serves up perch so fresh it might as well still be swimming. The market vibe means you can grab raw fillets to cook at home or let the pros handle it.
Smart folks choose the second option because their fry station produces perch with a crackling crust that shatters under your fork. Light, crispy, and perfectly seasoned—it’s everything you want in a fish fry.
The steamy windows are a badge of honor here, proof of constant frying action.
6. Legacy Restaurant & Grille (Avon)
Who says carryout can’t be a little fancy? Legacy elevates the humble perch with restaurant-quality presentation and flavors that punch way above their weight class.
Their version features a delicate panko crust that stays impossibly crispy even during the ride home. Each fillet gets treated like the star it is, fried to golden perfection and served with house-made tartar sauce.
The windows get steamy from all the culinary magic happening in the kitchen, where perch reigns supreme on Friday nights.
7. Jake’s On The Lake (Avon Lake)
Perched right on the shoreline, Jake’s offers million-dollar views and perch that costs way less than that. The location alone makes this a must-visit, but the fish keeps people coming back.
Their kitchen crew fries up perch with a golden, crunchy exterior that protects the tender, flaky interior. Every bite delivers that perfect contrast of textures that makes you close your eyes and sigh.
When the windows fog up, it’s hard to tell if it’s from the lake humidity or the kitchen heat.
8. The Seafood Restaurant (Sylvania)
With a name this straightforward, you know they’re not messing around. The Seafood Restaurant focuses on doing one thing exceptionally well—serving up the freshest fish in Northwest Ohio.
Their perch gets a classic treatment: simple breading, hot oil, and expert timing that results in fillets with maximum crunch and zero greasiness. It’s the kind of food that makes you understand why Ohioans are obsessed with lake perch.
Steamy windows are practically guaranteed during dinner service when orders fly out nonstop.
9. Rusty’s Road Trip (Toledo)
This Toledo gem proves that great perch doesn’t require waterfront real estate—just serious frying skills and quality fish. Rusty’s has built a cult following with their creative takes on classic Ohio comfort food.
The perch here gets an extra-crispy coating that crackles with every bite, served alongside perfect fries and coleslaw. It’s casual dining at its finest, where flavor matters more than fancy plating.
Those steamy windows? Just the kitchen working overtime to keep up with demand from perch-loving Toledo residents.
10. The Cleveland Fish & Seafood Company (Cleveland)
Cleveland knows good fish, and this company has been proving it for years with perch that sets the standard for the entire city. Market-fresh quality meets expert frying technique in every single order.
Their perch fillets boast a light, crispy breading that doesn’t compete with the delicate fish flavor underneath. Whether you eat in or carry out, expect nothing less than perfection in a basket.
The constantly foggy windows tell you everything you need to know about how busy the fryers stay here.
11. Chagrin Tavern on the River (Eastlake)
River views and fried perch—what more could an Ohioan want from life? This tavern combines laid-back atmosphere with seriously good fish that keeps locals and visitors coming back.
Their perch features a perfectly seasoned coating that adds flavor without overwhelming the mild, sweet fish inside. Cooked to order means every batch comes out hot, crispy, and absolutely irresistible.
The steamy windows create a cozy atmosphere that pairs perfectly with cold drinks and even hotter perch straight from the fryer.
12. The Village Pump (Kelleys Island)
Island life moves slower, but the perch at Village Pump disappears fast. This Kelleys Island institution serves up fish with that unbeatable combination of casual vibes and serious flavor.
Their perch gets a golden-brown crust that shatters satisfyingly, revealing tender, flaky fish that tastes like pure Lake Erie goodness. Pair it with their famous sides and you’ve got the perfect island meal.
Steamy windows are part of the charm here, where everything feels a little more relaxed and a lot more delicious.
13. The Old Fish House (Huron)
Age brings wisdom, and this old-timer has decades of perch-frying experience under its belt. The Old Fish House keeps things traditional because when you’ve perfected the recipe, why change it?
Expect thick, meaty fillets with a crackling crust that gives way to moist, flavorful fish inside. They’ve been serving locals and tourists alike for generations, earning their reputation one perfect perch at a time.
The perpetually steamy windows are a testament to the constant stream of orders coming from the kitchen all day long.