7 Michigan Fish Fry Spots That Stick To Tradition And 7 That Reinvent Friday Nights

Michigan’s fish fry spots offer more than just fried fish. They are a Friday night institution.

Some honor decades of tradition, serving golden, crispy fillets with classic sides that feel like a comforting ritual.

Others shake things up, adding creative twists, bold flavors, and fresh takes that keep diners excited.

Exploring these halls shows how Michigan blends respect for the familiar with culinary innovation, making Friday nights a delicious mix of nostalgia and surprises.

1. Scotty Simpson’s Fish & Chips (Detroit)

Since 1950, this Brightmoor neighborhood institution has been serving fish and chips wrapped in paper, just like the good old days. The recipe hasn’t changed in over 70 years.

Regulars swear by the perfect golden-brown crust that somehow stays crispy the whole meal through.

The interior feels like stepping back in time, with wood-paneled walls and booths that have witnessed decades of Friday night traditions.

2. Nancy Whiskey Pub (Detroit)

Survived Prohibition, a fire, and Detroit’s toughest times, this Corktown pub has been pouring drinks since 1902 and frying fish for almost as long. Friday nights transform the tiny bar into fish fry central.

The beer-battered cod comes with hand-cut fries and homemade slaw that locals line up for.

Between the Irish whiskey selection and the legendary jukebox, Nancy’s fish fry embodies Detroit’s resilient spirit in every crunchy bite.

3. Polish Village Cafe (Hamtramck)

Hidden in a basement in Hamtramck, this former gentleman’s club now serves the most authentic Polish-style fish fry in Michigan.

Grandmothers in the kitchen hand-bread each piece of lake perch or walleye. Pierogi accompany every fish plate, and polka music often fills the air on busy Fridays.

The no-frills atmosphere feels like dining in someone’s home, complete with doily-covered tables and walls adorned with old Polish memorabilia.

4. Ivanhoe Cafe – Polish Yacht Club (Detroit)

Nowhere near water and definitely not a yacht club, this Detroit institution earned its nickname from Polish autoworkers who’d dock here after shifts. The fish fry hasn’t changed since the 1920s.

Lake perch comes piled high with potato pancakes instead of fries. The cash-only policy and communal seating maintain old-school charm.

Fridays mean packed tables where strangers become friends over platters of perfectly fried fish and cold Polish beer.

5. Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth (Frankenmuth)

Famous for chicken dinners, Zehnder’s quietly maintains one of Michigan’s most enduring fish fry traditions.

The massive Bavarian-style dining room serves golden planks of Atlantic cod alongside their famous chicken.

Four generations of the same family have preserved the original 1856 recipe. German sides like buttered noodles and stollen bread accompany each plate.

The dining experience remains charmingly formal, with servers in traditional German dress carrying platters through grand dining halls.

6. Bavarian Inn Restaurant – Michigan on Main (Frankenmuth)

Across the street from Zehnder’s sits its friendly rival, where Friday fish fries feature Great Lakes catches prepared with German precision.

The Bavarian Inn’s special beer batter uses locally-brewed Frankenmuth dark ale. Accordion players roam between tables on weekend evenings while families feast on walleye and whitefish.

The cozy wood-beamed dining room with its stained glass windows has hosted generations of Michigan families maintaining the Friday fish tradition.

7. White Horse Inn (Metamora)

Michigan’s oldest continually operating restaurant takes fish fry seriously in this historic stagecoach stop. Dating back to 1850, the White Horse serves lake perch using a recipe that predates automobiles.

Horse-themed memorabilia decorates the walls while families gather around massive oak tables.

The fish comes with tartar sauce made from a recipe the owner’s great-grandmother brought from Scotland. Friday nights often feature live piano music that echoes through the historic building.

8. Voyager (Ferndale)

Housed in an old railway car, this tiny seafood bar revolutionized Detroit’s fish scene with its modern take on fish fry. The chef sources sustainable catches and changes the menu weekly based on what’s fresh.

Instead of the traditional all-you-can-eat model, Voyager offers small plates of perfectly fried fish with unexpected accompaniments like fermented chili aioli.

The minimalist space with its open kitchen and natural wine list attracts foodies who appreciate the chef’s commitment to ocean-friendly fishing practices.

9. SuperCrisp (Detroit)

Born during pandemic restrictions, this ghost kitchen operation turned the fish fry concept into a hip takeout experience.

SuperCrisp specializes in Nashville hot fish sandwiches that combine Michigan tradition with Southern heat.

The chef uses tempura-style batter for an extra-light crunch unlike any traditional fish fry. Homemade kimchi slaw and wasabi tartar sauce reflect Detroit’s multicultural food scene.

Weekend lines form early for these innovative sandwiches that come wrapped in custom-designed paper covered with Detroit-inspired art.

10. The Sardine Room (Plymouth)

Fish fry goes upscale at this Plymouth gem where traditional Friday fish becomes an artisanal experience. The chef sources Great Lakes fish but applies techniques from Japanese tempura to Spanish tapas.

Small plates encourage sharing, with options like smelt fries with preserved lemon aioli.

The vintage-meets-modern space features a raw bar and craft cocktails that pair perfectly with fried fish. Sustainability guides their menu, with daily specials based on what local fishermen bring in that morning.

11. Hazel’s (Birmingham)

Fish fry meets fine dining at this Birmingham hotspot where the chef transforms the humble tradition into a sophisticated culinary experience.

The fish and chips arrive on handmade ceramic plates rather than paper baskets. Champagne batter coats sustainable cod, while duck fat fries replace the standard potato side.

The bright, airy space with its marble bar feels more like coastal California than Michigan.

Cocktails featuring house-infused spirits complete the elevated experience that respects tradition while reimagining it.

12. Republica (Berkley)

Latin American flavors transform fish fry at this Berkley hotspot where traditional cod gets swapped for whole fried snapper served Mexican beach-style.

The fish arrives crispy-skinned and intact, meant for filling house-made tortillas.

Habanero-spiked slaw and charred lime replace tartar sauce and lemon wedges. Weekend crowds pack the colorful space for fish that’s miles from Michigan tradition but honors the communal spirit.

Tequila flights and house-made agua fresca cocktails complete the experience that feels like vacation in a glass.

13. Griffin Claw Clubhouse (Rochester Hills)

Brewery meets fish fry at this Rochester Hills favorite where beer isn’t just served with fish but incorporated into every element. The beer batter uses their award-winning IPA, while the fries get tossed in hop salt.

Fish tacos feature whitefish smoked with spent brewing grains. The industrial-chic taproom buzzes with families enjoying the brewery’s playful approach to tradition.

Each fish dish comes with pairing suggestions from their rotating tap list, creating a total Michigan craft experience.

14. Fish Lads (Grand Rapids)

Located inside Grand Rapids’ Downtown Market, this fish counter revolutionized the city’s fish fry scene by focusing on hyper-freshness and transparency. Customers choose their fish from the display case before it’s battered and fried to order.

The menu changes daily based on what’s sustainable and in-season. Instead of frozen cod, you might find Lake Superior whitefish or even invasive species like Asian carp.

The market setting means you can pair your fish with Michigan wines from neighboring vendors or artisanal sides from the market’s bakeries.