This Ohio Restaurant Quietly Serves Some One Of The Best Fried Walleye You’ll Ever Taste
Lake Erie has a way of turning casual hunger into a full-blown mission, and in Ohio, that mission usually ends with someone whispering, “You have to try the walleye here.”
I still remember the first time I followed that kind of tip, pulling into an unassuming spot and wondering if I’d just fallen for the world’s most convincing local exaggeration.
Then the plate arrived, golden and crackling like it knew it was about to change my dinner standards forever, and suddenly everything made sense.
If you think fried fish is just another menu item, this Sandusky restaurant is about to gently, deliciously prove you wrong.
A Sandusky Spot Worth Finding
You might drive past this place a dozen times before you decide to stop. The exterior is unassuming, just a regular-looking building on West Perkins Avenue.
But that’s part of what makes it special.
I pulled into the parking lot on a weekday afternoon and found plenty of spots available. The inside is what I’d call comfortably casual, with wood paneling that gives it a relaxed vibe.
TVs line the walls, and there’s a nice bar area that draws both regulars and first-timers.
The staff greeted me right away, and I could tell from the conversations around me that many people here were repeat customers. The atmosphere is laid-back in the best way.
You can come as you are, and nobody makes a fuss.
DeMore’s Offshore Bar & Grill sits at 302 W Perkins Ave, Sandusky, OH 44870, and it’s the kind of place that feels like a neighborhood favorite even if you’re just passing through Ohio for the day.
Walleye That Lives Up to the Hype
The fried walleye here is the real deal. I ordered the walleye sandwich after hearing multiple people rave about it, and I was not let down.
The fish was perfectly fried, with a golden, crispy exterior that gave way to tender, flaky white meat inside.
What impressed me most was how fresh it tasted. You can tell they’re not cutting corners with frozen fillets that have been sitting around.
The breading was light but substantial, seasoned just right without overwhelming the delicate flavor of the fish.
The tartar sauce deserves its own mention. I’m usually not a tartar sauce person, but theirs was so good I found myself adding extra to each bite.
It had a tangy, creamy quality that complemented the walleye without overpowering it.
One reviewer mentioned they prefer a different batter style, and I get that everyone has preferences. But for me, this version hit all the right notes.
Lake Erie Perch Done Right
If walleye isn’t your thing, the Lake Erie perch is another standout option. I tried it on a return visit, and it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most popular items on the menu.
The perch comes in generous portions, either as strips or in a full dinner.
The fish was incredibly fresh, which makes sense given how close Sandusky is to Lake Erie. Each piece had that perfect crunch on the outside while staying moist and tender inside.
The portion size was impressive, easily enough for a satisfying meal with plenty left over.
Several customers I spoke with said they come specifically for the perch, and one person told me they’ve been making the drive from out of town for over a decade just to get it. That kind of loyalty says something.
The perch pairs beautifully with their seasoned fries and coleslaw. The fries are hand-cut and have a nice crispy texture, while the coleslaw is creamy without being heavy.
Homemade Touches Throughout the Menu
One thing that separates this place from typical bar food joints is how much they make in-house. I noticed it immediately when I tried their mac and cheese as a side.
It wasn’t the stuff from a box or a bag. It was creamy, cheesy, and clearly made with care.
A woman at the next table told me she could taste the difference right away. She said too many places just throw frozen items in the fryer, but everything at DeMore’s feels fresh and thoughtfully prepared.
I had to agree with her.
The hush puppies are another homemade highlight. They’re crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and come with a sweet dipping sauce that people get genuinely excited about.
Some are stuffed with crab, which adds a nice twist to the classic version.
Even the salads feel fresh and well-made. I tried the Caesar salad with fried chicken on top, and the chicken was hand-breaded and perfectly crispy.
It’s these details that make a difference.
A Self-Serve Wall Experience
The self-serve wall is a fun feature that adds a bit of novelty to your visit. You get a card, pick your glass, and pour your own drinks from a variety of taps.
It’s a nice touch for people who like to try different options without committing to a full glass.
I watched several groups having fun with it, sampling small pours of different styles before settling on their favorites. The selection includes local and regional options, and the system tracks your pours so you only pay for what you drink.
It’s not something you see everywhere, and it fits the casual, friendly atmosphere of the place. You’re in control of your own experience, which feels fitting for a spot that lets the food speak for itself.
The bar area itself is inviting, with plenty of seating and a good view of the TVs. It’s a comfortable place to settle in, grab some food, and enjoy yourself without any pretense or fuss.
Service That Makes You Feel Welcome
Good food is important, but good service can make or break a dining experience. At DeMore’s, the staff clearly knows what they’re doing.
I was greeted warmly when I walked in, and my server was attentive without hovering.
What stood out was how genuine everyone seemed. This wasn’t forced friendliness.
The staff talked to customers like they actually cared about making sure we had a good time. My server offered menu suggestions without being pushy and checked in at just the right moments.
Even when the place was busy, service stayed smooth. One review I read mentioned the staff warning customers that service might be slow due to short staffing, but then the opposite happened.
That kind of transparency and effort is refreshing.
Several regulars chatted with the servers by name, and you could see the relationships that had been built over time. It’s the kind of place where people feel comfortable, and that comfort comes from a team that genuinely enjoys what they do.
Seafood Options Beyond the Classics
While the walleye and perch get most of the attention, the menu has plenty of other seafood worth exploring. The seafood nachos are a customer favorite, piled high with shrimp, crab, cheese, and all the toppings you’d want.
They’re rich, satisfying, and perfect for sharing.
I also tried the lobster bisque, which had a creamy base loaded with chunks of lobster. Some people love it, though I read one review from someone who found it too cheesy for their taste.
It’s one of those dishes where personal preference plays a big role.
The crab dip is another popular starter, and the clam chowder gets consistent praise for being full of actual clams rather than watered down. There’s also a seafood Alfredo and various platters that let you try multiple items at once.
For the adventurous, they offer frog legs, which several customers mentioned enjoying. It’s not something you see on every menu in Ohio, so it’s a nice option for those wanting to try something different.
Why This Place Deserves Your Visit
After multiple visits, I can confidently say this restaurant has earned its quiet reputation. The walleye really is as good as people say, but it’s more than just one dish.
The quality runs through the entire menu, from the fresh fish to the homemade sides.
What makes DeMore’s special is the combination of great food, friendly service, and reasonable prices. You’re not paying premium prices for pretentious presentations.
You’re getting honest, well-prepared food in a comfortable setting where you can relax and enjoy yourself.
The locals clearly know what they have here, and many have been coming back for years. That kind of loyalty doesn’t happen by accident.
It happens when a restaurant consistently delivers on its promises and treats customers right.
Whether you’re visiting Sandusky or live nearby in Ohio, this is a spot worth making time for. Come hungry, order the walleye, and see for yourself why people keep this place on their regular rotation.