5901 W National Ave, West Allis, WI 53214
Kegel's Inn was established in 1924 and is abundant in German and European heritage, decor and history (they even at one time served as a prohibition era speakeasy). With all of that, they are still probably best known for their fish fry. Kegel's traditional German Menu is pared down on Fridays to allow for their coveted fry, and it is no surprise. Kegel's offers a large variety of options including baked or fried cod, lake perch, walleye, blue gill, grouper and catfish. For us, the walleye is where it's at from those choices. But it's their special recipe for a super flavorful and crispy potato pancake (available for $2 more) that puts Kegel's at our No. 1 spot for fish fry.
2699 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Not all fish fries are traditional, including our pick for the second spot on the list, Hue Vietnamese in Bay View. Like most, Hue only offers their fish fry on Fridays. Hue serves up a large piece of swai deep fried in an airy but crispy turmeric beer batter. Instead of a potato option, the fish comes with a delicious garlic fried rice (also only available on Fridays), and a creamy Thai basil aioli. Trust us, this dish is one you'll remember.
540 S 76th St, Milwaukee, WI 53214
Liquid Johnny's is an unassuming small bar close to the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, but walking by on a Friday night you will smell their delicious Fish Fry from blocks away. The quality of the fish (which includes Icelandic cod, walleye and perch) is good, and hand-dipped in Johnny's original beer batter for a delicious result. We typically aren't too impressed with perch, but here, this might have been our favorite of the three fish options. You can also order the "Potato Cake" for an additional $2. Johnny's offers all of the sauce offerings you could ask for- tarter, drawn butter or malt vinegar for your fish and choices of apple sauce, syrup and sour cream for your potato. The only downfall here is that because of the size, and Wisconsin's love of sitting and drinking, you will probably be looking at a good wait time.
7300 N Lannon Rd, Lannon, WI 53046
Open since 1945, Mibb's and Viv's is known for two things: legendary broasted chicken and famous fish frys. It's a bit of a hike outside of Milwaukee, and you'll definitely wait for a seat on a Friday night, but we promise this fry is worth it. You'll have 3 choices to make: haddock, walleye or beer battered cod; fries, tots, German potato salad, or potato pancake; and the junior or regular size. We tried the combo plate and can confirm the breaded haddock is the way to go, and we recommend the German potato salad or the potato pancake.
2018 E North Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202
While Hacienda Beer Company is probably more known as a brewery than for their food, we love them for their unique twist on the classic Fish Fry. Only served on Fridays, the fry comes with HBC beer battered haddock, house fries, a tasty tangy slaw, remoulade and a cumin-esque chipotle ketchup. In the case of HBC, we are happy to pass up the potato pancake for a better vessel for the addictive sauces. If you find yourself on North Ave on a Friday, do not pass up on this fry.
3430 N 84th St, Milwaukee, WI 53222
Thistle & Shamrock might seem like your average no frills Wisconsin restaurant with an Irish twist, but when it comes to their fish fry, they are so much more. Thistle offers 21 different types of fish on their Friday menu, and no, that wasn't a typo. While they were out of about 9 of their options when we visited, this still might be the biggest variety you'll find in town. To make things even better, their potato pancakes come at no additional charge and are offered with both apple sauce and real maple syrup. If you want to try as many types of fish as possible, we recommend everyone in your party take advantage of the combo platters. After 8, you'll also have live music playing the room.
1872 N Commerce St, Milwaukee, WI 53212
If you have friends or family in town and you want to show them both a good time and a good Wisconsin fish fry, chances are you are taking them to Lakefront. On Fridays, Lakefront transforms into sit-down table service with a live Polka band and dancing. While the atmosphere is probably the biggest draw, the fish fry itself is solid. Lakefront offers beer breaded cod, hand breaded walleye, and even a plant-based fish fry option. Potato pancakes are available with house-made applesauce, though there are also several side options including Mac & Cheese, seasoned fries, sauerkraut, dill pickle potato chips and more.
352 E Stewart St, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Have you ever had an Italian twist on the classic fish fry? That's not something that is easy to find outside of Wisconsin, but here it is always worth checking in on your local Italian restaurant's Friday menu. Our favorite is Santino's in Bay View, the only offering on our list that is available seasonally during lent (not year round, sorry folks). Similar to calamari, think lightly breaded perch in Italian seasonings. Last year they even offered a deliciously seasoned potato pancake with their fry, which might land outside of the traditional Italian cuisine Santino's normally offers- but we hope they do it exactly the same this year.
11505 W National Ave, West Allis, WI 53227
If you're not feeling lots of people/loud German music vibes, but want to show some out of towners a "real Wisconsin" bar/restaurant with a good fish fry, take them to Natty Oaks. Natty Oaks is warm, inviting, and VERY Wisconsin (think pull tabs, Milwaukee sports, and cheesy humor). The fish fry is simple, mainly offering 2 or 3 pieces of beer battered cod, but also has the option of a flavorful potato pancake for a $2.50 additional charge. Also, you can enjoy a nice little Milwaukee Surf-and-Turf by ordering their killer smashburger with your fish fry.
1234 E Brady St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
The people at Pete's Pub really know how to cook, and it is no exception when it comes to their Fish fry. Pete's also doesn't have what locals would call a traditional fish fry as they lean to the British Fish & Chips style fry, served with a malt vinegar and mushy peas (if you prefer over coleslaw). They also serve haddock over cod, and the quality is noticeable. The house made tartar is one of our faves, making the Filet-O-Pete fish sandwich just as delicious. But, because of the UK vibes, no potato pancake.
800 S 2nd St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
We live very close to Steny's in Walker's Point, and we are truly happy about that fact. From the outside, Steny's may just seem like a sports bar on steroids, but what we've found is that their food always hits the spot, pretty much no matter what you order. Top personal favorites are their Bloody Mary and Dill Pickle Pizza (but those are for other, future lists). But also, their fish fry. Steny's Famous Friday Cod Fry Dinner (or perch dinner) is the ultimate comfort food and you can choose from a ton of side options. But, we wouldn't choose anything other than their super tasty and crispy potato pancake.
900 E Layton Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Packing House goes hard on Fridays, even offering a drive-thru fish fry from 3-9. This is a go-to for many Milwaukeeans for convenience and affordable prices from a classic Milwaukee Supper Club. But of course we'd rather dine-in for that simple but vintage ambiance. The cod is served with generous portions, and everything is housemade, but the tartar is on the sweeter side which may not be to everyone's taste.
3578 S 108th St, Greenfield, WI 53228
We don't usually eat enough fish to care about an All-You-Can-Eat fish fry, but Club Paragon is one to do if you're into that kind of thing. We opted instead for the "Wisconsin Sportsman Fish Fry" for the combination of the Canadian Walleye, Lake Erie Yellow Perch & Blue Gill. The fish and the tartar were tasty, but Paragon doesn't offer a potato pancake, just a standard french fry option.