9 Spots for Fabulous Fish Fry in Madison

Fish fry in Wisconsin is more than just a meal – it’s a Friday night tradition. From church basements to fine dining, supper clubs and dive bars, 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.

Kavanaugh’s Esquire Club

A fixture in Madison since 1947, this family-owned restaurant is known for its all-you-can-eat hand-breaded ocean perch and traditional supper club atmosphere. Friday nights can be busy, so you’ll want reservations or be down to spend some time sipping Old Fashioneds with friends at the bar while you wait.

Quivey’s Grove

Choose from two 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 is the place for you. 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.

The Old Fashioned Tavern & Restaurant

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.

Tipsy Cow

On the other side of Capitol Square, folks enjoy their fish fry with a side of tasty tipsy sauce at Tipsy Cow. Stop in Thursday night for the fish taco special, or Friday for walleye and cod battered with Spotted Cow beer from New Glarus Brewing Co.

The Neighborhood Hang-Outs

Sample Madison’s different neighborhoods and vibes with these spots.

Gates and Brovi

Monroe Street’s Gates & 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.

Dexter’s Pub

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.

Coopers Tavern

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 (French fries) and pair with a beer – there are 28 on draft and a great selection of bottles from around the world.

The Modern Spins

Spice up your Friday by visiting these stylish spots putting their own twist on a Wisconsin classic.

Lone Girl Brewing Company

With 12 beers brewed on-site and a plethora of tasty food, Lone Girl in Waunakee is 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!

The Harvey House

For classic Wisconsin club fare elevated to new heights, visit The Harvey House, located within a renovated historic train depot. The fish fry here is served all week long; the Superior Walleye comes with German Spatzle, cabbage, and toasted rye bread. You can also get a Walleye filet-o-fish sandwich on its own for another tasty twist.

Still hungry? Discover more delicious fish frys throughout Wisconsin.