Where to find a fish fry in the Northwoods & beyond
There’s nothing more classically Wisconsin than a Friday night fish fry, and the state is full of great places to find delicious, deep-fried cod, haddock, perch, and more. Here’s a look at a few places across the state you should visit, whether you’re in the Northwoods or exploring Madison and Milwaukee.
Northern Wisconsin
The epitome of fish fry culture can be found in northern Wisconsin, which is home to classic bars, restaurants, and supper clubs that have been serving up crispy haddock, cod, walleye, perch, and more for decades. Many of these establishments are nestled on the shores of Northwoods lakes, giving diners a side of stunning scenery with their meal.
Vilas County at the top of Wisconsin is a classic Northwoods vacation destination, so it’s no surprise that it’s also home to some excellent spots for a Friday fish fry. The Craftsman American Tavern serves haddock and haddock street tacos (plus shrimp) in a modern space in downtown Eagle River, and Stillwaters in Sayner-Star Lake-Cloverland. Other great places to try include The Guides Inn in Boulder Junction, and the Burnt Bridge Tavern in Conover.
Fish fry options also abound in Oneida County, Vilas County’s neighbor to the south. The Boathouse is an iconic fish fry spot on the lakefront in Minocqua, and Rocky’s Roadhouse in Rhinelander, the Hazelhurst Pub, and SpiritView Lakeside in Three Lakes all rate highly among locals and visitors alike.
Central Wisconsin
If you happen to find yourself driving along the Wisconsin Great River Road on the western side of the state, stop by The Waterfront Restaurant & Tavern for an upscale fish fry experience featuring beer-battered walleye or visit the Hillside Fish House in Fountain City, which has been serving delicious fish for decades.
In the middle of the state, Stevens Point’s Point After Pub & Grill offers a wide variety of fish fry specials, including haddock, a shrimp fry, fish tacos, salmon, and fish sandwiches. In Marshfield, locals rave about the cod and walleye at Central Café, and the Lumberyard Bar & Grill offers haddock, walleye, cod, and (grilled) salmon.
Southern Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s capital city of Madison offers up a bevy of tasty fish fry options. The Old Fashioned, a popular downtown spot just steps from the Capitol, puts the focus on everything Wisconsin, which means a great fish fry and more than 50 Wisconsin beers on tap. Toby’s Supper Club is a can’t-miss classic just south of the Beltline on Madison’s southeast side.
Milwaukee doesn’t fool around when it comes to a great fish fry, either. Lakefront Brewery in the Brewer’s Hill neighborhood has established a legacy as a popular fish fry spot on Fridays, serving up a tasty fish fry dinner featuring cod and walleye—as well as live polka music! Steny’s in Walker’s Point is a top spot for its Friday fish fry (cod and perch) and it’s a great place to meet before a Brewers game, as they have a free shuttle from the bar to the stadium.
