This Riverfront Ohio Favorite Is All About Fresh Lake Erie Perch

I learned a long time ago that the best Lake Erie meals start when the table comes with a breeze and a water view. That lesson hit home the first time I pulled up to the Old Fish House in Huron, Ohio, where fresh perch and canal views team up like they planned it.

If a meal makes you slow down, look around, and forget what time it is, it is already doing something right.

This is the kind of Ohio riverfront spot that turns a simple lunch into an afternoon plan. Boats drift past, the lighthouse steals glances, and the menu keeps things refreshingly focused.

I came for the perch, stayed for the setting, and left already thinking about my next visit.

A Waterfront Location That Steals the Show

Finding the Old Fish House at 30 Main St, Huron, OH 44839 feels like discovering a hidden treasure tucked along the canal. The building sits right on the water, giving you front-row seats to everything that makes Ohio’s lakefront special.

I remember my first visit when I walked up and immediately spotted the lighthouse across the way, framed perfectly against the sky.

Getting there is easy. Huron sits along Lake Erie’s southern shore, and Main Street runs right through the heart of town.

You can’t miss the waterfront vibe once you arrive.

What really grabbed my attention was how the location works with the restaurant’s laid-back personality. You’re not stuck inside some stuffy dining room.

Instead, you get options: grab a spot on the lawn, climb up to the Captain’s Perch on the upper deck, or settle into a table where you can watch boats drift by. Each area offers its own take on that classic lakeside atmosphere.

The beach sits just across the street, so you can easily make a whole afternoon out of your visit.

Fresh Lake Erie Perch Done Right

Lake Erie perch is the star here, and the Old Fish House knows exactly how to treat it. Every time I order, I’m reminded why this fish has such a loyal following.

The perch arrives with a light, crispy coating that doesn’t overwhelm the delicate white meat inside. You can actually taste the freshness, which tells me they’re serious about sourcing local catch.

I’ve tried the perch sandwich more times than I can count. Two or three pieces of perch get nestled into a soft bun, and while some folks wish for an extra piece to cover every inch, I find the ratio just right.

The fish stays moist and flaky, never dry or overcooked.

Their tartar sauce deserves a special mention. It’s tangy and creamy with just the right balance of flavor.

I’ve seen plenty of places serve bland, forgettable tartar sauce, but this one actually enhances the perch instead of masking it. Pair your sandwich with their crispy fries, and you’ve got yourself a classic lakeside meal that hits all the right notes.

Perch Tacos With a Twist

While the perch sandwich gets most of the attention, I’m here to tell you about the perch tacos that deserve their own spotlight. These aren’t your typical fish tacos.

The Old Fish House takes that same fresh Lake Erie perch and tucks it into soft tortillas with toppings that complement rather than compete with the fish.

What surprised me most was the quality of the tortilla chips served alongside. They’re thick, crunchy, and obviously made with care.

I found myself reaching for them between bites of taco, enjoying how they added another texture to the meal.

The perch in the tacos stays true to the restaurant’s preparation style. You get that same crispy exterior and tender interior, but the taco format makes the whole experience feel lighter and more playful.

It’s a great option when you want something a little different from the standard sandwich.

I love how this dish shows the kitchen’s willingness to play with their signature ingredient. They’re not just stuck in one lane.

The Captain’s Perch Upper Deck Experience

Climbing the stairs to the Captain’s Perch upper deck changed my whole perspective on this place. Up there, you get a panoramic view of the canal, the lake, and that iconic Huron lighthouse that anchors the whole scene.

The staff told me it’s usually cooler up top because the breeze flows through more freely, and they were absolutely right.

The seating features swivel stools that let you spin around and take in every angle. I spent way too much time rotating between watching boats pass by and checking out the people strolling along the boardwalk below.

It’s perfect for people-watching without feeling like you’re intruding on anyone’s space.

On sunny days, you’ll want to bring sunglasses because there’s not much shade up there. But honestly, that’s part of the charm.

You feel completely immersed in the lakefront environment, like you’re on a boat deck yourself.

I recommend timing your visit for late afternoon when the light starts to soften and the whole scene takes on a golden glow.

Fresh-Squeezed Lemonade That Hits Different

On a hot Ohio afternoon, nothing beats the Old Fish House’s fresh-squeezed lemonade. I’m usually not a lemonade person, but this version converted me.

It arrives ice cold with a perfect balance between tart and sweet, and you can immediately tell it’s made from real lemons, not some powdered mix.

They make such a big deal about their fresh-squeezed lemonade that there’s a sign hanging over the bar advertising it. After one sip, I understood why they’re so proud.

The flavor is bright and clean, cutting through the richness of fried fish beautifully.

I watched my dining companion down an entire glass in minutes during our last visit. The lemonade has this refreshing quality that makes you want to keep sipping, especially when you’re sitting outside in the sun.

One tip: if you visit on a busy day, double-check that they’re actually serving the fresh-squeezed version. I’ve read that occasionally they run out, and you definitely want the real deal for the full experience.

Casual Vibes and DIY Service Style

Walking into the Old Fish House, you immediately pick up on the relaxed, no-pressure atmosphere. This isn’t a place where servers hover over your table or rush you through courses.

Instead, you get a more casual, almost DIY approach to dining that fits perfectly with the lakeside setting.

Sometimes you order at the bar, other times a server takes your order at your table. The food gets delivered by whoever’s available, and then you’re pretty much left to enjoy your meal at your own pace.

I actually appreciate this hands-off style because it lets me focus on the view and conversation without constant interruptions.

The whole operation has that dive bar meets fish shack energy that makes you feel immediately comfortable. You don’t need to dress up or worry about formal dining etiquette.

Show up in your shorts and flip-flops, order some perch, and settle in for as long as you want.

The staff I’ve encountered have always been friendly and sweet, especially the owner who clearly cares about making guests feel welcome.

Sunset Views and Evening Entertainment

Catching sunset at the Old Fish House ranks among my favorite ways to spend an Ohio evening. As the sun drops toward the horizon, the whole waterfront transforms into this gorgeous display of orange and pink light reflecting off the canal.

The lighthouse becomes a silhouette against the colorful sky, creating postcard-perfect views.

I’ve noticed they often feature live music in the evenings, which adds another layer to the experience. There’s something magical about listening to live tunes while watching the day fade into night over Lake Erie.

The music never overwhelms conversation, but provides a pleasant soundtrack to your meal.

The atmosphere shifts as evening approaches. The daytime crowd of families and casual lunchers gives way to people looking to unwind after work or tourists wanting to cap off their day exploring Huron.

The whole vibe becomes a bit more festive without losing that laid-back character.

Timing your visit for sunset means you get the best of both worlds: good food and a natural light show that no restaurant decorator could ever replicate.

Planning Your Visit to This Ohio Lakefront Spot

Before you head to the Old Fish House, knowing their schedule helps you avoid disappointment. They’re closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so plan accordingly.

Thursday and Monday they open at 4 PM, Friday starts at 3 PM, while weekends offer the most flexibility with Saturday opening at 11 AM and Sunday at 10 AM.

I recommend calling ahead at 419-602-4664 if you’re coming with a larger group or during peak summer weekends. While they don’t take reservations for most tables, a quick call can give you an idea of how busy they are.

Parking can get tight during busy times since this is prime waterfront real estate. I usually arrive a bit early or prepare to walk a short distance from wherever I find a spot.

The walk is worth it once you catch that first glimpse of the water.

Don’t forget to explore the area around the restaurant. The beach across the street is perfect for a post-meal stroll, and you might even find some beach glass if you’re lucky.

The whole neighborhood rewards wandering and soaking up that classic Ohio lakefront charm.