Scenic Michigan Stops For Authentic Lakeside Fish Fries
Michigan’s pristine lakes aren’t just beautiful to look at they’re also home to some of the tastiest freshwater fish you’ll ever eat.
Around the Great Lakes state, lakeside restaurants serve up crispy, golden fish fries that showcase the day’s catch. From rustic dockside shacks to charming waterfront eateries, these spots combine breathtaking views with the ultimate Michigan comfort food.
1. Brown’s Fisheries Fish House in Paradise
Nestled along the shores of Whitefish Bay, Brown’s Fisheries serves fish so fresh it was likely swimming in Lake Superior just hours before hitting your plate. Family-owned since 1943, this rustic spot specializes in whitefish caught daily by the Brown family themselves.
The crispy beer-battered whitefish comes with homemade tartar sauce that locals swear is worth the trip alone. Grab a seat on their simple deck and watch fishing boats return with the day’s catch while enjoying your meal.
For the full experience, time your visit for sunset when the sky turns magnificent shades of orange and pink over the water. Cash only and often with a line out the door but every minute of waiting feels worthwhile once you take that first bite.
2. Fitzgerald’s Restaurant in Eagle River
Perched dramatically on the rocky shores of Lake Superior, Fitzgerald’s combines incredible panoramic views with some of the Upper Peninsula’s finest fish. The restaurant’s massive windows frame the endless blue horizon, creating a dining experience that feels like you’re floating above the water.
Their Lake Superior whitefish comes lightly dusted and pan-fried to perfection, preserving the delicate flavor that makes Great Lakes fish so special. The crispy exterior gives way to flaky, tender flesh that melts in your mouth.
What makes this place extraordinary is how they pair classic fish fries with craft beer from their impressive tap list. The contrast between the rustic northwoods setting and sophisticated food preparation creates an unforgettable meal worth the scenic drive to Eagle River.
3. The Bluefish Kitchen & Bar in Manistee
Hidden along the Manistee River just before it flows into Lake Michigan, The Bluefish Kitchen & Bar offers fish fries with a gourmet twist. Their prime location gives diners front-row seats to watch pleasure boats and fishing charters parade past on their way to the big lake.
Unlike traditional paper plate establishments, this upscale spot serves their perfectly golden walleye on proper dishware but don’t worry, they haven’t sacrificed authenticity for ambiance. The fish arrives with a crackling crust surrounding tender, flaky meat that tastes clean and mild.
If you’re lucky enough to visit during sunset, you’ll witness the river glowing with amber light while enjoying their signature house-made slaw that balances the richness of the fish. Even better they offer craft cocktails featuring Michigan spirits to complete your meal.
4. Village Café in Leland’s Fishtown
Time seems to stand still in Leland’s historic Fishtown, where wooden shanties and commercial fishing boats create a living museum of Great Lakes maritime culture. At the heart of this preserved fishing village, Village Café serves up whitefish sandwiches that honor the area’s fishing heritage.
The joy here comes from grabbing your sandwich wrapped in paper and finding a spot along the Leland River to watch boats navigate between Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau. Their simple preparation lightly breaded and pan-fried lets the sweet, mild flavor of the whitefish shine through.
After finishing your meal, wander through the weathered fishing shanties that now house unique shops and smokehouses. Don’t miss trying some smoked whitefish dip to take home the perfect souvenir from this authentic Michigan fishing village that’s been operating continuously since the 1900s.
5. Hack-Ma-Tack Inn on Mullett Lake
With a history dating back to 1894, Hack-Ma-Tack Inn feels like stepping into northern Michigan’s golden era of lakeside resorts. This grand white clapboard building sits on a bluff overlooking pristine Mullett Lake, offering dinner views that showcase the inland waterway’s natural beauty.
Their perch dinner has achieved legendary status among locals and summer visitors alike. Each piece is individually hand-breaded and flash-fried, resulting in fish that’s crispy outside yet moist inside with that distinctive sweet perch flavor that’s uniquely satisfying.
Before dinner, enjoy a cocktail on their sprawling porch as boats glide by on the lake below. The combination of historic atmosphere, attentive service, and consistently excellent fish makes this a must-visit when traveling Michigan’s inland waterway. Reservations are essential during summer months when tables fill quickly with families returning year after year.
6. Keyhole Bar & Grill on Torch Lake
If you’re looking for a fish fry with a side of local color, the Keyhole Bar & Grill delivers both in spades. This unassuming roadhouse sits just steps from the Caribbean-blue waters of Torch Lake, Michigan’s longest inland lake known for its stunning turquoise hues.
Don’t let the dive bar appearance fool you their whitefish is consistently excellent. Lightly dusted with seasoned flour and pan-fried until golden, each bite delivers that fresh-from-the-lake flavor that defines northern Michigan dining. The relaxed atmosphere means you can come straight from the boat in your swimsuit.
What makes dining here special is the mix of summer visitors and year-round locals sharing tables and stories. After dinner, walk across the street to the public access and dip your toes in Torch Lake’s famous clear waters while watching the sunset paint the sky in spectacular fashion.
7. Scalawags Whitefish & Chips in Mackinaw City
You can almost feel the mist from the Straits of Mackinac while dining at Scalawags, perfectly positioned for spectacular views of the Mackinac Bridge connecting Michigan’s two peninsulas. This casual spot has perfected the art of Great Lakes fish and chips, focusing on simplicity and quality.
Their signature whitefish comes encased in a light, crispy batter that shatters pleasingly with each bite, revealing steaming, flaky fish within. The portion sizes are generous enough to satisfy even after a day of exploring the straits area or hiking nearby trails.
What elevates the experience is watching massive freighters pass under the mighty Mackinac Bridge while enjoying your meal on their outdoor patio. During peak summer season, get there early to snag a prime viewing spot the combination of fresh fish and dramatic shipping channel views creates memories that last long after vacation ends.
8. Legs Inn in Cross Village
Perched on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, Legs Inn is perhaps Michigan’s most unique dining destination. The stone building topped with upside-down stove legs (giving the restaurant its name) houses a cultural experience as much as a meal, celebrating Polish heritage and Ojibwe traditions.
Their Lake Michigan whitefish comes prepared two ways traditional Polish style with a light breading or Native American style, planked with a maple and herb crust. Both preparations honor the freshness of the fish while adding distinct cultural dimensions to the flavor.
The real magic happens when you take your after-dinner drink to their terraced garden overlooking the vast blue expanse of Lake Michigan. On clear evenings, the sunset views are absolutely spectacular, stretching across the Straits all the way to Beaver Island. The combination of cultural history, distinctive architecture, and breathtaking views makes this worth the drive up the famous Tunnel of Trees.
9. The Cove in Leland
Maritime history oozes from every corner of The Cove, where dollar bills and sailing memorabilia cover nearly every inch of wall and ceiling space. This Leland institution sits where a working fishing port meets a recreational harbor, creating a lively atmosphere filled with both serious boaters and curious tourists.
Their whitefish sandwich deserves its legendary status a generous portion of flaky local fish on a soft roll with just enough tartar sauce to complement without overwhelming. Pair it with their signature Chubby Mary a Bloody Mary famously garnished with a whole smoked chub fish.
The dockside deck offers front-row seats to the constant parade of boats entering and leaving the harbor that connects Lake Michigan to Lake Leelanau. You might wait for a table during peak summer season, but watching the harbor activity with one of their rum-heavy Cove Cocktails makes the time pass pleasantly.
10. Chamberlin’s Ole Forest Inn on Big Manistique Lake
Hidden in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, this historic 1890s inn combines Victorian charm with spectacular lakeside dining. The massive wraparound porch at Chamberlin’s offers sweeping views of Big Manistique Lake, where locals claim the walleye fishing rivals anywhere in the Midwest.
Those same walleye end up on dinner plates, lightly dusted with seasoned flour and pan-fried to preserve their delicate flavor. The fish arrives with a wedge of lemon and homemade tartar sauce that perfectly complements without masking the fresh taste.
After dinner, rock gently in porch chairs as the sun sets over the lake, painting the water gold and pink. The remote location means you’ll dine primarily with in-the-know locals and travelers seeking authentic Upper Peninsula experiences. The combination of history, tranquility, and consistently excellent fish makes the journey to this off-the-beaten-path gem worthwhile.
11. Dockers Fish House in Muskegon
Situated right on Muskegon Lake where it connects to Lake Michigan, Dockers combines marina views with upscale yet approachable dining. The restaurant’s massive deck extends over the water, creating the illusion of dining on a permanently docked ship surrounded by bobbing sailboats and motor yachts.
Their perch dinner showcases the delicate freshwater fish that has defined Great Lakes cuisine for generations. Each piece is individually hand-breaded and flash-fried, resulting in a light, crispy exterior that gives way to sweet, tender fish. The lakeside location ensures everything arrives at peak freshness.
If you time your visit right, you can watch the Lake Express ferry departing for its cross-lake journey to Milwaukee while enjoying your meal. The combination of excellent fish, craft cocktails, and front-row seats to Muskegon’s busy harbor makes Dockers a standout dining experience on Michigan’s west coast.
