8 Small-Town Wisconsin Friday Fish Fries That Hit Different In Autumn
There’s something magical about Wisconsin’s Friday fish fry tradition, especially when autumn paints the trees in fiery shades of red and gold. For generations, families and friends have gathered in cozy taverns and community halls, where the scent of golden-battered fish mingles with the crisp fall air.
I’ve spent years tracking down the hidden gems tucked away in small towns across the state, each offering its own spin on this beloved ritual.
Paired with coleslaw, rye bread, or a frosty local brew, these eight spots turn a simple Friday night meal into an unforgettable seasonal experience steeped in Wisconsin hospitality.
1. Ishnala Supper Club’s Lakeside Legacy
My grandpa first brought me to Ishnala when I was ten, and I swear the view over Mirror Lake hasn’t changed a bit since then. The cedar-log dining room practically glows during October sunsets.
Their beer-battered cod arrives with a perfect crunch that echoes the sound of fallen leaves under your feet. Between bites, you’ll catch glimpses of kayakers drifting through crimson and gold reflections on the water.
Pro tip: Request a window table when making reservations and arrive before sunset. The combination of twilight colors and comfort food creates the quintessential Wisconsin autumn moment.
2. Buckhorn Supper Club’s Sunset Specials
Last October, I arrived at Buckhorn just as the sun dipped behind Lake Koshkonong, painting the sky in watercolor strokes of orange and purple. The Friday crowd buzzed with laughter that somehow felt warmer than in summer months.
Their fish fry options sing a perfect autumn tune – the baked cod with herb butter particularly shines when paired with their homemade potato pancakes. The crackling fireplace in the corner adds that extra touch of fall coziness.
Families gather here generation after generation, creating a tapestry of Wisconsin traditions as rich as the changing leaves outside.
3. Norwood Pines’ Northwoods Nostalgia
Nothing beats the scent of pine mingling with freshly fried fish! Norwood’s timber-frame dining room feels like stepping into a lumberjack’s dream home.
Their Friday cod comes with the most addictive corn fritters I’ve ever tasted – golden-crisp outside, steamy-soft inside. After dinner, folks bundle up in flannel and gather around the outdoor fire pit, swapping stories while nursing the last sips of drinks.
The drive there through Minocqua’s winding forest roads might be the best appetizer in Wisconsin. Those towering pines draped in autumn’s finest colors set the perfect mood for this northwoods feast.
4. Little Bohemia’s Gangster-Era Charm
The holes from the infamous 1934 Dillinger incident still pockmark the walls here! I stumbled upon this historic hideaway during a fall color tour last year and couldn’t believe my luck.
Friday’s fish arrives with a side of fascinating history – servers happily point out where FBI agents once crashed through windows while you munch on perfectly flaky haddock. The vintage Northwoods decor feels especially appropriate when autumn winds howl outside.
Wooden booths worn smooth by decades of diners create an atmosphere that modern restaurants simply can’t replicate. Pair your fish with their legendary hash browns for the full experience.
5. Pinewood Supper Club’s Lakefront Comfort
My first date with my husband happened here fifteen autumns ago! The drive along Half Moon Lake with maple trees in full flame creates an entrance experience worthy of a painting.
Their haddock practically melts on your fork, while the accompanying potato pancakes – thin, crisp, and slightly oniony – deserve their own fan club. The dark rye bread arrives warm, with real butter curls that puddle deliciously when spread.
Regulars time their arrivals for that golden hour when the setting sun ignites the lake surface. The staff remembers everyone’s names and favorite orders, making Pinewood feel like Friday dinner at a friend’s lakehouse.
6. The Copper Dock’s Friess Lake Festivities
Grandma always said timing is everything, and that’s especially true at The Copper Dock. Arriving right at 4:30 PM snags you the coveted lakefront tables where Friess Lake’s autumn reflections double the fall color show.
Their fish fry creates friendly debates among locals – some swear by the ultra-light batter, while others champion the broiled option with lemon-herb butter. I split the difference and order one of each.
The coleslaw here deserves special mention – crisp, not too creamy, with a hint of caraway that somehow tastes exactly like fall in Wisconsin should. Their homemade tartar sauce has converted many a store-bought believer.
7. Duck Inn’s Harvest-Season Hospitality
“You’ll waddle out happy!” jokes owner Pete every time I visit. After thirty years running this Delavan institution, he’s earned the right to duck puns.
Their all-you-can-eat Friday cod keeps coming until you surrender, accompanied by the fluffiest potato pancakes in southern Wisconsin. The dining room’s knotty pine walls and vintage duck decoys create a hunting-lodge vibe that perfectly matches autumn’s outdoor energy.
Families often stop here after pumpkin-picking at nearby farms, creating a heartwarming parade of rosy-cheeked children still clutching mini gourds. The wait staff somehow manages controlled chaos with genuine smiles that never fade.
8. Garmisch USA’s Alpine-Inspired Atmosphere
Tucked against Lake Namakagon’s shoreline, this German-inspired hideaway feels like it was built specifically for autumn enjoyment. Massive log beams frame windows that showcase the Northwoods’ most spectacular color show.
The Friday fish arrives Bavarian-style – lightly breaded perch fillets alongside traditional potato pancakes with applesauce and sour cream. Between bites, I love watching eagles soar over the lake while chipmunks gather acorns near the outdoor patio.
Owner Franz still greets guests personally, often sharing tales of his childhood in Germany’s Black Forest. His stories of European autumn traditions pair perfectly with the Wisconsin version unfolding outside the windows.