10 Minnesota Friday Fish Fries That Locals Look Forward To All Week
When Friday evening arrives in Minnesota, there’s a shared understanding that sweeps across towns both big and small: it’s time for a fish fry. This beloved tradition has been woven into the state’s culture for generations, turning the end of the workweek into a celebration of community.
Crispy, golden battered fish is always the star of the table, but it’s the sides—creamy coleslaw, rye bread, tartar sauce, and hearty potato dishes—that complete the experience.
More than just a meal, Friday fish fries serve as weekly gatherings where neighbors reconnect, families share stories, and the weekend officially begins with a satisfied smile.
1. Red Stag Supperclub’s Walleye Wonder
Last winter, I stumbled upon this Northeast Minneapolis gem while escaping a snowstorm. The moment their golden-brown walleye hit my plate, I knew I’d found something special.
Red Stag sources lake-fresh walleye and coats it in a light beer batter that crackles with each bite. Their homemade tartar sauce—tangy with just enough dill—perfectly complements the fish.
What makes Friday nights here magical isn’t just the food but the atmosphere. Vintage wood paneling, locals sharing stories at the bar, and that distinct Minnesota warmth make waiting for a table worth every minute.
2. Gluek’s Historic Bar & Restaurant Fish Basket
My grandmother first brought me to Gluek’s when I was twelve, insisting nobody made fish like they did. Twenty years later, I still can’t prove her wrong. Founded in 1934, this downtown Minneapolis institution serves Atlantic cod in a German beer batter that’s impossibly light yet substantial.
The fish practically melts away, leaving only the memory of perfect seasoning. Friday nights fill with a mix of business folks unwinding and families continuing multi-generational traditions.
Their scratch-made sausage-egg-cheese biscuits might seem out of place at a fish fry, but locals know to grab one for tomorrow’s breakfast on their way out.
3. Birch’s on the Lake Lakeside Fish Feast
Nothing beats watching the sunset over Long Lake while digging into Birch’s Friday fish special. I’ve brought out-of-town friends here just to see their faces when they taste that first bite.
Their beer-battered cod comes from their own brewery operation, making for an incredibly flavorful crust. The fish arrives with house-cut fries, creamy coleslaw, and those addictive Kolaches that feel fancy yet comforting.
The brewpub’s massive windows frame the lake perfectly, and in summer, the patio becomes the hottest seat in town. Locals know to arrive early or risk an hour-long wait that’s sweetened only by their excellent craft beer selection.
4. Tavern on Grand’s Legendary Walleye
My first apartment in St. Paul was chosen specifically for its proximity to Tavern on Grand. Their walleye has been my Friday ritual for eight years straight. Claiming to serve more walleye than anyone else in the country, this unpretentious spot does Minnesota’s state fish justice.
Their secret lies in a cornmeal-based coating that provides the perfect crunch without overpowering the delicate fish flavor.
On Fridays, they offer loaded breakfast ‘Mixer Bowls’ alongside their fish—a curious but brilliant combination. The place fills with hockey fans, politicians, and everyone in between, all united by their appreciation for perfectly executed walleye.
5. The Anchor Fish & Chips’ Irish-Style Cod
The line stretching down 13th Avenue in Northeast Minneapolis first caught my eye. Following the crowd led to my favorite fish fry discovery. The Anchor doesn’t just serve fish—they honor it. Their hand-cut Alaskan cod comes in a traditional Irish beer batter that’s ethereally light yet satisfyingly crunchy.
Hand-cut chips (never fries here!) come properly thick and twice-fried. Between bites, you’ll notice the perfectly balanced malt vinegar and their surprisingly delicious burger specials.
The tiny space means you’ll make friends with neighboring tables, creating that quintessential Minnesota community feeling that makes Friday nights here special.
6. Gordy’s Hi-Hat Seasonal Lake Superior Catch
My family’s North Shore trips always begin and end at Gordy’s. This seasonal Cloquet landmark has been serving fish since 1960, and the Friday lines prove they’ve perfected their craft. Their Lake Superior catch varies with availability, but the preparation never wavers from perfection.
A light, cracker-meal coating preserves the freshness of fish caught just miles away. Locals swear by their famous Isaly’s chipped ham sandwiches as a side to the fish—an unusual pairing that somehow works beautifully.
The family-owned spot maintains its classic drive-in feel, complete with car hops during summer months and an atmosphere that hasn’t changed in the best possible way.
7. Pickwick Restaurant & Pub’s Century-Old Recipe
Walking into Duluth’s Pickwick feels like stepping back to 1914. The smell of their Friday fish fry hit me before I even sat down, and I knew immediately why this place has survived over a century.
Their North Atlantic cod uses a recipe unchanged since World War I—a simple beer batter that creates an impossibly crisp exterior while keeping the fish moist. Each piece comes with their Polish Boys—sausages topped with fries, coleslaw and BBQ sauce that locals order by name.
The English-style pub atmosphere, complete with dark wood and stained glass, makes the experience feel special. Generations of Duluth families have made this their Friday tradition, creating a warmth no modern restaurant can replicate.
8. Brass Rail’s Small-Town Fish Fry Phenomenon
I first visited Grandy (population: barely 200) on a friend’s recommendation, wondering how this tiny town could host Minnesota’s most talked-about fish fry. The parking lot, packed with cars from three counties away, answered my question.
The Brass Rail’s cod comes beer-battered and fried to golden perfection, but it’s their unique sides that steal the show. Their fried bologna sandwiches have developed a cult following among regulars who know to order them alongside the fish.
Every Friday, this unassuming spot transforms into a community gathering place. Farmers, lawyers, and everyone between share tables, swapping stories over perfectly fried fish in a scene that captures rural Minnesota’s heart.
9. Serlin’s Cafe’s No-Frills Fish Perfection
My St. Paul neighbor insisted I try Serlin’s despite my skepticism about a breakfast joint’s fish fry. One bite of their perfectly crisp cod converted me for life. This East Side institution keeps it simple: fresh cod in a family-recipe batter that’s been unchanged since the 1940s.
The fish comes with straightforward sides and their famous gas-station-style boiled peanuts that somehow make perfect sense with fish. What Serlin’s lacks in fancy atmosphere it makes up for in authenticity.
The tiny dining room fills with multi-generational families and solo diners who’ve been coming for decades. No reservations, no pretense—just the kind of honest fish fry that defines Minnesota Friday nights.
10. Rudy’s Redeye Grill’s Walleye Pike Extravaganza
I accidentally discovered Rudy’s during a thunderstorm in Rosemount, when taking shelter led to finding my new favorite fish fry. Sometimes getting caught in the rain has its rewards!
Their walleye pike comes two ways: traditional beer-battered or their signature parmesan-crusted version that locals drive miles to experience. Each Friday they serve their famous ‘Sloppy Bird’ shredded chicken sandwiches alongside the fish—an unusual pairing that’s become legendary.
The restaurant balances upscale touches with Minnesota practicality. White tablecloths and attentive service meet generous portions and zero pretension. Buckeye candies arrive with your check—a sweet ending to Minnesota’s most satisfying Friday tradition.