12 Michigan Lakeside Fish Fries Worth Visiting
There’s something magical about enjoying freshly fried fish while gazing out at Michigan’s sparkling lakes. As a self-proclaimed fish fry enthusiast who’s eaten my way through the Great Lakes State, I’ve discovered some truly mouthwatering spots that combine scenic views with perfectly crispy catches. From tiny lakeside shacks to upscale dining with water views, these fish fries showcase Michigan’s bounty in the most delicious way possible.
1. Brown Fisheries Fish House – Paradise, MI
Holy whitefish, Batman! This Upper Peninsula gem serves the freshest Lake Superior catch you’ll ever taste. Family-owned since 1943, the Brown clan hauls in their daily catch and transforms it into golden-brown perfection.
The restaurant might look humble from the outside, but locals know to arrive early before they sell out. Their secret? Simplicity – lightly breaded fillets fried to crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside perfection.
Pro tip: Skip the fancier spots in Paradise and follow the pickup trucks to this authentic fish shack.
2. Zehnder’s Friday Night Fish Fry – Frankenmuth, MI
You might know Zehnder’s for their famous chicken dinners, but Friday nights transform this Bavarian-style landmark into fish fry heaven. The all-you-can-eat walleye practically swims off your plate!
My favorite part? The crispy beer batter that snaps with each bite, revealing steaming flaky fish underneath. The German potato salad alongside is no afterthought either.
Watch the sun set over nearby Cass River while polishing off their homemade tartar sauce. Just leave room for strudel – trust this dessert fiend on that one.
3. Maple River Pub Fish Fry (Fridays) – Brutus, MI
Tucked away where locals hope tourists won’t discover it, this riverside pub serves what I’m convinced is the crispiest perch in northern Michigan. The owner, Big Mike, hand-breads each fillet with his secret seasoning blend that I’ve tried (and failed) to replicate at home.
Friday nights here feel like a neighborhood party. Everyone knows everyone, except us lucky outsiders who stumbled upon this hidden treasure.
Grab a seat on the deck overlooking the Maple River and watch fishermen cast their lines while you devour yours on a plate.
4. American Legion Post No. 10 Fish Fry – Manistee, MI
Veterans know their fish! This unassuming Legion hall hosts what locals whisper is the best value fish fry in western Michigan. For just $12, these heroes heap your plate with perfectly fried cod until you wave the white flag of surrender.
What makes it special? The camaraderie. Sitting at long communal tables, I’ve swapped fishing tales with Vietnam vets and young families alike.
Their homemade coleslaw deserves its own medal of honor – tangy, crisp, and the perfect counterpoint to the rich fish. Cash only, friends!
5. Arcadia Bluffs Restaurant – Arcadia, MI
Fancy meets fried at this upscale golf course restaurant perched 225 feet above Lake Michigan. During Lent, they offer a fish fry that’s worth every penny of its premium price tag.
Picture this: perfectly golden walleye served on fine china while you gaze at one of Michigan’s most spectacular sunset views. The contrast of casual comfort food in elegant surroundings creates a uniquely Michigan experience.
Golf not required – just bring your appetite and camera. Their house-made remoulade sauce might make you weep with joy (or maybe that was just me).
6. Lakeside Cafe – Bear Lake, MI
Grandma’s kitchen meets lakefront dining at this charming cafe where the fish is as fresh as the gossip. The owner, Marge, has been perfecting her perch recipe since the Nixon administration, and honey, it shows!
What makes this place special isn’t just the perfectly seasoned cornmeal crust on locally-caught fish. It’s watching Marge personally check on every table like you’re family.
Snag a window seat for Bear Lake views that complement the no-frills, all-flavor approach. Their homemade pie might be even more famous than the fish – blasphemy, I know!
7. Blue Waters Cafe – Manistee, MI
Morning sunshine glinting off Manistee Lake creates the perfect backdrop for this local favorite where breakfast meets fish fry. Yes, you read that right – they serve their famous whitefish breakfast alongside traditional eggs until 11am!
The whitefish and hash browns combo initially struck me as bizarre until that first bite changed my life. Lightly dusted with seasoned flour rather than heavy batter, the fish’s delicate flavor shines through.
For traditionalists, their evening fish fry features the same exceptional fish with classic sides. Either way, the panoramic lake views come complimentary.
8. Fisher Lake Inn Fish Fry – Three Rivers, MI
Generations of lake-goers have made Friday pilgrimages to this historic inn since 1939. The wooden paneling and vintage fishing photos transport you back in time, while the fish keeps you firmly in food heaven.
Unlike many spots that offer just one type of fish, Fisher Lake Inn serves a trio – perch, walleye, and bluegill – each with its own distinctive breading. My personal obsession is their bluegill, a smaller fish with big flavor that many places don’t bother with.
Summer brings live music on the patio where you can watch the sun dip below Fisher Lake.
9. The Lynx Golf Course “Fish FRYdays” – Otsego, MI
Golf clubs and fish scales make surprisingly good companions at this inland gem. Don’t let the country club vibe fool you – their Friday fish fry welcomes plaid-pants golfers and hungry locals alike with zero pretension.
The chef, a transplant from Boston, brings unexpected flair to Great Lakes fish. His beer batter incorporates local Bell’s Two Hearted Ale, creating a light, flavorful crust that enhances rather than masks the fish.
Request a table on the screened porch overlooking the 18th hole and Kalamazoo River beyond. Their house-made potato chips alone justify the drive.
10. Portage Lake Café – Onekama, MI
Summer cottagers and year-round residents form lines out the door for this tiny café’s Thursday night fish fry. The secret? Owner Captain Pete catches the fish himself most mornings before donning his chef’s apron!
The menu changes based on what’s biting, but his lightly dusted, pan-fried perch makes me weak in the knees. Accompanied by just-picked vegetables from nearby farms, it’s Michigan on a plate.
Bring your own wine (no corkage fee!) and grab one of just eight tables overlooking peaceful Portage Lake where your dinner was swimming hours earlier.
11. Silver Lake Sandbar & Grill – Mears, MI
Sand dunes meet savory fish at this beachfront hotspot where flip-flops are practically required footwear. After a day of dune buggying or swimming, nothing satisfies like their “Sandbar Special” – a massive platter of yellow perch caught just offshore.
What elevates this beyond typical beach fare is their commitment to freshness. The owner refuses to freeze any fish, meaning what’s available depends entirely on local fishermen’s daily hauls.
Grab a picnic table on their deck and watch dune buggies zip across Silver Lake while demolishing fish so fresh it practically winks at you.
12. Houghton Lake Fishery & Brewhouse – Houghton Lake, MI
Craft beer and fish fry create culinary fireworks at this modern lakeside brewpub. Unlike traditional spots, they offer a “flight of fish” – smaller portions of four different preparations, from classic beer-battered to spicy Cajun to herb-crusted baked.
The real genius? Each preparation comes paired with a 5oz pour of their house-brewed beer specifically chosen to complement that style.
Their lakefront fire pit area becomes the hottest reservation in town during summer sunsets. The smoked fish dip appetizer has a cult following that includes yours truly – I’ve been known to drive two hours just for a tub of the stuff.
