8 Wisconsin Friday Fish Fries That Locals Swear Are The Best In The Midwest

Growing up in Wisconsin, Friday nights meant one thing: fish fry! It’s practically a religious experience here in the Badger State.

These golden, crispy pieces of fish paired with creamy coleslaw, rye bread, and a cold beer create the perfect end to any work week.

I’ve spent years sampling these delicious Wisconsin traditions, and I’m thrilled to share my favorite spots that locals (including myself) consider the absolute best in the Midwest.

1. B & D’s Village Inn – New Munster’s Friday Night Tradition

The parking lot at B & D’s was completely full when I arrived – always a good sign! I squeezed onto the last barstool and watched as plate after plate of gorgeous fish emerged from the kitchen.

What makes B & D’s special is their variety. While most places offer cod or perch, here you can choose from walleye, bluegill, and even smelt when in season. Each type gets its own special treatment – the walleye pan-fried to perfection, the bluegill with a delicate cornmeal crust.

Their German potato salad deserves special mention – warm, tangy, and studded with bacon bits. It’s the perfect companion to their fish. The old-school supper club vibe with wood-paneled walls and friendly servers who remember your name adds to the authentic Wisconsin charm.

2. Tina’s Somers Inn – Where Perch Reigns Supreme

Last summer, I stumbled upon Tina’s after a day at Lake Michigan, following a hand-painted sign that simply read “BEST PERCH IN WISCONSIN.” That bold claim turned out to be absolutely true!

Unlike many places that focus solely on cod, Tina’s specializes in Lake Michigan yellow perch – delicate, sweet-flavored fish with a light, crispy breading that practically melts in your mouth. The portions are generous, with each piece perfectly uniform and cooked just right.

The real showstopper is their unique potato side – spiral-cut potatoes deep-fried to golden perfection. These crispy potato tornadoes pair perfectly with their house-made coleslaw that has a surprising hint of dill. Cash only, but trust me, you’ll want to hit the ATM for this experience!

3. Siebert’s Pub – Salem’s Beloved Local Haunt

“Save room for seconds!” the waitress warned me with a knowing smile when I ordered at Siebert’s for the first time. Boy, was she right!

This no-frills tavern might look modest from the outside, but locals pack the place every Friday for their legendary all-you-can-eat cod. The fish comes wrapped in a light, crispy batter that somehow never gets soggy, even after that third helping you’ll inevitably request.

The secret weapon at Siebert’s is their homemade tartar sauce – slightly tangy with just the right amount of pickle relish. Paired with their hand-cut fries and a cold Spotted Cow beer, it’s the quintessential Wisconsin experience that keeps me coming back month after month.

4. Maricque’s Bar – Green Bay’s Fish Fry Institution

“Just fish, no frills” is the motto at Maricque’s, and they’re not kidding! When my plate arrived, it contained nothing but perfectly fried perch – no sides, no garnish, just glorious fish.

Operating since 1932, this Green Bay institution serves their fish with a side of tradition. You order sides separately – the standard being rye bread, coleslaw, and their famous boiled potatoes. The fish itself is nothing short of spectacular, with a light, cracker-crumb coating that enhances rather than masks the fresh flavor.

What I love most about Maricque’s is the atmosphere – the tiny bar area, the paper plates, the cash-only policy, and the line out the door every Friday. It’s a time capsule of Wisconsin fish fry culture that Packers fans and locals have treasured for generations.

5. The Old Fashioned Tavern & Restaurant – Madison’s Capitol Square Classic

After a Badgers game last fall, I joined the crowd heading to The Old Fashioned on Madison’s iconic Capitol Square. The wait was long, but the fish fry proved worth every minute!

Unlike many traditional spots, The Old Fashioned elevates the classic fish fry with locally-sourced ingredients and artisanal touches. Their beer batter uses New Glarus Spotted Cow – a Wisconsin-only brew that creates an impossibly light, flavorful crust around perfectly flaky cod.

The sides here shine equally bright – hand-cut fries, house-made bread and butter pickles, and a tangy slaw with just the right amount of crunch. Sitting beneath the mounted deer heads and vintage Wisconsin memorabilia, watching the Capitol building glow through the windows, you’ll experience the perfect blend of tradition and modern Wisconsin culinary pride.

6. Toby’s Supper Club – Madison’s Time-Honored Treasure

The first time I visited Toby’s, I almost drove past it – this unassuming supper club looks more like someone’s house than a restaurant! That would have been a tragic mistake.

Walking in feels like stepping back to 1970, with dim lighting, wood paneling, and a bar packed with regulars. The fish fry here is the stuff of legend – enormous pieces of cod in a beer batter so light and crispy it defies physics. Each piece practically covers the entire plate!

Toby’s serves their fish with the classic Wisconsin fish fry accoutrements – creamy coleslaw, rye bread, and your choice of potato. Pro tip: order the hash browns, which come as a massive potato pancake with crispy edges and a soft center. Wash it all down with their notoriously strong brandy old fashioned for the complete experience.

7. Lakefront Brewery – Milwaukee’s Urban Fish Fry Experience

“Roll out the barrel!” sang the polka band as I sat down with my first Lakefront Brewery fish fry. Yes, there’s live polka music every Friday – could it get any more Wisconsin than that?

Located in a renovated power plant along the Milwaukee River, Lakefront offers a modern twist on the traditional fish fry. Their beer-battered cod is made with their own Eastside Dark lager, creating a perfect marriage between brewery and fish fry culture.

The communal seating at long tables creates a festive atmosphere where you’ll make friends with fellow fish lovers. Don’t miss their famous potato pancakes – crispy, oniony perfection that pairs beautifully with their house-made applesauce. Finishing your meal with a brewery tour makes for the ultimate Milwaukee Friday night experience.

8. American Serb Hall – Milwaukee’s Massive Fish Fry Operation

“How many pieces?” asked the server at American Serb Hall’s drive-through window. Yes, you read that right – a fish fry drive-through! During the height of Friday rush, this Milwaukee institution serves over 2,000 fish dinners.

The operation inside the massive hall is something to behold – an assembly line of fish frying that would make Henry Ford proud. Don’t let the cafeteria-style service fool you; the fish is consistently excellent. Their secret? A decades-old recipe featuring a distinctive cornmeal-based breading that gives each piece a satisfying crunch.

While dining in the enormous hall with its no-frills tables has its charms, I often opt for the drive-through and enjoy my fish at nearby Jackson Park. Their coleslaw has a unique sweet-tart profile that perfectly complements the fish, and the portions are generous enough for leftovers.