Friday Night Fish Fries in Wisconsin and Minnesota

My wife is from the La Crosse, Wisconsin area and she thinks that it is hard to beat the Friday night fish fry in the restaurants in the upper midwest. I have gone to about a half dozen restaurants in cities such as Winona, La Crosse and Milwaukee and I love the fish fry. I am a convert to it.
She says that the best can switch around and it is not consistantly in the same place. She likes going to churches and Elks Clubs. She also reccommended the Ramada in La Crosse/Onalaska, Wisconsin.

Where is your favorite Friday night fish fry?

quote:

Originally posted by peppertree

My wife is from the La Crosse, Wisconsin area and she thinks that it is hard to beat the Friday night fish fry in the restaurants in the upper midwest. I have gone to about a half dozen restaurants in cities such as Winona, La Crosse and Milwaukee and I love the fish fry. I am a convert to it.
She says that the best can switch around and it is not consistantly in the same place. She likes going to churches and Elks Clubs. She also reccommended the Ramada in La Crosse/Onalaska, Wisconsin.

Where is your favorite Friday night fish fry?

Other than the Billfish Grill in St Louis Park (Minneapolis), I have yet to find any fish worth dirtying a fork ANYWHERE in Wisconsin or Minnesota. I have been disappointed so many times by getting a 3 inch pastry batter surrounding something wet that I quit trying. Of course, my idea of good fish is tainted by the fact that I lived in North Carolina for more than 55 years and don't think it is seafood unless there is a big bowl of hushpuppies on the table. I look forward to the responses you get to your posting so I can find some decent fish when I go on my annual pilgramage to Silver Bay, MN in November.

Boy, you must have just missed every that is good. I have been going "up north" for years and have found many places for good fish frys. In the Minneapolis area, there is Tavern on Green in St. Paul and Twin Cities Grill in the Mall of America. In Wisconsin, go to just about any "supper club" and you should find what you are looking for. Two that pop in to my head are "Bootleggers" on Lake Nokomis and "The Silver Birches" outside Tomahawk. There are many others were you can a great fish fry. Hopefully, others will share the names of their favorites.

Wow, with Lake Superior right out the door in Silver Bay, I can't imagine that you can't find anyone to do a good fish fry. Granted most places prefer their fish broiled or smoked in that area because it is fresh, but surely Angry Trout in Grand Marais must have fried fish. Have you gone to Two Harbors and checked out their Moose Lodge or Legion post? Or Blackwells in Two Harbors?

It seems that all the Great Lake areas have great Fish Frys...don't discount the upstate New York area with their Haddock fish frys. The Buffalo & Rochester, NY cities take a back seat to no areas for good "Frys" on Friday nights at most area bars and restaurants.

Wisconsin Fish Fries: (mostly Milwaukee area):

-Brown Bottle Pub (all-you-can eat) http://www.foodspot.com/brownbottlepub/

-Beer Belly's (near the airport)
http://www.foodspot.com/beerbellys/

-Klinger's East (On E. Locust between Humboldt and Fratney...ambience is close to nil, but great hand-cut fries, fresh battered fish & cheap prices. Skip the slaw)

-Jack Pandl's Original Whitefish Bay Inn (right off Lake Michigan - I used to work there...the fish fry is very good - potato pancakes made perfectly, great homemade slaw, lightly bread lake perch,,,the pies are made each day, too, and soups are great)
http://www.jackpandls.com

Hope these help!
here's a pretty good article about Milwaukee fish frys, too, FYI: http://www.onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/fishfry.html

Nothing beats a Southern Arkansas Fish Fry. Catfish....Bass.....Crapie...Hushpuppies......French Fries.......Coleslaw......Ice Tea and/or a Cold Beer! Watermelon Cantaloupe and Home made Ice Cream for desert. Sometimes when we had a little extra $$$$$ we would even do a Shrimp Boil. "It Just Don't Get Much Mo Better Than That!" LOL

jessicazee - I second your list of choices, and I would like to add Turner Hall downtown, not all-you-can-eat, but excellent potato pancakes and breaded perch.

When a certain well-known national steakhouse chain opened a branch in the Milwaukee area, it was the first and only one of the chain to serve fish fries on Friday. This was because the owner successfully argued to the board members that a Wisconsin restaurant without a fish fry wouldn't have any business on Fridays. They didn't want to agree until one board member, originally from Wisconsin, backed up his claim!

We're talking a religion around here! (Literally, since it probably dates back to Catholic meat restrictions on Fridays.)

I work in Milwaukee several times each year. I have always noticed as I travel from my Marriott hotel to my work site the numerous signs indicating Friday fish fries. It is really a big deal in Milwaukee.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

Bona gotta agree with you / here in upstate NY we have a long list of very good friday fish frys / most are done with Haddock / but you can also find walleye / and early spring bullhead is hard to beat.

Churches and VFW posts all over Cincinnati do these all the time, with great regularity, and they are quite popular around here - in part because of the large Catholic population and the fairly well-set idea of 'meatless fridays' particularly but not exclusively during the 40 days of Lent (for non catholics, this is the 40 days preceeding Easter)

Edit: Just wanted to clarify that these don't tend to be commercial ventures, but rather are charitable fundraising events, and generally good to meet people in a community in a communal-table environment.

quote:

Originally posted by Sundancer7

I work in Milwaukee several times each year. I have always noticed as I travel from my Marriott hotel to my work site the numerous signs indicating Friday fish fries. It is really a big deal in Milwaukee.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

Any time you want to get together for dinner or something while you are in Milwaukee, let me know. Maybe Jessicazee and I could take you out somewhere new!

Calling all Milwaukee natives -

I went to my first fish fry at Slim's on Friday. It was OK, but I guess I was waiting for the clouds to part and to hear angels singing, which didn't happen. Is Slim's typical of the MKE FF experience, or do I really need to go to one of the places listed above?

-Yumbo

One thing I have found out about fish fry's. I want my fish hot and I want it the instant it comes out of the cooker. If it cools down, I do not like it. I want my slaw cold and my hushpuppies hot and my tartar sauce extremely cold.

Friday night fish fries are like anything and everywhere else. They are on the bell curve. Get a reccomendation from one of your friends before I would go.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

quote:

Originally posted by TJ Jackson

Churches and VFW posts all over Cincinnati do these all the time, with great regularity, and they are quite popular around here - in part because of the large Catholic population and the fairly well-set idea of 'meatless fridays' particularly but not exclusively during the 40 days of Lent (for non catholics, this is the 40 days preceeding Easter)

Edit: Just wanted to clarify that these don't tend to be commercial ventures, but rather are charitable fundraising events, and generally good to meet people in a community in a communal-table environment.

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Originally posted by Hillbilly
I have yet to find any fish worth dirtying a fork ANYWHERE in Wisconsin or Minnesota.

I know it isn't fried, but have you been to a fish BOIL in WS? Being a Southern boy, I didn't know fish came any way but fried and was very skeptical of boiling it. It was very good, though, and most entertaining to watch.

We race in Brainerd, MN every August and I always look forward to the walleye served in that area. While I am there, I try to get it as many times as possible from fried, sauteed, broiled and a few other ingenious ways those folks serve it.

Walleye is one of my most favorite fishes.

Paul E. smith
Knoxville, TN

quote:

Originally posted by yumbo

Calling all Milwaukee natives -

I went to my first fish fry at Slim's on Friday. It was OK, but I guess I was waiting for the clouds to part and to hear angels singing, which didn't happen. Is Slim's typical of the MKE FF experience, or do I really need to go to one of the places listed above?

-Yumbo

I've never heard of Slim's, but it's a fact that, with as many places as there are in this town that serve fish fry, some are much better and some are only so-so. Also, there are lots of varieties on how the fish is served and what comes with it. For example, Red Rock Cafe is supposed to have a great fish fry (Julia Child even gave it the thumbs up), but their fish is battered. Since my personal preference is for breaded fish, I don't go there for their fish fry.

Keep trying other places, you're bound to find one that you like. (And welcome to Milwaukee!)

Julia

Anyone in Northeast Wisconsin ever go to The Skyview Supper Club? The have one of the best seafood platters for $12.99.

In the Twin Cities, try the VFW (or is it the American legion?) in Richfield on Friday nights, busy place, fresh stuff because of turnover. On Lyndale, like about 60th or 70th St south

Also, I like the fish fry at the Tri-City Legion club (open to the public) in New Brighton, old Hwy 8 in town, a lot like the Richfield one.

Another is out West in Delano, MN. It's another legion hall restaurant.

Good Fish fry at ST. Clair Broiler. St. Clair and Snelling.

Tavern on Grand has the best deep fried or pan fried Walleye. Although not an all-you-can-eat friday night deal, you can have the option of ordering one or two fillets.

On West 7th St in St. Paul, there is an Italian place called DiGideo's. They serve a large, laps over the plate, tasty walleye fillet with the dinner trimmings, (sorry Southern folk, no hush puppies up here except occasionally at Dixie,s on Grand avenue. Dixie's has no fish fry but the catch of the day sort of thing.

Whoever it was who goes the Silver Bay, stop in Superior Wisconsin on yer way up. Almost all the bars on Hwy 2 and 53 have friday night fish fries. Most are good, some are better. But in Duluth, on the hill a little past the Miller Hill Mall is a bar and grill called The Chalet, open 365 and serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Best fish fry on friday up thataway.

The Knights of Columbus #4400 on Cass Street in Joliet has the best Fish Fry in the Chicago area. http://www.kofc4400.com

I miss having somewhere to go for a fine fish fry. The Lakeside Motel south of Somerset used to do Friday night fish fries. They served filets from big catfish caught in Lake Cumberland and all the sides were perfectly prepared. It was a very long trip for an evening meal, but one I didn't complain about.

Does anyone have information about Friday night fish fries in Kentucky?

JimInKy: If the restaurant you are talking about in Somerset is on the south side of town overlooking the lake sorta high on a hill, I have been there except it was not a evening fish fry. I did have fish there though but it was for lunch.

It has been about five years ago.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

Star Bar Restaurant: I94 & HWY 142 Kenosha-fried perch & bluegill
Birch Lake Resort: HWY W Winchester-pan fried walleye family style
St. Martin's Inn: Franklin-fried and pan fried perch
Big John's Pub: Burlington-fish boils on Wednesday in summer
White Gull Inn: Fish Creek-fish boils
Pelliters: Fish Creek-fish boils

The Edge of Town restaurant in Cedarburg, WI has a great fish fry. It's very popular so there's always a full house. I hate too much breading, but their's is pretty light. If you ever happen to get to Minocqua, WI in the northwoods, I strongly suggest Norwood Pines. Highway 70, west of Hwy 51 about 2 miles. Excellent fish fry and their soup is to die for.

http://www.norwoodpines.com/

Anyone out there that finds thier selves in the Lake Geneva, WI area on a friday night should try the fish at Evergreen Country Club north of Elkhorn on Hwy 12. The restaraunt is run by the same guy that used to run Sterlingworth Hotel and restaraunt up the road on Lauderdale Lakes and was well known for the Friday Fish Fry. Hush puppies, cole slaw, apple sauce, and choice of Fried or broiled haddock, or perch all you can eat. They have a limited season for the fish fry as the golf course business takes precedence over what goes on in the clubhouse but from now until sometime in May the fish should be on the menu.
Another good choice is The Village on Delavan Lake and a place over by Twin Lakes that's called Dirty Dan's or Mad Dan's, Something like that. It's been awhile since I was there but the fish was very good and they served a small loaf of fresh out of the oven bread along with the meal.

Another one I missed is The Duck Inn on the corner of hwy 89 and Cnty hwy A between Darien and Whitewater.This place picks up alot of the slack when Evergreen is taken over by the golpher's.

On HWY 50, east of Route 12, you'll find Big John's Pub. On Wednesday's, during the spring and summer, Big John has a Door County "all you can eat" fish boil.

Our local CULVER's (Corydon, Indiana) recently listed a WALLEYE dinner and a sandwich also. I haven't tried them yet, but CULVER's is a Wisconsin based chain that makes a great Burger. One of you Walleye lovers needs to try the Culver entry and let us know how it measures up to the competition.

I concur with Pepper Breath’s recommendation of Evergreen; my family waits with anxious stomachs for them to open. In Palmyra, The Nite Cap Inn has great fish and their potato pancakes (I top with applesauce and maple syrup) are the best around. What does anyone think of Serb Hall in Milwaukee? Joe Food

quote:

Originally posted by chicagostyledog

On HWY 50, east of Route 12, you'll find Big John's Pub. On Wednesday's, during the spring and summer, Big John has a Door County "all you can eat" fish boil.

I don't believe Big Johns is there anymore. It used to be on Hwy 50 in Slades Corners, but I think he sold out a few years ago when the Hwy was moved to the north side of town. The last I knew there was another restaraunt there but I don't recall the name.

quote:

Originally posted by Al-The Mayor-Bowen

Our local CULVER's (Corydon, Indiana) recently listed a WALLEYE dinner and a sandwich also. I haven't tried them yet, but CULVER's is a Wisconsin based chain that makes a great Burger. One of you Walleye lovers needs to try the Culver entry and let us know how it measures up to the competition.

I tried the Walleye at our local Culvers the other night and believe me there was nothing about it that comes close to a good Wisconsin fish fry.

quote:

Originally posted by Pepper Breath

quote:

Originally posted by chicagostyledog

On HWY 50, east of Route 12, you'll find Big John's Pub. On Wednesday's, during the spring and summer, Big John has a Door County "all you can eat" fish boil.

I don't believe Big Johns is there anymore. It used to be on Hwy 50 in Slades Corners, but I think he sold out a few years ago when the Hwy was moved to the north side of town. The last I knew there was another restaraunt there but I don't recall the name.

Too bad about Big John's. The last time we ate there, it was under a new owner. Big John knew once HWY 50 was four lanes and bypassed Slades Corners, it was curtains for business. BTW: when we visit my brother in Williams Bay, we enjoy the Wagon Wheel. Haven't been there in a few years. Other favorites are Sweet Aromas on HWY 43 and X and Millie's Pancake House, down the road from the Wagon Wheel.

Sweet Aroma is supposed to be about the best Italian place around, though I've never eaten there. I read in a review of the place one time Frank Sinatra was staying at the Abbey in Fontana and ate at Sweet Aroma. He said they made one of the best pasta sauces he'd ever had. We'll have to try it one of these nights.

Try Calhoun Hall on, you guesed it, Calhoun Rd. In New Berlin. One of the best fish Frys I've had there in years. Its kind of small though, so you may have to wait in the tavern portion. Also, Legacy Supper Club, on National Ave.

Try the Golden Mast..www.weissgerbers.com/goldenmast..very nice! They are located between Milwaukee & Madison...its alittle bit of a drive but worth it!!!

I've been to the Golden Mast. Pretty good. If you're out in that area, you might also want to try Donny's Supper Club. Good fish Fry and on Sundays they have a Sourbraten Special that excellant.

When I lived in the Chicago area we would always spend alot of time in the Lake Geneva area in the summer. We always had a family group of 15 - 25 people and would go to the Perch Fry at Ralph's in Delevan on Fridays. Always a 1-2 hour wait no matter what time you went but it was worth it. Excellent Perch was accompianed by all you can eat Potato Pancakes and homemade loaf, either Banna, Cranberry, pumpkin breador Carrot cake. Sure miss it.

quote:

Originally posted by Tommy2dogs

When I lived in the Chicago area we would always spend alot of time in the Lake Geneva area in the summer. We always had a family group of 15 - 25 people and would go to the Perch Fry at Ralph's in Delevan on Fridays. Always a 1-2 hour wait no matter what time you went but it was worth it. Excellent Perch was accompianed by all you can eat Potato Pancakes and homemade loaf, either Banna, Cranberry, pumpkin breador Carrot cake. Sure miss it.

I'll second that about Ralph's. Haven't been there for years but my parents went not too long ago and said it's still good. Not every place with a Friday fry serves potato pancakes, either.

Coachman's Inn (Stoughton, exit #156 off of I-90) is my local choice. Fried, broiled, or both, and excellent crab-stuffed mushroom caps. Plus it's a golf course and during the season you can get a package deal for 18 holes and dinner...

Brad O.

The "Westside Bar and Grill" in Hastings, Mn has probably the BEST fish Fry I've ever eaten. All you can eat..Friday nights. I love fish, the "Westside" ranks in the top 5 in the state...bar none!

Westside is located on the "West" sid eof Hasting just of HW 55.

I once lived in the Graet White North in Finland, Minn. just outside Silver Bay and I have to say that the fish fries when the smelt are running are VERY hary to beat. Smelt in beer batter are one of my fondest culinary memories. The snow there however is not. Most any neighborhood tavern would be my choice for fish fries. Most have a tried and true recipe and cook on hand. Blend in with the vikings and eat well.

This makes me want to cry. I'm in Rochester, MN for the next couple of years for school and I'm desperately missing my Northern Wisconsin roots - and the Friday Fish Fry tradition! Bootleggers in Tomahawk (on Lake Nokomis) and The Spinning Wheel in Shawano are my favorites, but I can't find a gosh darn Fish Fry in this town! Anybody know of any in the Rochester area? We're desperate at this point!

quote:

Originally posted by badgergrl

This makes me want to cry. I'm in Rochester, MN for the next couple of years for school and I'm desperately missing my Northern Wisconsin roots - and the Friday Fish Fry tradition! Bootleggers in Tomahawk (on Lake Nokomis) and The Spinning Wheel in Shawano are my favorites, but I can't find a gosh darn Fish Fry in this town! Anybody know of any in the Rochester area? We're desperate at this point!

Try the American Legions and other lodges. Maybe churches. Maybe the least likely bar/grill that gets no publicity by the food connosseurs. Your living in a medical community of too many educated people thinking they have refined taste. But seriously, Rochester, though in Minnesota with 15,000 lakes, is not anywhere near the lakes regions.

I notice this is a really old thread. The Billfish Grill in St. Louis Park did not last long. It was OK but nothing to rave about. It was seafood and not a local fish restaurant.

Smelt is almost history. Every spring communities and organizations had smelt fries for fund raisers. Our local volunteer fire department did it every year back in the 80's but no more. The smelt pretty much run out on the north shore. It is no longer the spring ritual netting them in the feeder rivers and streams. Smelt were sardine sized skinny fish that got deep fried crispy and whole--no gutting or head chopping.

What NO mention of Lukefish ????????????????????

It's lutefisk not lukafish and no it is not fried. It's parboiled. So it is off topic.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lutefisk

The upper Midwest is a freshwater fried fish heaven from local fish fries to fried walleye sandwiches in restaurants to battered and fried fresh caught fish at the cabin or camp ground. Lutefisk is seafood Cod and a Norwegian aberration that is still eaten mainly at heritage festival gatherings and in the homes of died in the wool Norwegians. Very few restaurants serve it up but there are some. It also makes for great jokes to supplement Ole and Lena jokes.

As an east coaster we I make sure to hit any fishfrys when up in Wisconsin. It's one of those do in Rome things.

Hi! I am coming to Wisconsin from Canada in a few weeks and will participate in a fish fry!! I will be in the Reedsburg area and would love some recommendations on where to eat! We don't have things like this up here so I'm really looking forward it :)

I'm sure your host wherever you're staying can offer up some good suggestions. You also are very close to the Dells which is full of supper clubs that have Friday fish fries but I'd try a local place first. I'd just like to tell you that Carr Valley Cheese in nearby La Valle has some truly outstanding artisan cheeses that I think are well worth a visit. It's just the next town over and if you enjoy cheese, this is the place to go. http://www.carrvalleycheese.com/