1. Kegel’s Inn
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
As a cradle Catholic raised in Wisconsin, I have long been versed in the ways of the Friday fish fry. But shamefully, I had never tried the Kegel’s Inn take on the meal, a century-old stalwart in our German food scene. Well, that recently changed when I joined our dining editor Ann Christenson for a meal there. (You can read her resulting review here.) Now I’m no dining critic – most days, I subsist on Red Bull, Sour Patch Kids, and the gnawing dread in the pit of my stomach – so all I can really say about that fried fish is that it was delicious, especially the walleye. (You can also get cod, bluegill, perch, grouper and catfish.) But the real standout was the tangy, rich German potato salad on the side. Man, I could eat that stuff by the truckload. 5901 W. National Ave., West Allis
2. Golden Mast Inn
CHELSEA MAMEROW, ART DIRECTOR
If you’re up for a drive, Golden Mast Inn in Oconomowoc never disappoints. The dining room and patio boast beautiful views of Okauchee Lake, and in the winter there’s a grand fireplace spreading warmth through the room. The meal is served family-style with salted rye, potato salad, coleslaw, potato pancakes and your choice of fried or baked fish (or both!). Sometimes you can even enjoy live music in the bar while you wait for your table. W349 N5293 Lacy’s Ln., Okauchee
And one more!
In the fall of 2019, I moved into the Enderis Park neighborhood and quickly became acquainted with the Friday fish fry at Gard’s, a neighborhood dive with a small food menu. It became an instant favorite, so much so that December of the same year my husband and I hosted our small rehearsal dinner in their wood-paneled red-vinyl-boothed dining area, with a fully catered fish fry (paired with pitchers of High Life and old fashioneds – so Wisconsin). We all know what happened in the first months of 2020. Sadly, the fish fry seemed lost to the pandemic. Months and years dragged on without its return – until just a few weeks ago. I haven’t been back to Gard’s yet to speak to its quality, but I am hopeful – hit me up Saturday and I will let you know. 7170 W. Burleigh St.
3. Lakefront Brewery
CAROLE NICKSIN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHER
Friday nights at Lakefront Brewery are the best! They serve a solid fish fry, great beer, and there’s a live polka band, with a bunch of little kids dancing. It all feels very Milwaukee in the best way possible. 1872 N. Commerce St.
4. Explorium Brewpub
BRIANNA SCHUBERT, DIGITAL EDITOR
To me, the inclusion of potato pancakes is the single most important indicator as to whether a fish fry is “good” or not. That’s why I’m such a fan of the fish fry at Explorium Brewpub. They have delicious potato pancakes, and the fish is great, too. They also have rye bread available upon request, which I always do. Another perk? If you drink (which I don’t anymore but used to), you can add an old fashioned for just $8 with any fish fry. 143 W. St. Paul Ave.; 5300 S. 76th St., Greendale; 11200 W. Burleigh St.
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5. St. Sebastian’s Parish
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
Last year, our dining editor Ann Christenson wrote this great article about the beloved St. Sebastian’s fish fry in Washington Heights. St. Seb’s is a perennially popular Lent destination, with cars packing the neighborhood and long lines to get your fix. They serve 700 to 800 meals on a typical Friday, and a big part of the draw is the scene. Ann wrote: “The fried fish, encased in a light, crispy batter and not too greasy, is the star here.” 5400 W. Washington Blvd.
6. Archives Bar & Grill
JENN HINTZ, ADVERTISING SERVICES SPECIALIST
Archives in Burlington has become a destination for diners seeking the elusive gluten-free, deep-fried goodness of a traditional Wisconsin fish fry – I guarantee that you will find it here, as long as you get there early enough! They often sell out by 6:30 p.m. on any given Friday. The GF beer-battered Atlantic cod is fried to a perfect golden crisp and served alongside homemade chips, fries or haystack onions as well as from-scratch coleslaw (…and if you’re not GF, Turano marble rye bread). They pride themselves in offering a mostly gluten-free menu the rest of the week, too, and even make their condiments from scratch. It’s a tasty, worry-free dining experience! 356 N. Pine St., Burlington
7. The Brass Monkey
LISA BAKER, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
The Brass Monkey in West Allis serves generous pieces of haddock for their fish fry. And the fixins are on point, with coleslaw, potato pancakes, applesauce, potato salad, tots or fries – all for $16. They also have a good beer selection and outdoor seating (hopefully we can enjoy it soon!). And Brass Monkey might take the prize for the latest fish fry in the area, as they are serve until 2:30 a.m.! 11904 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis
