Milwaukee's fish fry tradition

Fish isn't just for Friday's anymore. OnMilwaukee's fish fry guide is your GPS compass.

Note: The contents of this guide were checked for accuracy when this article was updated on Feb. 16, 2018 at 1:01 p.m. We continually update the thousands of articles on OnMilwaukee.com, but it's possible some details, specials and offers may have changed. As always, we recommend you call first if you have specific questions for the businesses mentioned in the guide.

The Friday fish fry is one of Milwaukee's most cherished and distinctive traditions.

The Friday fish fry is one of Milwaukee's most cherished and distinctive traditions. In fact, visit most other cities and ask where to get the "best fish fry," and you're likely to be met with a blank stare... but not in the Brew City.

Milwaukee came by its fish fry tradition honestly. After all, the European settlers who flocked to the Cream City in the 1800s would have been remiss if they didn't take advantage of the bounty provided by Lake Michigan's waters. It helps that many of those immigrants were Catholic, and the tradition of foregoing the consumption of meat on Fridays made the fish fry a natural evolution.

The fish fry tradition developed even further during the Prohibition era, when fish fries became a way for former alcohol-purveying establishments to stay in business. Many went so far as to conceal their illicit speakeasies beneath the intoxicating aroma of frying fish, offering free or low-cost fish to those who imbibed.

As time moved forward, fish fries became an easy way to avoid meat while enjoying a night out and eating affordably. The tradition grew from there, providing Milwaukee families an opportunity to go out to dinner without breaking the bank.

Most places in town have fish fries, and this guide couldn't possibly cover them all; but after much searching, asking and eating, here are some of the best places in the city that OnMilwaukee.com suggest to catch a fish fry.

Where do you want to find a fish fry?

Downtown/East Side North/Northwest Side/Suburbs Multiple Locations South/Southwest Side West Side/Suburbs Farther Flung Churches and Centers

And, as always, if you have a favorite dish or restaurant and if you're willing to share your hidden gem... Let me know at Mike@NewFoodReviews.com

Downtown/East Side

Bar Louie 1114 N. Water St., (414) 847-1492 barlouieamerica.com Bar Louie serves up their Drunken Fish & Chips seven nights a week. Enjoy beer-battered fish, tartar sauce and tasty seasoned fries.

Black Rose Irish Pub 2856 N. Oakland Ave. (414) 763-6526 blackrosemilwaukee.com The Black Rose Irish Pub on Oakland Ave. serves fish & chips as part of their specialties menu. Lightly battered fish fillets are served with coleslaw and fries.

The Brown Bottle 221 W. Galena St. (414) 539-6450 brownbottlemke.com Enjoy beer battered cod, battered perch or baked Alaskan cod with lemon caper butter sauce served with French fries, house made coleslaw, tartar sauce and rye bread. Substitute potato pancakes and house made applesauce for French fries for $1 more.

Buck Bradley's 1019 N. Old World 3rd St., (414) 224-8500 buckbradleys.com Tasty baked or breaded cod fish fry, great sides and one of the longest bars east of the Mississippi.

Cafe Benelux 346 N. Broadway, (414) 501-2500 cafebenelux.com Lowlands Tandem Dubbel bier-battered or potato chip-encrusted cod fish fry, served with frites, cole slaw, and housemade remoulade. Also available: calamari, mahi mahi tacos, shrimp, salmon salad and more.

Dino's Riverwest 808 E. Chambers St., (414) 562-9171 dinosriverwest.com The fish fry at Dino's comes with battered or pan fried cod, coleslaw, homemade tartar sauce and your choice of fries, baked potato or penne pasta. A gluten-free version is also available upon request.

Hooligan's 2017 E. North Ave., 414-273-5230 hooliganssuperbar.com On Fridays Hooligan's guests have a choice of cod, lake perch or walleye with the option of eating the fish as a dinner or in a sandwich. All dinners are served with coleslaw, tartar sauce, marble rye bread and a choice of french fries, fresh fruit or homemade potato pancakes.

Hi-Hat 1701 N. Arlington Pl., (414) 225-9330 hihatlounge.com Hi-Hat may not be the first place you think of for fish fry, but they fry those fish up right (with a slight twist), from open to close every Friday night. Choose from battered cod or Milwaukee-style fried perch; both are served with coleslaw, marble rye, fries and caper mayo. You can also opt for the fish sandwich or Lake perch tacos.

Lakefront Brewery Beer Hall 1872 N. Commerce St., (414) 292-0808 lakefrontbrewery.com A favorite of OnMilwaukee.com readers, Lakefront has one of the city's most unique fish fries, served up from 4 until 9 p.m. The menu offers up cod with East Side Dark batter, panko-breaded Growing Power perch, breaded smelt or a combination platter with beer battered cod, breaded lake perch and 2 jumbo shrimp. Each option is served up with creamy coleslaw, housemade tartar sauce and a choice of sides including French fries, potato pancakes or German potato salad. A lovely setting on the river, polka music and tours of the brewery are also available.

Major Goolsby's 340 W. Kilbourn Ave., (414) 271-3414 On Fridays, Goolsby's offers their guests breaded Icelandic cod filets with coleslaw and french fries. Other offerings include a fish sandwich on a bun with lettuce and tomato.

Mason Street Grill 425 E. Mason St., (414) 298-3131 masonstreetgrill.com If you love your Friday fish fries too much for just one helping, stop by Mason Street Grill for their lunch and dinner special, which includes Great Lakes walleye, homemade tartar sauce coleslaw, fries and best of all, half-off seconds. Mason Street Grill's amber special also makes for a wallet-friendly way to wash it all down.

Mi-key's 811 N. Jefferson St., 414-273-5397 mikeysmilwaukee.com Cathedral Square's favorite fish fry is available Fridays beginning at 4 p.m. Choose from fried or broiled Atlantic Cod with rye bread & coleslaw. Save money by ordering a 60-ounce pitcher of beer for the table.

Miller Time Pub 509 W. Wisconsin Ave., (414) 271-2337 millertimepub.com Miller Time Pub welcomes their guests to try the famous Milwaukee fish fry tradition seven days a week. Their entree includes Miller beer battered haddock served with dill tartar, three cabbage coleslaw, potato pancakes, and apple sauce.

Milwaukee Beer Bistro 2730 N. Humboldt Blvd., (414) 562-5540 milwaukeebeerbistro.com This bar and grill, once home to Rio West Cantina, serves up all sorts of food infused with beer. And that includes their fish fry which features ale battered cod with fries and coleslaw. Their fish fry is also available on Wednesdays during Lent.

Milwaukee Brat House 1013 N. Old World 3rd St., (414) 273-8709 milwaukeebrathouse.com Even the brat house is serving fish on Fridays! Stop in for their three pieces of fresh cod, coleslaw, rye bread and tartar sauce.

Mo's Irish Pub 142 W. Wisconsin Ave., (414) 272-0721 mosirishpub.com Mo's serves their Irish classic fish and chips all year round. Entrées come with golden brown, beer-battered Atlantic cod served with seasoned french fries, tangy tartar sauce and homemade coleslaw.

Motor 400 W. Canal St., (414) 287-2778 motorrestaurant.com There's nothing more Milwaukee than a Harley and a fish fry. Head to the Harley-Davidson Museum's own Motor for an all-day Wisconsin fish fry featuring beer-battered fish served with fries, coleslaw and (here's the twist) cornbread.

Old German Beer Hall 1009 N. Old World 3rd St., (414) 226-2728 oldgermanbeerhall.com Indulge in a half-pound of cod at the Old German Beer Hall. It's fried in Hofbrau beer batter and served up with fries, bread and coleslaw.

Potawatomi Hotel + Casino 1721 W. Canal St., (800) 729-7244 paysbig.com In the heart of the Menomonee Valley, Potawatomi's Buffet offers an all-you-can-eat fish fry buffet featuring a catch of the week and all the traditional sides. Fried shrimp and other great selections are available, as well. Meanwhile, Canal Street Café, located just of the hotel's lobby, offers up golden, flaky tempura-battered cod served with potato pancakes, coleslaw and applesauce.

Red Lion Pub 1850 N. Water St., (414) 431-900 redlionpubmke.com At Red Lion, the sister pub of Three Lions in Shorewood, you can count on finding an authentic English English Fish 'N Chips experience every day of the week. Of course, if you prefer something a bit more traditional, they also offer up battered Atlantic cod with chips, coleslaw and rye bread. A special menu during Lent features a variety of other fish specials.

St. Paul Fish Company 400 N. Water St. (414) 220-8383 stpaulfish.com If there's one place in town that knows fish, it's St. Paul Fish Company in the Milwaukee Public Market. And they serve up a fine fish fry to boot. Choose from Schlitz battered cod or fried perch, shrimp, grouper, walleye or catfish paired with French fries and coleslaw. Or treat yourself to the live Maine lobster dinner, just $13.95 every day.

Swingin' Door Exchange 219 E Michigan St. (414) 276-8891 swingindoorexchange.com This pub and grub features a large menu with many foods to choose from. Give it a try on Friday nights for the fish fry, which features Icelantic Cob, Lake Perch and Shrimp.

Trinity 125 E. Juneau Ave. (414) 278-7033 trinitythreeirishpubs.com Trinity, just off the Water Street bar strip, serves lightly battered fish filets with fries and coleslaw seven days a week.

Victor's 1230 N Van Buren St., (414) 272-2522 victorsbarmilwaukee.com Victor's has gotten to be a well known singles bar complete with music and a metal dance floor. But, prior to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays, they also serve up a mean all-you-can-eat fish fry served with with cole slaw, tartar sauce, lemon wedges and freshly baked round of loaf country white bread and butter. You can also choose from French fries, cheesy hash browns, or baked potato with sides: bacon, sour cream and shredded cheddar mozzarella cheese.

South/Southwest Side

Amelia's 724 E. Layton Ave., (414) 483-0345 At Amelia's the all-you-can-eat cod or smelt comes with cole slaw, rye bread and tartar sauce. Try other dinners like a fish sandwich with french fries or one pound of lake perch.

Bass Bay Brewhouse S79W15851 Aud Mar Dr., Muskego (414) 377-9449 bassbaybrewhouse.com Bass Bay's classic Wisconsin fish fry includes hand-breaded Atlantic cod served up with tartar sauce, French fries, marbled rye with Wisconsin butter and house made cole slaw. But, maybe you'd rather have a sandwich? Get that same delicious fish stacked high on marbled rye bread, Wisconsin Cheddar, tartar sauce and cole slaw with a side of fries.

Beer Belly's 512 W. Layton Ave., (414) 481-5520 You can get fish here every day; but Friday's catch is only available, of course, on Fridays. Choose from their traditional cod fry, baked cod dinner, a codwich, beer battered baby walleye pike, smelt basket, clam strip basket or jumbo shrimp entree.

The Bosch Tavern 5871 S. 108th St., Hales Corners (414) 427-1400 theboschtavern.com Enjoy the fish fry at this "old timey" bar and eatery featuring vintage ads and antiques on knotty pine paneling and a stone fireplace. Dinner includes your choice of beer-battered haddock, baked haddock or the Bosch haddock fish boil. Sides include marble rye, coarsely cut coleslaw with green pepper and dill, tartar sauce and skin-on French fries. Ask for a bowl of the clam chowder which is filled to the brim with clams, potatoes and celery.

Brighton Dale Links 830 248th Ave. (Hwy. 75) Kansasville, (262) 925-8005 golfbrightondale.com Every Friday of the year, from 1 to 8 p.m., enjoy beer-battered cod, jumbo shrimp, bluegill and walleye fillet served with all the fixin's!

Cafe Centraal 2306 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., (414) 755-0378 cafecentraal.com Lowlands Tandem Dubbel bier-battered or potato chip-encrusted cod fish fry is served with frites, cole slaw, and housemade remoulade. Also available: calamari, fish tacos, mussels and more.

Cafe El Sol 1028 S. 9th St., (414) 384-3100 unitedcc.org Hidden in the United Community Center, Cafe el Sol is one of Milwaukee's best-kept fish fry secrets. It features cod freshly dunked in a Puerto Rican batter before being served buffet-style alongside salad, beans and rice and various side dishes. The price also includes live entertainment from 6:30 t0 8:30 by Latin bands from Milwaukee or abroad.

Clifford's Supper Club 10418 W. Forest Home Ave., (414) 425-6226 cliffordsfinefood.com Clifford's famous Friday fish fry doesn't stop at just fish. The Hales Corners eatery also features steaks and chops alongside its seafood selection, plus a relish tray, rolls and a cracker basket. Dinners come with soup, salad and potato. The fish fry is served all day, every day and is always available to-go.

The Country Squire S72 W16373 Janesville Rd., (262) 422-0140 This is the place to go if you want a salad bar with your battered cod. It's a scrumptious fish fry at a decent price.

Coach's Pub & Grill 5356 S. 13th St., (414) 281-8175 coachspubngrill.com Variety is the name of the game at Coach's Pub & Grill. An all-you-can-eat cod dinner, and there are numerous platters to choose from, featuring perch, blue gill, walleye and just about anything you can imagine. Get buckets of 8-16 pieces with french fries, cole slaw, tartar sauce and rye bread.

Drink Wisconsinbly 135 E. National Ave. drinkwi.pub Come for the atmosphere -- which is a mix of classic Wisconsin bar and old school supper club -- and stay for the fish fry at Drink Wisconsinbly Pub, where paying homage to Wisconsin tradition is a daily occurrence. Enjoy battered cod filets with creamy coleslaw, Texas toast style marbled rye, crisp French fries and tartar sauce every Friday. Wash it all down with a SoulBoxer brandy old fashioned.

Erv's Mug 130 W. Ryan Rd., (414) 762-5010 ervsmug.com Erv's Mug is a popular Oak Creek restaurant -- with unbeatable decor -- that fries some of the best fish in the southern suburbs. The portions are large, the place is busy and the patrons are some of the friendliest around.

Final Approach 4959 S. Howell Ave., (414) 744-7060 finalapproachmilwaukee.com If you're near the airport, head over to Final Approach for beer battered cod, breaded perch, baked cod or breaded or broiled walleye served with french fries or potato pancakes, cole slaw, rye bread and home-made tartar sauce. Or opt for one of the other seafood based entrees including salmon picatta, coconut breaded shrimp or broiled tilapia.

Fritz's Pub 3086 S. 20th St., (414) 643-6995 This casual south side pub offers up beer-battered cod, great coleslaw and potato wedges. You can also choose from shrimp offerings and a "fishwich."

Grainger's Pub & Grill 3400 W. Loomis Rd., (414) 282-9917 graingersbar.com Friday's catch includes beer-breaded cod, baked walleye and hand-breaded shrimp, among other dishes. All come with coleslaw, fries or potato pancakes and rye bread.

Kegel's Inn 5901 W. National Ave., (414) 257-9999 kegelsinn.com The wait is long on Fridays, but the goods at Kegel's Inn are worth it. This old-style corner tavern with a German beerhall feel offers fast service and incredible fish along with other German specialties. Don't miss the potato pancakes, which were featured in Saveur magazine a few years back.

Klemmer's Banquet Center 10401 W. Oklahoma Ave., (414) 541-9190 klemmersbanquetcenter.com Known in the area as the go-to banquet center for weddings and funeral luncheons, Klemmer's also serves a mean year-round fish fry that includes haddock, fried perch, pike, slaw, choice of potato, cucumber salad and rye bread.

Kokopellli's Pub & Grub 6001 W. Madison St., (414) 476-8788 kokopellispub.com There are plenty of choices at Kokopelli's, which offers traditional deep fried cod, blackened catfish, pan seared or deep fried walleye, pan seared or deep fried perch, breaded shrimp or combination platters featuring cod, perch and shrimp. Fish dinners are served with bread, soup or salad, house made coleslaw, tartar or cocktail sauce and a choice of fries, tater tots or sweet potato fries.

Lake City Restaurant and Lounge 5105 Howell Ave., (414) 831-3659 lakecityrestaurant.com You better come hungry when you stop in here. Lake City offers all-you-can-eat beer battered or baked cod and endless soup and salad bar. In addition they have other menu fish choices such as pretzel crusted bluegill, almond crusted tilapia or blackened catfish.

The Lodge 3800 E Layton Ave., Cudahy (414) 877-1667 thelodgecudahy.com The Lodge is a sports bar which offers up a Friday special of beer battered cod with coleslaw, marble rye, tartar sauce and your choice of steak fries or potato pancakes. If you'd prefer, you can opt for pan fried walleye, baked cod or large battered shrimp (regular or buffalo style).

Meyer's Restaurant and Bar 4260 S. 76th St., (414) 321-4400 meyersrestaurant.com Dig into this fish fry, which includes fried or baked fish (or a combination of the two) along with family style servings of potato salad, bean salad, coleslaw, a choice of soups, bakery fresh rye rolls, tartar sauce, lemon and a choice of potato (baked, mashed, boiled, French fries or potato cakes). Additional Friday specials including breaded walleye, stuffed sole, stuffed shrimp or white roughy Rockefeller.

O'Lydia's 338 S. 1st St., (414) 271-7546 olydias.com Voted one of the best fish fries in Walkers Point, this fry includes one or two pieces – or all-you-can-eat – cod, perch, bluegill, shrimp and a weekly fish special.

Oscar's on Pierce 1712 W. Pierce St., (414) 810-1820 oscarsonpierce.com Oscar's has a mean burger. But, they also do a great fish fry. Theirs includes coleslaw, their delicious homemade french fries and rye bread. It's not all-you-can-eat; but you can request extra pieces of fish for about $1 each.

Packard Cafe 5921 S. Packard Ave., Cudahy, (414) 481-0890 This cafe starts serving fish early, from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. They offer a cod fish fry served with french fries and the choice of soup or salad.

The Packing House 900 E. Layton Ave., (414) 483-5054 packinghousemke.com The Packing House offers a terrific fish fry, baked or fried, with all the sides. Like Serb Hall, it also offers a drive-through service. Just look for the traffic spilling onto Layton Avenue (but remember, it's cash-only for the drive-thru!).

Petrifying Springs Golf Course 4909 7th St. (Hwy. A), Kenosha, (262) 925-8001 petrifyingspringsgolf.com Every Friday of the year, from 1 to 8 p.m., enjoy beer-battered cod, jumbo shrimp, bluegill and walleye fillet served with all the fixin's!

Scotty's 3921 S. Clement Ave., (414) 481-6060 At Scotty's, there's no such thing as small. Hefty portions of beer-battered or breaded cod or perch come with homemade coleslaw, rye bread and your choice of potato pancakes, fries or seasoned baked potatoes.

Serb Hall 5101 W. Oklahoma Ave., (414) 545-6030 americanserbhall.com Serb Hall has long claimed to have the best fish fry in the city. They feature both fried and baked cod and perch; but expect a long wait before partaking in this local favorite. For service in your car, try the drive-through. But get there early: the line can snake along Oklahoma Avenue all the way down past 48th, 47th or even 46th Street on the busiest nights. The drive-through service is also available on Ash Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m.

Wegner's St. Martins Inn 11318 W. St. Martins Rd., Franklin (414) 425-9971 stmartinsinn.com There's plenty to love at Wegner's St. Martins Inn fish fry where you can choose from beer battered haddock, fresh lake perch or a combination of the two. Dinners include coleslaw, canfora bakery marbled rye bread, tartar sauce, and choice of boiled red potatoes german potato salad, potato pancake, or french fries.

West Side/Suburbs

Albanese's Roadhouse 2301 W. Bluemound Rd., Waukesha, (262) 785-1930 albanesesroadhouse.com Waukesha natives rave about this place, for good reason. Conveniently located near shopping and the Marcus Majestic movie theater complex, fish comes with a side of pasta, bread and a tossed salad.

Athens Family Restaurant 5547 N. Lovers Lane Rd., (414) 462-3950 athensfamilyrestaurant.com Wednesdays and Fridays, this all-you-can-eat fish fry is served at lunch and dinner with a salad, bread, dessert and beer.

Balistreri's Bluemound Inn 6501 W. Bluemound Rd., Wauwatosa, (414) 258-9881 balistreris.com Nothing fancy here. Just solid, beer-battered cod fried to a bright gold and served with tartar sauce, fries, rye bread and lemon.

Brookfield Family Restaurant 18000 W. Bluemound Rd., Brookfield, (262) 792-1180 brookfieldfamilyrestaurant.com This family-owned restaurant offers a good, old-fashioned example of big helpings for a small price. They offer fried fish year-round with a baked cod special on Fridays. Upgrade to all-you-can-eat for a small charge.

Cafe Bavaria 7700 Hartwood Ave., Wauwatosa, (414) 271-7700 cafebavaria.com Cafe Bavaria in Wauwatosa serves Lake Erie white perch with fries, remoulade, whole grain toast and bacon-apple slaw every Friday.

Cleveland Pub & Grill 14000 W. Cleveland Ave., New Berlin, (262) 754-5337 clevelandpubandgrill.com At Cleveland Pub & Grill, you'll get tasty, crispy haddock or fried perch served with your choice of French fries, baked potato or potato pancakes. Fish fry hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

J&B's Blue Ribbon Bar & Grill 5230 W. Blue Mound Road, (414) 443-1844 jbblueribbon.wordpress.com J&B's Blue Ribbon light and flaky perch fish fry comes with coleslaw, potato pancakes and house-cut fries. Fish fry hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays.

Jimmy's Island Grill 2303 N. Mayfair Rd., (414) 837-2121 jimmysislandgrill.com Head to Tosa for an island-themed fish fry at Jimmy's Island Grill where they serve up both cod and grouper (grilled, blackened or fried) until 11 p.m.

Kam's Thistle & Shamrock 3430 N 84th St., (414) 871-3977 kamsthistleandshamrock.com This West Side Irish pub makes a mean corned beef. But, when it comes to fish fry, they've got their game on. Customers have the choice of seven types of fish, including pollack, Swai catfish, wild caught cod loin, haddock, smelt, shrimp or northern pike. The fish, which is cooked to order, is lightly hand breaded and fried (or baked) and served up with rye bread, coleslaw and a choice of French fries, thistle chips, baked potato or house-made potato pancakes (served up with apple sauce or maple syrup).

Kokopelli's Pub & Grub 6001 W. Madison St., West Allis, (414) 476-8788 kokopellispub.com Served from 3 to 10 p.m., this traditional-style fish fry offers carry-outs and an early bird special for seniors. Regular menu selections include traditional cod, walleye, lake perch, baked cod loins, shrimp, blackened tilapia, or a combination of two or three! Comes with a choice of soup or salad.

McBob's 4919 W. North Ave., (414) 871-5050 mcbobs.com Served beginning at 11 a.m. and generally until about 10 p.m., McBob's boasts rotating specials with a consistent offering of perch, walleye and grouper, pan-fried with a choice of potato.

Paulie's Pub & Eatery 8031 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis, (414) 257-2854 pauliespubandeatery.com Paulie's serves cod and fresh lake perch with fries, potatoes or homemade potato pancakes. The all-you-can eat option also includes all-you-can-eat sides.

Ray's Butcher Shop 4640 W. Loomis Rd. Greenfield, (414) 423-1322 raysbutchershoppe.com Ray's offers various different Friday fish options, all available for carry-out. Dinners include three, six or 12-piece Icelandic haddock, lake perch dinner, jumbo shrimp, jumbo scallops, baked cod and combination dinners. All dinners include tartar or seafood sauce, coleslaw, rolls, french or steak fries and choice of one of the homemade soups of the day.

Randy's Neighbor's Inn 6922 W. Becher St., West Allis, (414) 545-8738 Come to this 20-plus-year standing neighborhood tavern for a classic Milwaukee fish fry, prepared by Randy himself. Serving all-you-can-eat fish, including potato salad or french fries, coleslaw and rye bread.

Saz's State House 5539 W. State St., (414) 453-2410 sazs.com Entering its fourth decade of service, Saz's is known almost as well for their fish fry as they are for their ribs. Choose from cod or perch (baked or fried) with onion rings, coleslaw and rye bread. Fantastic.

Sloppy Joe's Saloon and Spoon 3723 Hubertus Rd., Hubertus WI 53033 gosloppyjoes.com Sloppy Joe's Saloon and Spoon is a friendly neighborhood pub and grill that specializes in barbecue dishes from their top-notch smoker. Their Friday fish fry includes all you can eat beer battered Haddock for $10.99.

Ted's Ice Cream and Resturant 6204 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa, (414) 258-5610 Ted's has been a Tosa staple since 1942. Also known for their daily breakfast and ice cream, they offer a basic fish fry of cod or pike, with potato pancakes, coleslaw and rye bread on the side.

North/Northwest Side/Suburbs

Bavarian Bierhaus 700 W Lexington Blvd., (414) 316-9583 thebavarianbierhaus.com If you're in the mood to spend the evening in a beautiful German Beer Hall, complete with lederhosen and drndl-donning waitstaff, the Bavarian Brewhouse might be your fish fry destination of choice. Enjoy beer battered walleye or cod that's deep fried to a golden brown; or opt for pan seared, if that's more your style. Either way, it's erved with fries or potato pancakes, coleslaw and tartar sauce. There's also walleye almondine on the regular menu, served up with vegetables and potatoes. Wash it all down with a nice cold lager and a piece of apple strudel.

Butler Inn 12400 W. Hampton Ave., (262) 783-5899 thebutlerinn.com The Butler Inn has a whole Friday menu with a wide selection of fish - everything from fresh lake perch to beer-battered cod and shrimp combos.

The Brick Pub and Grill 6343 N. Green Bay Rd. (414) 797-0710 www.thebrickpubandgrill.com The Brick Pub and Grill offers up weekly Friday feasts including breaded perch, cod, or walleye along with marble rye, coleslaw and a choice of house made potato pancakes and applesauce or french fries.

Café Soeurette 111 N. Main St., West Bend (262) 338-2233 cafesoeurette.com Just a short drive north in West Bend's quaint downtown, Cafe Souerette serves up weekly fish fry specials including beer battered cod, pan seared perch, baked sole and cajun catfish. Accompaniments include housemade coleslaw and your choice of baked potato, French fries of potato pancakes.

The Cheel 105 S Main St, Thiensville (262) 236-9463 thecheel.com Looking for something a bit different? Try the Himalayan fish fry at the cheel in Thiensville which features owner Barkha Daily's family recipe for lightly breaded seasonal Meagre served with Himalayan coleslaw, saffron basmati rice, lemon and a Himalayan tartar sauce featuring capers, pickles and flavored with tamarind. Bonus: the breading on the fish is made with gram flour, yogurt and Himalayan seasonings so it's naturally gluten-free.

Devon Seafood Grill 5715 N. Bayshore Dr., Glendale, (414) 967-9790 devonseafood.com Located in the center courtyard of Bayshore Town Center, Devon's serves fish everyday of the week. But their specialty Friday fish fry offers a fresh (never frozen) haddock with coleslaw, french fries and a mango tartar sauce. It also comes with a cup of soup or side salad.

Dublin's 110 Wisconsin Ave., West Bend, (262) 338-1195 dublinswi.com Dublin's Friday fish fry includes a number of daily specials ranging from walleye to striped bass. But, they also have traditional beer-battered cod and chips served up with a side of coleslaw. Friday fish fry specials are 4 to 10 p.m.

Hubbard Park Lodge 3565 N. Morris Blvd., Shorewood, (414) 332-4207 hubbardlodge.com Want to enjoy your fish fry in a beautiful park along the Milwaukee River? Head out to the Hubbard Park Lodge, where you can get cod, perch, blue gill, tilapia and shrimp served with a choice of french fries or potato pancakes, cole slaw, applesauce and rye bread.

Jack Pandl's Whitefish Bay Inn 1319 E. Henry Clay St., Whitefish Bay, (414) 964-3800 jackpandls.com At Jack Pandl's, fish fry includes a dinner roll, salad, coleslaw, potato or vegetables. As for the fish, you can choose from perch, whitefish (broiled or fried), cod and potato-crusted cod.

Silver Spring House 6655 N. Green Bay Rd., (414) 352-3920 silverspringhouse.net Silver Spring House has an all-you-can eat cod fish fry every Friday. Served with french fries, onion rings, or a baked potato. It also offers lake perch, poor man's lobster and grilled salmon.

Three Lions Pub 4515 N. Oakland Ave., Shorewood, (414) 763-6992 threelionspub.com If you're looking for a more "across-the-pond"-influenced fish fry experience, check out this pub (owned and operated by two Englishmen). They're famous for their "English Fish & Chips" featuring beer battered Atlantic cod with chips (sorry, fries) and authentic mushy peas or coleslaw, if you prefer. Three Lions also offers daily fish specials during Lent.

Farther Out

The Golden Mast W349 N5253 Lacy's Lane, Okauchee, (262) 567-7047 weissgerbers.com The Golden Mast has super high-quality fish – mostly cod – served with potato pancakes, coleslaw, bread and attentive service. Early bird specials served from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. include all-you-can-eat cod. Or arrive later and enjoy live music from 7 to 11 p.m.

Juice's Ghost Town 990 County Hwy Q, Grafton, (262) 376-9003 juicesghostown.com Just off exit 93 on I-43, Juice's is one of only five remaining structures which remain from the ghost town of Ulao, located in present-day Grafton. And their Friday fish fry can't be beat. Eat at the bar or in the dining room - either way, it will be delicious.

The Mineshaft 22 N. Main St., Hartford, (262) 673-5416 mineshaftrestaurant.com The Mineshaft is a gigantic place and serves up a delicious all-you-can-eat fish fry on Wednesday and Friday nights all year long.

M.J. Stevens 5260 Aurora Rd., Hartford, (262) 644-6037 mj-stevens.com M.J. Stevens is wildly popular with the far-far-far Northwest Side crowd. The homemade fish fry served from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. draws from miles around.

Riverside Brewery & Restaurant 255 S. Main St., West Bend, (262) 334 - 2739 riversidebreweryandrestaurant.com If you prefer your fish fry to be award-winning, check out the Riverside Brewery & Restaurant's Wednesday and Friday fish fry, voted Best Fish Fry of Washington County in 2012. Choose from North Atlantic breaded cod, baked cod, Canadian Walleye, Lake Perch or fried shrimp, all with coleslaw, rye bread and homemade tartar sauce, plus your choice of potato.

Multiple Locations

Cafe Hollander 2608 N Downer Ave., (414) 963-6366 7677 W State St., (414) 475-6771 701 Hilldale Way, Madison (608) 237-3168 cafehollander.com Variety is the spice of life at this beer-focused restaurant. From sauteed seafood tacos to wild-caught grilled salmon, there's something for everyone – or you can opt for the regular cod fish fry served with frites, cole slaw, malted rye bread and homemade remoulade.

The Chancery 2100 E. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha, (262) 549-1720 7615 W. State St., Wauwatosa (414) 453-2300 11046 N. Port Washington Rd., Mequon, (262) 241-3450 thechancery.com You can count on any Chancery location to serve up a traditional Wisconsin fish fry seven nights a week, offering their fried and breaded cod with tartar sauce, rye bread, slaw, tartar sauce and their famous waffle fries. It's delicious - and the price ain't half bad, either.

George Webb 41 locations in Southeastern Wisconsin georgewebb.com In February 2008, Webb added a lake perch fish fry that's available 24/7. It comes with french fries, cole slaw and rye bread and the fish comes straight from the Great Lakes.

Sobelman's Locations on St. Paul Ave., Wells St. near Marquette and in Mequon milwaukeesbestburgers.com There is more to love than just burgers on Fridays at Sobelman's. Their fish fry features four pieces of beer battered cod served up with coleslaw, macaroni salad, French fries, rye bread and tarter sauce.

Churches and Centers

Boy Scout Troop 612 Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 3722 S. 58th St., (414) 545-4316 ololmke.org Fried or baked fish is served with french fries or parsley potatoes, coleslaw, bread, baked beans and dessert. Dinner is served 4 to 7 p.m.

Holy Family Parish 4825 N. Wildwood Ave., Whitefish Bay, (414) 332-8175 hfparishschool.org Deep-fried or baked cod and shrimp dinners include coleslaw, rye bread, choice of potato and dessert. Dinner is served 4:30 to 7 p.m.

Knights of Columbus 32 Badger Ave., (414) 764-1709 A dinner of fried or baked cod includes a salad bar and beverage. Carryouts are available. Dinner is served 4 to 7:30 p.m.

Polish Center of Wisconsin 6941 S. 68th St. (414) 529-2140 polishcenterofwisconsin.org A dinner buffet includes fried and baked fish, pierogi, coleslaw, french fries and rye bread. Dinner is served 4:30 to 8 p.m.

Pompeii Men's Club (April 3) Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St. (414) 324-6347 pompeiimensclub.com A buffer fundraiser for the city's charity work includes breaded and baked cod, potato pancakes, baked potatoes, french fries, popcorn shrimp, mostaccioli, coleslaw, tossed salad, Italian bread, watermelon wedges and dessert. Dinner is served 4 to 7:30 p.m.

St. Agnes Parish and School 12801 W. Fairmount Ave. (262) 781-9521 Dinner for $8, includes breaded cod, coleslaw, rye bread, and your choice of homemade shredded onions or french fries. Beverages and desserts are available for purchase. Dinner is served 4 to 7 p.m. Carry out is available.

St. Augustine of Hippo Catholic Church (third Friday of every month) 2530 S. Howell Ave., (414) 481-3242 staugustine.weconnect.com Featuring your choice of hand-breaded cod, shrimp or poor man's lobster with real butter for an entree, french fries, parsley potatoes, or homemade potato pancakes for a side, hot vegetable, bread, famous coleslaw, and house made tartar sauce. Coffee and milk included with beer and soda for sale. Street and lot parking available - enter church hall on Homer Street. Dinner served 4 to 7 p.m. Carry out available from noon to 1 p.m.

St. Bernadette Parish 8200 W. Denver Ave., (414) 358-4600 stbweb.net Enjoy this fabulous Fish Fry throughout the year in the Parish Hall. Included with the meal is coleslaw, fries, bread, and coffee. Potato pancakes, soda, beer, milk, and desserts are available for purchase. Children's dinners (fish or chicken strips) and carry-outs are available. Online for more information. Dinner is served from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m.

St. Sebastian Catholic Church 1740 N. 55th St., (414) 453-1061 saintsebastianonline.net Delicious and critically acclaimed, this dine in or carry out Fish Fry is sure to please. Dinner includes baked/fried cod buckets and dinners, soups and extras. Dinner is served 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

St. Stephen Catholic Church (Every Friday during Lent) 1441 W. Oakwood Road, Oak Creek, (414) 762-0552 saintstephenmil.org Dinner includes fried and baked cod or fried shrimp with your choice of steak fries, parsley buttered potatoes or potato salad. Coleslaw, rye bread & butter, coffee or milk and dessert are also included. Clam Chowder soup is available for an additional charge. Children's meal choices are grilled cheese or mac and cheese, both including steak fries and applesauce. Beer, wine, and soda is also available. Dinner is served 4:30 to 7 p.m.

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