Fish fry in Wisconsin is more than just a meal – it’s a Friday night tradition. From church basements to VFWs, supper clubs and dive bars, it seems there’s a spot to suit your every mood. You’ll want to save this list for your next visit to Madison!
The Tried and True
Dependable and timeless, these are known as longstanding staples in Madison.
A fixture in Madison since 1947, this family-owned restaurant is known for their all-you-can-eat hand-breaded ocean perch and traditional supper club atmosphere. Friday nights can be busy, so you’ll want reservations or expect to spend some time sipping Old Fashioneds at the bar while you wait.
Guests can enjoy a few different dining options at Quivey’s Grove. For a more formal night, opt for dinner in the Stone House; if you’re looking for a more casual atmosphere, dinner in the rustic Stable Grill will do. Both areas of the restaurant serve pretzel-crusted or beer battered fish fry – and hold spots on the National Register of Historic Buildings.
A Taste of Wisconsin
You won’t find food like this anywhere else.
This Capitol Square spot is a favorite among visitors and locals, known for traditional Wisconsin comfort food. Their walleye is excellent – enjoy it with a traditional fish fry on Fridays, or find it on weekdays served as a sandwich… and on weekends, for brunch with eggs.
On the other side of the Square, folks enjoy their fish fry with a side of tipsy sauce. Stop in Thursday night for the fish taco special, or Friday for Spotted Cow battered walleye and cod.
The Neighborhood Hang-Outs
Sample Madison’s different neighborhoods and vibes with these spots.
Monroe Street’s Gates and Brovi combines an east coast, Italian-style fish house with a Wisconsin tavern. The family-friendly eatery features fried Alaskan Cod or Great Lakes Bluegill on Friday nights, as well as fresh oysters, clam pizza, fish sandwiches and clam chowder daily.
Why wait until the weekend? The east side’s Dexter’s Pub offers a Wednesday night fish fry of Alaskan Cod or Great Lakes Perch, while Friday’s fish menu is a bit more expansive. Nearly all fish served here are wild caught and sustainably harvested, and all dinners include house coleslaw, Madison Sourdough bread and a side of potatoes.
The Coopers Tavern perfectly captures both the bustling energy of downtown Madison, and a laid-back and cozy pub – and they make a mean fish fry, too. Enjoy the fish and chips, served Irish style, and pair with a beer – there’s 28 on draft and a great selection of bottles from around the world.
The New Kid On The Block
This Waunakee spot is growing in popularity, with no signs of slowing down.
With 12 beers brewed on-site and a plethora of tasty food, Lone Girl is quickly becoming a local favorite. For Friday night fish fry, choose from a wild caught haddock – which is hand-battered with their SpeakEasy Ale – a pretzel-crusted walleye, or the seafood special. If the weather is nice, head to the large rooftop patio to enjoy your meal outdoors!
Find more foodie favorites at visitmadison.com.
